Arizona Hunting Seasons 2018 – 2019

Everything all PASSIONATE hunters need to know about Arizona hunting seasons. These hunting areas offer exciting and dynamic experience with an abundance of both big and small game.

Among the big game animals that call Arizona their home are elk, deer, bears, buffalo, bighorn sheep, turkeys, mountain lion, bison, javelina and antelope. There are 10 big game animal species in Arizona, and all of them can be hunted through public land pursuit. The open country provides an unforgettable experience of field time for hunting fur-bearing mammals and predators. 

In Arizona, hunting education is not mandated; however, all hunters are always encouraged to put safety above everything.

With many easily accessible hunting spots and abundance of small game, such as rabbits, doves, quail, and many more, this state is perfect for any passionate hunter. In the desert state of Arizona hunting is more than just a hobby for many people. Arizona is an ideal state to go on a hunt with your children, sleep under the stars and experience moments that will last for a lifetime.

Here, big and small game animals live a short day trip away from the bustle and hustle of the city.

Arizona Hunting Seasons and All Available Games

#1. Arizona Deer Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One deer per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120

#2. Arizona Turkey Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One turkey per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120

#3. Arizona Javelina Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: Two javelina per calendar year (except as prescribed in R12-4-120) with no more than one javelina taken per open area as defined in each hunt number.

#4. Arizona Bighorn Sheep Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One desert bighorn sheep and one Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in a lifetime except as prescribed in R12-4-120.

#5. Arizona Bison Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One bison in a lifetime, except as prescribed in R12-4-120

#6. Arizona Bear Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One bear per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120

#7. Arizona Mountain Lion Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

Bag Limit: One mountain lion per calendar year statewide

Arizona Small Game General Seasons

*NOTE – Season dates vary by zone

For more information about the zones visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department.

License Requirements

In Arizona, if you want to participate in any form of taking and hunting, you need a valid license. There are several kinds of hunting licenses. Residents and non-residents who are older than 10 years need to have a license. A person under 10 doesn’t need a license but has to be accompanied by a licensed person of 18 years or older. 

No one under age of 10 can hunt big game, and all those younger than the age of 14 can participate in big game hunt without going through Hunter Education Course. Only residents in Arizona can buy a lifetime license. There are also complimentary licenses available for residents over 70 years and disabled veterans. Most of the licenses can be purchased online.

Night Hunting in Arizona

Legal shooting time is during daylight hours or if prescribed otherwise by the Commission Order. Hunting wildlife or birds by night is illegal, except for raccoons, reptiles and other permitted mammals.

A person is not allowed to use firearms at night or possess any electronic night vision equipment, thermal imaging devices or laser sights while hunting.

Electronically enhanced light-gathering devices are prohibited unless these devices are range finders (laser), and fiber optic sights containing self-illuminating sights or pins which don’t directly project a seeable light onto any animal.

These artificial lights can be used only when hunting raccoons, coyotes and reptiles. However, the light cannot be attached to a vehicle. Other mammals can be hunted as prescribed in Arizona Hunting Regulations.

Where to Hunt in Arizona

In Arizona, you can hunt on lands that are owned by U.S. Forest Service, The Bureau of Land Management and the Arizona State Land Department.

Arizona hunting areas are divided by regions, all of which have different regulations. These 6 regions consist of special Game Management Units.

In Arizona, there are Reservation lands, where every tribe controls the hunting on their land.

For information about hunting in those areas, you need to contact each tribe directly.