Fall is the time for Arizona's small game hunters
PHOENIX — This is the time of year that Arizona's small game and waterfowl hunters have been waiting for.
Before getting into the individual season details, it's a great idea to check out the Outdoor Skills Network (OSN). Whether you're new to hunting, want to introduce someone to this great pastime or would just like to share in a group hunting experience, the OSN has something for hunters of all skill levels and ages.
Now, let's get into the seasons: In addition to the season opener for squirrels that happened on Oct. 2, hunters can currently pursue dusky grouse through Nov. 8, 2026, and chukar until Feb. 7, 2027. The season for cottontail rabbit runs through June 30, 2027.
Dr. Larisa Harding, AZGFD's small game program manager, has an important ask of quail hunters now that the season is open: "Despite the glorious recent rains, we encourage all our quail hunters (including during Mearns' quail season, starting Dec. 4) to practice restraint and not aim for limits this year," Harding said. "Harvest a few birds to enjoy the experience and the table fare, but leaving more birds on the ground this year will likely improve quail numbers next year as they recover from the extended heat and drought of the past few years."
Waterfowl and snipe hunters got in on the action when their seasons began Friday, Oct. 23, running through Jan. 31, 2027. Scaup season begins later on Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 31, 2027.
"Per federal regulations, the general season must end on Jan. 31, and our general season runs 101 days, meaning it starts on Oct. 23 every year," said Harding. "Thus, the dates don't change, but the days of the week will change year to year. This year's opener just happens to fall on Friday, but that's not the case every year."
"We get a lot of calls asking if that's a misprint in the regulations. It's not a misprint."
Harding added: "For scaup, the federal regulations allow for an 86-day season because those birds are managed more conservatively, so their season starts later (Nov. 7, a Saturday this year) and still ends Jan. 31, 2027."
All waterfowl hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license and Arizona migratory bird stamp, as well as a federal migratory bird stamp (also known as the "Federal Duck Stamp"). All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must also possess a federal migratory bird stamp.
View the current hunting regulations, and if you need a license, check here. Keep in mind that a combination hunt and fish license is only $20 more for Arizona residents than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. As a reminder, a youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes the privileges associated with the Arizona migratory bird stamp.
The first step in planning that next successful hunt might be to check out the trove of detailed information on AZGFD's "Where to Hunt" pages. Hunters can select the area they wish to hunt (AZGFD divides the state into six geographical regions), then drill down further by choosing any of several Game Management Units (GMUs) located within that region.
There's also great information on AZGFD's Game Species page.
General Small Game Seasons at a glance (excluding national wildlife refuges; check refuges for specific information):
- Squirrel: 10/2/2026 - 1/31/2027
- Dusky Grouse: 9/1/2026 - 11/8/2026
- Chukar: 9/1/2026 - 2/7/2027
- Cottontail: 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027
- Quail: Gambel's and scaled 10/16/2026 - 2/7/2027; Mearns' 12/4/2026 - 2/7/2027
- Waterfowl/Snipe: 10/23/2026 - 1/31/2027
- Scaup: 11/7/2026 - 1/31/2027
- Dove: Late season runs 11/20/2026 - 1/3/2027
The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives no general fund tax dollars. The majority of funding to manage more than 800 native wildlife species comes from Arizona's hunters and anglers.