Arizona Mule Deer Hunting: A How-To Guide (2025)

When pro hunters talk about chasing trophy mule deer, Arizona has to be part of the conversation. The state's rugged terrain and healthy mule deer populations create a unique, once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunity for anyone willing to put in the work. 

If you've been considering Arizona mule deer hunting, we'll explain when to target mule deer, where to find them, what the seasons are like, and how to prepare to take down that trophy muley.

Why Do Hunters Hunt Mule Deer in Arizona?

Hunters love Arizona for several reasons. The state is home to some of the largest mule deer bucks in North America, making it a destination for those chasing trophy animals. Arizona's terrain is also incredibly diverse, with sprawling desert basins and forested plateaus offering a wide range of hunting options.

Mule deer hunting also supports Arizona's conservation practices by balancing populations and sustaining healthy ecosystems. With modern approaches to conservation and appealingly rugged terrain, Arizona is an ideal destination for many hunters.

Where is the Best Arizona Mule Deer Hunting Public Land?

The "best" place for mule deer hunting Arizona depends on your goals.

The Arizona Strip, which includes Units 13A and 13B, is famous worldwide for producing giant bucks, though the odds of drawing a tag are slim. The Kaibab Plateau, situated in Units 12A and 12B, is another highly regarded area, boasting an abundance of deer and excellent habitat.

What is the Arizona Strip for Mule Deer Hunt?

The Arizona Strip is a remote stretch of land north of the Grand Canyon, bordered by Utah and Nevada. It's divided into Units 13A and 13B, both legendary for producing some of the biggest mule deer in the country.

Hunting the Strip is not easy. Access is limited, roads are rough, and scouting often takes weeks of preparation. Off-road vehicles, careful planning, and persistence are required.

AZ muley tags are among the hardest deer tags to draw in the United States, but those who are successful often walk away with a once-in-a-lifetime buck.

What Other Arizona Mule Deer Units are Accessible Options?

Hunters looking for more accessible options often turn to central and southern Arizona mule deer units, where over-the-counter archery opportunities are available. Much of that country features excellent Arizona mule deer hunting public land, providing hunters with the opportunity to pursue deer without needing to secure private leases.

What are the Season Dates for Mule Deer Hunting in Arizona?

Season dates in Arizona vary by unit and weapon, but they typically span the fall and winter months. Know the rules about hunting safety before you go.

Deer Season

The main seasons are:

• Archery OTC: This season runs from late summer into early fall, and again in December and January. For the 2025–2026 period, the dates are August 22, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
• Muzzleloader: Youth hunts typically occur in October or November (October 3–12, 2025, or November 21–30, 2025 this season), and general muzzleloader hunts extend into December (October 10 through December 31, 2025 this year).
• Firearms (General): Most rifle hunts open in late October and run through December (October 25 through December 31 in 2025).
• Youth Firearms: This season begins in early October and runs through late November (October 3 through November 30 in 2025).

Always confirm current dates with the Arizona Game & Fish Department, since exact timing depends on the unit.

How Do I Get a Tag for Mule Deer Hunting Arizona?

Tags are distributed through Arizona's draw system. Drawing odds depend on the unit, with premium areas such as the Arizona Strip and Kaibab Plateau being the toughest to secure. Non-residents face even longer odds because authorities allocate fewer tags to visitors.

General season and archery OTC may offer hunters more accessible options. For mule deer hunting, Arizona also utilizes a bonus point system, rewarding hunters who apply year after year by gradually improving their chances of being drawn.

What Are the Regulations I Need to Know?

Every hunter pursuing mule deer in Arizona must hold a valid hunting license and the appropriate tag. Regulations cover weapon restrictions, bag limits, reporting requirements, unit-specific boundaries, and the closed and open deer seasons.

Youth Seasons in Arizona

Youth hunters ages 10-14 are required to complete a state-approved hunter education course, which is also strongly recommended for adults. A hunter safety course (like Hunter-Ed) teaches valuable hunting skills and safety essentials to keep young hunters (and seasoned hunters) safe in the field. 

Arizona's Bonus Point System

The bonus point system may significantly impact your long-term planning, so it's essential to understand how it works before applying. Rules can shift each year; always check the official regulations for the unit you're hunting.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Arizona

Preparation is always the most significant factor in any hunt. Scouting before the season with trail cameras, topographic maps, and trips to glass movement helps you identify where deer are transitioning. Videos, books, local hunters, and online resources also provide valuable tips and techniques to help you prepare. 

In the open fields and canyonlands, most hunters rely on spot-and-stalk methods in open terrain. In thicker country, still-hunting or setting up in natural ambush points can be effective.

Archery hunters often focus on waterholes, bedding areas, or travel corridors.

Get Fit Before You Hunt

Arizona's terrain is demanding, so physical fitness matters. Being willing to cover rough country and spend long hours moving and glassing often makes the difference between filling a tag and going home empty-handed.

Be ready to walk miles.

Experience Arizona Mule Deer Hunting Safely with Hunter Education

From trophy-class bucks on the Arizona Strip to over-the-counter hunts in the southern desert, Arizona mule deer hunting offers something for every type of hunter. Whether you're after a giant or just the experience of glassing mule deer in scenic country, success depends on preparation, patience, and knowing the regulations.

Before you head out, make sure you've completed the Hunter-Ed safety course for Arizona. It's the best way to prepare for a safe and rewarding hunt in Arizona's unique environment. 

No matter when you plan to hunt, make sure you know how to stay safe!
Take the Arizona hunter safety course through Hunter-Ed. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about Arizona mule deer hunting!

Q: How do you hunt mule deer in Arizona?

A: Get a hunting license and apply for or buy a deer tag. Choose a Game Management Unit, and hunt during the designated season using rifle, archery, or muzzleloader.

Q: Where is the Arizona Strip for mule deer hunting?

A: It’s the remote area north of the Grand Canyon, mainly Units 13A and 13B, known for trophy mule deer.

Q: Where can you hunt mule deer in Arizona?

A: Top areas for mule deer hunts include the Arizona Strip (Units 13A, 13B), Kaibab Plateau (Units 12A, 12B), and central units like 8, 17B, and 27.

Q: How hard is it to get a mule deer tag in Arizona?

A: Trophy units are very hard to draw. However, some general or archery tags are easier to get.

Q: Where is the best mule deer hunting in Arizona?

A: Units 13B and 13A on the Arizona Strip are the best for trophy bucks. Kaibab units are also excellent.

Q: How much is a non-resident mule deer tag in Arizona?

A: Non-resident mule deer tags are around $160 for the license plus about $300 for the deer tag.

Take the Arizona hunter safety course through Hunter-Ed.