Arizona hunting spans different species, landscapes and application cycles. Elk and pronghorn draw planning is separate from the fall draw, while the opportunity you can hunt depends on the exact permit, unit and season. Use your bonus-point history as one input, then compare access and the kind of hunt you want to take.
Applications, Draw System & Top Units
Arizona at a Glance
Reviewed September 28, 2026- Draw system
- Bonus points and multiple draw passes
- Application calendar
- 2026 elk/pronghorn: February 3; fall draw: June 2 (closed)
- Planning priority
- Research the correct species draw and hunt code
- Official agency
- Arizona Game and Fish Department
Applications and deadlines
The 2026 elk and pronghorn application deadline was February 3. The 2026 fall draw deadline was June 2. Both have passed. Other hunts use different cycles, so check the current AZGFD draw page before buying a license or submitting an application.
Official Arizona application information →
Build the complete cost before you apply
Check the current license, application, permit and stamp requirements for your residency and species. Keep nonrefundable application costs separate from the tag cost and your travel budget. Review the current agency rules and resources before paying.
How the Arizona draw works
Arizona uses bonus points and multiple draw passes. Bonus points add random-number entries for the applicable species; they are not a universal minimum-point requirement for every unit. Review the official bonus-pass and other draw reports for the species and residency category you are researching.
Species to hunt in Arizona
Elk
Compare the season and hunt code before choosing a unit. Early and later hunts should be researched as distinct trips, with their own access and scouting plans.
Mule deer and Coues deer
Start with the species and country you want to hunt. Read the actual hunt restrictions and any current archery harvest limits or closures before choosing dates.
Pronghorn
Use the elk/pronghorn draw information and current unit resources. Check legal access early rather than judging opportunity only from past draw reports.
Bighorn sheep
Read the exact sheep hunt description and eligibility requirements. Terrain and access should shape your application as much as the unit’s reputation.
Javelina and bison
Check their separate hunt listings and application cycles. Confirm where the permit is valid, the legal season and any hunt-specific requirements.
Black bear and mountain lion
Use the current species rules and closure information. A broad seasonal summary can miss restrictions that determine whether a hunt remains open.
Choose country you can actually hunt
Use Arizona Game and Fish Department hunt-planning resources to narrow your shortlist. Match the legal boundary and season to your map, verify public access or landowner permission, and check travel restrictions before booking. Compare two or three practical hunts instead of choosing solely from a trophy reputation.
- Access: identify a legal starting point and a backup route.
- Time: include scouting, weather delays and meat recovery in the trip.
- Conditions: check current closures, fire information and agency updates close to departure.
For exact seasons, legal animals, equipment and reporting requirements, use the current Arizona regulations. Historical odds and past harvest reports describe previous hunts; they do not guarantee a future result.
Go Deeper
Build your Arizona hunt plan.
Bring your points, budget and shortlist together before the next application. Explore planning support at HuntQuarters.