What the Arizona Combo License Covers

Arizona's combo hunt and fish license is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish during the same calendar year without buying two separate licenses. It covers most freshwater fishing and most hunting seasons — deer, elk, javelina, upland game birds, and waterfowl — depending on which tags and stamps you add. The combo is cheaper than buying a hunting license and fishing license separately, and it simplifies your paperwork if you do both.

The combo does not include tags for specific animals. A tag is a separate permit for one animal — a deer tag, an elk tag, a javelina tag. You buy the combo license first, then add tags for the hunts you plan. For fishing, the combo covers your right to fish; you do not need additional tags for fish species. Waterfowl and turkey hunting require additional stamps on top of the combo and tags.

The license year runs January 1 through December 31. If you buy a combo in June, it stays valid through the end of that year and does not renew automatically — you buy a new one the following January if you want to continue.

Key Takeaways

  • The combo license costs less than a hunting license and fishing license purchased separately and covers both activities for the calendar year.
  • Hunting tags for specific animals (deer, elk, javelina) are sold separately from the combo and are required to hunt those species.
  • You can buy the combo and tags online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
  • Resident and nonresident combos have different prices; residency is based on where you lived for the past 12 months, not where you currently live.
  • The combo is valid only in Arizona and does not transfer to other states or other people.

Resident vs. Nonresident Pricing and Requirements

Arizona charges different prices for residents and nonresidents. A resident is someone who has lived in Arizona for at least 12 consecutive months before buying the license. If you moved to Arizona less than a year ago, you are a nonresident for licensing purposes, even if you have a job or own property there. Residency is based on where you actually lived, not where you claim residency for taxes or voting.

Resident combo licenses cost significantly less than nonresident ones — the gap is usually several hundred dollars. Both include the same hunting and fishing rights; the price difference reflects Arizona's policy of offering lower rates to people who live in the state year-round. Nonresidents also have access to combo licenses and can hunt and fish under the same rules as residents once they have the permit.

You will need to provide proof of residency when you buy. A driver's license with an Arizona address, an Arizona vehicle registration, or a utility bill in your name at an Arizona address all work. If you are buying online, the system checks your driver's license information automatically.

Where and How to Buy Your Combo License

The Arizona Game and Fish Department sells combo licenses through three main channels: their website at azgfd.gov, by phone at 602-942-3000, and at authorized vendors statewide. The website is the fastest route — you can buy and print your license immediately, and it is valid the moment you complete the purchase. Phone sales take longer because a staff member processes your order, but you can ask questions during the call.

Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, and some Walmart locations. Not every vendor carries every license type, so call ahead if you need a specific combo or tag. Vendors charge a small transaction fee on top of the license price, usually a few dollars. Buying online avoids this fee.

You need a valid driver's license or ID to buy. If you are buying online, have your license number ready. If you are buying in person, bring the ID itself. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or cash (at vendors only). Your license prints immediately online or at the vendor; there is no waiting period.

Adding Tags and Stamps to Your Combo

Once you have the combo license, you can add tags for the animals you want to hunt. Tags are sold separately and each tag lets you hunt one animal of that species during the open season. For example, a deer tag lets you hunt one deer; an elk tag lets you hunt one elk. You can buy multiple tags if you want to hunt multiple animals, but each tag covers only one kill.

Tags are also sold through azgfd.gov, by phone, and at vendors. Some tags go on sale on specific dates and sell out quickly — the draw for limited tags (like premium elk hunts) happens in spring, and results come out in June. Other tags are available year-round on a first-come basis. Check the Arizona Game and Fish website for current tag availability and season dates before you buy.

Waterfowl hunting requires a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (the duck stamp) in addition to your combo license and any tags. Turkey hunting requires an Arizona turkey stamp. These stamps are sold alongside tags and cost extra. You do not need them for fishing or for hunting upland game birds like quail or pheasant.

Fishing Rights Included in the Combo

The combo license covers freshwater fishing in Arizona's lakes, rivers, and streams. You can fish for bass, catfish, trout, pike, and other freshwater species without buying additional permits. The license does not cover saltwater fishing (there is no saltwater fishing in Arizona) or fishing on tribal lands — those require separate permits from the tribe.

Some waters have special rules. Certain lakes and streams are catch-and-release only, or have limits on the number or size of fish you can keep. The Arizona Game and Fish website lists these restrictions by water body. Your combo license is valid on all public waters; private land fishing requires the landowner's permission regardless of your license.

The combo does not include a trout stamp for certain premium trout waters. If you plan to fish designated trout areas, check whether a trout stamp is required for that specific water. Most public trout fishing is covered by the combo alone.

Hunting Seasons and What You Can Hunt

The combo license covers hunting during Arizona's regular seasons for deer, elk, javelina, upland game birds (quail, dove, pheasant), and waterfowl. Each species has its own season — deer season is typically September through mid-January, elk season is September through November, and upland game bird seasons run fall and winter. Waterfowl seasons follow federal dates and vary by zone. Check azgfd.gov for exact dates each year, as they shift slightly.

You must have the appropriate tag for the animal you are hunting. A combo license alone does not let you hunt; the tag is what authorizes you to take that specific animal. If you are hunting without a tag, you are hunting illegally, even with a valid combo license. Tags are species-specific and hunt-specific — a deer tag for the September hunt is different from a deer tag for the January hunt.

Hunting on public land (national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas) is open to combo license holders. Hunting on private land requires the landowner's permission. Some areas require a special use permit in addition to your combo and tags — check with the local ranger district or Game and Fish office before you go.

License Validity and Renewal

Your combo license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you buy it. If you buy in March, it expires December 31 of that same year — you do not get a full 12 months. If you want to hunt or fish in the following year, you must buy a new combo license in January. There is no automatic renewal; you have to purchase it again.

The license is valid only in Arizona. If you move out of state or want to hunt or fish elsewhere, you need a license from that state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements with Arizona, but they are limited — check the other state's game and fish department for details.

Your combo license is not transferable. You cannot give it to someone else or use someone else's license. Each person who wants to hunt or fish needs their own license. If someone else hunts or fishes on your license, both of you can be cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a combo license if I only want to fish or only want to hunt?

No. Arizona sells separate hunting licenses and fishing licenses if you only do one activity. The combo is cheaper than buying both separately, but if you only fish or only hunt, a single-activity license costs less than the combo. Compare the prices on azgfd.gov to see which option is cheaper for your situation.

Can I buy a combo license for someone else as a gift?

No. The license is tied to the person whose name and ID are on it. You can buy a gift card from Arizona Game and Fish, and the recipient can use it to buy their own combo license. Gift cards are sold on the website and at vendors.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

Contact Arizona Game and Fish at 602-942-3000 or visit azgfd.gov to request a replacement. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and license number if you have it. Replacements are usually issued the same day if you call or visit in person. There may be a small replacement fee.

Can I hunt or fish on tribal land with my combo license?

No. Tribal lands require separate permits issued by the tribe. The Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and other Arizona tribes sell their own hunting and fishing licenses. Contact the tribe's fish and game department directly for their requirements and prices.

If I buy a combo license in December, when does it expire?

It expires December 31 of that same year, even if you just bought it. The license year does not extend into the next calendar year. If you want to hunt or fish in January, you need to buy a new combo license then.