Arizona · Whitetail rut
Whitetail rut dates in Arizona.
Arizona is famous for Coues whitetail — a small whitetail subspecies whose rut peaks in late December to mid-January, dramatically later than typical whitetail.
Arizona has two huntable deer species: mule deer (across most of the state) and Coues whitetail (a small whitetail subspecies in the southeastern mountains and southern Mogollon Rim). Coues whitetail rut peaks dramatically later than typical whitetail — mid-to-late December into mid-January. Mule deer peak earlier, in mid-November to mid-December depending on zone. Arizona G&F publishes detailed unit-level data for both species.
Zone
Coues Whitetail (Southeast Mountains)
- Pre-rut
- Dec 15 – Dec 27
- Peak breeding
- Dec 28 – Jan 12
- Post-rut
- Jan 13 – Jan 26
- Late rut
- Jan 31 – Feb 13
Zone
Northern Arizona Mule Deer (Strip & Kaibab)
- Pre-rut
- Oct 30 – Nov 11
- Peak breeding
- Nov 12 – Nov 25
- Post-rut
- Nov 26 – Dec 9
- Late rut
- Dec 14 – Dec 27
Zone
Desert Mule Deer (Southern Arizona)
- Pre-rut
- Nov 20 – Dec 2
- Peak breeding
- Dec 3 – Dec 18
- Post-rut
- Dec 19 – Jan 1
- Late rut
- Jan 6 – Jan 19
Source
Data sourced from Arizona Game and Fish Department deer-program reports for both mule deer and Coues whitetail.
Arizona Game and Fish Department →Bield Hunt earns its predictions.
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