Arizona Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 1, 2026
Arizona is one of the most rewarding hunting destinations in the American West, offering world-class elk in the White Mountains, trophy mule deer on the Kaibab Plateau, and accessible over-the-counter archery opportunities that few other states can match. But before you set foot in the field, you need to understand exactly what the law requires of you.
Getting your licensing right from the start is not just a legal obligation — it also determines whether you can apply for coveted draw tags, accumulate bonus points, and take full advantage of everything the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has to offer. This guide walks you through every requirement you need to know for the 2025–2026 season.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Arizona
Arizona residents and non-residents 10 years and older need a valid hunting license to hunt in Arizona. This rule applies regardless of what species you are pursuing or what type of land you are hunting on.
You must have in your possession a valid hunting or combination hunting and fishing license, plus any required permit-tags, nonpermit-tags, or stamps. These must be produced upon request to any game ranger, wildlife manager, or peace officer.
The laws that govern the Arizona Game and Fish Department and regulate the taking of wildlife are listed in Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission creates rules to enforce this statute. Violating these rules carries real consequences, so it pays to be fully compliant before your hunt begins.
Children under 10 face a strict restriction on big game. No one under 10 years of age may hunt big game in Arizona. No more than two children under 10 can accompany one licensed adult hunting in the field.
Important Note: Always carry your physical or digital license while afield. Arizona accepts digital licenses displayed on a smartphone, but you are required to produce it on demand for any game warden or peace officer.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Arizona
Arizona’s exemptions from the standard hunting license requirement are narrow. The most significant one applies to very young hunters: youth under 10 are license-exempt only for non-big-game and must be with a properly licensed adult (18+). Under 10 may not take big game, and a maximum of two unlicensed children may accompany one licensed adult.
Arizona also offers a free Apprentice Hunting License designed to introduce new hunters to the sport. Resident licensed hunters are able to obtain a free Apprentice Hunting License, valid for two days, for use when mentoring a new hunter. This affords new hunters the opportunity to “try before you buy” under the supervision of a licensed hunter. An Apprentice Hunting License is valid for two consecutive days when the apprentice is accompanied in the field by a mentor.
An Apprentice Hunting License is valid for the taking of small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, nongame birds, and upland game birds. It does not cover big game species. An apprentice may be a resident or nonresident and may only be licensed pursuant to this paragraph once per calendar year. A mentor must be a bona fide resident of this state who is at least 18 years of age and must possess a license designated in statute. A mentor may apply for no more than two Apprentice Hunting Licenses per calendar year.
Limited exemptions include department-sanctioned introductory hunt events. Active-duty military may qualify for resident pricing, not a blanket exemption. Tribal hunts on tribal lands follow tribal rules.
Hunters who are legally blind are exempt from fishing license requirements, but standard hunting license rules still apply to sighted hunters across the board.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Arizona
Your residency status is one of the most important factors in determining which licenses are available to you and what you will pay. Arizona draws a clear line between residents and non-residents, and the two categories have meaningfully different options.
Resident hunting licenses are available to Arizona residents who meet residency requirements. These licenses typically cost less than non-resident licenses and may include options for combination licenses that cover both hunting and fishing privileges. Residents must provide proof of residency when applying.
For active-duty military, a member of the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a minimum of 30 days immediately preceding the date of application for a license may qualify for resident pricing.
Non-resident licenses are for individuals who do not meet Arizona residency criteria but wish to hunt within the state. These licenses are generally more expensive and may have additional restrictions or requirements. Non-residents can also purchase combination licenses if desired.
One important structural difference applies specifically to non-residents: an out-of-state hunting license in Arizona costs $160 for a Combination Hunt and Fish License. There is no standalone General Hunting License available for non-residents, and youth ages 10–17 can purchase a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5.
Non-residents also face allocation limits on draw tags. Non-resident tags are limited to 10% of total allocation. This makes it even more important for out-of-state hunters to plan early, accumulate bonus points, and understand the draw calendar. A quality pair of hunting binoculars is one piece of gear that both residents and non-residents will want in the field, given Arizona’s wide-open terrain.
Types of Hunting Licenses in Arizona
Arizona offers several types of hunting licenses tailored to different categories of hunters. Understanding these options helps applicants select the appropriate license for their situation. Below is a breakdown of the main license types available as of the 2025–2026 season.
| License Type | Who It’s For | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Resident General Hunting License | Arizona residents, ages 18–61 | Covers small game, predatory animals, upland game birds; big game requires tags |
| Resident Combo Hunt & Fish License | Arizona residents | Combines hunting and fishing privileges in one license |
| Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License | Residents and non-residents, ages 10–17 | Reduced fee; valid for 365 days from purchase |
| Non-Resident Combo Hunt & Fish License | Out-of-state hunters, adults | Only hunting license option for non-residents; required for draw applications |
| Short-Term Combo License | Residents and non-residents | Per-day option; not valid for big game draws |
| Pioneer License | Residents age 70+ with 25+ years residency | Special license with exclusive season access |
| Apprentice Hunting License | New hunters (resident or non-resident) | Free; valid 2 consecutive days; small game only; must be mentored |
New for fall 2025: one-horned bighorn sheep ram seasons for Pioneer license holders only. A person 70 and older who has been a resident of Arizona for the previous 25 years qualifies for a Pioneer license.
Arizona offers short-term combo licenses at $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents. These are designed for short small game or bird trips and do not qualify you for big game draws.
Nonresident hunting licenses are good for fishing statewide and also allow taking small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, certain nongame animals, and upland game birds.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Arizona
Arizona’s license fee structure is tiered by residency, age, and license type. The figures below reflect the 2025–2026 season as published by the AZGFD and reported by multiple sources. Always verify current fees directly at license.azgfd.com before purchasing, as fees are subject to change.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / Combo Hunt & Fish License (Adult) | $37 (hunt only) / $57 (combo) | $160 (combo — only option) |
| Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License (Ages 10–17) | $5 | $5 |
| Short-Term Combo License | $15/day | $20/day |
| Draw Application Fee (per species) | $13 | $15 |
Residents pay $37 for a general hunting license. A non-resident license costs $160 and is valid 365 days from the date of purchase.
For residents, a general hunting license typically costs around $37 for adults aged 18–61. If you’re under 18 or over 60 years old, you’ll enjoy reduced rates — $5 for youth licenses and about $20 for seniors. Always confirm senior pricing directly with AZGFD, as rates can vary.
The resident hunt/fish combo license is $57. The nonresident hunt/fish combo license is $160. The youth hunt/fish combo license for ages 10–17 is $5 for both residents and nonresidents.
Pro Tip: If you are a non-resident planning to apply for multiple draw species, your $160 license fee is already a sunk cost — consider applying for additional species since the per-species application fee is only $15 each.
A well-equipped hunt in Arizona’s rugged terrain also means investing in the right gear. A durable hunting backpack is essential for navigating Arizona’s varied landscapes, from desert lowlands to high-elevation conifer forests.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Arizona
A hunting license alone does not authorize you to pursue big game in Arizona. Arizona is a draw-tag state for all big game, making it one of the most strategically complex — and rewarding — hunting landscapes in the West. You will need additional tags, permits, or stamps depending on what you plan to hunt.
Almost all big game hunts in Arizona require the hunter to apply for hunts during the specific open application periods for each species and then draw a tag through the AZGFD lottery system. Whether you are looking for a trophy archery or rifle mule deer hunt, trophy elk hunt, antelope hunt, or any sheep or bison hunt, you will need to apply for the draw and be awarded a tag through the lottery system.
There are two separate application periods in Arizona: a February deadline for elk and antelope, and a separate, early June deadline for deer, sheep, and bison. Application deadlines for pronghorn antelope and elk close on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time, and tags for deer, bighorn sheep, and fall bison must be applied for by 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The draw system uses a bonus point structure. Arizona uses a traditional bonus point system. Bonus points are like raffle tickets: the more you have, the more chances you have in the second and third random passes of the draw. You get one chance for your current application, and then one additional chance for every bonus point you have.
Hunters that have completed an Arizona hunter education class also receive a permanent bonus point toward tag draws for all species in the state. This is a meaningful long-term advantage for new hunters who invest in education early.
Beyond big game tags, additional stamps and fees apply for certain species:
- A State Migratory Bird Stamp is needed for migratory bird hunting. As of the 2025–2026 regulations, this stamp is available for $5.
- OTC (over-the-counter) archery deer nonpermit-tags are available without a draw for both residents and non-residents in open units. The resident OTC archery deer nonpermit-tag is listed at $45. The nonresident OTC archery deer nonpermit-tag is $300.
- The optional PointGuard fee ($10 per species) allows a hunter who draws a tag but cannot hunt that year to surrender the permit and retain their accumulated bonus points, rather than having them reset to zero.
- Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag.
Key Insight: Non-resident tags for draw species are limited to 10% of the total allocation per species. Apply early and consider accumulating bonus points across multiple species to maximize your long-term draw odds.
Navigating Arizona’s remote game management units often means relying on a reliable handheld GPS device to stay oriented on public land boundaries and unit borders.
Hunter Education Requirements in Arizona
Arizona’s hunter education requirements are tied closely to age and the type of game being hunted. If you are planning to hunt in Arizona, it is important to understand the state’s hunter education requirements. Hunter education courses are designed to teach safe and responsible hunting practices, ensuring that all hunters are prepared to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing risks. Arizona has specific rules about who must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license or going afield.
Any person 10 to 13 years of age may hunt big game only if he or she has in his or her possession the required license and tag(s) and a valid hunter education course completion card. No one under the age of 14 may hunt big game in Arizona without having completed a hunter education course.
While hunter education is not universally mandated for adult hunters, completing it carries a significant benefit. A hunter education certificate is not required to hunt in Arizona, but it is highly recommended. Not only is it recommended for safety purposes, but hunters that have completed an Arizona hunter education class also receive a permanent bonus point toward tag draws for all species in the state.
You can complete hunter education through several formats. You can take the hunter education course online, in-person, or through a hybrid format. To find official courses and verify acceptance, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s hunter education page at azgfd.com/Education/HunterEducation/.
If a hunter has already earned an Arizona Education Bonus point by completing Arizona Hunter Education, a second bonus point cannot be obtained through the taking of the Ethically Hunting Arizona course. In addition, completing the online course does not fulfill hunter education requirements to hunt in other states.
One additional rule worth noting: Arizona does not require hunter orange clothing to be worn while hunting big game. However, wearing it is still widely considered a best practice for safety.
Pro Tip: Complete Arizona Hunter Education before your first license purchase. The permanent bonus point you earn applies to every big game species — a meaningful long-term advantage in a competitive draw system.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Arizona
Arizona offers several convenient ways to purchase your hunting license, and the process has been modernized significantly in recent years. Arizona Game and Fish Department no longer offers traditional paper “book” licenses sold through license dealers. Many current dealers will continue to sell licenses, but they will do so through AZGFD’s online purchase system.
The fastest and most reliable method is to buy online. Customers can purchase their hunting, fishing, or hunt/fish combo licenses online directly at license.azgfd.com, 24/7, or in person at AZGFD offices during normal business hours (8–5, Monday–Friday).
Here is a step-by-step overview of the online purchase process:
- Visit license.azgfd.com
- Create an account or continue as a guest.
- Select your license type based on residency, age, and hunting plans.
- Pay with a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover).
- Print or save your digital license to your smartphone.
Licenses can also be purchased in person at authorized retail outlets such as sporting goods stores, some government offices, and Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. When buying in person, bring valid identification and any required documentation such as proof of residency or hunter education completion. Payment methods may vary by location but typically include cash, credit, or debit cards.
If you are applying for a draw hunt, there are a few extra steps to keep in mind. When purchasing an Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Do not throw it away — that license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
You can also download the Arizona E-Tag mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores and opt in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account. Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded.
Arizona’s varied terrain — from Sonoran Desert flats to sky island mountain ranges — demands proper footwear. A pair of reliable waterproof hunting boots will keep you comfortable and protected across the state’s diverse landscapes.
If you also enjoy fishing in Arizona, you may find it useful to review the fishing license requirements in Arizona alongside your hunting license, since combo licenses cover both activities. Hunters planning trips to neighboring states may also want to compare requirements — see our guides to fishing license requirements in Nevada and fishing license requirements in Utah for reference.
License Validity and Renewal in Arizona
One of the most practical aspects of Arizona’s licensing system is how validity is calculated. Unlike many states that tie licenses to a calendar year, Arizona uses a rolling validity window. Arizona hunting licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase rather than following a calendar year.
Arizona licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. This means if you buy your license in October, it remains valid through the following October — which is particularly useful for hunters who want to apply for both the February elk and antelope draw deadline and the June deer and sheep deadline within a single license period.
Digital licenses are accepted — you can print or save them to your smartphone. There is no requirement to carry a paper copy as long as you can display the digital version on demand.
When it comes to renewal, there is no automatic renewal system in place. You simply purchase a new license through the same channels once your current one expires. Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period. This is a critical detail — if your license expires before the close of a draw application window, you will need to renew it before submitting your application.
Common Mistake: Many hunters let their license expire between the February and June draw deadlines. Because Arizona licenses run 365 days from purchase, time your purchase carefully so your license covers both application periods.
If you hunt or fish in multiple states, it is worth comparing license structures across the region. Our guides cover fishing license requirements in Colorado, fishing license requirements in Montana, and fishing license requirements in California for hunters who travel broadly across the West.
For questions about specific license types, draw deadlines, or unit regulations, the AZGFD can be reached by phone at 602-942-3000, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit azgfd.com/hunting for the most current version of the 2025–2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet and any updates issued throughout the season.