If you’re serious about trophy-class western hunting, Arizona should be a top priority. With coveted Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tags, the chance to draw world-class mule deer permits, and outstanding opportunities for Coues deer, the Grand Canyon State offers some of the most exceptional big game hunting in North America. However, drawing a tag is no easy feat—Arizona’s structured, bonus point-based draw system is designed to reward persistence.
That’s where WTA TAGS comes in.
We do more than help you apply—we help you draw. And once you do, we ensure you make the most of it by connecting you with the state’s top professional outfitters, giving you the best possible shot at success.
- Deadline to Apply: June 3 for Deer and Sheep.
- Draw Post Date: Late July for Deer and Sheep.
- WTA TAGS Species: Mule Deer, Coues Deer, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Fall Bison.
- Youth: 10 years old by the start date of the permit.
- Hunter’s Safety: Youth ages 10–13 must complete hunter education prior to hunting.
- Point System: Arizona has a bonus point system. Accumulating bonus points helps enhance your draw chances each year.
Mule Deer and Coues Deer
Applicants may submit one deer application with two hunt choices—these can be for mule deer, Coues deer, or one of each (for example: first choice mule deer, second choice Coues deer).
Mule Deer
Arizona remains one of the last strongholds for 200″+ giants. However, these tags are extremely limited and should be considered a long-term goal. That said, you never know. Apply, apply, apply!
Coes Deer
Early rifle hunts in October to November are highly attainable with 0–6 points. They offer great experiences, and with a well-vetted WTA outfitter, this is a high-success hunt. If you’re looking for the very best, Arizona offers the late-season rut hunt in December. Naturally, these tags are tougher to draw—think 7–10 years—but the deer quality is often exceptional.
Youth Deer
Arizona offers kids ages 10–17 the first crack at its deer herd in some very sought-after units. These tags are easy to draw, inexpensive ($25), and offer very high shot opportunities. Most units being offered to youth hunters in Arizona offer both mule deer and Coues deer. Parents should be taking advantage of this draw before their child turns 18 and enters the world of long odds. Plus, youth under age 19 apply free at WTA TAGS.
Desert Bighorn and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Applicants may submit one sheep application with two hunt choices: Rocky, Desert, or one of each (for example: first choice Rocky/second choice Desert).
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Roaming almost the entire state, desert bighorn sheep thrive in some of the most remote terrain Arizona has to offer. With more nonresident desert tags issued here than in any state except Nevada, Arizona is a must-apply destination for serious sheep hunters. Our trusted outfitter network spans every sheep unit in the state. Ram quality is exceptional, with many units able to produce B&C desert bighorns.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Many sportsmen don’t think of Arizona as a state that holds Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, but they’d be wrong. Eastern Arizona produces some of the largest Rocky Mountain bighorns in North America. While tags are few and far between compared to the desert bighorn allocation in this state, it still makes for a wise first choice on your sheep application, backing it up with a desert second choice. This is a great way to apply, particularly if you need a Rocky and/or a desert.
Make this the Year You Draw in Arizona
Arizona offers some of the most coveted big game tags in North America. And with WTA TAGS in your corner, you’ll maximize your odds and your outcome. Call us at 1-800-346-8747 today.
