Hunters need to make the most of the remaining opportunities
Contributed Article/Courtesy AZGFD
PHOENIX — There’s still time for Arizona hunters to take aim at some of the best wing-shooting opportunities the state has to offer — but the clock is ticking.
Waterfowl
The general seasons for waterfowl, snipe, and scaup end Jan. 31. The challenge this year will be to find areas that hold waterfowl. Drought conditions have reduced available water in many places, and warmer, drier conditions north of Arizona mean fewer birds have yet to move south, so numbers may remain low until snowfall begins at higher latitudes.
Quail
Circle Feb. 8, 2026, on the calendar. That’s when the season closes for the state’s three main species — Gambel’s, scaled, and Mearns’. The general bag limit is 15 quail per day in the aggregate, of which no more than eight may be Mearns’ quail. The general possession limit is 45 quail in the aggregate, of which no more than 15 Gambel’s, scaled, Mearns’, or California quail in the aggregate may be taken in any one day. The 45-quail possession limit may include 24 Mearns’ quail, of which no more than eight may be taken in any one day.
In addition, hunters can harvest tree squirrels through Jan. 31, 2026; chukar through Feb. 8; and jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits through Jun. 30.
As a reminder, all hunters 10 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting or combination license. Those 18 and older also must have an Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp ($5) to hunt waterfowl. Also, hunters 16 and older must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp to hunt waterfowl.
All hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program funds are excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefits of which return to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access, and more.
For more information about hunting in Arizona, visit https://azgfdportal.az.gov/Hunting.
