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Arizona Over-the-Counter Hunts

All 198 AZGFD nonpermit-tag rows with dates, units and unit harvest limits, species by species.

Species pagesUnit guide
198OTC rows
161With limits
6Species

Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain)

How Arizona nonpermit-tags work

A nonpermit-tag is the Arizona over-the-counter tag: no application and no bonus points, bought at Department offices or from license dealers (nonresident archery deer tags online only). The 2026-27 booklets carry 198 nonpermit-tag rows across 6 species, and 161 of them have a harvest limit that closes the unit (or unit group) once hunters reach it. Archery deer units close at sundown on the Wednesday after their limit is met; bear units close at their annual female limit; lion zones close at their threshold. Bear, lion and OTC archery deer must be reported online within 48 hours.

Resident archery deer nonpermit-tags on sale November 2, 2026 at Department offices and November 23 at dealers; nonresidents online only at otcarchery.azgfd.com from November 2, 2026, 8 am (mailed by December 1 unless e-tag).

198OTC rows
161With a harvest limit
6Species

From nonpermit-tag rules and fee table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Nonpermit-tag prices for 2026

Nonpermit-tagWho2026 price
Archery Deer nonpermit-tagResident$45
Archery Deer nonpermit-tagNonresident$300
Bear nonpermit-tagResident$25
Bear nonpermit-tagNonresident$150
Mountain Lion nonpermit-tagResident$15
Mountain Lion nonpermit-tagNonresident$75
Mountain Lion Pursuit-only PermitResident$20
Mountain Lion Pursuit-only PermitNonresident$100
Javelina nonpermit-tagResident$25
Javelina nonpermit-tagNonresident$100
Elk nonpermit-tagResident$135
Elk nonpermit-tagNonresident$650
Archery Turkey nonpermit-tagResident$25
Archery Turkey nonpermit-tagNonresident$90
Youth-Only Turkey nonpermit-tagYouth$10

From 2026 fee table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Mule Deer and Whitetail nonpermit-tag rows (74)

Archery deer nonpermit-tags run by unit across three windows, each unit with its own harvest limit; antlered mule deer, antlered whitetail or any antlered deer depending on the unit.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202715
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202735
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202710
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202710
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202735
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202735
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202710
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202740
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202765
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202735
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202765
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202775
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202765
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202745
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202735
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202785
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 2027155
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 2027195
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202790
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202790
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 2027110
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 2027155
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202765
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Sep 10, 20265
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Sep 10, 20265
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202750
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 2027140
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202710
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202715
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202760
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202710
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202755
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202715
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerAug 21–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered mule deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202725
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202755
Archery-only OTC tag deerAntlered whitetail deerDec 11–Jan 31, 20275
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202730
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202715
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202745
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202740
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202740
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202720
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerDec 11–Jan 31, 202740
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerJan 1–Jan 31, 202715
Archery-only OTC tag deerantlered deerJan 1–Jan 31, 20275

Mule Deer and Whitetail page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Elk nonpermit-tag rows (18) for 2026

A small set of 2026 elk nonpermit-tag rows, each limited to a few listed units.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
General OTC tag elkAny elkJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAny elkJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAny elkJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAny elkJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAny elkJan 1–Dec 31, 2026See booklet–
General OTC tag elkAny elkMar 1–Mar 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAny elkMar 1–Mar 31, 2026See booklet–
HAM OTC tag elkAny elkMar 1–Mar 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026See booklet–
General OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026See booklet–
HAM OTC tag elkBull elkApr 1–Jul 31, 2026–
HAM OTC tag elkAntlerless elkAug 1–Aug 31, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAntlerless elkSep 25–Nov 26, 2026–
General OTC tag elkAntlerless elkSep 25–Nov 26, 2026See booklet–
General OTC tag elkAny elkNov 20–Dec 31, 2026–

Elk page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Javelina nonpermit-tag rows (10)

Javelina nonpermit-tags in listed units, including archery windows in the metro units.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
Archery-only OTC tag javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
Archery-only OTC tag javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
Archery-only OTC tag javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
General OTC tag javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
HAM OTC tag javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2026–
Archery-only OTC tag spring javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2027–
Archery-only OTC tag spring javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2027–
Archery-only OTC tag spring javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2027–
General OTC tag spring javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2027–
HAM OTC tag spring javelinaAny javelinaJan 1–Dec 31, 2027–

Javelina page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Black Bear nonpermit-tag rows (87)

Bear nonpermit-tags cover fall and spring hunts by unit; each unit group shares an annual female harvest limit.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 7–Aug 20, 20261
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 7–Aug 20, 20261
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 14–Aug 20, 202610
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 202610
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20261
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20262
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20261
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20261
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20261
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20262
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20263
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20263
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20262
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20262
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20263
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20262
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20263
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Oct 1, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20265
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsAug 21–Sep 10, 20264
Archery-only bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Oct 29, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Oct 29, 202620
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 202611
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20261
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20266
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20261
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20266
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Oct 29, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20261
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 2–Dec 31, 20261
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 202610
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20269
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20263
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20264
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20265
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsOct 30–Dec 31, 20262
General bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsNov 6–Dec 31, 20262
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20274
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20273
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20272
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMar 19–Apr 22, 20271
Archery-only OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMay 7–Aug 19, 2027See booklet2
Archery-only OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMay 7–Aug 19, 2027See booklet2
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMay 7–Aug 13, 20274
General OTC tag spring bearAny bear except cubs with sows and sows with cubsMay 7–Aug 19, 20276

Black Bear page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Mountain Lion nonpermit-tag rows (3)

One lion nonpermit-tag covers the statewide season; zones close at their thresholds.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
Archery-only mountain lionAny lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spoAug 21–May 31, 2027–
General mountain lionAny lion except spotted kittens or females accompanied by spotted Aug 21–May 31, 2027–
Pursuit-only mountain lionPursuit of any lion except spotted kittens or females accompaAug 21–May 31, 2027–

Mountain Lion page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Merriam's and Gould's Turkey nonpermit-tag rows (6)

Archery turkey and youth-only turkey nonpermit-tags in listed units.

HuntLegal animalDatesUnitsHarvest limit
Archery-only OTC tag turkeyAny turkeyAug 21–Sep 10, 2026–
Youth-only OTC tag (Shotgun shot) turkeyAny turkeyOct 2–Oct 8, 2026–
Youth-only OTC tag (Shotgun shot) turkeyAny turkeyOct 2–Oct 12, 2026–
Archery-only OTC tag spring turkeyBearded turkeyApr 16–May 20, 2027–
Youth-only OTC tag (Shotgun shot) spring turkeyBearded turkeyApr 16–May 20, 2027–
Archery-only OTC tag spring turkeyBearded turkeyMay 7–May 20, 2027–

Merriam's and Gould's Turkey page

From Commission Order table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.

Coues white-tailed deer beside yucca and oak brush
Stand-in photo, over-the-counter hunts page photo by Mike's Birds (CC BY-SA 2.0)
White-tailed deer moving through autumn woods
Another scene for the over-the-counter hunts photo by NPS Photo (Public domain)
White-tailed deer fawn in tall grass
Last photo on the over-the-counter hunts page photo by USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain)

Related to the over-the-counter hunts

Draw hunt numbers

Each numbered hunt

Archery deer harvest limits

Unit caps, 2025 harvest

Every season row

Every dated row

Mountain lion harvest zones

Zone thresholds

Hunting lawsPublic landHunting licenses

Questions about Arizona nonpermit-tags

What is a nonpermit-tag in Arizona?

The over-the-counter big game tag: sold directly with no draw, valid for the hunt rows printed as nonpermit-tag required.

Which Arizona big game tags can be bought over the counter?

Archery deer, bear, mountain lion, some javelina and elk, archery turkey and youth turkey: 198 rows in all.

When do OTC archery deer units close?

Over-the-counter archery deer harvest limits by unit; a unit closes at sundown the Wednesday after its limit is reached.

How do bear units close?

A unit (or group) closes to bear hunting for the rest of the calendar year when its annual female harvest limit is reached (note 118).

Do OTC hunters report their harvest?

Bear, lion and OTC archery deer hunters report online within 48 hours; bear and lion also go to inspection within 10 days. Report online within 48 hours of taking a deer (online only from fall 2026).

When do nonresidents buy archery deer tags?

Resident archery deer nonpermit-tags on sale November 2, 2026 at Department offices and November 23 at dealers; nonresidents online only at otcarchery.azgfd.com from November 2, 2026, 8 am (mailed by December 1 unless e-tag).

Are OTC elk tags 2026 or 2027?

The elk nonpermit-tag rows come from the 2026 Pronghorn and Elk booklet, so they are the 2026 hunts.

Do OTC tags use bonus points?

No. Nonpermit-tags are bought directly, so no bonus points are spent, earned or lost.

Other photos on this page: Mike's Birds (CC BY-SA 2.0); NPS Photo (Public domain); USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain).