October Hunting Calendar for Arizona

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 online only starting in January 2022. Don’t miss out!

The 2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations were posted online in early May at http://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/.

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

CHANGES TO POINTGUARD

• For $25, an applicant will have the opportunity to surrender a hunt permit-tag and have their bonus points reinstated for all eligible big game species for three consecutive draw cycles from the date of purchase.

• PointGuard Plus can be purchased from the time of completing an online application, right up to the deadline to update credit card or debit card information (prior to AZGFD processing hunt applications). The fee is non-refundable.

• Those who purchase PointGuard Plus will receive priority positioning for the reissuing of hunt permit-tags that are surrendered by PointGuard members and non-members alike.

• A free AZGFD portal account is not required to purchase PointGuard Plus. A portal account is still needed for those applicants wishing to view their draw results, however.

• PointGuard Plus is completely discretionary.

And PointGuard?

• Like PointGuard Plus, standard PointGuard is available to all applicants when applying online for a hunt permit-tag.

• PointGuard is $10 per species (an increase of $5), per applicant, and also can be purchased from the time of completing an online application until the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. The fee is non-refundable.

• Only one hunt permit-tag may be surrendered, per species. If an applicant is drawn in the future for that particular species, that hunt-permit tag must be used, expending all accumulated bonus points. Only then may an applicant participate again in PointGuard (and PointGuard Plus).

• A free AZGFD portal account is not required to purchase PointGuard. A portal account is still needed for those applicants wishing to view their draw results, however.

• PointGuard is completely discretionary.

2022-23 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

You can now auto-renew your hunting and fishing license if you have an AZGFD portal account. See the details at azgfd.com.

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

Over the Counter Non-Permit Tags

There are many opportunities to go hunting that do not require hunters to submit an application for a hunt permit-tag via the Draw.

Referred to as over-the-counter tags, these permits are available for purchase from department offices and in many cases from license dealers.

Species and hunts available are: archery-only deer (some unit restrictions); limited opportunity elk; mountain lion; bear; archery-only javelina and juniors-only turkey (shotgun only).

Arizona’s over-the-counter, nonpermit-tag archery deer hunting opportunity will continue for the 2022-2023 hunts, but harvest limits have been set by unit and by species.

This approach is in accordance with hunt guidelines (www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Guidelines/) approved April 1, 2022, by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Harvest limits were set at 20 percent of the estimated harvest for a unit and species. Failure to report a harvest, as well as hunting in a closed unit, will be strictly enforced.

All over-the-counter archery deer hunters will be required to report their harvest either online or by phone within 48 hours of taking their deer (details in the 2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet). When the number of deer equaling the archery deer harvest limit for a particular unit and species has been reported, the unit will be closed to further archery deer hunting at sundown the Wednesday immediately following.

Hunters will be responsible for checking online or by telephone before hunting to determine if their desired hunt unit is still open. The department’s website will be updated continuously to reflect the number of deer harvested and whether a harvest limit has been reached and a unit is closed.

The 2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations will be posted online in early May at http://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/.

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.

HUNTS OPEN IN OCTOBER:

Mountain Lion: Aug 19,2022 – May 31, 2023 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:year-round any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Cibola, Havasu, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges: Sept 1, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023 any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: Oct 14, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023 any cottontail rabbit.

Cottontail rabbit in Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge: Aug 19, 2022 – Feb 23, 2023. 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, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023

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 14 2022 – Feb 12, 2023.

Raccoon, bobcat, foxes, ringtail, weasel, and badger Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: Aug 1, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023.

Coyote, skunks, raccoon, bobcat, gray fox, ringtail, and badger Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge Aug 19, 2022 – Mar 2, 2023

Bobcats and foxes Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Aug 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

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, 2022 – March 31, 2023 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.

Crow 1, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11M, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19B (excluding National Wildlife Refuges): Sept 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022

Coati: Sep 1, 2022 - Mar 31, 2023Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M.

Coati, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: Sept 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

Coati, Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge: Sept 1, 2022 – Feb 23, 2023

Gunnison’s prairie dog: July 1, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023Open 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 19, 2022 – Feb 23, 2023.

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.

Archery-only Pheasant Oct 14, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023 Open areas statewide excluding National Wildlife Refuges. Any Pheasant.

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 14,2022 – Feb 12, 2023. 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 14, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023.

Mearns’ quail: Dec 2, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023 Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Falconry-only quail: Sept 1, 2022 – March 3, 2023Open areas Statewide (excluding National Wildlife Refuges and Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M) Any quail

Falconry-only quail 25M, 26M, and 38M: Jul 1, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023 Any quail.

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

Chukar Partridge Sept 1, 2022 - Feb 12, 2023. Any chukar. Open areas statewide except National Wildlife Refuges.

Dusky GrouseSept 1 – Nov 6, 2022 Open areas statewide excluding National Wildlife Refuges and Unit 31.

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:

General Waterfowl:

Oct 23, 2022 – Jan 31, 2023, Desert Zone: Those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 46B.

Oct 7, 2022 – Jan 15, 2023, Mountain Zone: units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and the portions of units 6 and 8 within Coconino County.

Scaup: Mountain Zone Oct 22, 2020 – Jan 15, 2023. See regulations for mountain zone boundaries.

SNIPE: (see waterfowl for definitions of Desert and Mountain zones)

Desert Zone: Oct 23, 2022 – Jan 31, 2023.

Mountain Zone: Oct 7, 2022 – Jan 15, 2023.

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.

There are also some non-permit hunts that may be open. See below.

PERMIT-ONLY AND NONPERMIT BIG GAME HUNTS:

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

BIG GAME HUNTING: see regulations for information on hunts and dates. Most 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.

Nonpermit-tag required Spring Bear starts March 18 and ends depending on the unit. See Spring Regulations booklet for details and harvest limits.

Archery-only spring bear (permit required, apply in fall) is April 29-July 31, 2022. See regulations for details and harvest limits.

Archery-only nonpermit-tag required Spring Bear is March 18 – Apr 28, 2022 for 3B, 3C, and 33. See Spring Regulations booklet for details and harvest limits.

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.

General nonpermit-tag required javelina Jan 1 – Dec 31, 202239, 40B excluding Pima County, 41, 43A, and 43B excluding National Wildlife Refuges. See 2022-23 regulations for exclusions and regulations.

Archery-only nonpermit-tag required Javelina hunts Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2022 for 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A north, 7, 9, and 11M. 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”.