Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals
The Arizona Game and Fish department recently released the 2026-2027 hunting regulations in preparation for the upcoming fall draw. The draw, which typically opens in mid-May, will close on June 2. The May draw period will include applications for mule deer, Coues deer, bighorn sheep and several other species. Below are a few quick pieces of info for applicants:
- Draw Deadline: June 2 11:59 PM Arizona Time
- Species: Mule Deer, Coues Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Fall Turkey, Fall Bison, Sandhill Crane, Youth Javelina.
- Drought: 97% of the state is currently experiencing Drought conditions and 50% of the state is in Severe Drought per the US Drought Monitor.
- Overall deer tags were reduced by around 10%. Some units were reduced by more than 20%. The reductions were primarily focused in central and southern Arizona.
- Premium deer hunts in Northern AZ saw some tag increases.
- Overall bighorn sheep tags increases modestly from 2025.
- Link to regulations:
- Link to draw website:
