Arizona Hunting & Wildlife Updates – Sept 23‑29, 2025
Commission Applications Due Sept 30
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is still accepting applications for a vacancy on the five‑member board. Applicants must be passionate about wildlife conservation, reside in one of the eligible counties (Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai or Yuma) and have not switched political parties in the last two years. Applications must include a residential address, political affiliation, résumé and supporting materials. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sept 30. The Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Board will review applications in October and forward finalists to the governor.
Why it matters: The commission sets policy for Arizona’s wildlife and fisheries management. Arizona Game and Fish is self‑funded through hunting and angling license revenue and the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program—not general state taxes.
National Hunting & Fishing Day (Sept 27)
Created in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates hunters and anglers for their cultural and economic contributions. The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds residents that more than 700 thousand hunters and anglers contribute through license fees and excise taxes. In 2024 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded over $1.3 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds to states for habitat, surveys, education and public access. The department encourages new hunters to explore its Outdoor Skills Network and fishing education clinics.
Funding insight: Federal excise taxes on ammunition, firearms and fishing gear are returned to states on a “user pays–public benefits” basis, meaning hunters and anglers fund habitat improvements, surveys, shooting ranges and boat access while the general public enjoys the benefits.
Apply Early for 2026 Spring Hunts
Hunters interested in spring turkey, javelina, bison and raptor capture hunts must apply by Oct 7, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Arizona time) via draw.azgfd.com. Key reminders include:
- Purchase a valid hunting or combination license before applying.
- Locate your Customer ID on your license or through your Arizona Game and Fish portal account.
- Download the Arizona E‑Tag mobile app to store electronic tags.
- Buy PointGuard to retain bonus points if you surrender your tag.
- Sign up for the hunter questionnaire to help improve data and share harvest information.
- Review and update your portal account information and contact the department (602‑942‑3000) with questions.
The department emphasizes that all funding comes from license sales and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, not general tax dollars.
Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons Begin
Arizona’s small‑game and waterfowl seasons kick off in late September and October:
- Band‑tailed pigeon: Sept 26 – Oct 10.
- Tree squirrel: Oct 3 – Dec 31.
- Dusky grouse: Sept 1 – Nov 9.
- Chukar: Sept 1 – Feb 8, 2026.
- Cottontail rabbit: July 1 – June 30, 2026.
- Gambel’s and scaled quail: Oct 17 – Feb 8, 2026.
- Waterfowl and snipe: Oct 23 – Jan 31, 2026 (scaup season begins Nov 7).
Hunters 18 or older need a valid Arizona hunting license and both state and federal migratory bird stamps; youth (ages 10–17) can hunt with a $5 youth combination license. The department encourages hunters to explore the “Where to Hunt” map and notes that several national wildlife refuges have expanded hunting opportunities. As always, the agency is funded through hunting and fishing revenues and federal restoration grants—no general funds are used.