To comment on the Arizona Game and Fish Department\u2019s Hunt Guidelines or current proposed Hunt Recommendations, email AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proposed hunt recommendations are available for review for 2026 turkey and bison<\/a> seasons, as well as 2026-2030 raptor, amphibians, crustaceans and mollusks, and reptiles<\/a> Commission Orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Arizona Game and Fish Department follows a multi-tiered process for setting hunting season structures, hunting season dates, hunt permit allocations, and other controlling elements for regulating hunting of game animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AZ Hunt Guidelines for Fall 2023 through Spring 2028<\/a> Hunt Guidelines <\/strong>\u2013 set every five years. AZ Hunt Guidelines for Fall 2018 through Spring 2023<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Department\u2019s big and small game programs are responsible for setting hunt guidelines, and their mission is to protect and manage game wildlife populations and their habitats to maintain the natural diversity of Arizona, and to provide game wildlife recreation opportunities for present and future generations. This is done by using science-based methods to assure wildlife is managed within the biological limits of each species. Management strategies are also developed to consider social acceptability and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public involvement is critical for two reasons. In North America, wildlife is held in the public\u2019s trust and belongs to all citizens, unlike in other countries where access is restricted by financial or social class. Law regulates hunting and that too is a public process \u2013 both are core principles of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, founded by hunters and conservationists more than 100 years ago.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Information about how we form these guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n It all starts with the Hunt Guidelines. Every five years, the department revises the guidelines for the Commission to approve. The public\u2019s input is encouraged. The Hunt Guidelines provide the biological and social parameters that make up the \u201crecipes\u201d used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season dates, permits allocated, etc.) in which sportsmen participate. The Commission approves the guidelines at its public meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual \u2013 Public outreach on hunt guidelines and hunt recommendations. With the guidelines in place, and survey data in hand, wildlife managers and game specialists propose the permit allocations on a unit-by-unit basis resulting in the proposed Hunt Recommendations. After the public comment period and once approved by the Commission, the recommendations are incorporated into the hunting regulations. Hunt recommendations are now approved for two years. The commission has the ability to amend hunts prior to the second year, if they determine it is necessary. The hunting regulations contain all the information needed for applying for a hunt permit-tag through the draw, what hunts are over-the-counter nonpermit-tags, open areas and season dates, and youth hunting opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n The hunt recommendations process now occurs during two cycles every two years. The approved hunts are then published in the three hunting regulation booklets \u2013 The main Arizona Hunting Regulations in June, Spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear supplement in September, and the pronghorn, elk and fall turkey supplement in January \u2013 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once annually, the Department will host a webinar and public outreach to solicit input on game species management, all hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n Find ways to experience big game and small game hunting or find a mentored hunt camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHunt Guidelines Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hunt Guidelines comments Jan 1-30 and AZGFD responses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/landscapeForestWithGuidlinesArrows_555-541x400.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n the process<\/h3>\n\n \n
Survey & field data <\/strong>\u2013 hunter harvest reporting & game surveys collected annually.
Hunt Recommendations<\/strong> \u2013 occurs three times a year.
Commission Orders<\/strong> \u2013 approved by the Commission and published in the hunting regulations.<\/p>\n\n \nGuidelines and Recommendations Process Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Guidelines<\/h3>\n <\/summary>\n
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Guidelines process timeline & public involvement<\/h3>\n <\/summary>\n
Anytime \u2013 Collect and compile comments from the public for the next hunt guidelines or hunt recommendation cycles.
Jan \u2013 Initiate hunt guidelines review process; Informal public input via news releases, website and publications.
Feb-May \u2013 Collect public input; Agency Review Team evaluates comments.
June \u2013 Present draft guidelines and potential changes via a webinar and public meetings across the state.
June \u2013 Commission provides direction on proposed guidelines.
July \u2013 Formal public comment on proposed hunt guidelines.
Late August \u2013 Release final proposed hunt guidelines for Commission and public review.
September \u2013 Final proposed hunt guidelines presented to the Commission for adoption at its public meeting.
\u2013 Public input accepted via blue slips
\u2013 Commission approved hunt guidelines posted on Department website<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
Hunt recommendations<\/h3>\n <\/summary>\n
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Hunt recommendation process timeline & public involvement<\/h3>\n <\/summary>\n
Want to Go Hunting in Arizona?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n