Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Arizona Hunting Seasons 2026
We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the upcoming Arizona hunting seasons. Whether you hunt turkey, deer, antelope, bison, elk, coyote, or bear, you need to know when the seasons start, where to hunt, and how to get your license so you can tag out this year.
What Are the Bag Limits?
How many deer or turkeys can you bring home this season? To comply with Arizona hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.
Arizona Hunting Bag Limits | |||
| Deer | 1 per calendar year (with exceptions) | Mountain Lion | 1 per calendar year |
| Coyote | Unlimited | Tree Squirrel | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Bear | 1 per calendar year | Rabbit | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Bison | 1 lifetime | Pheasant | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Javelina | 2 per calendar year | Quail | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Turkey | 1 per calendar year (with exceptions) | Partridge | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Bighorn Sheep | 1 lifetime | Dusky Grouse | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Pronghorn | 1 per calendar year (with exceptions) | Sandhill Crane | 3 per calendar year |
| Elk | 1 per calendar year (with exceptions) | Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | 2 per day (6 in possession) | ||
For more details on bag limits, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website.
What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?
Arizona requires everyone who hunts wildlife to have a current license. Costs for licenses range from $5 for a youth license to $57 for a combination hunt and fish license for residents. Licensing fees contribute to the conservation efforts of the Arizona Game & Fish Department.
Depending on the species you hunt, you’ll also need a permit tag or a non-permit tag. These can range from $3 for a bobcat seal to $1,113 for a bison resident tag.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Arizona?
Hunters come to Arizona in search of the best elk trophies in the country. Along with whitetail and mule deer, you can also find Arizona Coues deer. Arizona is an ideal place to hunt big game, if you have your eye on any of these animals — or even bighorn sheep and antelope.
However, if you’re after small game, the state offers plenty of those animals, as well. If you have your eye on something a little less conventional, hunting javelina in Arizona is legal.
Where Should I Hunt?
Depending on what you hunt, take your pick of low and high-elevation deserts or deep canyons. In addition to your hunting skills, you’ll also need stamina and gear appropriate for varying elevations and hiking conditions, including natural rock formations.
There’s plenty of room to find the game you hunt! Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the U.S., so there’s no shortage of outdoors (including public land) and animals for your hunt.
No matter where you scout and hunt, HuntWise maps can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. So, when it’s time for deer or elk season, you’ve already planned where to go for a more successful day in the field.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
Arizona requires hunters ages 10-13 to pass a hunter education course if they plan to hunt big game.
You’ll also need the right gear! From optics to clothing to decoys and more, HuntWise users save 10-40% on gear from our app partners. Use this perk to make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out.
HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for Arizona Hunting in 2026
We hope this information helps you plan a successful Arizona game hunt this season! If you’re anything like our team, you’re counting down the days until you can get out in the field.
As you plan your hunt, download the HuntWise app. It's the best tool for planning your hunt, with real-time weather and animal activity forecasting.
You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters. Using our Hunt Area & Custom Markers feature, select, draw, and label your hunt areas on a map. Place hundreds of unique markers to identify landmarks, animal activity, infrastructures, and more.
Then, share your Hunt Areas with your hunting partners and tag out!
Download the app and start your free trial now! Explore Pro and Elite features for free during your first week.
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