Big game
Pronghorn Seasons in Arizona, 2026
The Arizona pronghorn calendar (2026 hunts): 10 rows from the Commission Orders, plus licenses, rules and public land in the units.
Photo: Bureau of Land Management (CC BY 2.0)
Pronghorn hunting by the numbers
Counting every Commission Order line, pronghorn carry 10 season rows; the first to open are archery-only pronghorn on August 21, 2026, muzzleloader pronghorn on August 28, 2026 and general pronghorn on September 4, 2026. The open areas add up to 38 units touching 12 counties, each row with its own short unit list. The pronghorn rows come from the 2026 draw booklet; treat them as the 2026 hunts until the 2027 booklet is out in January.
From 2026 Pronghorn and Elk booklet (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
GearHeading out for a hunt? Hunting gear checklists by season →
Arizona pronghorn limits, word for word
For pronghorn the Commission Order sets the numbers below; the possession line, when there is one, governs what you carry home.
| Limit type | Commission Order text |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | One (1) pronghorn per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120. |
| Genus rule | A person may buy hunt permit-tags up to the bag limit for a genus and may not apply for more once the bag limit for that genus is met in the calendar year (R12-4-114(D)). |
From bag limit text and Laws and Rules Book (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Pronghorn season dates and units
Dates as printed by AZGFD for pronghorn; a row with two date ranges has a break in the middle.
| Season | Legal animal | Tag kind | Dates | Game units | Quota | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery-only pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Aug 21–Sep 3, 2026 | 152 permits | ||
| Archery-only pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Aug 21–Sep 10, 2026 | 5 permits | ||
| Archery-only pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Aug 21–Aug 27, 2026 | 7 permits | ||
| Muzzleloader pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Aug 28–Sep 3, 2026 | 5 permits | ||
| General pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Sep 4–Sep 13, 2026 | 248 permits | ||
| General pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Sep 4–Sep 10, 2026 | 20 permits | ||
| Muzzleloader pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Sep 4–Sep 13, 2026 | 18 permits | ||
| Muzzleloader pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Sep 4–Sep 10, 2026 | 10 permits | ||
| General pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Sep 11–Sep 17, 2026 | 14 permits | ||
| General pronghorn | Buck pronghorn | Draw | Oct 2–Oct 11, 2026 | 72 permits |
From 2026 Pronghorn and Elk booklet (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Draw or over the counter for pronghorn
| Tag type | Count | Permits | Obtained by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw | 10 | 551 | Hunt permit-tag, AZGFD draw |
The booklets assign 68 hunt numbers to pronghorn; bonus points apply per genus, not per hunt.
Pronghorn and elk: online deadline February 3, 2026; tags mailed by April 1, 2026; first-come by mail March 16 and at offices March 23, 2026.
Deadline in February 2027; the 2027 pronghorn and elk booklet is published in early January (not yet published on November 6, 2026).
From draw rules, 2026-27 regulations, nonpermit-tag rules and 2026 Pronghorn and Elk booklet (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Mapping the pronghorn rows
| Unit | AZGFD region | Main counties | All rows | Draw rows | OTC rows | Pop. mgmt rows | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Pinetop | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 62 | |
| 2A | I Pinetop | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | |
| 2B | I Pinetop | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2C | I Pinetop | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 3A | I Pinetop | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| 3B | I Pinetop | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | |
| 3C | I Pinetop | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 4A | I Pinetop | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 | |
| 4B | I Pinetop | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 20 | |
| 5A | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | |
| 5B | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 | |
| 6A | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 17 | |
| 6B | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | |
| 7 | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50 | |
| 8 | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | |
| 9 | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 30 | |
| 10 | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 90 | |
| 11M | II Flagstaff | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 12A | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
| 12B | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
| 13A | II Flagstaff | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 20 | |
| 13B | II Flagstaff | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | |
| 15A | III Kingman | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 15B | III Kingman | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 17A | III Kingman | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 17B | III Kingman | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | |
| 18A | III Kingman | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 | |
| 18B | III Kingman | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| 19A | III Kingman | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 32 | |
| 19B | III Kingman | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 | |
| 21 | VI Mesa | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| 30A | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 31 | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 32 | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 34A | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| 34B | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| 35A | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
| 35B | V Tucson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
A county appears here when at least one pronghorn row has a unit inside it. Tribal land within those counties stays closed to state-licensed hunting.
| County | Rows | Draw rows | OTC rows | Units here | Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | 4 | 4 | 0 | I Pinetop | |
| Cochise | 3 | 3 | 0 | V Tucson | |
| Coconino | 5 | 5 | 0 | II Flagstaff | |
| Gila | 2 | 2 | 0 | VI Mesa | |
| Graham | 2 | 2 | 0 | V Tucson | |
| Maricopa | 2 | 2 | 0 | IV Yuma | |
| Mohave | 5 | 5 | 0 | III Kingman | |
| Navajo | 4 | 4 | 0 | I Pinetop | |
| Pima | 3 | 3 | 0 | V Tucson | |
| Pinal | 2 | 2 | 0 | V Tucson | |
| Santa Cruz | 3 | 3 | 0 | V Tucson | |
| Yavapai | 9 | 9 | 0 | III Kingman |
From unit maps, AZGFD unit layer and 2026 Pronghorn and Elk booklet (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
2025 numbers for Arizona pronghorn
The best 2025 pronghorn rows by animals taken came from Unit 10, Unit 1, Unit 7, Unit 5B and Unit 9; remember success also depends on permits and hunters.
2025 pronghorn hunts: top rows
| Hunt | Units | Type | Hunters | Harvest | Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | General | 52 | 44 | 85% | |
| 2001 | General | 32 | 32 | 100% | |
| 2013 | General | 30 | 28 | 93% | |
| 2009 | General | 19 | 18 | 95% | |
| 2014 | General | 18 | 18 | 100% | |
| 2022 | General | 18 | 17 | 94% | |
| 2018 | General | 19 | 14 | 74% | |
| 2017 | General | 14 | 11 | 79% | |
| 2002 | General | 13 | 10 | 77% | |
| 2003 | General | 10 | 10 | 100% |
From 2025 pronghorn hunts (AZGFD) (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Legal weapons for pronghorn
The weapon list depends on the row: general, archery-only, muzzleloader, HAM or limited weapon. The table gives the AZGFD summary for each type that applies to pronghorn.
| Method group | Allowed | Banned |
|---|---|---|
| General big game seasons |
|
|
| Archery-only |
|
|
| Muzzleloader |
|
|
Pronghorn rows: method wording
| Method as printed | Rows |
|---|---|
| 4 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
From legal methods, 2026-27 regulations and Laws and Rules Book (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
What it costs to hunt pronghorn
Prices are the 2026 AZGFD fees; draw tag prices already include the $13 resident or $15 nonresident application fee.
| License | For | Fee | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| General hunting license | Resident | $37 | 365 days from purchase |
| Combination hunt and fish | Resident | $57 | 365 days from purchase |
| Combination hunt and fish | Nonresident | $160 | 365 days from purchase |
| Youth combination (10-17) | Either | $5 | 365 days from purchase |
| Pronghorn permit-tag | Resident | $103 | Hunt dates on the tag |
| Pronghorn permit-tag | Nonresident | $565 | Hunt dates on the tag |
| Bonus point only | Resident | $13 | Per genus per draw |
| Bonus point only | Nonresident | $15 | Per genus per draw |
| PointGuard | Either | $10 per species | One draw |
| PointGuard Plus | Either | $25 | Three consecutive draw cycles |
Required only for youth under 14 to hunt big game (they must carry the card and license in the field). Youth under 14 may enter the draw without it but must finish before the hunt. Out-of-state certifications are accepted.
From 2026 fee table (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Rules on the ground for pronghorn
What AZGFD expects of pronghorn hunters in the field, from tagging to reporting.
| Rule | Text |
|---|---|
| Baiting | Unlawful to use edible or ingestible substances to aid in taking big game (placing them or knowingly hunting over them); water, salt and livestock salt or supplements placed in normal livestock operations are allowed (R12-4-303(A)(7)-(8)). Unlawful to use any lure, attractant or cover scent containing cervid urine (R12-4-303(A)(3)(c)). |
| Tagging | Tag big game immediately (paper tag or E-Tag); a carcass of big game may not be possessed or transported without a valid tag attached; wildlife in possession must be identifiable as to species and legality. |
| Mexican wolf | Mexican wolves may be present in Units 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11M, 22N, 22S, 23N, 23S, 27, 29 and 30A or near the US-Mexico border. Unlawful killing is a violation of A.R.S. 17-309(A)(10) with a minimum $8,000 civil assessment and up to five years lost privileges, plus federal penalties. |
| OHV | OHV decal required; no cross-country travel; no shooting from an OHV. |
| Waste | Unlawful to let edible portions of game go to waste; revocation applies for wasting breast meat of game birds and turkey, and the quarters and loins of big game. |
From tagging and reporting, Laws and Rules Book and common violations (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Open land inside the pronghorn units
Public land whose units appear in the pronghorn rows, largest first. Acreage is the GIS figure in the land record, and each place keeps its own closures.
Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area lies in Unit 2B of the pronghorn rows.
BLM Arizona Strip Field Office takes in Unit 12A, Unit 12B and Unit 13A, where pronghorn have rows.
Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area: Unit 8 carry pronghorn rows.
For pronghorn, Willcox Playa Wildlife Area covers Unit 30A.
For pronghorn, BLM Kingman Field Office covers Unit 15A, Unit 15B and Unit 17B.
Unit 6A and Unit 21 of the pronghorn rows reach Tonto National Forest.
For pronghorn, Coconino National Forest covers Unit 5A, Unit 5B and Unit 6A.
Coronado National Forest lies in Unit 30A, Unit 31 and Unit 32 of the pronghorn rows.
From AZGFD and agency land layers (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked November 7, 2026.
Shooting light on pronghorn openers
Arizona keeps Mountain Standard Time all year, so these pronghorn opener times never shift for daylight saving.
The sunrise-to-sunset rule covers pronghorn, so short December days shrink the window.
| Date | Maricopa County centre | Coconino County centre | Pima County centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | 5:56 a.m.–7:11 p.m. | 5:50 a.m.–7:11 p.m. | 5:55 a.m.–7:06 p.m. |
| Aug 28, 2026 | 6:01 a.m.–7:02 p.m. | 5:55 a.m.–7:02 p.m. | 5:59 a.m.–6:58 p.m. |
| Sep 4, 2026 | 6:05 a.m.–6:53 p.m. | 6:01 a.m.–6:52 p.m. | 6:04 a.m.–6:49 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.–5:26 p.m. | 7:33 a.m.–5:17 p.m. | 7:24 a.m.–5:26 p.m. |
Hours rule from the 2026-27 Arizona Hunting Regulations; times worked out with the NOAA solar formula (Mountain Standard Time); AZGFD sunrise-sunset chart; checked November 7, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Common questions on pronghorn
Can pronghorn be hunted at night in Arizona?
Pronghorn may be taken in daylight hours, which AZGFD reads from its sunrise and sunset chart, unless a Commission Order says otherwise.
Can I use a rifle on pronghorn in Arizona?
AZGFD weapon rules: Centerfire rifles and handguns, muzzleloading rifles and handguns, black-powder rifles, shotguns with slugs, pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber+ (.40 caliber+ and 500 foot-pounds for elk and bison), bows 30 lb+ (40 lb+ bison) and crossbows 125 lb+ with 7/8 inch broadheads; .22 and 5 mm rimfire magnum and atlatls also for javelina; shot also for lion and turkey. Night vision, thermal devices and visible lasers are never lawful while taking wildlife.
Is tribal land part of the pronghorn season?
Reservations are outside the AZGFD season for pronghorn; contact the tribe, which decides whether and how its land may be hunted.
What does Arizona say about orange clothing for pronghorn?
Not for pronghorn. The only orange the Arizona rule book mentions is paint on posts that mark private land closed to hunting.
Is there harvest data for Arizona pronghorn?
The AZGFD report (2025 pronghorn hunts) adds up to 368 by 487 hunters.
Do any weekday rules apply to pronghorn?
Yes. Arizona has no Sunday restriction, so every pronghorn row runs straight through its dates.
What does AZGFD allow per hunter for pronghorn?
Per the booklet, one (1) pronghorn per calendar year, except as prescribed in R12-4-120.
When do pronghorn seasons open in Arizona?
The calendar begins with archery-only pronghorn on August 21, 2026, muzzleloader pronghorn on August 28, 2026 and general pronghorn on September 4, 2026, and the full set of 10 rows is above (2026 hunts).
Which Arizona units list pronghorn?
The rows name 38 game management units; the first by number are Unit 1, Unit 2A, Unit 2B, Unit 2C, Unit 3A and Unit 3B.
Draw or OTC for pronghorn?
By row type: 10 draw. Draw rows need a hunt permit-tag from the AZGFD draw; OTC rows take a nonpermit-tag bought from a license dealer or Department office.
Other photos on this page: Andrew_Carter786 (CC BY 2.0); Bureau of Land Management (CC BY 2.0); Bureau of Land Management Arizona (Public Domain Mark 1.0).