Arizona still has the potential to produce 82-inch and larger antelope bucks, though the overall number of true trophy animals is lower than what you’ll find in many other states. Two big forces shape Arizona’s antelope populations: drought and coyote predation. Predation always plays a major role in herd dynamics, but in southern states like Arizona, drought has an even bigger impact on fawn recruitment and long-term growth. When the winterkill issues shift farther north, fawn survival drops, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s tag reductions are often a direct reflection of those recruitment problems.

Most Arizona units are capable of producing a trophy buck, but hunters shouldn’t expect a landscape filled with giants. Success usually comes from passing a handful of decent bucks while waiting for one that truly stands out. Units 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7, and 9 often produce public access and mature bucks. Units 6A and 10, once top-tier options for public-land hunters targeting big pronghorn, still offer good hunts but no longer produce the same number of top-end animals. Public land can be limiting in many units, but it rarely eliminates opportunity. It just means planning ahead and knowing the terrain. Our unit descriptions can help you identify where an outfitter might be worth considering versus units that reliably offer a self-guided, public-land hunt.

At Huntin' Fool, we are always looking for ways to improve our service and help out members to the very best of our abilities. We believe communication is what makes our Huntin' Fool community great!