Arizona offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. From big game like deer and elk to small game and birds, the state’s varied landscapes provide habitats for numerous species. Hunters can pursue their quarry across desert plains, forested mountains, and rugged canyons.

The 2024-25 hunting season in Arizona features specific dates and regulations for different game animals. Spring hunts for turkey, javelina, and bison have application periods starting in September 2023. Fall hunts typically include deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep, with seasons running from August through January depending on the species and hunting method.

To participate in Arizona hunts, hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits. The Arizona Game & Fish Department manages the draw system for limited-entry hunts and provides detailed information on seasons, bag limits, and hunting areas. Aspiring hunters should review the regulations carefully to ensure compliance and maximize their chances of a successful hunt.

Understanding Arizona Hunting Regulations

Arizona’s hunting regulations ensure sustainable wildlife management and hunter safety. These rules cover licensing, designated hunting areas, and approved methods for pursuing game.

Hunting License Requirements

All hunters in Arizona must possess a valid hunting license. The state offers several options:

• General Hunting License ($37 for residents)
• Combination Hunt and Fish License ($57 for residents, $160 for non-residents)
• Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License ($5)

Licenses can be purchased online or from authorized dealers. Some hunts require additional permits or tags, which are often distributed through a draw system.

Game Management Units and Open Areas

Arizona divides its territory into Game Management Units (GMUs). Each unit has specific regulations and seasons for different species.

Hunters must familiarize themselves with unit boundaries and permitted hunting dates. The Arizona Game and Fish Department publishes detailed maps and guidelines for each GMU.

Open areas vary by species and season. Some regions may be closed to protect wildlife populations or due to environmental concerns.

Legal Hunting Methods and Equipment

Arizona regulations specify approved hunting methods and equipment for each game species. Common legal methods include:

• Firearms (rifles, shotguns)
• Archery equipment (bows, crossbows)
• Muzzleloaders

Hunters must adhere to caliber restrictions and ammunition types for specific game. Some areas may have additional equipment limitations.

Baiting is generally prohibited, as are electronic calling devices for certain species. Hunter orange clothing is required in some situations for safety.

Hunters should consult the current Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet for detailed equipment rules and any recent changes.

Arizona Big Game Hunting Seasons

Arizona offers diverse big game hunting opportunities throughout the year. Hunters can pursue deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and bison across various game management units.

Deer Hunting Timelines

Deer hunting seasons in Arizona typically run from August through January. Archery hunts start in late August and continue into September. General deer seasons open in October and November, with some units extending into December. Late-season hunts occur in December and January.

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the primary species. Bag limits are usually one deer per hunter. The Arizona Game & Fish Department uses a draw system to allocate tags for most hunts.

Hunters must obtain a valid hunting license and deer tag. Youth-only hunts are available in select units to encourage new hunters.

Elk and Pronghorn Pursuits

Elk hunting seasons span from August to December. Archery hunts begin in late August, while rifle seasons run from September through November. Late hunts extend into December in some units.

Pronghorn antelope seasons are shorter, typically occurring in August and September. Both species require tags allocated through the draw system.

Elk hunters can pursue Rocky Mountain elk or Merriam’s elk. Bag limits are one elk per hunter. Pronghorn limits are also one animal.

Hunt success rates vary by unit and weapon type. Early season archery hunts often offer better opportunities to spot animals.

Bighorn Sheep and Bison Opportunities

Bighorn sheep and bison hunts are highly coveted and extremely limited. Bighorn seasons generally run from October through December. Desert bighorn and Rocky Mountain bighorn hunts are available in specific units.

Bison hunts occur in the House Rock Wildlife Area and on the Kaibab Plateau. Seasons vary but typically fall between August and January.

Both species require special tags obtained through a separate draw process. Odds of drawing these tags are very low due to limited availability.

Successfully harvesting a bighorn sheep or bison is considered a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for most hunters. These hunts often require extensive planning and preparation.

Small Game and Bird Hunting

Arizona offers diverse small game and bird hunting opportunities throughout the state. Hunters can pursue upland birds, waterfowl, furbearers, and predators during designated seasons.

Upland Birds and Waterfowl Season

Quail hunting is popular in Arizona, with seasons for Gambel’s, scaled, and Mearns’ quail. Gambel’s quail season typically runs from October to February. Scaled quail can be hunted during the same period in specific areas. Mearns’ quail season is shorter, usually from December to February.

Dove hunting seasons are split, with early seasons in September and late seasons in November-January. Arizona also offers limited pheasant hunting in Unit 40B near Yuma through a permit draw system.

Waterfowl seasons vary by species. Duck hunting generally occurs from October to January, with specific dates set annually. Goose seasons follow a similar timeframe.

Migratory Bird Regulations

Hunters must obtain a valid Arizona hunting license and migratory bird stamp for dove, waterfowl, and sandhill crane hunts. Federal regulations require the use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl hunting.

Sandhill crane hunting is available in limited areas through a permit draw. Seasons typically run from November to January in designated hunt areas.

Bag limits and possession limits vary by species. Hunters should consult the current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations for specific details.

Furbearer and Predator Guidelines

Coyote and bobcat hunting is permitted year-round in Arizona with a valid hunting license. No bag limits apply to these predator species.

Raccoon hunting season generally runs from July to March. Hunters may use artificial light while pursuing raccoons at night.

Trapping seasons for furbearers like bobcats typically occur from November to February. Trappers must obtain a trapping license and follow specific equipment and check time regulations.

Bear hunting is regulated separately from other predators, with distinct seasons and permit requirements. Hunters should refer to the big game regulations for bear hunting details.

Seasonal Hunting Timeframes in Arizona

Arizona offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year, with specific seasons for various game species. Hunters can pursue different animals during fall, spring, and year-round periods, each with unique regulations and permit requirements.

Fall Season Highlights

The fall hunting season in Arizona typically runs from September through January. Antlered deer hunts are popular during this time, with specific dates varying by unit and weapon type. Archery deer seasons often start in late August or early September, while general firearm hunts begin in October or November.

Fall turkey hunting is available in select units, usually from early October to late November. Hunters can pursue both Merriam’s and Gould’s turkeys during this period.

Fall bison hunts are limited and highly sought-after. These hunts generally occur between September and January, with exact dates depending on the specific unit and hunt type.

Spring Hunting Details

Spring hunting in Arizona focuses primarily on turkey and javelina. The application period for spring hunts typically opens in early September of the previous year, with a deadline in early October.

Spring turkey season usually runs from early April to mid-May. Hunters can pursue Merriam’s and Gould’s turkeys using shotguns or archery equipment.

Javelina hunts are available in various units during February and March. These hunts offer opportunities for both firearm and archery hunters.

Spring bison hunts are also available in limited areas, typically occurring in April and May.

Year-Round Opportunities

Arizona provides year-round hunting for certain species. Coyotes and jackrabbits can be hunted without a season restriction in most areas.

Mountain lion hunting is permitted year-round in designated areas, with specific regulations and reporting requirements.

Predator and fur-bearer hunting, including bobcats and foxes, is generally allowed throughout the year, subject to specific unit closures and regulations.

Some small game species, like cottontail rabbits and tree squirrels, have extended seasons that cover much of the year, providing ample opportunities for hunters.

Hunting Permits and Tags

Arizona’s hunting permit and tag system regulates access to game animals while managing wildlife populations. Hunters must obtain the proper licenses and tags before pursuing specific species during designated seasons.

Understanding the Draw System

Arizona uses a draw system to allocate limited hunt permit-tags for many big game species. Hunters apply for permits during specified application periods. The system awards tags based on preference and bonus points accumulated from previous unsuccessful applications.

Species managed through the draw include deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and bison. Hunters must pay application fees when entering the draw. If successful, they must then purchase the awarded tag.

Draw odds vary widely depending on the species, unit, and season. Popular hunts may require years of applying to build up enough points for a successful draw.

Nonpermit-Tag Species

Some hunting opportunities in Arizona do not require participation in the draw system. Hunters can purchase over-the-counter nonpermit-tags for certain species and seasons.

Archery deer hunts often use nonpermit-tags available from license dealers. Other nonpermit-tag hunts may include bear, mountain lion, and some turkey seasons.

These tags typically have less restricted bag limits compared to draw hunts. However, hunters should always check current regulations for specific rules and limitations.

Youth Hunting and Mentorship

Arizona offers special youth-only hunts to encourage participation of young hunters. These hunts feature increased tag allocations and coincide with school breaks.

The state’s Outdoor Skills Network organizes mentored hunt camps. These provide guidance to novice hunters of all ages. Experienced mentors teach hunting skills, ethics, and conservation principles.

Youth hunters can also apply for big game tags in the regular draw. They receive bonus points and often face better draw odds in the youth-only hunt categories.

Hunter Education and Conservation

Hunter education and conservation programs play vital roles in promoting responsible hunting practices and wildlife management in Arizona. These initiatives aim to ensure sustainable hunting and preserve natural habitats for future generations.

Conservation Programs and Practices

Arizona implements various conservation programs to protect wildlife populations and their habitats. The state focuses on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and sustainable hunting practices. Hunters contribute to these efforts through license fees and excise taxes on hunting equipment.

Conservation practices include controlled burns to improve wildlife habitats, water development projects for desert species, and invasive species management. These programs help maintain healthy ecosystems and diverse wildlife populations across Arizona’s varied landscapes.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department collaborates with landowners and conservation organizations to enhance wildlife habitats on private lands. This partnership approach expands conservation efforts beyond public lands, benefiting both game and non-game species.

Hunter Education Courses

Arizona requires all hunters born after January 1, 1980, to complete a hunter education course. These courses cover firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and hunting laws and regulations.

The state offers two online options for hunter education: Hunter-Ed Course and ilearntohunt. These programs provide flexibility for students to complete the classroom portion of their education at their own pace.

In-person field day requirements, previously deferred due to certain circumstances, have been reinstated as of June 30, 2024. This hands-on component reinforces safety practices and practical skills essential for responsible hunting.

Hunter education courses also cover topics such as wildlife identification, survival skills, and first aid. Graduates receive a certification card recognized in most states and provinces across North America.

Learning to Hunt Responsibly

Responsible hunting practices are essential for conservation and safety. Arizona’s hunter education programs emphasize ethical hunting behaviors, including respect for landowners’ rights and adherence to hunting regulations.

Hunters learn about proper game identification, shot placement, and tracking techniques to minimize wildlife suffering and ensure efficient harvests. The courses also cover field dressing and proper meat handling to reduce waste.

Arizona offers mentored hunting programs for novice hunters to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced mentors. These programs provide opportunities to learn practical skills and develop a deeper appreciation for hunting traditions and conservation ethics.

Hunters are encouraged to participate in wildlife surveys and report their harvests to aid in population management and scientific research. This data helps biologists make informed decisions about hunting seasons and bag limits.

Places to Hunt in Arizona

Arizona offers diverse hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes. Hunters can access public lands, obtain private land permissions, and select prime areas for their pursuits.

Selecting the Best Hunting Areas

Game Management Units (GMUs) in Arizona provide targeted hunting experiences. The Arizona Game and Fish Department divides the state into units, each with specific regulations and game populations. Popular units include Unit 22 near Payson for deer and elk, Unit 23 near Flagstaff for pronghorn, and Unit 36A south of Phoenix for quail.

Elevation and habitat type influence game distribution. Lower desert areas attract quail and javelina, while higher elevations house elk and mule deer. Research unit reports and harvest data to identify promising locations.

Consider accessibility, hunting pressure, and personal preferences when choosing an area. Some units require longer hikes but offer more solitude and potentially better success rates.

Public Land Access

Arizona boasts extensive public lands open to hunting. National Forests cover large portions of the state, including the Coconino, Tonto, and Apache-Sitgreaves. These areas provide ample opportunities for big game and small game hunting.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands offer additional options, particularly in western and southern Arizona. These areas are often less crowded than National Forests.

State Trust Lands are available for hunting with a valid hunting license and State Land recreational permit. These parcels are scattered throughout Arizona and can hold good game populations.

Wildlife areas managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department provide focused hunting experiences. Notable areas include Raymond Ranch for pronghorn and Buenos Aires for quail and deer.

Private Land Permissions

Obtaining permission to hunt on private land can lead to rewarding experiences. Respectfully approach landowners well in advance of the season. Offer to help with property maintenance or control nuisance animals in exchange for access.

Some ranches in Arizona offer guided hunts or lease hunting rights. These arrangements can provide exclusive access to well-managed game populations. Research reputable outfitters and ask for references before booking.

The Landowner Relations Program, run by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, works to improve hunter access to private lands. Check their website for current opportunities and enrolled properties.

Always obtain written permission from landowners and follow their rules. Respect property boundaries and leave gates as you found them. Building positive relationships can secure long-term hunting access.