If you’re a buck enthusiast, Arizona’s outdoors is a treasure chest. The 2024 deer season is looking thrilling. Whitetail, mule deer- they’re all in the cards. No matter if you’re a veteran or just beginning, Arizona’s majestic scenery and bountiful wildlife set it up as a top spot for outdoor escapades.
There are different parts to the game, each unique in its own way. The start of the schedule is usually cooler, making it a bit harder but also more exciting. The middle part of the season has the best weather and the best chance of success. The end of the season often means following animals through the snow. This needs special gear and skills.
Besides guns, Arizona also gives you chances to try archery and muzzleloader seasons. These give you close-up, tough hunts that need careful aim and calm waiting. There’s also the CHAMP program in Arizona. It’s designed for people with disabilities who want to hunt.
AZ Deer Schedule for 2024
| Hunting Type | Early Season | Mid Season | Late Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | Oct 25 – Nov 3, Nov 1 – 10 | Nov 8 – 14, Nov 15 – 24 | Nov 22 – Dec 1, Nov 29 – Dec 8, Dec 13 – 31 |
| Whitetail Deer | Oct 25 – 31, Nov 1 – 7 | Nov 8 – 14 | Nov 29 – Dec 8, Dec 13 – 31 |
| Hopi Hunt | Oct 25 – Nov 3, Nov 1 – 10 | N/A | Nov 22 – Dec 1 |
| Fort Huachuca | N/A | N/A | Nov 22 – Dec 1, Dec 13 – 31 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 18 – 24, Oct 25 – 31, Oct 25 – Nov 3, Nov 1 – 7, Nov 8 – 14, Nov 15 – 21 | N/A | Dec 13 – 31 |
| Fort Huachuca (Muzzleloader) | Oct 25 – Nov 3 | N/A | Dec 13 – 31 |
| Archery-Only | Aug 23 – Sep 12 | N/A | Nov 1 – 14, Dec 13 – 31 |
| Archery Deer Nonpermit-tag | Aug 23 – Sep 12, 2024 | N/A | Dec 13 – Dec 31, 2024; Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2025 |
| CHAMP (Mobility Permit) | Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2024; Sep 20 – Sep 26, 2024 | N/A | Nov 15 – Nov 21, 2024 |
| Youth-Only General Hunts | Oct 4 – 13, Oct 11 – 14, Oct 11 – 17, Oct 11 – 20 | N/A | Nov 22 – 28, Nov 22 – Dec 1 |
| Youth-Only (Fort Huachuca) | N/A | N/A | Nov 15 – Dec 1 |
| Youth-Only Muzzleloader | Oct 4 – 13 | N/A | Nov 22 – Dec 1 |
Arizona Deer Hunting Regulations Summary
Licensing and Tags:
- Valid Hunting License Required: You need a proper hunting or combination license to do so. This doesn’t include the Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish License.
- Deer Tag Required: Gotta have ’em: Most deer hunts need a hunt permit-tag you get through a draw.
- Archery Nonpermit-Tag: Buy this from a license dealer for certain archery-only hunts. It’s good for a year and you must report your harvest.
- Youth-Only Hunts: Hunts only for those under 18. You need a real permit or tag. Must have finished hunter education within the age limits.
Legal Methods of Take:
- General Hunt: The law allows guns, air guns, crossbows, or bows and arrows (following the rules).
- Muzzleloader Hunt: You can use muzzleloaders and crossbows/bows and arrows (as per guidelines).
- Archery-Only Hunt: Only bows and arrows (as directed) or crossbows if you have a permit.
Legal Animal Definition:
- Antlered: Having a fully erupted antler (as defined in regulations).
Bag Limit:
- One (1) deer per calendar year (except under specific circumstances).
Special Regulations for Archery Deer Nonpermit-Tag:
- Good for a full year (get a fresh badge for January hunts).
- Give a quick online look or ring to find out hunt unit openings before going hunting.
- You must report every deer you’ve caught, and you must do so within two days — you can do this online or call it in.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance:
- You can now submit your deer heads for CWD testing and guess what, it’s totally free!
- They really want samples from specific areas because they’re close to states where CWD was found. They’ve even shared how to submit them right.
- You just need to keep the head cool or freeze it, and then send it in within a day. Easy right?
Importing Out-of-State Deer Parts:
- Arizona bans the entry of brains, spinal columns, or entrails.
- However, acceptable parts include:
- Boneless or packaged meat
- Clean hides and capes without skull/soft tissue
- Antlers, clean skull plates, or skulls with antlers (no meat/soft tissue)
- Finished taxidermy mounts or products (including treated antlers with velvet)
- Upper canine teeth (no meat/tissue attached)
Arizona Deer Hunting License Fees
| Species | Deer | Archery Nonpermit-Tag |
| Resident | $58 | $45 |
| Non-Resident | $315 | $300 |
| Resident Youth | $387 (Youth-Only) | – |
| Non-Resident Youth | $407 (Youth-Only) | – |
Nonpermit-Tag Fees
| Species | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Archery Deer | $45 | $300 |
Top Arizona Deer Locations
Arizona is a treasure trove for hunters, boasting a variety of places perfect for the sport. Check out some of this state’s prime deer hunting locales:
1. Black River Wildlife Area: This area is a favorite spot for hunters, majorly due to the plentiful mule deer residing there. The diversity in landscapes is a plus – from valleys, hilltops, to grasslands. This boosts their game with heightened chances of a profitable hunt.
2. Kaibab National Forest: This vast forest is home to mule deer. The Kaibab Plateau is particularly renowned for its trophy-class elk, but it also offers excellent opportunities for mule deer hunting.
3. White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands: The Tribal Lands of the White Mountain Apache offer a distinct hunting journey, prioritizing the balance of nature. Those wdho hunt here can foresee encountering mule deer in this striking and rough landscape.
4. Coronado National Forest: The broad forest allows multiple hunting options like mule and whitetail deer. Coronado National Forest’s varied landscape makes hunting both tough and satisfying.
5. Prescott National Forest: Prescott National Forest, found in the heart of Arizona, is a sanctuary for mule deer. This forest presents an array of hunting grounds. From pine forests and oak woodlands to grasslands, it offers all sorts of natural habitats.
