Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations
Synopsis of Federal Regulations
Applicable to Migratory Bird Hunting
Federal regulations regarding bird hunting are described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These can be found at www.ecfr.gov under“Title 50 – Wildlife and Fisheries.” The regulations below can be found at 50 CFR 20. unless otherwise noted.
WEAPON – Migratory game birds may be taken only with a 10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so the gun’s total capacity does not exceed three shells. Birdsmay also be taken by falconry, bow and arrow, or crossbow.
MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS – No person may take migratory game birds from or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-drivenland conveyance, or aircraft of any kind. Special regulations govern handicapped hunters.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS – Migratory game birds may not be taken from or by means of any watercraft or other craft having a motor attached,or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased. A watercraft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds but no shooting is permitted while the watercraft is underway. No person shall take migratorygame birds by means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concen-trating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird.
DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING – Migratory game birds may not be taken by the use or aid of live decoys, record- ed or electronically amplified bird calls or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. It is illegal to take birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baitedarea, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. An area is con- sidered baited for 10 days after thecomplete removal of all bait. It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are nototherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop orother feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a nor- mal agricultural operation.
RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING – No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird andretain it in his actual custody while in the field. Crippled birds must be killed immedi- ately. Any birds given to or left with another person must be taggedby the hunter with a tag showing his signature, address, the number and species of birds, and the dates they were killed. Packages in which migratorygame birds are shipped must show the names and addresses of the sender and receiver, and the number and species of birds contained in theparcel. (50 CFR 20.25, 20.36, 20.44)
BAG LIMIT – No person may, during any one day, take more than one daily bag limit or possess more than one daily bag limit in the field, or whilereturning to the car, hunting camp or home. (50 CFR 20.24, 20.35)
IMPORTATION – For information regarding the importation of migratory game birds killed in another country, hunters should consult federal regulations. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and the hunt- er’shome or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import any migratory game birds from any country except Canada unless such birdsare dressed, drawn and the head and feet are removed. Special regu- lations govern consignment to an approved and licensed taxidermist. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person. (50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66)
SEASON AND HOURS – No person may take migratory game birds during the closed season. Migratory game birds may be taken only during hoursopen to hunting. (50 CFR 20.22, 20.23)
ONE FEATHERED WING — Sportsmen should note that one feathered wing (or head for Sandhill crane only) must be left attached to all migratorygame birds until they reach their final destination.
NONTOXIC SHOT — No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot formuzzleloading) other than approved nontoxic shot. For a list of approved nontoxic shot, see:
www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php
Monuments and military areas
The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Mon- uments are open to hunting. TheFort Huachuca Army Garrison in Unit 35A is open to hunting only to properly licensed military and Fort Huachuca civilian personnel holding a validFort Huachuca post hunting permit. Season dates and special regulations must be obtained from Fort Huachuca.
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 Reserva- tion at 602-267-2062.
Banded birds
Hunters can report recovery of banded birds by visiting www.reportband.gov.
Waterfowl hunting information
Waterfowl hunting information is available by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at
ATTENTION ROOSEVELT LAKE WATERFOWL HUNTERS.
Be aware of changes to hunting at Roosevelt Lake listed in Note 23. Visit www.azgfd.gov/roosevelt for a map and additional detailed information.
Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp required
Hunters ages 18 and older who wish to hunt ducks, geese, coots, snipe and gallinules(as well as dove and band- tailed pigeon) must purchase anArizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the 2024-2025 season. (The stamp is included with the Youth Combo Hunt/Fish license.) The stamp validates ahunting license for the Federal Harvest Infor- mation Program. The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is available for purchase at any license dealer,Game and Fish Department offices or online at www.azgfd.gov.
To order by mail, please complete the form on the right.
Remember: Hunters ages 16 and older who wish to hunt waterfowl are required under federal law to also purchase the Federal Migratory BirdHunting Stamp (i.e., Federal Duck Stamp).
Waterfowl Hunters – Arizona Bald Eagles Need Your Help
The bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and various otherstate and federal laws. We are asking for your as- sistance tohelp avoid disturbing bald eagle breeding pairs while hunting waterfowl. The noise from discharging your firearm nearnesting bald eagles may cause a disturbance, placing you inviolation of state and federal laws. The bald eagles are layingeggs and are very sensitive to human activity during the laterpart of the waterfowl season. Being aware of yoursurroundings and avoiding disturbance to bald eagles will helpyou comply with these laws.
At all bald eagle breeding areas, you are still responsible for maintaining compliance with federal and state laws protectingbald eagles. You can find a list of Bald Eagle Breeding Areas at www.swbemc.org.For more informa- tion, contact the ArizonaGame and Fish Department by email at [email protected]or call (623) 236-7575
Game Management Unit Statewide Map
