Arizona Hunter Education Study Guide 2026

When hunter education is required

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) runs hunter education. Unlike many states, Arizona does not require it for every new hunter. It is required for youth under 14 who want to hunt big game. The department still recommends a hunter education course for all new hunters.

Ages to remember

No more than two unlicensed children may go along with any one license holder.

Draws and small game

• Youth under 14 may enter the draw without the course, but must finish it before their hunt.
• Youth may buy a license and hunt small game without the course.
• If a big game permit or tag is transferred to a child under 14, the child must complete the Arizona hunter education course, and a parent, grandparent or guardian must go with them in the field.

What counts as big game

The under-14 rule applies to big game, so you need to know the list. In Arizona, big game means black bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer (mule and white-tailed), elk, javelina, mountain lion, pronghorn and turkey.

The four course formats

On the approved online course, you must score at least 80% on the final exam. You have 2 attempts. If you do not pass, you must repeat the whole course. The classroom and online courses both give you a hunter education certification card.

If you lose your card, request a replacement at ilostmycard.com with your name and date of birth. Hunter education classes fill up quickly, so sign up early.

Bonus points and out-of-state cards

Arizona's big game draws use bonus points. Finishing the classroom or online course earns a hunter education bonus point. Ethically Hunting Arizona earns a conservation education bonus point instead. You can receive only one of these two points.

• Finish the course at least 30 days before a draw deadline for the point to count in that draw.
• Arizona accepts hunter education certificates from other states for the under-14 big game rule.
• Out-of-state certification does not earn the Arizona education bonus point.

Key rules in the field

• Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
• Shooting time is during daylight hours. Taking wildlife by moonlight or artificial light is illegal, with a few exceptions for certain mammals and reptiles.
• Roads and railways: it is illegal to shoot from, across or onto a roadway or railway.
• Vehicles and aircraft: do not use a vehicle to hunt or chase wildlife, and do not use an aircraft to pursue, hunt or take wildlife.
• Trail cameras: you may not use images, video or data from a trail camera to take or locate wildlife. Scouting before a hunt counts as taking.
• Tags: sign your tag before you go afield, and keep it attached to the carcass at all times during transport.
• Waterholes: do not camp within one-fourth mile (440 yards) of a natural waterhole or man-made watering place that holds water, where your camp would keep wildlife or livestock from the only nearby water.

After every shot, look for signs of a hit and make every effort to recover your game. If you see a wildlife crime, report it to the department's Operation Game Thief hotline. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

The course exam also covers safe firearm handling, ethics, wildlife conservation and survival. Use the US-wide practice sets for those topics, and practice test 1 for the Arizona rules above.

Getting started as a new hunter

Even if the law does not require it for you, hunter education is the best first step. AZGFD also runs other programs that help new hunters build skills.

• The Outdoor Skills Network lists hands-on, learn-to-hunt events.
• Practice at a shooting range before the season so you can place a clean, ethical shot.

Studying for the exam

Read each chapter of your course carefully and take notes on the safety rules. Know how to identify your target and what is beyond it, how to carry a firearm safely with others, and how to cross a fence or climb into a stand. Learn the main parts of rifles, shotguns and bows. Then test yourself with the practice sets until you can answer without guessing.