The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on its proposal to amend R12-4-802(27), dealing with restrictions in the Three Bar Wildlife Area (Unit 22).

Due to growing deer populations, the department would like to open the Walnut Canyon enclosure to hunting by way of Commission Order. This will allow the department to utilize hunting as a game management tool in controlling deer populations in Unit 22. The enclosure has been breached at multiple locations by the department, allowing the free flow of wildlife in and out of the enclosure. Other changes are proposed to add clarity to the rule.

To view the proposed rule changes, click here, scroll down to the Notice of Exempt Rulemaking for Article 8, and click on the PDF link.

The department will accept written public comment on the changes from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, 2008. Comment can be submitted via e-mail to rulemaking@azgfd.gov or by mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Eric English, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Oral comment may be presented at the April meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in Phoenix. The commission will vote on whether to approve the proposed changes at that meeting.

For more information, visit: www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/rulemaking_process.shtml