AZGFD Latest News — 2026 Season Important Updates 

If you’ve been running on autopilot with your hunting setup… this is your wake-up call.
 

First - the big one:
All existing Crossbow Permits and CHAMPs (Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permits) are expiring June 30, 2026.
No grandfathering. No “but I’ve had it forever.”

If you still need one, you’ll have to reapply and get a fresh medical evaluation.

Get the full details and application info here:
https://www.azgfd.com/2026/04/08/all-existing-crossbow-permits-and-champs-will-expire-on-june-30-2026/
 

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Big Game Draw Timeline (Arizona)

These don’t change much year to year, but if you miss them… you’re out.

• Elk & Antelope Draw:
  Applications due early February
  Draw results: late February

• Deer (including Coues & Mule):
  Applications due early June
  Draw results: late June

• Bison:
  Applications due early October
  Draw results: late October

👉 Pro tip: Set calendar alerts. AZGFD will not chase you down.

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Small Game, Birds, & Bunnies

No draw stress here—just seasons and regulations:

• Dove (Early Season): Opens September 1 (your unofficial start of fall)

• Waterfowl (Duck/Goose): Typically October–January depending on zone

• Quail: Usually October–February

• Rabbit: Open most of the year, with minor restrictions

👉 These seasons shift slightly each year, check the regs when they drop.

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2026–2027 Hunting Regulations — Incoming

AZGFD has already started rolling out hunt recommendations, which means the 2026–2027 regulations booklet is coming soon.
Translation: don’t get caught planning a hunt off last year’s rules.

We’ll update this page again as soon as the 2026–2027 regulations officially drop.

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