2025-2026 Arizona Deer Season New Dates & Rules!
Dreaming of pursuing majestic mule deer or elusive Coues whitetail in the Grand Canyon State? This guide breaks down everything you need for the upcoming cycle—from key dates and wildlife management units to license info and pro tips. Arizona’s diverse landscapes, from high-desert plains to rugged mountains, offer some of the most unique and rewarding sporting opportunities in the West. Let’s dive in! 🦌
📅 At a Glance: Arizona’s 2025-2026 Deer Seasons
Here’s a quick overview of the primary species and timeframes for pursuing deer across the state’s management units.
| Game Species | Hunting Method | Start Date | End Date | Key Units & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | General Firearms (Draw) | Oct 24, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | Various GMUs |
| General Firearms (Draw) | Nov 21, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | Various GMUs | |
| Archery (OTC) | Aug 22, 2025 | Sep 11, 2025 | Some units have harvest quotas | |
| Archery (OTC) | Dec 12, 2025 | Jan 31, 2026 | Some units, check regulations | |
| Coues Deer | General Firearms (Draw) | Oct 24, 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 | 1st Rifle |
| General Firearms (Draw) | Nov 7, 2025 | Nov 13, 2025 | 2nd Rifle | |
| General Firearms (Draw) | Nov 28, 2025 | Dec 7, 2025 | 3rd Rifle | |
| Archery (OTC) | Aug 22, 2025 | Sep 11, 2025 | Some units have harvest quotas | |
| Archery (OTC) | Dec 12, 2025 | Jan 31, 2026 | Some units, check regulations |
🏹 A Detailed Look at All Deer Seasons
Arizona’s framework is primarily focused on its two native species: the Mule Deer and the smaller, desert-adapted Coues Whitetail Deer. The schedules are complex and vary dramatically by Game Management Unit (GMU), so knowing your unit is crucial. Most general firearm opportunities are allocated through a draw system, while archery seasons often have over-the-counter (OTC) tags available .
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Found throughout the state, these animals are known for their large ears and impressive antlers.
General Seasons (Firearms – Draw)
- Early Rifle: October 24, 2025 – November 2, 2025
- Late Rifle: November 21, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Archery Seasons (Over-the-Counter)
- Summer OTC: August 22, 2025 – September 11, 2025
- Winter OTC: December 12, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Note: Harvest limits now apply to all OTC archery hunts. Once a unit’s quota is met, it closes the following Wednesday until the next year. Always check the open unit status online before you go .
Coues Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi)
A subspecies of white-tailed deer, famous for its elusive nature in the mountainous desert terrain.
General Seasons (Firearms – Draw)
- 1st Rifle: October 24, 2025 – October 30, 2025
- 2nd Rifle: November 7, 2025 – November 13, 2025
- 3rd Rifle: November 28, 2025 – December 7, 2025
Archery Seasons (Over-the-Counter)
- Summer OTC: August 22, 2025 – September 11, 2025
- Winter OTC: December 12, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Note: The same harvest quotas and unit closure rules for Mule Deer apply to Coues deer during OTC archery periods .
Youth-Only, Muzzleloader, and CHAMP Hunts
Arizona also offers dedicated seasons for youth, muzzleloader enthusiasts, and hunters with mobility challenges. These are also allocated by draw, with dates typically falling in October and November .
🦌 Other Big Game Opportunities (Deer-Related Pursuits)
While mule and Coues deer are the main attractions, Arizona is world-famous for other massive ungulates.
Elk (Cervus canadensis)
- Status: Prized trophy animals, particularly the Rocky Mountain elk.
- Seasons: Draw-only for firearms, with archery seasons available.
- Early Archery: September 12, 2025 – September 25, 2025
- Early Firearm: September 26, 2025 – October 2, 2025
- Late Archery: November 7-20 or November 14-27, 2025
- Late Rifle: November 28, 2025 – December 5, 2025
- Note: Arizona is home to some truly giant bulls. Non-residents must apply for a draw tag .
📜 Key Arizona Deer Regulations
Staying legal ensures a safe and ethical experience for everyone and contributes to conservation.
- Bag Limits: One deer per calendar year. If you harvest an animal during the OTC archery season, you cannot take another during that same year .
- Tagging: You must have a valid hunt permit-tag (for draw hunts) or a nonpermit-tag (for OTC archery) in your possession while in the field .
- Game Check: Mandatory harvest reporting is required for all OTC archery deer within 48 hours of take, either online or by phone .
- Legal Animal: An “antlered deer” is defined as having an antler fully erupted through the skin and capable of being shed .
- Weapon Regulations: General seasons allow firearms, pneumatic weapons, crossbows, or bows. Archery-only seasons are restricted to bow and arrow or crossbow (with a permit) .
🎟️ License & Tag Fees for 2025-2026
All hunters must possess a valid license. Tags for deer are typically separate.
| License/Tag Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting License | $37 | $160 | Required for all hunters 10+ |
| Combination Hunt & Fish | $57 | $160 | For residents, includes fishing |
| Youth Combo (10-17) | $5 | $5 | Includes migratory bird stamp |
| Deer Draw Permit-Tag | $58 | $315 | If successful in the draw |
| Archery Deer Nonpermit-tag (OTC) | $45 | $300 | For OTC archery seasons |
Note: These fees are estimates based on the most recent data; always check the official Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) website for the most current pricing.
✅ License Requirements
- Hunter Education: Mandatory for anyone born after January 1, 1967. You must carry your card while hunting .
- Age Requirements: Hunters must be at least 10 years old to pursue big game. Those aged 10-13 must have completed a hunter education course .
- Draw Applications: A valid hunting license is required to apply for the big game draw. Applications for fall deer are typically due in early June .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a guide to hunt deer in Arizona as a non-resident?
A: No. The guide requirement law in Arizona applies specifically to bighorn sheep. For deer, a non-resident can hunt independently .
Q: How does the draw system work?
A: Arizona uses a bonus point system to increase your odds over time. You apply for specific hunt numbers in specific units. Your first two choices are considered in the draw before moving to the next application .
Q: Can I hunt on public land in Arizona?
A: Absolutely! The state manages millions of acres of public land open for sporting activities, including national forests and BLM land. However, always ensure you know the specific boundaries of the GMU you are in .
Q: What is PointGuard?
A: This is an optional product you can buy when applying for the draw. If you are drawn for a tag but have to surrender it for any reason, PointGuard protects your accumulated bonus points so they are reinstated .
✨ Final Thoughts
An Arizona deer adventure is a true test of skill and perseverance against a breathtaking backdrop. Your 2025-2026 quest for mule deer or Coues whitetail promises stunning sunsets, challenging terrain, and the raw beauty of the Southwest. Just remember to plan for the draw, double-check your target unit’s specific rules, grab all necessary licenses and tags, and most importantly, prepare thoroughly for the elements. Respect the land, the animal, and the legacy of conservation that makes these pursuits possible.
🔗 For the most official and precise information, always confirm everything at the source: Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD).
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