The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced that limited-entry hunt permit tags for big game species will be available for purchase through the Arizona draw.
The Arizona big game hunt draw will open on April 5th at 8 a.m. and close on April 11th at 5 p.m., allowing hunters to draw additional pronghorn, mule deer, elk, white-tailed deer, and permit tags. Revenue generated from the sale of these tags will help fund wildlife conservation efforts across the state.
Drawing a tag in this draw is separate from the annual draws held in February, June, and October. It does not impact bonus points or a hunter’s ability to apply for other hunts throughout the year. Any animals harvested during one of the limited-entry permit-tag sessions do not count toward annual bag limits.
Hunters interested in participating in the draw do not require a valid hunting license at the time of application. However, a hunting license will be required to receive a permit tag if drawn. Applicants can select up to seven limited-entry permit-tag hunts on one application. Hunters must submit the required license fee for each selected hunt number at the time of application.
Applicants must provide accurate contact information during the application process to ensure that hunters drawn for a limited-entry permit tag are notified promptly.
The AZGFD will contact selected applicants during the week of April 17th to collect payment before mailing the permit tag. Inaccurate information or multiple applications will result in invalid applications.
Seven limited-entry permit tags are available for big game hunting opportunities:
- Elk (any elk): August 15, 2023, to October 15, 2023. Open areas: Units 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, and 8.
- Elk (any elk): August 15, 2023, to October 15, 2023. Open areas: Units 15A, 15B, 16A, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, and 20A.
- Mule deer (antlered): August 1, 2023, to September 10, 2023. Open areas: Units 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B.
- Mule deer (antlered): August 1, 2023, to September 10, 2023. Open areas: Units 28, 31, 32, 37A, and 37B.
- White-tailed deer (antlered): August 1, 2023, to September 10, 2023. Open areas: Units 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33,
Elk, pronghorn, and deer hunts are general seasons. Legal hunting methods include pre-charged pneumatic weapons, firearms, bows and arrows, or crossbows, as described in Arizona hunting regulations. The application fee is $13 for Arizona residents and $15 for non-residents.
As a reminder, all hunters must have completed a hunter education course and possess a valid hunting license to participate in any Arizona hunt.
