Hunting

Overview:

The over-the-counter elk nonpermit-tags were offered begining in 2008. The tags are for very specific and limited locations where the Arizona Game and Fish Department is attempting to create areas with few or no resident elk.

Certain areas of the state have been identified as “Limited Population Management Zones,” which are areas in which the Department does not want resident elk herds due to conflicts with private landowners and/or the management focus is on other wildlife, such as pronghorn or deer. In the past, our general hunt structures have not always met our management goals in these areas, which is why we are implementing the nonpermit-tag elk hunts in certain isolated areas around the state.

Elk numbers in these hunt areas are very low; therefore, hunt success is expected to be very low. However, one advantage of these hunts is that they afford the opportunity to hunt with family and friends, which hasn't always been possible because of the difficulty in getting drawn for draw hunts.

Hunters need to be attentive to the hunt area boundaries, as they are different in most cases than the unit boundaries.

Some of these areas have significant amounts of private property. Hunters who obtain these over-the-counter elk tags should make sure they contact the property owner and obtain permission before hunting on private land.

These hunts will not affect your bonus points but do count toward your one-elk-per-calendar-year bag limit.

See below for detailed information on boundary descriptions, season dates, frequently asked questions, maps, and other information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):

Question: WHAT are nonpermit-tags?
Answer: Nonpermit-tags are tags that may be purchased over-the-counter from Department offices and in some cases from license dealers without applying though the Department’s big game Draw (lottery) process.

Question: WHY is the Arizona Game and Fish Department offering nonpermit-tags for elk hunts?
Answer: Certain areas of the state have been identified as “Limited Population Management Zones” which are areas the Department does not want resident elk herds due to conflicts with private landowners and/or the management focus is on other wildlife such as pronghorn or deer. In the past, our general hunt structures have not always meet our management goals in these areas, which is why we are implementing the nonpermit-tag elk hunts in certain isolated areas around the state.

Question: WHAT is the expected hunt success?
Answer: Hunt success is expected to be extremely low on all nonpermit-tag elk hunts; perhaps as low as 1 percent. These areas, as identified through public process, are not traditional elk habitat and their continued occupation is not desired. Elk numbers in these hunt areas are very low; therefore, hunt success is expected to be very low.

Question: What type of hunting license and permit do I need for these hunts?
Answer: A valid hunting license (Class G, F, M, N, J, or K) and an elk nonpermit-tag (over-the-counter), both valid for the year of the hunt, are required.

Question: Do I need both the archery-only and general nonpermit-tags to hunt both weapon type seasons?
Answer: No, there is only one nonpermit-tag required that may be used for either weapon type hunt. The separate listings in the regulations are required to identify differences in open areas, seasons, legal animals, or weapon types. Hunters can possess one elk nonpermit-tag and adjust their hunt to the seasons and weapon types as permitted by the current elk hunting regulations.

Question: WHERE can I hunt with an elk nonpermit-tag?
Answer: Open hunting areas are subject to change from year to year. The very nature of this opportunity is to address problem areas. All hunt areas and season dates are subject to change from year to year. Hunters must thoroughly review the appropriate year’s Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet, including the notes section, for detailed boundaries of open areas, legal game and other pertinent information. (Note: Open areas are not the same as the familiar Game Management Units in most cases.)

Question: WHEN can I hunt with an elk nonpermit-tag?
Answer: Open season dates are also subject to change from year to year. The very nature of this opportunity is to address problem areas. All season dates and hunt areas are subject to change from year to year. Hunters must thoroughly review the appropriate year’s Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet, including the notes section, for detailed boundaries of open areas, legal game and other pertinent information.

Question: Where can I get a map of the open areas for elk nonpermit-tag holders?
Answer: All the boundaries of open areas are identified in the notes section of the appropriate year’s Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet. Due to the relative newness of this hunting opportunity, and for reference only, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is providing an Informational Handout with map(s) of the hunt areas.

Question: Do I lose my bonus points if I purchase an elk nonpermit-tag?
Answer: No. You do not loose or accrue bonus points when buying an elk nonpermit-tag over-the-counter.

Question: If I purchase an elk nonpermit-tag can I still apply for a tag through the Draw?
Answer: Yes, however, the annual bag limit for elk is one (1). You cannot harvest more than one (1) elk per calendar year.

Question: If I harvest an elk during a nonpermit-tag season and then find out I was awarded a tag through the “Draw” of the same year can I hunt elk again with that permit-tag?
Answer: No. The annual bag limit for elk is one (1) per calendar year (excluding special raffle tags per R12-4-120). If you harvest an elk with and during a nonpermit-tag (OTC) hunt, you cannot hunt during another hunt that you were drawn for in the same calendar year. However, you may transfer the elk tag you were drawn for to your minor child, minor grandchild, or donate the permit to a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to children with life-threatening medical conditions per R12-4-121. For details on transferring a tag, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting under “Tag Transfer Program.”

2009 Season Information:
	Caution: 2009 OTC nonpermit-tag hunt areas are not the same as last year. If you are considering buying a 2009 over-the-counter elk nonpermit-tag, you are advised to thoroughly review the 2009 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet posted at www.azgfd.gov/draw, so you can review the changes from 2008 before you purchase. Hunters must also download the 2009 Informational Handout (below) for additional information on boundary descriptions, maps of hunting areas, season dates, frequently asked questions, and more. Hunters are encouraged to keep this supplement and the regulations with them when hunting. 2009 Elk Informational Handout for over-the-counter nonpermit-tag hunts [PDF, 1.2mb]