Arizona Turkey Season 2025-2026 [Dates, Regulations, Licenses & More]
If you’re ready to chase desert gobblers through ponderosa pines and canyon country, you’ve landed in the right place. The Grand Canyon State offers some of the most unique wild bird hunting opportunities in the West—and the 2025-2026 cycle is shaping up to be memorable. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Gould’s subspecies through the sky islands or calling in a vocal Merriam’s along the Mogollon Rim, this guide covers everything you need to know: precise dates, tag requirements, management zones, and insider tips to make your hunt successful.
Quick Overview: What You’ll Find Here
This comprehensive resource breaks down both spring 2025 and spring 2026 hunts across the state, including archery-only opportunities and limited-weapon shotgun draws. We’ll walk through Merriam’s and Gould’s subspecies seasons (yes, the state has both!), explain the application process, decode unit boundaries, and share the latest licensing fees. Plus, you’ll find frequently asked questions answered and links to official resources so you’re never left guessing.
🗓️ Summary: Key Arizona Turkey Season Dates 2025-2026
Here’s your at-a-glance breakdown of the major hunting windows:
| Season Type | Species | Method | Open Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 – Draw Hunts | Merriam’s | Limited Weapon Shotgun | Apr 25 – May 22, 2025 (varies by unit) | 1 bearded bird |
| Spring 2025 – Youth Draw | Merriam’s | Limited Weapon Shotgun | Apr 18 – May 22, 2025 | 1 bearded bird |
| Spring 2025 – Archery | Merriam’s | Archery (Nonpermit) | May 9 – May 22, 2025 | 1 bearded bird |
| Spring 2025 – Draw Hunts | Gould’s | Limited Weapon Shotgun | May 2 – May 29, 2025 (varies by unit) | 1 bearded bird |
| Spring 2025 – Archery | Gould’s | Archery (Draw) | Apr 25 – May 29, 2025 | 1 bearded bird |
| Fall 2025 – General | Merriam’s | Archery (Nonpermit) | Aug 22 – Sept 11, 2025 | 1 bird (any sex) |
| Fall 2025 – Draw | Merriam’s | Limited Weapon Shotgun | Oct 3 – Oct 9, 2025 | 1 bird (any sex) |
| Spring 2026 | Merriam’s & Gould’s | Various | Applications open Sept 2025; hunts Apr–May 2026 | 1 bearded bird |
Note: Fall 2025 dates allow harvest of either sex in most units, while spring hunts target bearded birds exclusively.
📋 All Arizona Turkey Seasons 2025-2026: Detailed Breakdown
Spring 2025 Turkey Hunts
The spring gobbler action kicks off in mid-April and runs through late May, depending on which unit and subspecies you’re targeting. Here’s the full picture:
Merriam’s Turkey – Limited Weapon Shotgun (Draw Required)
These are the premier spring hunts, requiring entry into the draw system. Tags are allocated by unit with varying permit numbers.
| Hunt Numbers | Season Dates | Open Areas (Units) | Legal Wildlife | Permits Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4001, 4003, 4005, etc. | Apr 25 – May 1 & May 9 – May 22, 2025 | Units 1, 3B, 3C, 4A/4B, 5A/5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8/10, 12A, 13A, 13B South, 19A, 20A, 23, 27, and more | Bearded turkeys only | 500–7 tags per unit |
| 4002, 4004, 4006, etc. | May 2 – May 22, 2025 | Same unit coverage as above | Bearded turkeys only | 100–500 tags per unit |
Popular Units: Unit 1 (500 permits), Unit 6A (200 permits first period, 150 second), Unit 12A (250 permits each period), and Unit 27 (450 permits each period) consistently offer strong tag allocations and quality birds.
Special hunts at Camp Navajo in Unit 6B are reserved for military personnel, disabled veterans, wounded warriors, and Purple Heart recipients (Apr 25 – May 22, 2025).
Merriam’s Turkey – Youth-Only Hunts (Draw Required)
Young hunters get exclusive access to select units during a special early period:
- Dates: Apr 18 – Apr 24 & May 9 – May 22, 2025
- Units: 3C (50 tags), 6A (140 tags), 6B excluding Camp Navajo (50 tags), 23 (100 tags)
- Also available: Youth archery nonpermit tags in Units 1, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8, 10, 12A, and 27
Merriam’s Turkey – Archery Nonpermit Tag
No draw required for these units! Purchase an over-the-counter tag and head afield.
- Dates: May 9 – May 22, 2025
- Units: 1, 4A, 4B, 6A, 12A, 27
This is perfect if you missed the draw or want a backup opportunity. Just remember to follow archery-only regulations (no crossbows unless you qualify under disability provisions).
Gould’s Turkey – Limited Weapon Shotgun (Draw Required)
The Gould’s turkey is the rarest and most sought-after of the three subspecies in the state. These magnificent birds inhabit the rugged southeastern sky islands and are notoriously difficult to draw.
| Hunt Numbers | Season Dates | Open Areas (Units) | Permits Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4046 | May 2 – May 29, 2025 | Chiricahua Wilderness in Unit 29 | 4 tags |
| 4047, 4048 | May 2 – May 29, 2025 (split periods) | Units 29 & 30A (north of Hwy 80) | 14 tags each period |
| 4049–4063 | May 2 – May 29, 2025 (various periods) | Units 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B | 1–12 tags per unit |
Fort Huachuca hunts in Unit 35A are military/DoD civilian-only. Drawing odds for Gould’s hunts range from extremely tough (16–25 bonus points for some units) to random-draw miracles. If you’re serious about the Royal Slam, start building points now.
Gould’s Turkey – Archery-Only (Draw Required)
A tiny allocation exists for bowhunters in the toughest terrain:
- Hunt Numbers: 4068–4070
- Dates: Apr 25 – May 29, 2025 (split periods)
- Unit: 33 (south and east of Redington Road)
- Permits: 1 tag per period (3 total)
Good luck—you’ll need it for both the draw and the hunt itself.
Fall 2025 Turkey Hunts
Fall hunting offers a completely different experience. Birds aren’t gobbling, but they’re more social, and either sex is legal in most zones.
Archery Nonpermit Tag – Fall General
- Dates: Aug 22 – Sept 11, 2025
- Species: Merriam’s
- Units: Statewide in open areas (check specific closures)
- Bag Limit: 1 bird, any sex
This is a sleeper opportunity. Many hunters overlook fall birds, but if you’re skilled with locator calls and patience, you can have productive hunts with minimal pressure.
Limited Weapon Shotgun – Fall General (Draw)
- Dates: Oct 3 – Oct 9, 2025
- Units: Various (consult Commission Order for specifics)
- Bag Limit: 1 bird, any sex
Fall shotgun tags are limited but available through the standard draw process. Application deadlines fall in June for fall hunts.
Spring 2026 Turkey Hunts
Applications for spring 2026 opened in September 2025 and closed October 7, 2025. If you missed the deadline, you’ll need to wait until the next cycle. The hunts themselves will mirror the 2025 structure with dates likely running April through May 2026 across the same unit system.
- Application Period: Sept 16 – Oct 7, 2025 (closed)
- Draw Results: Typically announced in November
- Hunt Dates: April–May 2026 (specific dates TBA in 2026 regulations)
For those planning ahead, mark your calendar for September 2026 to apply for spring 2027 hunts.
🐦 Related Game Bird Species in Arizona
While you’re out chasing longbeards, don’t overlook the other feathered opportunities the state offers:
Mourning Dove 🕊️
One of the most popular upland targets. The state hosts an early season (Sept 1–15, 2025) and late season (Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026). Limits are generous—15 birds per day, 30 in possession.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
No closed season and no bag limit. These invasive birds provide year-round wingshooting practice.
White-Winged Dove
In southern units, these hefty doves offer fast-paced shooting during dedicated September windows.
Gambel’s Quail 🌾
The state bird is huntable statewide (with unit-specific dates). Fall seasons generally run October through February with generous limits.
Scaled Quail
Found in grassland habitats in southeastern counties. Same general season structure as Gambel’s.
Sandhill Crane
For those who draw the limited tags, crane hunting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Applications are due in June; hunts run December through January.
Band-Tailed Pigeon
A mountain specialty with limited September hunts in select high-elevation units.
If you’re serious about bird hunting beyond gobblers, consider exploring Alabama’s diverse turkey opportunities or Nebraska’s unique spring hunting traditions for comparison—each state brings its own flavor to the sport.
📜 Arizona Turkey Hunting Regulations Checklist
Stay legal and ethical with these key rules:
✅ Valid hunting license required – resident or nonresident
✅ Species-specific tag required – either draw permit-tag or over-the-counter nonpermit tag
✅ Hunter education certification – mandatory for all hunters born after Jan 1, 1967
✅ Bearded birds only in spring – except archery fall hunts where either sex is legal
✅ Bag limit: 1 bird per tag, per season
✅ Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
✅ No baiting – hunting over bait or within 1/4 mile of bait is prohibited
✅ Shotgun restrictions (spring limited weapon hunts): Shotguns only, shooting shot (no slugs or rifles)
✅ Archery restrictions: Legal bows only; crossbows require special permit
✅ Motorized vehicle restrictions: You can’t shoot from or across a road; vehicle use off-road is limited
✅ Respect closures: Municipal parks, preserves, airports, and posted areas are off-limits unless specifically opened
✅ Tribal lands: Require separate permits from tribal authorities
✅ National forests and BLM land: Generally open, but check for seasonal closures
✅ Private property: Written permission required
Pro Tip: Always carry your physical license, tag, and identification. Wardens do check, especially during peak spring weekends.
🎟️ Arizona Turkey License & Tag Fees 2025-2026
Here’s what you’ll pay to hunt:
Hunting Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| General Hunting License (annual) | $37 | $160 |
| Combination Hunting & Fishing | $57 | $185 |
| Youth Hunting License (ages 10–17) | $5 | $33 |
Turkey Tags & Permit-Tags
| Tag Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey Hunt Permit-Tag (draw) | $38 | $105 |
| Spring Turkey Youth Hunt Permit-Tag (draw) | $23 | $25 |
| Fall Turkey Archery Nonpermit Tag | $20 | $75 |
| Fall Turkey Hunt Permit-Tag (draw) | $38 | $105 |
Application Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunt Draw Application Fee (per species) | $15 |
| Bonus Point Only Application | $15 |
| PointGuard (protects a single species’ points if unsuccessful) | $10 |
| PointGuard+ (protects all species’ points for the year) | $25 |
Example Cost for Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunt:
$160 (hunting license) + $15 (application fee) + $105 (permit-tag if drawn) = $280 minimum
Residents have a significant advantage in cost, paying roughly $90 total for a spring draw hunt.
🏹 Arizona Turkey License Requirements
Who Needs a License?
All hunters age 10 and older must possess a valid general hunting license to hunt wild birds in the state, whether resident or nonresident. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase (not the calendar year).
Hunter Education
Anyone born after January 1, 1967 must show proof of hunter education certification to purchase a license. Accepted certifications include:
- Official hunter education card from any U.S. state or Canadian province
- Prior hunting license from any state (issued in a previous year)
- Active or veteran military ID
Youth hunters can bypass this requirement temporarily by hunting under the Apprentice License program, which allows unlicensed minors to hunt with a licensed mentor.
Residency Requirements
To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in the state for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding your application and provide proof (driver’s license, voter registration, etc.). Military personnel stationed here and full-time students are eligible for resident licenses regardless of domicile state.
Where to Buy Licenses
- Online: Arizona Game and Fish Department License Portal
- In Person: Authorized license dealers (sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, AZGFD offices)
- Phone: (602) 942-3000 (Phoenix metro) or authorized dealer
❓ Arizona Turkey Hunting FAQs
Q: Can I hunt both spring and fall in the same year?
Yes! Spring and fall are separate seasons with separate tags. You can apply for and hunt both if drawn or if purchasing over-the-counter fall tags.
Q: What’s the difference between a permit-tag and a nonpermit tag?
A permit-tag is issued through the draw system and allows you to hunt specific units during designated dates. A nonpermit tag is available over-the-counter and typically offers broader unit access or open statewide areas. Permit-tags are limited; nonpermit tags have unlimited availability (until sold out).
Q: How hard is it to draw a Gould’s turkey tag?
Very hard. Depending on the unit, it can take 16–25 bonus points to draw in the bonus pass for residents. Nonresidents face even longer odds. However, there’s always a random draw component—roughly 20% of tags are allocated randomly—so you could get lucky on your first try.
Q: What’s the best unit for a first-time spring hunter?
Unit 27 is a solid choice. It offers high tag allocations (450 permits per period), accessible public land (Coronado National Forest), and healthy Merriam’s populations. Unit 12A is another beginner-friendly option with 250 tags and good forest road access.
Q: Can I use a crossbow for archery turkey hunts?
Only if you possess a Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) or meet disability criteria outlined in Commission Rule R12-4-216. Otherwise, only traditional vertical bows and compound bows are legal during archery-only seasons.
Q: Are there any over-the-counter spring turkey tags?
Yes, but only for archery hunters. The Archery Nonpermit Tag for Merriam’s in spring (May 9–22, 2025) is available over-the-counter in Units 1, 4A, 4B, 6A, 12A, and 27. All shotgun spring hunts require a draw permit.
Q: What are “bearded turkeys”?
In spring, legal harvest is restricted to bearded birds—typically adult males (toms) and a small percentage of hens that grow beards. Fall seasons in some units allow harvest of either sex, including beardless hens and juveniles.
Q: Do I need a habitat stamp or federal stamp for turkeys?
No. Unlike waterfowl (which require a federal duck stamp) and some other species, upland bird hunters—including those targeting wild birds—only need a valid hunting license and the appropriate tag.
Q: Can I hunt on tribal lands with my state license?
No. Tribal lands (including Navajo Nation, Fort Apache, San Carlos Apache, Tohono O’odham, and others) require separate tribal permits and have their own season structures, fees, and regulations. Contact the specific tribe’s wildlife department for information.
Q: What’s the penalty for hunting without a tag or violating regulations?
Violations can result in hefty fines, loss of hunting privileges (potentially across multiple states through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact), and even criminal charges for serious offenses. Don’t risk it—play by the rules.
🎯 Conclusion: Your Path to Desert Gobbler Success
Whether you’re planning a spring shotgun hunt in the high country pines or trying your luck with a bow during the fall archery window, the Grand Canyon State delivers diverse and rewarding wild bird hunting. From the common but challenging Merriam’s to the ultra-rare Gould’s, every hunt here tells a story shaped by rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and birds that don’t come easy.
Double-check your unit boundaries, respect closures, and always confirm tag validity before heading afield. The 2025-2026 period is packed with opportunities—don’t let poor planning cost you a chance at a Grand Slam bird.
⚠️ Official Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes and reflects the best available data as of publication. Season dates, regulations, unit boundaries, and fees are subject to change by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Always verify current rules and confirm your hunt details by visiting the official Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations page before purchasing licenses or heading into the field.
Hunt safe, hunt ethical, and good luck out there. 🦃🏹
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