AZGFD elk applications
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Medicinemann
14-Jan-21
About a week ago, I started a thread asking about some website issues. Mine were resolved over the weekend. While corresponding with the Azgfd representative, I asked when the applications would start being accepted. Her comment was "Soon. Hopefully within the next week! :) I wonder if THEY even know when the apps will start! LOL....although in her defense, she is the technology supervisor, NOT in charge of the draw applications. With a 2/9/2021 deadline date, that really isn't very much time....so don't put it off when it finally opens!!
From: WapitiBob
14-Jan-21
The draw administrator has nothing to do with what’s going on. They had an old system that was so outdated they couldn’t add functionality, which is why you had to go thru the whole process for every app and why you couldn’t link family in the portal. There is stuff in the portal that isn’t even linked real time to your data. The new code should fix all that but they don’t have experience linking that stuff and I suspect they didn’t give themselves enough time to remedy the problems.
From: IdyllwildArcher
15-Jan-21
In my perfect world, the app process would be open for 30 minutes. It'd separate the wheat from the chaff.
From: Huntcell
15-Jan-21
In my perfect world MY Az sheep, unit 9 early elk and Late 13 deer tag would have been delivered annually by the 5th of Jan.
Ahhh!!! Such is a perfect world....
From: TEmbry
15-Jan-21
Lol Ike then you get a scenario like Alaska Musk Ox Tags crashing the servers. My only wish was that these states didn’t drag it out for months after the close of the application period to issue tags. A week tops in the slowest scenario I can picture should suffice. These later and later deadlines are making it hard for those with careers to even realistically plan trips without overbuilding up points to take the guessing part out of drawing tags.
From: Olink
16-Jan-21
Can someone remind me... can your AZ license be used 2 years in a row for the draw like you can in UT? If so, is there a date that you must purchase your AZ license after so it will also be good for next year's draw?
From: TEmbry
16-Jan-21
I believe you can time it perfectly for AZ unless they closed that loop hole, unless you also apply for deer/sheep which are later in the summer and doesn’t allow the timing to avoid the annual license
From: WI Shedhead
16-Jan-21
Tried this morning to get my Az apps done and it still wouldn’t let me do them. I’m fearing a big IT mess at the end of the application period if they don’t get going on this
From: AZ8
16-Jan-21
yeah, they picked the wrong draw cycle to change the system. The elk/pronghorn draw is the big enchilada for Arizona. Why they couldn't wait until after is beyond me. I predict massive issues with guys not being able to apply because they never updated their log-in info back in December. Glad I'm good to go!! The fact they just sent out a CYA email yesterday to get ahead of the s*#! storm they see coming doesn"t bode well.
From: KB
16-Jan-21
You can usually do the license loophole in AZ. You have to start your license the last day of the application period and then it’s normally good the following year on the final day. The exception being when the calendar resets and the 2nd Tuesday gets moved back. If you are applying for sheep/deer/bison then it becomes a two licenses for three years deal. (I.e. Start year one’s license on last day of elk/pronghorn, year two’s on last day of sheep/deer, and then year three apps are covered with license number two). This is all assuming you don’t draw anything and have to upset your lapse times by buying a license to hunt. Though that’s a good problem of course.
From: Hoot
16-Jan-21
The two licenses for 3 years is a good strategy, I hadn’t thought it through that far, I just always buy my license because I know I’m putting in for deer and sheep too.
I don’t trust myself to not do it correctly and lose my loyalty point!
From: BULELK1
17-Jan-21
+1 Hoot
I know I'm going to need it for Sheep/deer so I just do it /renewal it when I apply for elk/antelope.
Good luck, Robb
From: SBH
17-Jan-21
Man, this is kicking my ass this year. Got through and was able to log in. Bought my hunting license but I can't find a link to buy bonus points! Can anyone direct me in the right location or am I missing something? Thanks
From: AZ8
17-Jan-21
SBH: The application period isn't open yet. That's when you'll be able to purchase your bonus pounts.
From: SBH
17-Jan-21
aha! Thanks. I thought it closed Feb? Is it only open for a few weeks?
From: DonVathome
17-Jan-21
I also think it is a little unprofessional that they still do not have apps open. They said early to mid January.
From: AZ8
17-Jan-21
yeah, its a little late this year. Closes on 2-9.
From: KB
17-Jan-21
“I know I'm going to need it for Sheep/deer so I just do it /renewal it when I apply for elk/antelope.”
I apply for all four as well. This is my “free” year without a license purchase. Nice to save $160 when it works out.
From: WapitiBob
17-Jan-21
Apps will open next week.
From: Mbako
17-Jan-21
Can someone help? I bought a license last season and AZGF told me I could use that same license for this year for elk. I’m only doing elk in AZ. Thanks
From: WapitiBob
17-Jan-21
Log in to your portal and see when it expires. By regulation is needs to be valid on Feb 9.
From: Mbako
17-Jan-21
Thanks so much!!!
From: Cheesehead Mike
17-Jan-21
Is it possible to buy my license now and defer it's starting date to Feb 9?
From: WapitiBob
17-Jan-21
yes
From: Cheesehead Mike
17-Jan-21
Thanks Bob!
From: WapitiBob
17-Jan-21
https://license.azgfd.com/
From: 9er
17-Jan-21
Anyone been able to link their children to parents account? I have a 11 year old who applied last year, his bonus points are not showing up. I’m hoping I don’t have to call them and be on hold forever
Thanks.
From: Pat Lefemine
18-Jan-21
How hard would it be for AZF&G to put a message on their draw page that says the applications will be accepted soon? Instead, it says: "The Arizona Game and Fish Department's 2021 Spring Draw entry application period closed 10/13/2020 11:59:59 PM." Pretty lame.
From: SteveB
18-Jan-21
They only had a year to prepare.......
From: SBH
18-Jan-21
As with most government....they are making this way harder then it needs to be
From: Medicinemann
18-Jan-21
Even if it opened tomorrow, it would only be a three week window.....getting kinda narrow.....
From: JLeMieux
18-Jan-21
I can't get into the portal. Giing to have to call tomorrow.
From: TODDY
18-Jan-21
I'm checking daily. Still nothing as of this morning.
From: WapitiBob
18-Jan-21
Relax, plenty of time.
From: Mbako
18-Jan-21
YES!! Just looked at my AZ license and it is valid til February 10! 2 bonus points for the price of one!
From: cervus
19-Jan-21
When you all are having trouble logging in and you request a password change via email.....are you getting the email? Or is that part of the reason people are having to call to get it ironed out?
I've tried to change password several times and haven't received the email to change password for login yet.
From: Jaeger63
19-Jan-21
YEs I had to call and they had to give me a new user name and password. Ive since been able to make my own password. Their system is as screwed up as national congress LOL!!
From: midwest
19-Jan-21
You should have received an email in early December stating you needed to update your portal acct.
From: StickFlicker
19-Jan-21
cervus, no, my requested email never arrived either.
From: Norseman
19-Jan-21
So if it says my “license good until February 9th” Am I covered, or will I need to buy another license. Thanks, I’ll hang up and listen.
From: Cheesehead Mike
19-Jan-21
If February 9 is the deadline, I believe you're good.
From: Norseman
19-Jan-21
Thanks Mike
The “until” Feb 9th language has me nervous.
If it said through Feb 9th, I would feel more comfortable.
From: cervus
19-Jan-21
I've seen the mention of a December email above but I never received one. My trash goes back that far and it's not in there either. I suppose I'll have to call regardless then.
From: midwest
19-Jan-21
midwest's Link
I used this link the other night and it worked for me.
From: cervus
19-Jan-21
That's the one I kept trying also but it never worked. After being on hold for 1 hr and 15 mins, I think I got mine figured out. I can login now and all my bonus points and application history are in there....
From: midwest
19-Jan-21
Good deal, cervus.
From: JLeMieux
19-Jan-21
I'm in the same boat as you were Cervus. Hopefully calling will straighten it out.
From: Cheesehead Mike
19-Jan-21
I understand your nervousness Tom. Their grammar or choice of words isn't the best but I've been buying a license every other year for 10 years and it has worked.
You guys that are having trouble logging in, I found my email back on December 8 in my spam/promotions folder.
My temporary password failed the first couple times until I realized there was a semicolon on the end that I wasn't using. Make sure you enter all special characters.
From: BULELK1
20-Jan-21
I'm superstitious, so I just buy my license and then apply.
I've drawn quite a few Bull tags over the years in Az., granted some have been the late date tags but being superstitious hasn't cost me loosing a tag! For a few bucks $160----->
Good luck, Robb
From: Liv2HntBigBullz
20-Jan-21
Is it just me or can one still not apply for the fall elk/antelope hunts?
From: sticksender
20-Jan-21
Correct, apps are not open yet.The language about when a hunting license is valid for applications, actually seems pretty clear. It states: "IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE 2021 ELK AND PRONGHORN DRAW YOU MUST HAVE A LICENSE THAT IS VALID ON DEADLINE DAY FEBRUARY 9, 2021".You can read it here:https://license.azgfd.com/When buying a license, you can choose the "effective date" and it can be as far as 60 days out from the current date.
From: pav
20-Jan-21
I'm curious if all this discussion about February 9th will become moot point. Given the lengthy application period delay....is it not feasible the application deadline may get moved as well?
From: Cheesehead Mike
20-Jan-21
Sticksender, that's not the language that is questionable or ambiguous. Norseman said his license says it's valid "until" February 9th, which could be interpreted as meaning that once the calendar flips to February 9th it's no longer valid. It would be much less ambiguous if it said it was valid thru February 9th.
pav, this has come up in the past where the deadline was extended due to their servers crashing. When that happened licenses that expired on the original deadline were honored. Otherwise there would have been a lot of applicants who got screwed due to their server crash.
From: Drnaln
20-Jan-21
Application is open now
From: Rednecksundevil
20-Jan-21
This is messy right now. It let me buy a license for one of my daughters but doesn't show it on the portal as being purchased so I don't want to apply for a hunt yet. It only allows me to buy a non-residence license (i'm a res). It doesn't allow my son to get in at all and the verification (click all the boxes with crosswalks etc) is broken and makes you do it for around 5 minutes before letting you in. Oh, and I'm not able to register a new user (youngest daughter). It says I need a valid phone number and that the email account is already being used (it's not). Other than that this portal is great! :)
From: WapitiBob
20-Jan-21
A license does not say "valid until", it says "valid dates". Mine is valid 2/11/20100 - 2/10/2021.
From: midwest
20-Jan-21
And done!
From: Rednecksundevil
20-Jan-21
Ok, for some reason most of it worked on my ipad. weird
From: Norseman
20-Jan-21
From: pav
20-Jan-21
All done!
From: patience2spare
20-Jan-21
I'm in. Drew back in 2012... not holding my breath for this year though :) Good luck guys! Pete
From: WapitiBob
20-Jan-21
You should be good. Your license will say valid dates and 2/9/21 will be the end date, which makes it valid on that day. On the upside, AZ has never checked for a licenses “valid at the close of the app period.”
From: Empty Freezer
20-Jan-21
Anybody know when you purchase just bonus points?
From: WapitiBob
20-Jan-21
Apply for hunt 3000 for elk point.
From: RamDreamer
20-Jan-21
Empty Freezer - You do that now. No later period such as is the case in Wyoming or Montana.
From: Norseman
21-Jan-21
Thanks Bob!
From: OTC_Bowhunter
21-Jan-21
I applied and was unsuccessful at drawing an Archery elk license last year, but when I checked it says NO BONUS POINTS. Any ideas what is wrong?
From: WapitiBob
21-Jan-21
In AZ you buy the license and apply for the tag. The app fee pays for the point. Call or send an email and they'll get it fixed. [email protected]
From: Chuckster
21-Jan-21
I have tried to log in a couple times and when I used the temporary password provided by email it did not work. I tried again a bit ago and when I put in that password it worked. Maybe IT has fixed the issue on their end. My portal is working fine now.
From: 365 outdoors
21-Jan-21
Has anyone figured the kids thing out? I cant seem to buy them a license but i can get them to be added to my application for each draw but cant buy them a license. I hate to call. Seems like they should encourage you to add kids to your application.
From: MQQSE
21-Jan-21
Can you imagine if we ran our businesses like this and our customers had a choice on somewhere else to get their AZ tags? Why can’t they make this thing user friendly?
From: WI Shedhead
21-Jan-21
Huntin fool announced today the draw is open. I’ll do mine this weekend if it isn’t crashed!!!!
From: Empty Freezer
21-Jan-21
I just got my bonus points ok. Thanks Ram..
From: Medicinemann
22-Jan-21
Hypothetical Situation.....A hunter has a modest number of bonus points (5-10). They apply for a highly desired unit, assuming that they will NOT be drawn (rather than just apply for Bonus Points). For whatever reason, they get drawn.....God forbid that Covid quarantines are still in effect by this September, but IF they are, assuming that they can't quarantine for the required time period, would Point Guard allow them to turn in their tag, and keep the points that they have accumulated? If they turn in the tag (having previously bought Point Guard), would they then "earn" or be given a bonus point for 2021?
From: WapitiBob
22-Jan-21
yes
you can turn the tag back just because you want to
From: Medicinemann
22-Jan-21
....and all that the hunter is out, is the cost of the NR elk tag?
From: BULELK1
22-Jan-21
Done and with Only 3 elk points!! haha
Good luck, Robb
From: Norseman
22-Jan-21
With your luck, You’ll draw.
From: tkjwonta
22-Jan-21
Yes Jake, all you lose is the cost of the tag by utilizing point guard. But you can only use point guard once per species, the 2nd time you draw your points are burned no matter what.
From: Jared@LAS
22-Jan-21
Has anyone else experienced having no points showing in their account? I went back to check just to make sure and found my receipts of points purchased but my account is showing no points. I would also like to know how to access my kids accounts, I used my email address on their points purchases but now cannot figure out how to access their accounts. Guess I'll have to make the dreaded phone call.
From: SBH
22-Jan-21
MQQSE- Such a good point about imagining if this was a business website. You could include a few other states too. That business wouldn't be around long. If the website isn't functional, I move on pretty quick if there are other options.
From: c3
22-Jan-21
And a word to the wise. Be very careful when you make your picks for first and second choice. From there make sure you have point guard as well. You can not change your application once it has been paid for.
I did my app and when I got the email it has a late archery elk pick for my second choice. I would swear I put in for the early archery on both picks, but the second came out as a late hunt. I have 13 points and it's only a 6 point late hunt.
Looks like I get to use my pointguard this year :(
Then again maybe I'll get lucky and draw my first choice early archery and won't have to worry about it.
Check and double check your picks before you pay.
Cheers, Pete
From: smarba
22-Jan-21
Issues I had problems with:
Your USER NAME is only used to log in.
Once in your portal, you need to enter DEPARTMENT ID (often it's your SS#, could be an assigned number), you'll never need USER NAME once you're into the portal.
I went through the temporary process back in Dec, set up USER NAME and PASSWORD, but then tried to log in and couldn't get it to work. Had to call AZDGF to have them reset. Worked for 1x login, then locked again. Had to call them back again and re-re-set. This time it seems to be working fine.
Was on hold 20 & 30 min, so don't wait until last minute...
From: BULELK1
23-Jan-21
Pete,
If ya do draw your 2nd choice late date ~~ I look at those late date hunts like our Utah Wasatch Front late date bow hunts......
Very enjoyable!
Good luck, Robb
From: sticksender
23-Jan-21
Anyone able to view your 2021 elk application in the portal after applying?
From: Shrewski
23-Jan-21
C3 you will be using your point guard if you don’t want the late hunt. If you have enough bonus points to draw your second choice in the bonus pass, that’s what you get. You won’t get your first choice of it has a higher point requirement than your second.
From: BOHNTR
23-Jan-21
Wife and I are in.....no issues.
From: midwest
23-Jan-21
I just bought the elk point. I hate that my receipt doesn't show I bought a point, just the cost.
From: sticksender
23-Jan-21
midwest, it's on there....look in the paragraph of text towards the top of the emailed receipt.
From: AZ8
23-Jan-21
c3: You could always change your credit card to an expired/invalid card and your app will be rejected. But you take the chance of drawing your first choice.....lol. With your points, I believe the late hunt might be in your future. You’ll still retain your loyalty point and gain another bonus point on a rejected card. It’ll just show “not drawn”. Before, on a rejected card, you’d lose both your loyalty point and the new bonus point, but that was changed several years ago.
From: midwest
23-Jan-21
"midwest, it's on there....look in the paragraph of text towards the top of the emailed receipt."
Well, duh. Don't know how I missed that....lol. Thanks, Greg, I feel better now!
From: jdee
23-Jan-21
Logged on, put in, checked all my points, logged off....done.
From: Cheesehead Mike
24-Jan-21
Can somebody confirm that Arizona draw results come out in early March? Thanks!
From: 9er
24-Jan-21
Cards will be hit Feb 26 if I remember right.
From: Cheesehead Mike
24-Jan-21
Thank you!
From: StickFlicker
25-Jan-21
9er is correct, they should hit credit cards Feb. 26.
From: Bowboy
25-Jan-21
All done and submitted.
From: sticksender
25-Jan-21
Anyone still seeing this on your Portal Account, after applying:
From: Bowboy
25-Jan-21
Yes I did. I called them and the lady stated it will take couple days to flip to applied.
From: Cheesehead Mike
30-Jan-21
Application submitted. Hoping for luck in the draw and an end to the Arizona drought.
From: wyliecoyote
01-Feb-21
My 2 boys and I did a party elk application..no issues or problems..about 1 1/2 weeks ago ??
From: pav
01-Feb-21
My applications were submitted on the 20th, right after they opened. My new license date shows up and my bonus points are correct, but my applications are still in limbo. They hit my credit card and sent email confirmations....so no worries yet.
From: WI Shedhead
01-Feb-21
Those of you applying for tags, flagstaff recieved 54” of snow in total from the last storm. Which should help thier moisture problem some. However they could still use a lot more- it’s the first significant moisture event in 8 months
From: Z Barebow
01-Feb-21
My app was submitted w/o issue. First time not buying a license. (My 2020 license expires Feb 10). It felt like I was sticking it to the man, and it felt wonderful!
From: BULELK1
02-Feb-21
Hopefully my 'Hit' doesn't show until the 27th on my B-Day!!!
Good luck, Robb
From: Shrewski
02-Feb-21
I like the new portal. Took care of everything at once in 5 minutes. Nice job AZ. Only thing better would be if they gave me a tag...
From: TODDY
05-Feb-21
Anyone else's portal still not updated? Mine still says: "Looks like you did not apply for the most recent Big Game Draw!" This is nothing new over the years and I have the receipt from my application but could they at least update it to show pending or something like that? Or am I the only one? TODDY
From: Drnaln
05-Feb-21
My elk & pronghorn apps showed up today
From: Elk369
05-Feb-21
So if your applying as a group, do you have to apply everyone at same time? One guy lives across state. Or is there a attachment code like in some states for other hunters? I have looked cant find it.
From: Tilzbow
05-Feb-21
I and zero problems with the portal and the entire process was a non issue compared to past years. That said AZ website sucks ass and it’s shocking they still require you to start over three times to buy a license and apply for two tags. Worst state hunt application website of all western states! They need to hire a non-govt agency or a 16 year old kid to redesign their website.
From: IdyllwildArcher
06-Feb-21
Yeah, AZ's process is not idea. I wish everyone could take a lesson from Utah's app process which is very straight-forward.
Elk369, I put in as a group every year and I have to do it all for the group. It's dumb that they don't do it like Wyoming, but it is what it is.
From: Tilzbow
06-Feb-21
I like NV’s even more than UT’s since they redesigned. As easy or easier than UT’s and only a two week wait between app deadline and a sheep tag this year!
From: tkjwonta
06-Feb-21
Agreed with the complaints about AZ and the efficiency of UT/NV. I also really appreciate the transparency of the NV process where the draw is live streamed and explained in great detail. I'm sure it is not captivating video for the average person, but I find it fascinating.
