Ready to Get Out and Hunt?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the Valley of the Sun Chapter of Quail Forever, presents the Arizona Small Game Challenge. The four individual challenges recognize the diverse landscapes and rewards associated with small game hunting throughout Arizona. A hunter who completes his or her first challenge will receive a plaque that includes an engraving plate to mark the achievement.
Species Information for Four Individual Challenges
Native quail challenge
Scaled quail, Gambel’s quail and Mearns’ quail. See rules and requirements below.
Desert small game challenge
Mourning dove, white-winged dove, eurasian collared dove, cottontail rabbit, Mearns’ quail, Gambel’s quail, scaled quail (5 of the 7). See rules and requirements below.
Mountain small game challenge
Dusky (or blue) grouse, chukar, band-tailed pigeon, cottontail rabbit, tree squirrel: Abert’s, Kaibab and Red squirrel (5 of the 7) See rules and requirements below.
Ultimate upland bird challenge
Dusky (or blue) grouse, chukar, Mearns’ quail, Gambel’s quail, scaled quail. See rules and requirements below.
how to participate
-Registration is $25. (You are only eligible for 1 challenge for the year)
-Go hunting! Be sure to photograph each species associated with the challenge.
-Certify each species harvested by submitting a (date noted) photographs.
Send *photos with name and challenge completed in the subject line, to:
Smallgame@azgfd.gov OR
Arizona Game & Fish Department
Small Game Program Manager
5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086
*Photos will not be returned
-Fill out your verification information form about the completed challenge, providing the general location (Game Management Unit) each species was taken and the date.
-A hunter who completes his or her first challenge will receive a plaque that includes an engraving plate to mark the achievement. Additional engraving plates will be provided as subsequent challenges are completed.
rules
-All species must be harvested during the general season.
-Game birds must be “wild” birds and not raised in captivity.
-A hunter must be registered for the challenge with Valley of the Sun Chapter of Quail Forever Chapter at the time of harvest and at the time when the challenge is completed.
-Registration is valid Aug. 1 – July 31.
–Registration is limited to 100 participants.
A registration fee of $25 (you are only eligible for 1 challenge for the year) will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of Quail Forever to improve habitat that will directly benefit small game in Arizona.
Want to Go Hunting in Arizona?
Find ways to experience big game and small game hunting or find a mentored hunt camp.
buy your hunting license
Arizona residents and non-residents 10 years and older need a valid hunting license to hunt in Arizona.
find a mentored hunt camp
The award-winning Outdoor Skills Network is your source for public, hands-on, “learn how to hunt” events.