Available Arizona Deer Hunts --- Search HF Aventures
As the 2024 hunting season approaches, mule deer hunters eagerly anticipate another banner year of antler growth across Arizona. With promising reports coming from across the state, hunters should be anticipating a great chance at harvesting mature bucks.
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In the northern reaches of Arizona, the Kaibab region stands as a beacon for mule deer hunters, offering the promise of encountering some of the largest bucks in the world. Following a resurgence in recent years, the Kaibab Plateau is now looking as good as it has in two decades. Meanwhile, in units 13A and 13B of the Arizona Strip, hunters are having more enjoyable hunts and strong trophy quality since the trail camera ban. These areas have long been revered for their trophy quality bucks, drawing applicants year after year in hopes of a chance encounter with a buck that made the Strip famous.
South of the Grand Canyon, mule deer exhibit a different profile with smaller body sizes and a desert variety prevalent. Despite these differences, the central and southern regions of Arizona offer good population numbers and the potential for encountering respectable bucks. Managed more aggressively by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), these areas provide hunters with opportunities to hunt deer and bring home venison on a more regular basis.
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Looking back at the previous year, 2023 shaped up to be a good year for antler growth across the state thanks to above average winter moisture. While hunters in units 13A and 13B of the Arizona Strip faced challenges in finding mature bucks without trail cameras, the outlook for the upcoming season is looking very bright. Hunters are reporting more enjoyable hunts with less crowding around specific canyons that certain bucks may have been found on everyone’s camera from the night before.
On the Kaibab Plateau, units 12A West, 12A East, 12B, and 12B West had a phenomenal year, to the tune where both permits and mature bucks look to be on the rise in 2024. The landscape and habitat are in good shape with solid moisture coming in back-to-back years. Hunters eyeing the late hunts should focus on units 12A West and 12B West for the highest densities of deer.
In contrast, unit groupings like 3A/3C, although managed for older age class bucks, offer a different hunting experience with smaller body sizes and fewer trophy bucks. Nonetheless, with favorable moisture conditions, these areas are still capable of producing respectable bucks for hunters willing to explore these units.
As hunters prepare for the 2024 season, the message is clear – this is not a year to build points but to apply for hunts and seize the opportunity to pursue giant mule deer bucks across the state. With a shared passion for conservation and a love for the outdoors, hunters eagerly await the chance to write their own chapters in the storied tradition of mule deer hunting in Arizona.
Arizona Coues/Mule Deer - Late Season Archery (January) Recommended Gear List (GearFool)
Arizona Coues deer hunts have long been overshadowed by the allure of giant mule deer, but they’re no longer flying under the radar. As drawing tags for mule deer becomes increasingly challenging, more hunters are discovering the appeal of Coues deer hunts as an alternative. Found exclusively in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, Coues deer are a unique species with limited hunting opportunities. Arizona boasts exceptional populations of these elusive animals, allowing the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to allocate tags liberally without harming the buck population.
Coues deer hunts are abundant, with most units offering three or four seasons throughout the fall. The final season, occurring just before the rut, presents a prime opportunity for hunters, although rutting activity may sometimes be observed. Due to the vulnerability of deer during this late season, AZGFD restricts tag numbers and requires more points for bonus tag draws. Conversely, earlier seasons see a higher tag issuance, reflecting the fact that mature Coues bucks are adept at eluding hunters, particularly in thick Arizona canopies.
With Arizona experiencing ample moisture, Coues deer are poised for impressive antler growth, making this year ideal for hunting them. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to Arizona, Coues deer hunts offer a genuine chance at harvesting a mature animal across all units. For those considering outfitted hunts, our HF Adventures team works with outfitters consistently producing trophy bucks. Undoubtedly, Arizona stands out as a premier destination for Coues deer hunting, offering unparalleled opportunities to hunt.
Tag numbers have been reduced in a few units this year which will affect the draw odds, but populations are still great across the board. The first rifle hunt in unit 33 was eliminated this year along with the middle hunt in unit 6A. Those two are the only hunts that were cut. Units 21, 23, 30B, 31, 32, and 36A all had tag cuts for various rifle seasons this year. If you are interested in pursuing a Coues deer this year or in the future, give us a call and we can help you figure out which direction to go with your application.
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 6th 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. Pay close attention this year to some of the unit groupings as they have separated units 28, 31, and 32 along with units 29, 30A, and 30B into their own hunts for each unit.
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If you are interested in hiring an outfitter for a youth hunt, give us a call and we can help you 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 is 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 are 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 2024/2025 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.
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 3D Maps, 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 4, 2024.
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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