How to Get Your Arizona Hunting License

An Arizona hunting license is required for hunters age 10 and older to legally take wildlife in the state. Residents pay $37 for a general hunting license, while non-residents must buy a Combination Hunt and Fish license for $160, since Arizona doesn't offer a hunting-only license to visitors. Most hunters in Arizona don't need to complete a hunter education course at all, though the course itself isn't required to purchase a license.

Licenses are sold at license.azgfd.com, at AZGFD offices, and at licensed dealers statewide. An Arizona hunting license is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not a fixed season.

This guide walks you through how to get your Arizona hunting license, and where hunter education actually applies, step by step.

What Is a Hunting License in Arizona?

An Arizona hunting license is the legal document that allows you to take wildlife in the state. It's issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and comes in two main forms: a resident hunting license or the Combination Hunt and Fish license, which every non-resident must buy since AZGFD doesn't sell a standalone non-resident hunting license.

Arizona works differently than most states when it comes to hunter education. Rather than a lifetime certificate everyone needs before their first purchase, Arizona only requires hunter education for hunters age 10 through 13 who want to hunt big game. Anyone 14 or older can hunt any species without ever completing a hunter education course, though it's still encouraged and can earn a bonus point toward the state's big game draw.

Who Needs a Hunting License in Arizona?

Arizona law requires a hunting license for residents and non-residents age 10 and older. Hunters under 10 can still go afield for small game if accompanied by a licensed adult 18 or older, but no one under 10 may hunt big game under any circumstance.

Because hunter education in Arizona is tied to age and species rather than birth year, the requirement breaks down like this:

1. Under 10: no license needed for small game if accompanied by a licensed adult 18 or older; big game hunting isn't allowed at any age below 10.
2. Age 10 through 13: a license is required for any species, and hunter education is required specifically to hunt big game. Small game doesn't require hunter education at this age.
3. Age 14 and older: a license is required, but hunter education is not required for any species, regardless of residency.

Whichever category applies to you, keep proof of your license and, if applicable, your hunter education certificate on hand while hunting.

How to Get Your Arizona Hunting License (Step-by-Step)

Getting licensed in Arizona is simpler than in most states for adult hunters, since the vast majority of license buyers skip the hunter education step entirely. Here's the full process from start to finish.

1. Complete an AZGFD-approved hunter education course only if you're age 10 through 13 and plan to hunt big game.
2. Purchase your license at license.azgfd.com, at an AZGFD office, or at a licensed dealer.
3. Select your license type: resident ($37) or the Combination Hunt and Fish license required for non-residents ($160).
4. Apply for a big game draw tag if you're hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, or bear, since most big game in Arizona requires a drawn permit-tag rather than an over-the-counter purchase.
5. Carry your digital or printed license, plus any permit-tags or stamps, any time you hunt.

Once you've completed these steps, you're fully licensed and ready for the field. The sections below cover hunter education and license purchase in more detail.

Step 1: Complete Hunter Education, If It Applies to You

Most adult hunters in Arizona will skip this step entirely, since the requirement only applies to hunters age 10 through 13 who want to hunt big game.

1. Online course (Arizona residents only): The Hunter-Ed Arizona course is self-paced and takes about 3 hours. Residents can complete the online-only path with no in-person component required.
2. Online plus Field Day (non-residents, or residents choosing the hybrid path): Non-residents must complete the online course, then attend an in-person Field Day within 90 days to finish certification.
3. Traditional classroom course: Open to residents and non-residents, this in-person option includes about 16 hours of classroom instruction plus a hands-on Field Day, and doesn't require the online portion at all.

If you're 14 or older, none of this applies to you unless you want the optional bonus point toward Arizona's big game draw.

Step 2: Purchase Your License

Once you have your Hunter Education Certificate, if it applies to you, you can buy your license through the AZGFD website, at an AZGFD office, or at a licensed dealer statewide.

You'll need a government-issued photo ID, proof of hunter education if required for your age, and payment.

Step 3: Apply for Tags and Go Hunting

Arizona runs an almost entirely draw-based system for big game. Deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison, and bear generally require a permit-tag through the draw, with a $13 resident or $15 non-resident application fee per species. Javelina, dove, quail, and other small game can typically be hunted with just your base license.

Once your license and any needed tags are in hand, you're ready to hunt. Before you head out, review general hunting safety practices to make sure you're field-ready.

Arizona Hunting License Requirements by Age

Let's take a look at the requirements for hunting licenses in Arizona by age.

Draw application fees: Big game species like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep require a $13 resident or $15 non-resident application fee per species, regardless of age, in addition to the base license.

Season dates and bag limits vary by species and unit, so check before you plan a hunt.

Hunter Safety Course: Format and Cost

Since Arizona's hunter education requirement only applies to hunters 10 through 13 who want to hunt big game, most course-takers fall into that narrow group. The chart below offers a quick overview of the available formats and costs.

Once earned, a hunter education certificate is good for life. There's no annual renewal tied to it, since the license itself is the only part you'll purchase again, every 365 days.

What to Bring When Buying Your License

Make sure you have the right documentation handy to purchase your Arizona hunting license. You'll need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Hunter Education Certificate, only if you're age 10 through 13 and hunting big game
• Payment (credit or debit card online, or card or cash at an AZGFD office)
• Proof of Arizona residency, if applying for resident rates

Arizona Hunting Laws and Penalties

Hunting without a required license in Arizona falls under the state's general Title 17 violation statute. Unless a more specific penalty applies, this is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Make sure you review Arizona's hunting laws and regulations for the full requirements.

What About Reciprocity?

Arizona recognizes hunter education certificates from other states for the purpose of youth big game hunting, since the requirement is narrow enough that most visiting hunters never need one in the first place. An Arizona Hunter Education Certificate is likewise accepted in other states and Canadian provinces with mandatory requirements.

The hunting license itself, however, is not transferable. Hunters visiting from out of state still need to purchase Arizona's Combination Hunt and Fish license.

Out-of-State Visitors

Non-residents can hunt in Arizona with the Combination Hunt and Fish license ($160), since AZGFD doesn't sell a hunting-only license to visitors. Big game hunters should plan around the draw system, which charges a $15 non-resident application fee per species on top of tag costs that run significantly higher than resident rates.

Start Your Arizona Hunter Safety Course Today

The Hunter-Ed Arizona course is approved by AZGFD and available entirely online for residents. Complete it at your own pace and earn a lifetime hunter education certificate, useful for the big game draw bonus point even if it's not required for your age.

Approved by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) | Last verified August 7, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a hunting license in Arizona?

A: Yes, starting at age 10. Hunters under 10 can hunt small game with adult supervision and no license, but big game isn't permitted below age 10 regardless of supervision.

Q: How old do you have to be to get an Arizona hunting license?

A: The license requirement starts at 10. Younger children can only participate in small game hunts under direct adult supervision, without a license of their own.

Q: How much does an Arizona hunting license cost?

A: A resident general hunting license costs $37. Non-residents must buy the Combination Hunt and Fish license for $160, since a hunting-only license isn't sold to visitors.

Q: Does an Arizona hunting license expire?

A: Yes, but not on a fixed date. An Arizona license is valid for 365 days from the date you buy it, so your renewal date depends on your purchase date.

Q: Do I need hunter education in Arizona?

A: Only if you're age 10 through 13 and want to hunt big game. Hunters 14 and older need no hunter education at all, regardless of residency.

Q: Can I take the Arizona hunter education course entirely online?

A: Only if you're an Arizona resident. Non-residents, and residents who choose the hybrid course, must also complete an in-person Field Day.

Q: What if I'm visiting Arizona to hunt?

A: Non-residents need the Combination Hunt and Fish license ($160). Big game hunters also need to apply for a permit-tag through Arizona's draw system, which charges non-residents a higher application fee.

Q: What's the penalty for hunting without a license in Arizona?

A: Hunting without a license a Class 2 misdemeanor under Arizona's general Title 17 violation statute, unless a more specific penalty applies to the particular violation.