Arizona Big Game Hunting: 2025-2026 Seasons and Draw Tips
Hi there, another outdoor enthusiast! You’re at the perfect place if you’re planning your next hunting trip to Arizona in 2025 or 2026. We are all familiar with the thrill of organizing a search, the inquiries, and the pursuit of unambiguous information.
Arizona is more than simply a hunting destination; it’s a collection of unique worlds, each with its own thrilling quest. Imagine spending one week pursuing a ghostly Coues whitetail across the high desert highlands and the following week preparing for ducks in the expansive marshes.
📅 Quick Reference
- Deer: Archery seasons generally commence in August, while general rifle hunts occur from October to 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.
🦃 AZ Turkey Dates
| Season Type | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring General Season | Apr 11 – May 18, 2026 | Only bearded turkeys; shotguns and archery gear. |
| Fall General Season | Nov 7 – Dec 5, 2025 | Either sex; it depends on the 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 limits on bags; you need a hunting licence. |
| Bobcat | Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | You need a furharvester permit |
| Fox | Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | You need a furharvester permit |
| Raccoon | Year-round | Hunting license required. |
You need a furharvester license to trap or hunt most animals that have fur during set times of the year.
🐦 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 |
There are excellent chances to introduce newcomers to hunting customs through small game.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
There are federal rules for waterfowl seasons, but each state has its own 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: Anyone who hunts waterfowl in Arizona and is 16 or older must have the Arizona waterfowl stamp ($13) and the federal duck stam
🐗 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. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for detailed maps and unit boundaries.
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
1. How does Arizona’s draw system work?
Primarily for big game. You apply online, earn bonus points for unsuccessful applications to increase future odds, and submit choices for specific hunts during set deadlines
2. Can I hunt javelina year-round?
No. There are specific seasons (e.g., Spring Archery in Jan, General seasons in Feb). Only “Archery Only Non-Permit” hunts in open units may offer a year-round window
3. Do I need a license to hunt coyotes?
Yes. A valid Arizona hunting license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Coyotes are classified as predatory animals
4. Are there any mentored youth programs?
Yes. Programs like Jr Elk Camp and Youth Turkey Camp are offered through partners like the Arizona Elk Society. The AZGFD’s Outdoor Skills Network is the main source
5. What’s the best time to apply for tags?
Deadlines are species-specific: Early Feb (elk/pronghorn), Early June (deer/fall species), Early Oct (spring javelina/bear/turkey). Apply early within these windows.
6. Are electronic calls legal?
Generally legal for predators like coyotes, with no specific restrictions mentioned in the regulations. Their legality for big game like deer or elk is not confirmed in these search results and should be verified.
🔗 List of Relevant Resources
Conclusion
From 2025 to 2026, Arizona offers a wide range of hunting opportunities, from mountain elk to desert mule deer. The secret to success is preparation: understand the regulations for each unit, apply for tags early, and understand how the draw system operates. The restrictions are subject to change, so always confirm with the Arizona Game and Fish Department that they remain the same. Be mindful of the land, adhere to ethical hunting guidelines, and, above all, remain safe when hunting, whether you’re a local or a visitor. 🐾🎟️