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We set out to create the most simplified guide to Arizona's hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Having trouble finding the info you need about AZ? Arizona offers a lot of diversity, if this is your first time hunting you are in for a great experience. The times spent will be some of the best you’ve had. Arizona is big on promoting youth hunts and offers a wide variety of juniors only programs. The most important part is teaching the generation to be responsible stewards. They can participate in small game hunting, plus there is big game hunting to try for all ages. Arizona also participates in the lottery which helps maintain healthy, sustainable wildlife populations and habitats. Whichever you choose you’re sure to have a safe and fun time while in the state of Arizona!
Arizona regulates its hunting seasons by region, and many of its hunts are by lottery permit only. For these reasons, it is important to visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for additional details before heading out to hunt. Season dates vary by zone, specifically for Rocky Mountain and Desert bighorn sheep.
Big Game- Deer, Javelina, Bighorn Sheep, Fall Bison, Fall Bear, Mountain Lion
Small Game- Rabbit, Squirrel, Chukar
Birds- Pigeon, Grouse, Dove, Pheasant, Quail, Waterfowl
General Elk season starts as early as Sept. 24 and goes as late as Dec. 31 but will vary by zone and the weapon you're hunting with. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for specific details.
General Season: Oct. 1-7
Archery: Aug. 20-Sept. 9
Youth: Oct. 1-7
Turkey hunting in Arizona requires a hunting license as well as a turkey tag.
General Season: July 1 - Dec. 31
Youth Only: Oct. 1 - Nov. 28
Archery: Aug. 20 - Dec. 31
General Season: Oct. 15 - Feb. 6, 2024
Falconry: July 1 - March 31, 2024
Early dove season: Sept. 1 – Sept. 15, 2023
Late dove season: Nov. 19 - Jan. 2, 2023
See the map below for a breakdown of Alabama's hunting zones:
Arizona's bag limits vary so much depending on what, where, when you hunt so you need to refer to the official state website.
Here is what is needed to hunt in Arizona:
General Hunting - Allows take of small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. A valid tag or stamp is required for the take of big game animals and migratory game birds.
Combo Hunt & Fishing - Allows take of all aquatic wildlife statewide, including Community Fishing waters, small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. A valid tag or stamp is required for the take of big game animals and migratory game birds.
Licenses are valid one year from date of purchase.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department conducts three separate application and draw cycles for big game hunt permit-tags. Beginning in 2007, the Department for the first time held a separate draw for antelope and elk. This change was made to let hunters know earlier if they have been drawn for these two popular big game animals.
Individuals wishing to draw or obtain bonus points must apply online, and complete the online application by the deadline specified in the Hunt Permit-tag Application Schedule found in the current year’s hunt regulations.
Official State Site: https://www.azgfd.com/
You can hunt a variety in Arizona including Deer, Javelina, Bighorn Sheep, Fall Bison, Fall Bear, Mountain Lion, Rabbit, Squirrel, Chukar, Pigeon, Grouse, Dove, Pheasant, Quail, Waterfowl. You can find a full list from Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Arizona quail general season is from Oct 15 - Feb 6 and July 1 - Mar 31 for falconry.
Yes, you can find elk in Arizona.
