Arizona Bow Hunting: Desert Mule Deer & Elk Guide
📅 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
Elk, Mule Deer, Turkey
Arizona's best elk hunting. Unit 1 produces consistent 300+ inch bulls for bowhunters.
Kaibab National Forest
Mule Deer, Elk, Turkey
Famous for giant mule deer. Draw-required but worth the wait — record class bucks.
Coronado National Forest
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
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Arizona Bowhunting FAQ
Does Arizona have over-the-counter archery tags?
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.
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.