Laws for Hunting Bobcats in Arizona


Will you be hunting bobcats in Arizona this year? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in Arizona. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.

Laws for hunting bobcats in Arizona
Laws for hunting bobcats in Arizona.

In Arizona, open bobcat hunting season runs from August 1 to March 31. A hunting license is required, and there is no bag limit. Night hunting with artificial light is legal. The use of NV, IR, or thermal riflescopes is prohibited. Bobcat pelt seal required for export or sale.

Purchase an Arizona hunting license here.

First time hunting bobcats? Check out my article on the three vital tips for a successful bobcat hunt.

Did you know you can hunt coyotes in Alabama? Read this article on the laws for hunting coyotes in Arizona.

Learn the rules for hunting fox in Arizona.

General laws for hunting bobcats in Arizona.

With no enhanced riflescope option, you will have to master the craft of calling in what might be one if the most elusive predators in the world.

Therefore the following articles are strongly recommended, especially for new predator hunters.

  1. 3 open reed calls you can learn now.
  2. How to master the best closed reed call.
  3. Learn how to track bobcat sign.
  4. Read this article to learn how to hunt predators with a shotgun.

Check electronic predator caller prices here.

Suppressors. If you legally own a suppressor, you may use it to hunt bobcats in Arizona.

Use artificial light when bobcat hunting in Arizona.

Artificial light is not permitted, nor are night vision, thermal, or infrared riflescopes.

Legal methods of hunting bobcats in Arizona.

A person may take predatory and fur-bearing animals by using the following methods, when authorized by Commission Order and subject to the restrictions under R12-4-303 and R12-4-318: 

1. Firearms;

2. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .22 caliber or larger;

3. Bow and arrow;

4. Crossbow;

5. Traps not prohibited under R12-4-307;

6. Artificial light while taking raccoon provided the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or a watercraft under sail;

7. Artificial light while taking coyotes during seasons with day-long hours, provided the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or a watercraft under sail; and

8. Dogs

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr.

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr. is a former Marine Sergeant and the author of several books, including two on night hunting coyotes and red and gray fox. He has written several hundred articles on predator hunting for ThePredatorHunter.com.

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