Arizona Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Arizona has many surprises when it comes to hunting seasons. While many would believe that this Southwestern state is nothing but desert, Arizona’s ecosystem is perfect for a variety of wildlife.
If you are looking to hunt common game like quail, deer and turkey, Arizona can provide prosperous hunting. But for hunters of bigger game, the Grand Canyon State offers bear, bighorn sheep and even bison hunting seasons.
Arizona regulates its hunting seasons by region, and many of its hunts are by lottery permit only. For these reasons, it is important to visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for additional details before heading out to hunt.
Arizona Deer Seasons
| General Season | Oct. 27-Dec. 31** |
| General Youth-Only Season | Oct. 6-Dec. 3* |
| CHAMP (Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit) | Sept. 22-28** Oct. 27-Nov. 2** Nov. 17-23** |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 27-Dec. 31** |
| Youth-Only Muzzleloader | Sept. 30-Oct. 9** Nov. 18-27** |
| Archery | Aug. 25-Sept. 14** Dec. 15-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Arizona Bighorn Sheep Seasons
| General Season | Oct. 1-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone, specifically for Rocky Mountain and Desert bighorn sheep.
Many bighorn sheep hunting zones are difficult to access. Expect to hunt and camp in isolated, backcountry regions and prepare accordingly.
Arizona Bison Seasons
| General Season | Nov. 17-Dec. 19** |
| Limited Opportunity General Season | Sept. 15-Oct. 4** Oct. 20-Nov. 2** Nov. 10-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone
Arizona Turkey Seasons
| General Season | Oct. 6-12 |
| Youth Hunt | Oct. 6-17** |
| Archery | Aug. 25-Sept. 14** |
**Seasons dates vary by zone
Turkey hunting in Arizona requires a hunting license as well as a turkey tag. One turkey can be taken per calendar year.
Arizona Javelina Seasons
| General Season | Jan. 1-Dec. 31 |
| Archery Only | July 1-Dec. 31 |
| Youth Only | Oct. 6-Dec. 3** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Only two javelinas can be taken per calendar year. Permits for general season javelina hunts are awarded through a lottery draw system and dates vary accordingly. For more information on hunting javelina, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Arizona Black Bear Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 11-Dec. 31** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Arizona allows for the taking of nearly any black bear, except sows with cubs.
Arizona Mountain Lion Seasons
| General Season, Daylight Shooting Hours | Aug. 25-May 31 |
| Archery Only | Aug. 25-May 31 |
| Pursuit Only | Aug. 25-May 31 |
Only one mountain lion can be taken per calendar year. Arizona offers hunting in daylight shooting hours and daylong shooting hours. Daylight hunts must be during daylight, while daylong hunts can take place in any “24-hour period between midnight and midnight.”
Arizona Small Game Seasons
| Chuckar Partridge | Sept. 1-Feb. 11 |
| Dusky Blue Grouse | Sept. 1-Nov. 5 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | July 1-June 30** |
| Pheasant | Sept. 1-Feb. 22** |
| Tree Squirrel | July 1-June 30** |
| Quail | Oct. 13-March 31** |
| Gunnison’s Prairie Dog | July 1-March 31 |
**Season dates vary by zone and on occasion, take method.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Arizona hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.