Hunting Deer in Arizona

Mule deer are very common in Arizona.

The most popular big game animal to hunt in Arizona is deer. Two different types of deer roam Arizona lands, mule deer and white-tailed deer, the most common of the two being the mule deer. The deer in Arizona roam through all the different terrain. They can be found in the desserts, near lakes, in the deep forests in northern and eastern Arizona and anywhere in between. When hunting the deer, it is important to know the Arizona hunting laws, and know what you are looking for.

Things You'll Need

• Hunting tag
• Arizona hunting map
• Hunting supplies

Instructions

1. Decide what parts of Arizona you want to hunt in. The state of Arizona is broken up into areas for hunting and is organized by numbers. Go to the Arizona Game and Fish site and decide which areas you would like to hunt in and write down the numbers. Pick at least three.

2. Apply for a hunting tag. Deer hunting in Arizona starts in October, and the deadline to apply for a tag is usually the beginning of June. Make sure to apply for a deer tag before the deadline and include the top three areas you picked out, and if you want to hunt male or female deer. You can apply for an Arizona hunting license on the game and fish site.

3. Wait to see if you get drawn to hunt. Arizona has a draw where they make calculations to make a fair selection of who gets to hunt this year. If and only if you are drawn, you can go on your hunt. When you get drawn make sure to look at your tag and see what dates you can go on your hunt. The dates are non-negotiable.

4. Get together all the things you will need for hunting in Arizona. The items you will need will depend on the area you got drawn for. Some parts of Arizona are extremely cold in the Fall and other parts are still very warm. The items you pack may include insulated sleeping bags, cooling packs, guns, bullets, bow and arrows, a bright orange shirt or jacket to wear every day, food and other personal supplies, tent, quick transportation like a quad, and a way to haul the deer out.

5. Locate the area you were chosen for on an Arizona hunting map. Drive to the area, with all the supplies you need, and find a place to park or camp. You may need to get a camping license depending on the area. Gather your supplies you need while hiking and hunting and start to look for areas like open fields, or trees with the bark rubbed off. These are areas that Arizona deer like to stay.

6. Stay in an area for a few hours without making any noise. Wait for a deer to come and carefully fire your shot. Make sure to only shoot the type of deer you got drawn for (male or female, deer, and an adult). Put your tag on the deer and haul it into your vehicle. Report that you shot and killed a deer to the Arizona Game and Fish as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Hunting is a very dangerous sport. Make sure you are knowledgeable in hunting safety and Arizona terrain before going on your hunting trip.

• Hunting can be strenuous. Consult your physician before planning a hunting trip.

• Make sure you are hunting in an area designated for hunting.

• Never hunt on private property without permission.

References

• Arizona Game and Fish-hunting unit reports
• Arizona Game and Fish-mule deer

Resources

• Arizona Game and Fish-hunting