Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2008-2009

              www.azgfd.gov
Hunt information for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall
buffalo, fall bear and mountain lion.
To report violators, call the Department’s Operation Game Thief line: (800) 352-0700.
This booklet includes annual regulations for all statewide hunting of big game,
small game, other huntable wildlife and trapping.
Use this booklet to apply for the 2008 fall big game drawing. This information
applies to hunting seasons from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Hunt permit application deadline is Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 7 p.m. MST.
The online service is not available. Only use paper applications. Hunt permit
applications can be submitted by mail or at any department office.
Arizona Game and Fish Department
2008-09 Arizona Hunting
and Trapping Regulations
Greetings Arizona Sportsmen and Women,
I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to
introduce the 2008-09 Hunting and Trapping regulations
to all of you. As you may know, I was recently appointed
as Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department by
the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. My predecessor,
Duane Shroufe, was Director of the agency for almost 20
years and under his leadership the Department has been
able to provide a wide variety of hunting opportunities
over the years. I look forward to working with the Arizona
Game and Fish Commission and all of the our supporters
to ensure that the Arizona Game and Fish Department
continues to provide the same exciting opportunities to
our sportsmen and women in the future with a continued
focus on hunter recruitment and retention.
The Department has maintained its focus on the future
of hunting and continues to ensure that we responsibly
manage Arizona’s wildlife resources in perpetuity for all
citizens to enjoy. Continued adherance to the principles
of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
continues to be a priority for the Department and while
doing so, the Department will continue to provide
the outstanding hunt opportunities you have become
accustomed to. As you all know, every time an individual
purchases a hunting or fishing license, permit or tag,
or purchases sporting arms and ammunition and other
equipment, they are contributing to the conservation of
wildlife. Of course, the beneficiaries of this conservation
effort are all of the citizenry, whether they are consumptive
or non-consumptive users of the resource. Without your
contributions and support, wildlife management would
not be as it is today.
I am excited about the hunting opportunities that the
Department is providing to our constituents this year and
am grateful for the support that all sportsmen and women
and all other conservation partners lend to the continued
management of the wildlife resources of Arizona. Thanks
again and good luck.
Larry D. Voyles, Director
From the Director’s Desk
2008-09 Hunting Regulations
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT MISSION
To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife
resources and habitats through aggressive protection and
management programs, and to provide wildlife resources
and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation
for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and
future generations.
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
William H. McLean, Chair — Gold Canyon
Bob Hernbrode — Tucson
Jennifer L. Martin — Phoenix
Robert R. Woodhouse – Roll
Michael M. Golightly — Flagstaff
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov
Larry D. Voyles, Director
Steve K. Ferrell, Deputy Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Mike Senn — Field Operations
Bob Broscheid — Wildlife Management
Harry Seck — Special Services
Ty Gray — Information and Education
REGIONAL OFFICES
REGION I
2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935
(928) 367-4281
REGION II
3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86001
(928) 774-5045
REGION III
5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 86409
(928) 692-7700
REGION IV
9140 E. 28th Street, Yuma 85365
(928) 342-0091
REGION V
555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson 85745
(520) 628-5376
REGION VI
7200 E. University Drive, Mesa 85207
(480) 981-9400
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national
origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If
anyone believes that they have been discriminated against
in any of the AZGFD’s programs or activities, including its
employment practices, the individual may file a complaint
alleging discrimination directly with the AZGFD Deputy
Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086,
(602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N.
Fairfax Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203.
If you require this document in an alternative
format, please contact the AZGFD Deputy
Director as listed above or by calling TTY at
1 (800) 367-8939. •
Changes for 2008-2009
This list is for informational purposes only and lists the major changes that have oc-curred
since publication of the last regulations booklet. Individuals should thoroughly
read and understand the appropriate regulations prior to making application or go-ing
afield. If you have questions, please call (602) 942-3000.
Legal Requirements Remember to read the Legal Requirements box at the beginning
of each species. Information includes: license, hunt number and hunt tag requirements;
legal methods of take; legal animal definitions; bag limits and more.
Fall Turkey The legal method of take for all fall turkey hunts is Shotgun Shooting
Shot (see pages 24 and 42).
Juniors Only Fall Turkey Tags for these hunts are nonpermit-tags and can only be
purchased at Department offices (see page 24).
Fall Javelina All fall javelina hunts are designated Juniors Only (see page 25).
Javelina Bonus Point Application Although all fall 2008 javelina hunts are for Ju-niors
Only seasons, the bonus point only hunt number is available to all applicants. If
you would like to purchase a bonus point for javelina and are eligible for a big game
draw, you are eligible to apply for this bonus point hunt number. If you select the
bonus point number on your application, do not apply for any other hunt numbers
on your application. The bonus point number is 5000 as listed in the youth section
on page 25.
Archery Deer Tags for archery deer hunts in units (1, 3A/3C, 7, 12A, 12B, 13A and
13B) are now only issued through the draw process (see page 37). If you receive an
archery deer tag through the draw, you do not come under mandatory archery deer
harvest reporting requirements. However, you will receive a hunter questionnaire in
the mail. Please return your questionnaire.
Prairie Dog Hunting is closed in Units 29, 30A, 30B, 34A, 34B, 35A and 35B. Refer
to Commission Order 14: Other Birds and Mammals (see page 65).
Bear Annual Female Harvest Limit An annual female harvest limit applies to all
bear units. Refer to Commission Order 9: Bear (see page 49).
Season Dates Overlap Be aware that Juniors-Only javelina seasons overlap with
some Juniors-Only deer seasons.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations
Phone Numbers
Want To Know If You Were Drawn?
Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s automat-ed
service at (602) 942-3000. Press 2 and follow voice
prompts. You must provide your Department ID Number
and month and day of birth (00/00). This service is free of
charge (long distance charges may apply). Refer to page
18 for important dates.
Main Number: (602) 942-3000
Choose 1 for known extension or name
Choose 2 for Draw and Bonus Points
Choose 4 for a list of services
General Information
Wildlife News (623) 236-7700
Weekly Fishing Report (623) 236-7701
Leftover Permits (623) 236-7702
Report a Game or Fish Violation
1 (800) 352-0700
Report Vandalism or Livestock Depredation
1 (800) VANDALS (826-3257)
Mandatory Harvest Reporting of:
Bear 1 (800) 970-BEAR (2327)
Lion 1 (877) 438-0447
Archery Deer 1 (866) 903-DEER (3337)
Table of Contents
Getting Started, License and Fee Information .........6
Definitions........................................................................7
North American Model..................................................8
Ethics...............................................................................10
License and Tag Fees....................................................12
Draw Information .........................................................14
Application.....................................................................16
Important Dates............................................................18
Youth Opportunities ....................................................19
Juniors-Only Hunts.......................................................22
Hunter Education ..........................................................30
Big Game Seasons ........................................................33
Deer................................................................................34
Turkey.............................................................................42
Bighorn Sheep...............................................................44
Buffalo............................................................................47
Bear.................................................................................48
Mountain Lion...............................................................51
Population Management..............................................55
Small Game and Other Wildlife Seasons ...............59
Tree Squirrel..................................................................59
Cottontail Rabbit...........................................................61
Predatory and Fur-bearing Mammals........................63
Other Birds and Mammals...........................................65
Pheasant.........................................................................67
Quail................................................................................69
Chukar Partridge...........................................................71
Blue Grouse...................................................................72
Trapping..........................................................................73
Maps ................................................................................75
More Information to Know Before You Go ...........82
Where, When and How You Can Hunt......................82
Operation Game Thief..................................................86
Off-Highway Vehicles...................................................87
Clinics, Raffles and Partnerships.................................88
Stamp Forms..................................................................89
Laws, Rules and Legal Methods of Take ................92
Index ..............................................................................116
Did You Know?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is collecting pho-tos
of hunters in the field in Arizona with their take. Your
photo may end up in a Department publication. Send your
high-resolution digital submissions to hhougham@azgfd.
gov. Or mail photos to Heidi Hougham, IEPB, Arizona
Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway,
Phoenix, AZ 85086.
On the Cover:
Luke Bumstead with a javelina and Ashley Artiby with a mule
deer.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations
Welcome to hunting in Arizona. If you don’t know where
you want to hunt, what you need, or even what you can
hunt in Arizona, this section is for you. It is designed to
help NEW hunters get started. Following is some basic in-formation
you should consider while planning your hunt.
The best way for all hunters to prepare themselves to hunt
in Arizona is take a Department-sponsored hunter educa-tion
course (see page 30).
❑ Step 1. Where to Start
1. What animal(s) can you hunt?
• Small game: cottontail rabbit, tree squirrel, migratory game
birds, and upland game birds like quail.
• Big game: black bear, bighorn sheep, buffalo, deer (mule and
white-tailed), elk, javelina, mountain lion, pronghorn antelope,
and turkey.
• Predator/furbearer: coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcat,
ringtail, weasel, and badgers.
• Other birds and mammals.
2. Do you have a hunting license?
To hunt in Arizona, a license is required. Check out page 12 for a list
of our hunting permit and license fees. You can purchase licenses,
tags, and/or stamps from any of our 340 license dealers (informa-tion
is online at www.azgfd.gov), or Department offices statewide
(see page 3 for office locations). For children ages 10-17, see Youth
Opportunities, page 19.
3. Did you validate your license?
You must first sign your license. For some species you must also
purchase a stamp or stamp privilege for the license to be valid. You
will need a tag in addition to a valid license to hunt big game, sand-hill
cranes, and pheasants. You must also sign all tags before going
afield for them to be valid.
❑ Step 2. Where/When to Hunt
1. Where do you want to hunt?
Arizona is divided into Game Management Units (GMU or unit) com-posed
of state, federal, military, and private land. Review the GMU
maps and boundary descriptions (pages 75-81), and the “Where
you can hunt section” (page 82) for more information.
2. When do you want to hunt?
There are several different seasons in which you can hunt a species.
Go to individual species to determine their seasons.
❑ Step 3. “To Apply or not to Apply?”
1. Don’t Apply.
For most small game species, and all predator/furbearer and oth-er
birds and mammals you simply need a license and any required
validations (for example: stamps) to hunt.
There are also several big game species that you may pursue sim-ply
by purchasing an over-the-counter nonpermit-tag in addition
to your license. These hunts include archery turkey, mountain lion,
fall bear and some archery deer. Over the counter archery deer,
mountain lion, buffalo, bear and bighorn sheep have mandatory
reporting requirements, so check the information on the corre-sponding
Commission Order.
2. Apply.
Permits for most big game species, sandhill crane, and pheasant are
issued through a hunt drawing. If interested in hunting any of these
species, you must apply for a tag in a drawing; refer to page 12 in
this booklet or the appropriate supplement for specific information.
The sample application form on page 16 will help you to apply for
both a tag and license. Follow the instructions on the sample form
and DON’T forget to include your correct fee(s).
❑ Step 4. Do Your Homework
1. Common violations
Before you go hunting we recommend you read page 92 to be
aware of the most common violations. Also, take a look at the Ar-izona
laws and rules beginning on page 96 to learn what you can
and can’t do in Arizona. If you are witness to a violation please call
our Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700 to report the
violation. You may be eligible for a cash reward.
2. Care/transport information
Before you go in the field, review our laws and rules to understand
requirements to possess and transport wildlife after your hunt. Gen-erally,
you need to keep your license on your person and your tag
affixed to your carcass at all times during transport. The Department
has information available to properly care for your wildlife (see page
3 for regional office locations and phone numbers).
3. You’re on your way!
These are just some basic steps to help you start your first hunt.
Please read through the rest of the hunting and trapping regula-tions
to better familiarize yourself with hunting in Arizona. If this
section fails to answer your questions, contact any Arizona Game
and Fish office or visit our Web site www.azgfd.gov.
Getting Started Checklist
Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees
Definitions
Big Game: Any of the following species: mule deer, white-tailed deer,
pronghorn antelope, elk, turkey, javelina, bear, bighorn sheep, buffalo
and mountain lion. All species require a hunt permit-tag, except for ar-chery
turkey, juniors turkey, fall bear, mountain lion and some archery
deer; these species require a nonpermit-tag.
Big Game Drawing: A random computerized lottery drawing to de-termine
issuance of hunt permit-tags. Three separate draws occur each
year for various species.
Bonus Point: An accumulated credit that authorizes the Department
to issue a Big Game Drawing applicant additional computer-generated
random numbers during a draw.
Commission Order: A document adopted by the Commission that
does any or all of the following: open, close, or alter seasons and open
areas for taking wildlife; specify wildlife that may or may not be taken;
set bag or possession limits for wildlife; or set the number of permits
available for a hunt.
Department ID: A number used to identify the hunter by name and
address, and to accumulate bonus points. A hunter may designate
their social security number or a Department issued, computer-gen-erated
number.
Game Management Unit: An area established by the Commission
for management purposes, commonly referred to as GMU or Unit (see
maps on pages 75-81, and boundary definitions on page 101).
Genus: A major category in the classification of animals and plants rank-ing
above the Species level and below the Family level.
HAM: Designates weapon type as handgun, archery, or muzzleloader.
Hunt Area: A game management unit (GMU or unit), portion of a unit,
or group of units that is open to hunting by a particular hunt number.
Hunt Number: The number assigned by Commission Order to a hunt
where a limited number of hunt permit-tags is available. The hunt num-ber
will specify species, dates, boundaries of the hunt area, weapon
type, number of available permits, legal wildlife, and who may hunt.
Hunt numbers are assigned for any species where hunt permit-tags are
issued through a drawing.
Hunt Permit-tag: A tag for a hunt in which a Commission Order has
assigned a hunt number. The number of tags is limited by the Commis-sion
Order and may only be obtained through a random drawing. A
hunt permit-tag along with a license authorizes an individual to hunt a
designated species during the designated hunt.
Hunter Pool: A computerized database comprised of individuals wish-ing
to be considered for a restricted nonpermit-tag when a supplemental
hunt is authorized. Entry into the hunter pool consists of completing an
application (page 54) and submitting it along with the application fee
to the Department.
License Dealer: A business authorized to sell Arizona hunting, fishing,
and other licenses and stamps.
Nonpermit-tag: A tag for a hunt in which a Commission Order does not
assign a hunt number and the number of tags is not limited (over-the-counter
tag). A nonpermit-tag along with a license authorizes a hunter
to hunt certain game species. A nonpermit-tag may be purchased at De-partment
offices or from licensed dealers.
Muzzleloading Handgun: A firearm intended to be fired from the
hand, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single barrel and
single chamber, loaded through the muzzle with black powder or syn-thetic
black powder, and a single projectile.
Muzzleloading Rifle: A firearm intended to be fired from the shoul-der,
incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single barrel and
single chamber, loaded through the muzzle with black powder or syn-thetic
black powder, and a single projectile.
Resident: A person who has been a bona fide resident of the state of
Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application
for a license or a tag or a member of the armed forces who has been
stationed in Arizona for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the
date of application for a license or a tag.
Restricted Nonpermit-tag: A tag issued for a supplemental hunt.
Season: The legally established time a species can be hunted.
Small Game: Any of the following species: cottontail rabbits, tree
squirrels, upland game birds (quail, blue grouse, chukar partridge, and
pheasants), and migratory game birds (doves, waterfowl, sandhill crane,
coots, gallinules, snipe, and band-tailed pigeons).
Species: A naturally existing population of similar organisms that usu-ally
interbreed only among themselves.
Stamp: A form of authorization in addition to a license that allows
the license holder to take wildlife specified by the stamp. The form of
the stamp may be an actual stamp affixed to the back of the license, a
printed privilege on the license itself, or a printed privilege on a sepa-rate
license form.
Supplemental Hunt: A season established for a particular species by
the Commission for the following purposes: take of depredating wildlife,
take of wildlife under an Emergency Season, or take of wildlife under a
population management hunt. The Commission through Commission
Order shall approve a season or seasons and prescribe a maximum
number of restricted nonpermit-tags for specific species that the Direc-tor
may authorize for issuance.
Trapper Registration Number: A trapper’s registered number shall
be issued by the Department and entered upon the trapping license at
the time of purchase. A trapper’s registration number is not transfer-able.
All traps shall plainly be identified with the trapper registration
number or the trapper’s name and address.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations
The North American Model of Wildlife Conser-vation
is the world’s most successful. No other
continent retains as close to a complete com-pliment
of native wildlife species. While other
countries struggle to conserve the little they
have left, we enjoy great abundance and di-versity
of native wildlife.
This is due, in large part, to forward-thinking
early conservationists who saw the need to
preserve wildlife and their habitats. Their ef-forts
were the source of the North American
Model of Wildlife Conservation, which strives
to sustain wildlife species and habitats through
sound science and active management.
Sportsmen’s Role in Wildlife
Conservation
Hunting and angling are the cornerstones of
the North American Model of Wildlife Con-servation.
These activities continue to be the
primary source of funding for conservation ef-forts
in North America. Through a 10 percent
to 12 percent excise tax on hunting, angling
and shooting sports equipment, hunters and
anglers have generated more than $10 billion
toward wildlife conservation since 1937.
Though past conservation efforts have fo-cused
on hunted species, non-hunted species
reap the rewards as well. Protecting wetlands
for ducks, forests for deer and grasslands for
pronghorn have saved countless non-hunted
species from peril.
Regardless of whether one chooses to active-ly
participate in hunting or angling, people
interested in wildlife and its future should under-stand
the conservation role sportsmen play.
What if Hunting Ends?
Hunters and anglers actively support wildlife
conservation through tangible actions such as
buying licenses and paying taxes on hunting
and fishing equipment.
Why are hunters and anglers so willing to sup-port
conservation through their pocketbooks?
Because people place added value on — and
are willing to pay for — what they can use.
In some states, the number of hunting and fish-ing
licenses sold has remained stable in recent
years. But given the rate of population growth,
particularly in Western states, the percentage
of people participating in hunting and fishing
is actually decreasing.
There is no alternative funding system in place
to replace the potential lost funds for conser-vation.
If hunting ends, funding for wildlife
conservation is in peril.
To learn more about hunting or participate in
the wildlife conservation movement that has
been lead by hunters for more than a century,
visit any Arizona Game and Fish Department
office or visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.
The North American Model
of Wildlife Conservation
The untold story
Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Wildlife is Held in the Public Trust
The public trust doctrine means that wildlife belongs to everyone.
Through shared ownership and responsibility, opportunity is pro-vided
to all.
Regulated Commerce in Wildlife
Early laws banning commercial hunting and the sale of meat and
hides ensure sustainability through regulation of harvest and regu-lating
commerce of wildlife parts.
Hunting and Angling Laws are Created Through
Public Process
Hunting seasons, harvest limits and penalties imposed for viola-tions
are established through laws and regulations. Everyone has
the opportunity to shape the laws and regulations applied in wild-life
conservation.
Hunting and Angling Opportunity for All
Opportunity to participate in hunting, angling and wildlife conser-vation
is guaranteed for all in good standing, not by social status or
privilege, financial capacity or land ownership. This concept ensures
a broad base of financial support and advocacy for research, moni-toring,
habitat conservation and law enforcement.
Hunters and Anglers Fund Conservation
Hunting and fishing license sales and excise taxes on hunting and
fishing equipment pay for management of all wildlife, including wild-life
species that are not hunted.
Wildlife is an International Resource
Proper stewardship of wildlife and habitats is both a source of national
pride and an opportunity to cooperate with other nations with whom
we share natural resources. Cooperative management of migrating
waterfowl is one example of successful international collaboration.
Science is the Basis for Wildlife Policy
The limited use of wildlife as a renewable natural resource is based
on sound science. We learn as we go, adapting our management
strategies based on monitoring to achieve sustainability.
Arizona Core Concepts of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
Arizona Sportsmen’s Contributions*
Little to no state general fund monies are used for
wildlife conservation in Arizona (general taxpayers
usually do not pay for wildlife conservation). The
state’s sportsmen, however, do contribute:
• Arizona hunters and anglers spend $1.3 billion
a year.
• Their spending directly supports 21,000 jobs and
generates $124 million in state and local taxes.
This especially benefits rural communities.
• Sportsmen support nearly twice as many jobs
in Arizona as Raytheon, one of the state’s larg-est
employers (21,000 jobs vs. 11,000 jobs).
• Annual spending by Arizona sportsmen is nearly
three times more than the combined revenues
of The Go Daddy Group, Sprouts Farmers Mar-ket
and Cold Stone Creamery, which are some
of the state’s fastest growing companies ($1.3
billion vs. $481 million).
• The economic stimulus of hunting and fishing
equates to $3.8 million a day being pumped
into the state’s economy.
* “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American
Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors” (2007).
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
Managing today for wildlife tomorrow.
Getting Started,
License and Fees
2008-09 Hunting Regulations
Ethics
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a
community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
Aldo Leopold
Sportsmen ethics and responsibilities
Please observe the following when using private, State Trust or pub-lic
lands:
• Do not drive on wet and muddy roads where damage to the road is
likely.
• You may not operate a motorized vehicle cross-country except for
the sole purpose of retrieving downed big game on State Trust land
(A.R.S. 17-454).
• Do not hunt near livestock waters where livestock is nearby; harass-ment
of livestock is illegal.
• Treat the lands as if they were yours; any damages to the land or veg-etation
can take decades to recover! Certain damages to the lands
or improvements are subject to prosecution (A.R.S. 13-1601 through
1605).
• It is misdemeanor trespass if you cross private property that is post-ed
no trespass (A.R.S. 13-1501 through 1508).
• It is illegal to camp within 1/4 mile of livestock and/or wildlife water-ing
sources (A.R.S. 17-308).
• Remember, you must have a valid hunting or fishing license and be
actively hunting or fishing, or have obtained a use permit from the
State Land Department, to legally use State Trust lands unless using
a public easement (A.R.S. 37-501, 502; R12-5-533D).
• Be respectful of others. They possess the same rights as you to use
the lands.
If you observe vandalism violations, please call 1 (800) VANDALS. To
report hunt violations, call the Operation Game Thief Hotline 1 (800)
352-0700; all calls are confidential. To learn more about the Arizona
Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Access Program or to get in-volved,
call (623) 236-7624.
Ethical hunting is everyone’s business
Tree stands and blinds near waterholes can be exciting places to en-counter
wildlife and are legal tools to aid in your hunting experience
and enjoyment. However, if you have ever hunted from a tree stand
or blind on a waterhole, you’ve probably encountered other hunters
wanting to hunt the same area. You may even have had a negative en-counter
with another hunter when deciding who was going to stay and
hunt. Here are some important tips, ethically speaking, to keep in mind
when planning to hunt around a waterhole on public land:
• Waterholes on public and state lands belong to everyone, and ev-eryone
should enjoy free and equal access.
• Responsible hunters should respect other hunters’ privileges. They
should leave the area if another hunter gets to a waterhole first.
• Ethically responsible hunters will always yield to another hunter who
has reached the waterhole first on any given morning or evening
during the hunt.
• Simply posting a sign/notice on or near a waterhole does not give
anyone the exclusive right to hunt that waterhole; the hunter actu-ally
needs to be present.
• Hanging a tree stand near a waterhole does not entitle a person to
exclusive hunting rights to that waterhole. It may be unlawful to leave
tree stands hanging or blinds set for extended periods of time. They
may be considered abandoned property and subject to seizure.
“First Come – First Served” is a common courtesy that should be used
when more than one person wants to hunt the same area or waterhole,
regardless of who has a tree stand or blind in the area. The Arizona
Game and Fish Department reminds all hunters that confrontations in
hunting situations can involve firearms and hot tempers. Whether you
are in the city or next to a waterhole, any threats, intimidation, assault,
or disorderly conduct can result in citations, arrests and/or jail time.
Please do not allow yourself to get into a situation like that — ethical
hunting is everyone’s business.
10 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees
License Information
Who Can Go?
Everyone needs a license to hunt wildlife in
Arizona. You need in your possession a valid
hunt or combination hunt and fish license, plus
any required hunt permit-tags, nonpermit-tags,
or stamps. A Class H Three-Day Non-resident
Hunting License is not valid for big game.
YOUNG HUNTERS – Anyone 14 years of age
or older needs a license to hunt wildlife in
Arizona. You need in your possession a val-id
hunt or combination hunt and fish license,
plus any required hunt permit-tags, nonper-mit-
tags or stamps.
A person under 14 may hunt wildlife other than
big game without a license only when accom-panied
by a properly licensed person 18 years
or older. No more than two unlicensed children
may accompany any license holder.
No one under the age of 14 may take big game
without having completed a Hunter Education
Course. No one under age 10 may hunt big
game in Arizona. To hunt big game, anyone
10 to 13 years of age must have in their pos-session
a valid hunt or combination hunt and
fish license, a valid Hunter Education Course
completion card, plus any required permit-tags,
nonpermit-tags and stamps.
Where to Buy Licenses
Arizona hunting licenses can be obtained from
license dealers throughout the state or from any
Arizona Game and Fish Department office (see
locations on page 3 of this booklet).
A list of license dealers can be found at www.
azgfd.gov.
If you are applying for a big game draw or
bonus points, you may purchase your gener-al
hunt or combination hunt and fish license
while you are entering your application for
the draw. The license will not be mailed until
the draw is completed. Family Licenses, Super
Conservation Licenses, and Child Hunting and
Combination Licenses may not be obtained
through the draw; these licenses must be pur-chased
at department offices.
Lifetime License Holders
If a lifetime license holder changes resident
status from Arizona, the licensee must then pur-chase
non-resident stamps, tags, and permits. A
non-resident tag or stamp can accompany your
lifetime resident license. If you are a lifetime li-cense
holder who has moved out of state, the
10 percent non-resident cap does not apply to
you. The lifetime license will remain legal for
the taking of all wildlife as permitted by law.
Residency may be re-established after mov-ing
back to Arizona and meeting the required
time period as set forth by law. Consult A.R.S.
17-335.01 for additional information.
Residency Requirements
A resident is a person who has been a bona fide
resident of the state of Arizona for six months
immediately preceding the date of application
for a license or a tag or a member of the armed
forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a
period of 30 days immediately preceding the
date of application for a license or a tag.
Arizona residents may purchase a resident li-cense.
All other individuals must purchase a
non-resident license.
Three-Day Non-Resident License
A Class H, Three-Day Non-resident license, valid
for the taking of small game, fur-bearing an-imals,
predatory animals, nongame animals,
nongame birds, upland game birds and migra-tory
game birds, except ducks, geese and swans
is available at all license dealers. This license
is not valid for hunting big game nor is it val-id
when applying for big game hunts through
the draw process.
Lost License or Tag Replacement
Lost licenses, hunt permit-tags and nonpermit-tags
may be replaced for a fee at any Arizona
Game and Fish Department license dealer. Con-sult
R12-4-103 Duplicate Tags and Licenses for
additional information. Stamps cannot be re-placed,
they must be repurchased.
Physically Challenged Hunters
Those hunters who are physically challenged
may qualify for a Challenged Hunter Access/
Mobility Permit (CHAMP). Consult R12-4-217
for a description of this permit. Contact any
Arizona Game and Fish Department office for
additional information and application.
Non-US Citizens Wanting to Hunt
in Arizona
Pursuant to new regulations by the U.S. Bu-reau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF),
non-immigrant aliens who want to temporari-ly
import firearms and/or ammunition into the
United States for the allowable purpose of tak-ing
wildlife will need an ATF import permit and
valid hunting license in possession at the time
of entry/import into the United States. For fur-ther
information or to make application for the
import permit, contact ATF’s Firearms and Ex-plosives
Import Branch at (202) 927-8320, or
download an application from the ATF Web
site at www.atf.treas.gov.
Tag Transfers
Under Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizo-na
Game and Fish Commission Rules there
are ways people can transfer big game tags
to children.
A parent, grandparent or legal guardian may
allow the parent’s, grandparent’s or guard-ian’s
minor child or minor grandchild to use
the parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s big
game permit or tag to take big game pursuant
to the following requirements:
• The minor child is 10 to 17 years old on the
date of transfer;
• The minor child has a vaild hunting or com-bination
license on the date of transfer
• A minor child less than 14 years old has
satisfactorily completed a department-ap-proved
hunter education course by date of
transfer.
• The parent or guardian must accompany the
child in the field or, if a grandparent allows
a minor grandchild to use the grandparent’s
permit or tag, the grandparent, parent or
the child’s guardian must accompany the
child in the field. In either case, the adult
must be within 50 yards of the child when
the animal is taken.
Once a tag is transferred, the original permit-tee
may no longer use it.
A person may transfer his or her game tag
for use by a child with a life threatening med-ical
condition. Consult A.R.S. 17-332 for more
information.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 11
Hunt Permit-tag and License Fee Information
The fees listed on this page are valid for 2008 hunts. Please refer to Notes below.
LICENSES RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT YOUTH/Child
General Hunting (Class G) $32.25 $151.25 $15.001
(not available through the draw)
Combination Hunt and Fish (Class F) $54.00 $225.75 $20.001
(not available through the draw)
Combination Hunt and Fish (Class F) $26.502
Three-Day Hunting (Class H) – not valid for big game NA $61.25 —
Super Conservation Hunting (Class M) See page 11 NA —
Super Conservation Combination Hunt and Fish (Class N) See page 11 NA —
Family General Hunting (Class J) See page 11 NA See page 11
Family Combination Hunt and Fish (Class K) See page 11 NA See page 11
Trapping $30.00 $275.00 $10.003
Sport Falconry $87.50 $87.50 —
HUNT PERMIT-TAGS RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT YOUTH
Obtained only through application and drawing procedures, price shown includes $7.50 application fee.
Bonus Point $7.50 $7.50 $7.50
Deer Hunt Permit-tag $42.25 $232.75 $32.504
Antelope Hunt Permit-tag $85.00 $485.00 —
Elk Hunt Permit-tag $121.50 $595.00 $57.504
Turkey Hunt Permit-tag $25.50 $77.75 $17.504
Javelina Hunt Permit-tag $28.75 $105.00 $22.504
Bighorn Sheep Hunt Permit-tag5 $272.50 $1,407.50 —
Buffalo – Bull or Any Hunt Permit-tag $1,095.00 $5,452.25 —
Buffalo – Cow Hunt Permit-tag $659.50 $3,262.75 —
Buffalo – Cow or Yearling Hunt Permit-tag $659.50 $3,262.75 —
Buffalo – Yearling Hunt Permit-tag $362.75 $1,754.75 —
Bear Hunt Permit-tag5 $29.75 $245.00 —
Sandhill Crane Hunt Permit-tag (2 tags) $22.50 $22.50 —
Pheasant Hunt Permit-tag (2 tags) $7.50 $7.50 —
NONPERMIT-TAGS RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT YOUTH
These tags may be purchased over-the-counter at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or license
dealers.
Archery Deer Nonpermit-tag6 $34.75 $225.25 —
Elk Nonpermit-tag 7 $114.00 $587.50 —
Juniors Only Turkey Nonpermit-tag 7 $10.00
Fall Archery Turkey Nonpermit-tag $18.00 $70.25 —
Fall Bear Nonpermit-tag5 $22.25 $237.50 —
Mountain Lion Nonpermit-tag5 $14.50 $225.00 —
Bobcat Permit-tag (For sale or export)7 $3.00 $3.00 —
STAMPS RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT YOUTH
Unit 12A (North Kaibab) Habitat Stamp $15.00 $15.00 —
Migratory Bird Stamp $4.50 $4.50 $4.508
State Waterfowl Stamp $8.75 $8.75 $8.758
Federal Waterfowl Stamp $15.00 $15.00 $15.008
Duplicate licenses, tags and stamps : Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department
Notes:
1. For children at least age 10 during the license
year, but less than age 14. These licenses may
not be purchased through the big game
draw. The Child General Hunting (Class G)
and Child Combination Hunt and Fish (Class
F) licenses are valid for both residents and
non-residents and may only be purchased at
Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.
2. For youth less than 21 years of age. Youth
Combination Hunt and Fish license fees apply
before and throughout the calendar year of
their 20th birthday. The Youth Class F license
is valid for both residents and non-residents.
This license may be purchased through a big
game draw.
3. For youth 14-17 years of age. Youth license is
valid for both residents and non-residents.
4. Permit-Tag fees are for “Juniors-Only”
designated hunts. If (–) is listed, use
respective resident or non-resident fees. If
a person is applying for a Juniors-Only
hunt and a regular hunt on the same
application, the higher of the tag fees must
be enclosed.
5. Mandatory physical check-in.
6. Mandatory harvest reporting.
7. Not available at license dealers.
8. Youth, less than 16 years of age, are not
required to purchase a state migratory bird
stamp, state waterfowl stamp, or a federal
waterfowl stamp.
12 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees
Family and Super Conservation Licenses
Super Conservation License Class What It Includes Resident Non-resident
Super Hunting (Class M)3, 4
General Hunt license, Unit 12A (North Kaibab) Habitat stamp, state waterfowl
stamp and state migratory bird stamp privileges. Also includes over-the-counter
archery deer, fall archery turkey, fall bear and mountain lion tags.
$ 118.00
(Save $37) not available
Super Combination Hunt and Fish
(Class N)3, 4
General Fish license (Class A), Urban Fish license (Class U), trout stamp,
and General Hunt license, Unit 12 A (North Kaibab) Habitat stamp, state
waterfowl stamp, state migratory bird stamp, over-the-counter archery deer,
fall archery turkey, fall bear and mountain lion tags.
$163.00
(Save $50) not available
Family License Class3 What It Includes Primary Adult1 Legal Spouse Each Child2 Family of 4 Total Price
Hunting (Class J) General Hunt license $ 32.25 $ 25.80 $ 15.00 $ 88.05 (Save $29)
Combo Hunt and Fish (Class K) Combo Hunt and Fish license $ 54.00 $ 43.20 $ 20.00 $137.20 (Save $24)
FAMILY LICENSES – only available at Department offices, not through the draw
These are great values for married couples and parents with children un-der
age 18. The first adult pays full license price, a legal spouse receives
a 20-percent discount, and license fees are greatly discounted for every
child in the immediate family under age 18. These licenses may not be
obtained through the big game draw.
Eligibility: Residents only. Licenses may be purchased at any Game and
Fish office. Family licenses may be issued to members of an immediate
family residing in the same household. Immediate family means one
adult, or two adults who are married to each other, and their children
under age 18, including adoptive children, stepchildren, foster children,
and other children for whom they are legal guardians.
SUPER CONSERVATION LICENSES – only available at Department offices, not through the draw
These super package deals combine multiple licenses, stamps and tags
to create outstanding values for avid anglers and hunters. These licens-es
may not be obtained through the big game draw.
Eligibilty: Residents only. The Super Conservation Hunt and Super Con-servation
Combination Hunt and Fish licenses are available to residents
only, and may only be purchased at Game and Fish offices.
Notes:
The Family and Super Conservation licenses are designed to help you maximize your recreational dollar. See the cost-saving
breakdowns below to determine what license packages are best for you.
Available only to Arizona residents. License valid for
lifetime. Fee schedule varies by license type and age. For
more information, visit www.azgfd.gov and type “lifetime
license” in the search box.
• General Fishing, Class A – valid all species except trout
• General Hunting, Class G
• Combo Hunt and Fish, Class F – valid all species
• Trout Stamp – validates Class A for taking of trout
• Wildlife Benefactor – includes Combo Hunt and Fish
privileges
Must meet criteria to qualify for free license that includes Combo Hunt and Fish and Urban Fishing
privileges.
• Pioneer
Person must be 70 years of age or older, plus 25 consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona
resident immediately preceding application for license.
• Disabled Veteran
Person must show certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent service
connected disabilities rated as 100% disabling, plus one or more consecutive years as a bona
fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for license.
LIFETIME LICENSES COMPLIMENTARY LICENSES
Other Licenses Only Available at Arizona Game and Fish Offices
1. A Primary Adult license must be purchased before a spouse or child li-cense
can be issued.
2. A Child is defined as at least age 14 during the license year and under
age 18 at the time of purchase. EXCEPT: when a license is purchased for
the next calendar year, then the child must be under age 18 on Jan. 1 of
the calendar year the license is being purchased for.
3. Super Conservation Hunt (Class M) and Super Conservation Combina-tion
Hunt and Fish (Class N) licenses, and Family licenses (Class J and
K) can only be purchased at department offices. They cannot be pur-chased
through the draw or at license dealers.
4. All stamps and tags included in the Super Conservation Licenses are only
valid during the appropriate seasons, and in conjunction with the ap-propriate
hunt permit-tag issued through the draw process. The North
Kaibab Habitat Stamp is only valid if you are drawn for a Unit 12A deer
hunt.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 13
The Draw
When the number of hunt permits for a spe-cies
in a particular area must be limited to
prevent over-harvest of wildlife, the Commis-sion
Order governing seasons for that species
assigns a hunt number to a designated area,
and a hunt permit-tag is required to take that
species in that area. Hunt permit-tags are is-sued
through a computerized random drawing.
Big game tags not issued through the drawing
process are nonpermit-tags. Nonpermit-tags
may be purchased directly from Department
offices or through license dealers, except for
elk and Juniors Only turkey, which must be
purchased at Department offices.
Qualifications
Individuals wishing to participate in a draw-ing
or to purchase bonus points must apply
in writing using the Hunt Permit-Tag Applica-tion
Form.
Each applicant must possess a valid license for
the year in which the hunt will take place or
possess a lifetime, pioneer or disabled veter-an’s
license. Non-resident Three-Day Class H
licenses may not be used in applying for big
game hunt permit-tags. Youth applying for big
game hunts must be licensed. Applicants not
licensed for the year in which the hunt will take
place must submit the information and fees re-quired
for a license on each paper application
submitted. Only one license will be issued to
you and you will receive a refund for the oth-er
license fees submitted. The license will not
be mailed until the draw is completed.
Applying For A Hunt
Paper applications for hunt permit-tags must
be made on Hunt Permit-Tag Application Forms
available at Department offices, Web site, and
license dealers. Please use the current year’s
application form, that is WHITE in color. Do
not cut or alter application form. Applica-tions
not prepared in a legible manner may
be deemed not valid and shall be rejected as
specified in R12-4-104(D). Use standard blue
or black ink (no gel ink).
No more than four people may apply in one
envelope. All applicants in a group must apply
for the same hunt number(s) and in the same
order of preference on the same form.
No person may submit more than one valid ap-plication
per genus of wildlife in any calendar
year, except as specified in R12-4-104(L), when
genera are drawn in multiple drawings.
No more than one genus may be included on
each Hunt Permit-Tag Application Form. Use
a separate form and envelope for each ge-nus
of wildlife you wish to hunt. You can list a
general hunt as your first choice and another
weapons type hunt for the same genus as an-other
choice on the same application—just be
sure they are in the same numerical series. Use
only one application per genus, even if you are
mixing weapons choices.
Only a single application and the correct fees
must be included in one (1) envelope. More
than one (1) application in an envelope may
result in rejection of all applications.
Hunt Permit, Bonus Points
Disclaimer
The issuance of any big game permit has no
express or implied guarantee or warranty of
hunter success. Any person holding a valid per-mit
assumes the risk that circumstances beyond
the control of the Arizona Game and Fish De-partment
may prevent the permit holder from
using the permit. In such situations, the Arizo-na
Game and Fish Department disclaims any
responsibility to reissue or replace a permit, to
reinstate bonus points or to refund any fees,
except under specific circumstances, such as
activation of military or emergency person-nel,
as stated in R12-4-107.
Fees
When submitting paper applications, each ap-plicant
shall enclose the following fees:
1. The fee for the appropriate hunt permit-tag,
which includes the permit application fee.
2. Fee for a hunting license, if a license is re-quested.
Be sure to enclose license fees on
each application, if required, for each per-son
who is applying on the application for
a hunting license.
3. Discounted hunt permit-tag fees are for
“Juniors-Only” designated hunts. If a per-son
is applying for a Juniors-Only hunt
and a regular hunt on the same applica-tion,
the higher of the tag fees must be
enclosed.
Each payment enclosed with a hunt permit-tag
application shall be made by certified check, ca-shier’s
check, money order, or personal check
or draft payable to the Arizona Game and Fish
Department. Cash will not be accepted and will
result in rejection.
One personal check or money order can cov-er
all fees for the application.
The permit and license fees are specified in the
fee schedule on pages 12-13. The hunt permit-tag
fees on page 12 include the non-refundable
application fee.
A $25 fee will be charged for each returned or
dishonored check.
Submitting Applications
Applications (except first-come, sandhill crane,
pheasant, and raptor applications) may be
hand-delivered to Department offices in Phoe-nix,
Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Pinetop, Kingman
or Yuma. Mailed applications must be sent only
to the Department’s Phoenix Office at P.O. Box
52002, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2002. On deadline
days, Department business offices close at
5:00 p.m. (MST), but applications can be de-livered
to drop boxes until 7:00 p.m., (MST).
Drop boxes are locked promptly at 7:00 p.m.,
(MST). All applications must be received by
the Department before the deadline. Dead-lines
for submission are specified in the Hunt
Permit-Tag Application Schedule on page 18.
Postmarks don’t count.
Complete and proper preparation of an
application is the sole responsibility of the
applicant.
What Happens To My
Application?
Any application not properly prepared, submit-ted
with insufficient fees or one that is illegible
is not valid and will be rejected.
If there is an error that will result in the rejection
of an application and the application is received
by the Department on or before Thursday, May
29, 2008, we will make three attempts within
a 24-hour period to notify you by telephone
if a phone number is provided. If we are able
to contact you by phone and our customer
service representatives can correct the appli-cation
at that time, they will do so and enter
the application in the Draw. If an error cannot
Draw Information
14 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Draw Information
be corrected by phone, we will still attempt to
notify you of the error and advise you to re-submit
your application. The applicants may
then prepare a new Hunt Permit-Tag Application
Form, include the appropriate fees and re-ap-ply
by the scheduled deadline date.
If any applicant in a group is rejected for any
reason, all other applicants in that group will
also be rejected.
No hunt permit-tag will be issued to anyone in
a group if there are not sufficient hunt permit-tags
available for all applicants in that group.
Hunt permit-tags will be mailed to each suc-cessful
applicant.
What If I’m Not Drawn?
Please use one of the methods (telephone or
Internet) described on page 5 to access draw
results. These methods of access shall serve as
the official notification of draw results.
Over-payments and hunt permit-tag fees re-ceived
with unsuccessful applications will be
returned to applicant “A,” as shown on the
Hunt Permit-Tag Application Form. Applica-tion
and license fees will not be refunded.
You will not be issued or charged for more
than one license.
If you or a member of your group elected to
donate your fees or a portion thereof, the do-nation
will not be refunded. A hunting license is
required to apply in a drawing. If an application
is rejected and a license has been requested,
the license will not be issued.
Unsuccessful, valid applications will be award-ed
bonus points.
Big game hunt permit-tags remaining after the
drawing will be issued on a first-come, first-served
basis as specified in the hunt permit-tag
application schedule on page 18.
Purchasing A Bonus Point Only
In the event you do not wish to participate in
a big game drawing for deer, turkey, javelina,
bighorn sheep or buffalo but still wish to accu-mulate
bonus points for these genus, you may
“purchase a bonus point.”
When completing your application, you must
choose the bonus point hunt number estab-lished
for that genus as your first choice. A
bonus point hunt number is established with-in
each applicable Commission Order. If you
choose this hunt number, you may not choose
any other hunt number on your application. If
the bonus point hunt number is any choice
other than the first choice or any other hunt
numbers appear on the application, your ap-plication
will be rejected. You may purchase
only one bonus point per genus per drawing.
To purchase a bonus point, you must have pre-viously
purchased a hunting license or apply
for a hunting license through the draw for the
year in which the hunt will take place. You must
also include the application fee per applicant.
If applying for a bonus point, your application
will NOT be entered into the draw and you will
not receive a refund on the license fee or the
application fee. Do not include the fee for the
hunt permit-tag for the genus in which you are
applying for the bonus point. A bonus point
purchase costs you only the license fee (if
needed) and the $7.50 application fee per
applicant.
If you apply for a bonus point only using the
established bonus point hunt number, you may
NOT submit another application for the same
genus. To do so will cause both applications to
be rejected as duplicate applications.
All applicants in a group must apply for the
same established bonus point hunt number.
The application will not be included in the ran-dom
number drawing and the individual(s) on
the application will each receive a bonus point
for that genus.
Getting Started,
License and FDereasw Information
2007-08 Hunting Regulations 15
How to Apply for the Draw
R12-4-104 explains application and drawing
procedures in detail. Complete and prop-er
preparation of an application is the sole
responsibility of the applicant. If any ap-plicant
in the group fails to complete any
required portion of the application, all ap-plicants
in the group will be rejected.
Numbered paragraphs correspond to num-bers
circled on the SAMPLE form, use it to
assist you in completing your form, which
can be found online, at any license dealer
or department office.
A Enter the hunt number(s) of the hunt(s)
in which you wish to participate. The hunt
number will indicate the genus (deer, turkey,
etc.) and area you want to hunt. Do not use
the Game Management Unit Number. Hunt
numbers are listed in the far left column of
each Commission Order. Deer hunts are in the
1000 series, turkey hunts are in the 4000 se-ries,
etc. All hunt numbers on an application
must be in the same series. YOU CANNOT MIX
HUNT SERIES NUMBERS, BUT YOU CAN MIX
WEAPON TYPES WITHIN A SERIES. You must
submit a separate application for each genus
(series). No more than five hunt choices can
be requested. You may request fewer. You do
not have to fill in all the blocks. Do not repeat
any choices. You may only apply for either a
bonus point or a valid hunt number for any
genus, NOT both.
B Enter your correct date of birth
(mm/dd/yyyy).
C Enter your Social Security Number. In ac-cordance
with Federal Requirement, 42 U.S.C.
Section 666 (A)(13) and A.R.S. 25-320 (N) and
25-502 (K), you must provide your valid Social
Security Number in the space provided. This
is kept on file with the Arizona Department of
Economic Security for use in identifying and
tracking child support offenders. Any invalid
SSN will result in rejection. If you are not a U.S.
citizen you must write “NOT US CITZ” in the So-cial
Security field. If you are not a U.S. citizen,
you must obtain a Department I.D. Number
prior to submitting and enter it on the appli-cation.
See #6. You may obtain a Department
issued ID number by calling (602) 942-3000
during business hours.
Completing Your Paper Hunt Permit-tag Application Form
D Check the appropriate resident or non-resident
box. Resident means a person who
has been a bona fide resident of the state of Ar-izona
for six months immediately preceding the
date of application, or a member of the Armed
Forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a
period of 30 days immediately preceding the
date of application for a license.
E Enter your valid Arizona hunting license
number for the year in which the hunt for
which you are applying occurs. The hunting
license number consists of two letters and six
numbers. You may purchase a license through
the draw by completing the License Applica-tion
Form on the bottom of the application and
submitting payment with each of your applica-tions
if you are not licensed.
F Enter your Department I.D. Number (for-merly
called Sportsman I.D.). This number
is for those individuals who choose to use a
Department issued I.D. Number instead of a
social security number to track bonus points
or for non-U.S. citizens. This is a permanent
number and is to be used on all hunt appli-cations.
Your I.D. Number (if different from
SSN) is vital to track your bonus points and to
ensure that you receive the proper credits. Us-ing
a different number may result in your not
receiving proper bonus point credits. An I.D.
Number may be obtained by calling the De-partment.
You must still provide a valid SSN
even if you provide a valid Department I.D.
Number. See #3.
G Enter your correct full name (last name
first), home mailing address, city, state and
zip code.
H The Department will make three at-tempts
within a 24-hour period to notify
you of errors that will result in the rejec-tion
of your application if the application
is received on or before Thrusday, May 29,
2008. If you wish to participate in this ser-vice,
please list a telephone number where
you can be reached. You are not required
Sample Document. Do Not Use.
( m m ) ( d d ) ( y y y y )
Department I.D. Number if different from SSN
Last Name First M.I.
Address
City State Zip Code
Daytime Phone Number
Signature (Must be signed by or for Applicant A) 􀁇􄜀􀀀􀁘 X_____________________________________________
Fifth Choice
Hunt Number
Fourth Choice
Hunt Number
Third Choice
Hunt Number
Second Choice
Hunt Number
First Choice
Hunt Number
APPLICANT A
Resident
Non-resident
SIGN ON LINE BELOW
Class G Hunting Res A 􀀭􂴠 Class G Hunting Non-Res D 􀀭􂵃
Class F Hunt/Fish Res B 􀀭􂴠 Class F Hunt/Fish Non-Res E 􀀭􂵃
Class F Youth Hunt/Fish Res C 􀀭􂴠 Youth Hunt/Fish Non-Res F 􀀭􂵃
Complete Only To Apply
For A Hunt License 􀁇􄝓
Sex Weight Height Hair Eyes AZ Residency
Ft. In. Yrs. Mos.
Check One
LICENSE FORM • A 􀁆􄙐 PERMIT-TAG FORM • A 􀁆􄙎
No license
refund will be
issued if you
are not drawn.
Federal Requirement: Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Arizona Hunting License Number
(must include the 2 letter prefix)
In order to participate in the draw, you must have or apply for a license. If you are not licensed at
the time you submit your Hunt Permit-tag Application Form, you must apply for a license on each
application you submit by completing the license portion of the application form. The license fee must
be included with each application. See the applicable hunt regulations for license fees.
A
C D
E F
G
H
I
J K L M N O
P
B
(must use home mailing address)
16 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
How to Apply for the Draw
Getting Started,
License and FDereasw Information
Help Arizona’s Big Game Species: Donate to the Big Game Habitat Fund
Arizona’s array of big game species is one of
the most diverse in the nation. By contribut-ing
to the Big Game Habitat Fund, you become
our partner in conservation, helping the Arizo-na
Game and Fish Department improve wildlife
habitat across the state.
Funds derived from hunter donations are
used to conduct habitat improvement projects
for all of Arizona’s big game species. To view
some of the projects accomplished with these
funds please visit our Web site at: www.azgfd.
gov/landowner.
You can become part of Arizona’s success sto-ry
by donating a portion of your refund to big
game habitat projects. Do so by entering the
amount of your donation in the space provid-ed.
This is a voluntary donation which will be
deducted from your refund.
Q If unsuccessful, I wish to donate $_______.___ from my refund to the Big Game Habitat Fund.
Q Enter the amount you wish to
donate in this block. This donation
will be subtracted from your refund
if you are eligible for a refund.
to enter your telephone number.
I Each individual applying, or an appointed
individual, must sign the appropriate appli-cation
section.
COMPLETE 10-16 ONLY IF APPLYING FOR
A LICENSE.
J Enter M for Male, F for Female.
K Enter your weight in pounds.
L Enter your height in feet and inches.
M Enter the appropriate abbreviation for
hair color:
BLD - Bald 	 BLK - Black
BLN - Blonde 	 BRN - Brown
GRY - Gray 	 RED - Red
SDY - Sandy 	 WHT - White
N Enter the appropriate abbreviation for
eye color:
BLK - Black BLU - Blue BRN - Brown
GRN - Green GRY - Gray HZL - Hazel
O Enter the number of years and/or months
that you have been a resident of Arizona.
(See page 16, Completing Your Hunt Permit-
Tag Application Form, # 4, to determine if you
qualify.) No entry is required here for a non-resident
applicant.
P Check the box next to the license type which
you wish to purchase. If you are requesting a
license on more than one application, you
must specify the same class of license on
each application and include the license fee
with each application. You will not be issued
or charged for more than one license. If you
are not licensed for the year in which the hunt
will occur, you must complete the License Ap-plication
Form for each genus applied for and
include payment for a license with each applica-tion.
If you are drawn for more than one genus,
only one license will be issued in your name. If
you are not drawn, you will be refunded only
the hunt permit-tag fee. You must possess or
purchase a license to participate in a drawing
or to purchase a bonus point. No refunds will
be issued for license or application fees if you
apply in a drawing and are unsuccessful in the
drawing. If you do not check the box next to
the license type you wish to purchase, your
application will be rejected.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 17
Notes:
1. The Department will accept Hunt Permit-tag Applications for big
game listed above as soon as the applicable year hunt information
is available on the Department’s Web site (www.azgfd.gov), or from
any Game and Fish Department office or license dealer, unless oth-erwise
noted in the Hunt Permit-tag Application schedule.
2. If a paper Hunt Permit-tag Application that is submitted contains an
Hunt Permit-tag Application Schedule – Fall 2008
Hunt permit-tag applications will be accepted and processed in accordance with R12-4-104 and R12-4-114 and this schedule.
Drawing
Acceptance Dates1 Correction
Period2
Deadline Dates3
Hunt
Applications accepted
on or after:
Deadline 5 p.m. (MST)
in Department offices
Deadline 7 p.m. (MST) in
Department offices on:
Hunt permit-tags
mailed out by
(Archery Deer
Tags will be mailed
earlier):
Refund warrants
mailed out by:
Deer (See notes 1, 2, 3) May 29, 2008 June 10, 2008 Aug. 22, 2008 Sept. 5, 2008
Turkey (See notes 1, 2, 3) May 29, 2008 June 10, 2008 Aug. 22, 2008 Sept. 5, 2008
Javelina (See notes 1, 2, 3) May 29, 2008 June 10, 2008 Aug. 22, 2008 Sept. 5, 2008
Bighorn Sheep (See notes 1, 2, 3) May 29, 2008 June 10, 2008 Aug. 22, 2008 Sept. 5, 2008
Buffalo (See notes 1, 2, 3) May 29, 2008 June 10, 2008 Aug. 22, 2008 Sept. 5, 2008
Sandhill Crane Aug. 4, 20084 N/A Sept. 2, 20084 Sept. 22, 2008 N/A
Pheasant July 7, 20084 N/A July 22, 20084 Aug. 8, 2008 N/A
Raptor Jan. 5, 20094 N/A Feb. 3, 20094 Feb. 23, 2009 N/A
First Come
Applications accepted by mail only
on or after 8:00 a.m. (MST):
Hunt Acceptance Dates
Deer Aug. 11, 20085, 6
Turkey Aug. 11, 20085
Javelina Aug. 11, 20085
Bighorn Sheep Aug. 11, 20085
Buffalo Aug. 11, 20085
Sandhill Crane Sept. 22, 20084
Pheasant Aug. 4, 20084
Raptor March 2, 20094
error and is received by May 29, 2008, the Department will make
three attempts within a 24-hour period to notify the applicant by
telephone (if a phone number is provided).
3. Department offices at Flagstaff, Kingman, Mesa, Phoenix, Pinetop,
Tucson and Yuma will close for business at 5:00 p.m. (MST); com-pleted
applications will be accepted at these locations until 7:00 p.m.
(MST) on deadline days. No applications will be accepted after this
time regardless of the postmark. Deadline dates may be extended
in the event of a Department related system failure.
4. Sandhill Crane, Pheasant and Raptor applications are accepted by
mail at the following addresses: P.O. Box 52002, Phoenix, AZ 85072-
2002; or at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000.
These applications may not be hand delivered to any Department
office.
5. First come permits are issued if available and will sell very quickly.
Applicants are advised to check with the Department before submit-ting
an application for leftover permits. A listing of leftover permits
is available by telephone at (623) 236-7702, or online at www.azgfd.
gov.
6. Applications for first come permits, if available for hunts on Camp
Navajo or Fort Huachuca, must be submitted by U.S. mail only to,
P.O. Box 52002, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2002.
18 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Welcome to the Youth Opportunity section in the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Hunt-ing
and Trapping Regulations. This section is designed to teach youth what they need to know
about hunting: how to get started; what hunts are available for youth; and what licenses are required.
We also included some fun stuff just for kids. We want to make hunting an enjoyable experience for
Arizona’s youth. For more information visit www.azgfd.gov.
In this section:
✓ Youth hunting
opportunities ������������������20
✓ Small Game Camps,
Scholastic Clays
and Archery �������������������20
✓Crossword �21
✓ Specific “Juniors-Only”
hunts �����������������������22-27
✓ “What is a junior?” ����������� 28
✓ License and tag
requirements ������������������ 28
✓ Age/Eligibility chart ���������29
Arizona provides many opportunities for youth to get in-volved
in hunting. There are specific Juniors-Only hunts,
hunter education courses, small game camps, archery and
sporting clays programs. You will find information about
these opportunities in this section.
YOUTH
OPPORTUNITIES
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 19
Robbins Butte Dove Hunt
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (RBWA) is about seven miles
southwest of Buckeye and comprises over 1600 acres. RBWA
was purchased for its potential as waterfowl habitat. Three
ponds were built in 1952 and by 1957 an estimated 30,000
ducks used these ponds. However, increased demand for
agricultural water coupled with invasion of salt cedar trees
led to dramatic waterfowl declines by 1960.
In response, the Department purchased the adjacent Black
Butte Farm to expand RBWA. This land contained some of
the last pristine honey mesquite bosque remaining along the
lower Gila River. This acquisition protected the bosque, and
provided cultivated grain crops for small game. The com-bination
of wildlife food crops, natural foods and nesting
habitat now attracts a combined average of 5,000 breeding
white-winged and mourning doves each year.
A portion of RBWA is managed strictly for junior hunters.
The “juniors only” hunt in early September gives hunters a
chance to pursue doves without adult competition. Hunters under the
age of 14 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed
adult (each adult can bring up to two young hunters). Shooting loca-tions
are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must
check in prior to hunting and check out when finished. Plan to arrive by
4:30 a.m. for a safety briefing. Afterward, visit the check-in tables and
enjoy a free breakfast provided by the Chandler Rod and Gun Club. Oh,
and don’t forget to bring plenty of shells. This area can produce lots
of chances to fill your bag. Please refer to the current Dove and Band-tailed
Pigeon Regulations for specific season dates.
Pheasant Hunt
Arizona’s top hunter education graduates are randomly drawn each year
for the AZGFD Youth Pheasant Hunt. While taking a hunter education
class instructors identify their top students and submit them for this ran-dom
drawing conducted in December. About 500 kids are nominated
each year and only 80 lucky hunters are drawn and invited to participate
in an all expense paid youth pheasant hunt in Prescott Valley.
Young hunters shoot sporting clays and trap as well as hunt behind
top quality pointing dogs that look for pheasants. It’s an exciting mo-ment
when a cackling rooster pheasant takes flight in front of the young
hunters.
A scrumptious lunch is provided for every one as well as a class on how
to prepare rooster pheasants for the home table. This has proved to be
a very positive event for both parents and young hunters. By attending
Arizona’s top-notch hunter education class maybe your young hunter
might be one of the lucky ones drawn next year.
Special Youth Opportunities
A dove hunt at Robbins Butte is one opportunity available to youth.
Small Game Camps, Scholastic Clays and Archery
Small Game Camps
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers camps on hunting basics
to individuals who are interested in hunting but may not know where
to start. These hands-on workshops teach the skills necessary to suc-cessfully
pursue the variety of small game found in Arizona. Both adults
and youths are invited to participate. The camps include instruction and
the opportunity to interact with experienced mentors and other camp
participants. Attendees will learn information on firearm safety, hunt-ing
opportunities, game care, archery instruction and more. There will
also be hands-on hunting opportunities. A schedule of upcoming camps
will be announced at www.azgfd.gov/smallgamecamps.
Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP)
The Arizona Game and Fish Department Scholastic Clay Target Program
is a team-based youth development program that uses the shotgun
sports to instill discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence and
other life values. Team members can participate in any or all three clay
target disciplines: trap, skeet and sporting clays. For more information,
contact Ashley Lynch at (623) 236-7305 or visit www.azgfd.gov and se-lect
Outdoor Recreation then Shooting Sports.
Archery in the Schools Program (AIS)
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers a popular Archery in the
Schools Program based on a national physical education curriculum intro-duced
in 2003. The core content covers archery, history, safety, techniques,
equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement. In addition, the
curriculum provides interesting and creative possibilities for integration
with core content in social studies, mathematics, visual arts, history and
English/language arts. The program provides school PE programs with
training, equipment and curriculum, to introduce youth to archery. For
more information, contact Denise Raum at (623) 236-7567.
20 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Crossword
1 2
3 4
5 6
7
8 9
10 11 12
13
14 15
16
17
18
19 20
21
22 23 24
25
26
27
28
ACROSS
3 Warmblooded animals that breathe
air and produce milk for their
young.
5 A major category in the classification
of animals.
6 One or more clues
that an animal
leaves behind.
11 An animal that
hunts and eats oth-er
animals.
13 The animal in the Arizona Game and
Fish Department’s logo.
14 This man was the nation’s first U.S.
Forest Service Director.
15 The first three letters of the first three
commandments of hunting safety.
17 You can find Gould’s and Merriam’s
in Arizona.
19 A legally established
time a species can
be hunted.
21 June 10, 2008
24 This animal is not
related to the pig
family.
25 This man was the editor of “Forest
and Stream” magazine for 35 years.
26 You have to complete this to partici-pate
in the draw.
27 The Department’s official magazine.
28 A random computerized lottery
to determine who will get hunt
permit-tags.
DOWN
1 Footprints left by an animal.
2 A male bighorn sheep.
4 This man wrote “A Sand County
Almanac.”
6 Animal droppings.
7 The place where an
animal lives.
8 You need a bow and arrow for this
activity.
9 You can take a ______education class
online.
10 	This is what the Department seeks to
conserve, enhance and restore.
12 This president formed the U.S. For-est
Service.
16 This allows a person to hunt a des-ignated
species during a designated
hunt. (three words)
18 Protection or management of natu-ral
resources.
19 Rabbits, squirrels and upland game
birds are considered this.
20 A plant or animal living in Arizona
before people.
22 Elk, deer and bear are considered
this.
23 An animal that is hunted or eaten for
food.
See the solution on
page 120.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 21
Juniors-Only Deer Hunts
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
License Required Any valid hunting or combination license except a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on pages 12-13 for Resident
and Non-resident license fees).
Eligible Hunters Persons are eligible to participate up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that persons
between the ages 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director as
per A.R.S. 17-335 (C).
Tag Required Hunt Permit-tag obtained only through application and draw process as prescribed in R12-4-104 and R12-4-114. EXCEPT
for Archery-Only deer: a hunt nonpermit-tag must be obtained from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114.
Hunt Numbers Required When applying for big game hunt permit-tags, you must use hunt numbers.
Legal Methods of Take General Hunt: Any firearm or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Muzzleloader Hunt: Muzzleloading weapons
as prescribed in R12-4-101 and R12-4-318, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
Legal Animal Definition Antlered means having an antler fully erupted through the skin and capable of being shed. Antlerless means not having
an antler, antlers, or any part thereof erupted through the skin, as defined in R12-4-101.
Bag Limit One (1) deer per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120.
To hunt deer in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a deer tag. To hunt deer during a General, Juniors-Only, Muzzleloader, or
some Archery-Only seasons, you must apply through a draw for a hunt permit-tag. For other Archery-Only hunts, you may purchase a nonpermit-tag from
a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114.
The Department offers “Juniors-Only” designated hunts. If applying for a Juniors-Only Hunt, do not reapply for the same species with other applicants
on a separate application. If a person is applying for a Juniors-Only hunt and a regular hunt on the same application, the higher of the tag
fees must be enclosed.
For further information on deer, their habitat, range, natural
history, or where you can hunt them in Arizona, please visit
www.azgfd.gov.
■ Mule Deer Distribution
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is providing this section on juniors-only hunting to highlight the hunts for which
junior hunters (defined below) have exclusive application opportunity. Some of these hunts have reduced fees. But
juniors are not only limited to these hunts. Juniors may apply for other season hunts (beginning on page 34), but must
include the higher fees when applying. If a junior chooses to apply with an adult, they are not eligible to apply for the
hunts listed in the juniors-only seasons.
■ White-tailed Deer
Distribution
22 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Juniors-Only Deer Hunts
IT’S IMPORTANT!
Remember to return your hunter questionnaire.
Deer Notes:
Deer: Commission Order 2
Juniors-Only Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1143 Oct 10 - Oct 19, 2008 10 Any antlered deer 100
1144 Nov 14 - Nov 17, 2008 (2,12,18) Winter Range Hunt Area in Unit 12A West (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT
MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Antlerless deer 600
1145 Oct 10 - Oct 19, 2008 (6) 16A (except Mohave County Park Lands) Any antlered deer 20
1146 Oct 10 - Oct 19, 2008 17B Any antlered deer 60
1147 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 18B Any antlered deer 75
1148 Oct 10 - Oct 19, 2008 20A Any antlered deer 100
1149 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 20C Any antlered deer 100
1150 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 23 Any antlered deer 150
1151 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 27 Any antlered deer 140
1152 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (6,11,22) 28, 29, 30A, 31, and 32 Any antlered deer 100
1153 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 33 Any antlered deer 150
1154 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 33 Any antlered deer 150
1155 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (6) 36A Any antlered deer 50
1156 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (6) 36A Any antlered deer 150
1157 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (6) 36B Any antlered deer 50
1158 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 42 (except White Tank Mountain Park) Any antlered deer 75
---- Nov 8 - Nov 23, 2008 (9) Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A Designated deer ---
Total 2070
Juniors-Only (Muzzleloader) Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1169 Dec 19 - Dec 31, 2008 16A (except Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge and Mohave County Park
Lands) Any antlered deer 30
Total 30
2. A Unit 12A (North Kaibab) Habitat Management Stamp is required
for all Unit 12A (North Kaibab) deer hunters. Stamps are available at
a cost of $15.00 at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices or
wherever hunting licenses are sold. All 12A North Kaibab deer hunt-ers
shall have this stamp attached to their hunting license. Stamps
cannot be obtained through the draw process. Successful Unit 12A
(North Kaibab) firearms deer hunters must check out and personally
present their deer for inspection at the Jacob Lake Checking Station
in accordance withw R12-4-308. A check station will not be operat-ed
during the Unit 12A (North Kaibab) archery deer season.
6. The Buenos Aires, Cibola, Imperial, and Kofa National Wildlife Ref-uges
are open to deer hunting as permitted by refuge regulations;
all other Refuges are closed.
9. The Fort Huachuca Army Garrison in Unit 35A is open to deer hunting
only to properly licensed military and Fort Huachuca civilian person-nel
holding a valid Fort Huachuca post hunting permit. Juniors only
hunts are only open to properly licensed military and Fort Huachu-ca
civilian dependents holding a valid Fort Huachuca post hunting
permit. CHAMP hunts are open to the general public. Hunt numbers,
season dates and/or special regulations must be obtained from Fort
Huachuca. Increases in Force Protection may result in hunt cancel-lations
at any time with little or no prior notification. In the event a
hunt is cancelled due to an increase in security, hunters drawn for
these permits will not be reimbursed or otherwise compensated by
the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Applications for these hunts
must be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department by the
published deadline.
11. Hunter access in Units 29, 30A, 30B, and 32 is extremely restricted.
Applicants should not apply for these units unless they have secured
access.
12. An “antlerless deer” is a deer, any age, without antlers.
18. Winter Range Hunt Area in Unit 12A West - That portion of Unit 12A
West located west of the following line: beginning at the junction of
FR 22 (West Side road) and the Kaibab National Forest boundary;
south on FR 22 to FR 462; southeasterly on FR 462 to the intersec-tion
of FR 462, FR 22, and FR 270; south on FR 270 to the Grand
Canyon National Park boundary.
22. Unit 31 and 32 hunts -- Access to Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area (as
prescribed in R12-4-802) is allowed by permit only, available through
the Safford Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. For more
information, contact the Safford Field Office at (928) 348-4450 or
www.blm.gov/az/sfo/aravaipa/aravaipa.htm.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 23
Juniors-Only Turkey Hunts
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
License Required Any valid hunting or combination license except a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on pages 12-13 for Resident
and Non-resident license fees).
Eligible Hunters Persons are eligible to participate up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that persons
between the ages 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director as
per A.R.S. 17-335 (C).
Tag Required Turkey nonpermit-tag obtained from a Department office.
Legal Methods of Take Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot Hunt: Any shotgun shooting shot as prescribed in R12-4-318 or bow and
arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
Legal Animal Definition Any turkey
Bag Limit One (1) turkey per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120.
To hunt turkey in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a turkey tag. To hunt turkey during a Limited Weapon Shotgun-Shooting
Shot Juniors-Only season, you may purchase a nonpermit-tag from a Department office.
If you took a turkey during a spring hunt, you are not eligible to apply for a fall hunt.
For further information on turkeys,
their habitat, range, natural history,
or where you can hunt them in
Arizona, please visit www.azgfd.gov.
■ Distribution
Turkey: Commission Order 5
Juniors-Only Nonpermit Tag Required (Limit ed Weapon -Shotgun Shooting Shot) Turkey
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Oct 3 - Oct 9, 2008 1, 6A, 8, 10, 12A, 23, 27 Any turkey
24 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Juniors-Only Javelina Hunts
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
License Required Any valid hunting or combination license except a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on pages 12-13 for Resident
and Non-resident license fees).
Eligible Hunters Persons are eligible to participate up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that persons
between the ages 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director as
per A.R.S. 17-335 (C).
Tag Required Hunt Permit-tag obtained only through application and draw process as prescribed in R12-4-104 and R12-4-114.
Hunt Numbers Required When applying for big game hunt permit-tags, you must use hunt numbers.
Legal Methods of Take General Hunt: Any firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Muzzleloader Hunt: Muzzleloading
weapons as prescribed in R12-4-101 and R12-4-318, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Archery-Only Hunt:
Bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 and/or crossbow as allowed under R12-4-216.
Bag Limit One (1) javelina per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120.
To hunt javelina in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a javelina tag. To hunt javelina in any season, you must apply for and
obtain a hunt permit-tag through the draw.
If you took a javelina during a spring hunt, you are not eligible to apply for a fall hunt.
For further information on javelina,
their habitat, range, natural history, or
where you can hunt them in
Arizona, please visit www.azgfd.gov.
■ Distribution
Javelina: Commission Order 6
Hunt No.
5000 BONUS POINT ONLY – See page 15 and see Note 8 on page 26 (No other hunt number may be chosen in conjunction with this one).
Juniors-Only Javelina
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
5501 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2) 16A (except Mohave County Park Lands) Any javelina 50
5502 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 17B Any javelina 50
5503 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 18B Any javelina 75
5504 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 20A Any javelina 50
5505 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 28 Any javelina 50
5506 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 28 Any javelina 50
5507 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (5) 29 Any javelina 50
5508 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (5) 29 Any javelina 50
5509 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2,5) 30A Any javelina 50
5510 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (2,5) 30A Any javelina 50
5511 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (5) 30B Any javelina 50
5512 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (5) 30B Any javelina 50
5513 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (7) 31 Any javelina 50
5514 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (7) 31 Any javelina 50
5515 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (5,7) 32 Any javelina 100
5516 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (5,7) 32 Any javelina 100
5517 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 33 Any javelina 135
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 25
Javelina: Commission Order 6 (continued)
Juniors-Only Javelina
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
5518 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 33 Any javelina 135
5519 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (4) 34A Any javelina 100
5520 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (4) 34A Any javelina 100
5521 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 34B Any javelina 25
5522 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 34B Any javelina 25
5523 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (1) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Any javelina 25
5524 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (1) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Any javelina 25
5525 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 35B Any javelina 25
5526 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 35B Any javelina 25
5527 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2) 36A Any javelina 70
5528 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (2) 36A Any javelina 70
5529 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2) 36B Any javelina 100
5530 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (2) 36B Any javelina 100
5531 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2) 36C Any javelina 75
5532 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (2) 36C Any javelina 75
5533 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (3) 37A Any javelina 125
5534 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (3) 37A Any javelina 125
5535 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (6) 37B Any javelina 170
5536 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 (6) 37B Any javelina 165
Total 2620
Juniors-Only (Muzzleloader) Javelina
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
5537 Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2008 39 Any javelina 10
Total 10
Juniors-Only (Archery-Only) Javelina
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
5538 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 39 Any javelina 15
Total 15
Juniors-Only Javelina Hunts
1. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation in Unit
35A is open to javelina hunting only to proper-ly
licensed Fort Huachuca military and civilian
personnel holding a valid Fort Huachuca post
hunting permit. Hunt numbers, season dates
and/or special regulations must be obtained
from Fort Huachuca. Increases in Force Protec-tion
may result in hunt cancellations at any time
with little or no prior notification. In the event a
hunt is cancelled due to an increase in securi-ty,
hunters drawn for these permits will not be
reimbursed or otherwise compensated by the Ar-izona
Game and Fish Department. Applications
for these hunts must be submitted to the Arizo-na
Game and Fish Department by the published
deadline. Fort Huachuca contact information:
Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, ATTN: ATZS-ISB
(Wildlife), Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613-6000,
(520)-533-1867 or (520) 533-7083, disenrd@
hua.army.mil, or www.huachuca.army.mil/usag/
dpw/hunting.html.
2. The Buenos Aires Refuge is open to javelina hunt-ing
as permitted by refuge regulations; all other
Refuges are closed.
3. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs,
Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria
National Monuments are open to hunting.
4. The Santa Rita Wildlife Area in Unit 34A is ac-tively
used for studies in wildlife management.
Researchers are present all months and study sites
are not always recognizable; hunters are urged
to use caution while hunting and take care not
to disturb study sites.
5. Hunter access in Units 29, 30A, 30B, and 32 is ex-tremely
restricted. Applicants should not apply for
these units unless they have secured access.
6. The Florence Military Reservation (training areas
B and D: the areas north and south of Cotton-wood
Canyon Road) in Unit 37B is subject to
short term closures due to military operations,
including live fire operations, and requires coor-dination
with the Florence Military Reservation
for hunting access. For specific closure dates or
any other access concerns, contact the Florence
Military Reservation at 602-267-2062. A map of
the Florence Military Reservation is located on
the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website,
www.azgfd.gov (type Florence Military Reserva-tion
in the search box).
7. Unit 31 and 32 hunts -- Access to Aravaipa Can-yon
Wildlife Area (as prescribed in R12-4-802)
is allowed by permit only, available through the
Safford Field Office of the Bureau of Land Man-agement.
For more information, contact the
Safford Field Office at (928) 348-4450 or www.
blm.gov/az/sfo/aravaipa/aravaipa.htm.
8. Although all fall 2008 javelina hunts are for Ju-niors
Only seasons, the bonus point only hunt
number is available to all applicants. If you
would like to purchase a bonus point for jave-lina
and are eligible for a big game draw, you
are eligible to apply for this bonus point hunt
number. If you select the bonus point number
on your application, do not apply for any other
hunt numbers on your application.
Notes:
26 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Juniors-Only Pheasant Hunts
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
License Required For hunters under age 14, you must either have a valid hunting or combination license or be accompanied by an adult
who possesses a valid hunting or combination license. For hunters 14 years and older, any valid hunting or combination
license including a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on pages 12-13 for Resident and Non-resident license fees).
Eligible Hunters Persons are eligible to participate up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that persons
between the ages 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director as
per A.R.S. 17-335 (C).
Tag Required Hunt Permit-tag obtained only through application and draw process as prescribed in R12-4-104 and R12-4-114.
Hunt Numbers Required When applying for big game hunt permit-tags, you must use hunt numbers.
Legal Methods of Take Shotgun shooting shot as prescribed in R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
Legal Animal Definition Any pheasant
Bag Limit Two (2) pheasants. Each pheasant possessed shall have a hunt permit-tag attached.
To hunt pheasant in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license. To hunt pheasant during the Juniors Only Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting
Shot season, you must apply for and obtain a hunt permit-tag through the draw..
The Department offers “Juniors-Only” designated hunts. If applying for a Juniors-Only Hunt, do not reapply for the same species with other applicants on
a separate application.
For further information on pheasants,
their habitat, range, natural history,
or where you can hunt them in
Arizona, please visit www.azgfd.gov.
■ Distribution
Pheasant: Commission Order 15
Juniors-Only Limit ed Weapon –Shotgun Shooting Shot Pheasant
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
11005 Sep 12 - Sep 14, 2008 (1) 40B (Yuma Valley, west of East Main Canal) Any pheasant 30
Total 30
Pheasant Notes:
1. For the Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot Pheasant applica-tion
acceptance date see the Table of Contents: License and Tag Fees.
Submitting your application before the acceptance date will result in
your application being rejected.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 27
Who is a Junior?
There are several different categories of “Junior” in Arizona. All of the
definitions are listed here:
• A person under 14 may hunt wildlife other than big game without a
license when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years
or older. No more than two unlicensed children may accompany
any license holder.
• No one under the age of 14 may take big game without having com-pleted
a hunter education course. No one under age 10 may hunt
big game in Arizona. To hunt big game, anyone 10-13 years of age
must have in their possession a valid hunting license, a valid Hunt-er
Education Course completion card, plus any required permit tags
or stamps.
• Trapping: A trapper under the age of 14 is not required to purchase
a trapping license, but shall obtain a registration number from any
Department office before taking wildlife with a trap. A trapper’s reg-istration
number is not transferable.
• Anyone up to and throughout the calendar year of their 20th birthday
may purchase a youth combination hunting and fishing license.
JUNIORS-ONLY HUNTS: Eligible hunters: Persons are eligible to par-ticipate
up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday,
provided that persons between the ages of 10-13 have satisfactorily
completed a hunter education course that is approved by the Director
as per A.R.S. 17-335 (C).
Transfer Tags
PARENTS
Under Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Rules there are ways people can transfer big game tags to children.
A parent, guardian or grandparent to whom a big game permit or tag
is issued may transfer the unused permit or tag to the parent’s, guard-ian’s
or grandparent’s minor child if:
• The minor child is between 10 to 17 years old on the date of
transfer;
• The minor child has a valid hunting or combination license on the
date of the transfer; and
• A minor child less than 14 years old has satisfactorily completed a De-partment-
approved hunter education course by date of transfer.
See R12-4-121 on page 106 for more information.
A person may transfer his or her big game tag for use by a child with a
life threatening medical condition. Consult A.R.S. 17-332 on page 97.
Should you be unable to use your big game permit, the Department is
unable to reimburse you for your fees or reinstate your bonus points.
However, you may donate your tag to a nonprofit organization that
provides hunting opportunities to children with life-threatening medi-cal
conditions. You may contact the following organizations to arrange
for a donation.
• Hunt of a Lifetime at www.hoalarizona.org.
• Catch-A-Dream at http://catchadream.org.
• United Special Sportsmen Alliance at www.childswish.com.
License, Tag Requirements
See special youth prices on pages 12–13.
Did You Know?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department
holds small game camps to give you
the knowledge you need to hunt in Ari-zona.
Last year the Department held six
camps throughout the state. The camps
offer hands-on opportunities to get you
started hunting. For more information,
visit www.azgfd.gov/smallgamecamps.
Regular Hunts: Junior Eligibility
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is providing this section on
juniors-only hunting to highlight the hunts for which hunters have ex-clusive
application opportunity. Some of these hunts have reduced fees.
But juniors are not only limited to these hunts. Juniors may apply for
other season hunts (beginning on page 34), but must include the
higher fees when applying. If a junior chooses to apply with an adult,
they are not eligible to apply for hunts of the same species listed in the
juniors-only seasons.
28 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Youth Opportunities
Privileges By AGE
Ages
0-8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21-
69
70-
up
May possess a Lifetime Hunting license
Enroll in Hunter Education
Enroll in Scholastic Clay Target program
Hunt “Other than Big Game” without license if ac-companied
by a licensed person age 18 or older
Hunt “Other than Big Game” if licensed
Hunt Big Game if licensed (apply for a big game
hunt or bonus point)
Ages 10-13
must pass Hunter
Education class
Participate in Junior Big Game Hunts if Licensed;
Eligible for Youth Permit-tag Fees
Ages 10-13 must pass Hunter Education
class and must be licensed
Accept transfer of another person’s permit-tag
from a qualified non-profit organization if
licenced
Ages 10-13 must pass Hunter Education
class and must be licensed
Accept transfer of parents’, guardians’
or grandparents’ permit-tag if licensed
on the date of transfer
Ages 10-13 must pass Hunter Education
class and must be licensed
Trap without a license Must get a Trapper Registration
number
Trap with resident Juvenile Trapping license Must pass Trapper Education
and get a Trapper
Registration number
Eligible General Hunt license (child)
Eligible Combination Hunt/Fish license (child)
Eligible Youth Combination Hunt/Fish license
Eligible for Family Hunting Child’s license or Fam-ily
Combination Child’s license
Must first purchase a primary
adult Family license
Eligible for free Pioneer Combination license if 25
years continuous Arizona residency
Hunt waterfowl or migratory birds without a
stamp
Ages 10-13 no hunting license required
Age/Eligibility Chart
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 29
Hunter Education
Hunter Education programs across the country are designed to continue the hunting heritage by developing safe, re-sponsible,
ethical and knowledgeable hunters. Hunting is a hallowed family tradition that teaches respect for life, each
other and nature. It teaches accountability and responsibility. If you are a new hunter, or want to learn about wildlife
conservation, the environment, firearms and gun safety, our hunter education courses can help. The program will also
benefit experienced people who want to become more proficient hunters and conservationists. While hunter safety is
the program focus, hunter ethics, wildlife management, survival, and other important topics are also covered. Hunting
is safe, and community and family sustaining. Enroll your family in our hunter education program today. For more in-formation,
visit www.azgfd.gov or call (623) 236-7235 or (623) 236-7236.
Course information
Everyone that is at least 10 years old is encour-aged
to participate in a Department hunter
education course. Taught by volunteer instruc-tors,
a modest fee to offset student expenses
for ammunition and other materials is usually
assessed at the first class. The Department of-fers
an introductory beginners course requiring
approximately 9 hours in the class room with a
field day consisting of another 4 to 6 hours. The
Department also offers an independent study
online hunter education course. Just like the
classroom courses however, a final (proctored)
exam will be required prior to course gradua-tion.
More detailed classes are also available
requiring approximately 20 hours, along with
a combination course for bow hunters that
is approximately 28 hours. These class room
courses are generally offered during weekends
and week nights across the state with the field
day conducted at a local shooting range.
At a minimum, subjects covered include an in-troduction
to hunter education and conservation
as well as topics such as:
• Safety, responsibility,
hunter education fund-ing
sources.
• Behaviors of a respon-sible
hunter, preventing
accidents, planning and
preparation, clothing,
topographic maps and
compasses, survival
skills, coping with weath-er
related conditions and
basic first aid.
• Wildlife conservation, the
hunter’s role in wildlife conservation, habi-tat
management, wildlife identification.
While there is no
requirement for
hunters to wear
orange in Arizona;
the department
STRONGLY suggests
that all hunters adopt
this valuable safety
precaution to help
others see and identify
them in the field.
• Basic hunting and shooting skills, good
marksmanship and accuracy, dominant eye,
sight alignment, sighting-in a
rifle, rifle firing techniques,
shooting positions, shotgun
shooting, hunting strategies,
vital shots and approaching
downed game, field care of
game, hunter responsibility
and ethics, the five stages of
hunter development, North
American Model of Wildlife
Conservation and market
hunting.
• Arizona’s Hunting
Regulations — Develop an
understanding of the most
often violated Arizona game laws, rules and
regulations.
30 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Getting Started,
License and Fees Hunter Education
Hunter Education
10 Commandments
of Hunting Safety
and TAB +1
1. Treat every firearm as if it were
loaded! It might be, even if you think
it isn’t!
2. Always keep the muzzle in a
safe direction. Keep control of the
direction of the muzzle at all times.
3. Be sure of the target and beyond.
Be aware of what is in front of the
target. Know the identifying features
of the game you hunt. Make sure
you have an adequate backstop
— don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface
or water.
4. +1 Keep your finger outside the
trigger guard until ready to shoot.
This is the best way to prevent an
accidental discharge.
5. Check your barrel and ammunition.
Make sure the barrel and action are
clear of obstructions, and carry only
the proper ammunition for your
firearm.
6. Unload firearm when not in use.
Leave action open; carry firearm in a
case and unloaded to and from the
shooting area.
7. Point a firearm only at something you
intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay
with a gun.
8. Don’t run, jump, or climb with a
loaded firearm. Unload a firearm
before you climb a fence or tree, or
jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward
you by the butt, not the muzzle.
9. Store firearms and ammunition
separately and safely. Store each in
secured locations beyond the reach
of children and careless adults.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before
and during shooting. Also avoid
mind- or behavior-altering medicines
or drugs.
Hunters Need To Be Prepared
Failing to prepare can lead to injury and
death. The cost of the average search and res-cue
mission can range from $1,500 to $4,000
and some searches that are extended opera-tions
or require a lot of air support may reach
into the tens of thousands of dollars. Hunters
should be prepared for any conditions they
may face during their hunt. Below are some
tips and a list of equipment that should help
hunters have a more enjoyable trip.
Essentials
Water
Extra Food
Clothing for both night and day
Fire source
Pocket knife
Space blanket
Flashlight/ headlamp
First aid kit
Cell phone
Maps and navigational device
Signal device
Radio (FRS type radios)
Rope / shoe lace
Water purification tablets or device
Tips
• Planning ahead; inform family/friends of
trip location & return time, be familiar with
geographical area, environmental condi-tions
(weather)
• Be prepared to spend the night out in the
wild
• Have a plan to pack game out
• Do not depend on cell phones
• Be familiar with how to use maps and nav-igation
device
Motorized Game Retrieval
Motorized game retrieval is prohibited on
many areas around Arizona. Hunters should
be aware of rules and regulations for the
area they plan to hunt. Hunters should be
prepared for retrieving their downed game
without the use of motorized vehicles. Alter-native
options include horseback, backpack,
and game carriers with or without wheels de-pending
on land status.
Arizona’s top hunter education graduates are randomly drawn each year for the AZGFD Youth
Pheasant Hunt. While taking a hunter education class, instructors identify their top students and submit
them for this random drawing conducted in December. Upcoming classroom hunter education course
information can be found at www.azgfd.gov. All classroom hunter safety education courses are taught
by Arizona Game and Fish Department certified volunteer instructors.
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 31
Big Game Seasons
Arizona has 10 species of wildlife desig-nated
as big game by state statute:
mule deer, white-tailed deer, prong-horn,
elk, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear, and mountain
lion. If you also consider that Arizona is occupied by two recognized
subspecies of bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain and desert) and three
subspecies of turkeys (Gould’s, Merriam’s and Rio Grande), there is
ample evidence of the diversity of Arizona’s big game, and the opportu-nities
a hunter has to pursue. While the diverse habitats in Arizona are
home to a lot of different species, no individual species is particularly
numerous. Consequently, most big game hunts have a limited number
of permits for which you must be drawn to participate.
Elk and pronghorn application information was again provided ear-lier
this year. The draw for elk and pronghorn is already complete and
you should know if you received one of these tags. This knowledge
should help you determine if you wish to participate in another hunt,
and if so, for which deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, and buffalo
hunts to apply.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized fall javelina permits
to be offered to junior hunters this year. If a junior hunter didn’t take
a javelina in the spring, that hunter is eligible to apply for these hunts.
Junior hunters may wish to apply for a javelina hunt that will comple-ment
another deer hunt in which they may participate in this fall. These
hunts may be rewarding ways to introduce a junior hunter you know
to big game hunting.
Compared with last year, deer hunting opportunity has increased
somewhat throughout the state, although fewer bighorn sheep tags
are available. There are also moderate increases in turkey permits.
Junior turkey hunters may now purchase a turkey tag over the counter
at Department offices and hunt in any unit listed in the Juniors-Only
section.
The Commission authorized the continuation of the population man-agement
seasons for buffalo in Unit 12A. If you are fortunate enough
to be drawn for deer in Unit 12A, you will have the opportunity to pur-chase
a buffalo permit to harvest one of these animals. Keep in mind,
these restricted nonpermit tags are offered in areas where the named
wildlife are not abundant, so your chances of success are small.
So peruse these pages, and select the seasons that meet your desires.
Good luck in the draw. Should you need any assistance, feel free to con-tact
any Department office (see contact information on page 3).
Welcome to Big Game Hunting in Arizona
Inside you’ll find:
✓  Photographs of Arizona’s big game
species
✓  Hunt numbers and season dates
✓  Legal requirements
✓  Information about condors and
non-lead ammunition
✓  An explanation of the differences
between wolves and coyotes
✓  Distribution maps
✓  Draw odds
✓ Legal animal definitions
✓Bag limits
✓  Legal methods of take
✓  Required licenses and tags
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 33
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
License Required Any valid hunting or combination license except a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on pages 12-13 for Resident
and Non-resident license fees).
Tag Required Hunt Permit-tag obtained only through application and draw process as prescribed in R12-4-104 and R12-4-114. EXCEPT
for some Archery-Only deer, a hunt nonpermit-tag must be obtained from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114.
Hunt Numbers Required When applying for big game hunt permit-tags, you must use hunt numbers.
Legal Methods of Take General Hunt: Any firearm or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Muzzleloader Hunt: Muzzleloader weapons
as prescribed in R12-4-101 and R12-4-318, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. Archery-Only Hunt:
Bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 and/or crossbow as allowed under R12-4-216.
Legal Animal Definition Antlered means having an antler fully erupted through the skin and capable of being shed, as defined in R12-4-101.
Bag Limit One (1) deer per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120.
To hunt deer in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a deer tag. To hunt deer during a General, Juniors-Only, Muzzleloader or
Archery-Only season, you must apply through a draw for a hunt permit-tag. For Archery-Only Nonpermit Tag hunts, you may purchase a nonpermit-tag
from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114. If a person is applying for a Juniors-Only hunt and a regular hunt on the same application,
the higher of the tag fees must be enclosed.
Archery deer hunters, except those issued a hunt permit-tag through the draw process, must contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department office in
person, or by telephone (1-866-903-DEER [3337]) within 10 days of taking a deer (pursuant to R12-4-308). Those issued hunt permit-tags through the draw
process will receive, in the mail, a hunter questionnaire to complete and return.
The U.S. Forest Service is concerned about road damage occurring during periods of very wet weather. To prevent road damage, provide for public safety,
and protect natural resources, the Forest Service may temporarily close some of its roads to motor vehicle use when soils are saturated and damage is
occurring. Hunters should call the appropriate Forest Service office in which their hunt occurs or visit the Forest Service Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3 and
choose the forest they will be visiting. Once there, go to the current conditions page for the latest road information.
Deer Hunts
For further information on mule deer and white-tailed
deer, their habitat, range, natural history, or where you
can hunt them in Arizona, please visit www.azgfd.gov.
■ Mule Deer Distribution
■ White-tailed Deer Distribution
Mule Deer
White-tailed Deer
34 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Big Game Seasons
Deer: Commission Order 2 (continued)
General Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1000 BONUS POINT ONLY – See page 15 (No other hunt number may be chosen in conjunction with this one).
1001 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 1 Any antlered deer 260
1002 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 2A, 2B, and 2C Any antlered deer 80
1003 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 3A and 3C Any antlered deer 300
1004 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 4A and 4B Any antlered deer 150
1005 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (19,21) 5A and 5B Any antlered deer 400
1006 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (19) 6A Antlered mule deer 400
1007 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (1,19) 6B (except Camp Navajo) Antlered mule deer 275
1008 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (19) 7 Any antlered deer 800
1009 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (19) 8 Antlered mule deer 600
1010 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (19) 9 Any antlered deer 400
1011 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 10 Any antlered deer 725
1012 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (2,3,17) 12A East (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 150
1013 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 (2,3,17) 12A East (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 50
1014 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (2,4,17) 12A West (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 850
1015 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 (2,4,17) 12A West (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 175
1016 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (13) 12B Any antlered deer 25
1017 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2008 (13) 12B Any antlered deer 75
1018 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 (5,13) 12B West Any antlered deer 175
1019 Nov 14 - Nov 23, 2008 (13) 13A Any antlered deer 45
1020 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 (13) 13B Any antlered deer 45
1021 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 (6) 16A (except Mohave County Park lands) Any antlered deer 650
1022 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 17A Any antlered deer 350
1023 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 17B Any antlered deer 400
1024 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 18A Any antlered deer 600
1025 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 18B Any antlered deer 650
1026 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 19A Any antlered deer 450
1027 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 19B Any antlered deer 300
1028 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 20A Any antlered deer 700
1029 Nov 14 - Nov 23, 2008 20B Any antlered deer 350
1030 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 20C Any antlered deer 300
1031 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 20C Any antlered deer 250
1032 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (13) 21 Antlered mule deer 450
1033 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 (23) 22 Antlered mule deer 625
1034 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 23 Antlered mule deer 610
1035 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 24A Antlered mule deer 165
1036 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 24B Antlered mule deer 450
1037 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 27 Antlered mule deer 900
1038 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 28 Antlered mule deer 400
1039 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 28 Antlered mule deer 400
1040 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered mule deer 75
1041 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered mule deer 75
1042 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered mule deer 325
1043 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered mule deer 325
1044 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered mule deer 400
1045 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered mule deer 400
1046 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered mule deer 150
1047 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered mule deer 150
1048 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered mule deer 450
1049 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered mule deer 450
1050 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 33 Antlered mule deer 350
1051 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 33 Antlered mule deer 250
1052 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (10) 34A Antlered mule deer 25
1053 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 34B Antlered mule deer 100
1054 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 34B Antlered mule deer 100
1055 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered mule deer 350
1056 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered mule deer 450
1057 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered mule deer 200
1058 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered mule deer 200
1059 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered mule deer 125
1060 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered mule deer 125
1061 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (13) 37A Antlered mule deer 75
1062 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (13) 37A Antlered mule deer 75
1063 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (20) 37B Any antlered deer 250
1064 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (20) 37B Any antlered deer 250
Deer Hunts
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 35
Deer: Commission Order 2 (continued)
General Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1065 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (7,13) 39, 40A, and 40B (Special Restrictions Apply - See Note 7) Any antlered deer 150
1066 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (7,13) 39, 40A, and 40B (Special Restrictions Apply - See Note 7) Any antlered deer 150
1067 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 (8) 41 Any antlered deer 475
1068 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 42 (except White Tank Mountain Park) Any antlered deer 300
1069 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 (6,8) 43A, 43B, 44A, and 44B Any antlered deer 650
1070 Nov 7 - Nov 16, 2008 (6) 45A, 45B, and 45C Any antlered deer 275
1071 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (19) 6A Antlered whitetail deer 200
1072 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (19) 6A Antlered whitetail deer 200
1073 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (19) 6A Antlered whitetail deer 75
1074 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (1,19) 6B (except Camp Navajo) Antlered whitetail deer 55
1075 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (1,19) 6B (except Camp Navajo) and 8 Antlered whitetail deer 25
1076 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 (19) 8 Antlered whitetail deer 75
1077 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (13) 21 Antlered whitetail deer 460
1078 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (13) 21 Antlered whitetail deer 20
1079 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (23) 22 Antlered whitetail deer 660
1080 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (23) 22 Antlered whitetail deer 25
1081 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 23 Antlered whitetail deer 575
1082 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 23 Antlered whitetail deer 85
1083 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 24A Antlered whitetail deer 355
1084 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 24A Antlered whitetail deer 355
1085 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 24A Antlered whitetail deer 30
1086 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 24B Antlered whitetail deer 305
1087 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 24B Antlered whitetail deer 305
1088 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 24B Antlered whitetail deer 25
1089 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 27 and 28 Antlered whitetail deer 350
1090 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 27 and 28 Antlered whitetail deer 15
1091 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered whitetail deer 285
1092 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered whitetail deer 275
1093 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered whitetail deer 275
1094 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (11) 29 Antlered whitetail deer 40
1095 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered whitetail deer 200
1096 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered whitetail deer 200
1097 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered whitetail deer 175
1098 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (6,11) 30A Antlered whitetail deer 40
1099 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered whitetail deer 150
1100 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered whitetail deer 150
1101 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered whitetail deer 150
1102 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (11) 30B Antlered whitetail deer 75
1103 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered whitetail deer 325
1104 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered whitetail deer 325
1105 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered whitetail deer 300
1106 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (22) 31 Antlered whitetail deer 125
1107 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered whitetail deer 500
1108 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered whitetail deer 500
1109 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered whitetail deer 460
1110 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (11,22) 32 Antlered whitetail deer 40
1111 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 33 Antlered whitetail deer 650
1112 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 33 Antlered whitetail deer 650
1113 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 33 Antlered whitetail deer 650
1114 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 33 Antlered whitetail deer 40
1115 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (10) 34A Antlered whitetail deer 600
1116 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (10) 34A Antlered whitetail deer 600
1117 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (10) 34A Antlered whitetail deer 550
1118 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (10) 34A Antlered whitetail deer 40
1119 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 34B Antlered whitetail deer 150
1120 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 34B Antlered whitetail deer 150
1121 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 34B Antlered whitetail deer 100
1122 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 34B Antlered whitetail deer 40
1123 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Antlered whitetail deer 300
1124 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Antlered whitetail deer 300
1125 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Antlered whitetail deer 200
1126 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) Antlered whitetail deer 40
1127 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 35B Antlered whitetail deer 400
Deer Hunts
36 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov
Big Game Seasons
Deer: Commission Order 2 (continued)
General Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1128 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 35B Antlered whitetail deer 400
1129 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 35B Antlered whitetail deer 250
1130 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 35B Antlered whitetail deer 40
1131 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered whitetail deer 350
1132 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered whitetail deer 450
1133 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered whitetail deer 350
1134 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (6) 36A Antlered whitetail deer 40
1135 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered whitetail deer 800
1136 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered whitetail deer 800
1137 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered whitetail deer 700
1138 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (6) 36B Antlered whitetail deer 40
1139 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered whitetail deer 200
1140 Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered whitetail deer 200
1141 Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered whitetail deer 150
1142 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (6) 36C Antlered whitetail deer 100
---- Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2008 (9) Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A Designated deer ---
Total 41820
For Juniors-Only Deer Hunts, please see page 22.
CHAMP Deer (CHAMP permit required)
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1159 Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2008 (2) 12A Any antlered deer 10
Total 10
Muzzlel oader Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1160 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 3B Any antlered deer 80
1161 Oct 24 - Oct 30, 2008 (1,19) 6B (except Camp Navajo) Any antlered deer 275
1162 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (2,3,17) 12A East (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 50
1163 Oct 24 - Nov 2, 2008 (6) 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D Any antlered deer 200
1164 Oct 31 - Nov 9, 2008 20B Any antlered deer 150
1165 Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2008 (10) 34A Any antlered deer 100
1166 Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) and 35B Any antlered deer 50
1167 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (9) 35A (except Fort Huachuca) and 35B Any antlered deer 50
1168 Dec 12 - Dec 31, 2008 (7,8,13) 39, 40A, 40B, 41, and 42 (except White Tank Mountain Park) (Special
Restrictions Apply - See Footnote 7) Any antlered deer 50
---- Oct 24 - Dec 31, 2008 (9) Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A Designated deer ---
Total 1005
Archery-Only Deer
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife Permits
1170 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (14) 1 Any antlered deer 190
1171 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (14) 3A and 3C Any antlered deer 150
1172 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (14,19) 7 Any antlered deer 800
1173 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (2,14,17) 12A (NORTH KAIBAB HABITAT MANAGEMENT STAMP REQUIRED) Any antlered deer 1000
1174 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (13,14) 12B Any antlered deer 15
1175 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (5,13,14) 12B West Any antlered deer 75
1176 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (13,14) 13A Any antlered deer 45
1177 Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (13,14) 13B Any antlered deer 30
Total 2305
Deer Hunts
2008-09 Hunting Regulations 37
Deer: Commission Order 2 (continued)
Archery-Only Nonpermit Tag Required Deer (mandatory harvest reporting, see page 39)
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Aug 22 - Sep 11, 2008 (1,6,11,19,
21,22,23)
2A, 2B, 2C, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (except Camp Navajo), 8, 9, 10,
11M, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 16A (except Mohave County Park Lands),
17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, 20C, 21 (except Cave Creek
Recreation Area), 22, 23, 24A, 24B, 27, 28, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A,
34B, 35A (except Fort Huachuca), 35B, 36A, 36B, and 36C
Any antlered deer
Dec 12, 2008 - Jan 31, 2009
(6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 13, 15, 16,
20, 22, 24, 25)
10, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19B, 20B, 20C, 21 (except Cave
Creek Recreation Area), 24A, 24B, 25M, 26M, 28, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32,
33, 34A, 34B, 35A (except Fort Huachuca), 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C, 37B,
38M (including Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area), 39, 40A, 40B, 41, 43A,
43B, 44A, 44B, and 47M
Any antlered deer
Jan 1 - Jan 16, 2009 (19) 4A, 4B, 8, 9, and 19A Any antlered deer
Jan 1 - Jan 31, 2009 (6,23) 16A (except Mohave County Park Lands), 17A, 20A, 22, 23, 27, 37A, 42,
45A, 45B, and 45C Any antlered deer
Aug 29 - Sep 21, 2008 (1) Camp Navajo in Unit 6B Any antlered deer
Aug 29, 2008 - Jan 28, 2009 (9) Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A Designated deer
Deer Hunts
1. Camp Navajo in Unit 6B is open to deer
hunting only to properly licensed hunters
holding a valid Camp Navajo hunting per-mit.
A hunter education course is required.
Hunt numbers must be obtained from
the Arizona National Guard. For more
information on how to apply for a Camp
Navajo hunt, go to www.campnavajo.com
and select Hunting. Increases in Force Pro-tection
may result in hunt cancellations at
any time with little or no prior notifica-tion.
In the event a hunt is cancelled due
to an increase in security, hunters drawn
for these permits will not be reimbursed
or otherwise compensated by the Arizona
Game and Fish Department. Applications
for these hunts must be submitted to the
Arizona Game and Fish Department by the
published deadline.
2. A Unit 12A (North Kaibab) Habitat Man-agement
Stamp is required for all Unit
12A (North Kaibab) deer hunters. Stamps
are available at a cost of $15.00 at all Ari-z