Arizona is a top destination for big game hunters, with a wide variety of huntable species and unique hunting opportunities throughout the state. In addition to elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and black bear, Arizona also offers hunting opportunities for desert bighorn sheep, Coues deer, and javelina.
Applications, Draw System, and Top Hunting Areas:
Learn More about Arizona’s Application Process
Learn More about Arizona’s Point System
Learn More about Arizona’s Top Hunting Areas
Big Game Species to Hunt in Arizona:
Elk Hunting:
Arizona is known for its large elk population and provides some of the best elk hunting opportunities in the country. The state is home to two subspecies of elk, Rocky Mountain elk and Merriam’s elk, with different hunting units and seasons for each subspecies.
Hunting permits for elk are available through a lottery system, with both archery and rifle hunts available. The hunting season for elk typically runs from September to January.
Hunters are required to have a valid Arizona hunting license and an elk permit. Hunters are allowed to take one elk per permit, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. It’s important to note that some units require a certain number of preference points to draw a permit, so hunters should plan accordingly.
Mule Deer Hunting:
Arizona is also known for its large mule deer population, with hunting opportunities available throughout the state. Hunting permits for mule deer are available through a lottery system, with both archery and rifle hunts available. The hunting season for mule deer typically runs from August to December.
Hunters are required to have a valid Arizona hunting license and a mule deer permit. Hunters are allowed to take one mule deer per permit, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit.
Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunting:
Arizona is home to one of the largest populations of desert bighorn sheep in the United States. Hunting permits for desert bighorn sheep are available through a lottery system, with a limited number of permits issued each year. The hunting season for desert bighorn sheep typically runs from December to February.
Hunters are required to have a valid Arizona hunting license and a desert bighorn sheep permit. The state offers both rifle and archery hunts for desert bighorn sheep, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Hunters are allowed to take one desert bighorn sheep per permit, and the meat must be consumed or donated to a charity.
Coues Deer Hunting:
The Coues deer is a small subspecies of the white-tailed deer found primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Arizona offers hunting opportunities for Coues deer, with permits available through a lottery system. The hunting season for Coues deer typically runs from August to January.
Hunters are required to have a valid Arizona hunting license and a Coues deer permit. The state offers both rifle and archery hunts for Coues deer, with different regulations and seasons for each hunting unit. Hunters are allowed to take one Coues deer per permit, and the meat must be consumed or donated to a charity.
Javelina Hunting:
Javelina, also known as collared peccary, are a small, wild pig-like animal found in the southwestern United States, including Arizona. Hunting permits for javelina are available through a lottery system, with both archery and rifle hunts available. The hunting season for javelina typically runs from January to March.
Hunters are required to have a valid Arizona hunting license and a javelina permit. Hunters are allowed to take one javelina per permit, and the meat must be consumed or donated to a charity.
When planning a hunting trip in Arizona, it is important to research the regulations and seasons for the specific hunting unit you are interested in. Additionally, hunters should consider the terrain and elevation of the hunting unit, as some areas may be more challenging to hunt than others.
Overall, Arizona offers a unique and exciting hunting experience for big game hunters, with a diverse range of species and hunting opportunities. Whether you are interested in hunting elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, black bear, desert bighorn sheep, Coues deer, or javelina, Arizona should be a top destination for any serious big game hunter.