Arizona Game and Fish Kingman

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Deadline is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2026 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.

To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 6 of the “2026 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed versions are now available at license dealers statewide.

A few reminders:

Possession of a valid Arizona hunting license is required at the time of application entry and on the deadline day of the application period (Tuesday, Feb. 3). Only a hunting license, or a combination hunt and fish license, is valid. Short-term licenses are not valid. To purchase a license, visit license.azgfd.com or any AZGFD office statewide. When purchasing an Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.

Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Download Arizona E-Tag. Download this free mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt in to receive an electronic permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag.

Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product.

Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.
Open an AZGFD portal account. Just visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. AZGFD encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Family account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.

Check your AZGFD portal account. Take this time to review personal data, including application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Feral b***os Threaten sonoran desert, wildlife

PHOENIX — A recent study by biologists at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) found that non-native, feral b***os are having a negative impact on some keystone plant species in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert landscape. These changes in habitat are already harming some species of wildlife and may pose a challenge to more species in the future.

“For a number of years in areas with b***os, our biologists anecdotally observed trees that were over-browsed and that had ripped bark and branches,” said Clay Crowder, AZGFD assistant director, Wildlife Management Division. “We initiated this study to have concrete data and a better understanding of the impact that the b***os have on wildlife and their habitats.”

For the study, biologists chose the areas in and around Lake Havasu and Lake Pleasant. These locations were ideal because they included both areas with herds of b***os as well as nearby areas with similar vegetation types, but without b***os present

Biologists established transects at multiple sampling sites where they measured vegetation metrics, such as size, density, foliage density and, for some species, age structure. They also recorded evidence of wildlife such as tracks and dung piles. They looked for signs of deer and bighorn sheep and collected data on small mammals, reptiles and birds.

“Our most significant findings were related to the vegetation,” said Esther Rubin, AZGFD Research Branch chief. “In one of the primary vegetation types, the ground cover was 30% lower in b***o areas. Plant and foliage density was also lower and some of the plant species were smaller – but some of the most concerning findings had to do with palo verde trees, ironwood trees and saguaro cacti.”

Both palo verde and ironwood trees are common to the Sonoran Desert and can live for upwards of 100 years and beyond. In their natural state, these trees grow very full and bush-like, with overhanging branches often touching the ground and creating a refuge of shade and protection for wildlife and for other plants. For this reason, palo verde and ironwood trees have been referred to as “nurse plants” because they provide protection to young plants of multiple species. In areas with b***o presence, that protective habitat is being destroyed.

“When you see these trees on the landscape, everything from b***o height down is completely eaten,” Rubin said. “And when you get closer, you can see teeth marks where the b***os chewed and ripped the bark away, which can eventually kill the tree.”

When these trees are damaged and no longer provide shady refuge, many plant and wildlife species are negatively affected, but there is one Sonoran Desert native that is being hit particularly hard in active b***o areas: the iconic saguaro cactus. Taking about a decade to grow just a few inches, saguaros depend on trees like the palo verde to be their “nurse plants,” providing the protection they need to make it to adulthood. In areas with b***o presence, the study found a 63% lower ratio of young to adult saguaros.

“Saguaros are considered a keystone species, providing cover or forage for over 100 species of animals,” Rubin said. “Reduced recruitment of saguaros could have negative effects on the habitat and wildlife for decades, possibly centuries.”

Unlike native ungulates living in the Sonoran Desert – think bighorn sheep and mule deer – b***os possess several physiological traits that cause them to use and impact vegetation differently.

“B***os and other equids have a less efficient digestive system than bighorn sheep and deer. So b***os need to consume more plant material than an animal of equal size,” Rubin said. “B***os also have upper incisors that allow them to grab and tear vegetation in a way that native wildlife cannot.”

Despite the negative effect b***os have on wildlife habitat, AZGFD does not manage these animals. B***os are protected under the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and B***os Act of 1971 and are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and, in some cases, the U.S. Forest Service. The BLM established seven herd management areas (HMAs) in Arizona and each HMA was evaluated to determine how many b***os that landscape could support while maintaining what the Federal government refers to as a “thriving natural ecological balance”. This number is known as the appropriate management level (AML).

“If you add all of the HMAs in Arizona together, the BLM has determined that the collective appropriate number is about 1,400 b***os,” Rubin said. “The BLM estimate for the state is about 10,000 b***os, and this doesn’t include the many b***os that have spread to non-HMA areas. The actual number is likely much higher.”

B***o numbers are far above recommended levels — and growing, at a rate of about 20% a year. B***os have also spread beyond designated HMAs, leaving many uncounted and unmanaged. Add to that their ability to thrive in the desert even when vegetation is poor, and it’s easy to see how Arizona ended up with a b***o overpopulation.

The BLM is responsible for monitoring b***o numbers and, when necessary, removing b***os from the landscape to holding areas. They also have an adoption program for b***os and there is research being done on fertility control. However, none of these are options that will quickly return b***o numbers to their appropriate management levels.

“The long-term effect of b***os on habitat remains a concern,” Crowder said. “The BLM has the legal requirement to manage b***os at numbers that maintain a thriving natural ecological balance, and our findings indicate that this requirement is not being met.”

The interplay between management difficulties and public fondness for the b***o is the topic of an upcoming documentary by Zala Films titled B***ocracy.

“When it comes to the b***o issue, no one is looking through the same lens,” said B***ocracy filmmaker Asali Echols. “Our hope is to take a step back from the disagreement and arguing, look at the topic from a broader sense, hear the different perspectives, and maybe there could be some new ideas about how to move forward.”

For now, Rubin hopes that this study will give AZGFD’s federal partners a better understanding of the effects that feral b***os are having on the Sonoran Desert’s habitats and wildlife.

“We manage the wildlife, and we need healthy habitat to support them,” Rubin said. “There are about 300 species that rely on the Sonoran Desert as their home, and I feel like the foundation of this home is crumbling — b***os are nibbling it away.”

Don’t wait! Apply now for 2026 spring hunts

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges hunters not to wait until the last minute to apply for 2026 spring hunts.

The deadline for the department to receive all applications for spring turkey, javelina, bison, and raptor capture, is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 7. AZGFD is available to assist all applicants. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit https://draw.azgfd.com/ to apply. For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 6 of the “2026 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison, Bear and Raptor Capture Hunt Draw Information” booklet. The booklet is posted online at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations/. Printed versions of the booklet should be available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

A few helpful reminders:

Possession of a valid Arizona hunting license is required at the time of application entry and on the deadline day of the application period (Oct. 7). Only a hunting license, or a combination hunt and fish license, is valid. Short-term licenses are not valid. To purchase a license, visit license.azgfd.com or any AZGFD office statewide.

When purchasing an Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application.

There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Download Arizona E-Tag. Download this free mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag.

Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product.

Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.

Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit www.azgfd.gov, then click on “Account Login” at the bottom of the homepage. Take this time to review personal data, including application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

No need to travel far for excellent dove hunting

PHOENIX – The Dove season opener is right around the corner and, each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) partners with the City of Buckeye (Buckeye), local businesses, wildlife organizations and private landowners to bring exciting wingshooting action and events to the area.

Buckeye is one of the fastest growing communities in the Valley and is dedicated to working together to continue past traditions while embracing growth and opportunity. The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting some new events this year, including a dove season warmup and a dove hunter brunch and celebration. Local restaurants will offer discounts for dove hunters and some even provide cleaning stations. Need a place to stay? Three of the newest hotels in the area are also offering discounts to dove hunters.

Head out on your own or join one of the many organized, mentored hunts. Visit the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area that provides access and plenty of opportunity for hunters.

This year’s events include:

– Get Ready for Dove Season at Joe Foss Shooting Complex! https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/234044?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Aug. 30, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. at the Joe Foss Shooting Complex
Hosted by: The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
The first 30 to arrive will receive a free box of 25 clay pigeons.
– Buckeye Dove Days Annual Dove Hunting Brunch https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/234047?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Sept. 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at The Tack Room Restaurant
Hosted by: The Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center and The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
– 2025 Robbins Butte Youth Dove Hunt https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/229703?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Sept. 6, 2025 at 4:30 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Hosted by: Arizona Game and Fish, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Arizona Outdoor Sports
This mentored event is free to all youth (ages 10 to 17) who can safely handle a shotgun.
– Dove Hunting Made Simple – A Mentored Beginner’s Dove Hunt for Families https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/229711?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Sept. 7, 2025 at 4:30 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Hosted by: Valley of the Sun Quail Forever
– Gene Hays Memorial Dove Hunt https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/229714?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Sept. 7, 2025 at 4 a.m. at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
Hosted by: Arizona Chapter NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors
Mentored hunt for adaptive hunters, women and their families.

All events are mentored by experienced hunters. Participants learn gun safety, bird identification, hunting tips and proper field care. More information or to register, visit our Outdoor Skills Network. https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/170-outdoor-skills-network?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

For information, hunting area maps and other events, visit buckeyeaz.gov/dove. http://buckeyeaz.gov/dove?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Find the “2025-2026 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations” at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations. http://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2025-2026 season — both of which can be purchased at www.azgfd.com/license/. A combination hunt and fish license for youth hunters 10 to 17 is only $5 and includes a migratory bird stamp. https://www.azgfd.com/license/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program funds are excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

Additional Access OK’d for Archery Deer Hunters

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Hunters are advised that the Kaibab National Forest has authorized additional access to the current White Sage and Dragon Bravo Temporary Closure (order 03-07-03-25-06) beginning Aug. 25. This limited exemption applies only to individuals in possession of a valid hunt permit-tag for units 12AW, 12AE or 12B for the current archery deer hunting season through Sept. 11.

The purpose of the exemption is limited to the lawful take of any antlered deer under the terms of your hunt permit-tag.

To enter the exemption area, these conditions apply:

Hunters must be in possession of a valid hunt permit-tag for the current archery season.
Anyone assisting a hunter must always be physically present with the hunter.
Hunters and their party must comply with all Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
Do not drive or park on restricted roads (identified in red on the map) and do not enter the burn area, Incident Command Post, or other areas not identified as “hunting exemption” on the map.
Entry into the exemption area is only permitted between the hours of 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. Camping within the exemption area or being within the exemption area outside of these hours is not authorized.
Maintain a safe distance from chippers and other heavy equipment and yield to heavy equipment such as water tenders on forest roads.
Please see the map to identify the exemption area within the closure boundaries.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds hunters to respect hunting exemption boundaries. Anyone found in unauthorized areas or not complying with the terms of this exemption will have their exemption immediately revoked and will be removed from the forest closure area. Take of wildlife in areas outside the exemption and within the forest closure area will be considered unlawful.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping to protect public lands and ensure the safety of all forest users during this critical fire season.

More white-winged doves can be part of limits

PHOENIX — It’s a new regulation change that’s sure to bring a smile to every Arizona dove hunter’s face.

For years, the daily bag limit has been 15 total doves, with no more than 10 being white-winged doves. Not anymore. When the 2025 season gets underway Sept. 1, the daily bag limit will still be 15 total doves, but for the first time a hunter won’t be limited to harvesting up to a maximum of 10 white-winged as part of that limit.

A hunter can now harvest any combination of mourning and white-winged doves that makes up a 15-bird limit, or a possession limit of 45 total. This regulation change also applies to the “late” 45-day season that begins Nov. 21, 2025, and runs through Jan. 4, 2026. There is no daily bag or possession limit on invasive Eurasian collared-doves.

Notes: A fully feathered wing still must be left attached to each dove for identification purposes until a hunter reaches his or her permanent residence, or wherever the game meat will be consumed. Hunters also are encouraged to report any metal leg bands to reportband.gov and return transmitters to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

Once again, the greatest number of doves — and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. That includes locations like Yuma, one of the premier destinations in the U.S., as well as Buckeye, Eloy, Florence, Gila Bend, Toltec, and others. Note: All National Park Service parks and monuments are closed to hunting unless specifically opened in Commission Order.

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona migratory bird stamp — both of which can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/license/. A youth combination hunt/fish license (for youth hunters 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes the Arizona migratory bird stamp.

All dove hunters should review the “2025-2026 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easy to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance.

AZGFD offers additional dove-hunting information, including field-dressing tips and even a tasty recipe, at www.azgfd.gov/dove. For a complete listing of upcoming dove-hunting events, visit the department’s Outdoor Skills Network at https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/170-outdoor-skills-network/name:dove

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program (WSFR) funds consist of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access, and more.

AZ Wildlife Views returns for another exciting season

PHOENIX — If you enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, you won’t want to miss the new season of Arizona Wildlife Views on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) YouTube channel and Arizona PBS Channel 8. New episodes will air every Thursday at 4 p.m. beginning on August 7.

The Emmy Award-winning television program will open your eyes to the best of our state’s wildlife, wild places and outdoor adventure through spectacular video and compelling stories.

The 10-episode season will highlight a variety of wildlife conservation efforts in Arizona, including:

Join AZGFD biologists who climb to the treetops to monitor young bald eagles

See how the department is returning the favor to wildlife agencies in Mexico who helped the state establish a Sonoran pronghorn population

Watch AZGFD biologists track down one of the most elusive and rare lizards in the country

Join us as we examine how AZGFD and our volunteers step back in time to bring much needed water to remote areas of the state

A look at how flyfishing in the White Mountains is helping to bring healing to those who survive cancer

Learn how to cook up your favorite fish or game meat with a collection of delicious recipes

To ensure not missing a single episode, viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the department’s YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/azgfd. Viewers can even be notified when a new episode or video is available.

Arizona Wildlife Views is produced by AZGFD. The show also airs on several city cable and local channels across the state. Check local listings for show dates and times.

Canine distemper reports on rise in Maricopa County

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has been receiving an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.

Laboratory testing has confirmed the diagnosis of canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids.

While distemper cannot infect humans, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs and certain wildlife species. Pet owners should ensure their animals are fully vaccinated, keep dogs on a leash, and avoid contact with wildlife.

Infected coyotes and foxes may display unusual behavior such as a lack of fear toward humans, stumbling, seizures, or discharge from the eyes and nose. The virus spreads through direct contact, airborne droplets, and shared food or water sources. It’s important to note that canine distemper cannot be distinguished from rabies based on clinical symptoms. To that point, it’s important to avoid approaching or touching wildlife, and report any sick or dead animals to AZGFD.

The department recommends:

Keeping pets up to date on vaccinations.
Avoiding feeding or handling wildlife.
Supervising pets outdoors, especially near areas with wildlife.
AZGFD will continue to monitor the outbreak and work closely with animal health partners to minimize risks and transmission. Contact your pet’s veterinarian for more information on canine distemper.

For health questions specific to wildlife, contact Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, state wildlife veterinarian, at [email protected]; or Dr. Ann Fan, assistant state wildlife veterinarian, at [email protected]. To report sick or dead wildlife, call the department’s 24-hour hotline at 623-236-7201.