How Much Does an Arizona Hunting License Cost?
How much does an Arizona hunting license cost? For the 2026 hunting season, a standard resident annual hunting license costs $37, while non-residents must buy a combination hunt-and-fish license for $160. These licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
If you’re planning to hunt big game, you’ll usually need a valid hunting license plus a species-specific tag, and in many cases, that means planning around Arizona’s draw system. Small game hunters may only need the right base license and a bird stamp, where applicable, while big game hunters need to consider license costs, application fees, tag fees, and whether the hunt they want runs through the draw.
Some details are more straightforward than others, but if you’re planning for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, turkey, or javelina, you’ll need to understand how you get licensed before you apply. Here's what you need to know.
| Arizona Hunting License Costs — Quick Facts | ||
| Adult Base License Costs $15–$37 | Adult Non-resident Base License Costs $20–$160 | Additional Costs Application fees, Tags, Migratory Bird Stamp, Hunter Education |
| Who Needs One Anyone ages 10+ who hunts in Arizona | ||
How Much Does an Arizona Hunting License Cost?
Arizona offers several license options for hunters based on residency, age, and hunt type. For residents, the base annual license is fairly affordable.
For non-residents, the cost is higher because they have to purchase the combination hunt-and-fish license rather than a general hunting-only license.
Before getting into the tag costs, it helps to look at the license structure itself. That base license is what gets you started.
From there, your total depends on whether you’re going after small game (like hunting rabbits), applying for big game, or adding extra fees for specific species.
Arizona Base Hunting License Fees | ||
| License Type | Residents | Non-Residents |
General Hunting | $37 | N/A (must buy Combo) |
Combination Hunt & Fish | $57 | $160 |
Youth Combo (Ages 10–17) | $5 | $5 |
Short-Term Combo (1-Day) | $15/day | $20/day |
A few things are clear right away. Resident hunters have more flexibility because they can buy either a general hunting license or a combination license.
Non-residents don’t have that choice. If you’re coming from out of state, the combination hunt-and-fish license is the entry point.
The youth combo is one of the more affordable options in the brief, making it easier to get a younger hunter started. The short-term combo can also make sense for short trips or limited plans, though it’s still important to carefully consider what your hunt requires before you buy.
Big Game Tag Fees (Additional)
Arizona Big Game Tag Costs | ||
| Tag Type | Residents | Non-Residents |
Deer | $58 | $315 |
Elk | $148 | $665 |
Pronghorn Antelope | $103 | $565 |
Black Bear | $38 | $165 |
Turkey | $38 | $105 |
| Javelina | $38 | $115 |
How much does an Arizona hunting license cost varies from hunter to hunter.
A resident deer or turkey hunter may still be working within a fairly manageable budget. A non-resident hunting muleys or elk is looking at a much higher total once the tag is added.
With Arizona big game hunting usually centered on the draw, not every hunt works the same way. Some hunting opportunities in Arizona may be easier to buy outright depending on species, season, or availability.
That said, most hunters planning for big game should go in assuming that draw timing and application strategy matter just as much, if not more than, the tag price.
Application Fees and Additional Costs
The tag itself is not the only extra cost big game hunters need to think about. Arizona also adds application and related fees.
- Application Fee: About $13 for residents and about $15 for non-residents per species
- Migratory Bird Stamp: $5 for all hunters
- PointGuard: Optional $10 per species
PointGuard is worth noting because it protects your bonus points if you surrender a tag. That may not matter to every hunter, but it’s one of those details that can make sense if you’re investing in a long-term draw strategy.
These fees may look small compared with the main tag price, but they’re still part of the budget. If you’re applying for multiple species or trying to build points over time, they add up fast.
Special Licenses
Arizona also offers a few special license categories that can lower the cost for qualifying hunters.
- Pioneer License: Free for residents age 70 and older with at least 25 years in Arizona
- Disabled Veteran License: Free for qualifying hunters with a 100% service-connected disability
These categories show that Arizona’s system is not one-size-fits-all. If you qualify for one of these licenses, it can make a major difference in what you pay before the season starts.
What Is an Arizona Hunting License?
An Arizona hunting license is a legal permit issued by the state that allows you to hunt wildlife. It’s required for both small and big game hunting, and it’s one of the main ways the state regulates access to hunting opportunities.
In addition to the legal reasons for getting one, a license helps fund wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and law enforcement. That means your purchase supports the systems that keep game populations managed and hunting opportunities available for all.
Above all, remember that the license and the tag are not the same thing. The license gives you legal access to hunt. A big game tag gives you species-specific hunting privileges. If you’re planning a deer, elk, or bear hunt, you need to have both.
What Are the Requirements to Get a License?
Before you can hunt in Arizona, you need to make sure you meet the state’s basic requirements, which, for many hunters, starts with hunter education.
Hunter education courses typically cover:
- Firearm safety
- Wildlife conservation
- Ethical hunting practices
Depending on your situation, you can complete your Arizona hunter education online, in person, or in a hybrid format. Even if the requirement doesn’t apply to you, it’s one of the first steps you should handle before worrying about tags, draws, or deadlines. Being safe is better than being sorry.
Who Needs a Hunting License?
All residents and non-residents hunting in Arizona generally need a hunting license. That includes youth hunters ages 10 and older, which is why the youth combo license appears in the fee structure.
A hunting license is required for:
- Big game hunting
- Small game hunting
- Bird hunting, plus a stamp where applicable
This is one of the cleaner parts of Arizona’s system. If you plan to hunt, you should expect to need to buy an Arizona license for your residency and the type of hunt.
Once you know that, the next question becomes whether you also need a tag, a stamp, or a draw application.
How to Get an Arizona Hunting License
Arizona gives hunters a few straightforward ways to buy a license, but the right path depends on what you're trying to do.
- Online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
- Through authorized license dealers such as sporting goods stores
- At the Arizona Game and Fish Department offices
Then follow the process below.
How to Get an Arizona Hunting License: |
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This is also the right place to consider an over-the-counter option. Some Arizona hunts may be easier to buy into, depending on the species or season.
However, big game hunters should still plan around the draw first because that is how most premium opportunities are structured.
We recommend building your plan around the hunt you actually want rather than assuming every opportunity will be available the same way.
Why It’s Important to Have a Hunting License
A hunting license matters for legal and ethical reasons. It supports the broader structure that keeps Arizona hunting regulated, legal, and sustainable.
- Legal Compliance: First, it helps you avoid fines and penalties. Hunting without the proper license or tag can create problems that are much more expensive than doing the right thing up front.
- Conservation Funding: License revenue also supports wildlife and habitat management. That funding helps the state maintain healthy game populations and protect the landscapes hunters depend on.
- Ethical Hunting: Licensing supports responsible participation in the sport. It ties hunting access to rules, seasons, and structures that help protect long-term harvests.
- Access to Opportunities: A valid license is also required for tags, draws, and regulated hunts. In Arizona, that matters a lot because the hunts that matter most depend on getting into the system correctly from the beginning.
Take an Online Hunter Education Course to Get Your Hunting License in Arizona
So, how much does an Arizona hunting license cost, and what does it include? Costs can vary widely depending on residency, game type, and whether your hunt depends on draw success.
For small game hunters, the process may remain inexpensive and straightforward. For big game hunters, the true cost usually includes license, application, and tag fees, with planning and timing playing a big role as well.
That’s why we recommend planning as early as possible. If you know what you want to hunt, what kind of license you need, and whether a draw is involved, it’s easier to manage both the cost and your expectations.
And if hunter education applies to you, taking the Hunter-Ed course can help you meet that requirement and get after elk and coues deer in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve got answers to some common questions about hunting and hunting licenses in Arizona.
Q: What animals can I hunt without a tag in Arizona?
A: In Arizona, a general hunting license allows you to hunt many small game species, upland game birds, fur-bearing animals, and predatory animals without needing a separate tag. Big game animals such as elk, deer, pronghorn, bear, turkey, and javelina require a species-specific tag in addition to a hunting license.
Q: How much is an AZ elk tag?
A: For the 2026 season, an Arizona elk tag costs $148 for residents and $665 for non-residents. Hunters must also have the appropriate hunting license and typically need to draw a tag before hunting elk.
Q: How many doves can you shoot in Arizona?
A: Arizona's daily bag limit for mourning and white-winged doves combined is 15 birds, with a possession limit of 45 birds. Hunters also need a valid hunting license and migratory bird stamp.
Q: Does AZ have a lifetime hunting license?
A: Yes. Arizona offers lifetime hunting, fishing, and combination hunting-and-fishing licenses. These licenses do not expire, although hunters must still purchase any required tags or stamps for species that require them.
Q: How hard is it to get an Arizona elk tag?
A: Arizona elk tags are generally considered difficult to draw because demand is high and most elk tags are issued through a lottery draw system. Draw odds vary by hunt unit, season, and the number of bonus points a hunter has accumulated.
