Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Arizona Hunting Seasons 2025
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.
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 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.
When Can I Hunt?
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 updated information available from the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Some dates are current through the 2025-2026 season, and we will continue updating this resource as the latest season dates become available.
PronghornSeason dates vary based on Hunt Areas. Check the Pronghorn and Elk Guide for specifics.
| Deer SeasonDates vary based on the open Hunt Areas.
|
Elk SeasonSeason dates vary based on Hunt Areas.
Note that hunters have additional elk hunting opportunities with limited season (HAMs – handgun, archery, muzzleloader, shotgun) dates. Check with Arizona state officials for more details. | TurkeySpring Season dates vary based on the turkey subspecies (Merriam's or Gould's) and the Hunt Numer.
Fall
|
Javelina
| Bear SeasonGeneral Non-Permit (Dates Vary for Certain Zones): March 21 – April 24, 2025 |
Bison
| Coyote
Coyote hunting is available year-round across the state and is broken into two date ranges. Be sure to check the units that are open during General 2 hunting dates before heading out after those coyotes. |
Small Game
| Bighorn SheepDates vary based on Hunt Areas. The earliest open season begins October 1.
|
Mountain LionGeneral, Archery, Pursuit: August 23, 2024 – May 31, 2025
|
For more species and season information and to apply for a big game draw, 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.
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.
| 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) |
For more details on bag limits, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website.
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 10-50% on gear from our app partners. Use this perk to make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out.
Let HuntWise Help You Tag Out for Arizona Hunting This Season
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. You can find up-to-date information for hunting in Arizona, including state regulations, license information, and open season dates.
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! You’ll be ready to hunt when the season opens.
Content, season dates, and other details most recently reviewed and updated February 18, 2025.
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