Southern Arizona is big hunting country, with Coues whitetail and mule deer in the sky islands, javelina in the desert, and quail and dove close to town. If you shoot in Tucson, hunting is a natural next step. This page covers the basics of licenses, hunter education and where to start.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026
Arizona hunting licenses
| License | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| General hunting | $37 | Use the combo |
| Hunt and fish combo | $57 | $160 |
| Youth combo (10 to 17) | $5 | $5 |
| Short-term combo | $15 a day | $20 a day |
| Migratory bird stamp | $5 | $5 |
- Licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase
- Buy online, at Arizona Game and Fish offices or at license dealers
- Hunters 10 and older need a license
- Children under 10 may hunt small game with a licensed adult, but not big game
- Big game hunters under 14 must complete hunter education
- Many big game hunts require tags drawn in the state draw
Hunter education
Arizona Game and Fish offers hunter education as a classroom course with a field day, free or up to $8, for ages 9 and up, and online through approved providers for about $30 to $50. Finishing it at least 30 days before a draw deadline earns one permanent bonus point. It also meets the training requirement for an Arizona CCW permit.
Popular Southern Arizona game
| Game | Typical season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dove | September and winter | Great first hunt |
| Quail | Fall through winter | Gambel’s, scaled and Mearns’ |
| Javelina | Winter and spring | Draw tags |
| Coues deer | Fall and December | Draw tags |
| Mule deer | Fall | Draw tags |
Seasons, units and limits change every year; check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations.
Where hunting is and is not allowed
- Most Coronado National Forest and BLM land is open during legal seasons
- State trust land allows lawful, licensed hunting
- Pima County parks are closed to hunting unless Arizona Game and Fish rules open them
- Tucson Mountain Park is archery-only with a special permit
- Non-member hunting is banned on the Tohono O’odham Nation
- Discharge rules near occupied buildings apply; see Arizona Gun Laws
Sight in before the season
The long bays at Three Points and Sierra Vista are where Tucson hunters zero rifles out to 300 yards and beyond, and Southeast Regional Park has sight-in rests for rent. Shotgunners can warm up on the clay fields at Tucson Trap and Skeet, and bowhunters at the archery ranges.
Gear for the hunt: Rifle Buyers Guide.net, Scope Buyers Guide.com, Tripod Buyers Guide.com, Shotgun Buyers Guide.net and Ammo Buyers Guide.com.
Arizona Game and Fish, Tucson office
Region V, 555 N Greasewood Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745 · 520-628-5376
Licenses, tags, hunter education information and regulations.