At what age can I get a free license?
You can receive a free pioneer license at 70 years of age as long as you have been a resident of Arizona for the last 25 consecutive years prior to application.
At what age do I need a fishing license?
Any resident or nonresident angler 14 years of age and older must have in possession a valid fishing or combination hunt/fish license. Be aware that an unlicensed youth under the age of 14 is allowed only half the limit for trout. You might want to consider purchasing a Family Fishing License, so your child can catch and keep the same limit as everyone else. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
At what age does a child need a waterfowl or migratory bird stamp?
People 16 years of age or older must have in their possession a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp and a signed Arizona Waterfowl Stamp attached to their hunting license when taking ducks and geese (A.R.S. 17333.03 and R12-4-203).
Can a family member fish with my two pole stamp?
No, each family member must have his or her own valid fishing license. The two pole stamp allows an individual angler to fish with two poles at the same time. However, children under the age of 14 are not required to have a license. If you have older children, consider buying a Family Fishing License, in order to save money. Rules and regulations about fishing in Arizona are published in the Arizona Fishing Regulations. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish for additional information.
Can a person possess a live snake (native) with an Arizona hunting license?
An Arizona hunting license is not required to possess a snake; however, it is required to take a snake and possess it in the field. The snake can then be given to an unlicensed person to possess.
Many native species of snakes can be taken with an Arizona hunting license, but there are four protected rattlesnake species that one cannot take or possess, including the Banded Rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepedus), Twin-Spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus), Ridgenosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi), and Massagua (Sisturus catenatus) species. Consult Commission Order 43 to get more specific details on the regulations regarding reptiles because there are specific daily bag limits and possession limits for different reptiles.
Can I be a resident in two states?
No, not according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Do I have to buy a license for each species I apply for?
No, but you have to either purchase a hunting license or put the correct dollar amount to cover your license fee on each application that you submit. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Do I need a hunting license for target practice?
No. A hunting license is not required to target shoot.
Do I need a license to fish on private land?
No state fishing license is required to fish on impoundments located on private land. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Do I need a trout stamp for my urban license?
No. Trout fishing privileges are included with the urban fishing license. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Does a person need a fishing license to fish in city parks that are not involved in the urban fishing program?
An Arizona state fishing license is required in city parks that are not involved in the Urban Fishing Program, provided that fishing is allowed at that particular city park. For more information on fishing requirements, contact the city governing the park in question. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
How many children under the age of 14 can fish with a licensed adult?
There is no restriction that requires children under the age of 14 to be licensed or to be with a licensed angler while fishing. An unlicensed child fishing for trout may take only one-half the daily bag limit. Where the limit is five trout, the unlicensed person may take three trout. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
How many children under the age of 14 can hunt with a licensed adult?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says that no more than two unlicensed children under the age of 14 can accompany a licensed adult (18 years or older) on a non-big game hunt.
I am exempt from purchasing a license (blind, under 14); do I need to purchase the special stamps that are required on licenses?
No. If you are exempt from purchasing a license, you do not need to purchase special use stamps. However, there are additional restrictions that go with licensing exemptions, such as half bag limits and use of a single pole. Exempted individuals must be aware of the appropriate regulations before hunting or fishing. A person may purchase a two pole stamp if he or she wishes to fish with two poles. The stamp should be carried with the person in the field.
I lost my license; what do I do?
You can go to any license dealer or Arizona Game and Fish office, fill out an affidavit and get a duplicate license for $4. The addresses of regional Arizona Game and Fish offices can be found at the department's Web site at azgfd.gov.
I own property in Arizona; am I considered a resident?
A person can own property in one or more states, but can only be a resident in one state. Other factors such as where you vote or pay taxes also must be considered.
I received my big game tag, but not my license. Where is it?
The tag and license are issued separately and not mailed together. You should receive your license shortly. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
What do I need to fish at Lake Powell?
You need a valid Arizona fishing license, and if you are in the Utah portion of Lake Powell, you are required to have a Utah Lake Powell Stamp. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What do I need to fish in Colorado River waters?
The Colorado River is an interstate boundary in several areas, and some special requirements apply, based on where you are fishing. Here’s a quick overview:
If you are an Arizonan and plan to fish from the Arizona shoreline, all you need is your Arizona fishing license (and a trout stamp, if you are fishing for trout). If you plan to fish from a boat or floating device, such as a float tube, from Lake Mead southward, then you will need the appropriate Colorado River Special Use Stamp to validate your license for the neighboring state. Here is some guidance:
BETWEEN ARIZONA AND NEVADA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a Nevada or Arizona state fishing license and an Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the Nevada shore with a Nevada license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.
BETWEEN ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-California Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.
The following bodies of water are also affected by the Colorado River Stamp:
- Mittry Lake - Arizona state license or California state license with the river stamp
- Senator Wash - California state license or Arizona state license with the river stamp
- West Pond - California state license only
- Fortuna Pond - Arizona state license only
- Squaw Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
- Martinez Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can fish only from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
- All American Canal- California license only
- Gila Gravity Canal - Arizona state license only
LAKE POWELL
Your Arizona fishing license is valid for the Arizona portion of Lake Powell. You can purchase a Utah Lake Powell Stamp for $8, which will validate your Arizona license and make all of Lake Powell in Utah available to you for fishing.
Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What do I need to fish Lees Ferry?
A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish at Lees Ferry. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What is a Colorado River Special-Use Stamp?
Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamps affixed to a valid Arizona state fishing license allow an Arizona resident to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What is a pioneer license, and where can I get it?
The pioneer license is a complimentary (no cost) license, issued to seniors over 70 years old, who have resided in Arizona, continuously, for the 25 years prior to application. In addition to urban fishing privileges, it also grants all hunting and fishing privileges of the combination Class F license. That means, hunting and fishing through-out the state except on Indian reservations. It does include the trout stamp, but not the two-pole stamp. It is valid for the remainder of the licensee's life. In order to hunt big game, a pioneer licensee is still required to obtain the appropriate permits.
What is the definition of "resident"?
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a resident is a person who has resided in Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license or a member of the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the date of application for a license. A resident is a person who pays taxes, votes, licenses their vehicles and has a residence in Arizona and does not obtain resident benefits in another state or country at the same time.
What is the difference between a lifetime license and a pioneer license?
A lifetime licensee pays a one-time fee dependent on the buyer's age. There are three classes of resident lifetime licenses that can be purchased: Class A Lifetime Resident Fish, Class G Lifetime Resident Hunt, and a Class F Lifetime Resident Hunt and Fish. A Lifetime Trout stamp can also be purchased to go along with the Class A Lifetime Fishing License.
A pioneer license is a complimentary license issued to an individual who has reached 70 years old and who has been a bona fide resident of Arizona for 25 or more consecutive years immediately preceding application for the license. The pioneer license is valid for both hunting and fishing. This includes trout (you do not need a trout stamp) and is also good on the urban lakes.
When do I need a trout stamp?
If an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing in waters that are primarily trout waters, the angler must have a trout stamp. No trout stamp is required when using an urban fishing license or a combination hunt/fish license. Also, if an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing with bait recognized as bait used for trout in trout-stocked waters, the possession of a trout stamp is required. (ARS 17-333.2) A trout stamp is required for a fishing license when an angler is fishing for trout or possesses trout. If an angler without a trout stamp catches a trout while fishing for other species in waters that are not primarily trout waters, the fisherman should release the trout immediately. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Where can I purchase a license?
You can purchase a hunting or fishing license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, at the department's Web site at azgfd.gov, and at most stores that have a sporting goods department, including Wal-mart and Kmart stores.
Where can I purchase a license?
You can purchase a hunting or fishing license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, at the department's Web site at azgfd.gov, and at most stores that have a sporting goods department, including Wal-mart and Kmart stores.
Why don't the licenses expire one year after you buy them?
Arizona hunting/fishing licenses are valid for a calendar year and expire on December 31. Exceptions are special licenses issued by the commission, pioneer licenses, sport falconry licenses, and resident and nonresident trapping licenses. Class B, C and D licenses are also exceptions, as provided in section 17-333, as are lifetime Class A, F and G licenses and lifetime trout stamps as provided in section 17-335.01 (A.R.S. 17-331.F).
