Here’s what you need to know for 2026:
- Season dates for every hunt type (bull, cow, youth)
- How much you’ll spend and how the bonus point game works
- Where to actually hunt once you beat the odds
Time to break down Arizona’s elk hunting puzzle.
Quick Overview of Arizona Elk Hunting
Arizona makes you earn it. Most elk tags come through a draw system with applications due in early February. The state manages around 34,000-35,000 elk, and everyone wants a piece of that action.
| Season Type | Dates | Units | Elk Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Bull (Early) | Sep 25–Oct 1 | 3A/3C, 4B, 5B, 9, 10, 15A/15B/18A, 22N, 23N, 23S, 27 | Bull |
| General Bull (Late) | Nov 27–Dec 3 | 1/2B/2C, 3A/3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7E, 7W, 8, 9, 10, 15A/15B/18A, 19A, 21, 22N, 22S, 23, 27 | Bull |
| General Bull (Extended) | Dec 4–10 | 22N, 27 | Bull |
| General Antlerless (Oct) | Oct 9–22 | Multiple units | Antlerless |
| General Antlerless (Nov-Dec) | Nov 6–Dec 31 | Multiple units | Antlerless |
| Youth-Only | Oct 2–15 | 10, 1/2C, 3A/3C, 4A, 5A, 5B S/6A, 7W, 9, 22, 23 | Antlerless |
The rules are straightforward:
- Bag Limit: One elk per year, period
- Tagging: Download Arizona’s E-Tag app for electronic tagging
- Hunter Education: Kids under 14 need it for big game
License requirements break down like this:
- Get your Arizona hunting license first
- Apply for elk permits through the draw
- Bonus points help your odds but don’t guarantee anything
Want the full picture of Arizona hunting? Check our complete Arizona hunting seasons guide.
Arizona Elk Hunting Seasons
Arizona splits elk seasons across different times and targets. The Arizona Game and Fish Department sets all the rules.
General Bull Elk Seasons
September 25–October 1 hits during peak rut. This is the golden ticket. Arizona times these early hunts right when bulls are going crazy, which explains why these tags are nearly impossible to draw. Units 9, 10, and 23 during early season? Good luck with that draw.
November 27–December 3 gives you way better odds but the party’s over. Late hunts can be brutal with weather and scattered bulls, but your chances of drawing actually exist. You’ll need different tactics since bulls aren’t rutting anymore.
December 4–10 runs extended season in Units 22N and 27 only. Limited options but additional opportunities.
General Antlerless Elk Seasons
Cow hunts help manage populations and give you realistic draw odds. Way better than chasing bull tags. Here’s the breakdown:
- Oct 9–15: 5B North
- Oct 16–22: 4A, 5A, 5B N/S, 6A, 7E, 7W, Kachina Peaks, 9, 10, 19A, 21, 22N/S, 23, 27
- Nov 6–12: 3A/3C, 4B
- Dec 4–10: Escudilla-Auger, 6B, 7E, 7W, 8, 9, 10, 15A/15B/18A, 23
- Dec 4–13: 19A
- Dec 4–31: 1/2B/2C (extended season)
Cow hunts make perfect sense for new elk hunters. Learn the game, fill your freezer, skip the decade-long wait.
Youth-Only Elk Seasons
Kids get their own seasons with cheaper tags and less competition:
- Oct 2–11: Unit 10 (Antlerless)
- Oct 9–15: Units 1/2C, 3A/3C, 4A, 5A, 5B S/6A, 7W, 9, 22, 23 (Antlerless)
Kids 10-13 need Hunter Education for big game. Youth tags cost just $50 for non-residents versus $665 for regular elk tags. Smart parents start here.
Arizona Elk Licenses and Permits
Arizona makes you jump through two hoops: get a hunting license, then pray to the draw gods for elk permits.
Arizona Hunting Licenses
Pick your poison:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting | $37.00 | Not available | Hunting only |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $57.00 | $160.00 | Most popular |
| Youth Combination (ages 10-17) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Steal of a deal |
Non-residents must buy the combination license. No choice there. Get it through AZGFD’s website or license dealers.
Arizona Elk Permit-Tags
Arizona’s bonus point system works like this: every year you don’t draw, you get a bonus point. Top 20% of tags go to highest point holders first, then 80% get randomly distributed. But here’s the kicker – you can still win with zero points.
| Tag Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| General Elk (Bull or Cow) | $148.00 | $665.00 |
| Youth Cow-Only | — | $50.00 |
Application timeline:
- Buy Arizona hunting license
- Set up AZGFD portal account
- Submit application in January
- Deadline hits in early February (2026 was February 3)
- Results drop late February
- If you win, they charge your account
Arizona elk tags rank among the hardest draws in America. Some premium units take decades, especially for non-residents.
Where to Hunt Elk in Arizona
Arizona offers public land, guided hunts, and private access. Most hunting happens on public land – state, federal, and national forest. No landowner tags exist.
Best Public Lands for Elk Hunting
Public land dominates Arizona elk hunting across BLM, National Forest, and State Trust lands.
- Units 9, 10, and 23: These Alternative units manage for lower bull-to-cow ratios, creating older bulls and making them the most coveted in the state. Trophy potential is insane, draw odds are worse.
- Units 1 and 27: Famous for big bulls, lots of elk, and hunter-friendly terrain for scouting and pack-outs. If you draw these, you hit the jackpot.
- Units 3A/3C and 5B: Solid opportunities for rifle and bow hunters with slightly better draw odds than premium units.
- Units 4A, 6A, 7E, 7W: Mid-tier choices with decent public access and reasonable draw odds for point-builders.
Guided Elk Hunts
Guides make sense for out-of-state hunters or anyone who drew a premium tag and wants to maximize their shot. Fully guided hunts run $4,000-8,000, not including tips, travel, and extras.
What you get:
- Pre-season scouting and unit knowledge
- Camp setup and logistics
- Calling skills and hunting strategy
- Meat care and trophy handling
Outfitters book limited Arizona elk hunts yearly, so contact them fast when you draw.
Private Land Elk Hunting with Hunting Locator
Arizona doesn’t do landowner tags, but private land hunting cuts pressure and improves access. Some outfitters control private land access for trophy elk, with properties producing 360-400+ inch bulls.
Private land benefits: less pressure, controlled access, known elk populations, easier terrain.
Hunting Locator connects you directly with landowners offering hunting leases and access across Arizona. Looking for dedicated elk property or multi-species opportunities? Our platform lets you browse properties, compare options, and connect with landowners in one spot. Find Arizona hunting land for your next adventure.
Elk Hunting Tips
Arizona’s country demands specific strategies for success:
- Invest in Glass: Quality optics and tripods (Swarovski, Manfrotto) are essential for glassing Arizona’s open terrain. Cheap glass won’t cut it here.
- Pack for Extremes: Early hunts hit 90 degrees, late hunts drop to zero. Layer systems are mandatory for temperature swings.
- Hunt Water Sources: Elk usually water in evenings, but during hot, dry periods with limited water, they’ll come anytime. Tanks near bedding areas produce best.
- Call Smart: Most early bow hunters want to chase bugles and call, which works when conditions are right and you have skill. Bad calling beats no calling every time.
- Practice Long Shots: Expect shots from 250-500 yards or your comfortable limit. Range time at distance pays off.
- Get Fit: Arizona terrain challenges unprepared hunters, with high elevation and rugged country demanding physical preparation. Cardio training and weighted hikes are non-negotiable.
Need gear for Arizona’s demanding elk country? Check the Hunting Locator store for equipment recommendations.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Dive deeper into Arizona hunting with these guides:
- Arizona Elk Hunting – Advanced strategies and unit breakdowns
- Arizona Deer Hunting – Complete deer hunting guide
- Arizona Bear Hunting Season – Black bear hunting essentials
- Arizona Javelina Hunting Season – Desert pig hunting guide
- Arizona Pronghorn Hunting Season – Speed goat strategies
- Arizona Bighorn Sheep Hunting Season – Ultimate trophy experience
- Arizona Mountain Lion Hunting Season – Predator hunting tactics
- Arizona Dove Hunting Season – Fast wing shooting
- Arizona Upland Game Hunting Season – Quail, rabbit, small game
- Arizona Small Game Hunting Season – Complete small game guide
- Arizona Bison Hunting Season – Rare trophy opportunities
FAQ
When is the Arizona elk hunting application deadline for 2027?
Arizona’s elk draw happens annually in January with the next deadline February 2nd, 2027. Applications typically open mid-January, giving you about three weeks to apply.
How much do Arizona elk tags cost for non-residents?
Non-resident general elk tags (bull or cow) cost $665. Youth cow tags run $50 for non-residents. You’ll also need a non-resident Combination Hunt and Fish license for $160 before applying.
Can you buy over-the-counter elk tags in Arizona?
A few elk units offer OTC options, but these areas have low elk numbers and poor success rates. Most Arizona elk hunting requires the competitive draw.
What are the best Arizona elk units for first-time hunters?
Units 1, 9, 10, 23, and 27 are famous for big bulls, high elk numbers, and forgiving terrain for scouting and pack-outs. Units 3A/3C and 5B offer good rifle and archery opportunities. But premium units have terrible draw odds.
Do you need hunter education to hunt elk in Arizona?
Kids 10-13 must complete Hunter Education for big game. Adults aren’t required to take it, but it’s smart for safety and knowledge.
How does Arizona’s bonus point system work?
Arizona uses a lottery with multiple “passes.” First pass goes to bonus point holders (20% of tags), with highest points getting priority. Second pass is random draw for 80% of remaining tags. You can still draw with zero points.
The Final Shot
Arizona elk hunting sits at the top of North America’s big game pyramid. World-class trophy potential meets brutal draw odds, creating one of hunting’s ultimate challenges. Whether you’re starting your bonus point journey or preparing for a 2026 tag, success demands planning, fitness, and smart choices about units and seasons.
Here’s the reality: Arizona elk hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Draw odds suck, but the reward – a shot at a monster bull in incredible country – makes the wait worth every year. Start building points now, stay in shape, and study units for when your number hits.
The waiting game stinks, but that tag in your pocket? Pure gold.
Ready to level up your Arizona hunting game? Browse private hunting land on Hunting Locator and connect with landowners who can provide the access that separates successful hunts from stories about the ones that got away.
