Arizona has a draw system for the majority of large game species, such as elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep, as compared to many other states. Mark your calendars and familiarize yourself with the details of the draw process to improve your chances of obtaining a desired tag. Applications open in February for elk/antelope and June for deer, sheep, and bison.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and excitement you need to plan your 2024 outdoor trip in Arizona.
1 buck per calendar year (additional tags available in some units)
White-tailed Deer
1 buck or 2 does per calendar year (specific unit regulations apply)
Elk
1 bull or cow elk per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Pronghorn Antelope
1 buck or doe per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Bighorn Sheep
1 ram per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Javelina
2 per calendar year (season varies, consult AZGFD regulations)
Mountain Lion
1 per calendar year (special permit required)
Cottontail Rabbit
10 per day, 20 in possession
Jackrabbit
5 per day, 10 in possession
Squirrel
12 per day, 24 in possession
Turkey (Spring)
Bag Limit
Bearded Turkey
1 per permit
Turkey (Fall)
Bag Limit
Turkeys (1 bearded, 1 non-bearded)
2 per tag
Ducks
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 5-7 ducks per day
Geese
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 5-15 geese per day
Doves
Daily bag limit 15 per day
Quail
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 10-25 per day
Band-tailed Pigeon
Daily bag limit 5 per day Top of Form Bottom of Form
Bag Limits
Games
Bag Limit
Mule Deer
1 buck per calendar year (additional tags available in some units)
White-tailed Deer
1 buck or 2 does per calendar year (specific unit regulations apply)
Elk
1 bull or cow elk per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Pronghorn Antelope
1 buck or doe per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Bighorn Sheep
1 ram per permit (permit required, limited availability)
Javelina
2 per calendar year (season varies, consult AZGFD regulations)
Mountain Lion
1 per calendar year (special permit required)
Cottontail Rabbit
10 per day, 20 in possession
Jackrabbit
5 per day, 10 in possession
Squirrel
12 per day, 24 in possession
Turkey (Spring)
1 per permit (Bearded Turkey)
Turkey (Fall)
2 per tag (1 bearded, 1 non-bearded)
Ducks
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 5-7 ducks per day
Geese
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 5-15 geese per day
Doves
Daily bag limit 15 per day
Quail
Daily bag limit varies depending on species and zone, typically 10-25 per day
Band-tailed Pigeon
Daily bag limit 5 per day Top of Form Bottom of Form
Tracking Trophies in the Wild West
The large game hunting scenario in Arizona is just amazing. As you stalk, be ready for the excitement of the chase:
Elk: The archetypal trophy of Arizona, elk inhabit the state’s mountain ranges and provide seasons for both firearms and archery. Put September and October on your schedule for the early archery and firearms hunts, and November and December for the late seasons.
Mule Deer: These recognizable inhabitants of the desert provide a difficult hunt with a variety of options. While either-sex and antlered hunts begin in October, antlered bucks may be found in November and December during the late rifle seasons.
Coues Deer: “Ghost of the Mountains,” as Coues Deer called him. Coues deer are distinguished for their remarkable antlers and secretive disposition. October through November is rifle season for both does and bucks; August through September is when archery seasons provide a more covert approach.
Pronghorn Antelope: Across Arizona’s plains and deserts, the swift pronghorn antelope will put your endurance and marksmanship to the test. If fortune favors you, submit an application for the February draw and be ready for the September–October gun seasons.
Mason Miller founded and leads WildlifeForum.org, a forum promoting ethical hunting and conservation. Mason, an avid outdoorsman and naturalist, studies and protects animals via activism, instructing, and research. His love of nature and dedication to sustainability inspired him to start WildlifeForum.org for responsible hunters, anglers, and outdoor lovers.
