The Guide to Arizona Hunting Seasons 2026

HuntWise has the information you need! We’ve compiled a guide to hunting in Arizona. Plus, with our app, you’ll be able to find and mark the best spots to hunt so you can find the game you’re after. 

Updated March 27, 2026

When Can I Hunt in Arizona?

When you’re ready to get your tags and license, gather the information you need to plan your hunt. 

Arizona big game hunting operates on an application, point system, and tag draw process. Based on your tag number, look for the open season dates for the game associated with it.

Note that we provide the most up-to-date information available from the Arizona Game & Fish Department. We will continue updating this resource as the latest season dates become available. Be sure to check out the state's guide for more information about Spring 2026 dates for turkey, javelina, bison, and bear. 

For more species and season information and to apply for a big game draw, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website. 

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. 

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.

Content, season dates, and other details most recently reviewed and updated March 27, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about hunting in Arizona.

Q: What animals can you hunt in Arizona?

A: Common species you can hunt in Arizona include elk, mule deer & Coues (whitetail) deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, mountain lion, javelina, small game (rabbits, squirrels), and upland birds (quail, dove, turkey).

Q: How much does an elk tag cost in AZ?

A: AZ elk tag costs vary, but roughly, resident hunters will pay about $150–$600, depending on the tag. Non-residents will often cost $650–$1,800+. There’s also a required hunting license and application fee.

Q: What can non-residents hunt in Arizona?

A: In Arizona, non-residents can apply to hunt for most species, including elk, deer, antelope, bear, and small game. However, some hunts are limited by quota, and non-residents are capped at a small percentage of available tags for certain big game.

Q: How hard is it to get an Arizona elk tag?

A: It's very difficult to get an Arizona elk tag. Arizona uses a draw system with bonus points, and elk tags are among the hardest to get. Some premium units can take many years (even decades) to draw, especially for non-residents.