What the Youth Combo License Covers

Arizona's Youth Combo Hunt and Fish License lets young hunters and anglers pursue both activities on a single permit during the same calendar year. The license covers freshwater fishing statewide and small game hunting — rabbits, squirrels, quail, and similar species — without requiring separate permits for each. You do not need a habitat stamp or additional tags to hunt these species, though some restrictions on seasons and bag limits still apply.

This is the most affordable entry point if you want to try both hunting and fishing. The cost is significantly lower than buying a regular hunting license and fishing license separately, making it designed specifically for young people testing out both sports before committing to one or investing in more expensive licenses for big game hunting.

Key Takeaways

  • The Youth Combo License covers freshwater fishing and small game hunting (rabbits, squirrels, quail) for ages 10–17 in Arizona.
  • You can purchase the license through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, at their office, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • The license is valid for the calendar year in which you purchase it, so buying in December gives you only that month of use.
  • Small game hunting still requires you to follow season dates and bag limits published in the Arizona hunting regulations, even with the combo license.
  • If you want to hunt deer, elk, or javelina, you will need a separate big game license and tag in addition to this combo license.

Age Requirements and Who Can Buy

The Youth Combo License is for hunters and anglers ages 10 through 17. You must be at least 10 years old on the date you purchase the license. If you turn 18 during the year, your license remains valid through December 31 of that year, but you cannot renew it as a youth license — you would need to purchase an adult license for the following year.

Arizona does not require a hunter safety course to buy the Youth Combo License, though taking one is strongly recommended before you hunt. Many youth hunters complete a course through the Arizona Game and Fish Department or local organizations to learn safe handling, ethics, and local regulations. Some hunting areas and programs may require proof of completion, so check with the specific location where you plan to hunt.

How to Purchase and Where to Buy

You can purchase the Youth Combo License through three main routes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department website allows online purchase with a credit or debit card — you receive the license immediately as a printable document or digital file. The department's main office in Phoenix also sells licenses in person during business hours. Authorized vendors throughout Arizona, including many sporting goods stores, Walmart locations, and outdoor retailers, sell licenses over the counter.

When you purchase, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and Arizona residency information. Residency typically means you have lived in Arizona for at least six months. If you are not a resident, non-resident youth licenses are available at a higher cost. Bring a valid ID or have a parent or guardian present if you are purchasing in person.

What Species You Can Hunt and Fish For

The hunting portion covers small game only: cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, squirrels, quail (Gambel's and scaled), doves, and similar species. You cannot hunt deer, elk, javelina, or other big game with this license — those require separate big game tags purchased through Arizona's draw system or over-the-counter, depending on the species and season.

The fishing portion covers all freshwater species statewide: bass, catfish, trout, panfish, and others in lakes, rivers, and streams. You can fish anywhere public access is available. The combo license does not cover saltwater fishing or fishing on tribal lands, which have separate rules and permits.

Seasons, Bag Limits, and Hunting Regulations

Owning the Youth Combo License does not mean you can hunt or fish year-round. Small game seasons vary by species and region within Arizona. Quail season typically runs from late October through early March, while rabbit season is longer. Dove season is usually September through November. You must check the current Arizona hunting regulations before heading out — seasons change annually and sometimes mid-season based on conditions.

Bag limits (the number of animals you can take per day) also vary by species. Quail might have a daily limit of 15, while rabbits might allow 10 per day. These limits are listed in the Arizona Game and Fish Department's annual hunting regulations guide, available free online or in print at license vendors. Fishing has separate daily catch limits for each species — bass might be 5 per day, while some trout streams have different rules. Ignoring season dates or exceeding bag limits can result in citations and fines.

Cost and License Validity

The Youth Combo License costs less than purchasing a youth hunting license and youth fishing license separately, though the exact price varies. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for current pricing, as costs can change annually. The license is valid from the date of purchase through December 31 of that calendar year. If you purchase in January, you have the full year. If you purchase in November, you have only two months of use, so timing your purchase matters if you are on a budget.

The license does not renew automatically. You must purchase a new license each year if you want to continue hunting and fishing. If you turn 18 before the year ends, your youth license remains valid through December 31, but you will need an adult license starting January 1 of the following year.

What You Still Need Beyond the License

The combo license covers the base permission to hunt and fish, but other requirements may apply depending on where and what you are pursuing. If you want to hunt big game (deer, elk, javelina), you need a separate big game tag obtained through the draw or over-the-counter sales. Some hunting areas require written permission from the landowner if you are hunting on private property. National forests and other public lands may have additional rules posted at trailheads or ranger stations.

For fishing, you generally need only the license and access to the water. Some lakes and streams have special regulations — catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or restricted hours — so read posted signs and check the regulations guide before fishing. If you are fishing on tribal land (such as the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community or Navajo Nation), you need a separate tribal fishing permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Youth Combo License if I am not an Arizona resident?

Yes, non-resident youth licenses are available at a higher price than resident licenses. You will need to provide proof of your home state or country. Purchase through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, their office, or authorized vendors the same way residents do.

What happens if I turn 18 before the year ends?

Your youth license remains valid through December 31 of that year. Starting January 1, you must purchase an adult license if you want to continue hunting and fishing. Adult licenses cost more than youth licenses.

Do I need a hunter safety course to buy this license?

Arizona does not require it to purchase the license, but some hunting areas and programs do require proof of completion before you can hunt there. Taking a course is strongly recommended for safety and to learn local regulations. The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers courses throughout the state.

Can I hunt big game like deer with this license?

No. The combo license covers only small game hunting. To hunt deer, elk, javelina, or other big game, you need a separate big game tag. These are obtained through Arizona's draw system (for limited tags) or purchased over-the-counter (for some species and seasons).

If I buy the license in December, can I use it in January?

No. The license is valid only through December 31 of the year you purchase it. A license bought in December expires on December 31 of that same year. You would need to purchase a new license in January to hunt or fish in the new year.