Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
AZ
Deer Hunting in Arizona: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Arizona starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $45 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $300 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 22 – Unit-specific OTC Archery
Draw Required? Mixed draw and quota OTC access Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Arizona Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Arizona deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
OTC Archery; also check General Draw.
For Arizona deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Resident OTC archery deer nonpermit-tag is listed at $45; resident draw deer permit-tag is $58 including application fee. Nonresident OTC archery is $300; nonresident draw deer permit-tag is $315 including application fee.. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. Arizona does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Arizona
Arizona deer planning depends on hunt type. The state uses draw permit-tags for many rifle, muzzleloader, and limited-entry deer hunts, while some archery deer opportunities are sold over the counter and managed with nonresident caps, harvest thresholds, or unit closures. CWD has not been listed as detected in Arizona, but AZGFD still regulates carcass import from affected states. Arizona generally does not use statewide point-count antler restrictions for deer; the main planning variables are unit, weapon, timing, and whether the hunt is a draw permit or an OTC archery option.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
Arizona Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Arizona offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Arizona Game & Fish Department — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Arizona Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$45
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$300
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Resident OTC archery deer nonpermit-tag is listed at $45; resident draw deer permit-tag is $58 including application fee. Nonresident OTC archery is $300; nonresident draw deer permit-tag is $315 including application fee.
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Arizona deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Arizona license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Arizona
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 per tag
Coues whitetail and mule deer; unit-specific antler restrictions
Allowed Weapons
Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Access Planning
Access: Mixed draw and quota OTC access
Deadline: Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Arizona Game & Fish Department . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Arizona — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Arizona?
No, CWD testing is voluntary as the disease has not been detected in the state. However, the AZGFD strongly encourages hunters to submit heads for testing, providing drop-off locations statewide.
What are the antler restrictions?
Arizona generally does not use point-based antler restrictions (like a 3-point rule). Legal bucks must simply have an antler erupted through the skin.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Arizona?
Not always. Many Arizona deer permit-tags are awarded through the draw, but some archery deer opportunities are sold over the counter and managed by nonresident caps or harvest-triggered closures. Check the exact hunt code or OTC unit before planning travel.
What deer species can I hunt in Arizona?
Arizona is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, muzzleloader, bow.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Arizona?
Yes. Non-residents can apply for draw deer permits and may also be able to buy eligible OTC archery deer tags. The listed non-resident OTC archery deer tag price is $300, while draw deer permit-tags include the draw application cost and are higher. The base non-resident combo license is separate.