Non-Resident Hunting Opportunities
When you think about it, what doesn’t Arizona have to offer its non-resident hunters?
Let’s start with the incredible variety of year-round hunting opportunities, for both big game and small game.
Then there’s the comfortable, shirt-sleeve weather – you know, the kind we brag about to family and friends while they’re shivering in other parts of the country.
And, of course, there’s plenty of elbow room out here. In fact, Arizona is comprised of 60 percent public land, along with plenty of private land made available through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Access Program, which is partially funded by the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program through the Farm Bill. To help get you started looking for that perfect place to hunt, visit www.azaccessmap.com.
If you’re only using a hunting license to accumulate bonus points while hoping to draw a hunt permit-tag for any one of the state’s coveted big game species, you’re really missing out. It soon will be that time of year when the weather couldn’t be more perfect for an “Arizona Hunting Safari,” especially in southern Arizona. In January, for example, a non-resident hunter can purchase an “over the counter” archery-only nonpermit-tag for either white-tailed or mule deer, or a leftover hunt permit-tag for javelina, without having to expend accumulated bonus points.
Video – Big game draw in Arizona
The winter months also are for the birds – like Mearns’ quail, one of the most enjoyable of game birds to hunt over a dog. In fact, with scaled and Gambel’s quail inhabiting the same part of the state as Mearns’ it’s possible for a wing-shooter to complete the Arizona “Grand Slam.” Keep that shotgun close at hand, as dove and waterfowl seasons also will be underway.
A valid Arizona hunting license is a tremendous value. A non-resident license costs $160 and is valid 365 days from the date of purchase. That’s only 44 cents a day! As a reminder, your license can be used to apply for a 2017 elk or pronghorn hunt permit-tag before the February deadline (the application period opens in January). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers statewide.
Happy hunting!
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