Arizona Big Game Award

Take each species of Arizona big game (except Buffalo) without the aid of guides, dogs, or electronic devices. All animals must be adult, and one must meet the minimum requirements for Arizona Wildlife Trophies. 

Originally sponsored by the Arizona Varmint Callers Association, the Arizona Big Game Award laid dormant for 20 years. Between 1964 and 1974, 14 Arizona hunters received the Arizona Big Game Award. They were required to legally harvest nine different species of Arizona big game animals without the aid of professional guides or the use of dogs. Because there were nine animals involved, the award was popularly known as “The Big Nine.”
In the mid-1970’s the Arizona Varmint Callers Association ceased to exist and the award was left in limbo until it was revived in the 1990 edition of Arizona Wildlife Trophies. The requirements for the award are exactly the same as the original, with the exception that now at least one of the nine animals must meet the minimum entry score of Arizona Wildlife Trophies. 

Rules and Requirements for the Arizona Big Game Award

1. A candidate must take each of the nine species of Arizona big game (except buffalo) without the aid of guides, dogs, or electronic devices.
2. All specimens must be legally taken in Arizona, according to the Rules of Fair Chase. (To review these Rules, click here: Rules of Fair Chase)
   
3. The game animals for which an award will be issued and the minimum requirements for each are as follows:
   
   • Pronghorn: The specimen must have at least one horn with a length measurement of no less than 12 inches
   • Coues deer: The specimen must have at least a 12-inch outside spread with three points on one antler, not including the eye guard
   • Mule deer: The specimen must have at least a 20-inch outside spread with four points on one antler, not including the eye guard
   • Elk: The specimen must be a bull elk. A spike will not be accepted
   • Sheep: A legal ram, either desert bighorn or Rocky Mountain bighorn
   • Javelina: An adult of either sex
   • Black Bear: The specimen must have a minimum skull measurement of 15 inches
   • Cougar: An adult of either sex
   • Turkey: An adult of either sex
4. At least one of the nine animals must meet the minimum score for entry into Arizona Wildlife Trophies. (Minimum scores are listed on the Special Award Form)
   
5. A Special Awards Committee appointed by the Arizona Wildlife Trophies Committee will verify entries, conduct hearings, and keep records. Candidates must satisfy the majority of the Committee that they qualify for the award.
6. Upon completion of the requirements for the Arizona Big Game Award, recipients will receive the award at the annual Arizona Wildlife Trophies Awards Banquet. Entries must be submitted by May 1.

The entry fee for award applications is $40.

To apply for this award, click here: Special Award Form