Mule Deer OTC early season archery 2026

Big Game

Big game hunting in Arizona is primarily managed through a lottery draw system for tags. The major big game species include Elk, Mule deer, White-tailed deer (Coues deer), Pronghorn antelope, Black bear, Mountain lion, Javelina, and Turkey. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) conducts multiple draw cycles each year: one in winter for elk and pronghorn (application deadline in early February) and another in summer for deer, bighorn sheep, fall turkey, fall bison, and others (deadline in early June).

Arizona uses a bonus point system to improve odds for frequent applicants – each year you are unsuccessful, you earn points that give you extra chances in future draws.

Non-resident hunters are limited to a maximum of 10% of tags for each hunt or species in these draws. Arizona ensures at least 90% of tags go to residents, making non-resident tags competitive.

While most big game tags are via draw, Arizona does offer a few over-the-counter (OTC) opportunities, primarily for archery Deer and Elk hunters, also Mountain Lion and Black bear. Javelina and Turkey have both draw hunts and some OTC opportunities (primarily leftover tags). OTC tags are available online or through vendors.

Big game tags in Arizona come with a tag attached to your license.

Small Game

Small game and upland bird hunting in Arizona is generally accessible over the counter with the appropriate license and, for certain species, state stamps.

Arizona’s small game includes upland birds, tree squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and waterfowl (ducks, geese), as well as predators/furbearers (coyotes, etc). A valid Arizona hunting license allows you to hunt small game; there is no special small-game permit needed for residents or non-residents beyond the license itself. Seasons for small game are set annually.

For migratory game birds (doves, ducks, geese, coots, snipe, etc.), Arizona hunters need to obtain a state Migratory Bird Stamp in addition to their license. Waterfowl hunters must also have a Federal Duck Stamp. The state also requires HIP (Harvest Information Program) participation.

Documents that you need for hunting in Arizona:

• Arizona Hunting License (Annual) – Required for anyone age 10 or older to hunt any wildlife in AZ
• Big Game Tag/Permit – for draw hunts, your drawn permit-tag issued by AZGFD; for OTC hunts (e.g. archery deer, bear, mountain lion), you must purchase the<br/>nonpermit-tag before hunting. That tag must be carried and attached to the animal upon harvest.
• State Migratory Bird Stamp (Arizona), Federal Duck Stamp & HIP for wingshooting hunts
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

Children under 10 years old may hunt small game in Arizona without a license, as long as they are accompanied by a licensed adult 18 or older. However, no one under age 10 may hunt big game in Arizona and all hunters under 14 must be accompanied by an adult when hunting.

Links to Read More Information

• Arizona Game & Fish – azgfd.com