When is the Coues whitetail archery season in Arizona?

Arizona's Coues whitetail archery season typically runs from late December through mid-January, coinciding with the peak rut. This is one of the best bowhunts in the Southwest — bulls and bucks are actively seeking does, making them vulnerable to calling and decoying.

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Compound Bow Hunting in Arizona — Desert Mule Deer, Elk & Coues Whitetail

Mule DeerCoues WhitetailElkAntelopeJavelina

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

August 21

Archery Season Close

December 31

Min Draw Weight

35 lbs

Resident License

$37/yr

Non-Resident License

$160/yr

Top Species

Mule Deer, Coues Whitetail, Elk, Antelope, Javelina

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

2,000,000 acres

Elk, Mule Deer, Turkey

Arizona's best elk hunting. Unit 1 produces consistent 300+ inch bulls for bowhunters.

Kaibab National Forest

1,600,000 acres

Mule Deer, Elk, Turkey

Famous for giant mule deer. Draw-required but worth the wait — record class bucks.

Coronado National Forest

1,780,000 acres

Coues Whitetail, Mule Deer

Southern AZ mountains. January Coues whitetail rut is spectacular for bowhunters.

⚖️ Arizona Archery Regulations

•Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
•Most big game requires draw tag — apply by early spring
•Javelina and some deer units available OTC
•Crossbows allowed during archery season for disabled hunters only

💡 Expert Tips for Arizona

→Arizona's draw system is point-based — start applying now even if you don't plan to hunt for years
→Coues whitetail in January is one of North America's most underrated bowhunts
→Early archery elk (late August) coincides with the rut — bulls are vocal and aggressive
→Desert mule deer in November/December can be stalked in open terrain — requires skill

⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with the Arizona state wildlife agency before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Arizona Bowhunting FAQ

Arizona offers OTC (over-the-counter) archery tags for javelina statewide. Some deer and elk units also have archery-only OTC tags, but most premium units require the draw. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for current unit-by-unit OTC availability.