2013-14 Arizona Hunting Regulations - Arizona Game and Fish ...

Welcome to Big Game Hunting in ArizonaArizona has 10 species of wildlife designatedas big game by state statute: mule deer, whitetaileddeer, pronghorn, elk, turkey, javelina,bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear, and mountainlion. If you also consider that Arizona is occupiedby two recognized subspecies of bighornsheep (Rocky Mountain and desert) and threesubspecies of turkeys (Gould’s, Merriam’sand Rio Grande), there is ample evidence ofthe diversity of Arizona’s big game, and theopportunities a hunter has to pursue. Whilethe diverse habitats in Arizona are home toa lot of different species, no individual speciesis particularly numerous. Consequently,most big game hunts have a limited numberof permits for which you must be drawn toparticipate.Elk and pronghorn application informationwas provided earlier this year. In fact, the drawfor elk and pronghorn is complete and youshould know if you received one of these tags.This knowledge should help you determine ifyou wish to participate in another hunt, andif so, for which deer, turkey, javelina, bighornsheep, and buffalo hunts to apply.The Arizona Game and Fish Commission againauthorized fall javelina permits for junior hunters.Junior hunters may wish to apply for ajavelina hunt that will complement anotherdeer hunt in which they may participate inthis fall. Juniors-only deer hunters in selectedunits (see juniors-only deer hunts on page28) will also be provided the opportunity topurchase over-the-counter companion javelinatags, allowing these hunters to hunt fordeer and javelina at the same time. Thesehunts are excellent ways to introduce a juniorhunter to big game hunting.Compared with last year, deer permit levelshave decreased, whereas turkey huntingopportunity is comparable to last year, andbighorn sheep tags have increased by 12. Juniorturkey hunters may purchase a turkeytag over-the-counter and hunt in any unit listedin the Juniors-Only section.The Commission authorized the continuationof the population management seasonsfor buffalo in Unit 12A. If you are fortunateenough to be drawn for deer in Unit 12A, youwill have the opportunity to purchase a buffalopermit to harvest one of these animals.Keep in mind, these restricted nonpermittags are offered in areas where the namedwildlife are not abundant, so your chancesof success are low.As with any season or upcoming hunt,make sure you do your homework. Goodluck and enjoy your hunting experience.For more information on these species, seasons,and hunting regulations, please visitwww.azgfd.gov/hunting.Big Game SeasonsDraw CyclesThe Arizona Game and Fish Department conducts three separate applicationand draw cycles for big game hunt permit-tags. 2007 wasthe first year the Department held a separate draw for pronghorn antelopeand elk. This change was made to let hunters know earlier ifthey have been drawn for these two popular big game animals. Thethree draw cycles are:SPECIESPronghorn antelope, elkDeer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighornsheep, fall buffalo, pheasantSpring javelina, spring bear, springturkey, spring buffaloDRAW DEADLINESecond Tuesday in February(pending Commission approval)Second Tuesday in June (pendingCommission approval)Second Tuesday in October (pendingCommission approval)2013-14 Arizona Hunting Regulations 41