Arizona Big Game Hunting: 2025-2026 Seasons and Draw Tips
Howdy, outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re looking for info on Arizona’s 2025–2026 hunting periods, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down all the essentials—from dates and species to licenses and public land opportunities. Arizona’s diverse landscapes offer some truly unique game adventures, from chasing Coues whitetail in the mountains to pursuing waterfowl in the wetlands. Let’s dive in! 🦌🌵
📅 Quick Reference
- Deer: Archery seasons typically start in August, with general rifle hunts running from October through December, depending on the unit.
- Elk: Archery often begins in September, with rifle seasons occurring from October to December.
- Turkey: Spring seasons are popular, with dates usually in April and May.
- Javelina: General seasons often run from January to March.
- Youth Opportunities: Special youth-only hunts are available for species like deer and turkey.
- Licenses: Required for all hunters; tags are often drawn through a lottery system.
🦌 Big Game Overview
| Species | Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer & Coues Whitetail | Archery | Aug 22 – Sep 11, 2025 | Any legal archery equipment. |
| General Rifle | Varies by unit (Oct – Dec) | Specific dates depend on unit and hunt number. | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 3 – 16, 2025 | Legal muzzleloading firearms. | |
| Elk | Archery | Sep 12 – Oct 3, 2025 | Any legal archery equipment. |
| General Rifle | Oct – Dec (varies) | Multiple hunt periods across different units. | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 3 – 16, 2025 | Legal muzzleloading firearms. | |
| Black Bear | General | Aug – Dec (varies by unit) | Requires a tag; some units have spring seasons. |
| Bighorn Sheep | General | Varies by unit | Draw-only tags; limited entry. |
| Pronghorn Antelope | Archery | Aug 22 – Sep 7, 2025 | Any legal archery equipment. |
| General Rifle | Sep – Oct (varies) | Specific dates depend on unit. |
Note: Most big game tags are obtained through Arizona’s draw system. Applications are typically due in early February.
🦃 Turkey Dates
| Season Type | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring General Season | Apr 11 – May 18, 2026 | Bearded turkeys only; shotguns, archery equipment. |
| Fall General Season | Nov 7 – Dec 5, 2025 | Either sex; varies by unit. |
| Youth Spring Turkey | Apr 4 – 10, 2026 | For hunters under 20; mentored hunt. |
Turkey hunting is excellent in Arizona’s mountainous regions, particularly for the Gould’s subspecies.
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | No bag limits; hunting license required. |
| Bobcat | Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | Requires furharvester license. |
| Fox | Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | Requires furharvester license. |
| Raccoon | Year-round | Hunting license required. |
A furharvester license is required for trapping or hunting most furbearing animals during established seasons.
🐦 Small Game Section
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – 15, 2025 | 15 |
| Nov 21 – Dec 4, 2025 | 15 | |
| Gambel’s Quail | Oct 11 – Feb 9, 2026 | 15 |
| Squirrel | Year-round | 10 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Year-round | 10 |
Small game offers great opportunities for introducing newcomers to hunting traditions.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons follow federal frameworks with state-specific dates:
| Species | Season Framework | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Oct 4 – 13, 2025 | 7 ducks, including no more than 2 mallards (1 hen) |
| Nov 7 – Jan 18, 2026 | 7 ducks, including no more than 2 mallards (1 hen) | |
| Geese | Varies by zone | Generally Oct – Jan; check specific zone regulations |
| Teal | Sep 13 – 28, 2025 | 6 teal |
Licenses: All waterfowl hunters 16+ must have Arizona waterfowl stamp ($13) and federal duck stamp.
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Varies by zone | Permit required; limited entry |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Sep 1 – 15, 2025 | 5 birds |
| Crow | Year-round | No bag limit |
| Bullfrog | Year-round | 12 frogs |
Arizona offers unique opportunities like mountain lion (year-round with tag) and bison (limited draw tags).
🗺️ Hunting Zones
Arizona is divided into 51 Game Management Units (GMUs) across seven regions. Each unit has specific regulations, seasons, and tag allocations. The state offers diverse terrain from desert lowlands to mountainous forests. For detailed maps and unit boundaries, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Public Land Tips: Arizona has extensive public land opportunities, including national forests, BLM land, and state trust land (requires permit). Always verify access rights before hunting.
Permit & License Details
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Key Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $37 | $160 | Youth under 10, disabled veterans |
| Combination Hunt/Fish | $57 | $160 | Same exemptions |
| Youth Hunting | $5 | $5 | Hunters 10-17 |
| Short-Term (1-day) | $15 | $15 | For occasional hunters |
| Waterfowl Stamp | $13 | $13 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+ |
Additional Requirements:
- Hunter Education: Required for hunters born after January 1, 1967
- Tag Applications: Most big game tags are drawn; application period typically January-February
- State Trust Land Permit: Required for access to state trust lands ($15 online)
❓ Arizona Hunting Quick FAQ
- How does Arizona’s draw system work?
Most big game tags are allocated through a lottery system. Applicants accumulate bonus points for unsuccessful draws, increasing future chances. - Can I hunt javelina year-round?
No, javelina has specific seasons, typically January through March, with archery seasons in August-September. - Do I need a license to hunt coyotes?
Yes, a hunting license is required, but there’s no closed season and no bag limits. - Are there any mentored youth programs?
Yes, Arizona offers youth-only hunts and mentored opportunities for hunters under 20. - What’s the best time to apply for tags?
The main draw application period is typically in early February, with a second draw in August for leftover tags. - Can non-residents hunt without a guide?
Yes, non-residents can hunt without a guide for most species. - Are electronic calls legal?
Electronic calls are legal for predatory and fur-bearing animals but prohibited for game species.
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Alabama Hunting Seasons – Compare regulations across different states!
- Official Arizona Hunting Regulations – Complete rules and updates
- Hunter Education Courses – Get certified online
Conclusion
Arizona’s 2025–2026 hunting periods offer incredible diversity, from desert mule deer to mountain elk. The key to success is planning ahead: understand the draw system, apply for tags early, and study unit-specific regulations. Always verify current rules with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, as changes can occur. Whether you’re a resident or visiting hunter, respect the land, practice ethical harvesting, and most importantly—stay safe out there! 🐾🎟️
