What you’ll find here in this comprehensive Arizona hunting guide:
- Actual license costs (no surprises when you get to checkout)
- Season dates that won’t leave you scrambling at the last minute
- Real talk about where you can actually hunt without getting kicked off private land
Whether this is your first rodeo in Arizona or you’ve been playing the points game for years, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what you need to do for 2026-2027.
Quick Overview: Season Dates, Arizona Hunting Licenses, and Regulations
Before you even think about hunting in Arizona, you need the right paperwork. And no, it’s not as simple as buying a license at the gas station on your way out of town. Arizona runs most of their big game hunting through a draw system that requires you to plan months ahead and accumulate bonus points like you’re collecting baseball cards.
The Combo Hunt & Fish license? That’s your golden ticket. You literally cannot apply for big game draws without it. Don’t even think about trying to save money with the basic hunting license if you want elk or deer.
| License/Permit Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting License | $37 | $160 (Hunting License) | Allows take of small game, fur-bearing/predatory animals, upland game birds. |
| Combination Hunt & Fish License | $57 | $160 (Hunting License)† | Includes general hunting & statewide fishing. Non-resident version is hunting only, fishing is separate. |
| Youth Combo Hunt & Fish (Ages 10-17) | $5 | $5 | Includes migratory bird stamp. |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt & Fish | $15/day | $20/day | Valid for selected day(s). Not valid for big game draw. |
| Migratory Bird Stamp | $5 | $5 | Required for migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, etc.). Included with Youth Combo. |
| Hunt Permit-Tags (Draw) | Fees generally include a non-refundable application fee ($13 for residents, $15 for non-residents). | ||
| Elk Tag | $148 | $665 | |
| Deer Tag | $58 | $315 | |
| Pronghorn Tag | $103 | $565 | |
| Javelina Tag | $38 | $115 | |
| Turkey Tag | $38 | $105 | |
| Bear Tag | $38 | $165 | |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag | $313 | $1,815 | |
| Bison (Bull/Any) Tag | $1,113 | $5,415 | |
| Sandhill Crane (3 tags) | $43 | $45 | |
| Nonpermit-Tags (Over-the-Counter) | |||
| Archery Deer Nonpermit-tag | $45 | $300 | Requires mandatory harvest reporting. |
| Mountain Lion Nonpermit-tag | $15 | $75 | Requires mandatory harvest reporting & physical inspection. |
| Bear Nonpermit-tag | $25 | $150 | Requires mandatory harvest reporting & physical inspection. |
| Archery Turkey Nonpermit-tag | $25 | $90 | |
| Javelina Nonpermit-tag | $25 | $100 | Available for specific hunts/areas per regulations. |
If you’re coming from out of state, budget for sticker shock. That $160 combo license is just the beginning. Draw a deer tag? Add $315. Elk? Another $665. Pronghorn will cost you $565. The math gets ugly fast, but here’s the reality – Arizona allocates 80% of tags based on bonus points and 20% randomly, so you’re either playing the long game or getting really lucky.
Arizona hunting seasons basically never stop. While most states shut down after a few months, Arizona keeps going almost year-round. The catch? Most of the good stuff requires those limited-entry permits I mentioned. Big game applications for elk and pronghorn are due February 3, 2026 – miss that date and you’re done for the year.
| Species | Season Type | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Mule/Coues Deer | Archery (OTC) | Aug 22, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 |
| Mule/Coues Deer | Youth (Muzzle/Firearms) | Oct 3 – Nov 30, 2026 |
| Mule/Coues Deer | General (Muzzle/Firearms) | Oct 10 – Dec 31, 2026 |
| Elk | Archery & Muzzleloader | Mid-Sept – Early Oct 2026 |
| Elk | General & Youth | Early Oct – Late Dec 2026 |
| Pronghorn | Archery | Aug 22 – Sept 11, 2026 |
| Pronghorn | General/Muzzleloader/Youth | Sept 5 – Oct 12, 2026 |
| Javelina | General/Archery/Youth | Aug 1 – Dec 23, 2026 |
| Javelina | Spring Season (Draw) | Jan – May 2027 |
| Turkey (Fall) | General & Archery | Aug 22 – Nov 2026 |
| Turkey (Spring) | Merriam’s & Gould’s | Mar 27 – May 22, 2026 |
| Black Bear | General (Archery opens Aug 22) | Aug 8 – Dec 31, 2026 |
| Mountain Lion | Nonpermit-tag required | Aug 22, 2026 – May 31, 2027 |
| Bighorn Sheep | Desert & Rocky Mountain | Oct – Dec 2026 |
| Bison | Very limited draw tags | Sept 2026 – Jan 2027 |
| Dove (Early) | Mourning/White-winged | Sept 1–15, 2026 |
| Dove (Late) | Mourning/White-winged | Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 2027 |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Statewide | Year-round |
| Quail | General (Mearns’ starts Dec 5) | Oct 17, 2026 – Feb 8, 2027 |
| Waterfowl | Varies by flyway/zone | Oct/Nov 2026 – Jan 2027 |
| Squirrel/Grouse/Chukar | Various | Early Sept/Oct – Jan/Feb 2027 |
| Sandhill Crane | 3-day permit periods | Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 26, 2027 |
| Coyote | Statewide | Year-round |
| Coyote | Specific units | Aug 22 – May 31 |
| Furbearer Trapping | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027 |
Arizona Deer Hunting
Arizona deer hunting is weird in the best possible way. You’ve got mule deer doing their thing in the high country, and then these tiny Coues whitetails that’ll make you question everything you know about deer hunting. They’re like regular whitetails that went on a diet and learned parkour.
The beauty of Arizona deer hunting? You’ve got options. Want to jump right in? Buy an over-the-counter archery tag and start hunting next month. Want the premium experience with a rifle? Better start accumulating bonus points because some units take years and tons of bonus points to draw while others can be drawn nearly every year.
For the full breakdown on where to go and how to hunt these desert ghosts, check out our complete Arizona deer hunting guide. Trust me, you’ll need it.
Arizona Deer Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (Aug 22, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027) is your best bet for getting started without waiting years for a draw tag. Five months of hunting opportunity, and you can buy the tag right now. August means velvet bucks and brutal heat. January means rutting activity and weather that won’t kill you.
Youth Season (Oct 3 – Nov 30, 2026) gives kids a chance to hunt with muzzleloaders and firearms. Arizona charges just $5 for youth combo licenses, which is honestly amazing. Get your kids started early.
General Season (Oct 10 – Dec 31, 2026) is where the magic happens if you can draw a tag. Muzzleloader and rifle hunts with the highest success rates and biggest bucks. But you’re competing with everyone else who wants the same thing.
Arizona Deer Hunting Regulations
Don’t mess around with regulations. Arizona Game and Fish doesn’t have a sense of humor about this stuff.
- One deer per year, period
- OTC archery tags work for either whitetail or mule deer in designated units
- Shooting hours and weapon rules change by season and unit
- You MUST report your harvest – they want your email address now
- Keep your license and tag with you at all times
Arizona Elk Hunting
Let’s be honest – Arizona elk hunting is what dreams are made of. Arizona has some of the best elk hunts in the nation and is a must-apply state if a trophy bull is your long-term goal. We’re talking about bulls that’ll make your Instagram followers hate you.
But here’s the reality check: getting an Arizona elk tag is like winning the lottery, except the lottery costs money every year and you might wait decades to win. The good news? They changed some things for 2026 that might work in your favor. Units 7 East and 8 got pulled from early rifle, Unit 5B added an early rifle hunt, and they added 50 tags each to 7 East and West for late rifle.
Want the complete strategy guide? Our Arizona elk hunting strategies guide breaks down everything from unit selection to what boots won’t fall apart on Arizona’s volcanic rock.
Arizona Elk Hunting Seasons
Archery & Muzzleloader Season (Mid-September – Early October 2026) hits right during the rut when bulls are screaming their heads off. Arizona barely restricts muzzleloaders – scopes of any magnification, any ignition type, any projectile. It’s basically rifle hunting with extra steps.
General & Youth Seasons (Early October – Late December 2026) offer the most tags and highest success rates. Those new tags in Units 7 East and West? Still going to take a pile of points, but at least there are more opportunities.
Remember: Arizona’s draw system runs three phases – first pass is bonus points, second and third are random, with 20% of all tags going random regardless of points. February 3, 2026 is your deadline. Miss it and you’re waiting another year.
Arizona Elk Hunting Regulations
Elk regulations are serious business. Mess up and your hunt is over.
- One elk per year
- Must have a Hunt Permit-Tag from the draw
- Antler restrictions vary by hunt number
- Harvest reporting is mandatory
- Stay in your unit boundaries – GPS is your friend
Arizona Pronghorn Hunting
Pronghorn hunting in Arizona is pure Western hunting at its finest. Wide open country, animals that can outrun your truck, and shots that’ll test every hour you’ve spent at the range. Like elk, you’re looking at a competitive draw system and bonus point accumulation.
They shook things up for 2026: Unit 8 dropped its October muzzleloader hunt and added a rifle hunt instead – now there’s only one muzzleloader hunt in September. Fewer muzzleloader opportunities, more rifle options.
For the complete pronghorn playbook, hit up our Arizona pronghorn hunting guide. You’ll need every advantage you can get for these speed demons.
Arizona Pronghorn Hunting Seasons
Archery Season (Aug 22 – Sept 11, 2026) is for masochists and archery legends. Trying to get within bow range of an animal that can see you blink from a mile away? In August heat? Good luck with that.
General/Muzzleloader/Youth Seasons (Sept 5 – Oct 12, 2026) give you the best shot at success. The muzzleloader consolidation to September means cooler weather and better hunting conditions.
Arizona Pronghorn Hunting Regulations
Pronghorn regs are straightforward but strict.
- One pronghorn per year
- Draw tag required – no exceptions
- Non-residents pay $565 for the tag
- Unit-specific weapon restrictions apply
- Report your harvest on time
Arizona Javelina Hunting
Javelina hunting is Arizona’s gateway drug. Perfect for both beginner and seasoned hunters, these little desert pigs offer a unique hunting experience you can’t get anywhere else. Plus, they actually taste good if you know how to cook them.
Arizona gives you two different seasons and both over-the-counter and draw options. It’s about as hunter-friendly as big game gets in this state.
Our Arizona javelina hunting season guide covers everything from calling techniques to dealing with desert heat. These aren’t regular pigs – they require different tactics.
Arizona Javelina Hunting Seasons
General/Archery/Youth Season (Aug 1 – Dec 23, 2026) gives you almost five months to figure it out. Hunt in August if you enjoy sweating through your clothes. Hunt in December if you prefer being able to think clearly.
Spring Season Draw (Jan – May 2027) offers a completely different hunting experience with separate applications and different units. Spring javelina hunting means cooler weather and different animal behavior.
Arizona Javelina Hunting Regulations
Javelina regs are pretty relaxed compared to other big game.
- Two javelina per year (need two separate permits)
- Both OTC and draw options available
- Need a valid Arizona hunting license
- Must report all harvested animals
- Some units have weapon restrictions
Arizona Turkey Hunting
Arizona turkey hunting targets two subspecies that most hunters will never see anywhere else. Merriam’s turkeys in the high country and Gould’s turkeys in the border mountains. Both will humble you quickly if you think turkey hunting is easy.
Arizona Turkey Hunting Seasons
Fall Season (Aug 22 – Nov 2026) hits birds when they’re flocked up and not thinking about romance. Different game entirely from spring hunting – you’re dealing with groups instead of individual gobblers.
Spring Season (Mar 27 – May 22, 2026) is classic turkey hunting when gobblers are fired up and making mistakes. This is when you get the full turkey hunting experience with vocal birds and aggressive behavior.
Arizona Turkey Hunting Regulations
Turkey hunting follows standard game bird regulations with some twists.
- One turkey per year
- Bearded or unbearded may be legal depending on season
- Shot size restrictions for clean kills
- Daylight hours only
- Electronic calls may be restricted
Arizona Black Bear Hunting
Black bear hunting in Arizona is serious business. These aren’t the garbage dump bears you might be thinking of – Arizona bears are wild, wary, and live in some of the most rugged country you’ll ever hunt. Plus, seasons can close early if harvest quotas are met, so don’t wait around.
Check out our Arizona bear hunting season guide for the full rundown on tactics and preparation. Bear hunting requires different skills than other big game.
Arizona Black Bear Hunting Seasons
General Season (Aug 8 – Dec 31, 2026, Archery opens Aug 22) gives archery hunters a head start before the rifle crowd shows up. Smart move if you want less competition and more time to pattern bears.
Arizona Black Bear Hunting Regulations
Bear hunting operates under quota systems that can shut you down fast.
- One bear per year
- Zone quotas may close seasons early
- Report harvest within 48 hours
- Can’t sell bear parts
- Weapon and ammo restrictions may apply
Arizona Mountain Lion Hunting
Mountain lion hunting is Arizona’s year-round opportunity for one of North America’s ultimate predators. The season runs almost ten months, and you don’t need to win a draw. Sounds easy, right? It’s not. Success rates are terrible because lions are basically ghosts with claws.
Our Arizona mountain lion hunting season guide covers tracking and hunting strategies for these elusive cats.
Arizona Mountain Lion Hunting Information
Extended Season (Aug 22, 2026 – May 31, 2027) gives you nearly year-round opportunities with nonpermit-tags. You can hunt lions in summer heat when they follow deer to water, or in winter when tracking might actually work.
Arizona Minor Game Species Hunting
Arizona’s small game hunting offers something for everyone, from fast-paced dove shooting to challenging quail hunts. These species don’t require the planning and point accumulation of big game, making them perfect for filling tags between big game seasons.
Arizona Dove Hunting Information
Dove hunting is Arizona’s most democratic hunting opportunity. Early season runs September 1-15, late season November 21 through January 2027, with Eurasian Collared-Dove hunting year-round. Early season is hot and crowded. Late season is civilized.
You’ll need that $5 Migratory Bird Stamp plus your hunting license. Daily bag limit is 15 mourning/white-winged doves, and you must use non-toxic shot.
Arizona Quail Hunting Information
Quail hunting in Arizona means Gambel’s, scaled, and Mearns’ quail across desert and mountain habitats. Season runs October 17, 2026 through February 8, 2027, with Mearns’ starting December 5. Daily bag is 15 quail total with max 8 Mearns’, possession limit is three times daily bag.
Arizona Waterfowl Hunting Information
Waterfowl season varies by flyway and zone, generally October/November through January. You need the hunting license, federal duck stamp, and state Migratory Bird Stamp. Steel shot or other non-toxic ammo required.
Arizona Small Game Hunting Information
Small game includes cottontails, tree squirrels, and upland birds with seasons from early fall through late winter. Perfect for new hunters to develop skills before tackling big game.
Daily bag limits are typically 5 animals, possession limits 15. Just need the basic hunting license.
Our Arizona small game hunting season guide has all the details.
Arizona Upland Game Hunting Information
Upland game covers grouse, pheasant, and chukar from early September/October through January/February 2027. Pheasants are now managed through seasons and bag limits rather than permit-tags, making them more accessible.
Check our Arizona upland game hunting season guide for tactics and habitat info.
Arizona Specialty Species Hunting Information
Sandhill Crane Hunting uses 3-day permit periods from November 21, 2026 through January 26, 2027. These big birds are wary and require precision shooting.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting is Arizona’s holy grail – desert and Rocky Mountain subspecies from October through December 2026. Tags are incredibly limited and usually require maximum points or incredible luck.
Bison Hunting offers very limited tags from September 2026 through January 2027. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that people wait decades to draw.
For specialty hunts, check our Arizona bighorn sheep hunting season and Arizona bison hunting season guides.
Where to Hunt in Arizona
Arizona covers 113,000 square miles of everything from cactus-covered desert to snow-covered peaks. Arizona has some of the best hunting in the country, with diverse landscape offering epic opportunities for mule deer, Coues deer, elk, sheep, antelope, and black bear. The question isn’t whether Arizona has good hunting – it’s where you can actually access it.
Best Public Lands for Arizona Hunting
Arizona’s public lands are massive, but not all acres are created equal.
- National Forests: Coconino, Tonto, and Kaibab offer prime elk and deer country with decent roads and camping. High country hunting at its finest.
- BLM Lands: Desert and grassland perfect for javelina, pronghorn, and desert mule deer. More remote, less crowded, harder to access.
- Arizona State Trust Lands: Scattered sections requiring extra permits but often less pressure. Worth the paperwork if you want solitude.
- Wildlife Management Areas: Purpose-built for hunting with improved access and facilities. Your tax dollars at work.
Guided Hunts in Arizona
Arizona guides know things you don’t. Like where water sources are, which ridges hold elk, and how to field dress an animal when it’s 110 degrees outside.
Premium Outfitters offer the full experience – lodging, meals, guides, field care. Expect to pay $3,000-$15,000+ depending on species and service level. You’re paying for success rates and convenience.
Day Guide Services give you local knowledge without the full-service price tag. $300-$800 per day gets you someone who knows the country and can keep you legal.
Specialty Guides focus on specific species like lions with hounds or archery hunts. They’re experts at one thing and usually worth every penny.
Private Land Hunting Access
Private land hunting in Arizona means better success rates, fewer crowds, and usually better amenities. It also means paying for access.
Hunting Leases run $5-$25 per acre annually depending on game quality and what’s included. Lease hunting often means exclusive access, maintained roads, and established camps.
Day Hunts and Trespass Fees cost $100-$500 per day for short-term access. Good option if you don’t want long-term commitments but want private land advantages.
Private Land Purchases are the ultimate solution if you have serious money and want complete control. Many hunters form partnerships or clubs to share costs.
Hunting Locator connects hunters with Arizona landowners offering leases and land sales. Our database includes verified properties from small desert parcels to massive elk ranches. Whether you want a weekend dove lease or a multi-thousand-acre elk property, we make finding and securing private hunting access simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Arizona big game hunting?
Big game applications for elk and pronghorn are due February 3, 2026. Results come out April 1st. Miss the deadline and you’re done for the year – no exceptions.
How much does a non-resident Arizona hunting license cost?
Non-resident hunting license costs $160 and is valid for 365 days. Each species application costs another $15, and if you draw, permit-tag fees range from $315 for deer to $665 for elk.
What over-the-counter hunting opportunities are available in Arizona?
You can buy archery deer tags (Aug 22, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027), hunt javelina during general season, chase small game like quail and dove, and hunt predators like coyotes and mountain lions year-round. No draw required, no waiting.
How does Arizona’s bonus point system work?
Every year you don’t draw a tag for a species, you get a bonus point. More points mean better odds. Arizona runs three draw phases – 80% of tags go to bonus point holders, 20% are random.
What are the bag limits for Arizona big game species?
Most big game species allow one animal per year – deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, lion, turkey. Javelina allows two per year with separate permits. Bighorn sheep is once-in-a-lifetime, making it the most restrictive tag in the state.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Arizona?
Arizona offers classroom and online hunter education courses with hands-on field days and exams. Required for kids 10 and up for big game hunts, and minors under 14 must complete hunter education.
The Final Shot
Arizona hunting for 2026-2027 is going to be incredible if you play your cards right. But here’s the thing – having the right tags and knowing the regulations is only half the battle. The other half is having somewhere good to hunt.
Sure, public land is free and there’s tons of it. But it’s also crowded, picked over, and often requires hiking into places that’ll test your physical limits. Private land access changes everything. Better success rates, less competition, and hunting experiences that actually live up to your expectations.
The February 3rd application deadline is coming whether you’re ready or not. Don’t spend another season wondering what could have been.
Ready to lock down your Arizona hunting access for 2026-2027? Browse verified private hunting leases across Arizona and connect with landowners offering everything from desert javelina spots to high-country elk ranches. Stop settling for crowded public land and start hunting where you actually want to be.
