What the Short-Term Combo License Covers

Arizona's short-term combo license lets you hunt and fish during the same calendar year without buying separate permits for each activity. The license covers both freshwater fishing and small-game hunting — primarily upland birds like quail and dove, plus rabbits and squirrels. You do not get big-game hunting rights (elk, deer, javelina) with this license; those require a separate draw or over-the-counter tag.

The license is valid for one calendar year, running January 1 through December 31. If you buy it in June, it expires at the end of that same December, not a year from your purchase date. This matters if you are planning a late-season trip — you may have only a few months of validity left.

Fishing under this license works statewide on public waters and on private land where you have permission. Hunting is also statewide, but you still need to follow the specific season dates and bag limits for whatever game you are pursuing in whatever area you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The short-term combo license covers both freshwater fishing and small-game hunting (birds, rabbits, squirrels) in a single purchase.
  • The license runs on a calendar year (January through December), not from your purchase date, so buying in November gives you only two months of validity.
  • Big-game hunting (deer, elk, javelina) is not included and requires a separate draw tag or over-the-counter tag purchased through the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
  • You must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and area-specific rules for the species you hunt or fish for, even with a valid license.
  • The license is valid on public waters and public land, and on private land where you have the landowner's written permission.

Cost and Where to Buy

The Arizona Game and Fish Department sets the price, and it varies depending on whether you are a resident or nonresident. Resident pricing is lower than nonresident pricing. You can purchase the license online through the Arizona Game and Fish website, by phone, or in person at any Game and Fish office or authorized vendor (many sporting goods stores and outdoor retailers sell licenses).

Online purchase is the fastest route — you receive your license immediately and can print it or display it on your phone. If you buy in person, bring a valid ID. Nonresidents may need to provide additional documentation depending on their state of residence.

What You Need Before You Hunt or Fish

Your license alone is not enough for every situation. For hunting, you must also carry proof of hunter safety certification if you were born after a certain date (Arizona sets this threshold; check the current requirement on the Game and Fish website). Many hunters take the course online and receive their card immediately.

For fishing, the license itself is your main document. However, if you plan to fish on tribal land (such as the Navajo Nation or Fort Apache Reservation), you will need a separate tribal permit in addition to your state license. These are sold by the tribes themselves, not by Arizona Game and Fish.

For small-game hunting, you do not need a separate tag or draw permit — your license covers the season. However, some areas have special restrictions or closures, so check the current hunting regulations for your specific location before you go.

Seasons and Bag Limits

Small-game seasons in Arizona vary by species and region. Dove season typically runs in late summer and early fall. Quail season is usually fall and winter. Rabbit and squirrel seasons also follow the cooler months. The Arizona Game and Fish Department publishes an annual hunting regulations booklet with exact dates for each species in each region — these dates change year to year, so do not rely on last year's calendar.

Bag limits (the number of birds or animals you can take per day) are set by species and sometimes by area. A typical dove limit might be 15 birds per day, but quail limits are often lower. Check the current year's regulations before your hunt; ignorance of the rules does not protect you from a citation.

Fishing seasons are generally year-round on most Arizona waters, but some streams and lakes have special closures or restrictions. Trout waters often have different rules than warmwater lakes. Again, the regulations booklet and the Game and Fish website are your source for current information.

Public Land Access and Private Permission

Arizona has extensive public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Arizona State Land Department. Most of this land is open to hunting and fishing, but some areas have closures or require a permit. The Game and Fish website lists which public areas are open and any special rules that apply.

Private land is off-limits unless you have written permission from the landowner. Many Arizona ranches and private properties allow hunting and fishing for a fee or by arrangement. If you do not know the landowner, do not assume access — trespassing can result in a fine and loss of your license.

Reporting Requirements and Regulations

Arizona requires hunters to report their harvest for certain species. Dove and quail hunters must report their kill through the Game and Fish website or by phone, usually within a set window after the season ends. This data helps the department manage populations and set future seasons. Failure to report when required can result in penalties.

Fishing does not have a mandatory harvest report, but you must keep your catch within legal limits and follow all size and species restrictions. Some waters have special regulations — catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or slot limits on certain fish. These are posted at the access point and listed in the regulations.

You must carry your license with you at all times while hunting or fishing. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable, but have it ready to show a Game and Fish officer if asked. Hunting and fishing without a valid license is a criminal offense in Arizona.

When the Short-Term License Makes Sense

The short-term combo is best for visitors planning a single trip or for residents who hunt and fish only occasionally. If you are a regular participant in both activities, an annual license is usually more economical over the course of a year. If you only hunt or only fish, buying a combo license wastes money — purchase a single-activity license instead.

The calendar-year expiration also matters for timing. If you buy in November, you are paying for a license that expires in two months. Buying earlier in the year gives you more time to use it. Plan your purchase around when you actually intend to hunt or fish, not just when you think about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the short-term combo license for big-game hunting like deer or elk?

No. The short-term combo covers only small-game hunting (upland birds, rabbits, squirrels) and fishing. Deer, elk, javelina, and other big game require a separate draw tag or over-the-counter tag purchased through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Some big-game tags are limited and require entering a draw; others are sold first-come, first-served.

What happens if I buy the license in December?

Your license will expire on December 31 of that same year, giving you only a few weeks of validity. If you plan to hunt or fish in January or later, buy your license in the new calendar year instead. The license runs on a calendar year, not from your purchase date.

Do I need a separate permit to fish on tribal land?

Yes. The state license does not cover tribal waters. You must purchase a separate permit directly from the tribe — the Navajo Nation, Fort Apache Reservation, and other tribal lands each sell their own permits. These are not sold by Arizona Game and Fish.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

You can request a replacement through the Arizona Game and Fish website or by visiting an office in person. Bring your ID and proof of purchase if you have it. Digital copies are acceptable to carry while hunting or fishing, so take a photo of your license on your phone as a backup.

Can I transfer my license to someone else if I do not use it?

No. Licenses are non-transferable and issued to a specific person. If you do not use it before December 31, it expires and cannot be refunded or passed along. Purchase only the license you plan to use yourself.