Arizona has two separate management practices for mule deer. One focuses on quality, and the other focuses on opportunity. The Alternative Management Hunt units try to maintain a higher quality hunt experience, focusing on higher success rates and higher buck-to-doe ratios. There are four alternative management areas that consist of twelve separate units. Considering there are around sixty-three units in the state that have mule deer hunts on them, it’s easy to see that the vast majority of the hunting is framed around opportunity. This in turn means that the low number of units managed for quality have become very difficult to draw.
Most of the alternative management units are located in northwestern Arizona, with the exception of a handful of desert units in the southwestern portion of the state. The highest density of deer for a unit managed under Alternative Management is, far and away, found in unit 12A. The Kaibab Plateau is legendary for its deer population and genetic strain of large antlered mule deer. 3A/3C would be a distant second place for deer density, but genetics in this part of Arizona are not in the same conversation as those in the Kaibab and Arizona Strip units (13A and 13B). Units 17A, 45A/B/C, and 46A/B have some of the lowest densities, and mule deer in these units are considered desert mule deer, which have smaller bodies and antlers on average. That said, the rare giant can be found in this vast desert region.
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The northernmost units in Arizona—12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B—are among the top areas for mule deer genetics and size anywhere in the world. Units 13A and 13B are known by mule deer fanatics as the “Arizona Strip” and have been synonymous with record book mule deer bucks ever since Ted Riggs was combing the hills. (Ted Riggs was a well-known predator control trapper that rose to fame during a career spanning from the 50s to 80s for bringing down the predator numbers across this region and helping to increase mule deer numbers to historic levels that have not been seen since.) Mule deer populations are substantially leaner now than they were in the 1960s to 1980s, but the same giant bodies and antler structures still exist if you can manage to find one in these old monarchs. Although the same could be said for units 12A and 12B when it comes to the highs and lows of the mule deer population, the Strip still holds a substantial population of mule deer, and it does have more draw options to choose from that have slightly better draw odds. These units are currently (and will likely always be) the best producing areas for trophy bucks in Arizona.can y
Coues deer hunting in Arizona has steadily gained popularity as more hunters recognize the challenge and opportunity this unique species provides. Found only in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, Coues deer offer a specialized and limited-range hunting experience. Arizona stands out as the stronghold for the species, supporting the largest and most robust populations across their range. This abundance allows the Arizona Game and Fish Department to issue tags at a relatively generous rate while still maintaining a healthy and well-balanced buck population.
Coues deer hunting opportunities are abundant, with most units offering three to four seasons throughout the fall. The final hunt, held just before the rut, can be especially productive with occasional pre-rut activity increasing hunter success. Because deer are more vulnerable during this time, the AZGFD limits tag numbers, and these hunts typically require far more bonus points to draw as a result. Earlier seasons, on the other hand, see a higher number of tags issued, as mature Coues bucks are very elusive and can hide in the sparsest of cover, particularly within Arizona’s thick, rugged vegetation.
Though these desert dwellers are equipped to face drought, prolonged drought conditions combined with steady mountain lion predation have taken a noticeable toll on Coues deer populations across Arizona. Declining fawn recruitment and overall herd health in several regions have warranted significant tag reductions across most of the state. These cuts will hopefully help stabilize the buck-to-doe ratio in these units and limit the downward trend hunters are seeing across most of Arizona.
The AZGFD has reduced tags in every single Coues whitetail unit across the state except in units 6A, 22, 23, and 34A. These units, located in the northern extent of Coues deer range, have not seen as intense of a drought as the southern portion of the state. For right now, it appears the drought is set to continue again this year, but timely late-winter rainstorms have eased drought conditions. With any luck, Arizona can continue to get a few of these storms on a regular basis and turn the tide on this downward trend.
Arizona is good with the youth hunters and typically gives them first crack at the deer in some units. They allow them to take a mule deer or Coues deer except in unit 34A which is Coues deer only. Some great Coues and mule deer dates are available for junior hunters with little to no points. All youth-only deer tags are $25 for non-residents and residents alike. The youth cost of a 365-day hunting license is just $5. All juniors are eligible to participate up to their 18th birthday, provided that youths between the ages of 10 and 13 have completed an approved hunter education course. A youth hunter whose 18th birthday occurs during a youth-only deer hunt may continue to participate for the duration of the hunt dates.
While most of these hunts are not conducted in trophy mule deer units, they often are the first hunts of the season and offer the youth first crack at bucks that are just coming out of velvet. Units that have October 10th start dates will most likely capitalize on bucks in their summer patterns. The beauty of these permits is that in most cases they are either species, meaning you can harvest either a mule deer or a Coues deer buck. Most of the best Coues deer units have a youth hunt available. All of these units have good potential for a mature buck. The youth hunt in area 7/9 was taken out of the mix this year and replaced with unit 8.
If you are interested in hiring an outfitter for a youth hunt, give us a call and we can help figure out which areas to apply for and put you in touch with the right outfitter. The outfitters we work with love taking kids on these hunts and run very high success.
Another great option for these hunts are the Youth Deer Hunting Camps put on by various chapters of the Arizona Mule Deer Organization, Mule Deer Foundation, Arizona Chapter of Safari Club International, and Arizona Deer Association. These camps get put on in a variety of units, run three to four days, and are geared toward giving kids of all ages a terrific camping/hunting atmosphere. Most events have clinics on biology and habitat, glassing techniques, stalking techniques, game care, and so much more to teach kids a host of different skills that will make them better and more confident hunters. Most of these camps also have campfire activities in the evening where dinner will be provided and raffles are held for prizes. There is a complete list of all youth camps in the 2025/2026 Fall Hunting Regulations booklet that will also have contact information for each of the camps. All of these events are free of charge, but some have limited space available.
Stay tuned for our July 2026 issue to cover opportunity hunts for Arizona.
2025 ARIZONA NON-RESIDENT FEES
365-Day Hunting/Fishing License (adult) — $160
365-Day Hunting/Fishing License (youth ages 10–17) — $5
Mule Deer/Coues Deer OTC Permit (archery only) — $300
Stay tuned for our July 2026 issue to cover OTC hunts for Arizona.
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting Coues and mule deer in Arizona, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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The Arizona Big Game online application deadline for sheep, fall bison, and deer is 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time on June 2, 2026.
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!
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| Up-Front Fees | |
| 365-Day Hunting & Fishing License (adult) | $160 |
| 365-Day Hunting & Fishing License (youth ages 10-17) | $5 |
| Application Fee or Bonus Point Only (per species) | $15 |
| PointGuard Plus (365-day membership, all species) | $25 |
| PointGuard Option (per species) | $10 |
| Post Draw License Fees (if successful) | |
| Mule Deer/Coues Deer Permit | $300 |
| Youth-Only Deer Permit | $25 |
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