Arizona elk is or should be at the top of every elk hunter's list of states. Being a southern state, elk in Arizona have a different set of issues that can affect their population growth/decline as well as antler growth. Northern Arizona has some of the best elk habitat in the U.S., and it shows with the vast herds of elk they have scattered across its desert chaparral canyons all the way up to yellow pine-timbered ridges. In fact, the most recent census has 35,000 elk living within the state's boundaries. One could argue that Arizona has always had one of the better balances of trophy/opportunity hunting than any other state for the amount of elk they have. This balance is starting to lean more towards opportunity. Looking at the permit increases this year in areas that are already struggling with quality paints that picture. They have the second fewest elk of any state in the West and still have late rifle hunts that can be drawn by non-residents for 7-8 points. This is good if you just want to harvest a 5 or 6-point bull, but if you are looking for a mature bull, these late rifle hunts are a huge role of the dice.
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Speaking of the different seasons in Arizona, they offer two separate archery and rifle seasons in most units, typically held in September and November/December. While the late-season hunts can be challenging due to factors like weather and the difficulty of locating isolated bulls, they provide significantly better draw odds, allowing hunters to hunt in units with decent quality animals. However, hunters targeting older age class bulls will face more obstacles. It's important to note that the number of late rifle tags is often much higher than expected, which can lead to more crowded conditions than hunters anticipate, especially considering the points required to draw. As a result, the late seasons can sometimes feel more like an over-the-counter hunt, similar to those in Colorado or Idaho, rather than the trophy bull hunts traditionally associated with Arizona. Additionally, some units, like 1, 9, and 27, have alternating early muzzleloader hunts, switching between rifle and muzzleloader every other year.
AZGFD is often criticized by local outfitters and hunters wanting more mature bulls on the landscape, which is becoming more warranted by the year. Constantly issuing more tags, ever-evolving technology, predation, etc. can all be looked at for the reason mature bulls are harder to come by. Nobody can argue that a great bull can come from any unit in the state during any hunt, but some of the luster has been lost when you look at the average bull harvested now vs 10 years ago. Arizona remains one of the top states for trophy elk hunters but is now shifting to becoming one of the top states for opportunity elk hunters. One last note to mention is the lack of moisture so far this fall. Elk thrive this far south with late storms and snow of which neither has happened, which should give any hunter looking to burn a substantial amount of points pause. If you're not concerned with quality this lack of moisture is a non-factor and 2025 should be fine.
For specific seasons and dates check the regulations brochure.
Arizona has a very high elk population and runs a pretty good program for managing quality and quantity. Any early September hunt should be coveted and has potential for a mature bull regardless of the unit. It is not a state that you can realistically plan a short-term strategy for elk hunting options. Even the late archery and rifle hunts are taking 7-8+ points to guarantee a draw, but they are worth it if you can secure one. We try to give you the best, most reasonable expectations of what Arizona has to offer to allow you to make your own decision if Arizona fits your hunting goals.
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The Arizona Big Game Application Deadline for Elk is 11:59 P.M. (Arizona Time) Feb 4, 2025.
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365-Day Hunting & Fishing License | $160 |
Youth Combo Hunting & Fishing License (ages 10-17) | $5 |
Application Fee | $15 |
Bonus Point Only Application | $15 |
PointGuard Option (per species) | $10 |
PointGuard+ Option (per year) | $25 |
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Elk Permit | $650 |
Elk Permit (youth cow-only hunts) | $50 |
Arizona Elk Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine