Arizona Elk Hunting Units & Draw Odds
35 units · 39.1% avg hunter success
Arizona runs a bonus-point system for elk, meaning every application enters the draw pool regardless of points—your chances improve the more you apply, but you can draw any year. Nonresidents get 10% of available tags and pay a $15 application fee plus $665 for a tag if drawn. The 2026 regular draw closes February 3, with results posted February 23. We've tracked 38 units across the state and pulled 2024 data on five key areas to show you where zero-point hunters are drawing antlerless opportunities and what success rates look like. Use this intel to prioritize your applications across Arizona's diverse elk country.
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 | 69% | 94% |
| Unit 17A | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 31% | 71% |
| Unit 17B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 31% | 87% |
| Unit 18B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 31% | 63% |
| Unit 19B | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 31% | 38% |
| Unit 20A | — | 100%Archery Limited Antlerless #3190 | 28% | 86% |
| Unit 2A | — | 100%Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077 | 35% | 48% |
| Unit 2B | — | 100%Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3077 | 82% | 64% |
| Unit 3A | — | 100%Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3086 | 45% | 30% |
| Unit 3B | — | 100%Ham Antlerless #3130 | 0% | 46% |
| Unit 3C | — | 100%Ham Antlerless #3130 | 38% | 89% |
| Unit 4B | — | 100%Limited Opportunity Antlerless #3084 | 35% | 57% |
All Arizona Elk Units
Arizona Elk Draw FAQ
How does the Arizona elk draw work for nonresidents?
Arizona uses a bonus-point system: you apply, get entered into the draw, and your odds improve each year you don't draw. Nonresidents receive 10% of all available tags. You don't need points to enter—everyone goes in the pool—but accumulated points increase your chances in future years.
When do I apply for 2026 Arizona elk tags, and what does it cost?
The 2026 nonresident regular draw closes February 3, with results posted February 23. Your application fee is $15, and if you draw, the tag fee is $665. Budget for both if you're serious about multiple states.
Can a zero-point nonresident really draw Arizona elk?
Yes. In 2024, five key units all showed zero-point antlerless hunts drawing at 100.0%—Unit 1 (antlerless hunt #3117), Units 17A, 17B, 18B, and 19B (archery limited antlerless #3190). Success rates varied by unit, ranging from 28% to 60%, but zero-point entry is absolutely viable.
Which Arizona elk units have the best harvest success?
Among the tracked units, Unit 19B led at 60% success on its zero-point archery limited antlerless hunt, followed by Unit 17B at 55%. Units 17A and 18B both came in at 28%. Success depends on season type, weapon, and hunt tier, so check current year tags for the full picture.
Plan your Arizona Elk hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level, see 2022–2024 data, and save units to compare.
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