Arizona Game & Fish: Licenses, Hunting, Fishing & More
Are you ready to explore the wild heart of Arizona, where conservation and recreation dance in perfect harmony? The Arizona Game and Fish Department stands as a beacon of preservation, dedicated to safeguarding the state's diverse wildlife and ensuring the enjoyment of outdoor adventures for generations to come.
The mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is a testament to the commitment to conserve Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations. This commitment is multifaceted, encompassing everything from the majestic bald eagles soaring over Lake Pleasant to the humble desert tortoises seeking a forever home.
For those dreaming of a new companion, consider the desert tortoise, a gentle creature in need of a caring home. With over 100 of these fascinating reptiles available, the Arizona Game and Fish Department facilitates adoptions, ensuring these animals thrive. The reptiles will soon wake up from brumation, a state similar to hibernation, making this the perfect time to provide them with a loving environment.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Arizona provides a wealth of options to explore, and before you explore the options, it's necessary to obtain proper licenses and adhere to regulations, to ensure you're fully prepared. Find out how to plan your Arizona hunt, buy a license, apply for a big game draw, access the regulations, and learn about hunter education. Explore hunting maps, seasons, units, events, and mentored hunt camps.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) recently updated its online systems, promising enhanced features for its customers. AZGFD sent out emails in December detailing the necessary steps to access these updated features. You can log in or register to access the Arizona Game and Fish Department's online services, such as applying for the draw, managing your account, and viewing your dashboard.
Before purchasing goods or services, you will need to provide your customer information, phone number, residency status, and mailing address. Login with your Arizona Game and Fish Department account. If you had a portal account prior to December 8, 2020, and are having trouble accessing your account, the department provides assistance to help regain access.
When navigating the Arizona wilderness, understanding the regulations is paramount. You can easily find out how to buy, apply, renew, and even donate for hunting licenses in Arizona. You can also explore the types of licenses, fees, residency requirements, special circumstances, and wildlife conservation programs.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee teamed up to check on eaglets at Lake Pleasant last month. With the state's unique wildlife, the great outdoors is made so great.
For those interested in supporting wildlife conservation, the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, now known as Conservation First USA, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity that conducts special raffles each year to raise money for these important efforts.
To further assist in your preparations, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has compiled resources for maps and hunting preparation. This includes specific unit-by-unit information, detailing where to hunt by species. AZ Game and Fish recommends this page as a great resource to review prior to your hunt.
Fishing enthusiasts are not forgotten. The state is full of opportunities, and before you cast your line, be sure to familiarize yourself with the fishing rules and regulations in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. You can find information regarding the sport fish species in Arizona, including the Apache trout, a species found only in White Mountain lakes and streams. Learn about the state agency that conserves and manages Arizona's wildlife and habitats. Find out how it is funded, what programs it offers, and how it deals with drought and watchable wildlife.
Boating enthusiasts will find scenic waters for recreational enjoyment in Arizona. Before you hit the water, register or renew your Arizona boat or watercraft registration, sign up for a boating safety course, and learn how to keep aquatic invasive species out of Arizona's lakes and rivers.
Here's a glimpse into the world of Arizona's hunting regulations:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Hunter Education Requirements | If you are 14 years old or older, you do not need hunter education to hunt big game in Arizona. A youth between the ages of 10 and 14 can enter the draw without hunter education but must complete hunter education prior to their hunt. |
| License Application | Find out how to buy, apply, renew, and donate for hunting licenses in Arizona. |
| Big Game Draw | The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) releases the draw results for 2025 pronghorn and elk hunts in Phoenix. |
| Regulations | This annual booklet includes season dates, bag limits, hunt types, open areas, rules, regulations, drawing application details, and other requirements for the hunting of most big game, small game, and other wildlife in Arizona. |
| Online Resources | You can access online services such as applying for the draw, managing your account, and viewing your dashboard. |
For those who enjoy the tranquility of fishing, the options are equally captivating. Apache trout, native to Arizona, offer a rewarding fishing experience. These trout, easily caught using wet or dry flies, worms, or salmon eggs, are a true testament to the state's diverse aquatic life. The same techniques used to catch rainbow trout work very well on Apache.
The department's commitment extends beyond hunting and fishing. It also manages more than 800 species of wildlife, conserving and protecting these incredible animals for future generations.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter, a passionate angler, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, Arizona offers a plethora of opportunities. With the Arizona Game and Fish Department as your guide, you can explore, learn, and contribute to the preservation of this stunning landscape.
The department is also working to make the state's waters safe and beautiful for recreational use by providing guidance on how to keep aquatic invasive species out of Arizona's lakes and rivers.
For those who have any questions, or are having trouble accessing their Arizona Game and Fish Department account, the department provides assistance. All images on this page courtesy Arizona Game & Fish Department.
Remember to always certify to the state of Arizona that your information is correct and legally binding when conducting business with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Any false information provided to the Arizona Game and Fish Department in an attempt to deceive law enforcement may be prosecuted.
Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature. With your help, we're working every day to keep it that way. Arizonas hunting and fishing regulations ensure that future generations can enjoy the same experiences.
