Detailed Guide to Applying in Arizona

May 2025
Huntin' Fool
4 min read
Detailed Guide to Applying in Arizona  Arizonasheepdeer
Understanding Arizona's Draw System  
  • Elk and Antelope Draw: Early February, focused on elk and antelope draw hunts only. 
  • Main Fall Draw: Currently open, this applies to deer, sheep, and other fall hunts.
  • Spring Draw: Conducted in October, featuring species like javelina and turkey. 
    • draw application service
    Key Changes for Upcoming Applications  Arizona Game and Fish Applying in ArizonaAZ Iconic Species | Applying in ArizonaDesert Bighorn Sheep 
    Mule Deer and Kaibab Plateau 
    Coues Deer and Their Growing Appeal Applying Smartly in Arizona 
  • Plan Purchases Strategically: Apply on the final day to maximize the validity of your hunting license over two years. 
  • Desert vs. Rocky Decisions: Desert sheep permits offer more options, with odds slightly better than Rockies. Prioritize units offering random opportunities if point creep exceeds your levels. 
  • Don’t Wait for “Perfect Conditions”: Point creep and unpredictable weather cycles demand a proactive application strategy regardless of seasonal expectations. “With the way creep is jumping, waiting could mean never drawing,” warns Austin in the podcast. 
  • Utilize Resources for Precision: Utilize Huntin’Fool resources to estimate draw odds with your current bonus point levels. Huntin’Fool’s June magazine provides valuable unit breakdowns and trends in the Arizona state section. 
  • Use “Point Guard” Insurance: Arizona allows permit returns to regain accrued points if plans later prevent hunter from going on the hunt. 
    • Arizona's Unmatched Hunting Opportunities  Built to Hunt podcast

    Additional Resources

    > Arizona Elk and Antelope Application Strategies
    > EP 245: Arizona 2025 Fall Draw
    > Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunts

    Additional Resources

    At Huntin' Fool, we provide a variety of resources for you to plan ahead! From applying for tags, researching draw odds, hunt consultations, and more, we have you covered!

    Apply for License Applications
    Schedule a Hunt Consultations
    Research Draw Odds
    Research Application Deadlines
    Get Your Magazine!

     

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