Arizona archery season offers a surprising amount of wildlife diversity across the state. It’s ideal for bowhunting, with several seasons open throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to hunt deer or smalls like cottontail rabbit or pheasant, there are plenty of options.
The Southwestern state is a desert environment, but there’s plenty to hunt. Track common game like turkey and deer, or go for larger species like bears, bighorn sheep, and bison. The Grand Canyon State is a great destination during hunting season.
Arizona (AZ) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Arizona state regulates hunting season by area, with many permits issued by a lottery system. Make sure you visit the website of the Arizona Game and Fish Department for details before heading out for a hunt.
When does Archery Season Start in AZ?
Arizona Deer Season
- Archery August 19 – Sept 8** / December 9 – December 31**
- General Season October 21 – December 31**
- General Youth-Only Season October 7 – November 27*
**Season opening dates vary by region.
Arizona Bighorn Sheep Seasons
- General Season October 1 – December 31**
**Season dates vary by area for Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Most bighorn sheep hunting regions are challenging to access. Expect isolated hunting and camping conditions in the backcountry region.
Arizona Bison Seasons
- General Season November 4 – December 20**
- Limited Opportunity General Season October 13 – 26** /November 3 – December 31**
- Limited Opportunity Archery Only August 25 – September 7
**Season dates vary by region.
Arizona Wild Turkey Seasons
- General Season September 30 – October 6
- Youth Hunt September 30 – October 10**
- Archery August 19 – September 8**
**Seasons dates vary by region.
Arizona turkey hunting requires a license and turkey tag. Regulations state hunters may take one per calendar year.
Arizona Javelina Seasons
- General Season January 1 – December 31
- Archery Only July 1 – December 31
- Youth Only September 30 – November 27**
**Season dates vary by region.
Hunters may take two javelinas per season. General season javelina hunting permits are awarded through a lottery system, with dates varying accordingly.
Arizona Black Bear Seasons
- General Season August 5 – December 31**
**Season dates vary by region.
Arizona allows the taking of black bears, except pregnant sows or those with cubs.
Arizona Mountain Lion Seasons
- General Season, Daylight Shooting Hours August 19 – May 31
- Archery Only August 19 – May 31
- Pursuit Only August 19 – May 31
Hunters can take one mountain lion per season. Arizona allows daylight hunting and daylong shooting hours. Daylong hunts can take place in 24-hour periods between midnight to midnight.
Arizona Small Seasons
- Chukar Partridge September 1 – February 12
- Dusky Blue Grouse September 1 – November 6
- Cottontail Rabbit July 1 – June 30**
- Pheasant Archery: October 14 – February 12
- Tree Squirrel July 1 – June30**
- Quail General Season October 14 – February 12**
- Jackrabbit July 1 – June 30
- Gunnison’s Prairie Dog July 1 – March 31
**Season dates vary by region.
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on animal and season.
Can I Hunt on Private Land without a License in Arizona?
Hunting and fishing on private land are allowed without consent from the Arizona Game and Fish Department but with permission from the landowner. No shooting is permitted within ¼ mile from or across a road, railway, or any occupied structure on private land.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in AZ
Hunting License
- Arizona residents and non-residents aged 10 years and over require a valid hunting license to hunt in the state.
- Persons under 10 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed individual 18 or older.
- Up to two unlicensed children may accompany a license holder.
- Children under 14 may not take big game without completing a Hunter Education Course.
- No one under 10 may take big game in the state of Arizona.
Where to Buy Hunting and Fishing Licenses and Stamps
- Hunting licenses are available online or at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and license dealers.
- Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
- Arizona federal duck stamps migratory bird stamps are valid from July 1 through June 30 each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
