Critical Deadline for Arizona Hunters: Update Your Payment Info for 2026 Elk and Pronghorn Draws

As the sun dips behind Arizona’s rugged landscapes, it’s not just the beauty of the state that demands attention—it’s the critical deadline looming for hunters. If you’re planning to pursue pronghorn and elk in 2026, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging you to take swift action. The clock strikes 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 (Arizona time), when the window closes to update your credit or debit card information essential for your hunt applications.

Time to Secure Your Hunt: Key Reminders

In addition to updating payment information, this deadline also coincides with the final chance for applicants to purchase the PointGuard product. Whether you opt for the standard PointGuard or the enhanced PointGuard Plus, this financial safeguard allows hunters the flexibility to surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason—including fluctuations in personal circumstances—while ensuring any bonus points used for the draw are reinstated, provided eligibility criteria are met. Notably, you no longer need a portal account for this purchase. For detailed guidance, visit www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.

This date is equally significant as the last opportunity to engage with the Arizona E-Tag system. Tech-savvy hunters can download the mobile app from the Apple or Google Play stores, providing real-time access to electronic hunt permit-tags. This can be an essential time-saver in the field, especially when verifying legal hunting status or electronically tagging a harvested animal. Note that those who opt-in after the deadline will receive a traditional paper tag. To learn more, head to www.azgfd.gov/etag.

Navigating the Draw Process: Key Considerations

All applicants should remember that their AZGFD portal account is the sole resource for tracking draw results and bonus points. It is highly recommended to establish a free portal account at accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register to access these benefits seamlessly.

As applications progress, it’s vital to keep your financial information up-to-date, particularly since a declined payment at the time of the draw will nullify your application. If you’ve recently received a new credit or debit card, changed your expiration date, or modified your card number, updating your information is straightforward:

1. Visit: draw.azgfd.com/Payment/Update.
2. Provide: Your last name and order number from your draw receipt (find this in your email) to update your card information.
3. Need Assistance? Contact AZGFD at 602-942-3000, option “5,” Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Note: AZGFD offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day.

Why It Matters

Maintaining accurate payment information is crucial not only for individual hunters but also for the broader ecosystem of Arizona’s outdoor recreational economy. An efficient draw process contributes to better wildlife management and promotes sustainable hunting practices. As hunting permits are essential for regulating animal populations and preserving habitat, timely updates help ensure that conservation efforts remain robust and effective.

Moreover, if multiple applications are submitted with the same credit or debit card, it’s prudent to alert your bank to expect simultaneous charges from AZGFD. This proactive measure can help prevent any unexpected financial hitches that could jeopardize your hunting ambitions.

Field Insights: Pro Tips for Hunters

• Plan Ahead: Set reminders leading up to deadlines to avoid any last-minute scrambles.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the AZGFD portal for updates regarding your applications and draw results.
• Utilize Technology: Take full advantage of Arizona E-Tag for on-the-go convenience and real-time access to necessary hunting licenses and permits.
• Communicate With Your Bank: If you plan to apply for multiple hunts, notifying your banking institution can reduce the risk of declined transactions.

In this tradition-rich state, engaging in responsible hunting not only shapes the experience for individual hunters but also fosters a sustainable ethos across Arizona’s wild terrains. Keep your cards updated, opt for modern conveniences like PointGuard and Arizona E-Tag, and make preparations to journey into those vast expanses of untamed beauty. For further questions, reach out to the AZGFD by calling 602-942-3000.