Arizona Sheep Hunting 2025

Application Deadlines Non-Resident Fees Resident Fees Big Game Season Dates Draw Result Dates State Contact Information

Annual Schedule:
1st Tues in February: Elk & Antelope
1st Tues in June: Sheep, Bison, & Deer
1st Tues in October: Bison, Javelina, & Turkey
Nov 3, 2025: 2026 archery deer tags available (2,820 nonresident tags sold out in 17 minutes hours in 2024)

UP-FRONT FEES
Combo Hunting & Fishing License	$160.00
Youth Combo Hunting & Fishing License (Ages 10-17)	$5.00
Application Fee or Bonus Point Only Fee (Per Species)	$15.00
PointGuard Option (Per Species)	$10.00
PointGuard+ Option (All Species)	$25.00
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Bighorn Sheep (Desert or Rocky)	$1,800.00
Bison (Bull or Any)	$5,400.00
Bison (Cow/Yearling)	$3,250.00
Bison (Yearling)	$1,750.00
Elk (Bull or Cow)	$650.00
Elk (Youth Cow Only)	$50.00
Deer (Draw Permit)	$300.00
Deer (Archery OTC)	$300.00
Deer (Youth Only)	$25.00
Antelope	$550.00
Javelina	$100.00
Javelina (Youth Only)	$15.00
Turkey	$90.00
Turkey (Youth Only)	$10.00

UP-FRONT FEES
Combo Hunting & Fishing License	$57.00
Youth Combo Hunting & Fishing License (Ages 10-17)	$5.00
Application Fee or Bonus Point Only Fee (Per Species)	$13.00
PointGuard Option (Per Species)	$10.00
PointGuard+ Option (All Species)	$25.00
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Bighorn Sheep (Desert or Rocky)	$300.00
Bison (Bull or Any)	$1,100.00
Bison (Cow/Yearling)	$650.00
Bison (Yearling)	$350.00
Elk (Bull or Cow)	$135.00
Elk (Youth Cow Only)	$50.00
Deer (Draw Permit)	$45.00
Deer (Archery OTC)	$45.00
Deer (Youth Only)	$25.00
Antelope	$90.00
Javelina	$25.00
Javelina (Youth Only)	$15.00
Turkey	$25.00
Turkey (Youth Only)	$10.00

ARIZONA DEER SEASON DATES
Archery Deer Summer OTC / Draw	Aug 22 – Sep 11, 2025
Mule Deer Early Rifle	Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2025
Coues Deer 1st Rifle	Oct 24 – 30, 2025
Coues Deer 2nd Rifle	Nov 7 – 13, 2025
Mule Deer Late Rifle	Nov 21 – 30, 2025
Coues Deer 3rd Rifle	Nov 28 – Dec 7, 2025
Coues Deer 4th Rifle	Dec 17 – 31, 2025
Archery Deer December OTC	Dec 17 – 31, 2025
Archery Deer January OTC	Jan 1 – 31, 2026

ARIZONA ELK SEASON DATES
Bull Elk Early Archery	Sep 12 – 25, 2025
Bull Elk Early Muzzleloader/Rifle	Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2025
Bull Elk Late Archery	Nov 14 – 27, 2025
Bull Elk Late Muzzleloader/Rifle	Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2025

ARIZONA ANTELOPE SEASON DATES
Rifle	Aug 15 – Aug 31, 2025
Archery	Aug 22 – Sept 4, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sep 5 – Sep 11 or Sep 5 - 14, 2025

ARIZONA SHEEP SEASON DATES
Desert Bighorn	Nov – Dec 31, 2025
Rocky Mountain Bighorn	Oct – Dec 31, 2025

ARIZONA TURKEY SEASON DATES
Fall Turkey (General)	Oct 3 – Oct 9, 2025
Spring Turkey	Apr 25 – May 21, 2025

ARIZONA BISON SEASON DATES
Any Weapon Fall	Aug - Dec, 2025 (Varies by unit)
Any Weapon Spring	Jan - Jun, 2026 (Varies by unit)

ARIZONA JAVELINA SEASON DATES
Archery	Jan 1 – Jan 22, 2025
Handgun/Archery/Muzzleloader	Feb 6 – Feb 16, 2025
Rifle	Feb 20 – Feb 26, 2025

ARIZONA MOUNTAIN LION SEASON DATES
Statewide (General)	Aug 23, 2025 – May 31, 2026

ARIZONA BEAR SEASON DATES
Spring Bear	Mar 20 – April 23, 2025 (until quota is met)
Fall Bear	Aug 21 – Dec 31, 2025 (until quota is met)

Disclaimer: Arizona big game season dates vary by unit, weapon type, and permit draw. All dates are subject to change by emergency order or regulation updates. Always verify the latest hunt dates and restrictions with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before planning your hunt: https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/

YEAR	ELK & ANTELOPE	FALL SHEEP, BISON & DEER	SPRING BISON, JAVELINA & TURKEY
2025	February 24, 11:20 a.m. (MST)	June 23, 12:10 p.m. (MST)	TBD
2024	February 26, 10:40 a.m. (MST)	June 24, 11:58 a.m. (MST)	October 18, 10:01 a.m. (MST)
2023	March 15, 10:20 a.m. (MST)	June 27, 9:57 a.m. (MST)	October 20, 10:00 a.m. (MST)
2022	March 8, 10:30 a.m. (MST)	July 5, 12:04 p.m. (MST)	October 31, 9:00 a.m. (MST)
2021	March 20 (system delays)	July 9, 10:46 a.m. (MST)	November 1, 2:00 p.m. (MST)
2020	March 5, 1:30 p.m. (MST)	July 2, 10:45 a.m. (MST)	November 5, 10:45 a.m. (MST)
2019	March 8	July 5
2018	March 8	July 6

Arizona Game & Fish Department

5000 W Carefree Highway
PO Box 74020
Phoenix, AZ 85087
ph. 602-942-3000

APPLY

Arizona continues to lead the West in the size of Desert bighorn rams harvested. They also have some incredible Rocky Mountain bighorn rams as well with a couple tipping the scales over 180”. One key factor in accomplishing this is that Arizona is extremely conservative with tag allocation. They lean heavily on the cautious side even when they meet the criteria set in place to increase permits. It is without a doubt one of the toughest draw odds for sheep anywhere in the West, but if you are lucky enough to draw a tag in any of the units, you have near 100% odds of harvesting a great ram. In 2024, that average score of a bighorn ram harvested in the state was just over 163”. In most states, that would be one of the biggest rams harvested, but in Arizona, that was the average.

UNIT	COMMENTS
12B East	Paria Plateau — 160–170"+ potential. Historically smaller rams, but dedicated hunters can find older age class along Vermilion Cliffs & Paria River. Varied difficulty; deeper canyon yields the best rams. Early hunt cut for 2025. Top 2024 second-hunt ram: 169 5/8". Top third-hunt ram: 170 2/8".
13B North	AZ Strip North/Virgin River Gorge — 150–160" potential. Quality down; a 2-year-old 107" ram harvested. Sheep in Beaver Dam & Paiute wildernesses straddle UT/AZ border. Physically demanding; some glassing from Grey Point Breaks. 2024 best rams: 165 6/8" (first hunt), 162 3/8" (second).
15A & 15B East	Lake Mead Rec. Area — 150–160" potential post-pneumonia recovery. Scattered small pockets along canyons; few roads. Extended hikes or spike camps needed. No 2024 harvest.
15B West	Lake Mead Rec. Area — struggling post-die-off; 150–160" potential. Good access but remote canyon pockets require all-day hikes. 2024 top ram: 157 5/8".
15C North	Lake Mead Rec. Area — 150" average; small scattered pockets, no roads/trails. Demanding hunt. 2024 ram: 159 2/8".
15D	Black Mountains — 155–165" potential, low tags to protect mature rams. North offers flexible difficulty; south in Mount Nutt & Warm Springs Wilderness is very tough. 2024 top ram: 166 2/8".
16A Northwest	Mohave/Bill Williams Mtns — 155–160" potential. Nomadic sheep, declining quality. Tough hunt; outfitter advised. 2024 best ram: 149 4/8".
16A SE & 18B	Hells Half Acre/Arrastra Mtn — 150–160"+. Good numbers but stockpiled rams gone. 18B easier access than 16A. 2024 top ram: 154 5/8".
22 South	Salt River North — Many 165" rams; target 175"+. Easy type hunt but outfitter recommended. Access via boat from Saguaro Canyon/Apache Lake. 2024 best ram: 175 2/8".
24B	Superstition Wilderness — 170–180" potential. Extremely demanding; random tag. 2024 top ram: 177 6/8".
28 South	Peloncillo Mtns — 170"+ potential; healthy cross-state population. Rugged but not extreme. 2024 rams: 176 7/8" (first hunt), 181" (second).
31, 32	Aravaipa/Galiuro — 165–170"+ potential. Success tied to prep & fitness. Access permit required for Aravaipa. 2024 best ram: 178 1/8".
37A	Silver Bell/Roskruge — 170"+ potential. Accessible roads & easy glassing. 2024 rams: 178 6/8", 165 2/8", 171 5/8".
39 East	Maricopa Mtns — 165–170"+. Hunt intensity adjustable. Sheep in Maricopa & Sierra Estrella Wilderness; some cross reservation. 2024 best ram: 169 5/8".
39 West	Gila Bend Mtns — 160–170"+. Mostly rugged wilderness; outfitter advised. 2024 best ram: 177".
40A	Sauceda/Sand/Tank Mtns — resident-only last 2 years. Air Force range restrictions. 2024 ram: 175 2/8".
40B (Gila Mtns)	Gila Mtns — 165–170"+. Thriving population. Steep rugged terrain; outfitter helps. 2024 rams: 175 6/8", 172 2/8".
40B (Tinajas Altas)	Tinajas Altas — 165–170"+. Border with Mexico; nomadic sheep. Military closures possible. 2024 best ram: 173 4/8".
41 East	Eagletail Mtns — 160–170"+, book potential. Wilderness steep ridges; some easier subranges. 2024 best ram: 175 3/8".
41 West	Paloma/Tank/Little Horn Mtns — 160–170"+. Nomadic sheep; multiple ranges; some YPG closures. 2024 best ram: 168 7/8".
42 & 44A South	Bighorn/Belmont/Harquahala — 165–170"+. Transplants & water projects spread sheep. Belmont easiest access; others heavy wilderness. 2024 best ram: 180 7/8" in 44A.
43A	Dome Rock/Trigo Mtns — 165–175" genetics. Access via Hwy 10 & YPG permit. 2024 best ram: 169 6/8".
43B	Trigo/Chocolate Mtns — 155–165"+. YPG permit required. High tag pressure; nomadic sheep. 2024 best rams: 157 6/8" & 168 1/8".
44B North	Plomosa Mtns North — 160–170"+. Easy self-guided hunt; good access. 2024 best ram: 180 1/8".
44B South	Plomosa Mtns South — 160–170"+; improving age class via predator management. 2024 best ram: 175 2/8".
45A	Kofa NWR West — 160–170"+. Good class 3–4 numbers. 2 extra tags. Interior remote; 2–5+ mile hikes. 2024 best rams: 173" & 173 1/8".
45B	Kofa NWR East — 160–168"+. Thriving; easier base access. 2024 rams: 169" & 160 7/8".
45C	Castle Dome — 160–170"+. High 2024 harvest removed many older rams; interior tough. 2024 best rams: 181 3/8", 171".
46B East	Cabeza Prieta E — 150–160"+. Best rams unseen; extreme terrain. 5–10+ mi pack. 2024 ram: 159".
46B West	Cabeza Prieta W — 150–160"+. High tags hurt quality; first season cut. 2024 ram: 165 6/8".

UNIT	COMMENTS
1, 27	Black River Hunt Area — 170"+ potential with plenty of mature rams. Timbered canyons make glassing tricky. Physically easier Rocky Mountain terrain. Good rim‐country road access above the Black River. 2024 largest ram: 165 6/8".
4A, 5A	Clear Creek Canyon — 170"+ potential; supplemented in 2019 & 2021. Sheep along canyon walls visible from glassing points. Steep cliffs require planned entries; expect long‐range cross‐canyon shots. 2024 top ram: 171 4/8".
6A	West Clear Creek — 170"+. Tag reduced due to drought‐driven sheep movements toward Fossil Creek & unit 22. Still abundant sheep and good road access near glassing areas. Adjustable physical challenge. 2024 top ram: 171 2/8".
22 North	Fossil Creek area — 170"+ potential in remote, roadless habitat. Physically demanding; biggest concentrations in north. Some zones unexplored with giant‐ram chance. 2024 top ram: 184 4/8".
23, 24A	Multiple canyons — 170"+. Three main pockets plus scattered low‐density sheep, some never hunted. Excellent glassing vantage points; expect big elevation losses/gains. 2024 auction ram: 193 6/8".
27 SW, 28 N	Reservation & mine border — 170"+. High sheep numbers; often physically easy. Must pass on younger rams to tag older. Some cross‐boundary movement. 2024 first‐hunt top ram: 177 5/8"; second‐hunt top ram: 183 7/8".

HFA002-5

Alaska Peninsula Coast

Species: Brown Bear

Cost: $ 29,500.00

Location: Alaska, United States

HFA091-1

New Mexico Unit 36

Species: Rocky Mountain Elk

Cost: $ 8,000.00

Location: New Mexico, United States

HFA396-3

All-Inclusive Guided Stone

Species: Stone Sheep

Cost: $ 89,250.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA038-5

Trophy Canadian Moose

Species: Canadian Moose

Cost: $ 9,800.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA127-2

Wyoming Antelope Hunt

Species: Pronghorn Antelope

Cost: $ 4,500.00

Location: Wyoming, United States

HFA245-8

Montana Mountain Lion

Species: Mountain Lion

Cost: $ 6,800.00

Location: Montana, United States

HFA392-4

Idaho Trophy Mule Deer

Species: Mule Deer

Cost: $ 5,900.00

Location: Idaho, United States

In Arizona, it’s crucial to pay attention to where the random permits are typically allocated. You will want to focus more on the units that do not produce the biggest rams to make sure there are still random permits available. The state awards 20% of the permits to applicants with the most bonus points in the draw (the bonus pass). For non-residents, there’s a quota limiting them to a maximum of 10% of the overall statewide sheep permits, which translates to 15 total permits for the 2025 season. This is a silver lining for non-resident applicants as usually 90%-100% of non-resident permits are distributed through the random draw, giving everyone a chance. However, the odds indicate that almost all bonus permits will likely go to resident applicants in units known for producing large rams. In the sheep tables, we have included the total number of permits and the number of permits available in the random draw for each unit in the prior year’s draw. If you have fewer than 34 points, pay close attention to this data and steer clear of units that consistently issue all tags through the bonus pass.

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Arizona is home to two distinct types of Desert bighorn sheep - the Nelsoni and the Mexicana. The Nelsoni inhabit the northern region, while the Mexicana are found in the south. Although there are some subtle differences between these species, both are recognized as Desert bighorn sheep, and the chance to harvest one is one of the most coveted feats in hunting. The populations throughout the state remain robust, with nearly 100% hunter success. Arizona offers some of the best draw odds and success rates for all hunts. The average success rate in Arizona for a potential for even rams that reach 170”, with some even exceeding the impressive 180” mark. Generally, the larger rams tend to come from the southern units where the Mexicana sheep are located.

AZGFD has done some more juggling around with tag numbers and seasons again for 2025. 24B had low numbers surveyed this year on their aerial surveys, which in turn caused biologists to err on the side of caution and reduce the permits. Most likely, poor conditions during the survey caused the low counts, and we would not be surprised if this unit bounces back next year with more permits. On the other side of the coin, unit 22 added another hunt with two permits, and an additional hunt for non-residents in arguably the top Desert sheep unit in Arizona. Surveys in this unit showed high numbers of class 3 and 4 rams along with a growing population. AZGFD has reduced all of 40B and 41 West back down to just one hunt per unit. The 40B Mohawk/Copper Mtn unit was removed altogether from this year but reopened with one hunt this year also being available. 12B East also had the two hunts cut by half this year and still has two rams remaining for each hunt.

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Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have a smaller range in Arizona than Desert sheep. While the tags are equally as impressive in quality, there are fewer chances this year for Rockies than Deserts, but a couple changes were made. Movement from Rocky Mountain sheep in unit 6A South into 22 has reduced the permits by one. Both 6A and 27/28 had a tag reduction but still have two tags in each of those hunts, making them available for non-residents again in 2025. Hunt area 4A/5A showed a good number of class 3 rams with some class 4 rams as well. This population has done very well and will now have two tags available. This is great for Rockies in that this will give non-residents a net gain of one hunt for 2025 despite the reduction of two tags for Rockies overall. The upper and lower Blue River sheep populations continue to recover but still haven’t recovered to the point to get them back into the non-resident pool, but we hope to see these units back in the fold before too long.

Arizona Sheep

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Dates & Fees | Arizona Sheep Hunting