Arizona Bear Season 2026
Arizona bear season dates start with Aug 7-Dec 31, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Arizona's listed 2026 bear season runs Aug 7-Dec 31, 2026.
Archery-Only Black Bear opens Aug 14, 2026 and closes Oct 29, 2026.
Archery Black Bear opens Aug 14, 2026 and closes Oct 29, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Arizona Game & Fish Dept..
Bear
Black Bear
General
OTC nonpermit-tag. Season dates vary by unit. Early archery season Aug 7-20 in 3B, 4B. Aug 21-Sep 10 archery in many units. Oct 2 general season start in most units. Oct 30 start in some units. Nov 6 start in 3C and 35A/35B. Dec 31 end. Mandatory reporting within 48 hrs; physical inspection within 10 days. Female harvest limits apply by unit.
Zone: Units 1/2A/2B/2C/27, 3B, 3C, 4A/5A, 4B, 5B/6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10/18A/19B, 16A, 17A/17B/18B, 19A, 20A/20B/20C, 21, 22 North, 22 South, 23 North, 23 South, 24A, 24B, 28, 29/30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B…
Black Bear
Archery-Only
Archery-only bear season. Earliest open Aug 14 (Units 1/2A/2B/2C/27), general archery Aug 21-Sep 10 or Oct 1 for most units. 50 total archery permits.
Zone: Units 1/2A/2B/2C/27, 3B, 3C, 4B, 6B/11M, 19A, 23N, 29/30A, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A/35B
Black Bear
Archery
Archery-only bear season. Aug 14-20 in Units 1/2A/2B/2C/27; Aug 21-Sep 10 in most units; Aug 21-Oct 1 in southern units; Oct 2-29 in Units 35A/35B. Total 50 permits. Female harvest limits apply.
Zone: Units 1/2A/2B/2C/27, 3B, 3C, 4B, 6B/11M, 19A, 23 North, 29/30A, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A/35B, Fort Huachuca Unit 35A
Bear
General Non-Permit
Spring General Non-Permit. Dates vary for certain zones.
Zone: Spring
Bear
Archery Only
Fall Archery Only. Dates vary starting August 2025. Exact open date not specified.
Zone: Fall
Bear
General
Fall General season. Dates vary by Hunt Area starting August 8, 2025. Close date not specified.
Zone: Fall
Black Bear
General Non-Permit (Spring)
Spring Bear. Dates vary for certain zones.
Black Bear
Archery Only (Fall)
Fall Archery Only Bear. Dates vary starting August 2025.
Black Bear
General (Fall)
Fall General Bear. Dates vary by Hunt Area starting August 8, 2025.
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Nearby bear seasons
Arizona Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Arizona?
March 21, 2025 is the earliest listed bear opener in Arizona — general non-permit bear runs Mar 21-Apr 24, 2025. Confirm zone and permit details with Arizona Game & Fish Dept..
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Arizona?
Arizona lists 9 bear season windows: General Non-Permit Bear (Mar 21-Apr 24, 2025); Archery Only Bear (opens Aug 1, 2025); General Bear (opens Aug 8, 2025); General Non-Permit (Spring) Black Bear (Mar 21-Apr 24, 2025); Archery Only (Fall) Black Bear (opens Aug 1, 2025); General (Fall) Black Bear (opens Aug 8, 2025); General Black Bear (Aug 7-Dec 31, 2026); Archery-Only Black Bear (Aug 14-Oct 29, 2026); and more. Always verify against Arizona Game & Fish Dept. before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Arizona?
Yes — Arizona lists separate bear seasons for General Non-Permit Bear, Archery Only Bear, General Bear, General Non-Permit (Spring) Black Bear, Archery Only (Fall) Black Bear, General (Fall) Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Arizona Game & Fish Dept..
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Arizona Game & Fish Dept..