Arizona Elk Hunting Units & Draw Odds
35 units · 35.9% avg hunter success
Arizona's elk draw runs on a bonus-point system, giving nonresidents a straightforward path to western hunting. You'll apply by the early February deadline and get results within three weeks—tag fees run higher for nonresidents than residents, so factor that into your budget. Arizona manages elk across 35 units with vastly different terrain, harvest success, and hunt types. The data below shows you where zero-point applicants actually drew tags in recent years and what success rates looked like on the ground. Use this to narrow your unit strategy before you submit: some antlerless hunts drew across multiple units, while others remained competitive even at zero points. Nonresidents get a fixed slice of the total allocation, so your odds depend on how many other hunters apply to your chosen unit.
How the Arizona Draw Works
Draw system
Bonus points — each point multiplies your chances.
Nonresident allocation: 10% of tags
2026 application window
— – Feb 3(nonresident)
Results: Feb 23
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$15 app · $160 license · $665 tag · $15 point
Easiest Elk Draws for Nonresidents (2024 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
100% at zero points · Ham Antlerless #3117
100% at zero points · Archery Limited Antlerless #3190
100% at zero points · Archery Limited Antlerless #3190
100% at zero points · Archery Limited Antlerless #3190
100% at zero points · Archery Limited Antlerless #3190
100% at zero points · Archery Limited Antlerless #3190
100% at zero points · Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077
100% at zero points · Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077
100% at zero points · Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3086
100% at zero points · Ham Antlerless #3130
100% at zero points · Ham Antlerless #3130
100% at zero points · Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3084
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | — | 100%Ham Antlerless #3117 | 0% | 94% |
| Unit 17A | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 42% | 71% |
| Unit 17B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 19% | 87% |
| Unit 18B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 68% | 63% |
| Unit 19B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 19% | 38% |
| Unit 20A | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 19% | 86% |
| Unit 2A | — | 100%('23)Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077 | 20% | 48% |
| Unit 2B | — | 100%('23)Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077 | 81% | 64% |
| Unit 3A | — | 100%('22)Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3086 | 21% | 30% |
| Unit 3B | — | 100%('23)Ham Antlerless #3130 | 40% | 46% |
| Unit 3C | — | 100%('23)Ham Antlerless #3130 | 95% | 89% |
| Unit 4B | — | 100%('23)Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3084 | 44% | 57% |
All Arizona Elk Units
Arizona Elk Draw FAQ
How does Arizona's elk draw system work for nonresidents?
Arizona uses a bonus-point system where each application entry gives you one chance in the draw. Nonresidents receive a percentage of available tags each year. You apply once by the early February deadline, and results come back within weeks. More bonus points improve your odds, but zero-point hunters can and do draw tags—especially for antlerless hunts.
What are the application deadlines and fees for nonresident elk hunters?
Nonresident applications close in early February, with results announced in late February. The application fee is modest, but the tag fee is significantly higher for nonresidents compared to residents. Budget accordingly if you're applying to multiple draws or units.
Can I draw an elk tag in Arizona with zero bonus points?
Yes. Recent data shows zero-point nonresident hunters drew multiple antlerless hunts across several units. Success rates on those tags varied widely—from less than one in five to better than two in three—depending on the unit and hunt type. Archery limited and hunt-area-management antlerless tags were the most accessible for zero-point applicants.
Which Arizona elk units have the best harvest success?
Recent harvest success varied by unit and hunt type. Some archery antlerless hunts posted success rates above two in three, while others fell below one in five. The unit you draw and the specific hunt type (archery vs. general, antlerless vs. bull) make a big difference in your odds of success in the field.
Plan your Arizona Elk hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
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