Arizona Elk and Hunting Season Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

Arizona Deer and Elk Seasons

General Deer	Oct. 21 – Dec. 31
Youth-Only	Oct. 7 – Nov. 27
CHAMP (Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit)	Sep. 16 – Nov. 17
Muzzleloader	Oct. 7 – Dec. 31
Youth-Only Muzzleloader	Sep. 30 – Nov. 27
Archery	Aug. 19 – Jan. 31

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on deer hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here. These dates are general season but there are a number of qualifying and specific factors that are important to pay attention to when planning your hunt.

The best known and most numerous big game animal in Arizona is the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer. They typically prefer dense, rugged territory. Most years, the bag limit per calendar year is just one deer.

Arizona Turkey Season

General Season Shotgun Shooting Shot Turkey	Sep. 30 – Oct. 6
Youth-Only	Sep. 30 – Oct. 10
Archery	Aug. 19 – Sep. 8

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on turkey hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

In Arizona, turkey hunting is pretty much limited to shotguns, crossbows, and bow and arrows. Turkey hunting with a crossbow is allowed, so long as you hold a crossbow certification. The bag limit for turkey is also limited to one per calendar year.

Arizona Javelina Season

General Nonpermit-Tag Required Javelina	Jan. 1 – Dec. 31
Youth-Only	Sep. 30 – Nov. 24
Archery-Only Nonpermit-Tag Required	Jul. 1 – Dec. 31

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on javelina hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

Arizona is pretty loose about javelina hunting and you are able to do so pretty much year round. The main consideration is not to hunt them in a variety of areas including municipal parks, golf courses, etc, all of which are outline on the official website.

Arizona Bighorn Sheep Season

General Bighorn-Sheep Season

Oct. 1 – Dec. 31

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on bighorn sheep hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

There are some amazing bighorn sheep hunts in Arizona that require difficult hiking to get to. These are specifically outlined on the official website.

Arizona Bison Season

General Bison Season	Nov. 4 – Dec. 20
Limited Opportunity General Bison	Oct. 13 – Dec. 31
Limited Opportunity Muzzleloader Bison	Sep. 15 – Oct. 5
Limited Opportunity Archery-Only Bison	Aug. 25 – Sep. 7

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on bison hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

Most of the location specific bison hunt regulations are only 4 days at a time. Make sure to look into the region you’re focused on to not miss the window.

Arizona Bear Season

General Bear Season	Sep. 31 – Dec. 31
Archery-Only Bear Season	Aug. 19 – Sep. 29

To hunt black bear in Arizona you need a valid hunting license and a black bear tag. Like the bag limit concerning deer and turkey, black bear are also limited to one per calendar year.

Arizona Mountain Lion Season

General (Daylight Shooting Hours)	Aug. 19 – May 31
Archery Only Mountain Lion	Aug. 19 – May 31
Pursuit-Only Mountain Lion	Aug. 19 – May 31

*Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on mountain lion hunting in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

When hunting mountain lion, be careful not to accidentally take down a jaguar. Penalties for poaching a jaguar in Arizona are very steep. The official Fish and Game website has more information.

Arizona Small Game Season

Tree Squirrel	Sep. 30 – Jan. 31
Cottontail Rabbit	Jul. 1 – Jun. 30
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog	Jul. 1 – Mar. 31
Jackrabbit	Jul. 1 – Jun. 30
Pheasant	Sep. 1 – Sep. 15 (archery much longer season)
Quail	Oct. 14 – Feb. 12
Chukar Partridge	Sep. 1 – Feb. 12
Dusky Grouse	Sep. 1 – Nov. 6
Sandhill Crane	Nov. 18 – Dec. 14 (short two day hunts only)

* Arizona has a large number of different zones throughout the state that each carry different date ranges. For specific information on hunting small game in the zone you plan on visiting, please reference the official Arizona Game and Fish Department here.

Small game has a wide variety of specific regulations for each species. Please make sure to reference the AGFD for details when planning your hunt.

Crossbow Regulations

Crossbows are allowed during the general hunting (NOT archery) season in Arizona for small game, large game, and snakes. You can hunt deer, antelope, elk, and buffalo. However, hunting for Bison is not permitted. You need a general permit to get into the woods and a resident fee of $37 if you are an Arizona resident. If you are not a permanent resident you can not obtain a general hunting license. In this case, you would need to obtain a combination hunting and fishing permit for around $160.

Disabled hunters can acquire a crossbow permit and hunt during archery season for the allotted game- listed within the permit description.

If hunting large game:

Crossbow draw weight must be of 25 pounds or more.
Broadhead width must be 7/8” or more.
Arrow length must exceed 16 inches.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Arkansas.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Alaska.