The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the world’s most successful. No other
continent retains as close to a complete compliment
of native wildlife species. While other
countries struggle to conserve the little they
have left, we enjoy great abundance and diversity
of native wildlife.
This is due, in large part, to forward-thinking
early conservationists who saw the need to
preserve wildlife and their habitats. Their efforts
were the source of the North American
Model of Wildlife Conservation, which strives
to sustain wildlife species and habitats through
sound science and active management.
Arizona's 7-core
concepts of conservation:
Wildlife is held in the public
trust;
Regulated commerce in wildlife;
Hunting and angling laws are
created through
the public process;
Hunting and angling opportunities
for all;
Hunters and anglers fund conservation;
Wildlife is an international
resource;
Science is the basis for wildlife
policy.
Sportsmen’s role in wildlife
conservation
Hunting and angling are the cornerstones of
the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (brochure) .
These activities continue to be the
primary source of funding for conservation efforts
in North America. Through a 10 percent
to 12 percent excise tax on hunting, angling
and shooting sports equipment, hunters and
anglers have generated more than $10 billion
toward wildlife conservation since 1937.
Though past conservation efforts have focused
on hunted species, non-hunted species
reap the rewards as well. Protecting wetlands
for ducks, forests for deer and grasslands for
pronghorn have saved countless non-hunted
species from peril.
Regardless of whether one chooses to actively
participate in hunting or angling, people
interested in wildlife and its future should understand
the conservation role sportsmen play.
What if hunting ends?
Hunters and anglers actively support wildlife conservation through tangible actions such as
buying licenses and paying taxes on hunting
and fishing equipment.
Why are hunters and anglers so willing to support
conservation through their pocketbooks?
Because people place added value on — and
are willing to pay for — what they can use.
In some states, the number of hunting and fishing
licenses sold has remained stable in recent
years. But given the rate of population growth,
particularly in Western states, the percentage
of people participating in hunting and fishing
is actually decreasing.
There is no alternative funding system in place
to replace the potential lost funds for conservation.
If hunting ends, funding for wildlife
conservation is in peril.
To learn more about hunting or participate in
the wildlife conservation movement that has
been led by hunters for more than a century,
visit any Arizona Game and Fish Department
office or visit the hunting Web page.
In Arizona, a lottery-style process called the "Draw," allocates the limited number of big
game and other limited species hunt
permit-tags to applicants. The department
typically receives far more applications
than there are available permits.
Permits available per species are
determined and adjusted annually from the
North American Model of Wildlife Conservation principles that include science based studies,
surveys, and management goals for
maintaining healthy, sustainable wildlife
populations and habitats.
Arizona sportsmen’s contributions*
No state general fund monies are used for
wildlife conservation in Arizona (In many states, general taxpayers
usually do not pay for wildlife conservation). Arizona's sportsmen, however, do contribute:
Arizona hunters and anglers spend $1.3 billion
a year.
Their spending directly supports 21,000 jobs and
generates $124 million in state and local taxes.
This especially benefits rural communities.
Sportsmen support nearly twice as many jobs
in Arizona as Raytheon, one of the state’s largest
employers (21,000 jobs vs. 11,000 jobs).
Annual spending by Arizona sportsmen is nearly
three times more than the combined revenues
of The Go Daddy Group, Sprouts Farmers Market
and Cold Stone Creamery, which are some
of the state’s fastest growing companies ($1.3
billion vs. $481 million).
The economic stimulus of hunting and fishing
equates to $3.8 million a day being pumped
into the state’s economy.
* “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American
Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors” (2007).
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
Ethical hunting is everyone’s business
Tree stands and blinds near waterholes can be exciting places to encounter
wildlife and are legal tools to aid in your hunting experience
and enjoyment. However, if you have ever hunted from a tree stand
or blind on a waterhole, you’ve probably encountered other hunters
wanting to hunt the same area. You may even have had a negative encounter
with another hunter when deciding who was going to stay and
hunt. Here are some important tips, ethically speaking, to keep in mind
when planning to hunt around a waterhole on public land:
Waterholes on public and state lands belong to everyone, and everyone
should enjoy free and equal access.
Responsible hunters should respect other hunters’ privileges. They
should leave the area if another hunter gets to a waterhole first.
Ethically responsible hunters will always yield to another hunter who
has reached the waterhole first on any given morning or evening
during the hunt.
Simply posting a sign/notice on or near a waterhole does not give
anyone the exclusive right to hunt that waterhole; the hunter actually
needs to be present.
Hanging a tree stand near a waterhole does not entitle a person to
exclusive hunting rights to that waterhole. 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.
“First Come – First Serve” 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 in the area. The Arizona
Game and Fish Department reminds all hunters that 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.
Please do not allow yourself to get into a situation like that — ethical
hunting is everyone’s business.
Sportsmen ethics and responsibilities
Please observe the following when using private, State Trust or public
lands:
Do not drive on wet and muddy roads where damage to the road is
likely. See Hunting and Off-highway vehicle regulations.
You may not operate a motorized vehicle cross-country on State
Trust land except for the sole purpose of retrieving downed big game
(A.R.S. 17-454).See Hunting and Off-highway vehicle regulations.
Do not hunt near livestock waters when livestock is nearby; harassment of livestock is illegal.
Treat the lands as if they were yours; any damages to the land or vegetation
can take decades to recover! Certain damages to the lands
or improvements are subject to prosecution (A.R.S. 13-1601 through
1605).
It is misdemeanor trespass if you cross private property that is posted
"no trespass" (A.R.S. 13-1501 through 1508).
It is illegal to camp within 1/4 mile of livestock and/or wildlife watering
sources (A.R.S. 17-308).
Be respectful of others. They possess the same rights as you to use
the lands.
If you observe vandalism violations or poaching, please call 1 (800) VANDALS. To
report hunt violations, call the Operation Game Thief Hotline 1 (800)
352-0700 or report it online; all calls are confidential. To learn more about the Arizona
Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Access Program or to get involved,
call (623) 236-7624.
NOTE:
The above files are PDF's and require
the free Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
NOTE:
The above files are PDF's and require
the free Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect."
