Arizona Game and Fish Department Proposes to Amend R12-4-304 Regulations
OutdoorHub 10.28.11
The Arizona Game and Fish Department proposes to amend R12-4-304 to implement recently passed legislation and increase hunter opportunity by expanding allowable methods for the take of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles. Amendments are also proposed to make the rule less restrictive, increase clarity, and improve consistency with other subsections of the rule. Amendments include:
Clarifying the use of crossbows; this is proposed to improve consistency and reduce confusion among hunters regarding the use of crossbows.
Allowing crossbows and bows that are drawn and held with an assisting device for the take of specific wildlife; this is proposed to make the rule less restrictive, increase clarity, and improve consistency with other subsections of the rule.
Reducing the minimum standard pull weight for bows; this is proposed to reflect current technological advances.
Allowing the take of mountain lion with shotgun shooting shot. This amendment was requested by members of the public during previous hunt guideline discussions. The Department believes this is an effective and ethical method of take and anticipates that the additional number of mountain lions taken using this method will be minimal.
Allowing the take of javelina and turkey with rimfire handguns. This amendment was requested by members of the public during previous hunt guideline discussions. The Department believes this is an effective and ethical method of take.
Allowing the take of upland game birds and Eurasian collared doves with a pneumatic weapon. This amendment was requested at a public Commission Meeting. The Department believes this is an effective and ethical method of take and does not in conflict with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Allowing the take of cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds, and Eurasian collared doves with pneumatic weapons and hand-held projectiles. This amendment was requested by members of the public during previous hunt guideline discussions. The Department believes this is an effective and ethical method of take.
Allowing the take of coyotes and mountain lions with artificial light. This is proposed to give the commission the authority to open a season allowing the take of coyotes or mountain lions from dusk to dawn in game management units where coyote or mountain lion depredation on antelope, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are considered to be a significant factor in recruitment.
Clarifying that pursuit with dogs for cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds, and birds is a lawful activity. This amendment was requested at a public commission meeting. While this activity is currently allowed, it is not addressed in rule.
Allowing an individual to use dogs as a lawful method to take predatory and furbearing animals, small game, and nongame mammals. This amendment was requested at a public commission meeting. The sport of using dogs to pursue and take wildlife has existed in North America since colonial days. This rule amendment clarifies that the take of predatory and furbearing animals, small game, and nongame mammals with dogs is a lawful activity.
Referring to the Raymond Wildlife Area by providing the Game Management Units (GMU) instead of the Wildlife Area. This is proposed to reduce confusion regarding GMU boundaries.
The commission approved the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at the Oct. 14, 2011 commission meeting and will review the final rulemaking at the Dec. 2, 2011 commission meeting. To view the Notice of Exempt Rulemaking, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/rules/rulemaking_updates.shtml.
The Department will accept comments through Nov. 16; to submit comments, call (480) 528-7986 or e-mail DMcGehee@azgfd.gov or rulemaking@azgfd.gov.
