AZ Guys...

[Vitals]

Whats the hunting "landscape" like out there? There is a chance I will be moving to Glendale and have started to think about what the state has to offer. I've lived in California my whole life and began hunting ducks at a young age and hope to continue. It sure seems that the Big Game hunting in AZ is an improvement over what we have here in CA...

 

[AzHntr]

I think AZ is a great state for hunting with ten big game species and over the counter archery tags (not all units or seasons) for deer, turkey, bear, and javelina. I see you mentioned ducks, I haven't hunted for them, but you can hunt ducks here in AZ as well. Coues deer are fun and addicting to hunt down in the southern portion of the state.

 

[AZ Ron]

The big game hunting in AZ is pretty good. If you archery hunt, there is over the counter opportunity for deer in the early fall and Dec/Jan time frame. Depending on where and what you want to put in for during the draws, there is plenty of opportunity for deer and elk. A good rule of thumb is once every 3-5 years for elk, and every year to every other year for deer (non trophy units/hunts). I manage to keep plenty busy from the early season from late August until Jan for big game.

There is duck hunting, but nothing like CA. It is very hit and miss, and you really have to work for it. It helps if you have a boat, but even then plan to travel and work hard for the ducks you get. Quail hunting can be good, and the dove hunting is usually great.

 

[Vitals]

Great reply Ron thanks. PM sent.

The big game hunting in AZ is pretty good. If you archery hunt, there is over the counter opportunity for deer in the early fall and Dec/Jan time frame. Depending on where and what you want to put in for during the draws, there is plenty of opportunity for deer and elk. A good rule of thumb is once every 3-5 years for elk, and every year to every other year for deer (non trophy units/hunts). I manage to keep plenty busy from the early season from late August until Jan for big game.

There is duck hunting, but nothing like CA. It is very hit and miss, and you really have to work for it. It helps if you have a boat, but even then plan to travel and work hard for the ducks you get. Quail hunting can be good, and the dove hunting is usually great.