Quick Answer
Yes, you can hunt elk during the archery season in Arizona without premium tags, but you must draw a general or limited entry tag.
Eligibility for General Tags
To hunt elk during the archery season in Arizona without a premium tag, you must apply for and draw a general or limited entry tag. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) issues these tags through a draw process, where applicants are randomly selected based on a point system. The point system awards applicants points based on their past hunting success, and the number of points required to draw a tag varies by unit.
Archery Season and Tag Requirements
The Arizona archery elk season typically takes place in September or October, depending on the unit. To hunt during this season, you’ll need to have a general or limited entry tag for the specific unit you’re hunting. Premium tags are not required for archery season, but you must still have a valid hunting license and follow all applicable regulations.
Draw Process and Point Requirements
The AZGFD offers various types of tags, including general, limited, and premium. General tags are the most readily available and have the lowest point requirements. For example, in the 2022 draw, hunters needed only 0-10 points to draw a general tag in certain units. Limited tags, on the other hand, require 11-20 points, while premium tags require 21 or more points. Be sure to check the AZGFD website for specific point requirements and draw information for the season you’re interested in.
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