Arizona Hunting Laws and Regulations

Who is required to complete hunter education in Arizona?

According to Arizona law, hunters under 14 years of age who wish to hunt big game must complete hunter education certification in order to hunt in Arizona. Youth must be at least 10 years of age to hunt big game in Arizona.

Is completion of the Arizona state agency-approved course required in order to buy a license?

No, hunters can purchase an Arizona hunting license without hunter education. Arizona requires that hunters who are at least 10 years old and under 14 years old and intending to hunt big game in Arizona must complete a hunter education course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and IHEA-USA prior to the first day of their hunt.

Elsewhere

Hunting education is currently required in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Reciprocity

All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Arizona Certificate of Completion. Likewise, Arizona will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

What Makes a Course Approved?

To be approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a course must teach hunters to become:

• Safe (by following all hunting safety rules)
• Responsible (about hunting, wildlife, conservation, and hunting laws)
• Knowledgeable (by knowing and demonstrating acceptable behavior and attitudes while hunting)
• Involved (in joining and participating in hunting and conservation organizations)

Meets IHEA-USA Standards

This Arizona Hunter Ed online hunting education course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by IHEA-USA and meets the requirements of the Arizona Game and Fish Department hunter safety mandate.

About the Standards

In 1999 the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) adopted a set of performance guidelines for basic hunter education courses. These standards have been used internationally by hunter education administrators to evaluate minimum core content in hunter education courses. Industry partners, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Hunter Ed, have used the revised standards to develop new student manuals and alternative delivery methods for hunter education.

Our Commitment to Hunter Education

Hunter Ed is committed to making sure Arizona hunter education students learn the skills and information needed to have a safe, successful, and fun hunt. We strive to ensure this Arizona online hunter safety course helps you become a more knowledgeable and ethical hunter. Educated hunters play an important role in making Arizona a leader in conservation and wildlife management.

We accomplish that goal by working with Arizona Game and Fish Department and IHEA-USA to produce a course that’s accurate, interesting, and easy to understand.

As a new hunter, you can be proud of your contributions to wildlife conservation and your role as a steward of our natural resources.