Bear Hunting Season in Arizona: Dates, Tags, Units, and Regulations
June 5, 2026
Arizona is one of the most underrated states in the West for black bear hunting. While most hunters think of the Grand Canyon State as desert terrain, the truth is that rugged mountain ranges, dense oak woodlands, and sprawling conifer forests create ideal habitat for a thriving bear population — one that has even produced more than 80 entries in the Boone and Crockett Club’s record book.
Whether you are planning your first bear hunt or looking to put a tag in a new state, understanding Arizona’s regulations is essential before you head afield. This guide covers everything you need to know about bear hunting season in Arizona, from season dates and licensing requirements to legal weapons, bag limits, and the best units to focus your efforts.
Important Note: Arizona hunting regulations are updated annually by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Always verify current season dates, unit status, and tag availability at azgfd.com before each hunt, as rules can change between seasons.
Bear Species You Can Hunt in Arizona
Arizona is home to one huntable bear species: the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Grizzly bears once roamed the state, but the last grizzly in Arizona was killed sometime in the 1930s, leaving the black bear as the sole bear species available to hunters today.
Despite the name, Arizona black bears display a range of coat colors, from jet black to cinnamon and brown. In Arizona, the black bear is found in most woodland habitats, including pinyon-juniper, oak woodland, coniferous forest, and chaparral. The state’s sky island mountain ranges in the south and the Mogollon Rim country in the north and central regions hold the highest concentrations of bears.
Adult female black bears (sows) in Arizona typically weigh up to 250 pounds, while adult male black bears (boars) weigh up to 350 pounds. Standing on its hind feet, a male black bear can reach 7 feet tall, and males have large, boxier heads and larger shoulders. Distinguishing sex in the field is a critical skill, given that Arizona enforces strict female harvest limits that can close units mid-season.
Key Insight: Arizona’s black bear population is considered surprisingly robust for a desert state. The state accounts for a significant number of Boone and Crockett record-class bears when compared to the rest of North America, making it a legitimate trophy destination for dedicated hunters.
Bear Hunting Season Dates in Arizona
Arizona offers both spring and fall black bear seasons, giving hunters two distinct windows of opportunity each year. Season structures, however, differ significantly between the two periods, and the fall season is by far the more productive of the two.
Black bear opportunities span August 8 through December 31, with archery-only options beginning August 22. These dates reflect the 2025-2026 season as reported by state hunting season sources; always confirm exact opening dates for your specific unit in the current AZGFD regulations booklet, as individual Game Management Unit (GMU) dates can vary.
For spring hunting, over-the-counter spring hunting seasons no longer run into the months of May, June, or July — all spring hunts are over-the-counter during March and April. Spring bear hunting is widely considered more challenging than fall, with lower success rates overall.
| Season | General Dates (2025-2026) | Tag Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring OTC | March – April | Nonpermit-tag (OTC) | No draw required; female harvest limits apply |
| Fall General | August 8 – December 31 | Nonpermit-tag (OTC) | Most bear harvest occurs during this window |
| Fall Archery Only | Beginning August 22 | Nonpermit-tag (OTC) | Archery equipment only; unit-specific dates apply |
| Spring Draw (Limited) | Varies by unit | Permit-tag (Draw) | Very limited availability; check AZGFD for current offerings |
Seasons can close early if pending sow quota limits are met, so hunters must call the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s bear hotline daily to check the status of their unit. This is not optional — it is a legal and practical necessity before every trip afield.
If you enjoy hunting other species in Arizona alongside your bear pursuit, check out the dove hunting season in Arizona and the turkey hunting season in Arizona for additional opportunities during similar timeframes.
Bear Hunting Licenses and Tags in Arizona
Getting licensed for bear hunting in Arizona involves two components: a valid hunting license and a bear tag. The good news is that for most bear hunts, you do not need to go through the draw system.
To hunt black bear in Arizona, you need a valid hunting license and a black bear tag. For most black bear hunts, a nonpermit-tag can be obtained from a license dealer. For some spring black bear hunts, a permit-tag is required.
Arizona residents and non-residents who are 10 years and older must have a valid license to hunt in the state. Here is a breakdown of the primary license and tag costs for the 2025-2026 season:
| License / Tag Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Hunting License | $37 | N/A (see below) |
| Combination Hunt & Fish License | $57 | $160 |
| Youth Combination License (ages 10-17) | $5 | $5 |
| Bear Nonpermit-Tag (OTC) | $27.50 (approx.) | $160 (approx.) |
| Draw Application Fee (if applicable) | $13 | $15 |
Note: License and tag fees are sourced from 2025-2026 season data reported by third-party hunting resources and may not reflect any mid-season adjustments. Always verify current fees directly with the AZGFD before purchasing.
Seniors who are 70 or older with 25 consecutive years of Arizona residency qualify for a free Pioneer License, and disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities also qualify for complimentary permits.
Arizona hunting licenses and OTC tags can be purchased at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, more than 200 license dealers statewide, and online. Most archery deer, bear, and mountain lion hunting require a nonpermit-tag, which can be purchased without going through the draw. This makes bear one of Arizona’s most accessible big game species for hunters who want to skip the draw process entirely.
Pro Tip: Non-residents planning a bear hunt should purchase their Combination Hunt and Fish License well in advance of the season opener. OTC bear tags can sell out quickly in high-demand units, so purchasing early gives you the best chance of securing a tag for your preferred area.
For comparison with other states’ licensing structures, see our guides on hunting laws in Montana and hunting laws in Idaho, two other Western states with strong bear hunting traditions.
Legal Methods and Weapons for Bear Hunting in Arizona
Arizona gives hunters a solid range of weapon choices for bear hunting, and the rules are relatively straightforward compared to some other Western states. Your weapon selection also determines which season dates and units are available to you.
Hunters may use centerfire rifles, handguns, muzzleloaders, bows, and crossbows to pursue bears. Each weapon type carries specific equipment requirements that you must meet to hunt legally.
- Centerfire Rifles and Handguns: Legal during general firearms seasons. No specific caliber restrictions are listed for bear in the general regulations, but using an adequate caliber for large game is both a legal and ethical consideration.
- Muzzleloaders: Arizona places very few restrictions on muzzleloaders, making them a flexible option for hunters who enjoy traditional methods.
- Archery Equipment: Bows must have a pull weight of 30 pounds or more and use arrows with broadheads no smaller than 7/8 inch in width. Crossbows must have a draw weight no less than 125 pounds, using bolts no shorter than 16 inches, and broadheads with a minimum width of 7/8 of an inch.
Two methods that are explicitly prohibited for bear hunting in Arizona deserve special attention:
- Baiting: Baiting is not allowed in Arizona. This applies to all bear hunts statewide, regardless of season or unit.
- Hound Hunting: Hunting with hounds is permitted in some units and seasons, but it requires a separate permit and following additional regulations. Additionally, Arizona does not allow the use of dogs from January 1st through July 31st, which means hound hunting is restricted to the fall season in applicable units only.
Common Mistake: Many hunters assume that methods legal in neighboring states — such as baiting or year-round hound use — are also permitted in Arizona. They are not. Using bait on any Arizona bear hunt is illegal statewide, and using dogs outside the permitted fall window carries serious penalties including license suspension.
Legal hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Hunting outside of these hours is prohibited regardless of weapon type or season.
Bag Limits and Harvest Reporting Requirements in Arizona
Arizona enforces strict bag limits and mandatory reporting requirements for black bears. These rules exist to protect the population, especially female bears, and non-compliance carries significant consequences.
Bag Limit: One black bear per calendar year. This applies to both residents and non-residents, and it covers both the spring and fall seasons combined. If you harvest a bear in March during the spring season, you are done for that calendar year.
Female Harvest Limits and Unit Closures: This is the most critical regulation unique to Arizona bear hunting. When the number of female bears (sows) equaling the female harvest limit for a particular hunt has been reported, the unit will be closed at sundown the Wednesday immediately following. When the annual female harvest limit for a unit has been reported, the unit will close at sundown the following Wednesday and will be closed for the remainder of the year.
Before each hunting trip, make sure you verify that the unit is still open. You can do this by checking the AZGFD website or calling the bear hotline at 1-800-970-BEAR (2327).
Mandatory Harvest Reporting: Report your black bear harvest information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department in person or by telephone at 1-800-970-2327 within 48 hours of taking the black bear. You will need to report the hunter’s name, hunting license number, tag number, sex of the black bear taken, management unit where the black bear was taken, and telephone number at which the hunter can be reached.
Physical Inspection Requirement: You must present the black bear’s skull and hide with attached proof of sex to a designated Arizona Game and Fish Department employee for inspection within 10 days of taking the black bear. An appointment is required. The jaw must be propped open so that the tooth behind the upper canine can be pulled and aged. If the skull is frozen, it should be defrosted prior to presenting for inspection as a premolar tooth will be removed.
Pro Tip: Contact the nearest AZGFD office by phone as soon as you harvest a bear to schedule your inspection appointment. Slots can fill quickly during peak season, and failing to present the skull and hide within 10 days is a violation regardless of your reporting timeline.
For context on how Arizona’s reporting requirements compare to other states, see our overviews of hunting laws in Arkansas, hunting laws in Tennessee, and hunting laws in Virginia.
Bear Hunting Zones and Units in Arizona
Arizona’s bear hunting landscape is organized through the state’s Game Management Unit (GMU) system. Not every unit in the state is open to bear hunting, and unit-specific regulations, season dates, and female harvest limits all vary.
Arizona is divided into 51 Game Management Units (GMUs) across seven regions. Each unit has specific regulations, seasons, and tag allocations. The state offers diverse terrain from desert lowlands to mountainous forests.
The state is broken down into 81 Game Management Units (GMU). The 41 units open to bear hunting are: 1, 2A-2C, 3B-3C, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 17A-17B, 18B, 19A, 19D, 20A-20B, 21, 22 North and South, 23 North and South, 24A-24B, 27, 28, 29, 30A, 31, 32, 33, 34A, and 35A-35B.
Among these open units, some stand out for consistently strong bear populations and hunter access:
- Unit 6A: Located in the White Mountains region, this unit offers excellent public land access and a solid bear population, making it a go-to for both new and experienced hunters.
- Unit 23: Units 6A, 23, 27, and 35A/B offer strong bear populations and good public land access. Unit 23 in the central highlands is consistently among the top producers.
- Unit 27: A large unit in the central part of the state with high bear density, though the terrain is notably rugged. Hunters willing to put in the miles are rewarded.
- Units 35A and 35B: Found near the southern border, these units combine desert foothills with productive oak slopes and sycamore drainages, creating excellent habitat for Arizona’s sky island bears.
In jointly managed areas like Grand Canyon-Parashant, hunting is allowed on both BLM and National Park Service lands, but motorized vehicle restrictions and other regulations may differ between the two. In wilderness areas on BLM land, motorized travel is generally prohibited, so hunters must be prepared for remote conditions.
Arizona has extensive public land opportunities, including national forests, BLM land, and state trust land (which requires a permit). Always verify access rights before hunting. State trust land access for hunting requires a separate recreation permit, which can be obtained through the Arizona State Land Department.
For more context on hunting unit systems in other states, visit our guides on hunting laws in Minnesota, hunting laws in Kansas, and hunting laws in Ohio.
Tips for a Successful Bear Hunt in Arizona
Arizona bear hunting rewards patience, physical fitness, and a thorough understanding of bear behavior. The terrain is demanding, and bears here are not easy to locate — but that challenge is exactly what makes a successful hunt so satisfying.
Scout Food Sources First
In fall, bears are highly food-focused and often seen foraging for acorns, manzanita berries, or prickly pear cactus fruit, actively eating to build fat reserves before winter. Bears feed on specific food sources like wildflowers and prickly pear cactus, which influences their movements and hunting strategies. Identify these food sources on digital maps before your hunt and prioritize areas where multiple food types converge.
Glass Early and Late
Glassing high basins, shaded slopes, and water sources during early morning and evening hours offers the best chance of spotting bears. Waiting patiently and observing your surroundings is crucial to detect any signs of bear activity. Still-hunting along travel corridors and feeding zones can be effective in thicker country. Invest in quality optics — a good pair of binoculars and a spotting scope are not optional in Arizona’s open terrain.
Identify Sex Before You Shoot
Given Arizona’s female harvest limits and unit closure rules, taking a sow can have serious consequences — not just for your hunt, but for every other hunter in that unit. If the body is large and round, it probably is a male. Black bear females are usually smaller and leaner than males. Study field identification resources from the AZGFD before your hunt, and when in doubt, pass on the shot.
Pro Tip: The AZGFD links to Wyoming Game and Fish Department resources for bear sex identification in the field. Study these materials thoroughly before your hunt — a misidentified sow counts against the unit’s female harvest limit and can trigger an early season closure for all hunters.
Check Unit Status Every Single Day
This cannot be overstated. Hunters must check the bear hotline or AZGFD website before each day of hunting to confirm if their unit is open. Units can close mid-week with only a few days’ notice once the female harvest limit is reached. Call 1-800-970-BEAR (2327) or check the AZGFD website every morning before leaving camp.
Prepare for Physical Demands
Big country, long glassing sessions, and heavy rucks through high elevation forested canyons and mountainsides are the norm. Bear hunting is extremely difficult due to the characteristics of the animals, their feeding habits, and the unique rough terrain they live in. Train specifically for elevation gain with a loaded pack in the months before your hunt. Arizona’s mountain units regularly exceed 8,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation.
Focus on the Fall Season
About 90% of Arizona bears are taken during the fall season. The spring hunts are tough. If you are a first-time Arizona bear hunter or have limited time, plan your trip for August through October when bears are most active and food sources are concentrated. The prickly pear cactus fruit season in late summer is a particularly productive time to locate bears in lower-elevation units.
For additional hunting strategy and regulation resources across the region, see our guides on hunting laws in South Carolina, hunting laws in Indiana, and dog leash laws in Arizona if you plan to bring dogs into the field for any portion of your trip.