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2026-27 county guide
Maricopa County Hunting Guide
Unit shares, season dates, draw hunts, 2025 harvest from hunts that cross into Maricopa County, public land by owner, AZGFD contacts and the shops around Phoenix, gathered for 2026-27.
Photo: Henry (CC BY 2.0)
Maricopa County size, people and region
Maricopa County is managed from AZGFD Region IV (Yuma), the AZGFD region that takes in the lower Colorado and Gila rivers, the Kofa and Castle Dome ranges, the Sonoran Desert west of Phoenix and the farm valleys around Yuma. Because regions are drawn on unit lines, Region VI (Mesa, 46%) and Region V (Tucson, 2%) of the county sit in neighbouring regions. Census figures put the county at 4,673,096 people in 2024 (5.6% up from the 2020 base of 4,425,315); county government sits in Phoenix.
The county covers 9,202 square miles of land, about 5,889,290 acres, plus 24 square miles of water. Its ring of neighbouring counties: Gila County, La Paz County, Pima County, Pinal County, Yavapai County and Yuma County. Measured from the middle of the county, the nearest Game and Fish counter is Phoenix (Main Office (Headquarters)), some 37 miles off.
Population from the Census Vintage 2024 estimates; area from the 2024 Census gazetteer; neighbours from Census county adjacency; seat from the list of Arizona counties; regions and offices from the AZGFD regions layer and the AZGFD contact page. Checked November 7, 2026.
Who owns the land in Maricopa County
About 51% of Maricopa County is mapped as public hunting ground, 2,978,287 acres on the GIS count. BLM land leads the list with roughly 1,703,689 acres.
| Owner | Acres (GIS) | Share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife area land | 18,150 | under 1% | Area rules apply |
| State Trust Land | 618,968 | 11% | Open to hunting |
| Forest Service land | 645,948 | 11% | Open to hunting |
| Public domain (BLM) | 1,703,689 | 29% | Open to hunting |
| Refuge land | 41 | under 1% | Refuge permit rules |
| Reservations and trust | 270,097 | 5% | Tribal permit only |
| Installations | 713,544 | 12% | Post rules |
| Bureau of Reclamation | 7,193 | under 1% | Not in total |
| AZGFD other | 5,593 | under 1% | Not in total |
| Public total (union) | 2,978,287 | 51% | Counted once |
State Trust Land is hunted on the Arizona license: the rule treats a lawful hunter as a permittee for trespass, and existing roads stay open to that hunter, but read the parcel signs. The 270,097 acres of tribal land are closed to state-licensed hunting; the tribe sets any season and sells any permit, and entering to hunt without its permission breaks federal law (18 U.S.C. 1165). Military reservations (713,544 acres) are handled separately: each installation sets who may enter to hunt.
Tribal land in Maricopa County
- Tohono Indian Reservation96,862 GIS acres
- Gila River Indian Reservation95,003 GIS acres
- Salt River Indian Reservation52,997 GIS acres
- Fort McDowell Indian Reservation24,815 GIS acres
- Gila Bend Indian Reservation420 GIS acres
Hunting land inside Maricopa County
Three Bar Wildlife Area
Unit 22
Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area
Units 22/23/24B
Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Units 26M/39/41
Arlington Wildlife Area
Unit 39
Base and Meridian Wildlife Area
Units 26M/39
Tonto National Forest
Units 6A/21/22/23 +3
Tonto Basin Ranger District (Tonto National Forest)
Units 22/23/24A/24B
Globe Ranger District (Tonto National Forest)
Units 23/24A/24B/37B
Mesa Ranger District (Tonto National Forest)
Units 22/24B
BLM Lower Sonoran Field Office
Units 24A/24B/25M/26M +4
Further places: BLM Yuma Field Office, BLM Hassayampa Field Office, Sonoran Desert National Monument, Barry M. Goldwater Range East (Luke Air Force Base).
Statewide guides for this ground: Arizona State Trust Land, Bureau of Land Management Arizona public lands, Bureau of Reclamation lands in Arizona.
Acres are GIS measures of polygons (not official acreage): AZGFD wildlife area and land ownership layers, PAD-US 4.1 for forest, BLM, refuge, park, Reclamation and military land; tribal land from the AZGFD-hosted ownership layer. Rules from the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations, R12-4-110 and 18 U.S.C. 1165. Checked November 7, 2026.
Which units reach Maricopa County
The county overlaps 12 Game Management Units, with Unit 39 accounting for around 19% of its ground. Every acre of Unit 25M falls within Maricopa County. Close to 2% of the county sits in polygons marked "No AZGFD Administration", which is tribal ground. The shares are polygon measures. The booklet text and maps, not this table, define each unit.
| Unit | Share of county | Share of unit | Neighbours | Area | Managed from | Lion | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 39 | 19% | 91% | Pinal | 1,938 | Yuma | Zone L | — |
| Unit 42 | 15% | 94% | Yavapai | 1,488 | Yuma | Zone I | — |
| Unit 25M | 14% | 100% | — | 1,284 | Mesa | Zone J | Metro No trapping |
| Unit 26M | 9% | 39% | Pinal | 2,101 | Mesa | Zone J | Metro No trapping |
| Unit 40A | 9% | 75% | Pima, Pinal | 1,085 | Yuma | Zone N | — |
| Unit 40B | 8% | 23% | Yuma, Pima | 3,447 | Yuma | Zone N | — |
| Unit 41 | 8% | 26% | Yuma, La Paz | 2,837 | Yuma | Zone L | — |
| Unit 22 | 6% | 33% | Gila, Yavapai | 1,579 | Mesa | Zone J | Wolf area |
| Unit 21 | 3% | 29% | Yavapai | 1,051 | Mesa | Zone J | — |
| Unit 24B | 3% | 35% | Pinal, Gila | 778 | Mesa | Zone J | — |
| Unit 20B | 2% | 28% | Yavapai | 755 | Mesa | Zone F | — |
| Unit 44A | 2% | 8% | La Paz, Yavapai + | 2,360 | Yuma | Zone I | — |
For Unit 39, the department layer names Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Dove, Quail (a unit-level hint, not a season list). Unit 39 land, by the layer: BLM, Game & Fish, Military, Private, State Trust Land, Tribal.
Unit shares from the AZGFD Game Management Unit layer over Census county polygons; unit maps from the 2026-27 regulations; lion zones from the lion pages; CWD priority units from the CWD page; wolf units from the Mexican wolf note; trapping closures from the 2026-27 trapping regulations. Checked November 7, 2026.
Maricopa County openers and closing days
Archery deer, bear and lion nonpermit-tag hunts close unit by unit when a harvest limit is met, so a row can end before its printed closing day.
| Species | Season | What is legal | Tag kind | Where | First day | Last day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered mule deer | OTC tag | Unit 21 | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered mule deer | OTC tag | Unit 22 | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered mule deer | OTC tag | Unit 24B | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered whitetail deer | OTC tag | Unit 21 | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered whitetail deer | OTC tag | Unit 22 | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Antlered whitetail deer | OTC tag | Unit 24B | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 20B | Aug 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Draw | Unit 21 | Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Draw | Units 22/20B | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Draw | Units 22/21/24B | Oct 23, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Any antlered deer | Draw | Unit 20B | Oct 23, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered mule deer | Draw | Units 22/21 | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Draw | Units 22/21/24B | Nov 6, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Any antlered deer | Draw | Unit 20B | Nov 6, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Any antlered deer | Draw | Units 39/42/40A/40B +2 | Nov 6, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered mule deer | Draw | Unit 24B | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Draw | Unit 42 | Nov 20, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Draw | Unit 24B | Nov 27, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 25M | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 26M | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 41 | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 42 | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Unit 44A | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | Archery OTC | Any antlered deer | OTC tag | Units 39/40A/40B | Dec 11, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered mule deer | Draw | Unit 22 | Dec 11, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Draw | Units 22/21/24B | Dec 11, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Any antlered deer | Draw | Units 39/42/40A/40B +1 | Dec 11, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Elk | General OTC | Any elk | OTC tag | Unit 21 | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Elk | General OTC | Any elk | OTC tag | Units 42/44A | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Elk | Archery | Bull elk | Draw | Units 22/21 | Sep 11, 2026 | Sep 24, 2026 | |
| Elk | General | Bull elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | |
| Elk | Muzzleloader | Bull elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | |
| Elk | Youth general | Antlerless elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Elk | CHAMP | Any elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | |
| Elk | General | Antlerless elk | Draw | Units 22/21 | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | |
| Elk | Archery | Antlerless elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 26, 2026 | |
| Elk | Archery | Bull elk | Draw | Units 22/21 | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 26, 2026 | |
| Elk | General | Bull elk | Draw | Units 22/21 | Nov 27, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | |
| Elk | General | Bull elk | Draw | Unit 22 | Dec 4, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | |
| Pronghorn | Archery | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Unit 21 | Aug 21, 2026 | Sep 3, 2026 | |
| Pronghorn | General | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Unit 21 | Sep 4, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | |
| Javelina | Archery OTC | Any javelina | OTC tag | Unit 25M | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Javelina | Archery OTC | Any javelina | OTC tag | Unit 26M | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Javelina | General OTC | Any javelina | OTC tag | Units 39/40B/41 | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Javelina | Youth general | Any javelina | Draw | Unit 20B | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Javelina | Archery OTC, spring | Any javelina | OTC tag | Unit 25M | Jan 1, 2027 | Dec 31, 2027 | |
| Javelina | Archery OTC, spring | Any javelina | OTC tag | Unit 26M | Jan 1, 2027 | Dec 31, 2027 | |
| Javelina | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Draw | Units 42/40A/40B/22 +4 | Jan 1, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | |
| Javelina | General OTC, spring | Any javelina | OTC tag | Units 39/40B/41 | Jan 1, 2027 | Dec 31, 2027 | |
| Javelina | Youth general, spring | Any javelina | Draw | Units 22/21/24B/20B | Jan 22, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Javelina | HAM, spring | Any javelina | Draw | Units 22/21/24B/20B | Feb 5, 2027 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Javelina | General, spring | Any javelina | Draw | Units 42/22/21/24B +2 | Feb 19, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 20B | Aug 21, 2026 | Sep 10, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 22 | Aug 21, 2026 | Sep 10, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 20B | Oct 2, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 21 | Oct 2, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 24B | Oct 2, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 22 | Oct 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Black bear | General OTC, spring | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 20B | Mar 19, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | |
| Black bear | General OTC, spring | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 21 | Mar 19, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | |
| Black bear | General OTC, spring | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 22 | Mar 19, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | |
| Black bear | General OTC, spring | Bear, no sow with cubs | OTC tag | Unit 20B | May 7, 2027 | Aug 19, 2027 | |
| Mountain lion | Archery | Lion, no spotted kittens | OTC tag | Units 25M/26M | Aug 21, 2026 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Mountain lion | General | Lion, no spotted kittens | OTC tag | Statewide | Aug 21, 2026 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Mountain lion | Pursuit only | Pursuit, no kittens | OTC tag | Statewide | Aug 21, 2026 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Desert bighorn | Pioneer | One-horned ram | Draw | Unit 22 | Nov 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Desert bighorn | General | Any ram | Draw | Units 40B/41/22 | Nov 13, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | |
| Desert bighorn | General | Any ram | Draw | Unit 24B | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Desert bighorn | General | Any ram | Draw | Units 39/42/40A/40B +3 | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Desert bighorn | General | Any ram | Draw | Units 40B/41/22 | Dec 4, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Rocky Mountain bighorn | Pioneer | One-horned ram | Draw | Unit 22 | Nov 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Rocky Mountain bighorn | General | Any ram | Draw | Unit 22 | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Draw | Units 22/21 | Apr 23, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Draw | Units 22/21 | Apr 30, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | |
| Gambel's, scaled and California quail | General | Gambel's, scaled, California | License only | Statewide | Oct 16, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Mearns' quail | General | Mearns' quail | License only | Statewide | Dec 4, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Chukar partridge | General | Any chukar | License only | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Dusky | General | Dusky grouse | License only | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Shotgun shot | Any rooster pheasant | License only | Unit 40B | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Archery | Any pheasant | License only | Statewide | Oct 16, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Tree squirrels | Archery | Squirrel, not Mount Graham | License only | Statewide | Aug 21, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | |
| Tree squirrels | General | Squirrel, not Mount Graham | License only | Statewide | Oct 2, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Cottontail rabbit | General | Any cottontail rabbit | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Cottontail rabbit | Shotgun shot | Any cottontail rabbit | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Doves | Early season | Mourning, white-winged | License only | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Doves | Youth dove event | Youth-only dove hunt event, | License only | Unit 39 | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 5, 2026 | |
| Doves | Late season | Mourning, white-winged | License only | Statewide | Nov 20, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Ducks and mergansers | General | Ducks, geese, coots* | License only | Statewide | Oct 23, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks and mergansers | General | Scaup | License only | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks and mergansers | Youth only | Ducks, geese, coots | License only | Statewide | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Geese | General | Ducks, geese, coots* | License only | Statewide | Oct 23, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Geese | Youth only | Ducks, geese, coots | License only | Statewide | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 7, 2027 | |
| Coyote | General | Coyote and skunks | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Skunks | General | Coyote and skunks | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Nongame mammals | General | Nongame mammals | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| House | General | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| European starling | General | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Northern bobwhite | General | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Jackrabbits | General | Jackrabbit | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Shotgun shot | Coyote and skunks | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Skunks | Shotgun shot | Coyote and skunks | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Nongame mammals | Shotgun shot | Nongame mammals | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| House | Shotgun shot | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| European starling | Shotgun shot | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Northern bobwhite | Shotgun shot | Sparrow, starling, bobwhite | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Pursuit only | Raccoon | License only | Statewide | Jul 1, 2026 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | General | Bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Foxes | General | Bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Ringtail | General | Bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Weasel | General | Bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Badger | General | Bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Daylong | Raccoon | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Foxes | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Ringtail | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Badger | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Shotgun shot | Raccoon, bobcat, fox +3 | License only | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coati | General | Coati | License only | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Eurasian collared-dove | Year-round | Statewide Eurasian collared-dove season | License only | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Band-tailed pigeon | General | Statewide band-tailed pigeon season | License only | Statewide | Sep 25, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | |
| Common snipe | General | Common snipe | License only | Statewide | Oct 23, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Coots and gallinules | General | Ducks, geese, coots* | License only | Statewide | Oct 23, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Daylong | Coyote | License only | Units 42/44A | Dec 1, 2026 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Coots and gallinules | Youth only | Ducks, geese, coots | License only | Statewide | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 7, 2027 |
From the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations, the 2027 spring booklet, the 2026 pronghorn and elk booklet and the waterfowl and dove leaflets (Arizona Game and Fish Department). Checked November 7, 2026.
Drawn hunts that reach Maricopa County
87 drawn or unnumbered hunts list at least one Maricopa County unit in their open areas: 25 deer, 17 elk, 2 pronghorn, 18 javelina, 4 turkey, 19 desert bighorn sheep and 2 rocky mountain bighorn sheep. Applications for the fall 2026 hunts were due June 2, 2026, and for the spring 2027 hunts October 6, 2026; leftover tags go first come, first served.
The pronghorn and elk tables show 2026 hunts (deadline February 3, 2026), because the 2027 booklet is not out until January 2027. Applicants list up to five hunt choices; bonus points build by genus, up to 20% of tags in each hunt go first to the highest point holders, and nonresidents get at most 10% of tags in a hunt number.
Deer: 25 hunts
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1159 | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Oct 2–Oct 8, 2026 | Unit 21 | 40 | Fall 2026 |
| 1157 | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Oct 9–Oct 15, 2026 | Unit 20B | 75 | Fall 2026 |
| 1160 | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Oct 9–Oct 15, 2026 | Unit 22 | 150 | Fall 2026 |
| 1079 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Oct 23–Oct 29, 2026 | Unit 21 | 200 | Fall 2026 |
| 1082 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Oct 23–Oct 29, 2026 | Unit 22 | 350 | Fall 2026 |
| 1092 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Oct 23–Oct 29, 2026 | Unit 24B | 175 | Fall 2026 |
| 1189 | Muzzleloader | Any antlered deer | Oct 23–Oct 29, 2026 | Unit 20B | 65 | Fall 2026 |
| 1035 | General | Antlered mule deer | Oct 30–Nov 5, 2026 | Unit 21 | 200 | Fall 2026 |
| 1036 | General | Antlered mule deer | Oct 30–Nov 5, 2026 | Unit 22 | 325 | Fall 2026 |
| 1032 | General | Any antlered deer | Nov 6–Nov 12, 2026 | Unit 20B | 225 | Fall 2026 |
| 1068 | General | Any antlered deer | Nov 6–Nov 15, 2026 | Units 39/40A/40B | 450 | Fall 2026 |
| 1069 | General | Any antlered deer | Nov 6–Nov 15, 2026 | Unit 41 | 550 | Fall 2026 |
| 1070 | General | Any antlered deer | Nov 6–Nov 15, 2026 | Unit 42 | 275 | Fall 2026 |
| 1071 | General | Any antlered deer | Nov 6–Nov 15, 2026 | Unit 44A | 450 | Fall 2026 |
| 1080 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Nov 6–Nov 12, 2026 | Unit 21 | 200 | Fall 2026 |
| 1083 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Nov 6–Nov 12, 2026 | Unit 22 | 350 | Fall 2026 |
| 1093 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Nov 6–Nov 12, 2026 | Unit 24B | 250 | Fall 2026 |
| 1040 | General | Antlered mule deer | Nov 13–Nov 22, 2026 | Unit 24B | 150 | Fall 2026 |
| 1177 | Youth general | Any antlered deer | Nov 20–Nov 29, 2026 | Unit 42 | 75 | Fall 2026 |
| 1094 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Nov 27–Dec 6, 2026 | Unit 24B | 250 | Fall 2026 |
| 1037 | General | Antlered mule deer | Dec 11–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 10 | Fall 2026 |
| 1081 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Dec 11–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 21 | 25 | Fall 2026 |
| 1084 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Dec 11–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 50 | Fall 2026 |
| 1095 | General | Antlered whitetail deer | Dec 11–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 24B | 35 | Fall 2026 |
| 1192 | Muzzleloader | Any antlered deer | Dec 11–Dec 31, 2026 | Units 39/42/40A/40B +1 | 50 | Fall 2026 |
Elk (2026 hunts), 17 drawn
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3146 | Archery | Bull elk | Sep 11–Sep 24, 2026 | Unit 21 | 10 | 2026 booklet |
| 3147 | Archery | Bull elk | Sep 11–Sep 24, 2026 | Unit 22 | 45 | 2026 booklet |
| 3007 | General | Bull elk | Sep 25–Oct 1, 2026 | Unit 22 | 25 | 2026 booklet |
| 3104 | Muzzleloader | Bull elk | Sep 25–Oct 1, 2026 | Unit 22 | 50 | 2026 booklet |
| 3071 | Youth general | Antlerless elk | Oct 9–Oct 15, 2026 | Unit 22 | 100 | 2026 booklet |
| 3057 | General | Antlerless elk | Oct 16–Oct 22, 2026 | Unit 21 | 10 | 2026 booklet |
| 3058 | General | Antlerless elk | Oct 16–Oct 22, 2026 | Unit 22 | 75 | 2026 booklet |
| 3059 | General | Antlerless elk | Oct 16–Oct 22, 2026 | Unit 22 | 50 | 2026 booklet |
| 3099 | CHAMP | Any elk | Oct 16–Oct 22, 2026 | Unit 22 | 15 | 2026 booklet |
| 3163 | Archery | Bull elk | Nov 13–Nov 26, 2026 | Unit 21 | 10 | 2026 booklet |
| 3164 | Archery | Bull elk | Nov 13–Nov 26, 2026 | Unit 22 | 200 | 2026 booklet |
| 3165 | Archery | Bull elk | Nov 13–Nov 26, 2026 | Unit 22 | 65 | 2026 booklet |
| 3186 | Archery | Antlerless elk | Nov 13–Nov 26, 2026 | Unit 22 | 25 | 2026 booklet |
| 3026 | General | Bull elk | Nov 27–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 21 | 10 | 2026 booklet |
| 3027 | General | Bull elk | Nov 27–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 22 | 300 | 2026 booklet |
| 3029 | General | Bull elk | Nov 27–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 22 | 100 | 2026 booklet |
| 3028 | General | Bull elk | Dec 4–Dec 10, 2026 | Unit 22 | 275 | 2026 booklet |
Pronghorn (2026 hunts) (2 hunts)
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2057 | Archery | Buck pronghorn | Aug 21–Sep 3, 2026 | Unit 21 | 1 | 2026 booklet |
| 2025 | General | Buck pronghorn | Sep 4–Sep 13, 2026 | Unit 21 | 5 | 2026 booklet |
Javelina draws in Maricopa County
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5505 | Youth general | Any javelina | Oct 9–Oct 15, 2026 | Unit 20B | 75 | Fall 2026 |
| 5090 | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Jan 1–Jan 21, 2027 | Unit 20B | 450 | Spring 2027 |
| 5092 | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Jan 1–Jan 21, 2027 | Unit 21 | 425 | Spring 2027 |
| 5093 | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Jan 1–Jan 21, 2027 | Unit 22 | 450 | Spring 2027 |
| 5096 | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Jan 1–Jan 21, 2027 | Unit 24B | 200 | Spring 2027 |
| 5105 | Archery, spring | Any javelina | Jan 1–Jan 21, 2027 | Units 42/40A/40B/44A | 150 | Spring 2027 |
| 5038 | Youth general, spring | Any javelina | Jan 22–Jan 31, 2027 | Units 21/20B | 125 | Spring 2027 |
| 5040 | Youth general, spring | Any javelina | Jan 22–Jan 31, 2027 | Unit 22 | 100 | Spring 2027 |
| 5041 | Youth general, spring | Any javelina | Jan 22–Jan 31, 2027 | Unit 24B | 75 | Spring 2027 |
| 5059 | HAM, spring | Any javelina | Feb 5–Feb 15, 2027 | Unit 20B | 300 | Spring 2027 |
| 5061 | HAM, spring | Any javelina | Feb 5–Feb 15, 2027 | Unit 21 | 200 | Spring 2027 |
| 5062 | HAM, spring | Any javelina | Feb 5–Feb 15, 2027 | Unit 22 | 475 | Spring 2027 |
| 5065 | HAM, spring | Any javelina | Feb 5–Feb 15, 2027 | Unit 24B | 150 | Spring 2027 |
| 5009 | General, spring | Any javelina | Feb 19–Feb 25, 2027 | Unit 20B | 625 | Spring 2027 |
| 5011 | General, spring | Any javelina | Feb 19–Feb 25, 2027 | Unit 21 | 625 | Spring 2027 |
| 5012 | General, spring | Any javelina | Feb 19–Feb 25, 2027 | Unit 22 | 625 | Spring 2027 |
| 5015 | General, spring | Any javelina | Feb 19–Feb 25, 2027 | Unit 24B | 250 | Spring 2027 |
| 5033 | General, spring | Any javelina | Feb 19–Feb 25, 2027 | Units 42/44A | 50 | Spring 2027 |
Turkey hunts here
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4036 | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Apr 23–Apr 29, 2027 May 7–May 20, 2027 | Unit 21 | 2 | Spring 2027 |
| 4038 | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Apr 23–Apr 29, 2027 May 7–May 20, 2027 | Unit 22 | 10 | Spring 2027 |
| 4037 | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Apr 30–May 20, 2027 | Unit 21 | 2 | Spring 2027 |
| 4039 | Shotgun shot, spring | Bearded turkey | Apr 30–May 20, 2027 | Unit 22 | 10 | Spring 2027 |
Desert bighorn sheep draws in Maricopa County
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6802 | Pioneer | One-horned ram | Nov 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6015 | General | Any ram | Nov 13–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 22 | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6035 | General | Any ram | Nov 13–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 40B | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6037 | General | Any ram | Nov 13–Dec 3, 2026 | Unit 41 | 3 | Fall 2026 |
| 6017 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 24B | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6018 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 24B | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6019 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 24B | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6030 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 39 | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6031 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 39 | 3 | Fall 2026 |
| 6032 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 40A | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6033 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 40B | 4 | Fall 2026 |
| 6034 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 40B | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6039 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 41 | 4 | Fall 2026 |
| 6040 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Units 42/44A | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6044 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 44A | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6045 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 44A | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6016 | General | Any ram | Dec 4–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6036 | General | Any ram | Dec 4–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 40B | 2 | Fall 2026 |
| 6038 | General | Any ram | Dec 4–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 41 | 2 | Fall 2026 |
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunts here
| Hunt # | Type | What to take | Dates | Where | Permits | Booklet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6901 | Pioneer | One-horned ram | Nov 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 1 | Fall 2026 |
| 6506 | General | Any ram | Dec 1–Dec 31, 2026 | Unit 22 | 3 | Fall 2026 |
Hunt numbers, dates, legal wildlife and permits from the Commission Order tables in the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations, the 2027 spring booklet and the 2026 pronghorn and elk booklet; draw rules from the draw pages. Checked November 7, 2026.
No-draw tags for Maricopa County
The archery deer limits that apply in Maricopa County start with Unit 20B (any antlered deer, 15), Unit 25M (any antlered deer, 30), Unit 26M (any antlered deer, 30) and Units 39/40A/40B (any antlered deer, 40). Check the harvest report before each trip: a unit that hits its limit closes at sundown the next Wednesday, and kills go online within 48 hours. Sales opened November 2, 2026 at AZGFD offices for residents and November 23 at license dealers; nonresident tags are sold online only.
| Area | Legal animal | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 20B | Any antlered deer | 15 |
| Unit 25M | Any antlered deer | 30 |
| Unit 26M | Any antlered deer | 30 |
| Units 39/40A/40B | Any antlered deer | 40 |
| Unit 41 | Any antlered deer | 40 |
| Unit 42 | Any antlered deer | 20 |
| Unit 44A | Any antlered deer | 40 |
| Unit 21 | Antlered mule deer | 10 |
| Unit 21 | Antlered whitetail deer | 40 |
| Unit 22 | Antlered mule deer | 20 |
| Unit 22 | Antlered whitetail deer | 65 |
| Unit 24B | Antlered mule deer | 5 |
| Unit 24B | Antlered whitetail deer | 75 |
The bear season runs on OTC tags with female quotas; these are the Maricopa County unit groups and their limits. After a kill: online report within 48 hours, then the skull and hide to the department within 10 days.
Female bear caps for Maricopa County
| Units | Limit 2026 | Limit 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 22N | 9 | 9 |
| Unit 22S | 7 | 7 |
| Unit 24B | 2 | 2 |
| Units 20A/20B/20C | 21 | 21 |
| Unit 21 | 8 | 8 |
Lion hunters in Maricopa County track Zone I (5), Zone J (54), Zone L (3), Zone L (1 female), Zone F (38), Zone N (4) and Zone N (1 female), since a zone ends early once its count is reached.
Lion caps in Maricopa County
| Zone | Units | Cap | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Units 42/44A | 5 | All lions |
| J | Units 25M/26M/22/21 +1 | 54 | All lions |
| L | Units 39/41 | 3 | All lions |
| L | Units 39/41 | 1 | Females |
| F | Unit 20B | 38 | All lions |
| N | Units 40A/40B | 4 | All lions |
| N | Units 40A/40B | 1 | Females |
Other OTC big game rows in the county's units: 9 rows for elk, javelina or turkey, listed below.
No-draw hunts in Maricopa County
| Animal | Hunt | Bag | Units | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | General OTC | Bull elk | Unit 21 | Apr 1–Jul 31, 2026 |
| Elk | General OTC | Any elk | Units 42/44A | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 |
| Elk | General OTC | Any elk | Unit 21 | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 |
| Javelina | General OTC | Any javelina | Units 39/40B/41 | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 |
| Javelina | Archery OTC | Any javelina | Unit 25M | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 |
| Javelina | Archery OTC | Any javelina | Unit 26M | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026 |
| Javelina | General OTC, spring | Any javelina | Units 39/40B/41 | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2027 |
| Javelina | Archery OTC, spring | Any javelina | Unit 25M | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2027 |
| Javelina | Archery OTC, spring | Any javelina | Unit 26M | Jan 1–Dec 31, 2027 |
OTC tag fees, 2026
| Item | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Deer, archery OTC | $45 | $300 |
| Bear nonpermit-tag | $25 | $150 |
| Mountain lion | $15 | $75 |
OTC rows and limits from the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations (archery deer limits page, bear limits page, lion zones page); reporting rules from the reporting page; fees from the fee table. Checked November 7, 2026.
Maricopa County closures and rules
Units 25M and 26M surround the city, so seasons there are archery or limited weapon with special restrictions. Arizona has never detected CWD; the Maricopa County units are not among the 16 priority units. Out-of-state deer and elk cross into Arizona only as boned meat, clean skulls and antlers, hides, capes and finished taxidermy. Predator callers in Unit 22 share ground with protected Mexican wolves.
Trapping runs November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 on a trapping license; foothold, body-gripping and snare traps may not be used on public land. Units 25M and 26M are on the closed list for trapping. There is no Sunday restriction and no colour-of-clothing rule; edible bait for big game, any attractant for bears and cervid-urine lures are all illegal.
From the crane zone sheet, metro unit notes, CWD page, Mexican wolf note, 2026-27 trapping regulations, legal methods and tribal land rules. Checked November 7, 2026.
Last season near Maricopa County in numbers
AZGFD publishes no county harvest, so these tables list 2025 results for hunts whose units reach Maricopa County; a hunt may cover ground far outside the county. Elk results are preliminary for 2025.
Deer, draw hunts, 2025
The biggest 2025 deer result among these hunts was 100, in hunt 1082. The report lists 17 more.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1082 | General | Unit 22 | 268 | 100 | 37% |
| 1094 | General | Unit 24B | 221 | 91 | 41% |
| 1083 | General | Unit 22 | 283 | 90 | 32% |
| 1071 | General | Unit 44A | 355 | 88 | 25% |
| 1069 | General | Unit 41 | 443 | 86 | 19% |
| 1093 | General | Unit 24B | 237 | 65 | 27% |
| 1080 | General | Unit 21 | 191 | 61 | 32% |
| 1068 | General | Units 39/40A/40B | 333 | 59 | 18% |
Deer, OTC archery by unit, 2025
In 2025 bowhunters on OTC tags killed 56 deer in Unit 22. The report lists 4 more.
| Unit | Archers | Deer taken | Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 22 | 1,486 | 56 | 7% |
| Unit 21 | 1,269 | 41 | 3% |
| Unit 24B | 551 | 22 | 3% |
| Unit 20B | 505 | 17 | 11% |
| Unit 25M | 269 | 17 | 21% |
| Unit 26M | 148 | 15 | 19% |
| Unit 42 | 380 | 11 | 2% |
| Unit 44A | 194 | 8 | 14% |
Elk (preliminary), 2025
The biggest 2025 elk result among these hunts was 103, in hunt 3071. The report lists 8 more.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3071 | Youth-Only (General) | Unit 22 | 118 | 103 | 87% |
| 3027 | General Bull | Unit 22 | 235 | 90 | 38% |
| 3058 | General Antlerless | Unit 22 | 132 | 74 | 56% |
| 3028 | General Bull | Unit 22 | 223 | 58 | 26% |
| 3029 | General Bull | Unit 22 | 71 | 44 | 62% |
| 3147 | Archery-Only Bull, Early | Unit 22 | 50 | 30 | 60% |
| 3164 | Archery-Only Bull, Late | Unit 22 | 171 | 30 | 18% |
| 3186 | Archery-Only Antlerless | Unit 22 | 45 | 24 | 53% |
Pronghorn, 2025
The biggest 2025 pronghorn result among these hunts was 2, in hunt 2024.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | General | Unit 21 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Javelina, spring, 2025
The biggest 2025 javelina result among these hunts was 159, in hunt 5009. The report lists 9 more.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5009 | — | Unit 20B | 451 | 159 | 35% |
| 5088 | Archery-Only | Unit 22 | 307 | 155 | 50% |
| 5083 | Archery-Only | Units 39/42/40A/44A | 316 | 137 | 43% |
| 5011 | — | Unit 21 | 386 | 134 | 35% |
| 5085 | Archery-Only | Unit 20B | 267 | 134 | 50% |
| 5012 | — | Unit 22 | 315 | 112 | 36% |
| 5061 | HAM | Unit 22 | 280 | 98 | 35% |
| 5087 | Archery-Only | Unit 21 | 233 | 90 | 39% |
Javelina, fall youth, 2025
The biggest 2025 javelina result among these hunts was —, in hunt 5505.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5505 | Youth-Only (General) | Unit 20B | 32 | — | 0% |
Turkey, spring, 2025
The biggest 2025 turkey result among these hunts was 5, in hunt 4038.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4038 | Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot | Unit 22 | 8 | 5 | 63% |
| 4039 | Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot | Unit 22 | 8 | 2 | 25% |
| 4036 | Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot | Unit 21 | 2 | — | 0% |
| 4037 | Limited Weapon-Shotgun Shooting Shot | Unit 21 | 2 | — | 0% |
Bighorn sheep, 2025
The biggest 2025 bighorn sheep result among these hunts was 5, in hunt 6034. The report lists 9 more.
| Hunt | Type | Units here | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6034 | Desert | Unit 41 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| 6033 | Desert | Unit 40B | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 6029 | Desert | Unit 39 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 6031 | Desert | Unit 40B | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 6035 | Desert | Unit 41 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 6506 | Rocky Mountain | Unit 22 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 6015 | Desert | Unit 22 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 6016 | Desert | Unit 22 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Black bear, by hunt area, 2025
Top 2025 bear area here: Unit 22, 14 bears.
| Area | Taken | With hounds | Sows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 22 | 14 | — | 6 |
| Units 20A/20B/20C | 9 | — | 7 |
| Unit 22 | 9 | 5 | 6 |
| Unit 21 | 5 | — | 4 |
| Unit 24B | — | — | — |
From the AZGFD 2025 hunt harvest summaries (deer, OTC archery deer, elk preliminary, pronghorn, javelina, turkey, bighorn sheep, bison, black bear). AZGFD publishes no county harvest. Checked November 7, 2026.
Maricopa County department offices and outfitters
Hunters in Maricopa County can reach AZGFD through these offices, starting with Yuma. Use Operation Game Thief to report a violation.
Towns to base from in Maricopa County
- PhoenixSeat of government
- Mesa517,151 people
- Gilbert288,790 people
- Chandler281,231 people
- Glendale258,143 people
- Scottsdale246,170 people
- Peoria199,924 people
- Tempe190,114 people
- Surprise167,564 people
- Goodyear118,186 people
- Buckeye114,334 people
- Avondale96,609 people
- Queen Creek83,781 people
- El Mirage36,468 people
- ArlingtonCensus place
Other towns and CDPs: Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, Guadalupe, Cave Creek, Carefree, Gila Bend.
Our directory lists 40 hunting businesss inside Maricopa County; where a category is empty, the nearest ones in neighbouring counties fill in. Guides are not verified as licensed; ask to see the AZGFD guide license.
Game processing, Maricopa County
Maricopa County mount makers
Maricopa County ammunition counters
Offices from the AZGFD contact page; towns and places from the 2024 Census gazetteer; services from store locators and Yellow Pages listings (not verified). Checked November 7, 2026.
Hunting dates ahead in Maricopa County
Inside the county line: 8 listings ahead (DU dinner, Elk Society banquet, RMEF banquet, bighorn sheep banquet, hunter education field day, pronghorn hunter clinic and youth outdoor skills day), checked November 6, 2026. register-ed showed 1 of these as full or closed; the button opens the live page.
| Starts | Event | Where held | Link | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2026 | Arizona Hunter Education Field Day Hunter education field day | Ben Avery Shooting Facility – HE Building Phoenix | Register | Source |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Wild In The City – AES Youth outdoor skills day | Ben Avery Shooting Facility Phoenix | Register | Source |
| Dec 11, 2026 | West Valley Dinner (Peoria) DU dinner | Moose Lodge #2243 Peoria | Buy tickets | Source |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Wild in the City (Arizona Elk Society youth outdoor skills day camp) Youth outdoor skills day | West Black Canyon Boulevard Phoenix | Event details | Source |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Arizona Elk Society 26th Annual Mesa Banquet Elk Society banquet | Mesa | Event details | Source |
| Apr 17, 2027 | RMEF Phoenix Banquet RMEF banquet | Phoenix | Buy tickets | Source |
| May 8, 2027 | ADBSS 44th Annual Fundraising Banquet & 60th Anniversary Celebration 2027 Bighorn sheep banquet | The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa Scottsdale | Event details | Source |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Arizona Antelope Foundation 35th Annual Hunter Clinic Pronghorn hunter clinic | Ben Avery Clay Target Center Pavilion Phoenix | Event details | Source |
Zeroing a deer rifle in Maricopa County
Ranges listed for Maricopa County: 32, each card with its access rule.
| Name | City | Kinds | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Munitions & Ordnance indoor range | Queen Creek | to 25 yd | Access not stated |
| Archangel Adventures Shooting Range outdoor range | Maricopa | – | Access not stated |
| Archery Headquarters archery range | Chandler | archery | Access not stated |
| Arizona Archery Club archery range | Phoenix | archery | Access not stated |
| Arizona Women's Shooting Associates outdoor range | New River | shotgun, cowboy action, handgun | Members only |
C2 Tactical Gun Range of Tempe, AZ outdoor range | Tempe | handgun, rifle | Access not stated |
| Camp Shoot Right indoor range | Tempe | archery, 3D archery, air gun | Access not stated |
| Caswell's indoor range | Mesa | handgun, rimfire, action pistol | Access not stated |
Church Camp Road Recreational Shooting Site outdoor range | Peoria | – | Access not stated |
| Corner Archery archery range | Glendale | archery | Access not stated |
| Guns 2 Ammo indoor range | Mesa | rifle, archery | Access not stated |
| Junior Shooting Sports gun club | Queen Creek | – | Access not stated |
| KOmbat Solutions outdoor range | Phoenix | – | Access not stated |
| Mazatzal Mountain Muzzleloaders outdoor range | Mesa | muzzleloader | Members only |
| Papago Archery Range archery range | Phoenix | archery | Access not stated |
Phoenix Rod & Gun Club gun club | Phoenix | handgun, rifle, shotgun, trap | Access not stated |
| Project Gunfighter outdoor range | Phoenix | – | Access not stated |
| Range Time indoor range | Phoenix | rifle, handgun, rimfire, action pistol | Access not stated |
| Scottsdale Gun Club gun club | Scottsdale | handgun, rifle | Access not stated |
| Shooter's World Goodyear outdoor range | Goodyear | handgun | Access not stated |
| Shooter's World Phoenix outdoor range | Phoenix | handgun | Access not stated |
| Shooters World-Peoria Location indoor range | Peoria | rifle, handgun, rimfire | Access not stated |
| Ted's Shooting Range indoor range | Queen Creek | handgun, rimfire, air gun | Access not stated |
| Timber Mesa Outdoors archery range | Mesa | archery, 3D archery | Access not stated |
| Usery Mountain Archery Range archery range | Mesa | archery, 3D archery | Access not stated |
| Wickenburg Sportsmen's Club gun club | Wickenburg | trap, skeet, 5-stand, rifle | Access not stated |
Local shoot calendar
| Date, shoot | Format | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2026 | Defense match | Match page |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Gun show | Listing |
| Nov 7-8, 2026 | CMP pistol | Match page |
| Nov 8, 2026 | PRS match | Sign up |
| Nov 14, 2026 | 22 BPCR | Match page |
| Nov 14-15, 2026 | High power | Squad up |
Ranges from AZGFD’s Shooting Range Facilities page, operators’ own sites and directory listings, checked November 7, 2026.
When shooting light opens in Maricopa County
Big game, quail and predator hunters near Maricopa County work from sunrise to sunset; migratory bird hunters may start thirty minutes earlier.
| Date | Event | Rise | Set | General hours | Bird hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | Archery deer | 5:56 a.m. | 7:11 p.m. | 5:56 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. | 5:26 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Dove opener | 6:04 a.m. | 6:57 p.m. | 6:04 a.m. to 6:57 p.m. | 5:34 a.m. to 6:57 p.m. |
| Oct 16, 2026 | Quail opener | 6:34 a.m. | 5:57 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. to 5:57 p.m. | 6:04 a.m. to 5:57 p.m. |
| Oct 23, 2026 | General deer and waterfowl opener | 6:40 a.m. | 5:49 p.m. | 6:40 a.m. to 5:49 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. to 5:49 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:30 a.m. | 5:26 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. to 5:26 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. to 5:26 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Spring javelina | 7:33 a.m. | 5:32 p.m. | 7:33 a.m. to 5:32 p.m. | 7:03 a.m. to 5:32 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations (A.R.S. 17-301); sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Standard Time); the AZGFD Phoenix sunrise-sunset chart; checked November 7, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Maricopa County, answered
Is coyote calling safe near wolves in Maricopa County?
Be certain of the target in Unit 22, where protected wolves may roam.
Where do I test a Maricopa County deer for CWD?
At any AZGFD office or sample freezer, free of charge.
Is Maricopa County a single hunting unit?
No. Arizona hunts by unit, and the county is split among 12, led by Unit 39.
What does a youth license cost for Maricopa County?
$5 for ages 10 to 17.
How do I report an archery deer from Maricopa County?
Online within 48 hours of the kill; reporting is online only from fall 2026.
Which species are drawn in Maricopa County units?
Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Javelina, Turkey, Desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Can a lion zone close early in Maricopa County?
Yes, when its harvest threshold is met; check the harvest reports before each hunt.
How fast must a Maricopa County bear be reported?
Within 48 hours online, with the skull and hide inspected within 10 days.
Do I need an Arizona license on a reservation near Maricopa County?
No. Under R12-4-117 a state license is not required there, but the tribe's permit is.
How many public hunting places in Maricopa County have pages here?
16 places, plus the statewide program pages.
Answers from the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations, the 2027 spring booklet, the 2026 pronghorn and elk booklet, the trapping regulations, the Laws and Rules Book, the AZGFD 2025 harvest summaries and the sources above. Checked November 7, 2026.
Maricopa County before opening day
Seasons here are for 2026-27, and AZGFD prints new booklets every year, with the 2027 elk and pronghorn hunts due in January.
Sources: 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations, AZGFD hunting, Census and the sources in each section. Checked November 7, 2026.