Arizona Hunting Guide
Arizona features desert and high-country hunting for mule deer, Coues deer, javelina, and elk. Draw and OTC archery options; seasons and units vary. Check AZGFD regulations.
Hunting Highlights
Arizona Hunting Seasons 2025
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Mule/Coues Deer | OTC Aug 22 - Jan 31 (unit limits) | Draw; dates by unit |
| Javelina | OTC and draw | Draw; fall/spring by unit |
| Elk | Draw | Draw; dates by unit |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with Arizona Game & Fish for current regulations before hunting.
Key Species in Arizona
Hunting Near Major Cities
Arizona Hunting Articles
View all
Arizona Fishing 2026: Licenses, Colorado River Lakes, and High-Country Trout
Arizona fishing 2026—license options, official AZGFD regulations, Colorado River border-water checks, trout-water planning, and quagga inspection rules.
Arizona Channel Catfish Fishing 2026: Urban Lakes, Colorado River, Bait
Arizona channel catfish in 2026—AZGFD statewide limits, Community Fishing Program waters, night fishing tactics, and cut-bait and dip-bait strategies.
Arizona Flathead Catfish Fishing 2026: Live Bait, Big Rivers, Trophy Hunts
Arizona flathead catfish in 2026—AZGFD size and creel rules, Colorado River fisheries, live-bait and target-release ethics, and night fishing tactics.
Arizona Largemouth Bass Fishing 2026: Desert Lakes, Colorado River, Rules
Arizona largemouth bass in 2026—AZGFD statewide and water-specific black bass rules, desert impoundments, and seasonal tactics from bed fishing to deep structure.
Arizona Rainbow Trout Fishing 2026: White Mountains, Community Trout, Gila
Arizona rainbow trout in 2026—AZGFD stocking schedules, high-country streams, Community Fishing trout ponds, Gila trout heritage waters, and fly and spin tactics.
Arizona Smallmouth Bass Fishing 2026: Colorado River, Rocky Shorelines
Arizona smallmouth bass in 2026—AZGFD black bass regulations, river and reservoir fisheries, and finesse and moving-bait tactics on current and rock.
Arizona Spring Turkey Hunting 2026: Units, Tags & Public Land
Arizona spring turkey 2026—Merriam’s and Gould’s where open, draw and OTC options by unit, AZGFD hunt numbers, and scouting the desert and sky islands.