Are you considering applying in Arizona for elk and antelope this year? This article and video outlines what you need to know before you apply
Application Deadline: February 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Arizona Time)
Thinking about applying for Arizona elk or antelope hunts? This comprehensive Arizona application guide explains the exact process, costs, bonus points, and best strategies to increase your odds of drawing a tag. Whether you’re a first-time hunter or an experienced applicant, this guide covers all the must-know details for Arizona’s 2025 elk and antelope draw.
Don't forget to check out our Application Strategy articles which will explain everything in much more detail.
Don’t miss out—read on to make your application smooth and successful!
Insider makes it easy to find tag opportunities by state, species, probability of draw odds success, and much more! Whether you're new to the application system or have been at it for decades, Insider gives you the information you need to plan a successful hunt. In addition to our research tools, all Insiders have access to GOHUNT Maps on the web and mobile app. In addition to all these benefits, you can access our Insider research tools on our mobile app! It's the only complete and full package set of tools to help you find the hunt you want this year or to help you plan for hunts in the future.
If you're unfamiliar with Insider, check out the link below.
When it comes to applying for Arizona elk and antelope, you can learn everything about application fees, application deadlines, tag costs, rules, and regulations on our State Profile pages. Check out the link below:
Call your bank ahead of time to avoid declined payments.
Arizona has a hybrid draw system using bonus point and random allocations:
Note: nonresidents are limited up to (not a guaranteed) 10% of the elk and antelope tags for a given hunt code.
Tip: The more points you accumulate, the better your odds of drawing an Arizona elk or antelope tag—especially in trophy units!
Also, don't forget about Point Guard. You'll pay a small fee to return a tag & keep your points if needed.
Pro Tip: Research Arizona’s best elk hunting units using the GOHUNT Insider set of research tools.
Best Strategy? Apply as an individual unless you’re 100% committed to hunting as a group.
Pro Tip: The best Arizona elk units will have low draw odds but trophy-class bulls. Research unit statistics before applying!
The application deadline is February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time).
You can apply online here.
Pro Tip: Submit your application early to avoid technical issues, as Arizona's system isn't the most user-friendly.
You must create a Customer ID & Portal Login on the Arizona Game & Fish website before applying.
If applying for kids under 18, you’ll need separate accounts for them.
Avoid last-minute issues—set up your account well before the deadline.
Hunting License (Required to Apply)
Application Fees
Important Payment Info:
20% of tags go to applicants with the most bonus points.
80% of tags are randomly drawn—but more bonus points = better odds.
Earned from being unsuccessful in the draw, or you can apply for points only.
Loyalty Point: Apply five years in a row and earn +1 bonus point for that species.
Hunter Education Point: Take a $300 online course (nonresidents) and earn a permanent extra point for all species.
Arizona allows you to select up to 5 hunt choices, but only your first two really matter!
3rd, 4th, and 5th choices will only be considered if there are leftover permits.
If you draw any of your choices, you lose ALL bonus points.
Best strategy: Apply for only two choices unless you're okay with a leftover tag.
Up to four people can apply together, but be aware:
Arizona is one of the best elk hunting states, with high-quality animals & diverse terrain.
Antelope tags are extremely rare to draw in Arizona, but for just $15 to apply, it’s worth applying!
Use GOHUNT Insider to check unit info, draw odds, trophy potential, and public land access.
Don’t wait until the last minute—apply before February 4, 2025!
Nonresidents: $160 (non-refundable)
$15 per species (non-refundable)
Arizona will automatically charge your credit card if you draw a tag.
If your card is declined, you lose your tag—no second chances!
Of the 20%, up to 5% can be allocated to nonresidents.
Of the 80%, up to 5% can be allocated to nonresidents.
Only your first and second choices are considered before moving on to the next application.
If there aren’t enough tags left for your group, your entire application gets rejected. Arizona will not over-allocate permits.
Arizona averages points across the group and rounds to the nearest whole number. Example: 0.5 rounds up. And 0.4 rounds down.
If selected, all members of the group would receive a permit.
