Arizona Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)
If you are looking to hunt in the great state of Arizona, then you need to be aware of the hunting seasons and licensing requirements. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of what you need to know in order to legally hunt in Alaska.
We will also provide a link to the official Arizona Department of Fish and Game website, where you can find more detailed information on hunting seasons, licensing requirements, and bag limits. Good luck in your quest for big game!
Hunting In Arizona
If you've never gone hunting in Arizona, you don't know what you're missing. Whether you're an experienced hunter or have never been on a hunt before, there are plenty of reasons to go out and try it for yourself.
Arizona is home to some of the best hunting grounds in the country. You can find almost any type of game here from deer to elk, wild boar and even bear! Arizona is also home to a wide variety of terrain including mountains, deserts and plains which make it ideal for hunters who want to take their experience up a notch.
If you want to go hunting but don't know where to start, we're here to help! Here are some tips on how to get started:
Know Your State Laws - Before heading out into the field, make sure that you know all of your state laws regarding hunting. These laws vary from state to state so make sure that you know exactly what they are prior to going out on your trip. Some states require licenses while others do not but no matter what state you are in, always be sure to check ahead before heading out into the field with your weapon!
Arizona Deer Seasons
General Season | Oct. 22-Dec. 31** |
General Youth-Only Season | Oct. 1-Nov. 28** |
CHAMP (Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit) | Sept. 17-23** Oct. 22-28** Nov. 12-18** |
Muzzleloader | Oct. 22-Dec. 31** |
Youth-Only Muzzleloader | Oct. 1-10** Nov. 19-28** |
Archery | Aug. 20-Sept. 9** Dec. 10-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Arizona Bighorn Sheep Seasons
General Season | Oct. 1-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone, specifically for Rocky Mountain and Desert bighorn sheep.
Many bighorn sheep hunting zones are difficult to access. Expect to hunt and camp in isolated, backcountry regions and prepare accordingly.
Arizona Bison Seasons
General Season | Nov. 5-Dec. 21** |
Limited Opportunity General Season | Sept. 24-Dec. 31** |
Limited Opportunity Muzzleloader | Sept. 10-22 |
Limited Opportunity Archery Only | Aug. 20-Sept. 8 |
**Season dates vary by zone
Arizona Turkey Seasons
General Season | Oct. 1-7 |
Youth Hunt | Oct. 1-7 |
Archery | Aug. 20-Sept. 9** |
**Seasons dates vary by zone
Turkey hunting in Arizona requires a hunting license as well as a turkey tag. One turkey can be taken per calendar year.
Arizona Javelina Seasons
General Season | July 1-Dec. 31 |
Archery Only | Aug. 20-Dec. 31 |
Youth Only | Oct. 1-Nov. 28** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Only two javelinas can be taken per calendar year. Permits for general season javelina hunts are awarded through a lottery draw system and dates vary accordingly. For more information on hunting javelina, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Arizona Black Bear Seasons
General Season | Aug. 6-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Arizona allows for the taking of nearly any black bear, except sows with cubs.
Arizona Mountain Lion Seasons
General Season, Daylight Shooting Hours | Aug. 20-May 31 |
Archery Only | Aug. 20-May 31 |
Pursuit Only | Aug. 20-May 31 |
Only one mountain lion can be taken per calendar year. Arizona offers hunting in daylight shooting hours and daylong shooting hours. Daylight hunts must be during daylight, while daylong hunts can take place in any “24-hour period between midnight and midnight.”
Arizona Small Game Seasons
Chuckar Partridge | Sept. 1-Feb. 6 |
Dusky Blue Grouse | Sept. 1-Nov. 7 |
Cottontail Rabbit | July 1-June 30,2022** |
Pheasant | Shotgun: Sept. 1-15 Archery: Oct. 15-Feb. 6 Falconry: Sept. 13-Feb. 6, 2022 |
Tree Squirrel | July 1-June 30,2022** |
Quail | General Season: Oct. 15-Feb. 6** Falconry: July 1-March 31** |
Jackrabbit | July 1-June 30,2022 |
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog | July 1-March 31 |
How To Get A Hunting License In Arizona?
Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.
- Complete the Arizona hunter education certification requirements.
- Choose the correct license type.
- Buy the license through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or an Arizona–approved dealer.
Arizona License Expiration
Hunting licenses are good for 365 days from the date of purchase. Arizona residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.
Where to Buy an Arizona Hunting License
- Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
- Visit an Arizona Game and Fish Department office or an approved license dealer.
**Season dates vary by zone
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Arizona hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Other Northwest States Hunting Seasons
Alaska Hunting SeasonsArizona Hunting Seasons
California Hunting Seasons
Colorado Hunting Seasons
Hawaii Hunting Seasons
Idaho Hunting Seasons
Montana Hunting Seasons
Nevada Hunting Seasons
New Mexico Hunting Seasons
Oregon Hunting Seasons