Arizona Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Arizona hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through AZGFD.
Arizona Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $37.00 — Non-Resident: from $20.00
- Managed by: Arizona Game and Fish Department
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.azgfd.com/License/
Arizona Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Arizona offers world-class hunting managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The Grand Canyon State features dramatic desert, mountain, and plateau landscapes supporting Coues white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, javelina, black bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, Merriam's turkey, and Gambel's quail. A resident general hunting license costs $37, while non-residents must purchase the $160 combination hunt/fish license. Arizona uses a draw system for most big game hunts, with non-resident deer tags at $315 and elk at $665. Youth licenses (ages 10-17) are just $5 for both residents and non-residents. All licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase. Arizona is known for its trophy-caliber elk and Coues deer. The state's varied elevations create year-round hunting opportunities from desert floor to alpine forest.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident General Hunting | $37.00 | — | 365 days | |
| Resident Combo Hunt/Fish | $57.00 | — | 365 days | |
| NR Combo Hunt/Fish | — | $160.00 | 365 days | |
| Youth Combo Hunt/Fish (10-17) | $5.00 | $5.00 | 365 days | |
| Resident Short-term (per day) | $15.00 | — | 1 day | |
| NR Short-term (per day) | — | $20.00 | 1 day | |
| NR Deer Hunt Permit-Tag | — | $315.00 | Season | |
| Resident Deer Hunt Permit-Tag | $58.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Pronghorn Tag | — | $565.00 | Season | |
| NR Bighorn Sheep Tag | — | $1815.00 | Season | |
| Draw Application Fee (Resident) | $13.00 | — | Per species | |
| Draw Application Fee (NR) | — | $15.00 | Per species |
Prices from Arizona Game and Fish Department. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Arizona license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time license buyers under 14. Hunter education accepted from all states.
How to Buy a Arizona Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Arizona Game and Fish Department or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Arizona.
Need help? Call Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Arizona Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | General | October 23 | November 8 | 2026 dates |
| Coues Deer | General | October 30 | November 12 | 2026 dates |
| Elk | General | November 6 | November 19 | 2026 dates |
| Pronghorn Antelope | General | September 11 | September 20 | 2026 dates |
| Javelina | General | February 12 | February 25 | 2027 dates |
| Turkey (Merriam's) | Spring | April 17 | May 21 | 2027 dates |
| Gambel's Quail | General | October 2 | February 7 | 2026-27 dates |
| Mountain Lion | General | August 21 | May 31 | 2026-27 dates |
| Duck | General | October 10 | January 24 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Arizona season regulations on AZGFD
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Pioneer License | Arizona residents 70+ — qualifying pioneer license |
| Youth | Reduced ($5) | Youth 10-17 — $5 combo hunt/fish license |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Disabled veterans with qualifying disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Arizona |
Arizona Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Arizona official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Fluorescent orange hat or vest required during firearm big game seasons in certain units.
- Arizona uses a draw system for most big game — applications due in June.
- All licenses valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
- Arizona is one of the premier trophy elk states in America.
Read full Arizona regulations on AZGFD
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Arizona Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Arizona Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Arizona?
Resident general hunting is $37, combo hunt/fish $57. Non-residents must buy the $160 combo. Youth (10-17) pay just $5. Big game tags are additional through a draw system.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Arizona?
Hunters under 14 must complete hunter education. It's recommended for all first-time hunters. Arizona accepts certificates from all states.
Can non-residents hunt in Arizona?
Yes, through the $160 combo hunt/fish license. Big game requires draw tags — deer $315, elk $665, pronghorn $565 for non-residents.
What big game can I hunt in Arizona?
Mule deer, Coues white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, javelina, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, bison (very limited), and turkey.
Are there free hunting licenses in Arizona?
Disabled veterans qualify for free licenses. Youth (10-17) pay just $5 for the combo. Pioneer licenses available for seniors 70+.
How does the Arizona draw system work?
Most big game hunts require applying through a draw system by the June deadline. $13-15 non-refundable application fee per species. Results announced in July.