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Arizona

Hunting

Hunting

General Information

Arizona Game and Fish Department Key Contacts

MAIN NUMBER: 602-942-3000

Choose 1 for known extension or name

Choose 2 for draw, bonus points, and hunting and fishing license information

Choose 3 for watercraft

Choose 4 for regional offices

Choose 5 for customer service (Spanish speakers available)

Choose 6 for shooting ranges

Choose 7 for website or customer portal support

If you wish to speak with a bilingual customer service representative to get information or to set an appointment at any of our officesplease call (602) 942-3000 Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and then enter the number 5 during the recordedmessage.

Si desea hablar con un representante de servicio al cliente bilingüe para obtener información o para programar una cita en cualquiera denuestras oficinas, llame al (602) 942-3000 de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. M. A 5:00 p. M. Y luego ingrese el número.

5 durante el mensaje grabado.

WEBSITE

Website.............................................................................................. www.azgfd.gov

Portal Account.................................................... accounts.azgfd.com

License Purchase or Reprint.................................. license.azgfd.com

Draw Application................................................. draw.azgfd.com

Draw Odds and Harvest Data................................. www.azgfd.gov/surveydata

Harvest Reporting............................................... www.azgfd.gov/huntersurvey

PointGuard......................................................... www.azgfd.gov/pointguard

Bonus Points....................................................... www.azgfd.gov/bonuspoint

DRAW RESULTS

AZGFD portal accounts now are the sole source for finding out draw results and viewing bonus points. Customers are encouraged to create a portal account at accounts.azgfd.com, and complete the required fields.

WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS AND VANDALISM

Operation Game Thief.......................................... 1-800-352-0700

Vandalism/Livestock Depredation .....................................1-800-VANDALS (826-3257)

MANDATORY HARVEST REPORTS

Bear Harvest .................................................................................1-800-970-BEAR (970-2327)

Mountain Lion Harvest......................................... 1-877-438-0447

Archery Deer (OTC) Harvest...................................................623-236-7961 or www.azgfd.gov/ArcheryDeerReport

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

ATF Firearms/Explosives Import.........................................304-616-4550 or www.atf.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol............................................1-800-BE ALERT (232-5378)

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES: 911

Did You Know? The Arizona Game and Fish Department is responsible for wildlife management in the state and receives no statetax dollars. Hunters and anglers pay for wildlife conservation through their purchase of licenses, tags and stamps, and excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear. The conservation dollars paid by hunters and anglers benefit both game and nongamespecies and their habitats.

Important Information for 2024-2025

This list is for informational purposes only and lists the major changes that have occurred since publication of the last regulations booklet. Individuals should thoroughly read and understand the appropriate regulations prior to submitting an application or going afield. If you have questions, please call 602-942-3000. Get more information at azgfd.gov.

Hunt permit application deadline is Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time. Applications must be submitted online at azgfd.gov.

Know Your Customer ID Customer IDs are required in the draw application. The Customer ID Retrieval Tool can be accessed at customerlookup.azgfd.com and during the draw application process to lookup the number. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to the associated email address. If you have done business with the Department and are unable to retrieve your Customer ID, please call 602-942-3000.

Get Draw Results Online Family account features are now available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are posted. Create an account at accounts.azgfd.com. Please note: The automated phone service is no longer available.

Keep Credit Card Information Current Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card payment information current. If your payment is declined atthe time of the draw, your application will not be drawn. The Department will provide notice on its website when the deadline to update credit cards is finalized.

Hunter Education A policy implemented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 2020 that allowed students to defer from scheduling the field day requirement of the Hunter Education program has been extended to June 30, 2024. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/HunterEd.

Archery Deer (OTC) Harvest Reporting Harvest limits have been set by unit and species for over-the-counter archery deer seasons. Archery deer hunters are required to report their harvest within 48 hours. Once the harvest limit is reached for a unit and species, that unit will close to further archery deer hunting for the remainder of the season.

Mearns’ Quail Hunt seasons and bag limits will not be set until the September 2024 Commission meeting. Hunters should check the online version of the regulations after Sept. 6 for current information on Mearns’ quail.

Spanish Translation Si desea hablar con un representante de servicio al cliente bilingüe para obtener información llame al 602-942-3000 de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p. y luego ingrese el número 5 durante el mensaje grabado.

Use of Trail Cameras As of Jan. 1, 2022, pursuant to Commission Rule R12-4-303.A.5, a person shall not use any images, video ordata/information from a trail camera for the purposes of taking or locating wildlife, or aiding in the take of wildlife.

Prescribed Fire Prescribed fire is a tool used by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other public land managers to improve wildlife habitat and overall ecological health for public lands. Prescribed fires often occur during hunting seasons, and it is common for hunters to see both fire and smoke. More information about planned and active fires can be found by contacting the respective National Forest offices or BLM field offices and the Incident Information System website at inciweb.nwcg.gov.

License & Hunt Permit-tags — Information

Who Can Go?

Everyone needs a license to hunt wildlife in Arizona. You need in your possession a valid hunt or combination hunt and fish license, plus any required hunt permit-tags, nonpermit-tags, or stamps. A Short-term Combination Hunting and Fishing License is not valid for big game. Youth ages 10–17 must purchase a Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing license. The license fee is $5. A person under 10 may hunt wildlife other than big game without a license only when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years or older. No more than two unlicensed children may accompany any license holder. No one under the age of 14 may hunt big game without having completed a Hunter Education Course. No one under age 10 may hunt big game in Arizona. To hunt big game, anyone 10 to 13 years of age must have in their possession a valid combination hunt and fish license, a valid Hunter Education Course completion card, plus any required permit-tags or nonpermit-tags.

Where to Buy Licenses

Arizona hunting licenses may be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will not mail your license to you. If you would like a paper copy, you must print the license from a home computer. Licenses also can be obtained from any license dealer or Arizona Game and Fish Department office.

Lifetime License

Holders If a lifetime license holder changes residency status from Arizona, the licensee must then purchase non-resident stamps, tags, and permits. A non-resident tag or stamp can accompany your lifetime resident license. If you are a lifetime license holder who has moved out of state, the 10 percent non-resident cap does not apply to you. The lifetime license will remain legal for the taking of all wildlife as permitted by law. Residency may be re-established after moving back to Arizona and meeting the required time period as defined below.

Residency Requirements

“Resident” means a person who is domiciled (claims the state of Arizona as their true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence) in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license, permit, tag, or stamp and does not claim residency for any purpose in another state or jurisdiction; or is a member, spouse or minor child of a member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty and stationed in this state for either permanent or temporary duty; or is a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty stationed in another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag, or stamp. Arizona residents may purchase a resident license. All other individuals must purchase a non-resident license.

High Achievement Scout

License The High Achievement Scout License is offered to a resident youth who has attained either the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scout) or received a Gold Award (Girl Scout). The fee for the reduced license is $5. The applicant must present proof of their rank or award by providing their certification letter, wallet card, or award certificate at any Department office, and complete the High Achievement Scout License application (Form 306, available on the Department website or at any Department office). This license is not available through the draw. At the age of 21, an Eagle Scout or Gold Award recipient is no longer eligible for the High Achievement Scout License, and from that point forward would be required to purchase an adult license.

Lost License or Tag Replacement

Lost licenses, hunt permit-tags, and nonpermit-tags may be replaced for an $8 fee at any Arizona Game and Fish Department license dealer. Licenses purchased online can be reprinted for free. Duplicate licenses can be purchased online. Consult R12-4-103 Duplicate Tags and Licenses for additional information. Stamps cannot be replaced, they must be repurchased.

Auto-renewal for Licenses

A new option enables hunting and fishing license holders to automatically renew their licenses upon expiration. Auto-renewal is available for the following licenses: Resident Hunt, Resident Fish, Resident Hunt/Fish Combo, Youth Hunt/Fish Combo, Nonresident Fish, Nonresident Hunt/Fish Combo. Customers must have an AZGFD portal account to add license auto-renewal and select a valid license to be auto-renewed. Visit www.azgfd.gov/autorenew for more information.

Physically Challenged Hunters

Those hunters who are physically challenged may qualify for a Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP). Consult R12-4-217 for information about this permit. Contact any Arizona Game and Fish Department office for additional information and application. The application is also available online.

Non-U.S. Citizens Wanting to Hunt in Arizona

Pursuant to regulations by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), non-immigrant aliens who want to temporarily import firearms and/or ammunition into the United States for the allowable purpose of taking wildlife will need an ATF import permit and valid hunting license in possession at the time of entry/ import into the United States. For further information or to make application for the import permit, contact ATF’s Firearms and Explosives Import Branch at 304-616-4550, or download an application from the ATF website at www.atf.gov.

Tag Transfers

Should you be unable to use your big game permit, the Department is unable to reimburse you for your fees or reinstate your bonus points (except as provided below). However, under Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules there are ways people can transfer big game tags. An $8 transfer fee applies, unless donating to a non-profit organization. The Commission may prescribe the manner and conditions of transferring and using permits and tags under this paragraph, including an application process for a qualified organization, to allow a person to transfer the person’s big game permit or tag to a qualified organization for use by:

  • A minor child who has a life-threatening medical condition or by a minor child who has a permanent physical disability. If a child with a physical disability is under 14 years of age, the child must satisfactorily complete the Arizona hunter education course or another comparable Hunter Education Course that is approved by the director.
  • A veteran of the armed forces of the United States who has a service-connected disability. For the purposes of this paragraph “disability” means a permanent physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities requiring the assistance of another person or a mechanical device for physical mobility.
  • “Qualified organization” means a nonprofit organization that is qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the United States internal revenue code and that affords opportunities and experiences to children with life-threatening medical conditions or with physical disabilities or to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

A parent, grandparent or legal guardian may allow the parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s minor child or minor grandchild to use the parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s big game permit or tag to take big game pursuant to the following requirements: •

  • The parent, grandparent or guardian must transfer the permit or tag to the child in a manner prescribed by the Commission.
  • The child receiving the permit or tag must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian when in the field.
  • The child must possess a valid hunting license and, if under 14 years of age, must satisfactorily complete the Arizona hunter education course or another comparable hunter education course that is approved by the Director before participating in the hunt.
  • Any big game that is taken counts toward the child’s bag limit. Once a tag is transferred at a Department office, the original permittee may no longer use it.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/tagtransfer to view a list organizations you can donate your tag to.

Tag Surrender — PointGuard Plus and PointGuard

Tag Surrender allows a hunter to surrender his or her tag to the Department for any reason prior to close of business the day before the hunt starts. Go to www.azgfd. gov/pointguard for more information.

PointGuard Plus

  • For $25, an applicant will have the opportunity to surrender a hunt permit-tag and have their bonus points reinstated for all eligible big game species for three consecutive draw cycles from the date of purchase.
  • PointGuard Plus can be purchased from the time of completing an online application, up to the deadline to update credit card or debit card information (prior to AZGFD processing hunt applications). The fee is non-refundable.
  • Those who purchase PointGuard Plus will receive priority positioning for the reissuing of hunt permit-tags that are surrendered by PointGuard members and non-members alike.

PointGuard

  • Like PointGuard Plus, standard PointGuard is available to all applicants when applying online for a hunt permit-tag.
  • PointGuard is $10 per species, per applicant, and can be purchased from the time of completing an online application until the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. The fee is non-refundable.

Only one hunt permit-tag may be surrendered, per species. If an applicant is drawn in the future for that particular species, that hunt-permit tag must be used, expending all accumulated bonus points. Only then may an applicant participate again in PointGuard and PointGuard Plus.

A free AZGFD portal account is not required to purchase PointGuard or PointGuard Plus. A portal account is needed for those applicants wishing to view their draw results, however.

When you surrender your hunt permit-tag:

  • You will not receive a refund for the cost of your tag.
  • The bonus points you expended to draw the hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.
  • The bonus point you would have accrued had you not drawn will be awarded.
  • You must surrender your hunt permit-tag before your hunt.

If you transfer your hunt permit-tag to a qualified nonprofit, you may still participate in Tag Surrender:

  • You must meet the requirements (listed in the left column).
  • Hunters must provide acceptable proof to the Department of the Tag Transfer (i.e., receipt from the qualified nonprofit).
  • You must submit your Tag Surrender request and provide proof of the tag being donated within 60 days of the donation; and no less than 30 days prior to the next draw deadline for that species.

According to rule, the Department has several options for the reissuance of a surrendered hunt permit-tag. The proximity to the start of a particular hunt, the type of hunt permit-tag, and demand for that hunt permit-tag will factor into how it will be reissued.

SPECIES

DRAW DEADLINE

REGULATIONS

Pronghorn, elk

In February (refer to the application schedule)

Available in early January

Deer, fall turkey, falljavelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison, Sandhill crane

In June (refer to the application schedule)

Available in early May

Spring javelina, spring turkey, spring bison,raptor capture

In October (refer to the application schedule)

Available in early September

Legal Methods of Take — Big Game

REFER TO R12-4-216, R12-4-303, R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 OR READ APPROPRIATE COMMISSION ORDER FOR DETAILS.

LEGAL BIG GAME SPECIES

Centerfire Rifle

Centerfire Handgun

Muzzleloading Rifle

Other Rifle Shooting Black Powder or Synthetic Black Powder

Black Powder Handgun

Crossbow

Archery

Handgun Shooting Shot

Shotgun Shooting Slugs

5 millimeter or .22 Magnum Rimfire

.17 Magnum and

.22 Rimfire

Shotgun Shooting Shot

Pursuit with Dogs

Pre-charged Pneumatics

.35 and larger

BEAR – Fall

BEAR – Spring (no dogs)

BIGHORN SHEEP

BISON – HouseRock*

BISON – Raymond

DEER SEASON

General

Archery Only

Muzzleloader

ELK SEASON

General

Archery Only

Muzzleloader

JAVELINA SEASON

General

Archery Only

Handgun, Archery, Muzzleloader

MOUNTAIN LION

PRONGHORN SEASON

General

Archery Only

Muzzleloader

TURKEY

Fall and Spring

Archery Only

* Refer to R12-4-304 for caliber and other specs

Legal Methods of Take — Other Wildlife Species

REFER TO R12-4-216, R12-4-303, R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 OR READ APPROPRIATE COMMISSION ORDER FOR DETAILS.

OTHER LEGAL WILDLIFE SPECIES

Centerfire Rifle

Centerfire Handgun

Muzzleloading Rifle

OtherRifleShootingBlack PowderorSyntheticBlack Powder

Black Powder Handgun

Crossbow

Archery

Handgun Shooting Shot

Shotgun Shooting Slugs

5millimeteror .22Magnum Rimfire

.17 Magnum and

.22 Rimfire

Shotgun Shooting Shot

Falconry

Pneumatic Weapons

Slingshots

Pursuit with Dogs

Trapping

BADGER

BLUE GROUSE

BOBCAT

CHUKAR PARTRIDGE

COATI

COTTONTAIL RABBIT

COYOTE

CROW

EUROPEAN STARLING

FOXES

HOUSE SPARROW

JACKRABBITS

PHEASANT

QUAIL

RACCOON

RINGTAIL

RODENTS

(excluding beaver, muskrats, tree squirrels & porcupines)

SANDHILL CRANE

SKUNKS

SQUIRREL

General

Archery Only

Ethical Hunting

Ethics with Landowners and Lessee/Permittees

  • Ask permission for access prior to the season before hunting on private property.
  • Go out of your way to respect landowners and their property. Be courteous, visit with them, be thankful, and offer assistance when necessary.
  • Leave the land better than you found it. Return all gates to the way they were. Notify the landowner of any damage or repairs needed to fences that you find and offer your help.
  • When “nature calls,” walk away from roads and trails. Find a discrete location and bury the waste.
  • Drive only on existing roads approved for use, drive at a reasonable speed, minimize dust, and remember livestock have the right-of-way.
  • Leave livestock and other property undisturbed.
  • Do not attempt to turn livestock waters on or off.
  • Respect all posted signage.

Ethics with Waterholes

  • Waterholes on public and state lands should be available to everyone for free and equal access.
  • It is unlawful for a person to camp within one-fourth mile (440 yards) of a natural waterhole containing water or a man-made watering facility containing water in such a place that wildlife or domestic stock will be denied access to the only reasonably available water.
  • Arizona Game and Fish, ranchers, sportsmen groups and various land management agencies have made significant financial investments in these waters, so please be respectful of them.
  • Hunters should be courteous and not hunt over waters all day to allow time for livestock to access waters.
  • Ethically responsible hunters yield to another hunter who has reached the waterhole first.
  • Posting a sign/notice on or near a waterhole does not give anyone the exclusive right to hunt that waterhole; the hunter needs to be present.
  • Hanging a tree stand or setting a blind near a waterhole does not entitle a person to exclusive hunting rights to that waterhole. Depending on the location it may be unlawful to leave tree stands hanging or blinds set for extended periods of time. They may be considered abandoned property and subject to seizure.

Ethics with Other Hunters

  • Follow safe firearms and bow handling practices at all times.
  • Refrain from interfering with another hunter’s hunt or campsite. If you see someone in that area, back out.
  • If you meet up with another hunter in the field, be polite engage in conversation and share information.
  • Be respectful and congratulate others for their successful harvest.

Ethics with Non-hunters

  • Show respect for other users of the land and their property. They possess the same rights as you do to use the lands.
  • Be courteous to non-hunters when transporting your game from the field. Transport animals discreetly.
  • Don’t leave remains of field dressing in places where it is easily visible. Respect others who may be walking by.
  • Take tasteful photographs of your hunt.
  • Invite someone new to come hunting with you.

Ethics with the Quarry

  • Only take a well-placed shot in a vital area of the game species you are licensed to take.
  • Know your limitations. Be mindful of your effective shot range. Avoid extreme distance shots, risky angles and situations where you do not feel confident inyour shot. Strive for a quick, clean harvest.
  • Select appropriate equipment for your quarry. Be aware of the equipment’s limitations and your effective range. Practice to ensure an accurate shot.
  • Respect your personal capabilities under various conditions that you could encounter during a hunt. Consider your general health, physical condition, weather and elevation in the area you plan to hunt. Hunt areas that are within your physical limitations.
  • Bowhunters should keep in mind shots at greater distances may result in the quarry moving before the arrow reaches it. Kinetic energy is extremely important onlarger game animals as energy is lost at longer distances, which can result in wounded or lost game.
  • Learn about the habits and habitat of the game species you are hunting.
  • Make every possible effort to recover game.
  • Adhere to the rules of fair chase.
  • Follow up every shot at game with a search for sign. You cannot always tell immediately that an animal has been hit.

Ethics with Agriculture

  • Do not harvest or field dress game near growing produce (vegetable) fields.
  • Never urinate or defecate near fields or waterways. Look for sanitary facilities provided on ranches.
  • Do not allow domestic animals (dogs) in
  • Following these guidelines along with the application of common courtesy goes a long way toward being welcomed back in the future. Remember that irresponsible actions by a few can impact future hunting opportunities for many.

Ethics about “First-Come, First-Served”

“First Come – First Served” is a common courtesy that should be used when more than one person wants to hunt the same area or waterhole, regardless of who has a tree stand or blind. Confrontations in hunting situations can involve firearms and hot tempers. Whether you are in the city or next to a waterhole, any threats, intimidation, assault, or disorderly conduct can result in citations, arrests and/or jail time. Refrain from confrontational behavior — ethical hunting is everyone’s business.

Ethics in Reporting Honest Mistakes

AZGFD realizes that with the hundreds of thousands of hunters that take to the field each year there are bound to be some unfortunate circumstances that may occur. While accidents are infrequent, they do occur to honest hunters every year.

When accidents happen it is critical you notify the department as soon as possible. Call the Operation Game Thief Hotline (800-352-0700) immediately following the accident and follow the instructions provided by the operator. A wildlife manager will be dispatched to the scene to assist you. Report allillegal activities.

In almost all cases, the meat from animals involved in a self-reported violation will be donated to a charitable organization. Every animal needs to be treated as if you are going to consume it yourself.

Game Management Unit Map — Statewide

Game Management Unit Map — Statewide

Game Management Unit Map — Region 1

Game Management Unit Map — Region 1

Game Management Units shown on this map are administered by the Pinetop Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2878 E. WhiteMountain Blvd., Pinetop, AZ 85935. Call: (928) 367-4281.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4-108 for legal descriptions of Game Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Game Management Unit Map — Region 2

Game Management Unit Map — Region 2

Game Management Units shown on this map are administered by the Flagstaff Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road,Flagstaff, AZ 86005. Call: (928) 774-5045.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4-108 on for legal descriptions of Game Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Game Management Unit Map — Region 3

Game Management Unit Map — Region 3

Game Management Units shown on this map are administered by the Kingman Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409. Call: (928) 692-7700.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4-108 on for legal descriptions of Game Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Game Management Unit Map — Region 4

Game Management Unit Map — Region 4

Game Management Units shown onthis map are administered by the Yuma Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 9140 E. 28th St., Yuma, AZ 85365. Call: (928) 342-0091.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4-108 on for legal descriptions of Game Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Game Management Unit Map — Region 5

Game Management Unit Map — Region 5

Game Management Units shown on this map are administered by theTucson Regional Office ofthe Arizona Game andFish Department, 555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson, AZ 85745. Call: (520) 628-5376.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4- 108 on for legal descriptions ofGame Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Game Management Unit Map — Region 6

Game Management Unit Map — Region 6

Game Management Units shown on this map are administered by the Mesa Regional Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207. Call: (480) 981-9400.

This map is for reference only. See R12-4- 108 for legal descriptions ofGame Management Unit Boundaries. Hunting on Indian Reservation, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for additional information.

Where, When & How

Where Can You Hunt?

GENERAL – Areas open for hunting are shown in the Commission Orders for each big and small game species. Generally, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and State of Arizona lands are open for hunting. National Parks, and some National Monumentsand State Parks are not.

MAPS – The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not publish maps. There are, however, maps available from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State Land Department.

ACCESS – Land in Arizona is owned or managed by six different governments or agencies, each with its own set of access rules. (There are 13.1 millionacres of private land in Arizona.)

  • THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE manages 15 percent of the state. Access is open to hunting and fishing in season, though some areas aresubject to special closures.
  • THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT manages 16 percent of the state. Call 602-417-9200 for additional information on BLM and other publiclands.
  • THE STATE OF ARIZONA manages 13 percent of the state, and the State Land Access Rule (R12-4-110) delineates the rights and privileges of sportsmen and landowners or operators as regards to state lands. Note that “State Land — No Trespassing” signs prohibit access to non-permittees. Properly licensed hunters lawfully taking wildlife are considered permittees for the purpose of trespassing on state land, and are therefore allowed access - see R12-4-110, paragraph I. The State Land Department is at 602-542-2119.
  • INDIAN RESERVATIONS comprise 28 percent of Arizona. Individual tribal governments establish hunting and fishing regulations for theirreservations. See R12-4-117.
  • NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES have separate regulations. See below for telephone numbers for refuges in Arizona.
  • MILITARY INSTALLATIONS have separate regulations. Consult individual Commission Orders for specific information.

HUNT UNITS – The maps show hunt unit boundaries, which are described in detail in R12-4-108 on. Portions of any unit may be closed during certain hunts. These closures are listed in the footnotes following the Commission Order for the hunt in question.

SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS – Some parks, refuges and similar areas have special regulations governing certain kinds of hunting - see R12-4-301. For special requirements in state wildlife areas, see R12-4-802.

National Wildlife Refuges

National Wildlife Refuges in Arizona provide hunting opportunities in designated areas. The following rules apply to all National Wildlife Refuges and arelisted to help guide you when visiting:

  1. Arizona state law requires all vehicles and operators to be licensed, registered, insured and properly equipped in order to travel on maintained roads or highways. All roads open to vehicle use by the public on NWRs are categorized as “designated routes of travel” which are “maintained” routes. Therefore all vehicles must be “street legal” in order to travel upon NWRs. Any travel off of these roads is prohibited.
  2. Any discharge of a firearm except to take legal game is not permitted.
  3. Pits, permanent blinds and stands; trail or scouting cameras; and baiting are prohibited.
  4. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
  5. Temporary blinds, boats, hunting equipment, and decoys must be removed following each day’s hunt.
  6. Guide service providers must obtain a Special Use Permit from the refuge on which they provide their services.

More information, including refuge-specific regulations and maps, should be obtained by writing or phoning the refuge at:

Buenos Aires N.W.R. Kofa N.W.R.

P.O. Box 109

Sasabe, AZ 85633

520-823-4251

Kofa N.W.R.

9300 E. 28th St.

Yuma, AZ 85365

928-783-7861

Cibola N.W.R. Imperial N.W.R.

Rte. 2, Box 1

Cibola, AZ 85328

928-857-3253

Imperial N.W.R.

P.O. Box 72217

Yuma, AZ 85365

928-783-3371

Havasu N.W.R.

P.O. Box 3009

Needles, CA 92363

760-326-3853

Cabeza Prieta N.W.R.

1611 N. 2nd Ave.

Ajo, AZ 85321

520-387-6483

San Bernardino/Leslie Canyon N.W.R.

P.O. Box 3509

Douglas, AZ 85607

520-364-2104

San Bernardino/ Bill Williams River Leslie Canyon N.W.R. N.W.R.

60911 Hwy. 95

Parker, AZ

928-667-4144

Violations observed on NWRs may be reported to 800-637-9152.

National Park Service

Hunting is prohibited in the following areas:

  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
  • Chiricahua National Monument
  • Coronado National Memorial
  • Fort Bowie National Historic Site
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
  • Montezuma Castle National Monument & Montezuma Well
  • Navajo National Monument
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Pipe Spring National Park
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Sunset Crater National Monument
  • Tonto National Monument
  • Tumacacori National Historical Park
  • Tuzigoot National Monument
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument
  • Wupatki National Monument

Hunting Restrictions Apply:

  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Indian Reservations

Hunting on Indian Reservations, if allowed, is controlled by each individual tribe. Contact the appropriate tribe for information.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

  1. Hunting is permitted in designated areas of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is regulated by state game agencies. Park rangers and state game wardens enforce game regulations. See park hunting maps for designated hunting areas at www.nps.gov/lake/ planyourvisit/maps.htm. Be sure to review state hunting regulations for seasons and ensure you possess the appropriate hunting license.
  2. A new federal law that allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state and local laws, to legally possess firearms is now in effect. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings where federal employees work. This includes visitors centers, park administrative offices and ranger stations.
  3. Target shooting of any kind is prohibited in the recreation area. Shooting is allowed on certain lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
  4. Motorized vehicles may operate on designated public roadways only and must be licensed and equipped to legally operate on state highways.

Additional information and closure maps are available for review at all ranger stations or can be obtained by writing to: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Attention: Chief Ranger 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005-2426.

Hunting on Military Reservations

Hunters desiring to hunt on military reservations are advised to contact the specific installation for current regulations prior to going afield. Hunters are also advised that increases in United States Force Protection may result in hunt cancellations at any time and withlittle or no prior notification. In the event a hunt is canceled due to an increase in security, hunters drawn for military reservation hunt permit-tags will not be reimbursed or otherwise compensated by theArizona Game and Fish Department.

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground: The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is closed to hunting except those areas open in accordance with U.S. Army regulations to properly licensed U.S. citizens holding a valid YPG Hunting Access Permit and coordinating with YPG Range Control. Hunters drawn for Units 41W, 43A, or 43B who plan to hunt on YPG must obtain a hunting access permit before entering YPG. All persons accompanying the hunter on YPG must also have a permit. The permit must be with the permit holder at all times when on YPG. Access permits are issued through iSportsman at https:// yuma.isportsman.net/. Applicants must register online at iSportsman, and watch the Range Safety Briefing Video, after which, YPG will conduct a background check which takes 2 to 3 business days. All persons, excluding minors are required to be vetted PRIOR to entry upon the installation. Once the background is cleared, applicants must log into their iSportsman account to purchase the HuntingAccess Permit. Furthermore, all firearms or bows must be registered either at the visitor center or through iSportsman prior to entering YPG. Do not bring firearms into the visitor center. The weapon registration must be with the weapon, while on YPG. Due to military activities some hunting areas may be temporarily closed on short notice. Updates will be posted on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/USAYPG, or through iSportsman. For information visit https://yuma.isportsman.net;em...:[email protected] or call (928) 328-2125.

Barry M Goldwater Range: Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) access is subject to military operations/closure and requires an Access Permit. For more information on how to obtain a permit, please visit the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma website at: https://www.mcasyuma.marines.m... OR the Luke Air Force Base Website at: https://www.luke.af.mil/Units/.... Unit 40B on BMGR-West is open to hunting as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except in the Restricted Areas which are closed to all public recreation. For BMGR-East areas in Unit 40B, only Bighorn Sheep hunters with a current tag and their specified participants may access designated BMGR-East areas to hunt or for transit to Units 46A or 46B, and only after receiving a Special Use Permit (SUP) issued by Luke AFB. No other hunting or access is permitted in Unit 40B on BMGR East areas. Hunters in BMGR-East areas in Unit 40A (east of SR-85) require only the Access Permit, but must also avoid Restricted Areas. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know his/her location and remain clear of unauthorized areas. For additional information, contact Luke Air Force Base for BMGR-East: 623-856-7216 or 623-856-1758; or Marine Corps Air Station Yuma for BMGR-West: (928) 269-3115.

Fort Huachuca Army Garrison: Hunting on Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A is restricted. All hunters must meet specific eligibility requirements and must obtain a copy of the special Fort Huachuca hunting regulations and comply with the listed provisions prior to hunting. Fort Huachuca contact information: Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, ATTN: IMWE-HUA-PWB (Hunting), Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613-7010, 520-533-8763.

Camp Navajo: Hunting on Camp Navajo in Unit 6B is restricted. Contact the Arizona National Guard for more information by emailing ng.az.azarng. [email protected] or visiting https://dema.az.gov/army-natio....

Florence Military Reservation: The Florence Military Reservation (training areas B and D: the areas north and south of Cottonwood Canyon Road) in Unit 37B is subject to short term closures due to military operations, including live fire operations, and requires coordination with the Florence Military Reservation for hunting access. For specific closure dates or any other access concerns, contact the Florence Military Reservation at 602-267-2062. A map of the Florence Military Reservation is located at www.azgfd.gov/FMR.

Wilderness Areas

The Wilderness Act of 1984 and the Desert Wilderness Act of 1990 designated large portions of Arizona as wilderness. Hunters should be aware that this may influence their hunt. Except where specifically permitted, all forms of motorized travel are prohibited. Hunters should be prepared for remote and primitive conditions. For additional information regarding wilderness restrictions, hunters should contact the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the U.S. Forest Service, as appropriate for the area of interest.

Bureau of Land Management

Generally, BLM lands in Arizona are open to hunting. Check with the appropriate office for current conditions.

BLM National Monuments: The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to hunting. Contact the Explore Arizona Outdoor Information Center at 602-417- 9300 at the BLM State Office in Phoenix.

Grand Canyon — Parashant National Monument: Parashant National Monument is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service (NPS).

Both the BLM lands and NPS lands within Parashant National Monument are open to hunting. However, several NPS regulations differ from those of the BLM. These differences are:

  1. Target shooting or the discharge of a weapon except to hunt is not permitted.
  2. All motorized vehicles are restricted to established designated roads only (no off-road game retrieval permitted).
  3. All motor vehicles must be licensed, insured and equipped to legally operate on state highways (Street Legal).
  4. Operators of motor vehicles must possess a valid state driver’s license.
  5. Shed antlers may not be collected or possessed while on NPS lands.
  6. Dogs must be kept on a leash, 6 feet or less in length and not be left unattended in camp.
  7. Feeding or baiting of wildlife is prohibited.
  8. No landing of aircraft on NPS lands or roads.
  9. Property (including game cameras) cannot be left unattended longer than 24 hours. Property left over 24 hours or any unattended property that interferes with visitor safety, orderly management of the park area, or presents a threat to park resources may be impounded at any time.
  10. Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine, like RV generators is prohibited.

Special Note: GPS device mapware does not always depict accurate land managing agency policy for roads open for travel. Restrictions are signed and may be gated.

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area: The BLM has established special restrictions for the San Pedro Riparian NCA in Units 30B, 34B, and 35A.For more information call the BLM at 520-258-7200.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

State Office - Phoenix

602-417-9200

Yuma Field Office

928-317-3200

AZ Strip Field Office

435-688-3200

Kingman Field Office

928-718-3700

Phoenix Field Office Tucson Field Office

623-580-5500 520-258-7200

Safford Field Office

928-348-4400

Lake Havasu Office

928-505-1200

U.S. Forest Service

Generally, Forest Service lands in Arizona are open to hunting. Check with the appropriate office for current conditions, including any prescribed burning activities, before heading out on your hunt. Some information about prescribed burns can be found on inciweb.wildfire.gov.

Coronado National Forest Special Restriction: The U.S. Forest Service has special restrictions for the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Unit 33, MaderaCanyon in Unit 34A, the East Cochise Stronghold in Unit 30B and Cave Creek in Unit 29. For more information call the Coronado National Forest Office at 520-388-8300.

Prescribed Fire: Prescribed fire is a tool used by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other public land managers to improve wildlife habitat and overall ecological health for public lands. Prescribed fires often occur during hunting seasons, and it is common for hunters to see both fire and smoke. More information about planned and active fires can be found by contacting the respective National Forest offices or BLM field offices and the Incident Information System website at inciweb.nwcg.gov.

NATIONAL FORESTS IN ARIZONA

Apache-Sitgreaves

Springerville

928-333-6280

Kaibab

Williams

928-582-1095

Coconino

Flagstaff

928-443-8000

Prescott

Prescott

928-443-8000

Coronado

Tucson

520-388-8300

Tonto

Tucson

602-225-5200

State Trust Land

The boundaries for state trust lands are delineated by signs. Some older signs still may be posted. All state trust land signage should be followed by hunters, anglers and trappers.

Maricopa County Parks

Some land within the Maricopa County Park System is open to hunting. Discharge of firearms or arrows is prohibited in Cave Creek Recreation Area. Contact the Maricopa County Parks Department at 602-506-2930 for further details. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting the following parks (see R12-4-321):

  • McDowell 480-471-0173
  • White Tanks 623-935-2505
  • Estrella 623-932-3811
  • Lake Pleasant 928-501-1710 or 602-372-7460
  • Buckeye Hills 602-506-2930

Pima County Park System

Some areas within the Pima County park system are open to hunting. Contact Pima County Parks and Recreation at 520-724-5000.

Access to Private Lands

You must have written or verbal permission from private property owners for use of their legally posted private lands for any purpose including crossing these lands by foot or vehicle to get to public and State Trust lands not accessible by public means. Landowners or lessees of private land who desire to prohibit trespass can post their private land using signs and/or orange painted posts along their property boundary (A.R.S. 17-304).

AZGFD reminds customers to practice safe, responsible recreation when hunting or fishing. Remember, you are a guest when using or crossing private lands, and this access is a privilege, not a right.

The private landowner who has given you permission to use the property may not mind if you bring a friend or two along. You may destroy your welcome if you arrive with a carload of companions.

Sportsmen who get to know a landowner and who stop in after their stay are almost always welcomed back.

By treating the land as if it were your own, and by showing consideration and courtesy to the landowner and the property, a sportsman will always have a place to enjoy wildlife.

Never forget that you are a guest when using or crossing private lands, and this access is a privilege, not a right. Your actions may be the determining factor in anyone else accessing these lands.

Be aware that in some areas gaining permission to hunt one particular species may be nearly impossible while gaining permission to hunt another species is often easy. For example, some landowners may not let you hunt big game on their property, but would let you call predators or hunt small game.

Be aware that sometimes the landowner may grant access to those who ask to go by foot or horseback versus vehicular access.

Don’t assume, unless told otherwise, that permission granted one season means you automatically have permission the following seasons. Situations and ownership change, and permission should be requested each season.

Homeland Security

Homeland security issues along the international border may affect the quality of a person’s hunt. Call 800-BE-ALERT to reach the U.S. Border Patrol and report suspicious activity.

Guide Service

A guide license issued from the Arizona Game and Fish Department is required for any person who, for pay, aids or assists another in the taking of wildlife in Arizona. This license does not assure consumer satisfaction; potential clients should require references before engaging the services of a guide.

Guiding on USFS, BLM, or USFWS lands requires a special-use permit from the administering agency. It is the responsibility of the client to determine if their guide has the necessary special use permits.

Hunting Accidents

Any person, who while taking wildlife, is involved in a shooting accident resulting in an injury should render every possible assistance to the injured person. If the accident results in a fatality, he or she shall immediately report the accident to the nearest available law enforcement officer and render assistance as required. In any hunting accident, a report shall be filed with the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 10 days.

Carcass Disposal

Dispose of your carcass discreetly. The Department receives several calls each year reporting the dumping of lawfully taken game. If disposing a carcass in the field, either bury the carcass or place it under a tree away from camping areas and roads. If using a dumpster utilize trash bags or wrap the carcass to reduce the escape of offensive odors.

Taking Wildlife from a Vehicle

Includes: using a vehicle to hunt while traveling on or off road; and/or chasing wildlife with a vehicle, both of which are illegal. A vehicle is any device designed to carry a person: all terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, all terrain cycle, pickup, automobile, motorcycle, aircraft, train, powerboat, sailboat, a boat under sail, or a floating object towed by a powerboat or sailboat. It is also illegal under state law to shoot from, across, or onto a roadway or railway. See A.R.S. 17-301B. It is illegal to use an aircraft to pursue, shoot, hunt or otherwise take wildlife. See R12-4-319.

When Is Hunting Legal?

SEASONS

Open hunting season dates are indicated in the Commission Orders governing the taking of each kind of big and small game. Seasons for all wildlife are closed unless specifically opened by Commission Order. Special restrictions apply on state wildlife areas (see R12-4- 802), as well as at certain times on parks, refuges and similar areas.

SHOOTING HOURS

Legal shooting time is during daylight hours (see sunrise-sunset chart) or as prescribed by the Commission (see individual Commission Orders). In general, if you can see well enough to shoot safely, you are legal. Taking wild animals or birds by moonlight or artificial light is illegal, except for raccoons, reptiles and other mammals as prescribed in R12- 4-304. Other time requirements apply for migratory birds (see Migratory Bird Regulations).

Motorized Big Game Retrieval on National Forest Lands

All national forests are undergoing or have implemented travel management planning, which resulted in changes to motor vehicle use on national forest lands. The Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab and Prescott national forests have implemented the Travel Management Rule regulations and only allow motorized use on designated roads, trails and areas identified on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps are available for free at Forest Service offices and electronically for smartphone and mobile devices — instructions are available on each Forest website. The Travel Management rules include restrictions on driving off of designated roads for big game retrieval.

  • The South Kaibab National Forest allows for cross-country motorized retrieval of elk.
  • The North Kaibab National Forest allows for cross country motorized travel retrieval of elk and bison.
  • The Coconino National Forest allows for cross-country motorized retrieval of elk in Game Management Units 6A, 6B, 7 and 8. It does not allow cross-country driving for retrieval of any other species or in other Game Management Units on the forest.
  • The Prescott National Forest allows for cross-country motorized retrieval of elk.
  • The Coronado National Forest does not allow motorized big game retrieval off the designated road system.

If you have a permit to hunt in a Game Management Unit that includes one or more national forests, please review the information on the appropriate forests’ MVUM or contact the national forest(s) for updated information relative to motor vehicle use and motorized big game retrieval, before your hunt starts. Visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ main/r3/about-region/offices for contact information.

Draw Information

The Draw

When the number of hunt permits for a species in a particular area must be limited to prevent over-harvest of wildlife, the Commission Order governing seasons for that species assigns a hunt number to a designated area, and a hunt permit-tag is required to take that species in that area. Hunt permit-tags are issued through a computerized random drawing. Big game tags not issued through the drawing process are called nonpermit-tags.

Qualifications

Individuals wishing to participate in a drawing or to obtain bonus points must apply online, and complete the online application by the deadline specified in the Hunt Permit-tag Application Schedule found in the current year’s hunt regulations. An applicant must possess a license (including lifetime, pioneer or disabled veteran’s) that is valid on the last day of the application deadline for that draw (per R12-4-104[K]). Youth applying for big game hunts must be licensed. If an applicant does not have a license that meets that requirement, he or she must purchase the license at the time of application.

Applying for a Hunt

The application service will be available in early to mid May. Visit www.azgfd.gov/draw for more information.

No person, including youth, may submit more than one valid application per genus of wildlife in any calendar year, except as specified in R12-4-104(H), when genera are drawn in multiple drawings; however the annual bag limit still applies.

You can select a general hunt as your first choice and another weapon type hunt for the same genus as another choice on the same application — just be sure they are in the same numerical series.

Hunt Permit, Bonus Points Disclaimer

The issuance of any big game permit has no express or implied guarantee or warranty of hunter success. Any person holding a valid permit assumes the risk that circumstances beyond the control of the Arizona Game and Fish Department may prevent the permit holder from using the permit. In such situations, the Arizona Game and Fish Department disclaims any responsibility to reissue or replace a permit, to reinstate bonus points or to refund any fees, except under specific circumstances, such as activation of military or emergency personnel, as stated in R12-4-107(M).

Fees

Information about fees associated with the draw process can be found under Hunting Licenses & Fees.

Discounted hunt permit-tag fees are for “Youth-Only” designated hunts. A youth must pay the higher fee unless applying only for “Youth-Only” hunts.

Submitting Applications

The application service will be available in early to mid-January. Check the Department’s website or sign up for free e-newsletters for regular updates. You can register for e-news at www.azgfd.gov.

Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card payment information current. If your payment is declined at the time of the draw, your application will not be drawn.

Complete and proper preparation of an application is the sole responsibility of the applicant.

What Happens to My Application?

If any applicant in a group is rejected for any reason, all other applicants in that group will also be rejected and no bonus points will be awarded.

No hunt permit-tag will be issued to anyone in a group if there are not sufficient hunt permit-tags available for all applicants in that group.

Hunt permit-tags will be mailed to each successful applicant.

What if I’m not Drawn?

Customers will receive draw results online through their free portal account. Create a portal account by visiting accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and completing all fields.

Unsuccessful, valid applications will be awarded bonus points.

Big game hunt permit-tags remaining after the drawing will be issued on a firstcome, first-served basis as specified in the Hunt Permit-tag Application Schedule. First-come permit-tag results are not posted. If successful, you will receive your tag in the mail within 10-15 business days.

Obtaining a Bonus Point Only

In the event you do not wish to participate in a big game drawing for species offered in this draw, but still wish to accumulate bonus points for these genera, you may “obtain a bonus point.”

A bonus point hunt number is established within each applicable Commission Order. You may obtain only one bonus point per genus per drawing.

To apply for a bonus point only, the individual must be 10 years old by the deadline date as specified in the Hunt Permit-tag Application Schedule. To apply for a bonus point only, you must have a license valid through deadline day of that draw. A bonus point costs you only the license fee (if needed) and the application fee per applicant. If applying for more than one species for bonus points, you must complete a separate application for each species.

If you apply for a bonus point only using the established bonus point hunt number, you may NOT submit another application for the same genus. To do so will cause both applications to be rejected as duplicate applications.

All applicants in a group must apply for the same established bonus point hunt number. The application will not be included in the random number drawing and the individual(s) on the application will each receive a bonus point for that genus.

Getting Started - Checklist

Welcome to hunting in Arizona. If you don’t know where you want to hunt, what you need, or even what you can hunt in Arizona, this section is for you. It is designed to help new hunters get started. Following is some basic information you should consider while planning your hunt. The best way for all hunters to prepare themselves to hunt in Arizona is to take a Department-sponsored hunter education course.

Step 1. Identify First Steps

What animal(s) can you hunt?

  • Small game: cottontail rabbit, tree squirrel, migratory game birds, and upland game birds like quail.
  • Big game: black bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer (mule and white-tailed), elk, javelina, mountain lion, pronghorn, and turkey.
  • Predator/fur-bearer: coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcat, ringtail, weasel, and badgers.
  • Other birds and mammals.

Do you have a hunting license?

To hunt in Arizona, a license is required. Check out the list of our hunting permit and license fees. You can purchase hunting licenses online at www.azgfd.gov. You also can purchase licenses, tags, and/or stamps from any of our 150+ license dealers (information is online at www.azgfd.gov), or Department offices statewide.

Are you a resident? See “resident” definition. You cannot be a resident of more than one state.

Do you have the correct stamp or tag?

For some species you must also purchase a stamp or stamp privilege for the license to be valid. You will need a tag in addition to a valid license to hunt big game and Sandhill cranes. You must also sign all tags before going afield for them to be valid.

Step 2. Learn Where and When

Where do you want to hunt?

Arizona is divided into Game Management Units (GMU or unit) composed of state, federal, military, and private land. Review the GMU maps, and the “Where, When & How” section for more information.

When do you want to hunt?

There are several different seasons in which you can hunt a species. Go to individual species to determine their seasons.

Step 3. Know When to Apply or Not Apply

Don’t Apply.

For most small game species and all predator/fur-bearer and other birds and mammals you simply need a license and any required validations (for example: stamps) to hunt. There are also several big game species that you may pursue simply by purchasing an over-the-counter nonpermit-tag in addition to your license. These hunts include archery turkey, mountain lion, fall bear, some archery deer and some elk. Archery deer, mountain lion, bison, bear and bighorn sheep have mandatory reporting requirements, so check the information on the corresponding Commission Order.

Apply.

Permits for most big game species, Sandhill crane and raptor capture are issued through a hunt drawing. If interested in hunting any of these species, you must apply for a tag in a drawing; refer to in this booklet or the appropriate supplement for specific information. Apply online at www. azgfd.gov.

Archery deer, mountain lion, bison, bear and bighorn sheep have mandatory reporting requirements, so check the information on the corresponding Commission Order.

Step 4. Follow the Rules

Common violations

Before you go hunting we recommend you read to be aware of the most common violations. Also, take a look at the Arizona laws and rules to learn what you can and can’t do in Arizona. If you are witness to a violation please call our Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700 to report the violation. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Care/transport information

Before you go in the field, review our laws and rules to understand requirements to possess and transport wildlife after your hunt. Generally, you need to keep your license on your person and your tag affixed to your carcass at all times during transport.

You’re on your way!

These are just some basic steps to help you start your first hunt. Please read through the rest of these hunting regulations and our other supplemental hunting booklets to better familiarize yourself with hunting in Arizona. If this section fails to answer your questions, contact any Arizona Game and Fish office or visit our website www.azgfd.gov

North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Did You Know?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is responsible for wildlife management in the state and receives no state tax dollars. Hunters and anglers pay for wildlife conservation through their purchase of licenses, tags and stamps, and excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear. The conservation dollars paid by hunters and anglers benefit both game and nongame species and their habitats.

What Is It?

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the world’s most successful system of conservation. No other continent retains such a complete balance of native wildlife species. While other countries struggle to conserve the little they have left, we enjoy great diversity and abundance of wildlife. This user-pay, public-benefit model relies on sound science, public participation, active habitat management, strict regulation, and active law enforcement to sustain wildlife populations. The end result is a harvestable surplus of game species every year, and an opportunity for all to enjoy it.

North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Arizona’s Core Concepts

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the foundation for wildlife conservation in Arizona and throughout the country. Hunters and anglers are its backbone. The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s core concepts of the North American Model are:

Wildlife is held in the public trust.

The public trust doctrine means that wildlife belongs to everyone. Through shared ownership and responsibility, opportunity is provided to all.

Regulated commerce in wildlife.

Early laws banning commercial hunting and the sale of meat and hides ensure sustainability through regulation of harvest and regulating commerce of wildlife parts.

Hunting and angling opportunity for all.

Opportunity to participate in hunting, angling and wildlife conservation is guaranteed for all in good standing, not by social status or privilege, financial capacity or land ownership. This concept ensures a broad base of financial support and advocacy for research, monitoring, habitat conservation and law enforcement.

Hunting and angling laws are created through public process.

Hunting seasons, harvest limits and penalties imposed for violations are established through laws and regulations. Everyone has the opportunity to shape the laws and regulations applied in wildlife conservation.

Hunters, anglers, boaters and shooters fund conservation.

Hunting and fishing license sales and excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment and motor boat fuels pay for the management of all wildlife, including wildlife species that are not hunted.

Wildlife is an international resource.

Proper stewardship of wildlife and habitats is both a source of national pride and an opportunity to cooperate with other nations with whom we share natural resources. Cooperative management of migrating waterfowl is one example of successful international collaboration.

Science is the basis for wildlife policy.

The limited use of wildlife as a renewable natural resource is based on sound science. We learn as we go, adapting our management strategies based on monitoring to achieve sustainability

Thank You Hunters and Recreational Shooters

Arizona’s rich outdoor heritage is enjoyed by all — thanks to hunters like you, whose purchase of hunting and recreational shooting equipment supports wildlife management and habitat enhancement in the Grand Canyon State. When you purchase a rifle, ammunition, archery equipment, and other sporting gear, you pay a federal excise tax and import duties.

Since 1937, this money has been collected by the federal government and redistributed to the states using a formula based on hunting license sales and the state’s land area. In 2018, that meant more than $22 million for game management in Arizona. This money pays for game surveys, hunter education classes, wildlife water catchment construction, wildlife research and shooting range development and operations, among other projects. Hunters like you are part of the largest and most successful wildlife conservation programs in the world. Thank you.

Hunters: Help Protect Arizona Wildlife with CWD Surveillance

Your assistance is needed to help the Arizona Game and Fish Department detect the introduction of CWD. You may call any Department office (see page 3) to schedule an appointment to have a sample collected from the head of your recently harvested deer or elk or review the information on our website (www.azgfd.gov/cwd) to learn how to collect your own sample.

Samples may be dropped off at any Department office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We also have several sample submission freezers around the state (see the website for the locations).

There is no charge to the hunter for CWD testing. Hunters that are successful in units 1, 2A/B/C, 27, 28, 29, 30A/B, 34A/B, 35A/B and 36A/B/C are especially encouraged to submit heads because these units are close to New Mexico, Colorado, or Utah; all states that have detected CWD in deer and elk.

It is best if the head or sample has been kept cool and is submitted within a day of harvest. It could also be kept frozen until brought to the Department. The head may be placed in a garbage bag for delivery. You will be asked to provide information about your harvested elk (hunt number, permit number, game management unit, and date of harvest) and where you can be reached (phone number) in case the test is positive.

No CWD has been detected in Arizona’s deer or elk to date. To protect Arizona’s deer and elk herds from Chronic Wasting Disease, regulations have been placed on movement of animal parts into the state.

Hunters are required to take these precautions when hunting deer or elk out-of-state:

  • Do not bring the brain, spinal column, or guts into Arizona.

The following elk or deer parts harvested out-of-state are OK to bring back into Arizona:

  • Boneless portions of meat, or meat that has been cut and packaged;
  • Clean hides and capes with no skull or soft tissue attached;
  • Antlers, clean skull plates or skulls with antlers attached without meat or soft tissue remaining, including velvet;
  • Finished taxidermy mounts or products, including treated antlers with velvet; and
  • Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, ivories) with no meat or tissue attached.

CWD is present in neighboring states and many other popular hunting destinations for deer and elk. Many states have strict regulations governingcarcass movement and importation, so we encourage you to contact the wildlife agency where you travel for any applicable regulations.

Learn more: www.azgfd.gov/cwd

Population Management Hunts

Population Management Population management hunts enhance the Department’s ability to meet population and habitat management objectives when traditional harvest strategies are not meeting these objectives.

What you should know if you are planning on applying for a population management hunt.

  • Population management hunts may occur as necessary, under the provisions of R12-4-115.
  • Commission Order 26 Population Management Seasons designates the range of species, season dates, open areas, legal wildlife, lawful taking methods, and maximum tag numbers for population management hunts to be prescribed by the Director and implemented under R12-4-115.
  • When a population management hunt is needed, as prescribed in R12-4-115, hunters will be selected from the hunter pool applicants (see application below).
  • The hunter pool list will be purged by the Department Dec. 31 each year. You may apply at any time during the year. (Do not include this application form with a hunt permit-tag application—you must apply separately.)
  • On your application, designate the species of animals you desire to hunt and the methods of take. You must submit a $13 application fee (residents) or a $15 application fee (non-residents) per species. Please do not send cash.
  • You may designate multiple species with multiple methods of take on the application form. Your name will be included in the hunter pool for each species and method of take you submitted an application for. (Annual bag limits apply to all population management hunts and may limit your ability to participate in a population management hunt or regular season hunt.)
  • If you participate in a population management hunt and fill your annual bag limit for that species, you may not participate in a regular hunting season for that species even if you are drawn through the normal draw process. Refunds may not be made for the purchase of a license or permit, except that the Commission may prescribe a manner of refunding the cost of a big game permit or tag (A.R.S. 17-332.F).
  • If your application is selected during a random drawing for a population management hunt, the Department will attempt to contact you within a 24-hour period. If you cannot be contacted within 24 hours, your application will be returned to the hunter pool for inclusion in future population management hunts that year.
  • If you are offered a restricted nonpermit-tag for a population management hunt, pursuant to R12-4-115, you may decline. If you decline, your application will be returned to the hunter pool for inclusion in future population management hunts that year for that species (note: if you agree to participate in a population management hunt but fail to purchase your tag within the timeframe designated when you are contacted, you will not be eligible for further population management hunts that year).
  • If you elect to participate in a population management hunt, it is likely you will be asked to arrive in the field to hunt within a few days of being contacted. (The purchase of restricted nonpermit-tag and applicable hunting license prior to hunting is required.)
  • Restricted nonpermit-tags issued through the hunter pool may be purchased through the Department’s Phoenix office. See the front of the hunting regulations booklet for the address and phone number.
  • You will not gain or lose bonus points when you apply for, or participate in, a population management hunt.

Fair Chase

Fair chase is the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of free-range wildlife in a manner that does not give a hunter or an angler improper or unfair advantage over such wildlife.

Fair chase has been embraced as the proper conduct of a sportsman/sportswoman in the field and has been taught to new hunters for more than a century. It pays respect to the traditions of hunting and angling by emphasizing the development of an individual’s skills rather than reliance on practices or technologies that overwhelm the quarry’s ability to elude detection or take. In many situations, fair chase is not something that is enforceable by law. Rather it should be guided by each person’s ethical compass, which compels them to do the right thing when no one else is watching.

The support of fair chase and respect for the traditions of hunting and angling are every sportsman’s responsibility.

So remember, Hunt Hard, Hunt Fair.

Learn more: www.azgfd.gov/fairchase

THE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE EARLY TO MID-MAY AT AZGFD.GOV.

What If I Buy a License When I Apply for My Hunt?

If you purchase a hunting or fishing license online, you must print the license from your home printer. Your license will not be mailed to you.

What are the License Requirements?

When applying for a hunt, you must have a license valid through deadline day of that draw. If drawn for a hunt permit-tag, you must also have a valid license at the time of the hunt. These may not be the same license. Please contact customer service if you have any questions. See below for phone numbers.

How Do I Pay?

A valid credit or debit card must be used when applying. Your card will be charged once for the application fee and second time if you are successful in drawing a permit-tag. Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card payment information current.

If your payment is declined at the time of the draw, your application will not be drawn. If your credit/debit card has been used for multiple applications, please notify your banking institution that multiple charges from Arizona Game and Fish could be processed simultaneously.

What You Need for Each Applicant

To apply, simply go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at www. azgfd.gov, place the cursor on “Apply for Big Game Draw” on the main webpage and follow the step by-step instructions. We recommend you have your hunter list (including first and last names, dates of birth, customer ID number, Social Security number and email address) and hunt choices completed with all the required information for each hunter prior to starting the application process.

Common Violations

It is each hunter’s responsibility to protect our hunting heritage and ensure wildlife resources are available for future generations. You can help ensure responsible hunting by reporting violations to our Operation Game Thief hotline 800-352-0700. Unfortunate incidents and oversights do occur. If you should find yourself in violation of any laws or rules while hunting, please contact the Operation Game Thief hotline to report it. It certainly is more beneficial to report a violation yourself than have a Wildlife Manager discover it in the field, or have another party report it, and certainly more understandable to the judicial system and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Baiting and Scents

(R12-4-303 A 3 c)

Using any lure, attractant, or cover scent containing any cervid (deer) urine to take wildlife is unlawful.

(R12-4-303 7)

Using edible or ingestible substances, other than water, salt or salt with trace minerals produced for the livestock industry, to aid in the taking of big game is unlawful.

Take Wildlife Without A License

(A.R.S. 17-331)

In order to take any wildlife in Arizona, you must have the appropriate current hunting or fishing license in your possession. You should check your license every time that you go hunting, fishing or collecting. Also, you must sign your license and tag before hunting.

Possess Unlawfully Taken Wildlife

(A.R.S. 17-309 A 16)

Any wildlife that is unlawfully taken, may not be legally possessed. So even though you may not have been involved in the illegal taking of wildlife, you cannot legally possess unlawfully taken wildlife or parts thereof.

Exceed Bag and/or Possession Limit

(A.R.S. 17-309 A 14 and 15)

Wildlife may only be taken and possessed in the quantities prescribed by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Orders for bag and possession limits. Consult Commission Orders for each species for specifics.

Improper Tagging of Big Game

(R12-4-302)

All big game taken shall be immediately tagged in accordance with the instructions on the back of the tag or in accordance with instructions for use of an E-Tag and pursuant to Commission Rule, R12-4-302.

Obtain License or Permit By Fraud

(A.R.S. 17-341)

“Resident” means a person who is domiciled (claims the state of Arizona as their true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence) in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of application or purchase of a license, permit, tag, or stamp and does not claim residency for any purpose in another state or jurisdiction. (Benefits of residency in another state or jurisdiction may include: driver’s license, vehicle registrations, resident property tax credits, voting, resident tax returns, or resident licenses to take wildlife outside of Arizona.) Or is a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty and stationed in: (i)This state for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the date of applying for or purchase of a license, permit, tag, or stamp; (ii) Another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag, or stamp.

Take Wildlife During Closed Season, After Legal Hours or With Aid of Artificial Light

(A.R.S. 17-309 A 10) (A.R.S. 17-301 A)

Wildlife may only be taken during times prescribed by the Commission and closed season shall be in effect unless opened by Commission Order. Review the Commission orders related to the species you are pursuing before leaving home. The use of spotlights from a vehicle is illegal if you have any weapons in your vehicle. During certain coyote seasons it is lawful to use artificial light, yet shall not be used from a vehicle. Check the Commission Orders for more details. If fear of theft is a concern, you should make sure that any weapons in a vehicle are incapable of being fired when you are using a light. Examples are leaving all ammunition, arrows and/or barrels or bolts in camp. Hunters cannot use lighted sight pins or other artificial light sources to extend legal shooting hours.

Take/Hunt From A Vehicle

(A.R.S. 17-301 B) (R12-4-319)

No person may take wildlife from a motor vehicle, watercraft or aircraft, except as permitted by Commission Order, and under the provisions of the Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit Commission Rule (R12- 4-217). “Take,” as defined by law, includes pursuing, shooting, hunting and killing wildlife. You are unlawfully using a vehicle to take wildlife if you intentionally drive around until you see the animal you wish to harvest and then make an attempt to take. “Road hunting” is illegal; so is pursuing wildlife with a vehicle, chasing or heading off moving wildlife with a vehicle, and driving off-road to get closer to wildlife. You do not have to shoot from the vehicle to be in violation

Take Wildlife With Prohibited Device or By An Unlawful Method

(A.R.S 17-301 A) (A.R.S. 17-309 A 12-13) (R12-4-303) (R12-4-304)

Wildlife may only be taken by a device or method as prescribed by the Commission.

Shoot Too Close To An Occupied Building or Residence

(A.R.S. 17-309 A 4) (R12-4-303)

Without the resident’s permission, you may not discharge a firearm, arrow or bolt, hybrid device, or pneumatic weapon .35 caliber or larger within 1/4 mile (440 yards) of any occupied residence while taking wildlife. All structures including barns, sheds and cabins should be assumed occupied. This is one of the most common violations during dove and quail seasons.

Littering While Taking Wildlife

(A.R.S. 17-309 A 9)

All hunters are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. All camp areas should be left clean. Shell casings and associated debris constitute litter and should be picked up and packed out. Also, all hunters are responsible for the proper care and disposal of their wildlife carcasses. Carcass debris should be disposed of according to local jurisdiction regulation. Please check with your local authorities for specific regulations and instructions.

Shoot Across Road

(A.R.S. 17-301 B)

No person may knowingly discharge any firearm or shoot any other device including bow and arrow upon, from, across, or into a maintained road or railway. It is advisable not to shoot from or across any road. Again, this is one of the most common violations during the dove season.

License Revocation

(A.R.S. 17-340)

You can have your license privileges revoked by the Commission for up to five years for a conviction of:

  • unlawful taking, selling, offering for sale, bartering or possession of wildlife
  • careless use of firearms resulting in human injury or death
  • destroying or injuring livestock or crops while hunting or fishing
  • acts of vandalism or littering while hunting or fishing
  • knowingly allowing another person to use your big game tag
  • unlawful entry on to closed area for purposes of taking wildlife
  • license fraud
  • unlawful use of aircraft to take wildlife
  • waste of game meat
  • guiding without a license

Additional convictions may result in license privileges being revoked for longer periods up to permanently.

Civil Values for Species

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has approved minimum civil values for species. Anyone who is found to have unlawfully wounded or killed, or unlawfully possessed any of the following wildlife, may be subject to civil action by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and required to pay a fine based on the minimum civil value identified below.

For each bison - $15,976.08

For each elk - $6,940.18

For each bear - $6,798.41

For each bighorn sheep - $5,041.79

For each mule deer - $3,808.66

For each mountain lion - $3,445.94

For each pronghorn - $3,257.74

For each whitetail - $3,106.04

For each javelina - $2,523.37

For each turkey - $2,428.33

For each predator/furbearer - $267.50

For each small game/aquatic - $53.50

Off-Highway Vehicles

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) programs are responsible for promoting safe and ethical use, educating the public and enforcing laws associated with all OHV use. For a complete list of laws and regulations go to: www.azgfd.gov/ohv

OHV rules and laws:

  • All off-highway vehicles are required to have an Arizona OHV decal to be operated off-road on public land.
  • Arizona residents can purchase OHV decals through the Motor Vehicle Division at www.servicearizona.com. Residents will need to have obtained a license plate for the OHV before purchasing a decal online.
  • Nonresidents must purchase OHV decals online at ohv.azgfd.com.
  • Those wanting to operate an OHV on maintained roads must register their vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Division and obtain street-legal registration (MC license plate) as well as an OHV decal.
  • If your UTV is equipped with seatbelts, wear them — seatbelts help keep the operator and any passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident.
  • Motor vehicles are not permitted to assist in the taking of wildlife (except as permitted under the Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit, R12-4-217).
  • OHVs may only be used as a means of travel. It is unlawful to shoot from any OHV, or to shoot upon, from, across or into a road or railway.
  • It is unlawful to chase or harass any wildlife with a motorized vehicle.
  • Cross-country travel is strictly prohibited. Stay on roads and trails. Motorized big game retrieval is authorized in certain areas under certain circumstances. Check with the appropriate land management agency prior to your hunt to make sure motorized big game retrieval is legal for the species you are hunting in the unit you are hunting in.
  • A U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet that is properly fitted and fastened is required for all riders and passengers under the age of 18. This applies to all motorcycles and OHVs.
  • All OHVs are required to have a U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved spark arrestor device.
  • All OHVs are required to have either a muffler or other noise dissipative device that prevents sound above 96 decibels.
  • It is unlawful to drive an OHV on roads, trails, routes or areas marked closed by any land management agency or private land owner.
  • If you’re visiting from out of state, go to www.azgfd.gov/OHV for information on legally operating your OHV in Arizona.

Tips for OHV users:

  • Enjoy, don’t destroy! Help minimize the impacts of OHV use on wildlife and habitat by staying on designated roads and trails.
  • If you witness habitat damage or vandalism, report it to 800-VANDALS (826-3257).
  • It is your responsibility to know applicable OHV laws.
  • The national forests and Bureau of Land Management have Travel Management Plans that show open roads. Contact the appropriate agency for a free map of the open roads and trails.
  • Protect your access to different areas by respecting property, don’t litter, share trails and be considerate of others, avoid creating dust and keep out of closed areas.
  • Always be prepared by carrying a basic set of tools and a first-aid kit.

Firearms safety:

  • When carrying a rifle or shotgun on an OHV, it should be unloaded and put in a case that is firmly attached to the vehicle.
  • Don’t forget T.A.B. +1:
    • Treat every gun as if it were loaded,
    • Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, and
    • Be sure of your target and beyond.
    • +1 Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Operation Game Thief

Poachers are a serious threat to Arizona’s wildlife.

Every animal a poacher kills deprives ethical sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts of wildlife-related recreational opportunities. Please report any wildlife violations to the Operation Game Thief hotline, 800-352-0700. The hotline operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. All calls will remain confidential. Rewards of up to $8,000 may be offered upon arrest in certain cases.

A majority of cases are initiated by concerned sportsmen who call the Operation Game Thief hotline. You can and do make a difference! Poachers are thieves stealing from you. If you witness a violation the following information will assist us during our investigation:

What is the violation? Describe the activity that occurred and why it is unlawful.

Where did it occur? Be as specific as possible. It is necessary that our officers return to the site.

When did it occur? Is the activity ongoing or are you currently observing it?

Specific violator/vehicle information. What did the individual(s) look like and what were they wearing? What make, model and color vehicle were they driving? Record the license plate if possible and, if they left, the direction of travel.

Your name and telephone number. Although this is optional, the number of cases that are prosecuted from anonymous tips is very low. This is simply because most people do not know the type of information needed to successfully charge and prosecute a violation. Our officers want to talk with you. Your identity will remain confidential and is protected by law. We also want to give you a reward for the information you provided if an arrest is made in the case. Each year we pay out thousands of dollars in rewards to concerned citizens.

Operation Game Thief needs your help — call today 800-352-0700.

POACHING IS A CRIME

— Minimum Rewards —

For information that results in an arrest.

$500

Pronghorn, eagles, bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, javelina, mountain lion, turkey, or endangered or threatened wildlife

A minimum of $50, not to exceed $150, for cases that involve wildlife not listed above.

Make the Switch to Non-lead Ammunition

Making the choice to promote ecosystem health by voluntarily choosing to hunt with non-lead bullets is good for both the conservation of wildlife and preserving our hunting heritage. When lead-based ammunition is used to harvest game, the leadbased bullets fragment. Studies have shown the lead fragments remaining in animal parts left in the field can cause lead poisoning in scavengers at a level great enough to be lethal to wildlife. Lead poisoning from bullet fragments is preventable. By switching to non-lead ammunition when hunting, you become a stronger conservationist and retain your hunting heritage.

Lead Carcass
This image shows the carcass of a deer shot with a 7 mm lead-core, lead-tip bullet. There were 547 lead fragments. The arrow points to a carbon rod that was inserted to show the bullet path. Image courtesy of The Peregrine Fund.

Three Ps of Non-lead Ammo

Precision — All non-lead ammunition is milled, one bullet at a time, on metal lathes utilizing uniform tools to ensure each bullet is identical, which improves precision. Traditional leadbased bullets are created in a brass cup with molten lead. This manufacturing process introduces inconsistencies that can reduce precision in the field.

Performance — Most non-lead bullets peel open rather than mushroom under compression as a lead bullet does. This opening mechanism requires less energy, while retaining nearly 100 percent of the bullet weight. This results in greater impact at reasonable ranges and deeper penetration.

Price — Non-lead bullets are all premium bullets and when compared to premium lead-based bullets are very similar in price. While cheaper lead-based options exist, they do not deliver the same performance on game as premium bullets.

Legal Content

Number

Select Legal Information - A.R.S. Title 17 Laws (see azgfd.gov, azleg.gov and azsos.gov for all statutes and rules)

17-101

Definitions

17-231

General powers and duties of the commission

17-251

Possession or use of a firearm silencer or muffler while hunting; definition

17-301

Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking

17-301.01

Protection from wildlife

17-303

Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas

17-304

Prohibition by landowner on hunting; posting; exception

17-305

Possession of other weapons while hunting; violation; classification

17-308

Unlawful camping

17-309

Violations; classification

17-314

Illegally taking, wounding, killing or possessing wildlife; civil penalty; enforcement

17-331

License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order

17-332

Form and content of license; duplicate licenses; transfer of license prohibited; exceptions; refunds; period of validity; definitions

17-333

License classifications; fees; reduced fee and complimentary licenses; annual report; review

17-333.02

Trapping license; education; exemption

17-335

Blind resident; fishing license exemption

17-338

Remission of fees from sale of licenses and permits; violation; classification

17-340

Revocation, suspension and denial of privilege of taking wildlife; civil penalty; notice; violation; classification

17-341

Violation; classification

17-361

Trappers; licensing; restrictions; duties; reports

17-362

Guide license; violations; annual report

17-363

Practice of taxidermy; registration required; rules; register; revocation; suspension; civil penalty

17-371

Transportation, possession and sale of wildlife and wildlife parts

Number

Select Legal Information - Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules (see azgfd.gov, azleg.gov and azsos.gov for all statutes and rules)

Article 1 — Definitions and General Provisions


R12-4-101

Definitions

R12-4-103

Duplicate Tags and Licenses

R12-4-104

Application Procedures for Issuance of Hunt Permit-tags by Computer Draw and Purchase of Bonus Points

R12-4-107

Bonus Point System

R12-4-108

Management Unit Boundaries

R12-4-109

Approved Trapping Education Course Fee

R12-4-110

Posting and Access to State Land

R12-4-112

Diseased, Injured, or Chemically-immobilized Wildlife

R12-4-114

Issuance of Nonpermit-tags and Hunt Permit-tags

R12-4-115

Restricted Nonpermit-Tags; Supplemental Hunts and Hunter Pool

R12-4-117

Indian Reservations

R12-4-118

Hunt Permit-tag Surrender

R12-4-121

Tag Transfer

R12-4-127

Civil Liability for Loss of Wildlife

Article 2 — Licenses; Permits; Stamps; Tags


R12-4-201

Pioneer License

R12-4-202

Complimentary and Reduced-fee Disabled Veteran’s License; Reduced-fee Purple Heart Medal License

R12-4-203

National Harvest Information Program (HIP); State Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Stamp

R12-4-208

Guide License

R12-4-216

Crossbow Permit

R12-4-217

Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP)

Article 3 — Taking and Handling of Wildlife


R12-4-301

Definitions

R12-4-302

Use of Tags

R12-4-303

Unlawful Devices, Methods, and Ammunition

R12-4-304

Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles

R12-4-305

Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife

R12-4-306

Bison Hunt Requirements

R12-4-307

Trapping Regulations, Licensing; Methods; Tagging of Bobcat Pelts

R12-4-308

Wildlife Inspections, Check Stations, and Roadblocks

R12-4-318

Seasons for Lawfully Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles

R12-4-319

Use of Aircraft to Take Wildlife

R12-4-320

Harassment of Wildlife

R12-4-321

Restrictions for Taking Wildlife in City, County, or Town Parks and Preserves

R12-4-322

Pickup and Possession of Wildlife Carcasses or Parts

Article 6 — Rules of Practice Before the Commission, Article 8 - Wildlife Areas and Department Property


R12-4-609

Commission Orders

Article 8 — Wildlife Areas and Department Property


R12-4-801

General Provisions

R12-4-802

Wildlife Area and Other Department Managed Property Restrictions

Arizona Revised Statute — Title 17 Laws

A.R.S. 17-101

Definitions

A. In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:

  1. “Angling” means taking fish by one line and not more than two hooks, by one line and one artificial lure, which may have attached more than one hook, or by one line and not more than two artificial flies or lures.
  2. “Bag limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of wildlife that any one person may lawfully take during a specified period of time.
  3. “Closed season” means the time during which wildlife may not be lawfully taken.
  4. “Commission” means the Arizona game and fish commission.
  5. “Department” means the Arizona game and fish department.
  6. “Device” means any net, trap, snare, salt lick, scaffold, deadfall, pit, explosive, poison or stupefying substance, crossbow, firearm, bow and arrow, or other implement used for taking wildlife. Device does not include a raptor or any equipment used in the sport of falconry.
  7. “Domicile” means a person’s true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence. Proof of domicile in this state may be shown as prescribed by rule by the commission.
  8. “Falconry” means the sport of hunting or taking quarry with a trained raptor.
  9. “Fishing” means to lure, attract or pursue aquatic wildlife in such a manner that the wildlife may be captured or killed.
  10. “Fur dealer” means any person engaged in the business of buying for resale the raw pelts or furs of wild mammals.
  11. “Guide” means a person who meets any of the following: (a) Advertises for guiding services. (b) Holds himself out to the public for hire as a guide. (c) Is employed by a commercial enterprise as a guide. (d) Accepts compensation in any form commensurate with the market value in this state for guiding services in exchange for aiding, assisting, directing, leading or instructing a person in the field to locate and take wildlife. (e) Is not a landowner or lessee who, without full fair market compensation, allows access to the landowner’s or lessee’s property and directs and advises a person in taking wildlife.
  12. “License classification” means a type of license, permit, tag or stamp authorized under this title and prescribed by the commission by rule to take, handle or possess wildlife.
  13. “License year” means the twelve-month period between January 1 and December 31, inclusive, or a different twelve-month period as prescribed by the commission by rule.
  14. “Nonresident”, for the purposes of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp, means a citizen of the United States or an alien who is not a resident.
  15. “Open season” means the time during which wildlife may be lawfully taken.
  16. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of wildlife, that any one person may possess at one time.
  17. “Resident”, for the purposes of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp, means a person who is: (a) A member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty and who is stationed in: (i) This state for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp. (ii) Another state or country but who lists this state as the person’s home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp. (b) Domiciled in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp and who does not claim residency privileges for any purpose in any other state or jurisdiction. (c) A youth who resides with and is under the guardianship of a person who is a resident.
  18. “Road” means any maintained right-of-way for public conveyance.
  19. “Statewide” means all lands except those areas lying within the boundaries of state and federal refuges, parks and monuments, unless specifically provided differently by commission order.
  20. “Take” means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting wildlife or placing or using any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in capturing or killing wildlife.
  21. “Taxidermist” means any person who engages for hire in mounting, refurbishing, maintaining, restoring or preserving any display specimen.
  22. “Traps” or “trapping” means taking wildlife in any manner except with a gun or other implement in hand.
  23. “Wild” means, in reference to mammals and birds, those species that are normally found in a state of nature.
  24. “Wildlife” means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and fish, including their eggs or spawn.
  25. “Youth” means a person who is under eighteen years of age.
  26. “Zoo” means a commercial facility open to the public where the principal business is holding wildlife in captivity for exhibition purposes.

B. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply:

  1. “Aquatic wildlife” means fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and soft-shelled turtles.
  2. “Big game” means wild turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), bear and mountain lion.
  3. “Fur-bearing animals” means muskrats, raccoons, otters, weasels, bobcats, beavers, badgers and ringtail cats.
  4. “Game fish” means trout of all species, bass of all species, catfish of all species, sunfish of all species, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch.
  5. “Game mammals” means deer, elk, bear, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), mountain lion, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit.
  6. “Migratory game birds” means wild waterfowl, including ducks, geese and swans, Sandhill cranes, all coots, all gallinules, common snipe, wild doves and bandtail pigeons.
  7. “Nongame animals” means all wildlife except game mammals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals and aquatic wildlife.
  8. “Nongame birds” means all birds except upland game birds and migratory game birds.
  9. “Nongame fish” means all the species of fish except game fish.
  10. “Predatory animals” means foxes, skunks, coyotes and bobcats.
  11. “Raptors” means birds that are members of the order of falconiformes or strigiformes and includes falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and other birds that the commission may classify as raptors.
  12. “Small game” means cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds and migratory game birds.
  13. “Trout” means all species of the family salmonidae, including grayling.
  14. “Upland game birds” means quail, partridge, grouse and pheasants.

A.R.S. 17-231

General powers and duties of the commission

A. The commission shall:

  1. Establish hunting, trapping and fishing rules and prescribe the manner and methods that may be used in taking wildlife, but the commission shall not limit or restrict the magazine capacity of any authorized firearm.

A.R.S. 17-251

Possession or use of a firearm silencer or muffler while hunting; definition

A. The commission shall not adopt or enforce any rule that prohibits the lawful possession or use of a firearm silencer or muffler, including for the taking of wildlife or while hunting.

B. This section does not limit the authority of the commission to prescribe the type and caliber of firearm or ammunition that may be used for taking wildlife.

C. For the purposes of this section, “firearm silencer or muffler” means any device that is designed, made or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm.

A.R.S. 17-301

Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking

A. A person may take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, only during daylight hours unless otherwise prescribed by the commission. A person shall not take any species of wildlife by the aid or with the use of a jacklight, other artificial light, or illegal device, except as provided by the commission.

B. A person shall not take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, or discharge a firearm or shoot any other device from a motor vehicle, including an automobile, aircraft, train or powerboat, or from a sailboat, boat under sail, or a floating object towed by powerboat or sailboat except as expressly permitted by the commission. No person may knowingly discharge any firearm or shoot any other device upon, from, across or into a road or railway.

C. Fish may be taken only by angling unless otherwise provided by the commission. The line shall be constantly attended. In every case the hook, fly or lure shall be used in such manner that the fish voluntarily take or attempt to take it in their mouths.

D. It shall be unlawful to take wildlife with any leghold trap, any instant kill body gripping design trap, or by a poison or a snare on any public land, including state owned or state leased land, lands administered by the United States forest service, the federal bureau of land management, the national park service, the United States department of defense, the state parks board and any county or municipality. This subsection shall not prohibit:

  1. The use of the devices prescribed in this subsection by federal, state, county, city, or other local departments of health which have jurisdiction in the geographic area of such use, for the purpose of protection from or surveillance for threats to human health or safety.
  2. The taking of wildlife with firearms, with fishing equipment, with archery equipment, or other implements in hand as may be defined or regulated by the Arizona game and fish commission, including but not limited to the taking of wildlife pursuant to a hunting or fishing license issued by the Arizona game and fish department.
  3. The use of snares, traps not designed to kill, or nets to take wildlife for scientific research projects, sport falconry, or for relocation of the wildlife as may be defined or regulated by the Arizona game and fish commission or the government of the United States or both.
  4. The use of poisons or nets by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to take or manage aquatic wildlife as determined and regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
  5. The use of traps for rodent control or poisons for rodent control for the purpose of controlling wild and domestic rodents as otherwise allowed by the laws of the state of Arizona, excluding any fur-bearing animals as defined in section 17-101.

A.R.S. 17-301.01

Protection from wildlife

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any person may take wildlife in self-defense or in defense of another person if it is immediately necessary to protect oneself or to protect the other person.

B. A person shall notify the department within five days after taking wildlife under this section. No animal or part of an animal taken pursuant to this section may be retained, sold or removed from the site without authorization from the department.

A.R.S. 17-303

Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas or while trespassing

It is unlawful for any person:

  1. Except by commission order, to enter on a game refuge or other area that is closed to hunting, trapping or fishing and take, drive or attempt to drive wildlife from such an area.
  2. Without authorization from the landowner or lessee of private land, to take wildlife if Section 17-304, Subsection D, Paragraph 1 or 2 applies.

A.R.S. 17-304

Prohibition by landowner on hunting, fishing, trapping or guiding; trespassing; posting; requirements

A. Landowners or lessees of private land who desire to prohibit hunting, fishing, trapping or guiding on their lands without their permission shall post such lands closed to hunting, fishing, trapping or guiding using notices or signboards.

B. State or federal lands including those under lease may not be posted except by consent of the commission.

C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Be at least eight inches by eleven inches with plainly legible wording in capital and bold-faced lettering at least one inch high.
  2. Contain the words “no trespassing”, “no hunting”, “no trapping”, “no fishing” or “no guiding” either as a single phrase or in any combination.
  3. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or post at all points of vehicular access, at all property or fence corners and at intervals of not more than one-quarter mile along the property boundary, except that a post with one hundred square inches or more of orange paint may serve as the interval notices between property or fence corners and points of vehicular access. The orange paint shall be clearly visible and shall cover the entire aboveground surface of the post facing outward and on both lateral sides from the closed area.

D. The entry of any person for the taking of wildlife is not grounds for an action for criminal trespassing pursuant to section 13-1502 unless either:

  1. The land has been posted pursuant to this section and the notices and signboards also contain the words “no trespassing”.
  2. The person knowingly remains unlawfully on any real property after a reasonable request to leave by the owner or any other person having lawful control over the property or the person knowingly disregards reasonable notice prohibiting trespass at the person’s entry to any real property.

A.R.S. 17-305

Possession of other weapons while hunting; violation; classification

A. The possession of legal weapons, devices, ammunition or magazines, which are not authorized to take wildlife, is not prohibited while hunting if the weapon or device is not used to take wildlife.

B. Taking wildlife by using a weapon, device, ammunition, or magazine that is not authorized to take wildlife is a class 1 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-308

Unlawful camping

It is unlawful for a person to camp within one-fourth mile of a natural water hole containing water or a man-made watering facility containing water in such a place that wildlife or domestic stock will be denied access to the only reasonably available water.

A.R.S. 17-309

Violations; classification

A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to:

  1. 1Violate any provision of this title or any rule adopted pursuant to this title.
  2. Take, possess, transport, buy, sell or offer or expose for sale wildlife except as expressly permitted by this title.
  3. Destroy, injure or molest livestock, growing crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing.
  4. Discharge a firearm while taking wildlife within one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident.
  5. Take a game bird, game mammal or game fish and knowingly permit an edible portion thereof to go to waste, except as provided in section 17-302.
  6. Take big game, except bear or mountain lion, with the aid of dogs.
  7. Make more than one use of a shipping permit or coupon issued by the commission.
  8. Obtain a license or take wildlife during the period for which the person’s license has been revoked or suspended or the person has been denied a license.
  9. Litter hunting and fishing areas while taking wildlife.
  10. Take wildlife during the closed season.
  11. Take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that wildlife.
  12. Take wildlife with an unlawful device.
  13. Take wildlife by an unlawful method.
  14. Take wildlife in excess of the bag limit.
  15. Possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit.
  16. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of the wildlife that was unlawfully taken.
  17. Possess or transport the carcass of big game without a valid tag being attached.
  18. Use the edible parts of any game mammal or any part of any game bird or nongame bird as bait.
  19. Possess or transport the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife that cannot be identified as to species and legality.
  20. Take game animals, game birds and game fish with an explosive compound, poison or any other deleterious substances.
  21. Import into this state or export from this state the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife unlawfully taken or possessed.

B. Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is specifically prescribed a person who violates any provision of this title, or who violates or fails to comply with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

C. A person who knowingly takes any big game during a closed season or who knowingly possesses, transports or buys any big game that was unlawfully taken during a closed season is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

D. A person is guilty of a class 6 felony who knowingly:

  1. Barters, sells or offers for sale any big game or parts of big game taken unlawfully.
  2. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife unlawfully taken during a closed season.
  3. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife imported or purchased in violation of this title or a lawful rule of the commission.
  4. Assists another person for monetary gain with the unlawful taking of big game.
  5. Takes or possesses wildlife while under permanent revocation under section 17-340, subsection B, paragraph 3.

E. A peace officer who knowingly fails to enforce a lawful rule of the commission or this title is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-314

Illegally taking, wounding, killing or possessing wildlife; civil penalty; enforcement

A. The commission may impose a civil penalty against any person for unlawfully taking, wounding, killing, or possessing any of the following wildlife, or part thereof, to recover the following minimum sums:

  1. . For each turkey or javelin $ 500.00
  2. For each bear, mountain lion, pronghorn (antelope) or deer $1,500.00
  3. For each elk or eagle, other than endangered species $2,500.00
  4. For each predatory, fur-bearing or nongame animal $ 250.00
  5. For each small game or aquatic wildlife animal $ 50.00
  6. 6. For each bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo) or endangered species animal $8,000.00

B. The commission may bring a civil action in the name of this state to enforce the civil penalty. The civil penalty, or a verdict or judgment to enforce the civil penalty, shall not be less than the sum fixed in this section. The minimum sum that the commission may recover from a person pursuant to this section may be doubled for a second violation, verdict or judgment and tripled for a third violation, verdict or judgment. The action to enforce the civil penalty may be joined with an action for possession and recovery had for the possession as well as the civil penalty.

C. The pendency or determination of an action to enforce the civil penalty or for payment of the civil penalty or a judgment, or the pendency or determination of a criminal prosecution for the same taking, wounding, killing or possession, is not a bar to the other, nor does either affect the right of seizure under any other provision of the laws relating to game and fish.

D. All monies recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the wildlife theft prevention fund established by section 17-315.

A.R.S. 17-331

License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order

A. Except as provided by this title, rules prescribed by the commission or commission order, a person shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid license or a commission approved proof of purchase. The person shall carry the license or proof of purchase and produce it on request to any game ranger, wildlife manager or peace officer.

B. A certificate of noncompliance with a child support order issued pursuant to section 25-518 invalidates any license or proof of purchase issued to the support obligor for taking wildlife in this state and prohibits the support obligor from applying for any additional licenses issued by an automated drawing system under this title.

C. On receipt of a certificate of compliance with a child support order from the court pursuant to section 25-518 and without further action:

  1. Any license or proof of purchase issued to the support obligor for taking wildlife that was previously invalidated by a certificate of noncompliance and that has not otherwise expired shall be reinstated.
  2. Any ineligibility to apply for any license issued by an automated drawing system shall be removed.

A.R.S. 17-332 — Amended

Form and content of license; duplicate licenses; transfer of license prohibited; exceptions; refunds; period of validity; definitions

A. Licenses and license materials shall be prepared by the department and may be furnished and charged to dealers that are authorized to issue licenses. Each license shall be issued in the name of the department and signed in a manner provided by rule adopted by the commission. With each license authorizing the taking of big game, the department shall provide such tags as the commission may prescribe, which the licensee shall attach to the big game animal in the manner prescribed by the commission. The commission may limit the number or use of licenses that are issued to nonresidents or permits that are issued to nonresidents and that are not issued in a random drawing. The commission shall limit the number of big game permits issued to nonresidents in a random drawing to ten percent or fewer of the total hunt permits, but in extraordinary circumstances, at a public meeting the commission may increase the number of permits issued to nonresidents in a random drawing if, on separate roll call votes, the members of the commission unanimously:

  1. 1Support the finding of a specifically described extraordinary circumstance.
  2. Adopt the increased number of nonresident permits for the hunt.

B. The commission shall issue with each license a shipping permit entitling the holder of the license to a shipment of game or fish as provided by article 4 of this chapter.

C. It is unlawful, except as provided by the commission, for any person to apply for or obtain in any one license year more than one original license permitting the taking of big game. A duplicate license or tag may be issued by the department or by a license dealer if the person requesting such a license or tag furnishes the information deemed necessary by the commission.

D. A license or permit is not transferable and may not be used by anyone except the person to whom the license or permit was issued, except that:

  1. The commission may prescribe the manner and conditions of transferring and using permits and tags under this paragraph, including an application process for a qualified organization, to allow a person to transfer the person’s big game permit or tag to a qualified organization for use by:
    1. A minor child who has a life-threatening medical condition or a permanent physical disability.
    2. A minor child whose parent was killed in action while serving in the armed forces of the United States.
    3. A minor child whose parent was killed in the course and scope of employment as a peace officer.
    4. A minor child whose parent was killed in the course and scope of employment as a professional firefighter who is a member of a state, federal, tribal, city, town, county, district or private fire department.
    5. A veteran of the armed forces of the United States who has a service-connected disability.
  2. A parent, grandparent or legal guardian may allow the parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s minor child or minor grandchild to use the parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s big game permit or tag to take big game pursuant to the following requirements:
    1. The parent, grandparent or guardian must transfer the permit or tag to the minor child in a manner prescribed by the commission.
    2. The minor child must possess a valid hunting license.
    3. Any big game that is taken counts toward the minor child’s bag limit.

E. A minor child who uses a big game permit or tag pursuant to subsection D of this section and is under fourteen years of age must satisfactorily complete the Arizona hunter education course or another comparable hunter education course that is approved by the director.

F. Refunds may not be made for the purchase of a license or permit, except that the commission may prescribe a manner of refunding the cost of a big game permit or tag to the following individuals:

  1. An active duty member of the armed forces of the United States who is ordered to leave this state during the time period in which the big game permit or tag is valid for the taking of wildlife.
  2. A peace officer who is assigned to special duty during the time period in which the big game permit or tag is valid for the taking of wildlife.
  3. A professional firefighter who is a member of a state, federal, tribal, city, town, county, district or private fire department and who is assigned to special duty during the time period in which the big game permit or tag is valid for the taking of wildlife.

G. Licenses are valid for a license year as prescribed in rule by the commission. Lifetime licenses and benefactor licenses are valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

H. For the purposes of this section:

  1. “Disability” means a permanent physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and that requires the assistance of another person or a mechanical device for physical mobility.
  2. “Qualified organization” means a nonprofit organization that is qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the United States internal revenue code and that affords opportunities and experiences to minor children with life threatening medical conditions or with physical disabilities, minor children whose parents were killed in action while serving in the armed forces of the United States or in the course and scope of employment as peace officers or professional firefighters or to veterans with disabilities.

A.R.S. 17-333 — Amended

License classifications; fees; reduced fee and complimentary licenses; annual report; review

A. The commission shall prescribe by rule license classifications that are valid for the taking or handling of wildlife, fees for licenses, permits, tags and stamps and application fees.

B. The commission may temporarily reduce or waive any fee prescribed by rule under this title on the recommendation of the director.

C. The commission may reduce the fees for licenses and issue complimentary licenses, including the following:

  1. A complimentary license to a pioneer who is at least seventy years of age and who has been a resident of this state for twenty-five or more consecutive years immediately before applying for the license. The pioneer license is valid for the licensee’s lifetime, and the commission may not require renewal of the license.
  2. A complimentary license to a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who has been a resident of this state for one year or more immediately before applying for the license and who receives compensation from the United States government for a permanent service-connected disability rated as one hundred percent disabling.
  3. A license for a reduced fee of up to twenty-five percent less than the full license fee to a veteran of the United States armed forces who has been a resident of this state for one year or more immediately before applying for the license and who receives compensation from the United States government for a service-connected disability.
  4. A license for a reduced fee that is one-half of the full license fee to a person who has been a resident of this state for one year or more immediately before applying for the license and who submits satisfactory proof to the department that the person is a veteran and a bona fide purple heart medal recipient.
  5. A youth license for a reduced fee to a resident of this state who is either:
    1. A member of the boy scouts of America and who has attained the rank of eagle scout.
    2. A member of the girl scouts of the USA and who has received the gold award.

D. All monies collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, in the game and fish fund established by section 17-261.

E. On or before December 31 of each year, the commission shall submit an annual report to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the chairperson of the senate natural resources, energy and water committee and the chairperson of the house of representatives energy, environment and natural resources committee, or their successor committees, that includes information relating to license classifications, fees for licenses, permits, tags and stamps and any other fees that the commission prescribes by rule. The joint legislative audit committee may assign a committee of reference to hold a public hearing and review the annual report submitted by the commission.

A.R.S. 17-333.02

Trapping license; education; exemption

A. A person applying for a trapping license must successfully complete a trapping education course conducted or approved by the department before being issued a trapping license. The department shall conduct or approve an educational course of instruction in responsible trapping and environmental ethics. The course shall include instruction on the history of trapping, trapping ethics, trapping laws, techniques in safely releasing nontarget animals, trapping equipment, wildlife management, proper catch handling, trapper health and safety and considerations and ethics intended to avoid conflicts with other public land users. A person must pass a written examination to successfully complete the course. The department shall not approve a trapping education course conducted by any person, agency, corporation or other organization for which a fee is charged greater than an amount the commission determines per person.

B. A person who is born before January 1, 1967 or who has completed, from and after December 31, 1987 and before March 1, 1993, the voluntary trapper education course on responsible trapping conducted in cooperation with the Arizona game and fish department is exempt from subsection A of this section.

A.R.S. 17-335

Blind resident; fishing license exemption

A blind resident may fish without a license and is entitled to the same privileges as the holder of a valid license.

A.R.S. 17-338

Remission of fees from sale of licenses and permits; violation; classification

A. License dealers shall transmit to the department all license and permit fees collected and furnish such information as the commission prescribes by rule. The failure to transmit these fees within thirty days after the deadline the commission prescribes by rule is cause to cancel a license dealer’s license. The knowing failure to transmit all collected license and permit fees within thirty days is a class 2 misdemeanor.

B. A license dealer may collect and retain a reasonable fee as determined by the license dealer in addition to the fee charged to issue the license or permit.

A.R.S. 17-340

Revocation, suspension and denial of privilege of taking wildlife; civil penalty; notice; violation; classification

A. On conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent juvenile as defined in section 8-201 and in addition to other penalties prescribed by this title, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend a license issued to any person under this title and deny the person the right to secure another license to take or possess wildlife for a period of not to exceed five years for:

  1. Unlawful taking, unlawful selling, unlawful offering for sale, unlawful bartering or unlawful possession of wildlife.
  2. Careless use of firearms that resulted in the injury or death of any person.
  3. Destroying, injuring or molesting livestock, or damaging or destroying growing crops, personal property, notices or signboards or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing.
  4. Littering public hunting or fishing areas while taking wildlife.
  5. Knowingly allowing another person to use the person’s big game tag, except as provided by section 17-332, subsection D.
  6. A violation of section 17-303, 17-304, 17-316 or 17-341 or section 17-362, subsection A.
  7. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph 5 involving a waste of edible portions other than meat damaged due to the method of taking as follows:
    1. Upland game birds, migratory game birds and wild turkey: breast.
    2. Deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo) and peccary (javelina): hind quarters, front quarters and loins.
    3. Game fish: fillets of the fish.
  8. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph 1 involving any unlawful use of aircraft to take, assist in taking, harass, chase, drive, locate or assist in locating wildlife.

B. On conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent juvenile and in addition to any other penalties prescribed by this title:

  1. For a first conviction or a first adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the person’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to five years.
  2. For a second conviction or a second adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the person’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to ten years.
  3. For a third conviction or a third adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the person’s privilege to take wildlife permanently.

C. In accordance with title 41, chapter 6, article 10 and notwithstanding subsection A of this section, a person against whom the commission imposes a civil penalty under section 17-314 for the unlawful taking, wounding, killing or possession of wildlife may be denied the right to obtain a license to take wildlife until the person has made full payment of the civil penalty.

D. On receiving a report from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact adopted under chapter 5 of this title that a resident of this state has failed to comply with the terms of a wildlife citation, the commission, after a public hearing, may suspend any license issued under this title to take wildlife until the licensing authority furnishes satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation.

E. In carrying out this section, the director shall notify the licensee, within one hundred eighty days after conviction, to appear and show cause why the license should not be revoked, suspended or denied. The notice may be served personally or by certified mail sent to the address appearing on the license.

F. The commission shall furnish to license dealers the names and addresses of persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended, and the periods for which they have been denied the right to secure licenses.

G. The commission may use the services of the office of administrative hearings to conduct hearings and to make recommendations to the commission pursuant to this section.

H. Except for a person who takes or possesses wildlife while under permanent revocation, a person who takes wildlife in this state, or attempts to obtain a license to take wildlife, at a time when the person’s privilege to do so is suspended, revoked or denied under this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-341

Violation; classification

A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly purchase, apply for, accept, obtain or use, by fraud or misrepresentation a license, permit, tag or stamp to take wildlife and a license or permit so obtained is void and of no effect from the date of issuance thereof.

B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-361

Trappers; licensing; restrictions; duties; reports

A. The holder of a trapping license, may trap predatory, nongame, and fur-bearing mammals under such restrictions as the commission may specify.

B. All traps shall be plainly identified with the name, address, or registered number of the owner, and such markings of identification shall be filed with the department. All traps in use shall be inspected daily.

C. It shall be unlawful for a person to disturb the trap of another unless authorized to do so by the owner.

D. Pursuant to rules and regulations of the commission, each trapping licensee shall, on dates designated by the commission, submit on forms provided by the department, a legible report of the number of each kind of predatory, nongame and fur-bearing mammal taken and the names and addresses of the persons to whom they were shipped or sold or the wildlife management units where the animals were taken.

A.R.S. 17-362

Guide license; violations; annual report; carrying firearms

A. A person shall not act as a guide without first satisfying the director of the person’s qualifications and without having procured a guide license. A person who is under eighteen years of age shall not be issued a guide license.

B. If a licensed guide fails to comply with this title or is convicted of violating any provision of this title, in addition to any other penalty prescribed by this title:

  1. For a first offense, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend the guide license and deny the person the right to secure another license for a period of up to five years.
  2. For a second offense, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend the guide license and deny the person the right to secure another license for a period of up to ten years.
  3. For a third offense, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend the guide license and permanently deny the person the right to secure another license.

C. By January 10 of each year, or at the request of the commission, guides shall report to the department, on forms provided by the department, the name and address of each person guided, the number of days so employed and the number and species of game animals taken. A guide license shall not be issued to any person who has failed to deliver the report to the department for the preceding license year, or until meeting such requirements as the commission may prescribe.

A.R.S. 17-363

Practice of taxidermy; registration required; rules; register; revocation; suspension; civil penalty

A. A person shall not engage in the business of a taxidermist for hire until that person registers with the department. The department shall adopt rules to allow a person to register pursuant to this section.

B. A taxidermist shall:

  1. Keep a register of the names and addresses of persons who furnish raw and unmounted specimens, the taker’s tag or license number and the date and number of each species of wildlife received.
  2. Exhibit the register on request of an authorized representative of the department.
  3. Maintain the register for five years after the date the wildlife was received.
  4. File a copy of the register in English with the department on or before January 31 of each year.

C. After a public hearing, the commission may revoke or suspend the registration of a person who violates this section and deny the person the right to register with the department as a taxidermist for hire under subsection A of this section for a period not to exceed one year.

D. A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of one hundred fifty dollars.

A.R.S. 17-371

Transportation, possession and sale of wildlife and wildlife parts

A. A person may transport in his possession his legally taken wildlife, or may authorize the transportation of his legally taken big game, provided such big game or any part thereof has attached thereto a valid transportation permit issued by the department. Such wildlife shall be transported in such manner that it may be inspected by authorized persons upon demand until the wildlife is packaged or stored. Species of wildlife, other than game species, may be transported in any manner unless otherwise specified by the commission. A person possessing a valid license may transport lawfully taken wildlife other than big game given to him but in no event shall any person possess more than one bag or possession limit.

B. A holder of a resident license shall not transport from a point within to a point without the state any big game species or parts thereof without first having obtained a special permit issued by the department or its authorized agent.

C. Migratory birds may be possessed and transported in accordance with the migratory bird treaty act (40 Stat. 755; 16 United States Code sections 703 through 711) and regulations under that act.

D. A holder of a sport falconry license may transport one or more raptors that the person lawfully possesses under terms and conditions prescribed by the commission. Regardless of whether a person holds a sport falconry license and as provided by section 17-236, subsection C, the person may transport for sport falconry purposes one or more raptors that are not listed pursuant to the migratory bird treaty act.

E. Heads, horns, antlers, hides, feet or skin of wildlife lawfully taken, or the treated or mounted specimens thereof, may be possessed, sold and transported at any time, except that migratory birds may be possessed and transported only in accordance with federal regulations.

R12-4-101

Definitions

A. In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-101, R12-4-301, R12-4-401, and R12-4-501, the following definitions apply to this Chapter, unless otherwise specified:

  • “Arizona Conservation Education” means the conservation education course provided by Arizona Game and Fish Department in hunting safety, responsibility, and conservation.
  • “Arizona Hunter Education” means the hunter education course provided by Arizona Game and Fish Department in hunting safety, responsibility, and conservation meeting Association of Fish and Wildlife agreed upon reciprocity standards along with Arizona-specific requirements.
  • “Attach” means to fasten or affix a tag to a legally harvested animal. An electronic tag is considered attached once the validation code is fastened to the legally harvested animal.
  • “Bobcat seal” means the tag a person is required to attach to the raw pelt or unskinned carcass of any bobcat taken by trapping in Arizona or exported out of Arizona regardless of the method of take.
  • “Bonus point” means a credit that authorizes the Department to issue an applicant an additional computer-generated random number.
  • “Bow” means a long bow, flat bow, recurve bow, or compound bow of which the bowstring is drawn and held under tension entirely by the physical power of the shooter through all points of the draw cycle until the shooter purposely acts to release the bowstring either by relaxing the tension of the toes, fingers, or mouth or by triggering the release of a hand-held release aid.
  • “Certificate of insurance” means an official document, issued by the sponsor’s and sponsor’s vendors, or subcontractors insurance carrier, providing insurance against claims for injury to persons or damage to property which may arise from, or in connection with, the solicitation or event as determined by the Department.
  • “Cervid” means a mammal classified as a Cervidae, which includes but is not limited to caribou, elk, moose, mule deer, reindeer, wapiti, and whitetail deer; as defined in the taxonomic classification from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, available online at www. itis.gov.
  • “Commission Order” means a document adopted by the Commission that does one or more of the following: Open, close, or alter seasons, Open areas for taking wildlife, Set bag or possession limits for wildlife, Set the number of permits available for limited hunts, or Specify wildlife that may or may not be taken.
  • “Crossbow” means a device consisting of a bow affixed on a stock having a trigger mechanism to release the bowstring.
  • “Day-long” means the 24-hour period from one midnight to the following midnight.
  • “Department property” means those buildings or real property and wildlife areas under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
  • “Electronic tag” means a tag that is provided by the Department through an electronic device that syncs with the Department’s computer systems.
  • “Export” means to carry, send, or transport wildlife or wildlife parts out of Arizona to another state or country.
  • “Firearm” means any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon that will discharge, is designed to discharge, or may readily be converted to discharge a projectile by the action of an explosion caused by the burning of smokeless powder, black powder, or black powder substitute.
  • “Hunt area” means a management unit, portion of a management unit, or group of management units, or any portion of Arizona described in a Commission Order and not included in a management unit, opened to hunting.
  • “Hunt number” means the number assigned by Commission Order to any hunt area where a limited number of hunt permits are available. “Hunt permits” means the number of hunt permit-tags made available to the public as a result of a Commission Order.
  • “Hunt permit-tag” means a tag for a hunt for which a Commission Order has assigned a hunt number.
  • “Identification number” means the number assigned to each applicant or license holder by the Department as established under R12-4-111.
  • “Import” means to bring, send, receive, or transport wildlife or wildlife parts into Arizona from another state or country.
  • “License dealer” means a business authorized to sell hunting, fishing, and other licenses as established under R12-4- 105.
  • “Limited-entry permit-tag” means a permit made available for a limited-entry fishing or hunting season.
  • “Live baitfish” means any species of live freshwater fish designated by Commission Order as lawful for use in taking aquatic wildlife under R12-4-317.
  • “Management unit” means an area established by the Commission for management purposes.
  • “Nonpermit-tag” means a tag for a hunt for which a Commission Order does not assign a hunt number and the number of tags is not limited.
  • “Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is recognized under Section 501(c) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
  • “Person” has the meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 1-215.
  • “Proof of purchase,” for the purposes of A.R.S. § 17-331, means an original, or any authentic and verifiable form of the original, of any Department-issued license, permit, or stamp that establishes proof of actual purchase.
  • “Pursue” means to chase, tree, corner or hold wildlife at bay.
  • “Pursuit-only” means a person may pursue, but not kill, a bear, mountain lion, or raccoon on any management unit that is open to pursuit-only season, as defined under R12-4-318, by Commission Order.
  • “Pursuit-only permit” means a permit for a pursuit-only hunt for which a Commission Order does not assign a hunt number and the number of permits are not limited.
  • “Restricted nonpermit-tag” means a tag issued for a supplemental hunt as established under R12-4-115.
  • “Solicitation” means any activity that may be considered or interpreted as promoting, selling, or transferring products, services, memberships, or causes, or participation in an event or activity of any kind, including organizational, educational, public affairs, or protest activities, including the distribution or posting of advertising, handbills, leaflets, circulars, posters, or other printed materials for these purposes.
  • “Solicitation material” means advertising, circulars, flyers, handbills, leaflets, posters, or other printed information.
  • “Sponsor” means the person or persons conducting a solicitation or event.
  • “Stamp” means a form of authorization in addition to a license that authorizes the license holder to take wildlife specified by the stamp.
  • “Tag” means the Department authorization a person is required to obtain before taking certain wildlife as established under A.R.S. Title 17 and 12 A.A.C. 4.
  • “Validation code” means the unique code provided by the Department and associated with an electronic tag.
  • “Waterdog” means the larval or metamorphosing stage of a salamander.
  • “Wildlife area” means an area established under 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 8.

B. If the following terms are used in a Commission Order, the following definitions apply:

  • “Antlered” means having an antler fully erupted through the skin and capable of being shed.
  • “Antlerless” means not having an antler, antlers, or any part of an antler erupted through the skin.
  • “Bearded turkey” means a turkey with a beard that extends beyond the contour feathers of the breast.
  • “Buck pronghorn” means a male pronghorn.
  • “Adult bull bison” means a male bison of any age or any bison designated by a Department employee during an adult bull bison hunt.
  • “Adult cow bison” means a female bison of any age or any bison designated by a Department employee during an adult cow bison hunt.
  • “Bull elk” means an antlered elk.
  • “Designated” means the gender, age, or species of wildlife or the specifically identified wildlife the Department authorizes to be taken and possessed with a valid tag.
  • “Ram” means any male bighorn sheep.
  • “Rooster” means a male pheasant.
  • “Yearling bison” means any bison less than three years of age or any bison designated by a Department employee during a yearling bison hunt.

R12-4-103

Duplicate Tags and Licenses

A. Under A.R.S. § 17-332(C), the Department and its license dealers may issue a duplicate license or tag to an applicant who:

  1. Pays the applicable fee prescribed under R12-4-102, and
  2. Signs an affidavit. The affidavit is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office or license dealer.

B. The applicant shall provide the following information on the affidavit:

  1. The applicant’s personal information: a. Name; b. Department identification number, when applicable; c. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
  2. The original license or tag information: a. Type of license or tag; b. Place of purchase; c. Purchase date, when available;
  3. Disposition of the original tag for which a duplicate is being purchased:
    1. The tag was not used and is lost, destroyed, mutilated, or otherwise unusable; or
    2. The tag was placed on a harvested animal that was subsequently condemned and the carcass and all parts of the animal were surrendered to a Department employee as required under R12-4-112(B) and (C). An applicant applying for a duplicate tag under this subsection shall also submit the condemned meat duplicate tag authorization form issued by the Department.

C. In the event the Department is unable to verify the expiration date of the original license, the duplicate license shall expire on December 31 of the current year.

R12-4-104

Application Procedures for Issuance of Hunt Permit-tags by Computer Draw and Purchase of Bonus Points

A. For the purposes of this Section, “group” means all applicants who placed their names on a single application as part of the same application.

B. A person is eligible to apply:

  1. For a hunt permit-tag if the person:
    1. Is at least 10 years of age at the start of the hunt for which the person is applying;
    2. Has successfully completed a Department-sanctioned hunter education course by the start date of the hunt for which the person is applying, when the person is between 9 and 14 years of age;
    3. Has not reached the bag limit established under subsection (J) for that genus; and
    4. Is not suspended or revoked in this state as a result of an action under A.R.S. §§ 17-340 or 17-502 at the time the person submits an application.
  2. For a bonus point if the person:
    1. Is at least 10 years of age by the application deadline date; and
    2. Is not suspended or revoked in this state as a result of an action under A.R.S. §§ 17-340 or 17-502 at the time the person submits an application.

C. An applicant shall apply at the times, locations, and in the manner and method established by the hunt permit-tag application schedule published by the Department and available at any Department office, on the Department’s website, or a license dealer.

  1. The Commission shall set application deadline dates for hunt permit-tag computer draw applications through the hunt permit-tag application schedule.
  2. The Director has the authority to extend any application deadline date if a problem occurs that prevents the public from submitting a hunt permit-tag application within the deadlines set by the Commission.
  3. The Commission, through the hunt permit-tag application schedule, shall designate the manner and method of submitting an application, which may require an applicant to apply online only. If the Commission requires applicants to use the online method, the Department shall accept paper applications only in the event of a Department systems failure.

D. An applicant for a hunt permit-tag or a bonus point shall complete and submit a Hunt Permit-tag Application. The application form is available from any Department office, a license dealer, or on the Department’s website.

E. An applicant shall provide the following information on the Hunt Permit-tag Application:

  1. The applicant’s personal information:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth,
    3. Social security number, as required under A.R.S. §§ 25-320(P) and 25-502(K);
    4. Department identification number, when applicable; e
    5. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. If the applicant possesses a valid license authorizing the take of wildlife in this state, the number of the applicant’s license;
  3. If the applicant does not possess a valid license at the time of the application, the applicant shall purchase a license as established under subsection (K). The applicant shall provide all of the following information on the license application portion of the Hunt Permit-tag Application:
    1. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    2. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
    3. Type of license for which the person is applying; and
  4. Certify the information provided on the application is true and accurate;
  5. An applicant who is:
    1. Under the age of 10 and is submitting an application for a hunt other than big game is not required to have a license under this Chapter. The applicant shall indicate “youth” in the space provided for the license number on the Hunt Permit-tag Application.
    2. Age nine or older and is submitting an application for a big game hunt is required to purchase an appropriate license as required under this Section. The applicant shall either enter the appropriate license number in the space provided for the license number on the Hunt Permit-tag Application Form or purchase a license at the time of application, as applicable.

F. In addition to the information required under subsection (E), an applicant shall also submit all applicable fees established under R12-4-102, as follows:

  1. When applying electronically:
    1. The permit application fee; and
    2. The license fee, when the applicant does not possess a valid license at the time of application. The applicant shall submit payment in U.S. currency using valid credit or debit card.
    3. If an applicant is successful in the computer draw, the Department shall charge the hunt permit-tag fee using the credit or debit card furnished by the applicant.
  2. When applying manually:
    1. The fee for the applicable hunt permit-tag;
    2. The permit application fee; and
    3. The license fee if the applicant does not possess a valid license at the time of application. The applicant shall submit payment by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable in U.S. currency to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

G. An applicant shall apply for a specific hunt or a bonus point by the current hunt number. If all hunts selected by the applicant are filled at the time the application is processed in the computer draw, the Department shall deem the application unsuccessful, unless the application is for a bonus point.

  1. An applicant shall make all hunt choices for the same genus within one application.
  2. An applicant shall not include applications for different genera of wildlife in the same envelope.

H. An applicant shall submit only one valid application per genus of wildlife for any calendar year, except:

  1. If the bag limit is one per calendar year, an unsuccessful applicant may re-apply for remaining hunt permit-tags in unfilled hunt areas, as specified in the hunt permit-tag application schedule.
  2. For genera that have multiple draws within a single calendar year, a person who successfully draws a hunt permit-tag during an earlier season may apply for a later season for the same genus if the person has not taken the bag limit for that genus during a preceding hunt in the same calendar year.
  3. If the bag limit is more than one per calendar year, a person may apply for remaining hunt permit-tags in unfilled hunt areas as specified in the hunt permit-tag application schedule.

I. All members of a group shall apply for the same hunt numbers and in the same order of preference.

  1. No more than four persons may apply as a group.
  2. The Department shall not issue a hunt permit-tag to any group member unless sufficient hunt permit-tags are available for all group members.

J. A person shall not apply for a hunt permit-tag for:

  1. Rocky Mountain or desert bighorn sheep if the person has met the lifetime bag limit for that sub-species.
  2. Bison if the person has met the lifetime bag limit for that species.
  3. Any species when the person has reached the bag limit for that species during the same calendar year for which the hunt permit-tag applies.

K. To participate in:

  1. The computer draw system, an applicant shall possess an appropriate hunting license that shall be valid, either:
    1. On the last day of the application deadline for that computer draw, as established by the hunt permit-tag application schedule published by the Department, or
    2. On the last day of an extended deadline date, as authorized under subsection (C)(2).
    3. If an applicant does not possess an appropriate hunting license that meets the requirements of this subsection, the applicant shall purchase the license at the time of application.
  2. The bonus point system, an applicant shall comply with the requirements established under R12-4-107.

L. The Department shall reject as invalid a Hunt Permit-Tag Application not prepared or submitted in accordance with this Section or not prepared in a legible manner.

M. Any hunt permit-tag issued for an application that is subsequently found not to be in accordance with this Section is invalid.

N. The Department or its authorized agent shall deliver hunt permit-tags to successful applicants. The Department shall return application overpayments to the applicant designated “A” on the Hunt Permit-tag Application. The Department shall not refund:

  1. A permit application fee.
  2. A license fee submitted with a valid application for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point.
  3. An overpayment of five dollars or less. The Department shall consider the overpayment to be a donation to the Arizona Game and Fish Fund.

O. The Department shall award a bonus point for the appropriate species to an applicant when the payment submitted is less than the required fees, but is sufficient to cover the application fee and, when applicable, license fee.

P. When the Department determines a Department error, as defined under subsection (3), caused the rejection or denial of a valid application:

  1. The Director may authorize either:
    1. The issuance of an additional hunt permit-tag, provided the issuance of an additional hunt permit-tag will have no significant impact on the wildlife population to be hunted and the application for the hunt permit-tag would have otherwise been successful based on its random number, or
    2. The awarding of a bonus point when a hunt permit-tag is not issued.
  2. A person who is denied a hunt permit-tag or a bonus point under this subsection may appeal to the Commission as provided under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.
  3. For the purposes of this subsection, “Department error” means an internal processing error that:
    1. Prevented a person from lawfully submitting an application for a hunt permit-tag,
    2. Caused a person to submit an invalid application for a hunt permit-tag,
    3. Caused the rejection of an application for a hunt permit-tag,
    4. Failed to apply an applicant’s bonus points to a valid application for a hunt permit-tag, or
    5. Caused the denial of a hunt permit-tag.

R12-4-107

Bonus Point System

A. For the purpose of this Section, the following definitions apply:

  • “Bonus point hunt number” means the hunt number assigned in a Commission Order for use by an applicant who is applying for a bonus point only.
  • “Loyalty bonus point” means a bonus point awarded to a person who has submitted a valid application for a hunt permit-tag or a bonus point for a specific genus identified in subsection (B) at least once annually for a consecutive five-year period.

B. The bonus point system grants a person one random number entry in each computer draw for bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, javelina, pronghorn, Sandhill crane, or turkey for each bonus point that person has accumulated under this Section.

  1. Each bonus point random number entry is in addition to the entry normally granted under R12-4-104.
  2. When processing a “group” application, as defined under R12-4-104, the Department shall use the average number of bonus points accumulated by all persons in the group, rounded to the nearest whole number. If the average number of bonus points is equal to or greater than .5, the total will be rounded to the next higher number.
  3. The Department shall credit a bonus point under an applicant’s Department identification number for the genus on the application.
  4. The Department shall not transfer bonus points between persons or genera.

C. The Department shall award one bonus point to an applicant who submits a valid Hunt Permit-tag Application provided the following apply:

  1. The application is unsuccessful in the computer draw or the application is for a bonus point only;
  2. The application is not for a hunt permit-tag leftover after the computer draw and available on a first-come, firstserved basis as established under R12-4-114; and
  3. The applicant either provides the appropriate hunting license number on the application, or submits an application and fees for the applicable license with the Hunt Permit-tag Application Form, as applicable.

D. An applicant who purchases a bonus point only shall:

  1. Submit a valid Hunt Permit-tag Application, as prescribed under R12-4-104 at the times, locations, and in the manner and method established by the schedule published by the Department and available at any Department office, on the Department’s website, or a license dealer.
    1. When the application is submitted for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point, the Department shall reject any application that:
      1. Indicates the bonus point only hunt number as any choice other than the first-choice, or
      2. Includes any other hunt number on the application;
      3. Includes more than one Hunt Permit-tag Application per genus per computer draw, or
      4. Is submitted after the application deadline for that specific computer draw.
  2. When the application is submitted for a bonus point during the extended bonus point period, the Department shall reject any application that:
    1. Includes more than one Hunt Permit-tag Application per genus, or
    2. Is submitted after the application deadline for that extended bonus point period.
  3. Include the applicable fees:
    1. Application fee, and
    2. Applicable license fee, required when the applicant does not possess a valid license at the time of application and the applicant is applying for a hunt permit-tag.

E. With the exception of the conservation education and hunter education bonus points, each accumulated bonus point is valid only for the genus designated on the Hunt Permit-tag Application.

F. With the exception of a permanent bonus point awarded for conservation education or hunter education and a loyalty bonus point which is accrued and forfeited as established under subsection (L), a person’s accumulated bonus points for a genus are expended if:

  1. The person is issued a hunt permit-tag for that genus in a computer draw;
  2. The person fails to submit a Hunt Permit-tag Application for that genus for five consecutive years; or
  3. The person purchases a surrendered tag as prescribed under R12-4-118(F)(1), (2), or (3).

G. Notwithstanding subsection (F), the Department shall restore any expended bonus points to a person who surrenders or transfers a tag in compliance with R12-4-118 or R12-4-121.

H. An applicant issued a first-come, first-served hunt permit-tag under R12-4-114(C)(2)(e) after the computer draw does not expend bonus points for that genus.

I. An applicant who is unsuccessful for a first-come, firstserved hunt permit-tag made available by the Department after the computer draw is not eligible to receive a bonus point.

J The Department shall award one permanent bonus point for each genus upon a person’s first graduation from a either:

  1. A Department-sanctioned Arizona Hunter Education Course completed after January 1, 1980, or
  2. The Department’s Arizona Conservation Education Course completed after January 1, 2021.
    1. Course participants are required to provide the following information upon registration, the participants:
      1. Name;
      2. Mailing address;
      3. Telephone number;
      4. E-mail address, when available;
      5. Date of birth; and
      6. Department ID number, when applicable.
    2. The Arizona Game and Fish Department-certified Instructor shall submit the course paperwork to the Department within 10 business days of course completion. Course paperwork must be received by the Department no less than 30 days before the computer draw application deadline, as specified in the hunt permit-tag application schedule in order for the Department to assign hunter education bonus points in the next computer draw.
    3. Any person who is nine years of age or older may participate in a hunter education course or the Department’s conservation education course. When the person is under 10 years of age, the hunter education completion card and certificate shall become valid on the person’s 10th birthday.
    4. The Department shall not award hunter education bonus points for any of the following specialized hunter education courses:
      1. Bowhunter Education,
      2. Trapper Education, or
      3. Advanced Hunter Education.

K. The Department provides an applicant’s total number of accumulated bonus points on the Department’s application website or IVR telephone system.

  1. If a person believes the total number of accumulated bonus points is incorrect, the person may request proof of compliance with this Section, from the Department, to prove Department error.
  2. In the event of an error, the Department shall correct the person’s record.

L. The following provisions apply to the loyalty bonus point program:

  1. An applicant who submits a valid application at least once a year for a hunt permit-tag or a bonus point for a specific genus consecutively for a five-year period shall accrue a loyalty bonus point for that genus.
  2. Except as established under subsection (N), once a loyalty bonus point is accrued, the applicant shall retain the loyalty bonus point provided the applicant annually submits an application, with funds sufficient to cover all application fees and applicable license fees for each applicant listed on the application, for a hunt permit-tag or a bonus point for the genus for which the loyalty bonus point was accrued.
  3. An applicant who fails to apply in any calendar year for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point for the genus for which the loyalty bonus point was accrued shall forfeit the loyalty bonus point for that genus.
  4. A loyalty bonus point is accrued in addition to all other bonus points.

M. A military member, military reserve member, member of the National Guard, or emergency response personnel with a public agency may request the reinstatement of any expended bonus points for a successful Hunt Permit-tag Application.

  1. To request reinstatement of expended bonus points under these circumstances, an applicant shall submit all of the following information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Draw Section, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086:
    1. Evidence of mobilization or change in duty status, such as a letter from the public agency or official orders; or
    2. An official declaration of a state of emergency from the public agency or authority making the declaration of emergency, if applicable; and
    3. The valid, unused hunt permit-tag.
  2. The Department shall deny requests post-marked after the beginning date of the hunt for which the hunt permit-tag is valid, unless the person also submits, with the request, evidence of mobilization, activation, or a change in duty status that precluded the applicant from submitting the hunt permit-tag before the beginning date of the hunt.
  3. Under A.R.S. § 17-332(E), no refunds for a license or hunt permit-tag will be issued to an applicant who applies for reinstatement of bonus points under this subsection.
  4. Reinstatement of bonus points under this subsection is not subject to the requirements established under R12- 4-118.

N. It is unlawful for a person to purchase or accrue a bonus point by fraud or misrepresentation and any bonus point so obtained shall be removed from the person’s Department record.

R12-4-108

Management Unit Boundaries

A. For the purpose of this Section, parentheses mean “also known as,” and the following definitions shall apply:

  • “FH” means forest highway.
  • “FR” means forest road.
  • “Hwy” means Highway.
  • “I-8” means Interstate Highway 8.
  • “I-10” means Interstate Highway 10.
  • “I-15” means Interstate Highway 15.
  • “I-17” means Interstate Highway 17.
  • “I-19” means Interstate Highway 19.
  • “I-40” means Interstate Highway 40. “mp” means milepost.

B. The state is divided into units for the purpose of managing wildlife. Each unit is identified by a number, or a number and letter. For the purpose of this Section, Indian reservation land contained within any management unit is not under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission or the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

C. Management unit descriptions are as follows:

Unit 1 – Beginning at the New Mexico state line and U.S. Hwy 60; west on U.S. Hwy 60 to Vernon Junction; southerly on the Vernon-McNary road (FR 224) to the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation boundary; east and south along the reservation boundary to Black River; east and north along Black River to the east fork of Black River; north along the east fork to Three Forks; and continuing north and east on the Three Forks-Williams Valley Alpine Rd. (FR 249) to U.S. Hwy 180; east on U.S. Hwy 180 to the New Mexico state line; north along the state line to U.S. Hwy 60.

Unit 2A – Beginning at St. Johns on U.S. Hwy 191 (AZ Hwy 61); north on U.S. Hwy 191 (AZ Hwy 61) to the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; westerly along the reservation boundary to AZ Hwy 77; south on AZ Hwy 77 to Exit 292 on I-40; west on the westbound lane of I-40 to Exit 286; south on AZ Hwy 77 to U.S. Hwy 180; southeast on U.S. Hwy 180 to AZ Hwy 180A; south on AZ Hwy 180A to AZ Hwy 61; east on AZ Hwy 61 to U.S. Hwy 180 (AZ Hwy 61); east to U.S. Hwy 191 at St. Johns; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Zuni Tribe.

Unit 2B – Beginning at Springerville; east on U.S. Hwy 60 to the New Mexico state line; north along the state line to the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; westerly along the reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 191 (AZ Hwy 61); south on U.S. Hwy 191 (U.S. Hwy 180) to Springerville.

Unit 2C – Beginning at St. Johns on U.S. Hwy 191 (AZ Hwy 61); west on to AZ Hwy 61 Concho; southwest on AZ Hwy 61 to U.S. Hwy 60; east on U.S. Hwy 60 to U.S. Hwy 191 (U.S. Hwy 180); north on U.S. Hwy 191 (U.S. Hwy 180) to St. Johns.

Unit 3A – Beginning at the junction of U.S. Hwy 180 and AZ Hwy 77; south on AZ Hwy 77 to AZ Hwy 377; southwesterly on AZ Hwy 377 to AZ Hwy 277; easterly on AZ Hwy 277 to Snowflake; easterly on the Snowflake-Concho Rd. to U.S. Hwy 180A; north on U.S. Hwy 180A to U.S. Hwy 180; northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 180 to AZ Hwy 77.

Unit 3B – Beginning at Snowflake; southerly along AZ Hwy 77 to U.S. Hwy 60; southwesterly along U.S. Hwy 60 to the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation boundary; easterly along the reservation boundary to the Vernon-McNary Rd. (FR 224); northerly along the Vernon-McNary Rd. to U.S. Hwy 60; west on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 61; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 61 to AZ Hwy 180A; northerly on AZ Hwy 180A to Concho-Snowflake Rd.; westerly on the Concho-Snowflake Rd. to Snowflake.

Unit 3C – Beginning at Snowflake; westerly on AZ Hwy 277 to AZ Hwy 260; westerly on AZ Hwy 260 to the Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the Tonto National Forest; easterly along the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest boundary to U.S. Hwy 60 (AZ Hwy 77); northeasterly on U.S. Hwy 60 (AZ Hwy 77) to Showlow; northerly along AZ Hwy 77 to Snowflake.

Unit 4A – Beginning on the boundary of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest with the Coconino National Forest at the Mogollon Rim; north along this boundary (Leonard Canyon) to East Clear Creek; northerly along East Clear Creek to AZ Hwy 99; north on AZ Hwy 99 to AZ Hwy 87; north on AZ Hwy 87 to Business I-40 (3rd St.); west on Business I-40 (3rd St.) to Hipkoe Dr.; northerly on Hipkoe Dr. to I-40; west on I-40 to mp 221.4; north to the southwest corner of the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; east along the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary to the Little Colorado River; southerly along the Little Colorado River to Chevelon Creek; southerly along Chevelon Creek to Woods Canyon; westerly along Woods Canyon to Woods Canyon Lake Rd.; westerly and southerly along the Woods Canyon Lake Rd. to the Mogollon Rim; westerly along the Mogollon Rim to the boundary of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest with the Coconino National Forest.

Unit 4B – Beginning at AZ Hwy 260 and the Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the Tonto National Forest; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 260 to AZ Hwy 277; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 277 to Hwy 377; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 377 to AZ Hwy 77; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 77 to I-40 Exit 286; northeasterly along the westbound lane of I-40 to Exit 292; north on AZ Hwy 77 to the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; west along the reservation boundary to the Little Colorado River; southerly along the Little Colorado River to Chevelon Creek; southerly along Chevelon Creek to Woods Canyon; westerly along Woods Canyon to Woods Canyon Lake Rd. (FH 151); westerly and southerly along the Woods Canyon Lake Rd. (FH 151) to the Mogollon Rim; easterly along the Mogollon Rim to the intersection of AZ Hwy 260 and the Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the Tonto National Forest.

Unit 5A – Beginning at the junction of the Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the Coconino National Forest boundary at the Mogollon Rim; northerly along this boundary (Leonard Canyon) to East Clear Creek; northeasterly along East Clear Creek to AZ Hwy 99; north on AZ Hwy 99 to AZ Hwy 87; north on AZ Hwy 87 to Business I-40 (3rd St.); west on Business I-40 (3rd St.) to Hipkoe Dr.; north on Hipkoe Dr. to I-40; west on I-40 to the Meteor Crater Rd. (Exit 233); southerly on the Meteor Crater-Chavez Pass-Jack’s Canyon Rd. (FR 69) to AZ Hwy 87; southwesterly along AZ Hwy 87 to the Coconino-Tonto National Forest boundary; easterly along the Coconino-Tonto National Forest boundary (Mogollon Rim) to the Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the Coconino National Forest.

Unit 5B – Beginning at Lake Mary-Clint’s Well Rd. (FH3) and Walnut Canyon (mp 337.5 on FH3); southeasterly on FH3 to AZ Hwy 87; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 87 to FR 69; westerly and northerly on FR 69 to I-40 (Exit 233); west on I-40 to Walnut Canyon (mp 210.2); southwesterly along the bottom of Walnut Canyon to Walnut Canyon National Monument; southwesterly along the northern boundary of the Walnut Canyon National Monument to Walnut Canyon; southwesterly along the bottom of Walnut Canyon to FH3 (mp 337.5).

Unit 6A – Beginning at the junction of U.S. AZ Hwy 89A and FR 237; southwesterly on U.S. AZ Hwy 89A to the Verde River; southeasterly along the Verde River to the confluence with Fossil Creek; northeasterly along Fossil Creek to Fossil Springs; southeasterly on FS trail 18 (Fossil Spring Trail) to the top of the rim; northeasterly on the rim to Nash Point on the Tonto-Coconino National Forest boundary; easterly along this boundary to AZ Hwy 87; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 87 to Lake Mary-Clint’s Well Rd. (FH3); northwesterly on FH3 to FR 132; southwesterly on FR 132 to FR 296; southwesterly on FR 296 to FR 296A; southwesterly on FR 296A to FR 132; northwesterly on FR 132 to FR 235; westerly on FR 235 to Priest Draw; southwesterly along the bottom of Priest Draw to FR 235; westerly on FR 235 to FR 235A; westerly on FR 235A to FR 235; southerly on FR 235 to FR 235K; northwesterly on FR 235K to FR 700; northerly on FR 700 to Mountainaire Rd.; west on Mountainaire Rd. to FR 237; westerly on FR 237 to U.S0. AZ Hwy 89A except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Unit 6B – Beginning at mp 188.5 on I-40 at a point just north of the east boundary of Camp Navajo; south along the eastern boundary of Camp Navajo to the southeastern corner of Camp Navajo; southeast approximately 1/3 mile through the forest to the forest road in section 33; southeast on the forest road to FR 231 (Woody Mountain Rd.); easterly on FR 231 to FR 533; southerly on FR 533 to U.S. AZ Hwy 89A; southerly on U.S. AZ Hwy 89A to the Verde River; northerly along the Verde River to Sycamore Creek; northeasterly along Sycamore Creek and Volunteer Canyon to the southwest corner of the Camp Navajo boundary; northerly along the western boundary of Camp Navajo to the northwest corner of Camp Navajo; continuing north to I-40 (mp 180.0); easterly along I-40 to mp 188.5.

Unit 7 – Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 64 and I-40 (in Williams); easterly on I-40 to FR 171 (mp 184.4 on I-40); northerly on FR 171 to the Transwestern Gas Pipeline; easterly along the Transwestern Gas Pipeline to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Rd.); northeasterly on FR 420 to U.S. Hwy 89; across U.S. Hwy 89 to FR 545; east on FR 545 to the Sunset Crater National Monument; easterly along the southern boundary of the Sunset Crater National Monument to FR 545; east on FR 545 to the 345 KV transmission lines 1 and 2; southeasterly along the power lines to I-40 (mp 212 on I-40); east on I-40 to mp 221.4; north to the southwest corner of the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; northerly and westerly along the reservation boundary to the Four Corners Gas Line; southwesterly along the Four Corners Gas Line to U.S. Hwy 180; west on U.S. Hwy 180 to AZ Hwy 64; south on AZ Hwy 64 to I-40.

Unit 8 – Beginning at the junction of I-40 and AZ Hwy 89 (in Ash Fork, Exit 146); south on AZ Hwy 89 to the Verde River; easterly along the Verde River to Sycamore Creek; northerly along Sycamore Creek to Volunteer Canyon; northeasterly along Volunteer Canyon to the west boundary of Camp Navajo; north along the boundary to a point directly north of I-40; west on I-40 to AZ Hwy 89.

Unit 9 – Beginning where Cataract Creek enters the Havasupai Reservation; easterly and northerly along the Havasupai Reservation boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; easterly along the Grand Canyon National Park boundary to the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary; southerly along the reservation boundary to the Four Corners Gas Line; southwesterly along the Four Corners Gas Line to U.S. Hwy 180; westerly along U.S. Hwy 180 to AZ Hwy 64; south along AZ Hwy 64 to Airpark Rd.; west and north along Airpark Rd. to the Valle-Cataract Creek Rd.; westerly along the Valle-Cataract Creek Rd. to Cataract Creek at Island Tank; northwesterly along Cataract Creek to the Havasupai Reservation Boundary.

Unit 10 – Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 64 and I-40; westerly on I-40 to Crookton Rd. (AZ Hwy 66, Exit 139); westerly on AZ Hwy 66 to the Hualapai Indian Reservation boundary; northeasterly along the reservation boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; east along the park boundary to the Havasupai Indian Reservation; easterly and southerly along the reservation boundary to where Cataract Creek enters the reservation; southeasterly along Cataract Creek in Cataract Canyon to Island Tank; easterly on the Cataract Creek-Valle Rd. to Airpark Rd.; south and east along Airpark Rd. to AZ Hwy 64; south on AZ Hwy 64 to I-40.

Unit 11M – Beginning at the junction of Lake Mary Clint’s Well Rd (FH3) and Walnut Canyon (mp 337.5 on FH3); northeasterly along the bottom of Walnut Canyon to the Walnut Canyon National Monument boundary; northeasterly along the northern boundary of the Walnut Canyon National Monument to Walnut Canyon; northeasterly along the bottom of Walnut Canyon to I-40 (mp 210.2); east on I-40 to the 345 KV transmission lines 1&2 (mp 212 on I-40); north and northeasterly along the power line to FR 545 (Sunset Crater Rd); west along FR 545 to the Sunset Crater National Monument boundary; westerly along the southern boundary of the Sunset Crater National monument to FR 545; west on FR 545 to U.S. Hwy 89; across U.S. Hwy 89 to FR 420 (Schultz Pass Rd); southwesterly on FR 420 to the Transwestern Gas Pipeline; westerly along the Transwestern Gas Pipeline to FR 171; south on FR 171 to I-40 (mp 184.4 on I-40); east on I-40 to a point just north of the eastern boundary of the Navajo Army Depot (mp 188.5 on I-40); south along the eastern boundary of the Navajo Army Depot to the southeast corner of the Depot; southeast approximately 1/3 mile to forest road in section 33; southeasterly along that forest road to FR 231 (Woody Mountain Rd); easterly on FR 231 to FR 533; southerly on FR 533 to U.S. Hwy 89A; southerly on U.S. Hwy 89A to FR 237; northeasterly on FR 237 to Mountainaire Rd; easterly on Mountainaire Rd to FR 700; southerly on FR 700 to FR 235K; southeasterly on FR 235K to FR 235; northerly on FR 235 to FR 235A; easterly on FR 235A to FR 235; easterly on FR 235 to Priest Draw; northeasterly along the bottom of Priest Draw to FR 235; easterly on FR 235 to FR 132; southeasterly on FR 132 to FR 296A; northeasterly on FR 296A to FR 296; northeasterly on FR 296 to FR 132; northeasterly on FR 132 to FH 3; southeasterly on FH 3 to the south rim of Walnut Canyon (mp 337.5 on FH3).

Unit 12A – Beginning at the confluence of the Colorado River and South Canyon; southerly and westerly along the Colorado River to Kanab Creek; northerly along Kanab Creek to Snake Gulch; northerly, easterly, and southerly around the Kaibab National Forest boundary to South Canyon; northeasterly along South Canyon to the Colorado River.

Unit 12B – Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab National Forest boundary near mp 566; southerly and easterly along the forest boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; northeasterly along the park boundary to Glen Canyon National Recreation area; easterly along the recreation area boundary to the Colorado River; northeasterly along the Colorado River to the Arizona-Utah state line; westerly along the state line to Kanab Creek; southerly along Kanab Creek to the Kaibab National Forest boundary; northerly, easterly, and southerly along this boundary to U.S. Hwy 89A near mp 566; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.

Unit 13A – Beginning on the western edge of the Hurricane Rim at the Utah state line; southerly along the western edge of the Hurricane Rim to Mohave County Rd. 5 (the Mt. Trumbull Rd.); west along Mohave County Rd. 5 to the town of Mt. Trumbull (Bundyville); south from the town of Mt. Trumbull (Bundyville) on Mohave County Rd. 257 to BLM Rd. 1045; south on BLM Rd. 1045 to where it crosses Cold Spring Wash near Cold Spring Wash Pond; south along the bottom of Cold Spring Wash to Whitmore Wash; southerly along the bottom of Whitmore Wash to the Colorado River; easterly along the Colorado River to Kanab Creek; northerly along Kanab Creek to the Utah state line; west along the Utah state line to the western edge of the Hurricane Rim; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.

Unit 13B – Beginning on the western edge of the Hurricane Rim at the Utah state line; southerly along the western edge of the Hurricane Rim to Mohave County Rd. 5 (the Mt. Trumbull Rd.); west along Mohave County Rd. 5 to the town of Mt. Trumbull (Bundyville); south from the town of Mt. Trumbull (Bundyville) on Mohave County Rd. 257 to BLM Rd. 1045; south on BLM Rd. 1045 to where it crosses Cold Spring Wash near Cold Spring Wash Pond; south along the bottom of Cold Spring Wash to Whitmore Wash; southerly along the bottom of Whitmore Wash to the Colorado River; westerly along the Colorado River to the Nevada state line; north along the Nevada state line to the Utah state line; east along the Utah state line to the western edge of the Hurricane Rim.

Unit 15A – Beginning at Pearce Ferry on the Colorado River; southerly on the Pearce Ferry Rd. to Antares Rd.; southeasterly on Antares Rd. to AZ Hwy 66; easterly on AZ Hwy 66 to the Hualapai Indian Reservation; west and north along the west boundary of the reservation to the Colorado River; westerly along the Colorado River to Pearce Ferry; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

Unit 15B – Beginning at Kingman on I-40 (Exit 48); northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 93 to Hoover Dam; north and east along the Colorado River to Pearce Ferry; southerly on the Pearce Ferry Rd. to Antares Rd.; southeasterly on Antares Rd. to AZ Hwy 66; easterly on AZ Hwy 66 to Hackberry Rd.; southerly on the Hackberry Rd.; west on I-40 to Kingman (Exit 48).

Unit 15C – Beginning at Hoover Dam; southerly along the Colorado River to AZ Hwy 68 and Davis Dam; easterly on AZ Hwy 68 to U.S. Hwy 93; northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 93 to Hoover Dam.

Unit 15D – Beginning at AZ Hwy 68 and Davis Dam; southerly along the Colorado River to I-40; east and north on I-40 to Kingman (Exit 48); northwest on U.S. Hwy 93 to AZ Hwy 68; west on AZ Hwy 68 to Davis Dam; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe.

Unit 16A – Beginning at Kingman on I-40 (Exit 48); south and west on I-40 to U.S. Hwy 95 (Exit 9); southerly on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Bill Williams River; easterly along the Bill Williams and Santa Maria rivers to U.S. Hwy 93; north on U.S. Hwy 93 to I-40 (Exit 71); west on I-40 to Kingman (Exit 48).

Unit 16B – Beginning at I-40 on the Colorado River; southerly along the Arizona-California state line to the Bill Williams River; east along the Bill Williams River to U.S. Hwy 95; north on U.S. Hwy 95 to I-40 (Exit 9); west on I-40 to the Colorado River.

Unit 17A – Beginning at the junction of the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Road 5) and the Camp Wood Rd. (FR 21); westerly on the Camp Wood Rd. to the west boundary of the Prescott National Forest; north along the forest boundary to the Baca Grant; east, north and west around the grant to the west boundary of the Prescott National Forest; north and east along the forest boundary to the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6); southerly on Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6) to the Camp Wood Rd.

Unit 17B – Beginning at the junction of Iron Springs Rd. (County Rd. 10) and Williamson Valley Rd. (County Road 5) in Prescott; westerly on the Prescott-Skull Valley-Hillside-Bagdad Rd. to Bagdad; northeast on the Bagdad-Camp Wood Rd. (FR 21) to the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6); south on the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6) to the Iron Springs Rd.

Unit 18A – Beginning at Seligman; westerly on AZ Hwy 66 to the Hualapai Indian Reservation; southwest and west along the reservation boundary to AZ Hwy 66; southwest on AZ Hwy 66 to the Hackberry Rd.; south on the Hackberry Rd. to I-40; west along I-40 to U.S. Hwy 93; south on U.S. Hwy 93 to Cane Springs Wash; easterly along Cane Springs Wash to the Big Sandy River; northerly along the Big Sandy River to Trout Creek; northeast along Trout Creek to the Davis Dam-Prescott power line; southeasterly along the power line to the west boundary of the Prescott National Forest; north and east along the forest boundary to the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6); northerly on the Williamson Valley Rd. (County Rd. 5, FR 6) to Seligman and AZ Hwy 66; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

Unit 18B – Beginning at Bagdad; southeast on AZ Hwy 96 to the Santa Maria River; southwest along the Santa Maria River to U.S. Hwy 93; northerly on U.S. Hwy 93 to Cane Springs Wash; easterly along Cane Springs Wash to the Big Sandy River; northerly along the Big Sandy River to Trout Creek; northeasterly along Trout Creek to the Davis Dam-Prescott power line; southeasterly along the power line to the west boundary of the Prescott National Forest; south along the forest boundary to the Baca Grant; east, south and west along the forest boundary; south along the west boundary of the Prescott National Forest; to the Camp Wood-Bagdad Rd.; southwesterly on the Camp Wood-Bagdad Rd. to Bagdad; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

Unit 19A – Beginning at AZ Hwy 69 and AZ Hwy 89 (in Prescott); northerly on AZ Hwy 89 to the Verde River; easterly along the Verde River to I-17; southwesterly on the southbound lane of I-17 to AZ Hwy 69; northwesterly on AZ Hwy 69 to AZ Hwy 89; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the YavapaiPrescott Tribe and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Unit 19B – Beginning at the intersection of AZ Hwy 89 and AZ Hwy 69, west on Gurley St. to Grove Ave.; north on the Grove Ave. to Miller Valley Rd.; northwest on the Miller Valley Rd. to Iron Springs Rd.; northwest on the Iron Springs Rd. to the junction of Williamson Valley Rd. and Iron Springs Rd.; northerly on the Williamson Valley-Prescott-Seligman Rd. (FR 6, Williamson Valley Rd.) to AZ Hwy 66 at Seligman; east on Crookton Rd. (AZ Hwy 66) to I-40 (Exit 139); east on I-40 to AZ Hwy 89; south on AZ Hwy 89 to the junction with AZ Hwy 69; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe. Unit

20A –Beginning at the intersection of AZ Hwy 89 and AZ Hwy 69; west on Gurley St. to Grove Ave.; north on the Grove Ave. to Miller Valley Rd., northwest on the Miller Valley Rd. to Iron Springs Rd., west and south on Iron Springs Rd. (County Road 10) to Kirkland; south and east on AZ Hwy 96 to Kirkland Junction (U.S. Hwy 89); southeasterly along Wagoner Rd. (County Road 60) to Wagoner (mp 17); from Wagoner easterly along County Road 60 (FR 362) to intersection of FR 52; easterly along FR 52 to intersection of FR 259; easterly along FR 259 to Crown King Rd. (County Road 59) at Crown King; continue easterly to the intersection of Antelope Creek Rd. cutoff (County Road 179S); northeasterly along Antelope Creek Rd. cutoff to intersection of Antelope Creek Rd. (County Road 179); northeasterly on Antelope Creek Rd. to Cordes; east on Bloody Basin Rd. (County Road 73) to I-17 (Exit 259); north on the southbound lane of I-17 to AZ Hwy 69; northwest on AZ Hwy 69 to junction of AZ Hwy 89 at Prescott; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe.

Unit 20B – Beginning at the Hassayampa River and U.S. Hwy 60/93 (at Wickenburg), northeasterly along the Hassayampa River to Wagoner (County Road 60, mp 17); from Wagoner easterly along County Road 60 (FR 362) to intersection of FR 52; easterly along FR 52 to intersection of FR 259; easterly along FR 259 to Crown King Rd. (County Road 59) at Crown King; continue easterly to intersection of Antelope Creek Rd. cutoff (County Road 179S); northeasterly along Antelope Creek Rd. cutoff to intersection of Antelope Creek Rd. (County Road 179); northeasterly on Antelope Creek Rd. to Cordes; east on Bloody Basin Rd. (County Road 73) to I-17 (Exit 259); south on the southbound lane of I-17 to New River Road (Exit 232); west on New River Road to SR 74; west on AZ Hwy 74 to junction of U.S. Hwy 60/93; northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 60/93 to the Hassayampa River (at Wickenburg).

Unit 20C – Beginning at U.S. Hwy 60/93 and the Santa Maria River; northeasterly along the Santa Maria River to AZ Hwy 96; easterly on AZ Hwy 96 to Kirkland Junction (AZ. Hwy 89); south along AZ Hwy 89 to Wagoner Rd.; southeasterly along Wagoner Rd. (County Road 60) to Wagoner (mp 17); from Wagoner southwesterly along the Hassayampa River to U.S. Hwy 60/93; northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 60/93 to the Santa Maria River.

Unit 21 – Beginning on I-17 at the Verde River; southerly on the southbound lane of I-17 to the New River Road (Exit 232); east on New River Road to Fig Springs Road; northeasterly on Fig Springs Road to Mingus Rd.; Mingus Rd. to the Tonto National Forest boundary; southeasterly along this boundary to the Verde River; north along the Verde River to I-17.

Unit 22 – Beginning at the junction of the Salt and Verde Rivers; north along the Verde River to the confluence with Fossil Creek; northeasterly along Fossil Creek to Fossil Springs; southeasterly on FS trail 18 (Fossil Spring Trail) to the top of the rim; northeasterly on the rim to Nash Point on the Tonto-Coconino National Forest boundary along the Mogollon Rim; easterly along this boundary to Tonto Creek; southerly along the east fork of Tonto Creek to the spring box, north of the Tonto Creek Hatchery, and continuing southerly along Tonto Creek to the Salt River; westerly along the Salt River to the Verde River; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Tonto Apache Tribe and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Unit 23 – Beginning at the confluence of Tonto Creek and the Salt River; northerly along Tonto Creek to the spring box, north of the Tonto Creek Hatchery, on Tonto Creek; northeasterly along the east fork of Tonto Creek to the Tonto-Sitgreaves National Forest boundary along the Mogollon Rim; east along this boundary to the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation boundary; southerly along the reservation boundary to the Salt River; westerly along the Salt River to Tonto Creek.

Unit 24A – Beginning on AZ Hwy 177 in Superior; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 177 to the Gila River; northeasterly along the Gila River to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; easterly, westerly and northerly along the reservation boundary to the Salt River; southwesterly along the Salt River to AZ Hwy 288; southerly on AZ Hwys 288 and 188 to U.S. Hwy 60; southwesterly on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 177.

Unit 24B – Beginning on U.S. Hwy 60 in Superior; northeasterly on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 188; northerly on AZ Hwys 188 and 288 to the Salt River; westerly along the Salt River to the Tonto National Forest boundary near Granite Reef Dam; southeasterly along Forest boundary to Forest Route 77 (Peralta Rd.); southwesterly on Forest Route 77 (Peralta Rd.) to U.S. Hwy 60; easterly on U.S. Hwy 60 to Superior.

Unit 25M – Beginning at the junction of 51st Ave. and I-10; west on I-10 to AZ Loop 303, northeasterly on AZ Loop 303 to I-17; north on I-17 to Carefree Hwy; east on Carefree Hwy to Cave Creek Rd.; northeasterly on Cave Creek Rd. to the Tonto National Forest boundary; easterly and southerly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation boundary; northeasterly along the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation boundary to the Verde River; southerly along the Verde River to the Salt River; southwesterly along the Salt River to the Tonto National Forest boundary; southerly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to Bush Hwy/Power Rd.; southerly on Bush Hwy/Power Rd. to AZ Loop 202; easterly, southerly, and westerly on AZ Loop 202 to the intersection of Pecos Rd. at I-10; west on Pecos Rd. to the Gila River Indian Community boundary; northwesterly along the Gila River Indian Community boundary to 51st Ave; northerly on 51st Ave to I-10; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands.

Unit 26M – Beginning at the junction of I-17 and New River Rd. (Exit 232); southwesterly on New River Rd. to AZ Hwy 74; westerly on AZ Hwy 74 to U.S. Hwy 93; southeasterly on U.S. Hwy 93 to the Beardsley Canal; southwesterly on the Beardsley Canal to Indian School Rd.; west on Indian School Rd. to Jackrabbit Trail; south on Jackrabbit Trail to I-10 (Exit 121); west on I-10 to Oglesby Rd. (Exit 112); south on Oglesby Rd. to AZ Hwy 85; south on AZ Hwy 85 to the Gila River; northeasterly along the Gila River to the Gila River Indian Community boundary; southeasterly along the Gila River Indian Community boundary to AZ Hwy 347 (John Wayne Parkway); south on AZ Hwy 347 (John Wayne Parkway) to AZ Hwy 84; east on AZ Hwy 84 to Stanfield; south on the Stanfield-Cocklebur Rd. to the Tohono O’odham Nation boundary; easterly along the Tohono O’odham Nation boundary to Battaglia Rd.; east on Battaglia Rd. to Toltec Rd.; north on Toltec Rd. to I-10 (Exit 203); southeasterly on I-10 to AZ Hwy 87 (Exit 211); north on AZ Hwy 87 to AZ Hwy 287 north of Coolidge; east on AZ Hwy 287 to AZ Hwy 79; north on AZ Hwy 79 to U.S. Hwy 60; northwesterly on U.S. Highway 60 to Peralta Rd.; northeasterly along Peralta Rd. to the Tonto National Forest boundary; northwesterly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to the Salt River; northeasterly along the Salt River to the Verde River; northerly along the Verde River to the Tonto National Forest boundary; northwesterly along the Tonto National Forest boundary to Mingus Rd.; Mingus Rd. to Fig Springs Rd.; southwesterly on Fig Springs Rd. to New River Rd.; west on New River Rd. to I-17 (Exit 232); except Unit 25M and those portions that are sovereign tribal lands.

Unit 27 – Beginning at the New Mexico state line and AZ Hwy 78; southwest on AZ Hwy 78 to U.S. Hwy 191; north on U.S. Hwy 191 to Lower Eagle Creek Rd. (Pump Station Rd.); west on the Lower Eagle Creek Rd. (Pump Station Rd.) to Eagle Creek; north along Eagle Creek to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation boundary; north along the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Black River; northeast along Black River to the East Fork of Black River; northeast along the East Fork of Black River to Three Forks-Williams Valley-Alpine Rd. (FR 249); easterly along Three Forks-Williams Valley-Alpine Rd. to U.S. Hwy 180; southeast on U.S. Hwy 180 to the New Mexico state line; south along the New Mexico state line to AZ Hwy 78.

Unit 28 – Beginning at I-10 and the New Mexico state line; north along the state line to AZ Hwy 78; southwest on AZ Hwy 78 to U.S. Hwy 191; northwest on U.S. Hwy 191 to Clifton; westerly on the Lower Eagle Creek Rd. (Pump Station Rd.) to Eagle Creek; northerly along Eagle Creek to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; southerly and west along the reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to I-10 Exit 352; easterly on I-10 to the New Mexico state line.

Unit 29 – Beginning on I-10 at the New Mexico state line; westerly on I-10 to the Bowie-Apache Pass Rd.; southerly on the Bowie-Apache Pass Rd. to AZ Hwy 186; southeast on AZ Hwy 186 to AZ Hwy 181; south on AZ Hwy 181 to the West Turkey Creek-Kuykendall cutoff road; southerly on the Kuykendall cutoff road to Rucker Canyon Rd.; easterly on the Rucker Canyon Rd. to Tex Canyon Rd.; southerly on Tex Canyon Rd. to U.S. Hwy 80; northeast on U.S. Hwy 80 to the New Mexico state line; north along the state line to I-10.

Unit 30A – Beginning at the junction of the New Mexico state line and U.S. Hwy 80; south along the state line to the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to U.S. Hwy 191; northerly on U.S. Hwy 191 to I-10 Exit 331; northeasterly on I-10 to the Bowie-Apache Pass Rd.; southerly on the Bowie-Apache Pass Rd. to AZ Hwy 186; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 186 to AZ Hwy 181; south on AZ Hwy 181 to the West Turkey Creek - Kuykendall cutoff road; southerly on the Kuykendall cutoff road to Rucker Canyon Rd.; easterly on Rucker Canyon Rd. to the Tex Canyon Rd.; southerly on Tex Canyon Rd. to U.S. Hwy 80; northeast on U.S. Hwy 80 to the New Mexico state line.

Unit 30B – Beginning at U.S. Hwy 191 and the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the border to the San Pedro River; north along the San Pedro River to I-10; northeasterly on I-10 to U.S. Hwy 191; southerly on U.S. Hwy 191 to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Unit 31 – Beginning at Willcox Exit 340 on I-10; north on Fort Grant Rd. to Brookerson Rd.; north on Brookerson Rd. to Ash Creek Rd.; west on Ash Creek Rd. to Fort Grant Rd.; north on Fort Grant Rd. to Bonita; northerly on the Bonita-Klondyke Rd. to the junction with Aravaipa Creek; west along Aravaipa Creek to AZ Hwy 77; northerly along AZ Hwy 77 to the Gila River; northeast along the Gila River to the San Carlos Indian Reservation boundary; south then east and north along the reservation boundary to U.S. Hwy 70; southeast on U.S. Hwy 70 to U.S. Hwy 191; south on U.S. Hwy 191 to the 352 exit on I-10; southwest on I-10 to Exit 340.

Unit 32 – Beginning at Willcox Exit 340 on I-10; north on Fort Grant Rd. to Brookerson Rd.; north on Brookerson Rd. to Ash Creek Rd.; west on Ash Creek Rd. to Fort Grant Rd.; north on Fort Grant Rd. to Bonita; northerly on the Bonita-Klondyke Rd. to the junction with Aravaipa Creek; west along Aravaipa Creek to AZ Hwy 77; southerly along AZ Hwy 77 to the San Pedro River; southerly along the San Pedro River to I-10; northeast on I-10 to Willcox Exit 340.

Unit 33 – Beginning at Tangerine Rd. and AZ Hwy 77; north and northeast on AZ Hwy 77 to the San Pedro River; southeast along the San Pedro River to I-10 at Benson; west on I-10 to Marsh Station Rd. (Exit 289); northwest on the Marsh Station Rd. to the Agua Verde Rd.; north on the Agua Verde Rd. to its terminus then north 1/2 mile to the Coronado National Forest boundary; north and west along the National Forest boundary; then west, north, and east along the Saguaro National Park boundary; continuing north and west along the Coronado National Forest boundary to the southern boundary of Catalina State Park; west along the southern boundary of Catalina State Park to AZ Hwy 77; north on AZ Hwy 77 to Tangerine Rd.

Unit 34A – Beginning in Nogales at I-19 and Compound St.; northeast on Grand Avenue to AZ Hwy 82; northeast on AZ Hwy 82 to AZ Hwy 83; northerly on AZ Hwy 83 to the Sahuarita Rd. alignment; west along the Sahuarita Rd. alignment to I-19 Exit 75; south on I-19 to Grand Avenue (U.S. Hwy 89).

Unit 34B – Beginning at AZ Hwy 83 and I-10 Exit 281; easterly on I-10 to the San Pedro River; south along the San Pedro River to AZ Hwy 82; westerly on AZ Hwy 82 to AZ Hwy 83; northerly on AZ Hwy 83 to I-10 Exit 281.

Unit 35A – Beginning on the U.S.-Mexico border at the San Pedro River; west along the border to Lochiel Rd.; north on Lochiel Rd. to Patagonia San Rafael Rd.; north on the Patagonia San Rafael Rd. to San Rafael Valley-FS 58 Rd.; north on the San Rafael Valley-FS 58 Rd. to Christian Ln.; north on the Christian Ln. to Ranch Rd.; east and north on the Ranch Rd. to FR 799-Canelo Pass Rd.; northeasterly on the FR 799-Canelo Pass Rd. to AZ Hwy 83; northwesterly on the AZ Hwy 83 to Elgin Canelo Rd.; northeasterly on the Elgin-Canelo Rd. to Upper Elgin Rd.; north on the Upper Elgin Rd. to AZ Hwy 82; easterly on AZ Hwy 82 to the San Pedro River; south along the San Pedro River to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Unit 35B – Beginning at Grand Avenue at the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales; east along the U.S.-Mexico border to Lochiel Rd.; north on the Lochiel Rd. to Patagonia San Rafael Rd.; north on the Patagonia San Rafael Rd. to San Rafael Valley-FS 58 Rd.; north on the San Rafael Valley-FS 58 Rd. to Christian Ln.; north on the Christian Ln. to Ranch Rd.; east and north on the Ranch Rd. to FR 799-Canelo Pass Rd.; northeasterly on FR 799-Canelo Pass Rd. to AZ Hwy 83; northwesterly on the AZ Hwy 83 to Elgin Canelo Rd.; north on the Elgin Canelo Rd. to Upper Elgin Rd.; north on the Upper Elgin Rd. to AZ Hwy 82; southwest on AZ Hwy 82 to Grand Avenue; southwest on Grand Avenue to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Unit 36A – Beginning at the junction of Sandario Rd. and AZ Hwy 86; southwesterly on AZ Hwy 86 to AZ Hwy 286; southerly on AZ Hwy 286 to the Arivaca-Sasabe Rd.; southeasterly on the Arivaca-Sasabe Rd. to the town of Arivaca; from the town of Arivaca northeasterly on the Arivaca Rd. to I-19; north on I-19 to the southern boundary of the San Xavier Indian Reservation boundary; westerly and northerly along the reservation boundary to the Sandario road alignment; north on Sandario Rd. to AZ Hwy 86.

Unit 36B – Beginning at I-19 and Compound St.; southeasterly on Compound St. to Sonoita Ave.; north on Sonoita Ave. to Crawford St.; southeasterly on Crawford St. to Grand Avenue in Nogales; southwest on Grand Avenue to the U.S.-Mexico border; west along the U.S.-Mexico border to AZ Hwy 286; north on AZ Hwy 286 to the Arivaca-Sasabe Rd.; southeasterly on the Arivaca-Sasabe Rd. to the town of Arivaca; from the town of Arivaca northeasterly on the Arivaca Rd. to I-19; south on I-19 to Grand Avenue.

Unit 36C – Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 86 and AZ Hwy 286; southerly on AZ Hwy 286 to the U.S.-Mexico border; westerly along the border to the east boundary of the Tohono O’odham (Papago) Indian Reservation; northerly along the reservation boundary to AZ Hwy 86; easterly on AZ Hwy 86 to AZ Hwy 286.

Unit 37A – Beginning at the junction of I-10 and Tangerine Rd. (Exit 240); southeast on I-10 to Avra Valley Rd. (Exit 242); west on Avra Valley Rd. to Sandario Rd.; south on Sandario Rd. to AZ Hwy 86; southwest on AZ Hwy 86 to the Tohono O’odham Nation boundary; north, east, and west along this boundary to Battaglia Rd.; east on Battaglia Rd. to Toltec Rd.; north on Toltec Rd. to I-10 (Exit 203); southeast on I-10 to AZ Hwy 87 (Exit 211); north on AZ Hwy 87 to AZ Hwy 287; east on AZ Hwy 287 to AZ Hwy 79 at Florence; southeast on AZ Hwy 79 to its junction with AZ Hwy 77; south on AZ Hwy 77 to Tangerine Rd.; west on Tangerine Rd. to I-10.

Unit 37B – Beginning at the junction of AZ Hwy 79 and AZ Hwy 77; northwest on AZ Hwy 79 to U.S. Hwy 60; east on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 177; southeast on AZ Hwy 177 to AZ Hwy 77; southeast and southwest on AZ Hwy 77 to AZ Hwy 79.

Unit 38M – Beginning at the junction of I-10 and Tangerine Rd. (Exit 240); southeast on I-10 to Avra Valley Rd. (Exit 242); west on Avra Valley Rd. to Sandario Rd.; south on Sandario Rd. to the San Xavier Indian Reservation boundary; south and east along the reservation boundary to I-19; south on I-19 to Sahuarita Rd. (Exit 75); east on Sahuarita Rd. to AZ Hwy 83; north on AZ Hwy 83 to I-10 (Exit 281); east on I-10 to Marsh Station Rd. (Exit 289); northwest on Marsh Station Rd. to the Agua Verde Rd.; north on the Agua Verde Rd. to its terminus, then north 1/2 mile to the Coronado National Forest boundary; north and west along the National Forest boundary, then west, north, and east along the Saguaro National Park boundary; continuing north and west along the Coronado National Forest boundary to the southern boundary of Catalina State Park; west along the southern boundary of Catalina State Park to AZ Hwy 77; north on AZ Hwy 77 to Tangerine Rd.; west on Tangerine Rd. to I-10.

Unit 39 – Beginning at AZ Hwy 85 and the Gila River; east along the Gila River to the western boundary of the Gila River Indian Community; southeasterly along this boundary to AZ Hwy 347 (John Wayne Parkway); south on AZ Hwy 347 (John Wayne Parkway) to AZ Hwy 84; east on AZ Hwy 84 to Stanfield; south on the Stanfield-Cocklebur Rd. to I-8; westerly on I-8 to Exit 87; northerly on the Agua Caliente Rd. to the Hyder Rd.; northeasterly on Hyder Rd. to 555th Ave.; north on 555th Ave. to Lahman Rd.; east on Lahman Rd., which becomes Agua Caliente Rd.; northeasterly on Agua Caliente Rd. to Old Hwy 80; northeasterly on Old Hwy 80 to Arizona Hwy 85; southerly on AZ Hwy 85 to the Gila River; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Unit 40A – Beginning at Ajo; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 85 to Why; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 86 to the Tohono O’odham (Papago) Indian Reservation; northerly and easterly along the reservation boundary to the Cocklebur-Stanfield Rd.; north on the Cocklebur-Stanfield Rd. to I-8; westerly on I-8 to AZ Hwy 85; southerly on AZ Hwy 85 to Ajo.

Unit 40B – Beginning at Gila Bend; westerly on I-8 to the Colorado River; southerly along the Colorado River to the Mexican border at San Luis; southeasterly along the border to the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge; northerly, easterly and southerly around the refuge boundary to the Mexican border; southeast along the border to the Tohono O’odham (Papago) Indian Reservation; northerly along the reservation boundary to AZ Hwy 86; northwesterly on AZ Hwy 86 to AZ Hwy 85; north on AZ Hwy 85 to Gila Bend; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Cocopah Tribe.

Unit 41 – Beginning at I-8 and U.S. Hwy 95 (in Yuma); easterly on I-8 to exit 87; northerly on the Agua Caliente Rd. to the Hyder Rd.; northeasterly on Hyder Rd. to 555th Ave.; north on 555th Ave. to Lahman Rd.; east on Lahman Rd., which becomes Agua Caliente Rd.; northeasterly on Agua Caliente Rd. to Old Hwy 80; northeasterly on Old Hwy 80 to Arizona Hwy 85; northerly on AZ Hwy 85 to Oglesby Rd.; north on Oglesby Rd. to I-10; westerly on I-10 to Exit 45; southerly on Vicksburg-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rd. to the Refuge boundary; easterly, southerly, westerly, and northerly along the boundary to the Castle Dome Rd.; southwesterly on the Castle Dome Rd. to U.S. Hwy 95; southerly on U.S. Hwy 95 to I-8.

Unit 42 – Beginning at the junction of the Beardsley Canal and U.S. Hwy 93 (AZ 89, U.S. 60); northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 93 to AZ Hwy 71; southwesterly on AZ Hwy 71 to U.S. Hwy 60; westerly on U.S. Hwy 60 to Aguila; south on the Eagle Eye Rd. to the Salome-Hassayampa Rd.; southeasterly on the Salome-Hassayampa Rd. to I-10 (Exit 81); easterly on I-10 to Jackrabbit Trail (Exit 121); north along Jackrabbit Trail to the Indian School road; east along Indian School Rd. to the Beardsley Canal; northeasterly along the Beardsley Canal to U.S. Hwy 93.

Unit 43A – Beginning at U.S. Hwy 95 and the Bill Williams River; west along the Bill Williams River to the Arizona-California state line; southerly to the south end of Cibola Lake; northerly and easterly on the Cibola Lake Rd. to U.S. Hwy 95; south on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.); east along the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) to the west boundary of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge; northerly along the refuge boundary to the Crystal Hill Rd. (Blevens Rd.); northwesterly on the Crystal Hill Rd. (Blevens Rd.) to U.S. Hwy 95; northerly on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Bill Williams River; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Unit 43B – Beginning at the south end of Cibola Lake; southerly along the Arizona-California state line to I-8; southeasterly on I-8 to U.S. Hwy 95; easterly and northerly on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Castle Dome road; northeast on the Castle Dome Rd. to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary; north along the refuge boundary to the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.); west along the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) to U.S. Hwy 95; north on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Cibola Lake Rd.; west and south on the Cibola Lake Rd. to the south end of Cibola Lake; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Quechan Tribe.

Unit 44A – Beginning at U.S. Hwy 95 and the Bill Williams River; south along U.S. Hwy 95 to AZ Hwy 72; southeasterly on AZ Hwy 72 to Vicksburg; south on the Vicksburg-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rd. to I-10; easterly on I-10 to the Salome-Hassayampa Rd. (Exit 81); northwesterly on the Salome-Hassayampa Rd. to Eagle Eye Rd.; northeasterly on Eagle Eye Rd. to Aguila; east on U.S. Hwy 60 to AZ Hwy 71; northeasterly on AZ Hwy 71 to U.S. Hwy 93; northwesterly on U.S. Hwy 93 to the Santa Maria River; westerly along the Santa Maria and Bill Williams rivers to U.S. Hwy 95; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Unit 44B – Beginning at Quartzsite; south on U.S. Hwy 95 to the Crystal Hill Rd. (Blevens Rd.); east on the Crystal Hill Rd. (Blevens Rd.) to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge; north and east along the refuge boundary to the Vicksburg-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rd.; north on the Vicksburg-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rd. to AZ Hwy 72; northwest on AZ Hwy 72 to U.S. Hwy 95; south on U.S. Hwy 95 to Quartzsite.

Unit 45A – Beginning at the junction of the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary; east on the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) to O-O Junction; north from O-O Junction on the Kofa Mine Rd. to the Evening Star Mine; north on a line over Polaris Mountain to Midwell-Alamo Spring-Kofa Cabin Rd. (Wilbanks Rd.); north on the Midwell-Alamo Spring-Kofa Cabin Rd. (Wilbanks Rd.) to the El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline Rd.; north on a line from the junction to the north boundary of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge; west and south on the boundary line to Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.).

Unit 45B – Beginning at O-O Junction; north from O-O Junction on the Kofa Mine Rd. to the Evening Star Mine; north on a line over Polaris Mountain to Midwell-Alamo Spring-Kofa Cabin Rd. (Wilbanks Rd.); north on the Midwell-Alamo Spring-Kofa Cabin Rd. (Wilbanks Rd.) to the El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline Rd.; north on a line from the junction to the north Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary; east to the east refuge boundary; south and west along the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (Wellton-Kofa Rd./Ave 40E); north and west on the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (Wellton-Kofa Rd./ Ave 40E) to O-O Junction.

Unit 45C – Beginning at the junction of the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge; south, east, and north along the refuge boundary to the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.); north and west on the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) to the junction of the Stone Cabin-King Valley Rd. (King Rd.) and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary.

Unit 46A – That portion of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge east of the Yuma-Pima County line.

Unit 46B – That portion of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge west of the Yuma-Pima County line.

R12-4-109

Approved Trapping Education Course Fee

Under A.R.S. § 17-333.02(A), the provider of an approved educational course of instruction in responsible trapping and environmental ethics may collect a fee from each participant that:

  1. Is reasonable and commensurate for the course, and
  2. Does not exceed $25

R12-4-110

Posting and Access to State Land

A. For the purpose of this Section:

  • “Corrals,” “feed lots,” or “holding pens” mean completely fenced areas used to contain livestock for purposes other than grazing.
  • “Existing road” means any maintained or unmaintained road, way, highway, trail, or path that has been used for motorized vehicular travel, and clearly shows or has a history of established vehicle use, and is not currently closed by the Commission.
  • “State lands” means all land owned or held in trust by the state that is managed by the State Land Department and lands that are owned or managed by the Game and Fish Commission.

B. In addition to the prohibition against posting proscribed under A.R.S. § 17-304, a person shall not lock a gate, construct a fence, place an obstacle, or otherwise commit an act that denies legally available access to or use of any existing road upon state lands by persons lawfully taking or retrieving wildlife or conducting any activities that are within the scope of and take place while lawfully hunting or fishing.

  1. A person in violation of this Section shall take immediate corrective action to remove any lock, fence, or other obstacle unlawfully preventing access to state lands.
  2. If immediate corrective action is not taken, a representative of the Department may remove any unlawful posting and remove any lock, fence, or other obstacle that unlawfully prevents access to state lands.
  3. In addition, the Department may take appropriate legal action to recover expenses incurred in the removal of any unlawful posting or obstacle that prevented access to state land.

C. The provisions of this Section do not allow any person to trespass upon private land to gain access to any state land.

D. A person may post state lands as closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping without further action by the Commission when the state land is within one-quarter mile of any:

  1. Occupied residence, cabin, lodge, or other building; or
  2. Corrals, feed lots, or holding pens containing concentrations of livestock other than for grazing purposes.
  3. Subsection (D) does not authorize any person to deny lawful access to state land in any way.

E. The Commission may grant permission to lock, tear down, or remove a gate or close a road or trail that provides legally available access to state lands for persons lawfully taking wildlife or conducting any activities that are within the scope of and take place while lawfully hunting or fishing if access to such lands is provided by a reasonable alternate route.

  1. Under R12-4-610, the Director may grant a permit to a state land lessee to temporarily lock a gate or close an existing road that provides access to state lands if the taking of wildlife will cause unreasonable interference during a critical livestock or commercial operation. This permit shall not exceed 30 days.
  2. Applications for permits for more than 30 days shall be submitted to the Commission for approval.
  3. If a permit is issued to temporarily close a road or gate, a copy of the permit shall be posted at the point of the closure during the period of the closure.

F. A person may post state lands other than those referenced under subsection (D) as closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping, provided the person has obtained a permit from the Commission authorizing the closure. A person possessing a permit authorizing the closure of state lands shall post signs in compliance with A.R.S. 17-304(C). The Commission may permit the closure of state land when it is necessary:

  1. Because the taking of wildlife constitutes an unusual hazard to permitted users;
  2. To prevent unreasonable destruction of plant life or habitat; or
  3. For proper resource conservation, use, or protection, including but not limited to high fire danger, excessive interference with mineral development, developed agricultural land, or timber or livestock operations.

G. A person shall submit an application for posting state land to prohibit hunting, fishing, or trapping under subsection (F), or to close an existing road under subsection (E), as required under R12-4-610. If an application to close state land to hunting, fishing, or trapping is made by a person other than the state land lessee, the Department shall provide notice to the lessee and the State Land Commissioner before the Commission considers the application. The state land lessee or the State Land Commissioner shall file any objections with the Department, in writing, within 30 days after receipt of notice, after which the matter shall be submitted to the Commission for determination.

H. A person may use a vehicle on or off a road to pick up lawfully taken big game.

I. The closing of state land to hunting, fishing, or trapping shall not restrict any other permitted use of the land.

J. State trust land may be posted with signs that read “State Land No Trespassing,” but such posting shall not prohibit access to such land by any person lawfully taking or retrieving wildlife or conducting any activities that are within the scope of and take place while lawfully hunting or fishing.

K. When hunting, fishing, or trapping on state land, a license holder shall not:

  1. Break or remove any lock or cut any fence to gain access to state land;
  2. Open and not immediately close a gate;
  3. Intentionally or wantonly destroy, deface, injure, remove, or disturb any building, sign, equipment, marker, or other property;
  4. Harvest or remove any vegetative or mineral resources or object of archaeological, historic, or scientific interest;
  5. Appropriate, mutilate, deface, or destroy any natural feature, object of natural beauty, antiquity, or other public or private property;
  6. Dig, remove, or destroy any tree or shrub;
  7. Gather or collect renewable or non-renewable resources for the purpose of sale or barter unless specifically permitted or authorized by law;
  8. Frighten or chase domestic livestock or wildlife, or endanger the lives or safety of others when using a motorized vehicle or other means; or
  9. Operate a motor vehicle off road or on any road closed to the public by the Commission or landowner, except to retrieve a lawfully taken big game.

R12-4-112

Diseased, Injured, or Chemically-immobilized Wildlife

A. A person who lawfully takes and possesses wildlife believed to be diseased, injured, or chemically-immobilized may request an inspection of the wildlife carcass provided:

  1. The wildlife was lawfully taken and possessed under a valid hunt permit or nonpermit-tag, and
  2. The person who took the wildlife did not create the condition.

B. The Department, after inspection, may condemn the carcass if it is determined the wildlife is unfit for human consumption. The Department shall condemn chemically-immobilized wildlife only when the wildlife was taken during the immobilizing drug’s established withdrawal period.

C. The person shall surrender the entire condemned wildlife carcass and any parts thereof to the Department.

  1. Upon surrender of the condemned wildlife, the Department shall provide to the person written authorization allowing the person to purchase a duplicate hunt permitor nonpermit-tag.
  2. The person may purchase a duplicate tag from any Department office or license dealer where the permit-tag is available.

D. If the duplicate tag is issued by a license dealer, the license dealer shall forward the written authorization to the Department with the report required under R12-4-105(K).

R12-4-114 — Amended

Issuance of Nonpermit-tags and Hunt Permit-tags

A. The Department provides numbered tags for sale to the public. The Department shall ensure each tag:

  1. Includes a transportation and shipping permit as prescribed under A.R.S. §§ 17-332 and 17-371, and
  2. Clearly identifies the wildlife for which the tag is valid.

B. If the Commission establishes a big game season for which a hunt number is not assigned, the Department or its authorized agent, or both, shall sell nonpermit-tags.

  1. A person purchasing a nonpermit-tag shall provide all of the following information to a Department office or license dealer at the time of purchase; the applicant’s:
    1. Name,
    2. Mailing address, and
    3. Department identification number.
  2. An applicant shall not obtain nonpermit-tags in excess of the bag limit established by Commission Order when it established the season for which the nonpermit-tags are valid.

C. If the number of hunt permits for a species in a particular hunt area must be limited, a Commission Order establishes a hunt number for that hunt area and a hunt permit-tag is required to take the species in that hunt area.

  1. A person applying for a hunt permit-tag shall submit an application as described under R12-4-104.
  2. The Department shall determine whether a hunt permit-tag will be issued to an applicant as follows:
    1. The Department shall reserve a maximum of 20% of the hunt permit-tags for each hunt number, except as established under subsection (C)(2)(b), for bear, deer, elk, javelina, pronghorn, Sandhill crane, and turkey and reserve a maximum of 20% of the hunt permit-tags for all hunt numbers combined statewide for bighorn sheep and bison to issue to persons who have bonus points and shall issue the hunt permit-tags as established under subsection (C)(2)(c).
    2. For bear, deer, elk, javelina, pronghorn, Sandhill crane, and turkey, the Department shall reserve one hunt permit-tag for any hunt number with fewer than five, but more than one, hunt permit-tags and shall issue the tag as established under subsection (C)(2)(c). When this occurs, the Department shall adjust the number of available hunt permit-tags in order to ensure the total number of hunt permit-tags available does not exceed the 20% maximum specified in subsection (C)(2)(a).
    3. The Department shall issue the reserved hunt permit-tags for hunt numbers that eligible applicants designate as their first or second choices. The Department shall issue the reserved hunt permit-tags by random selection: i. First, to eligible applicants with the highest number of bonus points for that genus; ii. Next, if there are reserved hunt permit-tags remaining, to eligible applicants with the next highest number of bonus points for that genus; and iii. If there are still tags remaining, to the next eligible applicants with the next highest number of bonus points; continuing in the same manner until all of the reserved tags have been issued or until there are no more applicants for that hunt number who have bonus points.
    4. The Department shall ensure that all unreserved hunt permit-tags are issued by random selection:
      1. First, to hunt numbers designated by eligible applicants as their first or second choices; and
      2. Next, to hunt numbers designated by eligible applicants as their third, fourth, or fifth choices.
    5. Before each of the three passes listed under (C) (2)(c)(i), (ii), and (iii), each application is processed through the Department’s random number generator program. A random number is assigned to each application; an additional random number is assigned to each application for each group bonus point, including the Education and Loyalty bonus points. Only the lowest random number generated for an application is used in the computer draw process. A new random number is generated for each application for each pass of the computer draw.
    6. If the bag limit is more than one per calendar year, or if there are unissued hunt permit-tags remaining after the random computer draw, the Department shall ensure these hunt permit-tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis as specified in the annual hunt permit-tag application schedule.

D. A person may purchase hunt permit-tags equal to the bag limit for a genus.

  1. A person shall not exceed the established bag limit for that genus.
  2. A person shall not apply for any additional hunt-permit-tags if the person has reached the bag limit for that genus during the same calendar year.
  3. A person who surrenders a tag in compliance with R12- 4-118 is eligible to apply for another hunt permit-tag for the same genus during the same calendar year, provided the person has not reached the bag limit for that genus.

E. The Department shall make available to nonresidents:

  1. For bighorn sheep and bison, no more than one hunt permit-tag or 10% of the total hunt permit-tags, whichever is greater, for bighorn sheep or bison in any computer draw. The Department shall not make available more than 50% nor more than two bighorn sheep or bison hunt permit-tags of the total in any hunt number.
  2. For antlered deer, bull elk, pronghorn, Sandhill crane, or turkey, no more than 10%, rounded down to the next lowest number, of the total hunt permit-tags in any hunt number. If a hunt number for antlered deer, bull elk, pronghorn, Sandhill crane, or turkey has 10 or fewer hunt permit-tags, no more than one hunt permit-tag will be made available unless the hunt number has only one hunt permit-tag, then that tag shall only be available to a resident.

F. The Commission may, at a public meeting, increase the number of hunt permit-tags issued to nonresidents in a computer draw when necessary to meet management objectives.

G. The Department shall not issue under subsection (C)(2)(c), more than half of the hunt permit-tags made available to nonresidents under subsection (E).

H. A nonresident cap established under this Section applies to:

  1. Hunt permit-tags issued by computer draw under subsections (C)(2)(c) and (d), and
  2. Archery deer nonpermit-tags.
    1. The number of archery deer nonpermit-tags made available to nonresidents shall be set annually at 10% of the average total archery deer nonpermit-tag sales for the preceding five years, rounded down to the nearest increment of five.
    2. The Commission, through the nonpermit-tag firstcome schedule published by the Department, shall designate the manner and method of purchasing a nonresident archery deer nonpermit-tag, which may require an applicant to apply online only.
    3. If the Commission requires applicants to use the online method, the Department shall accept paper applications only in the event of a Department systems failure. The Director has the authority to extend the nonpermit-tag first-come schedule if a problem occurs that prevents the public from purchasing a nonpermit-tag within the deadlines set by the Commission.

R12-4-115

Restricted Nonpermit-Tags; Supplemental Hunts and Hunter Pool

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

  • “Companion tag” means a restricted nonpermit-tag valid for a supplemental hunt prescribed by Commission Order that exactly matches the season dates and open areas of another big game hunt, for which a hunt number is assigned and hunt permit-tags are issued through the computer draw.
  • “Emergency season” means a season established for reasons constituting an immediate threat to the health, safety or management of wildlife or its habitat, or public health or safety.
  • “Management objectives” means goals, recommendations, or guidelines contained in Department or Commission-approved wildlife management plans, which include hunt guidelines, operational plans, or hunt recommendations;
  • “Hunter pool” means all persons who have submitted an application for a supplemental hunt.
  • “Restricted nonpermit-tag” means a permit limited to a season for a supplemental hunt established by the Commission for the following purposes: Take of depredating wildlife as authorized under A.R.S. § 17-239; Take of wildlife under an Emergency Season; or Take of wildlife under a population management hunt if the Commission has prescribed nonpermit-tags by Commission Order for the purpose of meeting management objectives because regular seasons are not, have not been, or will not be sufficient or effective to achieve management objectives.

B. The Commission shall, by Commission Order, open a season or seasons and prescribe a maximum number of restricted nonpermit-tags to be made available under this Section.

C. The Department shall implement a population management hunt under the open season or seasons established under subsection (B) if the Department determines the:

  1. Regular seasons have not met or will not meet management objectives;
  2. Take of wildlife is necessary to meet management objectives; and 3. Issuance of a specific number of restricted nonpermit-tags is likely to meet management objectives.

D. To implement a population management hunt established by Commission Order, the Department shall:

  1. Select season dates, within the range of dates listed in the Commission Order;
  2. Select specific hunt areas, within the range of hunt areas listed in the Commission Order;
  3. Select the legal wildlife that may be taken from the list of legal wildlife identified in the Commission Order;
  4. Determine the number of restricted nonpermit-tags that will be issued from the maximum number of tags authorized in the Commission Order.
    1. The Department shall not issue more restricted nonpermit-tags than the maximum number prescribed by Commission Order.
    2. A restricted nonpermit-tag is valid only for the supplemental hunt for which it is issued.

E. The provisions of R12-4-104, R12-4-107, R12-4-114, and R12-4- 609 do not apply to a supplemental hunt.

F. If the Department anticipates the normal fee structure will not generate adequate participation, then the Department may reduce restricted nonpermit-tag fees up to 75%, as authorized under A.R.S.§ 17-239(D).

G. A supplemental hunt application submitted in accordance with this Section does not invalidate any other application submitted by the person for a hunt permit-tag.

  1. The Department shall not accept a group application, as defined under R12-4-104, for a restricted nonpermit-tag.
  2. An applicant shall not apply for or obtain a restricted nonpermit-tag to take wildlife in excess of the bag limit established by Commission Order.
  3. The issuance of a restricted nonpermit-tag does not authorize a person to exceed the bag limit established by Commission Order.

H. To participate in a supplemental hunt, a person shall:

  1. Obtain a restricted nonpermit-tag as prescribed under this Section, and
  2. Possess a valid hunting license. If the applicant does not possess a valid license or the license will expire before the supplemental hunt, the applicant shall purchase an appropriate license.

I. The Department or its authorized agent shall maintain a hunter pool for supplemental hunts other than companion tag hunts.

  1. The Department shall purge and renew the hunter pool on an annual basis.
  2. An applicant for a restricted nonpermit-tag under this subsection shall submit a hunt permit-tag application to the Department for each desired species. The application is available at any Department office, an authorized agent, or on the Department’s website. The applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:
    1. The applicant’s:
      1. Name;
      2. Department identification number, when applicable;
      3. Mailing address;
      4. Number of years of residency immediately preceding application;
      5. Date of birth;
      6. Social Security Number, as required under A.R.S. §§ 25-320(P) and 25-502(K); and
      7. Daytime and evening telephone numbers,
    2. The species that the applicant would like to hunt, if selected,
    3. The applicant’s hunting license number.
  3. In addition to the requirements established under subsection (I)(2), at the time of application the applicant shall submit the application fee required under R12- 4-102. A separate application and application fee is required for each species the applicant submits an application for.
  4. When issuing a restricted nonpermit-tag, the Department or its authorized agent shall randomly select applicants from the hunter pool.
    1. The Department or its authorized agent shall attempt to contact each randomly-selected applicant at least three times within a 24-hour period.
    2. If an applicant cannot be contacted or is unable to participate in the supplemental hunt, the Department or its authorized agent shall return the application to the hunter pool and draw another application.
    3. In compliance with subsection (D)(4), the Department or its authorized agent shall select no more applications after the number of restricted nonpermit-tags establish by Commission Order are issued.
  5. The Department shall reserve a restricted nonpermit-tag for an applicant only for the period specified by the Department when contact is made with the applicant. If an applicant fails to purchase the nonpermit-tag within the specified period, the Department or its authorized agent shall:
    1. Remove the person’s application from the hunter pool, and
    2. Offer that restricted nonpermit-tag to another person whose application is drawn from the hunter pool as established under this Section.
  6. A person who participates in a supplemental hunt through the hunter pool shall be removed from the supplemental hunter pool for the genus for which the person participated. A hunter pool applicant who is selected and who wishes to participate in a supplemental hunt shall submit the following to the Department to obtain a restricted nonpermit-tag:
    1. The fee for the tag as established under R12-4-102 or subsection (F) if the fee has been reduced, and
    2. The applicant’s hunting license number. The applicant shall possess an appropriate license that is valid at the time of the supplemental hunt. The applicant shall purchase a license at the time of application when:
      1. The applicant does not possess a valid license, or
      2. The applicant’s license will expire before the supplemental hunt.
  7. A person who participates in a supplemental hunt shall not reapply for the hunter pool for that genus until the hunter pool is renewed.

J. The Department shall only make a companion tag available to a person who possesses a matching hunt permit-tag and not a person from the hunter pool. Authorization to issue a companion tag occurs when the Commission establishes a hunt in Commission Order under subsection (B).

  1. The requirements of subsection (D) are not applicable to a companion tag issued under this subsection.
  2. To obtain a companion tag under this subsection, an applicant shall submit a hunt permit-tag application to the Department. The application is available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. The applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application, the applicant’s:
    1. Name,
    2. Mailing address,
    3. Department identification number, and
    4. Hunt permit-tag number, to include the hunt number and permit number, corresponding with the season dates and open areas of the supplemental hunt.
  3. In addition to the requirements established under subsection (J)(2), at the time of application the applicant shall:
    1. Provide verification that the applicant lawfully obtained the hunt permit-tag for the hunt described under this subsection by presenting the hunt permit-tag to a Department office for verification, and
    2. Submit all applicable fees required under R12-4-102.

R12-4-117

Indian Reservations

A state license, permit, or tag is not required to hunt or fish on any Indian reservation in this State. Wildlife lawfully taken on an Indian reservation may be transported or processed anywhere in the State if it can be identified as to species and legality as provided in A.R.S. § 17-309(A)(19). All wildlife transported anywhere in this State is subject to inspection under the provisions of A.R.S. § 17-211(E)(4).

R12-4-118

Hunt Permit-tag Surrender

A. The Commission authorizes the Department to implement a tag surrender program if the Director finds:

  1. The Department has the administrative capacity to implement the program;
  2. There is public interest in such a program; or
  3. The tag surrender program is likely to meet the Department’s revenue objectives.

B. The tag surrender program is limited to a person who has a valid and active membership in a Department membership program. 1

  1. The Department may establish a membership program that offers a person various products and services.
  2. The Department may establish different membership levels based on the type of products and services offered and set prices for each level.
    1. The lowest membership level may include the option to surrender one hunt permit-tag during the membership period.
    2. A higher membership level may include the option to surrender more than one hunt permit-tag during the membership period.
  3. The Department may establish terms and conditions for the membership program in addition to the following:
    1. Products and services to be included with each membership level.
    2. Membership enrollment is available online only and requires a person to create a portal account.
    3. Membership is not transferable.
    4. No refund shall be made for the purchase of a membership, unless an internal processing error resulted in the collection of erroneous fees.

C. The tag surrender program is restricted to the surrender of an original, unused hunt permit-tag obtained through a computer draw.

  1. A person must have a valid and active membership in the Department’s membership program with at least one unredeemed tag surrender that was valid:
    1. On the application deadline date for the computer draw in which the hunt permit-tag being surrendered was drawn, and b. At the time of tag surrender.
  2. A person who chooses to surrender an original, unused hunt permit-tag shall do so prior to the close of business the day before the hunt begins for which the tag is valid.
  3. A person may surrender an unused hunt permit-tag for a specific species only once before any bonus points accrued for that species must be expended.

D. A person who wants to surrender an original, unused hunt permit-tag or an authorized nonprofit organization that wants to return a donated original, unused hunt permit-tag shall comply with all of the following conditions:

  1. Submit a completed application form to any Department office. The application form is available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. The applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application form:
    1. The applicant’s:
      1. Name,
      2. Mailing address,
      3. Department identification number,
      4. Membership number,
    2. Applicable hunt number,
    3. Applicable hunt permit-tag number, and
    4. Any other information required by the Department.
  2. A person shall surrender the original, unused hunt permit-tag as required under subsection (C) in the manner described by the Department as indicated on the application form.

E. Upon receipt of an original, unused hunt permit-tag surrendered in compliance with this Section, the Department shall:

  1. Restore the person’s bonus points that were expended for the surrendered tag, and
  2. Award the bonus point the person would have accrued had the person been unsuccessful in the computer draw for the surrendered tag.
  3. Not refund any fees the person paid for the surrendered tag, as prohibited under A.R.S. § 17-332(E).

F. The Department may, at its sole discretion, re-issue or destroy the surrendered original, unused hunt permit-tag. When re-issuing a tag, the Department may use any of the following methods in no order of preference:

  1. Re-issuing the surrendered tag, beginning with the highest membership level in the Department’s membership program, to a person who has a valid and active membership in that membership level and who would have been next to receive a tag for that hunt number, as evidenced by the random numbers assigned during the Department’s computer draw process;
  2. Re-issuing the surrendered tag to a person who has a valid and active membership in any tier of the Department’s membership program with a tag surrender option and who would have been next to receive a tag for that hunt number, as evidenced by the random numbers assigned during the Department’s computer draw process;
  3. Re-issuing the surrendered tag to an eligible person who would have been next to receive a tag for that hunt number, as evidenced by the random numbers assigned during the Department’s computer draw process; or
  4. Offering the surrendered tag through the first-come, first-served process.

G. For subsections (F)(1), (2), and (3); if the Department cannot contact a person qualified to receive a tag or the person declines to purchase the surrendered tag, the Department shall make a reasonable attempt to contact and offer the surrendered tag to the next person qualified to receive a tag for that hunt number based on the assigned random number during the Department’s computer draw process. This process will continue until the surrendered tag is either purchased or the number of persons qualified is exhausted. For the purposes of subsections (G) and (H), the term “qualified” means a person who satisfies the conditions for re-issuing a surrendered tag as provided under the selected re-issuing method.

H. When the re-issuance of a surrendered tag involves a group application and one or more members of the group is qualified under the particular method for re-issuing the surrendered tag, the Department shall offer the surrendered tag first to the applicant designated “A” if qualified to receive a surrendered tag.

  1. If applicant “A” chooses not to purchase the surrendered tag or is not qualified, the Department shall offer the surrendered tag to the applicant designated “B” if qualified to receive a surrendered tag.
  2. This process shall continue with applicants “C” and then “D” until the surrendered tag is either purchased or all qualified members of the group application choose not to purchase the surrendered tag.

I. A person who receives a surrendered tag shall submit the applicable tag fee as established under R12-4-102 and provide their valid hunting license number.

  1. A person receiving the surrendered tag as established under subsections (F)(1), (2), and (3) shall expend all bonus points accrued for that genus, except any accrued Education and loyalty bonus points.
  2. The applicant shall possess a valid hunting license at the time of purchasing the surrendered tag and at the time of the hunt for which the surrendered tag is valid. If the person does not possess a valid license at the time the surrendered tag is offered, the applicant shall purchase a license in compliance with R12-4-104.
  3. The issuance of a surrendered tag does not authorize a person to exceed the bag limit established by Commission Order.
  4. It is unlawful for a person to purchase a surrendered tag when the person has reached the bag limit for that genus during the same calendar year.

J. A person is not eligible to petition the Commission under R12-4-611 for reinstatement of any expended bonus points, except as authorized under R12-4-107(M).

K. For the purposes of this Section and R12-4-121, “valid and active membership” means a paid and unexpired membership in any level of the Department’s membership program.

R12-4-121

Tag Transfer

A. For the purposes of this Section:

  • “Authorized nonprofit organization” means a nonprofit organization approved by the Department to receive donated unused tags.
  • “Unused tag” means a hunt permit-tag, limited-entry permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or special license tag that has not been attached to any wildlife.

B. A parent, grandparent, or guardian issued a hunt permit-tag, limited-entry permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or special license tag may transfer the unused tag to the parent’s, grandparent’s, or guardian’s minor child or grandchild.

  1. A parent, grandparent, or guardian issued a tag may transfer the unused tag to a minor child or grandchild at any time prior to the end of the season for which the unused tag was issue
  2. A parent, grandparent, or guardian may transfer the unused tag by providing all of the following documentation in person at any Department office:
    1. Proof of ownership of the unused tag to be transferred,
    2. The unused tag, and
    3. The minor’s valid hunting license.
  3. If a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian is deceased, the personal representative of the person’s estate may transfer an unused tag to an eligible minor. The person acting as the personal representative shall present:
    1. The deceased person’s death certificate, and
    2. Proof of the person’s authority to act as the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
  4. To be eligible to receive an unused tag from a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, the minor child shall meet the criteria established under subsection (D).
  5. A minor child or grandchild receiving an unused tag from a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian shall be accompanied into the field by any grandparent, parent, or legal guardian of the minor child.

C. A person issued a tag or the person’s legal representative may donate the unused tag to a an authorized nonprofit organization for use by a minor child with a life threatening medical condition or permanent physical disability or a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States with a service-connected disability.

  1. The person or legal representative who donates the unused tag shall provide the authorized nonprofit organization with a written statement indicating the unused tag is voluntarily donated to the organization.
  2. An authorized nonprofit organization receiving a donated tag under this subsection may transfer the unused tag to an eligible minor child or veteran by contacting any Department office.
    1. To obtain a transfer, the nonprofit organization shall:
      1. Provide proof of donation of the unused tag to be transferred;
      2. Provie the unused tag;
      3. Provide proof of the minor child’s or veteran’s valid hunting license.
    2. To be eligible to receive a donated unused tag from an authorized nonprofit organization, a minor child shall meet the criteria established under subsection (D).
  3. A person who donates an original, unused hunt permit-tag issued in a computer drawing to an authorized nonprofit organization may submit a request to the Department for the reinstatement of the bonus points expended for that unused tag, provided all of the following conditions are met:
    1. The person has a valid and active membership in the Department’s membership program with at least one unredeemed tag surrender on the application deadline date, for the computer draw in which the hunt permit-tag being surrendered was drawn, and at the time of tag surrender.
    2. The person submits a completed application form as described under R12-4-118;
    3. The person provides acceptable proof to the Department that the tag was transferred to an authorized nonprofit organization; and
    4. The person submits the request to the Department:
      1. No later than 60 days after the date on which the tag was donated to an authorized nonprofit organization; and
      2. No less than 30 days prior to the computer draw application deadline for that genus, as specified in the hunt permit-tag application schedule.

D. To receive an unused tag authorized under subsections (B) or (C), an eligible minor child shall meet the following criteria:

  1. Possess a valid hunting license,
  2. Has not reached the applicable annual or lifetime bag limit for that genus, and
  3. Is 10 to 17 years of age on the date of the transfer. A minor child under the age of 14 shall have satisfactorily completed a Department-sanctioned hunter education course before the beginning date of the hunt.

E. To receive an unused tag authorized under subsection (C), an eligible veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States with a service-connected disability shall meet the following criteria:

  1. Possess a valid hunting license, and
  2. Has not reached the applicable annual or lifetime bag limit for that genus.

F. A nonprofit organization is eligible to apply for authorization to receive a donated unused tag, provided the nonprofit organization:

  1. Is qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and
  2. Affords opportunities and experiences to: a. Children with life-threatening medical conditions or physical disabilities, or b. Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
  3. This authorization shall remain in effect unless revoked by the Department for noncompliance with the requirements established under A.R.S. § 17-332 or this Section.
  4. A nonprofit organization shall apply for authorization by submitting an application to any Department office. The application form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office. A nonprofit organization shall provide all of the following information on the application:
    1. Nonprofit organization’s information:
      1. Name,
      2. Physical address,
      3. Telephone number;
    2. Contact information for the person responsible for ensuring compliance with this Section:
      1. Name,
      2. Address,
      3. Telephone number;
    3. Signature of the president and secretary-treasurer of the organization or their equivalents; and
    4. Date of signing.
  5. In addition to the application, a nonprofit organization shall provide all of the following:
    1. A copy of the organization’s articles of incorporation and evidence that the organization has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, unless a current and correct copy is already on file with the Department;
    2. Document identifying the organization’s mission;
    3. A letter stating how the organization will participate in the Big Game Tag Transfer program; and
    4. A statement that the person or organization submitting the application agrees to the conditions established under A.R.S. § 17-332 and this Section.
  6. An applicant who is denied authorization to receive donated tags under this Section may appeal to the Commission as provided under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter Article 10.

R12-4-127

Civil Liability for Loss of Wildlife

A. In order to compensate the state for the value of lost or injured wildlife, the Commission may, pursuant to A.R.S. § 17-314, impose a civil penalty against any person for unlawfully taking, wounding, killing or possessing wildlife. Any civil penalties so imposed shall be equal to or greater than the applicable statutory-minimum sums found in A.R.S. § 17-314(A). The Commission may impose a civil penalty above the statutory-minimum sums where it has determined that the value of the lost or injured wildlife exceeds the statutory-minimum sums.

B. The Commission shall annually establish the value of lost or injured wildlife using objective and measurable economic criteria. When doing so, the Commission may consider objective economic criteria recommended by the Department or any other person.

C. The Department shall recommend the value of lost or injured wildlife to the Commission by aggregating the following objective and measurable economic factors:

  1. The average dollar amount spent by an individual hunter in pursuit of the same species. This amount shall be calculated using information from the most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and measures hunting and fishing expenditures, in combination with hunter harvest data gathered by the Department. This information shall be available on the Department’s website.
  2. The average dollar amount spent by an individual in an effort to view wildlife. This amount shall be calculated using information from the most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and measures wildlife viewing expenditures, in combination with hunter harvest data gathered by the Department. This information shall be available on the Department’s website.
  3. The average body weight in pounds of meat for the unlawfully taken or possessed species multiplied by the average price per pound of ground meat for that same species or a similar species. Average body weight in pounds of meat shall be calculated using the average body weight for the wildlife taken, minus 30% of the average weight to account for the weight of the head, hide, offal, and bone.
  4. When new data is not available, the Department may use Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculations to update the above factors in terms of U.S. dollars.

D. The most recent wildlife values established by the Commission shall be available on the Department’s website.

R12-4-201 — Amended

Pioneer License

A. A pioneer license grants all of the hunting and fishing privileges of a combination hunting and fishing license. The pioneer license is only available at a Department office.

B. The pioneer license is a complimentary license and is valid for the license holder’s lifetime. The license remains valid if the licensee subsequently resides outside of this state.

  1. A licensee who resides outside of Arizona shall submit the nonresident fee to purchase any required hunt permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or stamp to hunt and fish in this state.
  2. Limits established under R12-4-114 for nonresident hunt permit-tags and nonpermit-tags do not apply to a pioneer license holder.

C. A person who is age 70 or older and has been a resident of Arizona for at least 25 consecutive years immediately preceding application may apply for a pioneer license by submitting an application to the Department. The application form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. A pioneer license applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:

  1. The applicant’s personal information:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Department identification number, when applicable;
    5. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. Affirmation that: a. The applicant is 70 years of age or older and has been a resident of this state for 25 or more consecutive years immediately preceding application for the license; and b. The information provided on the application is true and accurate.
  3. Applicant’s signature and date.

D. In addition to the requirements listed under subsection (C), an applicant for a pioneer license shall also submit a copy of any one of the following documents at the time of application:

  1. Valid U.S. passport;
  2. Applicant’s birth certificate;
  3. Valid government-issued driver’s license; or
  4. Valid government-issued identification card.

E. All information and documentation provided by the applicant is subject to Department verification.

F. The Department shall deny a pioneer license when the applicant:

  1. Fails to meet the criteria prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-336(A)(1),
  2. Fails to comply with this Section, or
  3. Provides false information on the application.

G. The Department shall provide written notice to the applicant stating the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed under A.R.S. Title 41, Ch 6, Article 10.

H. A pioneer license holder may request a no-fee duplicate of the paper license provided:

  1. The license was lost or destroyed;
  2. The license holder submits a written request to the Department for a no-fee duplicate paper license; and
  3. The Department’s records indicate a pioneer license was previously issued to that person.

I. A person issued a pioneer license prior to January 1, 2014 shall be entitled to the privileges established under subsection (A).

R12-4-202 — Amended

Complimentary and Reduced-fee Disabled Veteran’s License; Reduced-fee Purple Heart Medal License

A. The complimentary and reduced-fee disabled veteran’s licenses and Purple Heart Medal license grant all of the hunting and fishing privileges of a combination hunting and fishing license. The disabled veteran’s and Purple Heart Medal license are only available at a Department office.

B. The Department offers three types of veteran’s licenses:

  1. A complimentary license to a disabled veteran who receives compensation from the U.S. government for a permanent service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling.
    1. The complimentary license is valid for either a three-year period from the issue date or the license holder’s lifetime.
    2. If the certification or benefits letter required under subsection (D)(1) indicate the applicant’s disability rating of 100% is permanent and:
      1. Will not be reevaluated, the disabled veteran’s license shall be valid for the license holder’s lifetime.
      2. Will be reevaluated in three years, the disabled veteran’s license will expire three years from the date of issuance.
    3. Eligibility for the complimentary disabled veteran’s license is based on the disability rating, not on the compensation received by the veteran.
    4. An applicant for a complimentary disabled veteran’s license shall have been a resident of Arizona for at least one year immediately preceding application.
  2. A reduced-fee license to a disabled veteran who is a resident as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101 and who is receiving compensation from the U.S. government for a service-connected disability.
    1. The reduced-fee license is valid for one year from the date of purchase or selected start date provided the date selected is no more than 60 calendar days from and after the date of purchase.
    2. The applicant shall pay the fee required under R12- 4-102.
  3. A reduced-fee license to a person who submits satisfactory proof to the Department that the person is a bona fide Purple Heart Medal recipient.
    1. The reduced-fee license is valid for one year from the date of purchase or selected start date provided the date selected is no more than 60 calendar days from and after the date of purchase.
    2. An applicant for a reduced-fee Purple Heart Medal license shall have been a resident of Arizona for at least one year immediately preceding application.

C. A person applying for a disabled veteran’s or Purple Heart Medal license shall submit an application to the Department. The application form is furnished by the Department and available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. The applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:

  1. The applicant’s personal information:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Department identification number, when applicable;
    5. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. Affirmation that: a. The applicant meets the eligibility requirements prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-333(C)(2), (C)(3), or (C) (4), b. The applicant has been a resident of this state for at least one year immediately preceding application for the license, c. The information provided on the application is true and accurate.
  3. Applicant’s signature and date.

D. In addition to the requirements established under subsection (B), an applicant for a veteran’s license shall, at the time of application, certify eligibility for the license by submitting:

  1. For a complimentary or reduced-fee disabled veterans license issued under A.R.S. § 17-333(C)(2) or (C) (3) respectively, an original or facsimile DD-214, certification form, or a benefits letter issued by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) or obtained from the DVA website that meets the requirements specified in subsections (B)(1) and (B)(2). The certification form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. The certification shall be completed and signed by an agent of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
  2. For a Purple Heart Medal license issued under A.R.S. § 17-333(C)(4), an original or facsimile DD-214 or DD-215, service records showing the award, military orders of the award, or other military discharge document such as WD AGO Form. The actual Purple Heart Medal or a certificate of award will not suffice alone for verification purposes.

E. All information and documentation provided by the applicant is subject to Department verification. The Department shall return the original or certified copy of a document to the applicant after verification.

F. The Department shall deny a disabled veteran’s or Purple Heart Medal license when the applicant:

  1. Fails to meet the criteria prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-333(C)(2), (C)(3), or (C)(4),
  2. Fails to comply with the requirements of this Section, or
  3. Provides false information during the application process.

G. The Department shall provide written notice to the applicant stating the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.

H. A complimentary disabled veteran’s license holder may request a no-fee duplicate paper license provided:

  1. The license was lost or destroyed,
  2. The license holder submits a written request to the Department for a duplicate license, and
  3. The Department’s records indicate a disabled veteran’s license was previously issued to that person.

I. A person issued a disabled veteran’s license prior to January 1, 2014 shall be entitled to the privileges established under subsection (A).

J. For the purposes of this Section:

  1. “Disabled veteran” means a veteran of the armed forces of the U.S. with a service connected disability.
  2. “Veteran” means a person who has served in the U.S. armed forces.

R12-4-203

National Harvest Information Program (HIP); State Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Stamp

A. All state fish and wildlife agencies are required to obtain data to assess the harvest of migratory game birds in compliance with the federally mandated National Harvest Information Program administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with 50 C.F.R. Part 20.

B. In compliance with the National Harvest Information Program, the Department requires a person to possess a migratory bird stamp or authorization number, which may be affixed to or written on the appropriate license, and a current, valid federal waterfowl stamp. The migratory bird stamp and authorization number are required to take bandtailed pigeons, moorhen, coots, doves, ducks, geese, snipe, or swans.

  1. The state migratory bird stamp expires on June 30 of each year. To obtain a state migratory bird stamp, a person shall submit:
    1. The fee required under R12-4-102, and
    2. A completed state migratory bird registration form to a license dealer or a Department office.
  2. The person shall provide on the state migratory bird registration form the person’s:
    1. Name,
    2. Mailing address,
    3. Date of birth, and
    4. Information on past and anticipated hunting activity.
  3. The youth combination hunting and fishing license includes the state migratory bird stamp privileges. A youth hunter who possesses a valid combination hunting and fishing license shall obtain: a. A Federal waterfowl stamp when the youth hunter is 16 years of age or older and is taking ducks, geese, swans, coots, gallinules; or b. A permit-tag when the youth hunter is taking Sandhill crane.

C. A license dealer shall submit state migratory bird registration forms for all state migratory bird stamps sold with the monthly report required under A.R.S. § 17-338.

R12-4-208

Guide License

A. A guide, as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101, is a person who does any one of the following:

  1. Advertises for guiding services.
  2. Is presented to the public for hire as a guide.
  3. Is employed by a commercial enterprise as a guide.
  4. Accepts compensation in any form commensurate with the market value in this state for guiding services in exchange for aiding, assisting, directing, leading, or instructing a person in the field to locate and take wildlife.
  5. Is not a landowner or lessee who, without full fair market compensation, allows access to the landowner’s or lessee’s property and directs and advises a person in taking wildlife.

B. A person shall not act as a guide unless the person holds one of the following guide licenses:

  1. A hunting guide license, which authorizes the license holder to act as a guide for the lawful taking of wildlife other than aquatic wildlife as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101.
  2. A fishing guide license, which authorizes the license holder to act as a guide for the lawful taking of aquatic wildlife.
  3. A hunting and fishing guide license, which authorizes the license holder to act as a guide for the lawful taking of wildlife.

C. A guide license shall expire on December 31 of each year.

D. A person is not eligible to apply for an original or renewal guide license when any one of the following conditions apply:

  1. The applicant was convicted of a felony violation of any federal wildlife law, within five years immediately preceding the date of application;
  2. The applicant was convicted of a violation listed under A.R.S. § 17-309(D), within five years immediately preceding the date of application;
  3. The applicant was convicted of a violation of a federal or state wildlife law for which a license to take wildlife may be revoked or suspended within five years immediately preceding the date of application; or
  4. The applicant’s privilege to take or possess wildlife or to guide or act as a guide is currently suspended or revoked anywhere in the U.S. for violation of a federal or state wildlife law.

E. Notwithstanding subsection (D), a person who was convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any wildlife law within one year preceding the date of application may apply for a guide license provided the person immediately and voluntarily reported the violation to the Department after committing the violation.

F. An applicant for a guide license shall:

  1. Be 18 years of age or older, and
  2. Possess the required Department-issued license, as applicable:
    1. A current Arizona hunting license when applying for a hunting guide license;
    2. A current Arizona fishing license when applying for a fishing guide license;
    3. A current Arizona combination hunting and fishing license when applying for a hunting and fishing guide license;

G. The guide license does not exempt the license holder from any applicable method of take or licensing requirement. The guide license holder shall comply with all applicable Commission rules, including, but not limited to, rules governing:

  1. Lawful methods of take,
  2. Lawful devices, and
  3. License requirements.

H. Unless otherwise provided under this Section, a person shall successfully complete the Department administered examination, and answer at least 80% of the questions correctly, prior to applying for a guide license. Guide examinations are:

  1. Provided at a Department office.
  2. Valid until December 31 of the year in which it was taken.
  3. A person interested in taking the guide examination shall contact a Department office to obtain scheduling information.

I. The examination is based on the type of guide license the person is seeking.

  1. Before taking the examination, the applicant shall provide their:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth; and
    3. Driver license number and issuing state.
  2. The examination may include questions regarding any of the following topics:
    1. A.R.S. Title 17 Game and Fish statutes and Commission rules regarding the taking and handling of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife;
    2. A.R.S. Title 28, Ch 3, Article 20 Off-highway Vehicles statutes and rule regarding the use of off-highway vehicles;
    3. A.R.S. Title 5, Ch 3, Boating and Water Sports statutes and Commission rules on boating;
    4. Requirements for guiding on federal lands; e. Identification of aquatic wildlife species;
    5. Identification of wildlife;
    6. Special state and federal laws regarding certain species;
    7. General knowledge of fair chase, hunter ethics, and conservation in Arizona;
    8. General knowledge of species habitat and wildlife that may occur in the same habitat;
    9. General knowledge of the types of habitat within the State; and
    10. General knowledge of special or concurrent jurisdictions within the State.
  3. An applicant who fails the examination may retake the examination agreed upon by the applicant and the examination administrator.

J. In addition to the guide examination requirement under subsection (H), a guide license holder shall take the Department administered examination when:

  1. The applicant currently holds a hunting or fishing guide license and is applying for a combination hunting and fishing guide license;
  2. The applicant for a hunting guide license was convicted of a violation of A.R.S. Title 17 or Game and Fish Commission rule governing the taking and handling of terrestrial wildlife within one year preceding the date of application;
  3. The applicant for a fishing guide license was convicted of a violation of A.R.S. Title 17 or Game and Fish Commission rule governing the taking and handling of aquatic wildlife within one year preceding the date of application;
  4. The applicant failed to submit a renewal application postmarked before the expiration date of the guide license; or
  5. The applicant failed to submit the annual report for the preceding license year by January 10 of the following license year.

K. A person may apply for a guide license by submitting an application to the Department. The application form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office and on the Department’s website. A guide license applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:

  1. The applicant’s personal information:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Social Security Number;
    5. Current hunting, fishing, or combination hunting and fishing license number;
    6. Residency status;
    7. Mailing address, when applicable;
    8. Physical address;
    9. Telephone number, when available;
    10. E-mail address, when available;
    11. Type of guide license sought; and
    12. Calendar year for which the application is made;
  2. The outfitting or guide:
    1. Business name; and
    2. Business address, as applicable;
  3. Responses to questions relating to criminal violations;
  4. Affirmation that:
    1. The applicant meets the eligibility requirements prescribed under this Section; and
    2. The information provided on the application is true and accurate;
  5. Applicant’s signature and date.

L. In addition to the requirements listed under subsection (K), an applicant for a guide license shall also submit a copy of any one of the following as proof of the applicant’s identity:

  1. Valid U.S. passport;
  2. Applicant’s birth certificate;
  3. Valid government-issued driver’s license; or
  4. Valid government-issued identification card.

M. All information and documentation provided by the guide license applicant is subject to Department verification.

N. An applicant for a guide license shall pay all applicable fees required under R12-4-102 upon approval of an initial or renewal application for a guide license.

O. The Department shall deny a guide license when the applicant:

  1. Fails to meet the criteria prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-362,
  2. Fails to comply with the requirements of this Section,
  3. Provides false information during the application process,
  4. Fails to provide the annual report required under subsection (R) by January 10, or
  5. Provides false information in the annual report required under subsection (R) within three years immediately preceding the date of application.

P. The Department shall provide written notice to the applicant stating the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.

Q. A guide license holder may submit an application for renewal of a guide license after December 1 of the year it was issued. The Department shall not start the substantive review, as defined under A.R.S. § 41-1072, before January 10 of the following license year, unless the Department receives the annual report prior to the date established under subsection (R). The current guide license shall remain valid pending a Department decision on the application for renewal, provided:

  1. The application for renewal is submitted to the Department by December 31, and
  2. The Department receives the annual report submitted in compliance with subsection (R).

R. A guide license holder shall submit to the Department the annual report required under A.R.S. § 17-362(C) for the previous calendar year before January 10 of the following license year. The report form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office or on the Department’s website.

  1. A report is required whether or not the license holder performed any guiding activities.
  2. The annual report shall include all of the following information, as applicable:
    1. License holder’s personal information:
      1. Name;
      2. Guide license number; and
      3. E-mail address, when available; and
    2. Client’s personal information: i. Name; ii. Mailing address; and iii. Arizona license, tag and permit numbers, and
    3. Dates guiding activities were conducted;
    4. Number and species of wildlife taken by the clients;
    5. Game management unit or body of water where guiding activities took place;
    6. Affirmation that the information provided in the annual report is true and accurate; and
    7. License holder’s signature and date.
  3. The Department shall not renew a guide license if the annual report is not submitted to the Department by January 10 of the following license year.

S. The date of receipt for the items required under subsections (K), (L), (Q), and (R) shall be as follows:

  1. The date a person presents the items to a Department office;
  2. The date a private express mail carrier receives the package containing the items as indicated on the shipping package; or
  3. The date of the United States Postal Service postmark stamped on the envelope containing the items.

T. A guide license holder shall:

  1. Complete a Department-sanctioned continuing education course at least once every five-years.
  2. While performing guide activities or providing guide services:
    1. Possess a valid guide license.
    2. Possess a valid Arizona hunting, fishing, or combination hunting and fishing license, as applicable under subsection (F)(2).
    3. Present the license for inspection upon the request of any peace officer, including wildlife managers and game rangers.
    4. Report any violation of a federal or state wildlife regulation, law, or rule personally witnessed by the guide license holder.

U. A guide license holder shall not:

  1. Use, or allow another person to use, any method or device prohibited under any federal or state wildlife regulation, law, or rule while taking wildlife.
  2. Aid, counsel, agree to aid, or attempt to aid another person in planning or engaging in conduct that results in a violation of any federal or state wildlife regulation, law, or rule while taking wildlife.
  3. Pursue any wildlife or hold at bay any wildlife for a person unless that person is present during the pursuit to take the wildlife.
    1. The person shall be continuously present during the entire pursuit of that specific target animal.
    2. If dogs are used, the person shall be present when the dogs are released on a specific target animal and shall be continuously present for the remainder of the pursuit.
  4. Hold wildlife at bay other than during daylight hours, unless a Commission Order authorizes the take of the species at night.

V. As authorized under A.R.S. § 17-362(A), the Commission may revoke or suspend a guide license when any one or more of the following actions occur:

  1. The guide license holder failed to comply with the requirements of A.R.S. Title 17 or was convicted of violating any provision of A.R.S. Title 17;
  2. The guide license holder was convicted of a felony violation of any federal wildlife law;
  3. The guide license holder was convicted of a violation listed under A.R.S. § 17-309(D);
  4. The guide license holder was convicted of a violation of a federal or state wildlife law for which a license to take wildlife may be revoked or suspended; or
  5. The guide license holder’s privilege to take or possess wildlife is suspended or revoked by any jurisdiction for violation of a federal or state wildlife law.

R12-4-216

Crossbow Permit

A. For the purposes of this Section, “healthcare provider” means a person who is licensed to practice by the federal government, any state, or U.S. territory with one of the following credentials:

  • Medical Docto
  • Doctor of Osteopath
  • Doctor of Chiropracti
  • Nurse Practitioner, or
  • Physician Assistant.

B. A crossbow permit allows a person to use a crossbow, or any bow to be drawn and held with an assisting device, during an archery-only season, as prescribed under R12- 4-318, when authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted.

C. The crossbow permit does not exempt the permit holder from any other applicable method of take or licensing requirement. The permit holder shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

D. The crossbow permit does not expire, unless:

  1. The medical certification portion of the application indicates the person has a temporary physical disability; then the crossbow permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date the medical certification portion of the application was signed by the healthcare provider,
  2. The permit holder no longer meets the criteria for obtaining the crossbow permit, or
  3. The Commission revokes the person’s hunting privileges under A.R.S. § 17-340. A person whose crossbow permit is revoked by the Commission may petition the Commission for a rehearing as established under R12-4-607.

E. An applicant for a crossbow permit shall apply by submitting an application to the Department. The application form is furnished by the Department and is available at any Department office and online at www.azgfd.gov. A crossbow permit applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:

  1. The applicant’s:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Department identification number, when applicable;
    5. Residency status;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. Affirmation that:
    1. The applicant meets the requirements of this Section, and
    2. The information provided on the application is true and accurate, and
  3. Applicant’s signature and date.
  4. The certification portion of the application shall be completed by a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider shall:
    1. Certify the applicant has one or more of the following physical limitations:
      1. An amputation involving body extremities required for stable function to use conventional archery equipment;
      2. A spinal cord injury resulting in a disability to the lower extremities, leaving the applicant nonambulatory;
      3. A wheelchair restriction;
      4. A neuromuscular condition that prevents the applicant from drawing and holding a bow;
      5. A failed manual muscle test involving the grading of shoulder and elbow flexion and extension or an impaired range-of-motion test involving the shoulder or elbow; or
      6. A combination of comparable physical disabilities resulting in the applicant’s inability to draw and hold a bow;
      7. A failed functional draw test that equals 30 pounds of resistance and involves holding it for four seconds. The functional draw test may not be used to determine eligibility for the permit when it is not associated with a disability.
    2. Indicate whether the disability is temporary or permanent and, when temporary, specify the expected duration of the physical limitation; and
    3. Provide the healthcare provider’s:
      1. Typed or printed name,
      2. License number,
      3. Business address,
      4. Telephone number, and
      5. Signature and date;
  5. A person who holds a valid Challenged Hunter Access/ Mobility Permit (CHAMP) and who is applying for a crossbow permit is exempt from the requirements of subsection (E)(4) and shall indicate “CHAMP” in the space provided for the medical certification on the crossbow permit application.

F. In addition to the requirements listed above, at the time of application an applicant who is applying for a crossbow permit shall pay the applicable fee required under R12-4-102. G. All information and documentation provided by the applicant is subject to Department verification.

H. The Department shall deny a crossbow permit when the applicant:

  1. Fails to meet the criteria prescribed under this Section,
  2. Fails to comply with the requirements of this Section, or
  3. Provides false information during the application process.

I. The Department shall provide written notice to the applicant stating the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.

J. The applicant claiming a temporary or permanent disability is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining the medical documentation, re-evaluation of the information, or a second medical opinion.

K. When acting under the authority of a crossbow permit, the crossbow permit holder shall possess the permit, and exhibit the permit upon request to any peace officer, including wildlife managers and game rangers.

L. A crossbow permit holder shall not:

  1. Transfer the permit to another person, or
  2. Allow another person to use or possess the permit.

R12-4-217

Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP)

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

  • “Healthcare provider” means a person who is licensed to practice by the federal government, any state, or U.S. territory with one of the following credentials:
    • Medical Doctor,
    • Doctor of Osteopathy,
    • Doctor of Chiropractic,
    • Nurse Practitioner, or
    • Physician Assistant.
  • “Severe permanent disability” means one or more permanent physical or mental disabilities resulting from amputation, arthritis, autism, blindness, burn injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, intellectual disability, muscular dystrophy, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, paraplegia, pulmonary disorders, quadriplegia and other spinal cord conditions, sickle cell anemia, and end stage renal disease or a combination of permanent disabilities resulting in comparable substantial functional limitations.

B. The Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) allows a person with a severe permanent disability to perform one or more of the following activities:

  1. Discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a motor vehicle if, under existing conditions:
    1. The discharge is otherwise lawful;
    2. The motor vehicle is not in motion;
    3. The motor vehicle is not on any road, as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101; and
    4. The motor vehicle’s engine is turned off.
  2. Discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a watercraft, as defined under R12-4-501; provided the motor is turned off, the sail furled, or both; and progress has ceased.
    1. The watercraft may be drifting as a result of current or wind, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or propelled by paddle, oars, or pole.
    2. A person may use a watercraft under power to retrieve dead or wounded wildlife.
    3. For the purposes of this subsection, “watercraft” does not include a sinkbox.
  3. Use off-road locations in a motor vehicle if use is not in conflict with federal or state statutes or regulations or local ordinances or regulations and the motor vehicle is used as a place to wait for game. A person shall not use a motor vehicle to chase or pursue game.
  4. Designate an assistant to track and dispatch a wounded animal, and to retrieve the animal, in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

C. The CHAMP holder shall comply with all applicable regulatory requirements. A CHAMP does not exempt the permit holder from any other applicable method of take or licensing requirement.

D. The CHAMP does not expire, unless:

  1. The permit holder no longer meets the criteria for obtaining the CHAMP, or
  2. The Commission revokes the person’s hunting privileges under A.R.S. § 17-340. A person whose CHAMP is revoked by the Commission may petition the Commission for a rehearing as established under R12-4-607.

E. An applicant for a CHAMP shall apply by submitting an application to the Department. The application form is furnished by the Department and is available from any Department office and on the Department’s website. The CHAMP applicant shall provide all of the following information on the application:

  1. The applicant’s:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Department identification number, when applicable;
    5. Residency status;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. Affirmation that:
    1. The applicant meets the requirements of this Section, and
    2. The information provided on the application is true and accurate, and
  3. Applicant’s signature and date.
  4. The certification portion of the application shall be com-pleted by a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider shall:
    1. Certify the applicant is a person with a severe per-manent disability as defined under subsection (A), and
    2. Provide the healthcare provider’s:
      1. Typed or printed name,
      2. Business address,
      3. Telephone number, and
      4. Signature and date;

F. In addition to the requirements listed above, at the time of application an applicant who is applying for a CHAMP shall pay the applicable fee required under R12-4-102.

G. All information and documentation provided by the applicant is subject to Department verification.

H. The applicant claiming a severe permanent disability is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining the medical documentation, re-evaluation of the information, or a second medical opinion.

I. The Department shall deny a CHAMP when the applicant:

  1. Fails to meet the criteria prescribed under this Section,
  2. Fails to comply with the requirements of this Section, or
  3. Provides false information during the application process.

J. The Department shall provide written notice to the applicant stating the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Commission as prescribed in A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10.

K. When acting under the authority of the CHAMP, the permit holder shall possess and exhibit the permit upon request to any peace officer, including wildlife managers and game rangers.

L. The CHAMP holder shall ensure the CHAMP vehicle placard, issued with the CHAMP, is visibly displayed on the motor vehicle or watercraft when in use.

M. The Department shall provide a CHAMP holder with a dispatch permit that allows the CHAMP holder to designate a licensed hunter as an assistant to:

  1. Dispatch and retrieve an animal wounded by the CHAMP holder, or
  2. Retrieve wildlife killed by the CHAMP holder.

N. The CHAMP holder shall:

  1. Designate an assistant only after the animal is wounded or killed.
  2. Ensure the designation on the dispatch permit is in ink and includes:
    1. A description of the animal,
    2. The assistant’s name and valid Arizona hunting license number,
    3. The date and time the animal was wounded or killed, and
  3. Ensure compliance with all of the following requirements:
    1. The site where the animal is wounded and the location from which tracking begins are marked so they can be identified later.
    2. The assistant possesses the dispatch permit and a valid hunting license while tracking and dispatching the wounded animal. When acting under the authority of the dispatch permit, the assistant shall possess and exhibit the dispatch permit and hunting license upon request to any peace officer, including wildlife managers and game rangers.
    3. The CHAMP holder is in the field while the assistant is tracking and dispatching the wounded animal. d. The assistant does not transfer the dispatch permit to anyone except that the dispatch permit may be transferred back to the CHAMP holder.
    4. Dispatch is made by a method that is lawful for the take of the particular animal in the particular season in accordance with requirements established under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
    5. The assistant attaches the dispatch permit to the carcass of the animal and returns the carcass to the CHAMP holder, and the tag of the CHAMP holder is affixed to the carcass.
    6. If the assistant is unsuccessful in locating and dispatching the wounded animal, the assistant returns the dispatch permit to the CHAMP holder. The CHAMP holder shall strike the name and authorization of the assistant from the dispatch permit.

O. A dispatch permit may not be reused when all spaces for designation of an assistant are filled or the dispatch permit is attached to a carcass. The CHAMP holder may request another dispatch permit from the Department if:

  1. All spaces for assistants are filled,
  2. The dispatch permit is lost, or
  3. When the CHAMP holder needs another dispatch permit for another big game hunt.

P. A CHAMP holder shall not:

  1. Transfer the permit to another person, or
  2. Allow another person to use or possess the permit.

R12-4-301

Definitions

In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-101 and R12-4-101, the following definitions apply to this Article unless otherwise specified:

  • “Aircraft” means any contrivance used for flight in the air or any lighter-than-air contrivance, including unmanned aircraft systems also known as drones.
  • “Artificial flies and lures” means man-made devices intended as visual attractants to catch fish. Artificial flies and lures does not include living or dead organisms or edible parts of those organisms, natural or prepared food stuffs, or chemicals or organic materials intended to create a scent, flavor, or chemical stimulant to the device regardless of whether it is added or applied during or after the manufacturing process.
  • “Barbless hook” means any fish hook manufactured without barbs or on which the barbs have been completely closed or removed.
  • “Body-gripping trap” means a device designed to capture an animal by gripping the animal’s body.
  • “Confinement trap” means a device designed to capture wildlife alive and hold it without harm.
  • “Crayfish net” means a net that does not exceed 36 inches on a side or in diameter and is retrieved by means of a hand-held line.
  • “Deadly weapon” has the same meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 13-3101.
  • “Device” has the same meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 17-101.
  • “Dip net” means any net, excluding the handle, that is no greater than three feet in the greatest dimension, that is hand-held, non-motorized, and the motion of the net is caused by the physical effort of the person.
  • “Drug” means any chemical substance, other than food or mineral supplements, that affects the structure or biological function of wildlife.
  • “Edible portions of game meat” means, for:
  • Upland game birds, migratory game birds and wild turkey: breast.
  • Bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, javelina, mountain lion, and pronghorn antelope: front quarters, hind quarters, loins (backstraps), neck meat, and tenderloins.
  • Game fish: fillets of the fish.
  • “Evidence of legality” means the wildlife is accompanied by the applicable license, tag, stamp, or permit required by law and is identifiable as the “legal wildlife” prescribed by Commission Order, which may include evidence of species, gender, antler or horn growth, maturity, and size.
  • “Foothold trap” means a device designed to capture an animal by the leg or foot.
  • “Hybrid device” means a device with a combination of components from two or more lawful devices and is used for the take of wildlife, such as but not limited to a firearm, pneumatic weapon, or slingshot that shoots arrows or bolts.
  • “Instant kill trap” means a device designed to render an animal unconscious and insensitive to pain quickly with inevitable subsidence into death without recovery of consciousness.
  • “Land set” means any trap used on land rather than in water.
  • “Minnow trap” means a trap with dimensions that do not exceed 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width, and 24 inches in length.
  • “Muzzleloading handgun” means a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, and loaded with black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile.
  • “Muzzleloading rifle” means a firearm intended to be fired from the shoulder, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single barrel, and loaded through the muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile.
  • “Muzzleloading shotgun” means a firearm intended to be fired from the shoulder, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single or double smooth barrel and loaded through the muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and using ball shot as a projectile. “Paste-type bait” means a partially liquefied substance used as a lure for animals.
  • “Pneumatic weapon” means a device that fires a projectile by means of air pressure or compressed gas. This does not include tools that are common in the construction and art trade such as, but not limited to, nail and rivet guns.
  • “Pre-charged pneumatic weapon” means an air gun or pneumatic weapon that is charged from a high compression source such as an air compressor, air tank, or internal or external hand pump.
  • “Prohibited possessor” has the same meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 13-3101.
  • “Prohibited weapon” has the same meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 13-3101.
  • “Rifle” means a firearm intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses the energy from an explosive in a fixed cartridge to fire a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. This does not include a pre-charged pneumatic weapon.
  • “Shotgun” means a firearm intended to be fired from the shoulder and that uses the energy from an explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire either ball shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore or rifled barrel for each pull of the trigger.
  • “Sight-exposed bait” means a carcass, or parts of a carcass, lying openly on the ground or suspended in a manner so that it can be seen from above by a bird. This does not include a trap flag, dried or bleached bone with no attached tissue, or less than two ounces of paste-type bait.
  • “Simultaneous fishing” means taking fish by using only two lines at one time and not more than two hooks or two artificial flies or lures per line.
  • “Single-point barbless hook” means a fishhook with a single point, manufactured without barbs, or on which the barbs have been completely closed or removed. This does not include a treble fishhook.
  • “Sinkbox” means a low-floating device with a depression that affords a hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water.
  • “Smart device” means any device equipped with a target-tracking system or an electronically-controlled, electronically-assisted, or computer-linked trigger or release. This includes but is not limited to smart rifles.
  • “Trail Camera” means any device that is not held or manually operated by a person and is used to capture images, video, or location, time, or date data of wildlife.
  • “Trap flag” means an attractant made from materials other than animal parts that is suspended at least three feet above the ground.
  • “Water set” means any trap used and anchored in water rather than on land.

R12-4-302

Use of Tags

A. In addition to meeting requirements prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-331, a person who takes wildlife shall have in possession any tag required for the particular season or hunt area.

B. A tag obtained in violation of statute or rule is invalid and shall not be used to take, transport, or possess wildlife.

C. A person who lawfully possesses both a nonpermit-tag and a hunt permit-tag shall not take a genus or species in excess of the bag limit established by Commission Order for that genus or species.

D. A person shall:

  1. Take and tag only the wildlife identified on the tag.
  2. Use a tag only in the season and hunt for which the tag is valid as specified by Commission Order.

E. Except as permitted under R12-4-217, a person shall not:

  1. Allow their tag to be attached to wildlife killed by another person,
  2. Allow their tag to be possessed by another person while taking wildlife,
  3. Allow wildlife killed by that person to be tagged with another person’s tag,
  4. Attach their tag to wildlife killed by another person, or
  5. Possess a tag issued to another person while taking wildlife.
  6. Subsections (E)(2) and (5) do not apply to a tag issued to a person under 18 years of age.

F. Except as permitted under R12-4-217, immediately after a person kills wildlife, the person shall attach:

  1. The tag to the wildlife carcass in the manner indicated on the tag, or
  2. The validation code to the wildlife carcass in the manner indicated by the Department through the person’s electronic device.

G. A person who authorizes another person to possess, transport, or ship a portion of their lawfully taken animal shall complete the transportation and shipping portion of the tag in the manner indicated on the tag or by the Department through the person’s electronic device, as applicable.

H. A tag is no longer valid for the take of wildlife if:

  1. The tag is mutilated or the Transportation and Shipping Permit portion of the tag is signed or filled out, or
  2. The validation code is attached to a carcass.

R12-4-303

Unlawful Devices, Methods, and Ammunition

A. In addition to the prohibitions prescribed under A.R.S. §§ 17-301 and 17-309, the following devices, methods, and ammunition are unlawful for taking wildlife in this state:

  1. A person shall not use any of the following to take wildlife:
    1. Fully automatic firearms, including firearms capable of selective automatic fire.
    2. Tracer or armor-piercing ammunition designed for military use.
    3. Any smart device as defined under R12-4-301.
    4. Any self-guided projectiles.
  2. A person shall not take big game using full-jacketed or total-jacketed bullets that are not designed to expand upon impact,
  3. A person shall not use or possess any of the following while taking wildlife:
    1. Poisoned projectiles or projectiles that contain explosives or a secondary propellant.
    2. Pitfalls of greater than 5-gallon size, explosives, poisons, or stupefying substances, except as permitted under A.R.S. § 17-239 or as allowed by a scientific collecting permit issued under A.R.S. § 17-238.
    3. Any lure, attractant, or cover scent containing any cervid urine.
    4. Electronic night vision equipment, electronically enhanced light-gathering devices, thermal imaging devices or laser sights projecting a visible light; except for devices such as laser range finders projecting a non-visible light, scopes with self-illuminating reticles, and fiber optic sights with self-illuminating sights or pins that do not project a visible light onto an animal.
  4. A person shall not by any means:
    1. Hold wildlife at bay other than during daylight hours, unless authorized by Commission Order.
    2. Injure, confine, place, or use a tracking device in or on wildlife for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife.
    3. Place any substance, device, or object in, on, or by any water source to prevent wildlife from using that water source.
    4. Place any substance in a manner intended to attract bears.
    5. Use a manual or powered jacking or prying device to take reptiles or amphibians.
    6. Use dogs to pursue, tree, corner or hold at bay any wildlife for a hunter, unless that hunter is present for the entire hunt.
    7. Take migratory game birds, except Eurasian collared-doves:
      1. Using a shotgun larger than 10 gauge, a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the shotgun so that its total capacity does not exceed three shells.
      2. Using electronically amplified bird calls or baits.
      3. By means or aid of any motordriven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird.
      4. Activities described under subsections (A)(4) (g)(i) through (A)(4)(g)(iii) are prohibited under 50 C.F.R. 20.21, revised October 1, 2015. The material incorporated by reference in this Section does not include any later amendments or editions. The incorporated material is available at any Department office, online from the Government Printing Office website www.gpoaccess.gov, or may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.
    8. Discharge any of the following devices while taking wildlife within one-fourth mile (440 yards) of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident:
      1. Arrow or bolt,
      2. Hybrid device, or
      3. Pneumatic weapon .35 caliber or larger.
    9. Participate in, organize, promote, sponsor, or solicit participation in a contest where a participant uses or intends to use any device or implement to capture or kill predatory animals or fur-bearing animals as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101. For the purposes of this subsection, “contest” means a competition among participants where participants must register or record entry and pay a fee, and prizes or cash are awarded to winning or successful participants.
  5. A person shall not place, maintain, or use a trail camera, or images, video, to include location, time, or data from a trail camera, for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife or locating wildlife for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife.
  6. A person shall not use images of wildlife produced or transmitted from a satellite or other device that orbits the earth for the purpose of:
    1. Taking or aiding in the take of wildlife, or
    2. Locating wildlife for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife.
    3. This subsection does not prohibit the use of mapping systems or programs.
  7. A person shall not use edible or ingestible substances to aid in taking big game. The use of edible or ingestible substances to aid in taking big game is unlawful when:
    1. A person places edible or ingestible substances for the purpose of attracting or taking big game, or
    2. A person knowingly takes big game with the aid of edible or ingestible substances placed for the purpose of attracting wildlife to a specific location.
  8. Subsection (A)(7) does not limit Department employees or Department agents in the performance of their official duties.
  9. For the purposes of subsection (A)(7), edible or ingestible substances do not include any of the following:
    1. Water.
    2. Salt.
    3. Salt-based materials produced and manufactured for the livestock industry.
    4. Nutritional supplements produced and manufactured for the livestock industry and placed during the course of livestock or agricultural operations.

B. It is unlawful for a person who is a prohibited possessor to take wildlife with a deadly weapon or prohibited weapon.

C. Wildlife taken in violation of this Section is unlawfully taken.

D. This Section does not apply to any activity allowed under A.R.S. § 17-302, to a person acting within the scope of their official duties as an employee of the state or United States, or as authorized by the Department.

R12-4-304

Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles

A. A hybrid device is lawful for the take of wildlife provided all components of the device are authorized for the take of that species under this Section.

B. A person may only use the following methods to take big game when authorized by Commission Order and subject to the restrictions under R12-4-303 and R12-4-318.

  1. To take bear:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges;
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(1)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device; and
    11. Pursuit with dogs only between August 1 and December 31, provided the person shall immediately kill or release the bear after it is treed, cornered, or held at bay. For the purpose of this subsection, “release” means the person removes the dogs from the area so the bear can escape on its own after it is treed, cornered, or held at bay.
  2. To take bighorn sheep:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges; and
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(2)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
  3. To take bison:
    1. Statewide, except for the management units identified under subsection (B)(3)(b):
      1. Centerfire rifles;
      2. Muzzleloading rifles;
      3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
      4. Centerfire handguns no less than .41 Magnum or centerfire handguns with an overall cartridge length of no less than two inches;
      5. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons 40 caliber or larger a minimum of 500 foot pounds of energy;
      6. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second; and
      7. Bows with a standard pull of 40 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads of no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges;
      8. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(3)(a)(vi) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
    2. In Management Units 5A and 5B:
      1. Centerfire rifles,
      2. Muzzleloading rifles, and
      3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder.
  4. To take deer:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges; and
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(4)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
  5. To take elk:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons 40 caliber or larger and capable of firing a minimum of 500 foot pounds of energy;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges; and
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(5)(h) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
  6. To take javelina:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges;
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(6)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device;
    11. .22 rimfire magnum rifles; and
    12. 5 mm rimfire magnum rifles.
  7. To take mountain lion:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs or shot
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges;
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(7)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device;
    11. Artificial light, 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
    12. Pursuit with dogs, provided the person shall immediately kill or release the mountain lion after it is treed, cornered, or held at bay. For the purpose of this subsection, “release” means the person removes the dogs from the area so the mountain lion can escape on its own after it is treed, cornered, or held at bay.
  8. To take pronghorn antelope:
    1. Centerfire rifles;
    2. Muzzleloading rifles;
    3. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder;
    4. Centerfire handguns;
    5. Muzzleloading handguns;
    6. Shotguns shooting slugs, only;
    7. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger;
    8. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;
    9. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges; and
    10. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(8)(i) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
  9. To take turkey:
    1. Shotguns shooting shot;
    2. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more pounds, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges; and
    3. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (B)(9)(b) to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
    4. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons using arrows or bolts with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges and capable of firing a minimum of 250 feet per second;

C. A person may only use the following methods to take small game, when authorized by Commission Order and subject to the restrictions under R12-4-303, R12-4-318, and R12-4-422.

  1. To take cottontail rabbits and tree squirrels:
    1. Firearms,
    2. Bow and arrow,
    3. Crossbow,
    4. Pneumatic weapons,
    5. Slingshots,
    6. Hand-held projectiles,
    7. Falconry, and h. Dogs.
  2. To take all upland game birds and Eurasian collared-dove:
    1. Bow and arrow;
    2. Falconry;
    3. Pneumatic weapons;
    4. Shotguns shooting shot, only;
    5. Handguns shooting shot, only;
    6. Crossbow;
    7. Slingshot;
    8. Hand-held projectiles; and
    9. Dogs.
  3. To take migratory game birds, except Eurasian collared-dove:
    1. Bow and arrow;
    2. Crossbow;
    3. Falconry;
    4. Dogs;
    5. Shotguns shooting shot:
      1. Ten gauge or smaller, except that lead shot shall not be used or possessed while taking ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, common moorhens, or coots; and
      2. Incapable of holding more than a total of three shells, as prescribed under 50 C.F.R. 20.21, published October 1, 2015. The material incorporated by reference in this subsection does not include any later amendments or editions. The material is available at any Department office, online from the Government Printing Office website www. gpoaccess.gov, or may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

D. A person may take waterfowl from any watercraft, except a sinkbox, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The motor is shut off, the sail is furled, as applicable, and any progress from a motor or sail has ceased;
  2. The watercraft may be:
    1. Adrift as a result of current or wind action;
    2. Beached;
    3. Moored;
    4. Resting at anchor; or
    5. Propelled by paddle, oars, or pole; and
  3. The person may only use the watercraft under power to retrieve dead or crippled waterfowl; shooting is prohibited while the watercraft is under power.

E. 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 coyote 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.

F. A person may take nongame mammals and birds by any method authorized by Commission Order and not prohibited under R12-4-303, R12-4-318, and R12-4-422, subject to the following restrictions. A person:

  1. Shall not take nongame mammals and birds using foothold traps;
  2. Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release non-target species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any holes;
  3. Shall not use firearms at night; and
  4. May use artificial light while taking nongame mammals and birds, if 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.

G. A person may take reptiles by any method not prohibited under R12-4-303 or R12-4-318 subject to the following restrictions. A person:

  1. Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release non-target species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any holes;
  2. Shall not use firearms at night; and
  3. May use artificial light while taking reptiles 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.

R12-4-305

Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife

A. A person shall ensure that evidence of legality remains with the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife that the person possesses, transports, or imports until arrival at the person’s permanent abode, a commercial processing plant, or the place where the wildlife is to be consumed.

B. In addition to the requirement under subsection (A), a person possessing or transporting the following wildlife shall ensure each:

  1. Big game animal, Sandhill crane, and pheasant has the required valid tag attached in the manner indicated on the tag or as indicated by the Department through the person’s electronic device, as applicable;
  2. Migratory game bird, except Sandhill cranes, has one fully feathered wing attached;
  3. Sandhill crane and Eurasian-collared dove has either the fully feathered head or one fully feathered wing attached;
  4. Quail has attached a fully feathered head, or a fully feathered wing, or a leg with foot attached, when the current Commission Order has established separate bag or possession limits for any species of quail; and
  5. Freshwater fish has the head, tail, or skin attached so the species can be identified and the total number and required length determined.

C. A person who has lawfully taken wildlife that requires a valid tag when prescribed by the Commission may authorize its transportation or shipment by completing and signing the Transportation and Shipping Permit portion of the valid tag or as indicated by the Department through the person’s electronic device, as applicable, for that animal. A separate Transportation and Shipping Permit issued by the Department is necessary to transport or ship to another state or country any big game taken with a resident license. Under A.R.S. § 17-372(B), a person may ship other lawfully taken wildlife by common carrier after obtaining a valid Transportation and Shipping Permit issued by the Department. The person shall provide the following information:

  1. Number and description of the wildlife to be transported or shipped;
  2. Name, address, license number, and license class of the person who took the wildlife;
  3. Tag number;
  4. Name and address of the person receiving a portion of the carcass of the wildlife as authorized under subsection (D), if applicable;
  5. Address of destination where the wildlife is to be transported or shipped; and
  6. Name and address of transporter or shipper.

D. A person who lawfully takes wildlife under a tag may authorize another individual to possess the head or carcass of the wildlife as prescribed under R12-4-302.

E. A person who receives a portion of the wildlife shall provide the identity of the person who took and gave the portion of the wildlife upon request to any peace officer, wildlife manager, or game ranger.

F. A person shall not possess the horns of a bighorn sheep, taken by a hunter in this state, unless the horns are marked or sealed as established under R12-4-308.

G. Except as provided under R12-4-307, before a person may sell, offer for sale, or export the raw pelt or unskinned carcass of a bobcat taken in this state, the person shall:

  1. Present the bobcat for inspection at any Department office, and
  2. Purchase a bobcat seal by paying the fee established under R12-4-102 at any Department office or other location as determined and published by the Department. Department personnel or an authorized agent shall attach and lock the bobcat seal only to a pelt or unskinned carcass presented with a validated transportation tag.

H. A person who takes bear or mountain lion under A.R.S. § 17-302 may retain the carcass of the wildlife if the person has a valid hunting license and the carcass is immediately tagged with a nonpermit-tag or a valid hunt permit-tag as required under R12-4-114 and R12-4-302, provided the person has not reached the applicable bag limit for that big game animal. An animal retained under this subsection shall count toward the applicable bag limit for bear or mountain lion as authorized by Commission Order. The person shall comply with inspection and reporting requirements established under R12-4-308.

I. A person may possess, transport, or import only the following portions of a cervid lawfully taken in another state or country:

  1. Boneless portions of meat, or meat that has been cut and packaged either personally or commercially;
  2. Clean hides and capes with no skull or soft tissue attached, except as required for proof of legality;
  3. Clean skulls with antlers, clean skull plates, or antlers with no meat or soft tissue attached, this includes velvet antlers;
  4. Finished taxidermy mounts or products; and
  5. Upper canine teeth with no meat or tissue attached.

J. A private game farm license holder may transport a cervid lawfully killed or slaughtered at the license holder’s game farm to a licensed meat processor.

K. A person may possess or transport only the following portions of a cervid lawfully killed or slaughtered at a private game farm authorized under R12-4-413:

  1. Boneless portions of meat, or meat that has been cut and packaged either personally or commercially;
  2. Clean hides and capes with no skull or soft tissue attached;
  3. Clean skulls with antlers, clean skull plates, or antlers with no meat or soft tissue attached, this includes velvet antlers;
  4. Finished taxidermy mounts or products; and
  5. Upper canine teeth with no meat or tissue attached.

L. A person who obtains bison meat as authorized under R12-4- 306 may sell the meat.

M. Except for cervids, which are subject to requirements established under subsections (I), (J), and (K), a person may import into this state the carcasses or parts of wildlife, including aquatic wildlife, lawfully taken in another state or country if transported and exported in accordance with the laws of the state or country of origin.

N. A person shall not transport live crayfish from the site where taken, except as permitted under R12-4-316.

O. A person in possession of a common carp (Cyprinus carpio), buffalofish (Ictiobus spp.), or crayfish (families Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae) carcass taken under Commission Order may sell the carcass.

R12-4-306

Bison Hunt Requirements

A. When authorized by Commission Order, the Department shall conduct a hunt to harvest bison from the state’s bison herds.

B. A hunter with a bison permit-tag or nonpermit-tag shall, when required:

  1. Provide a signed written acknowledgment that the hunter received, read, understands, and agrees to comply with the requirements of this Section.
  2. Hunt in the order scheduled.
  3. Be accompanied by an authorized Department employee who: a. Shall designate the bison to be harvested, and b. May assist in taking the bison if the hunter fails to dispatch a wounded bison within a reasonable period of time.
  4. Take only the bison designated by the Department employee.

C. A hunter issued a bison permit-tag or nonpermit-tag shall check out no more than three days after the end of the hunt, regardless of whether the hunter, harvested a bison, did not harvest a bison, or did not participate in the bison hunt.

  1. House Rock Herd (Units 12A, 12B, and 13A): a hunter may check out either in person, electronically, or by telephone with the Department’s Flagstaff regional office or Jacob Lake Check station, when open during deer season.
  2. Raymond Herd (Units 5A and 5B):
    1. A hunter may check out either in person, electronically, or by telephone with the Department’s Flagstaff regional office, or when required, with the Raymond Wildlife Area headquarters.
    2. A hunter may be required to present the harvested bison to the Department for the purpose of gathering biological data when the bison was taken in Units 5A or 5B and a Department employee did not accompany the hunter during the bison hunt.
  3. At the time of check out, the hunter shall provide all of the following information:
    1. Hunter’s name,
    2. Hunter’s contact number,
    3. Tag number,
    4. Sex of bison taken,
    5. Age of the bison taken: adult or yearling,
    6. Number of days hunted, and
    7. Number of bison seen while hunting.
  4. An authorized Department employee who accompanies the hunter, shall conduct the check out at the end of the hunt.

D. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Section shall result in the invalidation of the hunter’s permit-tag or nonpermit-tag, consistent with the written acknowledgment signed and agreed to by the hunter.

R12-4-307

Trapping Regulations, Licensing; Methods; Tagging of Bobcat Pelts

A. An Arizona trapping license permits a person to trap predatory and fur-bearing animals.

B. A trapping license is required for any person 10 years of age and older. A person under the age of 10 is not required to purchase a trapping license, but shall apply for and obtain a registration number. The trapper registration number is not transferable.

C. A person born on or after January 1, 1967 shall successfully complete a Department-approved trapping education course before applying for a trapping license.

D. A person applying for a trapping registration number or trapping license shall pay the applicable fees established under R12-4-102.

E. A person applying for a trapping registration number or trapping license shall apply using a form furnished by the Department. The form is available at any Department office and online at www.azgfd.gov. The person shall provide all of the following information on the form:

  1. The applicant’s personal information:
    1. Name;
    2. Date of birth;
    3. Physical description, to include the applicant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;
    4. Department identification number;
    5. Residency status and number of years of residency immediately preceding application, when applicable;
    6. Mailing address, when applicable;
    7. Physical address;
    8. Telephone number, when available; and
    9. E-mail address, when available;
  2. Category of license:
    1. Resident,
    2. Nonresident, or
    3. Youth, and
  3. The applicant’s signature and date.

F. A trapper may only trap predatory and fur-bearing animals during trapping seasons established by Commission Order.

G. A trapper shall:

  1. Inspect traps daily;
  2. Kill or release all predatory and fur-bearing animals;
  3. Possess a choke restraint device that enables the trapper to release a javelina from a trap when trapping in a javelina hunt unit, as designated by Commission Order;
  4. Possess a device that is designed or manufactured to restrain a trapped animal while it is being removed from a trap when its release is required by under this Section; and
  5. Release, without additional injury, all animals that cannot lawfully be taken by trap.
  6. Subsections (G)(3) and (G)(4) do not apply when the trapper is using a confinement trap.

H. A trapper shall not:

  1. Bait a confinement trap with:
    1. A live animal;
    2. Any edible parts of small game, big game, or game fish; or
    3. Any part of any game bird or nongame bird.
  2. Set any trap within:
    1. One-half mile (880 yards) of any of the following areas developed for public use:
      1. Boat ramp or launching area,
      2. Camping area,
      3. Picnic area,
      4. Roadside rest area, or
      5. Developed wildlife viewing platform.
    2. One-half mile of any occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident.
    3. One-hundred yards of an interstate highway or any other highway maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
    4. Fifty feet of any trail maintained for public use by a government agency.
    5. Seventy-five feet of any other road as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101.
    6. Subsections (H)(2)(b), (H)(2)(c), (H)(2)(d), and (H)(2) (e) do not apply when the trapper is using a confinement trap.
  3. Set a foothold trap within 30 feet of sight-exposed bait.
  4. Use any:
    1. Body-gripping or other instant kill trap with an open jaw spread that exceeds 5 inches for any land set or 10 inches for any water set;
    2. Foothold trap with an open jaw spread that exceeds 7 1/2 inches for any water set;
    3. Snare, unless authorized under subsection (I);
    4. Trap with an open jaw spread that exceeds 6 1/2 inches for any land set; or
    5. Trap with teeth.

I. A trapper who uses a foothold trap to take wildlife with a land set shall use commercially manufactured traps that meet the following specifications:

  1. A padded or rubber-jawed trap or an unpadded trap with jaws permanently offset to a minimum of 3/16 inch and a device that allows for pan tension adjustment;
  2. A foothold trap that captures wildlife by means of an enclosed bar or spring designed to prevent the capture of non-targeted wildlife or domestic animals; or
  3. A powered cable device with an inside frame hinge width no wider than 6 inches, a cable loop stop size of at least 2 inches in diameter to prevent capture of small non-target species, and a device that allows for a pan tension adjustment.

J. A trapper who uses a foothold trap to take wildlife with a land set shall ensure that the trap has an anchor chain equipped with at least two swivels as follows:

  1. An anchor chain 12 inches or less in length shall have a swivel attached at each end.
  2. An anchor chain greater than 12 inches in length shall have one swivel attached at the trap and one swivel attached within 12 inches of the trap. The anchor chain shall be equipped with a shock-absorbing spring that requires less than 40 pounds of force to extend or open the spring.

K. A trapper shall ensure that each trap has either the name and address or the registration number of the trapper marked on a metal tag attached to the trap. The registration number assigned by the Department is the only acceptable registration number.

L. A trapper shall immediately attach a valid bobcat transportation tag to the pelt or unskinned carcass of a bobcat taken in this state. The trapper shall validate the transportation tag by providing all of the following information on the bobcat transportation tag:

  1. Current trapping license number,
  2. Management unit where the bobcat was taken,
  3. Sex of the bobcat, and
  4. Method by which the bobcat was taken.

M. The Department shall provide transportation tags with each trapping license. Additional transportation tags are available at any Department office at no charge.

N. A trapper shall ensure that all bobcats taken in this state have a bobcat seal attached and locked either through the mouth and an eye opening or through both eye openings no later than April 1 of each year.

  1. When available, bobcat seals are issued on a firstcome, first-served basis at Department offices and other locations at those times and places as determined and published by the Department.
  2. The trapper shall pay the bobcat seal fee established under R12-4-102.
  3. Department personnel or an authorized agent shall attach and lock a bobcat seal only to a pelt or unskinned carcass presented with a validated transportation tag and a complete lower jaw identified with labels provided with the transportation tag. Department personnel or authorized agents shall collect the transportation tags and jaws before attaching the bobcat seal.

O. Department personnel shall attach a bobcat seal to a bobcat pelt seized under A.R.S. § 17-211(E)(4) before disposal by the Department to the public.

P. A licensed trapper shall file the annual report prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-361(D). The report form is available at any Department office and online at www.azgfd.gov.

  1. The trapper shall submit the report to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Game Terrestrial Wildlife Branch, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 by April 1 of each year.
  2. A report is required even when trapping activities were not conducted.
  3. The Department shall deny a trapping license to any trapper who fails to submit an annual report until the trapper complies with reporting requirements.

Q. Persons suffering property loss or damage due to wildlife and who take responsive measures as permitted under A.R.S. §§ 17-239 and 17-302 are exempt from this Section. This exemption does not authorize any form of trapping prohibited under A.R.S. § 17-301.

R12-4-308

Wildlife Inspections, Check Stations, and Roadblocks

A. The Department has the authority to establish mandatory wildlife check stations.

  1. The Department shall publish in the Commission Order establishing the season the:
    1. Location,
    2. Check in requirements, and
    3. Check out requirements for that specific season.
  2. The Department shall ensure a wildlife check station with a published:
    1. Check in requirement is open:
      1. 8:00 a.m. the day before the season until 8:00 p.m. the first day of the season, and
      2. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season.
    2. Check out requirement is open:
      1. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season, and
      2. Until 12:00 p.m. on the day after the close of the season.
  3. A hunter shall:
    1. Check in at a wildlife check station in person before hunting when the Department includes a check in requirement in the Commission Order for that season;
    2. Check out at a wildlife check station in person after hunting when the Department includes a check out requirement in the Commission Order for that season and shall:
      1. Present for inspection any wildlife taken; and
      2. Display any license, tag, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife.

B. The Department may conduct inspections of lawfully taken wildlife at the Department’s Phoenix and regional offices or designated locations during the posted business hours.

  1. A bighorn sheep hunter shall check out either in person or by designee within three days after the close of the season. The hunter or designee shall submit the intact horns and skull for inspection and photographing. A Department representative shall affix a mark or seal to one horn of each bighorn sheep lawfully taken under Commission Order. It is unlawful for any person to remove, alter, or obliterate the mark or seal.
  2. A hunter who harvests a bear or mountain lion shall:
    1. Report information about the kill to the Department either in person or by telephone within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the:
      1. Name of the hunter,
      2. Hunter’s hunting license number,
      3. Sex of the wildlife taken,
      4. Management unit where the wildlife was taken,
      5. Telephone number where the hunter can be reached for additional information, and
      6. Any additional information required by the Department.
    2. Present either in person or by designee the skull, hide, and attached proof of sex for inspection within 10 days of taking the wildlife. If a hunter freezes the skull or hide before presenting it for inspection, the hunter shall prop the jaw open to allow access to the teeth and ensure that the attached proof of sex is identifiable and accessible.
  3. For seasons other than bear, bighorn sheep, or mountain lion, a hunter who harvests wildlife for which a harvest objective is established, shall report information about the kill either in person or by telephone within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the information required under subsection (B)(2)(a).

C. The Director may establish vehicle roadblocks at specific locations when necessary to ensure compliance with applicable wildlife laws. Any occupant of a vehicle at a roadblock shall, upon request, present for inspection all wildlife in possession, and provide evidence of legality as defined under R12-4-301.

D. This Section does not limit the game ranger or wildlife manager’s authority to conduct stops, searches, and inspections authorized under A.R.S. §§ 17-211(E), 17-250(A)(4), and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information.

R12-4-318

Seasons for Lawfully Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles

A. Methods of lawfully taking wild mammals, birds, and reptiles during seasons designated by Commission Order as “general” seasons are designated under R12-4-304.

  1. Lawful devices are defined under R12-4-101 and R12-4- 301.
  2. Lawful devices are listed under this Section by the range of effectiveness, from greatest range to least range.
  3. A hybrid device may be used in a general season, provided:
    1. All components of the hybrid device are designated as lawful for a given species under R12-4-304, and
    2. No components are prohibited under R12-4-303.

B. Methods of lawfully taking big game during seasons designated by Commission Order as “special” are designated under R12-4-304. “Special” seasons are open only to a person who possesses a special big game license tag authorized under A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120.

C. When designated by Commission Order, the following seasons have specific requirements and lawful methods of take more restrictive than those for general and special seasons, as established under this Section. While taking the species authorized by the season, a person participating in:

  1. A “CHAMP” season shall be a challenged hunter access/mobility permit holder as established under R12- 4-217.
  2. A “youth-only hunt” shall be under the age of 18. A youth hunter whose 18th birthday occurs during a “youth-only hunt” for which the youth hunter has a valid permit or tag may continue to participate for the duration of that “youth-only hunt.”
  3. A “pursuit-only” season may use dogs to pursue bears, mountain lions, or raccoons as designated by Commission Order, but shall not kill or capture the quarry.
    1. A person participating in a “pursuit-only” season shall possess and, at the request of Department personnel, produce an appropriate and valid hunting license and any required tag or pursuit-only permit for the wildlife pursued, even though there shall be no kill.
    2. Pursuit is allowed regardless of whether a person has met the bag limit established under R12-4- 104(J) for that genus.
    3. A person does not commit an offense under A.R.S. § 17-309 where the person causes or allows a dog to pursue a bear, mountain lion, or raccoon when all of the following apply:
      1. A pursuit-only season for the wildlife pursued is authorized by Commission Order;
      2. The person possesses a valid hunting license and tag;
      3. The bear, mountain lion, or raccoon is not injured or killed in the course of the pursuit.
  4. A “restricted season” may use any lawful method authorized for a specific species under R12-4-304, except dogs may not be used to pursue the wildlife for which the season was established.
  5. An “archery-only” season shall not use any other weapons, including crossbows or bows with a device that holds the bow in a drawn position except as authorized under R12-4-216. A person participating in an “archeryonly” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Bows and arrows, and
    2. Falconry.
  6. A “handgun, archery, and muzzleloader (HAM)” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Muzzleloading rifles,
    2. Handguns,
    3. Muzzleloading handguns,
    4. Bows and arrows,
    5. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device, and
    6. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons capable of holding and discharging a single projectile .35 caliber or larger.
  7. A “muzzleloader” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices if authorized under R12-4- 304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Muzzleloading rifles or muzzleloading handguns,
    2. Bows and arrows, and
    3. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device.
  8. A “limited weapon” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Bows and arrows,
    2. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device,
    3. Pneumatic weapons capable of holding and discharging a single projectile .25 caliber or smaller,
    4. Hand-propelled projectiles,
    5. Any trap except foothold traps,
    6. Slingshots,
    7. Dogs,
    8. Falconry,
    9. Nets, or
    10. Capture by hand.
  9. A “limited weapon hand or hand-held implement” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Catch-pole,
    2. Hand,
    3. Snake hook, or
    4. Snake tongs.
  10. A “limited weapon-pneumatic” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Pneumatic weapons discharging a single projectile .25 caliber or smaller,
    2. Hand-propelled projectiles,
    3. Slingshots,
    4. Dogs,
    5. Falconry,
    6. Nets, or
    7. Capture by hand.
  11. A “limited weapon-rimfire” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Rifled firearms using rimfire cartridges,
    2. Shotgun shooting shot or slug,
    3. Bows and arrows,
    4. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device,
    5. Pneumatic weapons,
    6. Hand-propelled projectiles,
    7. Any trap except foothold traps,
    8. Slingshots,
    9. Dogs,
    10. Falconry,
    11. Nets, or
    12. Capture by hand.
  12. A “limited weapon-shotgun” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Shotgun shooting shot or slug,
    2. Muzzleloading shotgun,
    3. Bows and arrows,
    4. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device,
    5. Pneumatic weapons,
    6. Hand-propelled projectiles,
    7. Any trap except foothold traps,
    8. Slingshots,
    9. Dogs,
    10. Falconry,
    11. Nets, or
    12. Capture by hand.
  13. A “limited weapon-shotgun shooting shot” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
    1. Shotgun shooting shot,
    2. Muzzleloading shotgun shooting shot
    3. Bows and arrows,
    4. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device,
    5. Pneumatic weapons,
    6. Hand-propelled projectiles,
    7. Any trap except foothold traps,
    8. Slingshots,
    9. Dogs,
    10. Falconry,
    11. Nets, or
    12. Capture by hand.
  14. A “falconry-only” season shall be a falconer licensed under R12-4-422 unless exempt under A.R.S. § 17-236(C) or R12-4-407. A falconer participating in a “falconry-only” season shall use no other method of take except falconry.
  15. A “raptor capture” season shall be a falconer licensed under R12-4-422 unless exempt under R12-4-407.
  16. A “limited-entry” season means any hunting opportunity for which a limited number of permits is made available to the public.

R12-4-319

Use of Aircraft to Take Wildlife

A. A person shall not take or assist in taking wildlife from or with the aid of aircraft, including drones.

B. Except in hunt units with Commission-ordered special seasons under R12-4-115 and R12-4-120 and hunt units with seasons only for mountain lion and no other concurrent big game season, a person shall not locate or assist in locating wildlife from or with the aid of an aircraft, including drones, in a hunt unit with an open big game season. This restriction begins 48 hours before the opening of a big game season in a hunt unit and extends until the close of the big game season for that hunt unit.

C. A person who possesses a special big game license tag for a special season under R12-4-115 or R12-4-120 or a person who assists or will assist such a licensee shall not use an aircraft, including drones, to locate wildlife beginning 48 hours before and during a Commission-ordered special season.

D. This Section does not apply to any person acting within the scope of official duties as an employee or authorized agent of the state or the United States to manage or protect or aid in the management or protection of land, water, wildlife, livestock, domesticated animals, human life, or crops.

E. For the purposes of this Section, “locate” means any act or activity that does not take or harass wildlife and is directed at locating or finding wildlife in a hunt area.

R12-4-320

Harassment of Wildlife

A. In addition to the provisions established under A.R.S. § 17-301, it is unlawful to harass, molest, chase, rally, concentrate, herd, intercept, torment, or drive wildlife with or from any aircraft, including drones, as defined under R12-4-301, or with or from any motorized terrestrial or aquatic vehicle.

B. This Section does not apply to person’s acting:

  1. In accordance with the provisions established under A.R.S. § 17-239; or
  2. Within the scope of official duties as an employee or authorized agent of the state or the United States to manage or protect or aid in the management or protection of land, water, wildlife, livestock, domesticated animals, human life, or crops.

R12-4-321

Restrictions for Taking Wildlife in City, County, or Town Parks and Preserves

A. All city, county, and town parks and preserves are closed to hunting and trapping, unless open by Commission Order.

B. Unless otherwise provided under Commission Order or rule, a city, county, or town may:

  1. Limit or prohibit any person from hunting within onefourth mile (440) yards) or trapping within one half mile (880 yards) of any:
    1. Developed picnic area,
    2. Developed campground,
    3. Developed trailhead,
    4. Developed wildlife viewing platform,
    5. Boat ramp,
    6. Shooting range,
    7. Occupied structure, or
    8. Golf course.
  2. Require a person entering a city, county, or town park or preserve, for the purpose of hunting, to declare the person’s intent to hunt within the park or preserve, if the park or preserve has a check in process established.
  3. Allow a person to take wildlife in a city, county, or town park or preserve only during the posted park or preserve hours.

C. The requirements of subsection (B)(1) do not apply to a reptile and amphibian limited weapon hand or hand-held implement season established by Commission Order.

R12-4-322

Pickup and Possession of Wildlife Carcasses or Parts

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

  1. “Fresh” means the majority of the wildlife carcass or part is not exposed dry bone and is comprised mainly of hair, hide, or flesh.
  2. “Not fresh” means the majority of the wildlife carcass or part is exposed dry bone due to natural processes such as scavenging, decomposition, or weathering.

B. If not contrary to federal law or regulation, a person may pick up and possess naturally shed antlers or horns or other wildlife parts that are not fresh without a permit or inspection by a Department law enforcement officer.

C. If not contrary to federal law or regulation, a person may only pick up and possess a fresh wildlife carcass or its parts under this Section if the person notifies the Department prior to pick up and possession and:

  1. The Department’s first report or knowledge of the carcass or its parts is voluntarily provided by the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts;
  2. A Department law enforcement officer or an authorized Department employee or agent is able to observe the carcass or its parts at the site where the animal was found in the same condition and location as when the animal was originally found by the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts; and
  3. A Department law enforcement officer, using the officer’s education, training, and experience, determines the animal died from natural causes. The Department may require the person to take the officer to the site where the animal carcass or parts were found when an adequate description or location cannot be provided to the officer.

D. If a Department law enforcement officer determines that the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts is authorized to do so under subsection (C), the officer may authorize possession of the carcass or its parts.

E. Wildlife parts picked up and possessed from areas under control of jurisdictions that prohibit such activity, such as other states, reservations, or national parks, are illegal to possess in this state.

F. This Section does not authorize the pickup and possession of a threatened or endangered species carcass or its parts.

R12-4-609

Commission Orders

A. Except as provided under subsection (B):

  1. At least 14 calendar days before a meeting where the Commission will consider a Commission Order, the Department shall:
    1. Post a public meeting notice and agenda in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.02; and
    2. Issue a public notice of the recommended Commission Order in print and electronic media.
  2. The Department shall ensure the public meeting notice and agenda includes:
    1. The date, time, and location of the Commission meeting where the Commission Order will be considered;
    2. A statement that the public may attend and present written comments at or before the meeting; and
    3. A statement that a copy of the proposed Commission Order shall be made available to the public 10 calendar days before the meeting. Copies are available for public inspection on the Department’s website and at Department offices in Phoenix, Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, and Mesa.
  3. The Commission may make changes to the recommended Commission Order at the Commission meeting.

B. The requirements of subsection (A) do not apply to a Commission Order that establishes:

  1. A supplemental hunt as authorized under R12-4-115;
  2. A special season for persons who possess a special license tag issued under A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120, and
  3. A special season that allows fish to be taken by additional methods on waters where a fish die-off is imminent as established under R12-4-317(C).

C. The Department shall publish the content of all Commission orders and make them available to the public free of charge.

R12-4-801

General Provisions

A. Wildlife Areas:

  1. Wildlife areas shall be established to:
    1. Provide protective measures for wildlife, habitat, or both;
    2. Allow for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities that are compatible with wildlife habitat conservation and education;
    3. Allow for special management or research practices; and d. Enhance wildlife and habitat conservation.
  2. Wildlife areas shall be:
    1. Lands owned, leased, or otherwise managed by the Commission;
    2. Federally-owned lands of unique wildlife habitat where cooperative agreements provide wildlife management and research implementation; or
    3. Any lands with property interest conveyed to the Commission by any entity, through an approved land use agreement, including but not limited to deeds, patents, leases, conservation easements, special use permits, licenses, management agreements, inter-agency agreements, letter agreements, and right-of-entry, where the property interest conveyed is sufficient for management of the lands consistent with the objectives of the wildlife area.
  3. Land qualified for wildlife areas shall be:
    1. Lands with unique topographic or vegetative characteristics that contribute to wildlife,
    2. Lands where certain wildlife species are confined because of habitat demands,
    3. Lands that can be physically managed and modified to attract wildlife, or
    4. Lands that are identified as critical habitat for certain wildlife species during critical periods of their life cycles.
  4. The Department may restrict public access to and public use of wildlife areas and the resources of wildlife areas for up to 90 days when necessary to protect property, ensure public safety, or to ensure maximum benefits to wildlife. Closures or restrictions exceeding 90 days shall require Commission approval.
  5. Closures of all or any part of a wildlife area to public entry, and any restriction to public use of a wildlife area, shall be listed in this Article or shall be clearly posted at each entrance to the wildlife area. No person shall conduct an activity restricted by this Article or by such posting.
  6. When a wildlife area is posted against travel except on existing roads, no person shall drive a motor-operated vehicle over the countryside except by road.
  7. The Department may post signs that place additional restrictions on the use of wildlife areas. Such restrictions may include the timing, type, or duration of certain activities, including the prohibition of access or nature of use.
  8. A person shall not access or use any wildlife area or facility in violation of any Department actions authorized under subsection (7) when signs are posted providing notice of the restrictions.

B. Commission-owned real property and -managed lands other than Wildlife Areas:

  1. The Department may take action to manage public access and use of any Commission-owned real property or facilities. Such actions may include restrictions on the timing, type, or duration of certain activities, including the prohibition of access or nature of use.
  2. A person shall not access or use any Commission-owned real property, facilities, or -managed lands in violation of any Department actions authorized under subsection (B)(1), if signs are posted providing notice of the restrictions.

R12-4-802

Wildlife Area and Other Department Managed Property Restrictions

A. No person shall violate the following restrictions on Wildlife Areas:

  1. Alamo Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A):
    1. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    2. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  2. Allen Severson Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Posted portions closed to discharge of all firearms from April 1 through July 25 annually.
    3. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from April 1 through July 25 annually.
  3. Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area (located in Units 31 and 32):
    1. Access through the Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area within the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is by permit only, available through the Safford Office of the Bureau of Land Management.
    2. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.
  4. Arivaca Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 36B):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping in the wildlife area allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  5. Arlington Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Target or clay bird shooting permitted in designated areas only.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
      1. Posted portions around Department housing are closed to the discharge of all firearms; and
      2. Wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
  6. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area (located in Units 39, 26M, and 47M): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles. e. No target or clay bird shooting. f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
  7. Becker Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. The Becker Lake boat launch access road and parking areas along with any other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise daily.
    6. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    7. Posted portions closed to hunting.
    8. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of rifled firearms.
  8. Bog Hole Wildlife Area (located in Unit 35B):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Open to all hunting in season, by foot access only, as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  9. Chevelon Canyon Ranches Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4A):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. No target or clay bird shooti
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  10. Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4B):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    6. Additional posted portions closed to all public entry from October 1 through February 1 annually.
    7. No target or clay bird shooting.
    8. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 1 through February 1 annually.
  11. Cibola Valley Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in unit 43A):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318. 1
  12. Clarence May and C.H.M. May Memorial Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29): Closed to hunting, except for predator hunts authorized by Commission Order.
  13. Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area (located in Unit 31):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions around Department housing and Pond Three are closed to discharge of all firearms.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
  14. Coal Mine Spring Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A):
    1. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    2. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response or other emergency vehicles.
    3. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  15. Colorado River Nature Center Wildlife Area (located in Unit 15D):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles, law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Closed to the discharge of firearms.
    6. Closed to hunting.
  16. Fool Hollow Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3C):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. The parking area adjacent to Sixteenth Avenue and other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry daily from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, except for anglers possessing a valid fishing license accessing Fool Hollow Lake/Show Low Creek.
    6. Closed to the discharge of firearms.
    7. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of firearms.
  17. House Rock Wildlife Area (located in Unit 12A):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles, law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
    3. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of the House Rock bison herd, except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.
  18. Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of rimfire and centerfire rifled firearms.
  19. Lamar Haines Wildlife Area (located in Unit 7):
    1. No open fires.
    2. Wood cutting by permit only and collecting limited to dead and down material, for noncommercial use only. Members of the public shall obtain a wood cutting permit from the Flagstaff Game and Fish Department regional office.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  20. Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area (located in Units 32 and 37B):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. The following acts are prohibited: i
      1. Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire without removing all flammable material from around the fire to adequately prevent the fire from spreading from the fire pit.
      2. Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire.
      3. Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire in any area that is closed to fires.
      4. Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.
    7. Parking allowed within 300 feet of designated open roads and in designated areas only.
    8. Discharge of a firearm or pre-charged pneumatic weapon prohibited within ¼ mile of buildings.
    9. A person shall not use a metal detector or similar device except as authorized by the Department. This subsection does not apply to law enforcement officers in the scope of their official duties, or to persons duly licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorized to investigate historical or cultural artifacts by a government agency with regulatory authority over cultural or historic artifacts.
  21. Luna Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Posted portions closed to all public entry from February 15 through July 31 annually.
    3. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except when closed to hunting from April 1 through July 31 annually.
  22. Manhattan Claims Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29):
    1. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    2. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    3. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
  23. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 43B):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry. f
    6. Mittry Lake is a “No Ski” waterway as defined under R12-4-501.
    7. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  24. Planet Ranch Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4- 110(H), outside the posted Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program habitat area. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to public entry.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.
  25. Powers Butte (Mumme Farm) Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. If conducted during an event approved under R12- 4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
      1. Posted portions around Department housing are closed to the discharge of all firearms; and
      2. Wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
  26. Quigley-Achee Wildlife Area (located in Unit 41):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No overnight public camping.
    3. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    4. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.
  27. Raymond Wildlife Area (located in Unit 5B):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Overnight public camping permitted in designated sites only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    3. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). All-terrain and utility type vehicles are prohibited. For the purpose of this subsection, all-terrain and utility type vehicle means a motor vehicle having three or more wheels fitted with large tires and is designed chiefly for recreational use over roadless, rugged terrain. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    4. Posted portions closed to all public entry from May 1 through July 29 annually.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting periodically during hunting seasons.
    6. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of the Raymond bison herd, except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.
  28. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Parking in designated areas only.
    6. If conducted during an event approved under R12- 4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
    7. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
  29. Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area (located in Units 22, 23, and 24B):
    1. Posted portions closed to all public entry from November 15 through February 15 annually.
    2. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    3. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from November 15 through February 15 annually.
  30. Santa Rita Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A): Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  31. Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions around Department housing is closed to the discharge of all firearms.
  32. Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Closed to the discharge of all firearms.
    6. Open to all hunting as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.
  33. Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8):
    1. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    2. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    3. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  34. Three Bar Wildlife Area (located in Unit 22):
    1. Motorized vehicle travel:
      1. Is permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).
      2. Is prohibited within the Three Bar Wildlife and Habitat Study Area.
      3. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    2. Open to all hunting in season, as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  35. Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 38M):
    1. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
      1. Portions posted closed to hunting,
      2. Portions closed to hunting as identified on the online check-in system wildlife area map, and
      3. Firearms and pre-charged pneumatic weapons are prohibited for the take of wildlife.
    2. Archery deer and archery javelina hunters must check-in online at www.azgfd.gov/tmhregistration prior to going afield.
  36. Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8 and 19A):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping allowed.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire department, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  37. Wenima Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. No overnight public camping.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. No target or clay bird shooting.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  38. White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
    1. No open fires.
    2. No firewood cutting or gathering.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
    6. If conducted during an event approved under R12- 4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
    7. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
  39. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30B):
    1. No open fires except as authorized by the Department.
    2. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    3. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    4. Posted portions closed to all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.
    5. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except: i
      1. The wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms, and
      2. Posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15 annually.
  40. Willcox Playa Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30A):
    1. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.
    2. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
    3. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
    4. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
    5. Posted portions closed to all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.
    6. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15.

B. Notwithstanding Commission Order 40, public access and use of the Hirsch Conservation Education Area and Biscuit Tank is limited to activities conducted and offered by the Department and in accordance with the Department’s special management objectives for the property, which include, but are not limited to, flexible harvest, season, and methods that:

  1. Allow for a variety of fishing techniques, fish harvest, fish consumption, and catch and release educational experiences;
  2. Maintain a healthy, productive, and balanced fish community and
  3. Provide public education activities and training courses that are compatible with the management of aquatic wildlife.

Expand Skills — Hunter Education

Get Ahead of the Game Any individual 9 years of age or older may complete a Hunter Education course offered through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. To hunt big game, youth under the age of 14 must complete Hunter Education. Hunter education is not required for anyone 14 years of age or older to hunt in Arizona.

If you have Hunter Education certification from another state, your certification meets Arizona Hunter Education requirements.

Youth big game hunters need a Hunter Education card to hunt. They do not need a Hunter Education card to apply for the draw, only a hunting license. Youth hunters can purchase a hunting license without having attended Hunter Education. The purpose of the Hunter Education program is about more than safety. It is also to develop responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically. To request a “Today’s Hunter in Arizona” student manual, email [email protected] with the quantity and mailing address.

Classroom Course

Online Course Field Day

Bonus Point Field Test

Who

Anyone age 9 and up.

Anyone age 9 and up who has successfully completed the Arizona Hunter Education Online Course.

Adults only. Ages 18 and older, that have successfully completed the Arizona Hunter Education Online Course,

and have a minimum of three years’ hunting experience.

Length

All classroom Hunter Education courses are taught by certified Arizona Game and Fish Department Volunteer Instructors

and include a hands-on field day and exam. The instructors determine the location and length of the class.

Classroom courses average 16 hours of in-person instruction and field days average four hours.

The online course is a selfpaced program thatis completed on theinternet. Once apassing score of 80percent is obtained on the course examination, a completion certificatemay be printed and afield day scheduled.

Field day courses are taught by certifiedArizona Game and Fish Department Volunteer Instructors. The instructors determine the location and lengthof the field day.

Field days average four hours.

The online course is a

self-paced program that is completed on theinternet. Once a passingscore of 80 percent

is obtained on the course examination, a completion certificatemay be printed and a field test scheduled.

Field tests areadministered bycertified Arizona Gameand Fish Department Volunteer Instructors. Students rotate through practical application stations at their pace.

The stations are: live-fire, matching, practical hunt and a written examination.

Average completion time is one hour.

Requirements

Preregistration is required for all Hunter Education class formats.To register visit, www.azgfd.gov/HunterEd

Students will need to provide a Customer ID number to completeany registration. To get a Customer ID number please call 602-942-3000.

Course Information

At a minimum your Hunter Education Course will include the following topics:

  • Responsibility, safety, skills
  • Funding sources
  • Conservation, fair chase, fair share, hunters’ ethics and hunters’ image
  • Planning and preparation, maps and compasses, survival skills, coping with extreme weather and basic first aid
  • Firearm safety, nomenclature, function, handling and shot-selection
  • Wildlife conservation, management and identification
  • Marksmanship, rifle and shotgun shooting, hunting strategies, vital shots and care of game
  • Arizona hunting laws and regulations and licensing

Trapper Education

Pursuant to A.R.S. 17-333.02 Any person born after January 1, 1967, is required to successfully complete a Trapper Education Course prior to obtaining a trapping license.

For more information on the Trapper Education Program visit www.azgfd.gov/ huntered

Bowhunter Education

Bowhunter specific education course is available, however graduates will not receive a permanent bonus point. Bowhunter Education is not required to bowhunt in Arizona. For more information on the Bowhunter Education Program visit www.azgfd.gov/ huntered

Hunter Education courses are youth-focused opportunities that cover key information including conservation, fair chase and hunters’ ethics. Classes are offered in both in-person, online and Field Day formats.

Commission-owned Shooting Ranges

Shooting facilities provide a safe environment to practice for upcoming hunting seasons. Shooting ranges provide shooters with many benefits, including controlled settings, training and education. At a range, shooters at any skill level can practice, sight-in firearms, receive instruction and discover communities of like-minded enthusiasts.

Name

Address and Phone

Facilities Include

Website

Ben Avery Shooting Facility

4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd.,

Phoenix AZ, 85086

(623) 582-8313 Main Range

(623) 434-8119 CTC

Outdoor Pistol (100 yards), Outdoor Rifle (200yards), Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, OutdoorArchery

www.azgfd.gov/basfwww.azgfd.gov/ctc

Northern Arizona Shooting Range

I-40 East to Winona Exit, gosouth to Forest Service Road128/128A for 7.3 miles

Contact: [email protected]

Outdoor Pistol (50 yards), Outdoor Rifle (100yards), Shotgun, Trap, Skeet, Sporting Claysand Archery

www.northernarizonashootingrange.org

Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club/Usery Mountain Shooting Range

3960 N. Usery Pass Mesa AZ, 85207

(480) 984-9610

Outdoor Pistol (7 to 300 yards), OutdoorRifle (7 to 300 yards), Rifle Silhouette,Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Airgun,Sporting Clays, Trap

www.rsscaz.com

Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range

3155 Oatman Road Golden Valley AZ, 86413 (928) 753-8038

Outdoor Pistol (200 yards), Outdoor Rifle(200/1000 yards), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Trap, Archery,Skeet

www.mohavesportsmanclub.com

Sierra Vista Shooting Range

3300 S. Sharp Shooters Road Tombstone AZ, 85638

(520) 508-9846

Outdoor Pistol (to 200 yard/meter), Outdoor Rifle (to 500 yard/meter), Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Shotgun, Trap, Skeet

www.sierravistashootingrange.com

Silver Creek Archery Range

88 Hatchery Road, Show Low, AZ 85901 (928) 242-1285

Archery

www.azgfd.gov/wheretoshoot

St. John’s Shooting Range

320 CR6350,

St. Johns, AZ 85936 (928) 337-2254

Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery events

www.nasashootingclub.com

Three Points Public Shooting Range

18300 W. Ajo Highway Tucson AZ, 85735

(520) 822-5189

Outdoor Pistol (25-200 yards), OutdoorRifle (100- 1000 yards), Rifle Silhouette,Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading

www.tucsonrifleclub.org

Tri-State Shooting Park

Boundary Cone Road at mile marker 7 (closest town is Bullhead City) (702) 371-1532

Outdoor Rifle and Pistol (200 yards),Outdoor Pistol (50 yards), Shotgun, Trap,Skeet

www.tristateshootingpark.com

Second Knoll Target Range

4.5 miles east of theintersection of SR77 andU.S. 60, on U.S. 60. Turnsouth on Forest Service Road 206.

(928) 205-3609

Outdoor Rifle and Pistol (100 yards),Outdoor Pistol (25 yards)

www.wmsainc.org