AZGFD Hunting Calendar February 2022

February 2022 Hunting Calendar

Compiled By Margie Anderson

Make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to hunt! Keep an eye on the Arizona Game and Fish website at azgfd.gov so you know when the latest regulation booklets are available. Applications are only online now. Don’t miss out!

YOU CAN APPLY FOR 2022 ELK AND PRONGHORN UNTIL FEBRUARY 8, 2022, 11:59:59 PM MST. APPLY ONLINE. YOU MUST HAVE A LICENSE THAT IS VALID ON DEADLINE DAY – FEB 8.

Draw deadlines for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison, and sandhill crane will be the second Tuesday in June, pending commission approval.

Draw deadlines for spring javelina, spring bear, spring turkey, and spring bison will be the second Tuesday in October pending commission approval.

You can buy tickets for the Big Game Raffle now at http://www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com

Tickets range in price from $10-$25. Winners of the AZ Special Tags have the opportunity to hunt year-round for the species they won. There are many other great prizes as well, so be sure to check it out.

2021-22 Fees:

General Hunting, resident: $37; Non-resident: not available see combination

Combination Hunt and fish, resident: $57; Non-resident: $160

Youth combination hunt and fish (ages 10-17), resident: $5 Non-resident: $5

Short-term combination license, resident: $15/day, Non-resident: $20/day

There are also fees for permit-tags and nonpermit-tags. See the 2021-2022 Hunting Regulations at http://www.azgfd.com for details. Watch for the 2022-2023 regulations to come out in early summer/late spring.

Report Vandalism: 1-800-VANDALS

Report poachers: Operation Game Thief 800-352-0700 rewards for information that results in an arrest.

Be sure to check the hunting regulations carefully before you hunt. Many of the following hunts have notes and legal requirements listed. You must check the regulations. Pick up a paper copy at outdoor stores, Game and Fish offices, or go online at http://www.azgfd.com and click on regulations to download the booklet. “Open areas” have restrictions beyond what is listed here. ALL HUNTS require a valid hunting license or combination license. Hunters under 10 need a license or they must be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid license. Falconry-only hunts require a Sport Falconry License. See regulations for daily limits and bag limits. This calendar is for convenience only. You must read and follow the hunting regulations found in the booklets and pamphlets available at http://www.azgfd.com and at retailers where licenses are sold.

Mountain Lion: Aug 21,2021 – May 31, 2022 This hunt is held by zone, with zones having annual harvest limits. Seasons vary by zone. When the limit is reached, the hunt is over in that zone. You must call to report kills or check hunts before going hunting. There are also archery and pursuit-only tags available. See regulations for details on weapons, fees, zones, etc.

SMALL GAME:

Tassel-eared tree squirrel Unit 31: year-round.

Cottontail Rabbityear-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges, and 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M. Any cottontail.

Cottontail rabbit in Buenos Aires, and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuges:Jul 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 (year-round) any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Cibola, Havasu, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges: Sept 1, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022 any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: Oct 15, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022 any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge: Oct 15, 2021 – Feb 24, 2022. Any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit limited weapon (shotgun shooting shot):year-round. Open areas except National Wildlife Refuges) any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit limited weapon shotgun shooting shot San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge and Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge: Sept 1, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022

Falconry-only cottontail rabbit: year-round. Open areas except National Wildlife Refuges any cottontail rabbit.

PREDATORY AND FUR-BEARING MAMMALS

Coyote and skunk: year-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M.

Coyote and skunk Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge: year-round

Coyote, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge: year-round

Coyote and skunk Kofa and Imperial Wildlife Refuges: Oct 15 2021 – Feb 6, 2022.

Raccoon, bobcat, foxes, ringtail, weasel, and badger Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: Aug 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022.

Coyote, skunks, raccoon, bobcat, gray fox, ringtail, and badger Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge Aug 20, 2021 – Feb 24, 2022

Coyote in 4A, 4B north of I-40, 5A,5A, 5B, 8, 10, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 16A, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 20A, 31, 32, 42, and 44A: Dec 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022

Bobcats and foxes Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Aug 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Coyote and skunk limited weapon (shotgun shooting shot): year-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Raccoon, bobcat, foxes, ringtail, weasel, and badgerlimited weapon (shotgun shooting shot): Aug 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

OTHER BIRDS AND MAMMALS

House sparrow and European starling: year-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M.

Coati: Sep 1, 2021 - Mar 31, 2022Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M.

Coati, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: Sept 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Coati, Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge: Sept 1, 2021 – Feb 24, 2022

Gunnison’s prairie dog: July 1, 2021 – Mar 31, 2022Open areas north of the Gila River excluding National Wildlife Refuges, and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M)

All mammals EXCEPT game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, predatory mammals, bats, coati, black-footedferret, New Mexico jumping mouse, Gunnison’s prairie dog, black-tailed prairie dog, jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot, otter, porcupine and wolves: year-round. Open areas Statewide (excluding National Wildlife Refuges, Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M)

Jackrabbit Open Areas statewide including Buenos Aires and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife refuges, excluding all other Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M: year-round

Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge: Aug 20, 2021 – Feb 24, 2022.

Limited weapon (shotgun shooting shot) English house sparrows and European starling: year-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Limited weapon (shotgun shooting shot) Gunnison’s prairie dog Unit 11M: year-round.

Limited weapon (shotgun shooting shot) All mammals EXCEPT game mammals, furbearing mammals, predatory mammals, bats, coati, black-footedferret, New Mexico jumping mouse, Gunnison’s prairie dog, black-tailed prairie dog, jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot, otter, porcupine and wolves: year-round. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Falconry-only seasons for Sparrows and Starlings, crow, coati, Gunnison’s Prairie Dog, others: see regulations.

PHEASANT HUNTING see azgfd.gov for info on where to hunt pheasants in AZ and limits.

Falconry-only pheasant: Sept 13, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges. Any pheasant.

QUAIL HUNTING see regulations for limits and notes

Gambels, Scaled, and California quail: Oct 15,2021 – Feb 6, 2022. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Gambels, Scaled, and California quailBill Williams River, Cabeza Prieta, Cibola, Havasu, Imperial, Kofa, Leslie Canyon, and San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuges:Oct 15, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022.

Mearns’ quail: Dec 3, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022 Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Falconry-only quail: Sept 1, 2021 – March 3, 2022Open areas Statewide (excluding National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M) Any quail

Falconry-only quail 25M, 26M, and 38M: Jul 1, 2021 – Mar 31, 2022 Any quail.

Eurasian collared doves may be hunted year round with no daily bag or possession limits.

Chukar Partridge Sept 1, 2021 - Feb 6, 2022. Any chukar. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

WATERFOWL AND SNIPE HUNTERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ARIZONA MIGRATORY BIRD STAMP AND A FEDERAL DUCK STAMP IN ADDITION TO THEIR HUNTING LICENSE. You can get an Arizona stamp where you buy your license. The Federal Duck Stamp is available at outdoor retailers, many national wildlife refuges, the Post Office, and online through Amplex at http://www.duckstamp.com. Call stores and post offices to make sure they sell them before you go.

WATERFOWL AND SNIPE

Ducks including mergansers, coots, common moorhens, including white geese (snow, blue, and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted), excluding scaup:

Youth-only waterfowl:

Desert Zone: Feb 5, 2021 – Feb 6, 2022

Falconry-only waterfowl:

Desert Zone: Feb 1, 2022 – Feb 4, 2022

(see regulations for definitions of Desert and Mountain zones)

sandhill crane hunting is by permit only. Hunts are in November and December. Apply online in spring/summer.

REPTILES A hunting or combination license is required for taking reptiles. A Fishing or combination license is required for taking softshell turtles. See regulations booklet for list of legal reptiles and taking methods.

General Reptiles: year-round – see regulations for areas, limits, and closed areas.

BIG GAME HUNTING: see regulations for information on hunts and dates. Big game hunting is by permit only. To see draw odds go to http://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/surveydata/

DEER HUNTING We have two kinds of deer: Coues’ whitetail and mule deer. Hunting is by permit only. Resident permit tags are $58, non-resident $315. Apply online watch for fall 2022 regulations to become available in summer.Hunts vary in length and are in October, November, and December. Specialty hunts include archery, muzzleloader, CHAMP (Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit), and youth hunts. There are also archery-only non-permit tags that can be bought over the counter. See the regulations for information about those permits.

Archery-only non permit-tag deer seasons are January 1 – 15, and Jan 1 – 31, 2022 depending on unit. See the 2022 Spring Regulations for details.

ANTELOPESeasons vary by unit and are in August and September. Antelope hunting is by permit-tag only. Deadline for permit applications is usually late January or early February. Watch for the regulation booklet to become available.

BIGHORN SHEEPSheep tags are notoriously hard to get. Apply online. Season dates vary and fall in October through December. See regulations booklet when it comes out.

TURKEYFall turkey season is in October. Apply online. Archery-only non-permit tags are available and the hunts are in late August to mid-September. See regulations.

Spring Turkey Hunts vary by unit and occur in April and May.See the spring regulations for details.Applications are accepted in fall – watch for the Spring Regulations booklet to come out during the summer.

Archery-only nonpermit-tag required Turkey is May 6 – May 19, 2022, in 1, 4A, 4B, 6A, 12A, 23, and 27 for bearded Merriam’s turkey only.

Youth-only nonpermit-tag required shotgun only spring turkey: April 15-April 21, 2022, and May 6 – May 19, 2022. Open area is Unit 33 south and east of Redington Road. Bearded turkey only.

BEARGeneral Bear seasons are August – December.

You can buy a non-permit tag for bear over the counter. Seasons vary by unit and units close when the quota is reached. You are responsible to call and report kills and also call before hunting to make sure the unit is still open. See regulations for details. There are also archery-only non-permit tags and those hunts are in late August through September. There is an annual limit to female bear harvests in each area. See the regulations for info.

Spring bear hunts are during March – May. Archery is May – July. Applications are being accepted through October 13, 2020. Tags will be mailed out by December 4. See the spring regulations for details.

JAVELINA

Spring Javelina seasons are in January, February, and March. Permit applications were accepted in the fall of 2021. You need to watch for the Spring Regulations Booklet to be available online in the fall.

Archery-only nonpermit-tag required Javelinain unit 26M are Jan 1- Feb 24, 2022, and Dec 9 – 31, 2022. Any javelina.

ELKSeasons vary by unit and are in September – December. Non-permit tags are also available and applications are generally in January.

BISONSeasons vary in length and are in November and December. There are also limited opportunity permits for general, muzzleloader, and archery. Those hunts also vary in length and are in late August – December, and January, February, March, April, June, and July 2022. See regulations.

Spring bison hunts are in January, April-June, July, and August, depending on unit. Applications are accepted in the fall for the next spring. Tags are mailed out late in the year..

Mountain Lion Aug 20, 2021 – May 31, 2022 Statewide excluding National Wildlife Refuges, Mohave County Park Lands, and units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M. Any lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spotted kittens.

Archery-only mountain lion Aug 20, 2021 – May 31, 2022 Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M. Any lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spotted kittens.

Pursuit-only mountain lion Aug 20, 2020 – May 31, 2022Statewide excluding National Wildlife Refuges, Mohave County Park Lands, and units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M. Any lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spotted kittens.

See the regulations for mountain lion harvest limits. When the harvest limit is reached, that unit will close to hunting. You are responsible for checking online at http://www.azgfd.gov/lionhunting or call 1-877-438-0447 before hunting to find out if management zones are closed.

NONPERMIT TAGS – PURCHASE OVER THE COUNTER

Archery Turkey

Youth-only turkey

Bear

Mountain lion

Archery Javelina

Elk

Archery deer

Bobcat seal (for sale or export)

See the regulations for information on these non-permit tags and prices.

POPULATION MANAGEMENT HUNTS

To be put in the hunter pool for population management hunts, fill out the form found in the regulations. You need to re-submit every year.For 2022, the printing deadline for the regulations booklet resulted in an error. On page 59 you will find the application for the management hunts, and the expiration date says Dec. 31, 2021. Per Game and Fish, just cross that out and write in “Dec. 31, 2022”.