Many hunters don’t realize that Arizona hunts aren’t all limited entry and hard to draw. There are some good over-the-counter hunting tags in Arizona, and you can make plans to experience Arizona’s great hunting much sooner than you think by taking advantage of them.
Over The Counter Hunts in Arizona
OTC Arizona Deer Hunts
Late Season Hunts
Arizona has a long archery deer season that runs mid-December through January. This hunt is over the counter and you can hunt trophy mule deer and Arizona coues deer bucks in the late season during the peak of the rut.
Early Season Hunts
Everybody dreams about the Arizona Strip or the Kaibab, but Arizona also has some awesome over the counter archery hunts for early season mule deer and Coues deer bucks.
OTC Arizona Black Bear Hunts
If you are looking for a different kind of black bear hunt, you should hunt “Bears in the Pears.” These are incredibly popular over the counter hunts in Arizona if you’re in the know. Prime fall hunts where you will be spot and stalk hunting big trophy boars in the desert. Unit 5B should be on your short list.
OTC Arizona Mountain Lion Hunts
Arizona mountain lion tags are over the counter hunts in Arizona. You will most likely be horseback with some VERY well trained hounds casting for scent on the dry ground. Once a track is hit, the race is on and you will see some of the best hunting dogs in the world do their thing. You should consider Unit 22 or Unit 12A (The Kaibab).
Elk Hunting in Arizona is by Draw Only.
However, here are our picks for the best elk units in Arizona to apply for. We can help you with your application process.
Book a Hunt OI Application Service
Our team of professional consultants are ready to help you research, book and plan an amazing trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world. Copyright 2005-2025 © Outdoors International™ · All Rights Reserved.
Live Like You Mean It
Contact Us
We've helped thousands of OI clients plan their adventures
I didn't think an experience like this was possible.
This trip, was, for me at least not just a trip, for me it was a real adventure, a real experience. I love the wilderness and this trip afforded me the opportunity to connect with the Alaskan wilderness in ways very few people do. It was an experience I will never forgot in a place I can’t wait to get back to.
Oliver Fischer
The outfitter handled everything perfectly.
We were thankful that Outdoors International hooked us up with a great outfitter because they were able to find us an acceptable alternate on short notice. Overall the two year process to get this float in was seamless and worry free. Just like it should be.
Thank you,
Stan Masneri
What an amazing experience!
The lodge was out of this world! Our rooms, the delicious food, the incredible wildlife and the scenery were amazing. Our photo safari guide was truly exceptional and had us on animals almost constantly. We saw over 30 different species and had some incredible up close experiences. Africa is amazing!
Scott Navares
Great article. Great blog I am an pro staff writer for The Daily Hunt and Fish I would some feed back of what you think of our site. Thanks keep up the good work.
Chris
Pingback: Arizona Archery Elk Hunting with Russ Meyer