Arizona hunting regulations

Arizona Hunting Regulations

Arizona hunting regulations are important to study as they have a point system for limited entry units and a number of excellent opportunities to note for residents and non-residents.

Species of Interest and Highlights

The chance at massive elk is a well known and an application heavy option for the state. While you wait to draw a rare elk tag, there are also great hunts for deer, waterfowl, turkey, big horn sheep, black bear, Javelina, mountain lions, upland birds and small game. This is a great place for multi-species hunts where your chances of pulling the trigger are very high. You can hit a few quail, drop a deer and jump ducks of a local pond all in the same day if desired.

Terrain varies from steep mountains to vast deserts. The variability in ecosystems and terrain offers a diverse species list and some exciting hunts. The state’s Access Program opens up a ton of ground to the public as well. You learn more about gaining access here – https://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/landowner_access.shtml. Between the program and the abundant Forest Service and BLM lands, you can really do some exploring. Hunting licenses are also valid for a full year from the day of purchase. This is really cool and makes it possible to squeeze multiple calendar years of hunting from a single license!

Arizona Hunting License Fees

Resident General:

  • General License – $37
  • Combo Hunt/Fish – $57
  • Youth Combo – $5
  • Short Term Combo – $15/day

Resident Permit Tag Costs:

  • Antelope – $102
  • Big Horn – $313
  • Turkey – $38
  • Bear – $38
  • Javelina – $38
  • Elk – $148
  • Deer – $58
  • Pheasant – $13
  • Bison Bull – $1,113
  • Bison Cow – $663
  • Bison Yearling Only – $363
  • Raptor Tag – $13

Resident Non-Permit Tag Fees:

  • Archery Turkey – $25
  • Bear – $25
  • Mountain Lion – $25
  • Javelina – $15
  • Elk – $135
  • Archery Deer – $45
  • Bobcat Seal – $3

Non-Resident General:

  • Combo Hunt/Fish – $160
  • Youth Combo – $5
  • Short Term Combo – $20/day

Non-Resident Permit Tag Costs:

  • Antelope – $565
  • Big Horn – $1,815
  • Turkey – $105
  • Bear – $165
  • Javelina – $115
  • Elk – $665
  • Deer – $58
  • Pheasant – $13
  • Bison Bull – $5,415
  • Bison Cow – $3,265
  • Bison Yearling Only – $1765
  • Raptor Tag – $15

Non-Resident Non-Permit Tag Fees:

  • Archery Turkey – $90
  • Bear – $150
  • Mountain Lion – $75
  • Javelina – $100
  • Elk – $650
  • Archery Deer – $300
  • Bobcat Seal – $3

Arizona Big Game Application Deadlines

If you want a shot at a limited draw tag or want to obtain a bonus point for future hunts, get your permit submitted before the deadlines. You must purchase a license in order to apply. This means non-residents must buy the 160 dollar combo license even if they only want a preference point.

You also owe a permit application fee (13 resident/15 non-resident) and the permit costs upfront (unless only applying for a point). If you do not draw, the permit fee is refunded and you are only out the application and license fee.

June 12, 2018 – Deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, pheasant.

October 9, 2018 – Spring Bison, javelina

February 13, 2018 – Elk and Antelope deadline

Season Dates

Dates have some variation based on hunting unit and weapon type. The state is large and has quite a few units so pay close attention. There are special dates for archery mule and cous deer hunts and numerous date ranges according to each species. Choose your weapon, area and species then consult the larger regulation book.

Return to Our Hunting Regulation state list.