18A Habitat Restoration Project

The Arizona Deer Association is proud to be among the leaders of one of the largest, boldest and most comprehensive wildlife improvement projects in the history of our state. The 18A Project plans to cover approximately 500,000 acres of what we hope will once again be prime wildlife habitat.

Deer numbers in 18A have dropped significantly since the 1980’s mostly due to drought and the reduction of browse plants. What was once a vast and continuous stand of this important browse is now dense and overstocked with stands of juniper and pinyon pine. Improvement on the browse condition in Unit 18A will benefit future deer numbers, as well as antelope and elk habitat.

Those familiar with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation know that hunting tag allocations are a direct reflection of the population size and habitat conditions that drive those populations. To give you some idea of the negative trend in 18A, there were 2,000 mule deer buck rifle permits in 1980. In recent years, that number has dropped to 350.

No single group can raise the funds needed (over $5,000,000) over the next five years to complete this monumental project. So we are excited to work with groups like the Mule Deer Foundation, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Quail Unlimited and Pheasants Forever to help fund this project for the next five years. One of the main sources of revenue for this project is proceeds from the Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner’s Tag for Mule Deer. In 2020, the Arizona Deer Association auctioned one of these tags for $225,000 and the Mule Deer Foundation auctioned the other for $260,000.

We look forward to updating you on the projects that improve browse conditions, remove fencing that impacts wildlife movement in the area and improves water availability. 

Looking for ways you can help? Become a member of the Arizona Deer Association, purchase raffle tickets for our great prizes throughout the year and contact us for volunteer opportunities on the 18A Project. 

Also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for project updates.