We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the 2024 Arizona hunting season. 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 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.
Antelope Season
- Archery: August 25 - September
- Muzzleloader: August 25 – October 15
- Firearms (General): September 8 – October 15
Dear Season
- Archery: August 25 - January 31
- Muzzleloader:
- Youth: October 6 – December 3
- General: October 27 – December 31
- Youth: October 6 – December 3
- Firearms (General): October 27 – December 31
Elk Season
- Archery: September 15 – November 30
- Muzzleloader: September 29 – December 31
- Firearms (General): September 15 – December 10
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.
Fall Turkey Season
- Archery Nonpermit Tag: August 15 – September 14
- Limited Weapon: October 6 – October 12
Bear Season
- Archery (Dates Vary for Certain Zones): August 19 – September 29
- General (Dates Vary for Certain Zones): August 25 – December 31
Bison
- General (Limited Opportunity): September 15 – December 31
- General: November 17 – December 19
Coyote
- General 1 (Statewide): July 1 – June 30
- General 2 (Specific Units): December 1 – May 3
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.
Javelina
- Spring Archery (Non-Permit): January 1 – January 31
- Archery Only (Non-Permit): July 1 – December 31
- Spring General (Non-Permit): July 1 – December 31
- General (Non-Permit): January 1 – December 31
Other Wild Game
Open seasons vary throughout the state for other types of Arizona game, including dove, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pheasant.
eRegulations can provide more information about specific hunting dates and regulations for each species. You can also visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website to buy a license and apply for a big game draw.
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 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: | One per calendar year (with exceptions) |
| Coyote & Predatory Animals: | Unlimited |
| Bear: | One per calendar year |
| Bison & Bighorn Sheep: | One each in a lifetime |
| Javelina: | Two per calendar year |
| Turkey: | One 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?
You might also need a hunter safety certification before you can get your license. Even if it’s not required, it can be a smart thing to do to help you stay safe when hunting that big game in Arizona!
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.