As a local to Arizona, there is nothing more I love than to hunt the wild life we have here to eat. During October, Quail season opens up and I take my sons out to Florence for Quail hunting. We spend a few days there, and we typically bag our limits. I hunt with a 12 gauge, my oldest hunts with a 20 gauge, and my youngest with .410. Quail taste great, and you can usually catch a few on covey on the ground before you spook them and they take flight. That said, let’s talk about some of the other great hunting opportunities here in Arizona.
The most common animal types people hunt in Arizona include white-tailed or mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep javelina (collared peccary), cottontail rabbits, quail, and doves. Hunting seasons and limits vary with common game animals, making it important to be familiar with the Arizona Game & Fish Department’s regulations before embarking on any hunt. In addition to common animals, there are specialty hunts such as mountain lion and black bear available too. With careful preparation and planning, hunters can experience some of the best hunting experiences.
The AZGFD regulates hunting seasons to ensure that populations remain healthy while providing an opportunity for hunters to enjoy the outdoors. Hunting in Arizona is available on both public and private lands with the most common types of hunting including rifle, handgun, archery, and muzzleloader. Arizona hunters often prefer to use rifles when hunting big game animals such as deer, elk, and antelope. In addition to rifle hunting, Arizona also offers excellent opportunities for archery hunting with a bow and arrow. Arizona’s desert terrain provides some of the best terrain for both rifle and archery hunting.
In Arizona, rifle hunting season typically runs from October to January, making Arizona a prime destination for hunters of all experience levels. Arizona also offers many opportunities for muzzleloader and handgun hunting as well, with muzzleloader season running from December through February and handgun season open in certain areas throughout the year. Arizona’s wide variety of terrain makes it possible to hunt almost any type of game, including deer, elk, javelina, and antelope.
When choosing a weapon for hunting in Arizona, it is important to consider the type of terrain you will be hunting on as well as the species you are targeting. Arizona’s desert terrain makes rifle hunting an excellent option and many hunters prefer to use a rifle for long-range shooting. Arizona also has plenty of mountainous terrains, so shotguns are great for shotgun hunting in Arizona’s uplands. Muzzleloaders are great for close-range shooting, making them perfect for Arizona’s thick brush areas and canyons, while handguns are well suited to Arizona’s open plains and grasslands.
For those looking to hunt common animals such as deer, elk, or antelope it is important to check with the local county office regarding season dates, bag limits, and tag requirements. Hunting season dates can vary greatly depending on the type of animal being hunted, so it is important to do your research beforehand. Additionally, hunters must be aware that there are restrictions in place for some areas to protect wildlife and habitats, so always check with the local office before embarking on a hunt.
With plentiful common game species, Arizona offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the nation. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy hunt or an experienced hunter seeking a more challenging experience, Arizona has something to offer everyone. From deer and elk to javelina and dove, common animals in Arizona include big game, small game, and upland birds. With a variety of weapon, bow, and archery options, Arizona offers hunters many opportunities to pursue their passion.