Arizona has a half-day hunt for dove, and California has a full-day hunt. Can I hunt in both states?
Yes, however you cannot take more than one daily bag of dove, no matter where they are taken. You also must abide by the bag limits in the state where the doves are taken. For 2004–2005, the Arizona white-winged dove limit was no more than six per day, while California had a white-winged dove limit of up to 10 per day. Don’t forget, you must have a legal license from both states if you are hunting in both. You also must comply with all resident or nonresident requirements if applicable.
At what age does a child need a waterfowl or migratory bird stamp?
People 16 years of age or older must have in their possession a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp and a signed Arizona Waterfowl Stamp attached to their hunting license when taking ducks and geese (A.R.S. 17333.03 and R12-4-203).
Can a big game tag be transferred to a child?
Yes, the Arizona Game and Fish Department allows a parent or legal guardian to transfer their big game permit or tag to their child. The child must be between the ages of 10 and 17 at the time of the transfer, possess a class F or G hunting license and, if under the age of 14, have satisfactorily completed a hunter education course approved by the director. Once the tag has been transferred, it cannot be transferred back to the adult. Be aware that the adult who transferred the permit or tag must accompany the child in the field and be within 50 yards of the child when the animal is taken. Any wildlife taken by the child applies toward the child’s annual bag limit.
Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Can a non-resident apply with a resident?
Yes, nonresidents can apply with a resident on the same application. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Can a person possess a live snake (native) with an Arizona hunting license?
An Arizona hunting license is not required to possess a snake; however, it is required to take a snake and possess it in the field. The snake can then be given to an unlicensed person to possess.
Many native species of snakes can be taken with an Arizona hunting license, but there are four protected rattlesnake species that one cannot take or possess, including the Banded Rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepedus), Twin-Spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus), Ridgenosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi), and Massagua (Sisturus catenatus) species. Consult Commission Order 43 to get more specific details on the regulations regarding reptiles because there are specific daily bag limits and possession limits for different reptiles.
Can a person sell rattlesnake skins and rattles?
Yes. ARS 17-371 E. states that a person can sell the horns, antlers, hides or skins of lawfully taken wildlife. That means, provided they were lawfully taken, a person can sell rattlesnake skins and rattles, but the person cannot sell the rattlesnake meat.
Can I apply as a group with one check?
Yes, a single check can be included in one application for the total amount due. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Can I apply for the same species on separate applications with two different groups of people?
No, an applicant can submit only one valid application per genus of wildlife for any calendar year with only two exceptions:
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for leftover permits.
- Unsuccessful spring turkey and buffalo hunters may apply for the fall hunts.
It is also unlawful for any person to apply for a bighorn sheep or buffalo hunt permit-tag when that person has taken the bag limit for that species. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Can I bone out my animal in the field?
Yes, but ARS 17-309-A5 states that it is unlawful to knowingly permit an edible portion of game animal to go to waste. Therefore, all edible portions of game meat would have to be brought out, no matter how many trips it takes. This goes for bears and mountain lions, too.
Also, Commission Rule R12-4-302 gives the location that permit-tags may be attached to big game animals. With javelina, bighorn sheep, bear or mountain lion the permit-tag must be sealed through the gambrel of the hind leg. With deer, elk, or antelope the permit-tag can be sealed around the antler or horn, or through the gambrel of the hind leg. ARS 17-309-A20 states that it is unlawful to possess or transport the carcass of any wildlife which cannot be identified as to species and legality. With javelina, bear, or mountain lion bringing out the hoof or paw, the head or at least several inches of hide to show what species you have is acceptable. With bighorn sheep the horns would have to be brought out. In Arizona we do not have buck and doe hunts; we have antlered and antlerless or any deer hunts. Because of this, the antler with part of the skullcap with several inches of hide in front of the antlers attached must be brought out. If the deer is antlerless, then the top portion of the skullcap must be brought out. The same would apply for elk, but no hide would have to be attached in front of the antlers. With an antelope, the head would have to be brought out, so the length of the ears can be measured against the horns.
Can I carry a gun during an archery hunt?
Over the last few years, especially along the border with Mexico, personal protection and safety has become an issue especially for archery hunters. Commission rule R12-4-318-C2 states that and individual participating in an “archery-only” season shall not use or possess any other weapon during these seasons.
With the increase in border issues the department is allowing individuals participating in “archery-only” seasons statewide to carry a non-hunting handgun that is carried for personal protection and safety. A non-hunting handgun is defined as a handgun; with a barrel length of 6 inches or less that does not have a scope or any type of electronic site.
Please keep in mind that non-hunting handguns are an unlawful method of take while participating in an “archery-only” season and any individual attempting to take wildlife (i.e. big game, predators, non game animals and small game) during an “archery-only” season with a non-hunting handgun is in violation of A.R.S.§ 17-309(A)(14), “Take wildlife by an unlawful method.”
In January 2009, Commission Rule R12-4-318 was proposed by the Commission to be amended to include carrying of non-hunting handguns for personal protection and safety for “archery-only” and “muzzleloader-only” seasons. Unfortunately the Governor has placed a temporary moratorium on all rulemaking and until the amendments are approved by the Governor, the law will remain unchanged. Therefore the Department is allowing for hunters to carry non-hunting handguns for the reasons listed above until the proposed rule change has been approved.
Can I carry my wife’s or child’s weapon during a big game hunt?
Yes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will allow a person to carry their wife’s or child’s weapon during a big game hunt. However, the person cannot use the weapon to take wildlife, unless they are properly licensed and permitted to do so.
Can I hang my legally taken and tagged animal in a unit other than the one where I was hunting
Yes. A hunter can camp and hang his legally taken and tagged animal in a unit other than the one where he was hunting. (R-12-4-305C)
Can I have lead shot in possession while hunting both waterfowl and quail on the same day?
No. The Arizona Game and Fish Department mandates that if a hunter wants to hunt both quail and waterfowl at the same time or on the same day, the hunter must use nontoxic shot for both quail and waterfowl. No lead shot may be in possession. Commission Rule R12-4-304-B3d states that when hunting migratory birds in areas designated by Commission Order as “nontoxic shot zones” you cannot use or possess lead shot. And since all areas within Arizona are designated nontoxic shot zones, hunters cannot use lead while taking ducks, geese, swans or coots. In other words, hunters need to leave the lead shot in their vehicle if they are going after waterfowl.
Can I hunt dove or quail with a pellet gun?
No. Commission rule R12-4-304 depicts the legal means for taking the various species of wildlife. Pellet guns, or pneumatic weapons, are not legal to use for dove or quail.
Can I hunt dove over dumped grain?
No, baiting is prohibited federally through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act regulates the hunting of migratory wild birds, such as dove, and specifically prohibits the hunting of such birds over baited areas. It also prohibits the hunting of such birds that are flying near or into baited areas. An area is considered baited if grain has been placed there specifically to attract migratory birds, such as dove. An area is still considered baited for 10 days after bait has been removed. The best rule of thumb is: If it doesn’t look like a result of normal agricultural practice, do not hunt the dove on or flying near grain. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (602) 242-0210 for more information.
Can I hunt with an attractant or bait for big game?
Yes, except for bear. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not allow you to use any substance to attract bears. Different federal land agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may have restrictions against the use of salt or other bait as an attractant for wildlife. If hunting these lands, contact those land management agencies to verify the legalities of attractants.
Can I kill an animal if it becomes life-threatening to myself or another person?
Yes. ARS 17-301.01 states 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. Any individual who takes wildlife in self-defense shall notify the department within five days of taking the animal. No animal or part of an animal taken in self-defense may be retained, sold or removed from the site without authorization from the department. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Can I shoot pigeons?
Yes. As far as the Arizona Game and Fish Department is concerned, it is legal to kill pigeons. These are considered domestic and therefore do not have licensing requirements. However, there are band-tailed pigeons in the state that are considered wildlife. Band-tailed pigeons do have a hunting season complete with daily bag and possession limits, and a hunting license and a migratory bird stamp are both required to hunt them (Commission Order 20).
Can I split the meat with a friend? How can the meat and other parts go to two or more locations with only one tag?
Yes. A successful hunter can split the meat in the field with others by obtaining and filling out an additional shipping permit(s), which can be obtained from a game ranger in the field or a regional office. The issuing officer must inspect the carcass.
Can I track mountain lions at night using a flashlight?
No. Lions may only be taken during daylight hours. The definition of “take” includes pursuing, so you cannot pursue a lion at night either. In addition, taking with the use of artificial light after dark is also prohibited.
Can I transport a bear gall bladder, from an animal legally harvested in Arizona, to a location out of state?
Yes, if the animal was lawfully taken, since the gall bladder is part of the carcass. A nonresident tag holder may transport the bear gall bladder out of state under the same conditions as the meat and skin. A resident tag holder must first get a permit from the department to transport the gall bladder out of state (ARS 17-371B).
Can I use a scope on my muzzleloader?
Yes, the Arizona Game and Fish Department does allow this.
Can I use a semi-automatic if the magazine is plugged to hold the legal number of cartridges?
Yes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department allows a person to use a large capacity magazine with a semi-automatic centerfire rifle for taking wildlife, provided the magazine is blocked so it will not accept more than five rounds (see Commission Rule R12-4-303). Also, the magazine block should be such that it cannot be removed without dismantling the magazine.
Can I use an aircraft to scout wildlife before or during the season?
No. Commission Rule R12-4-319 states that a person shall not use any aircraft, or any contrivance used for flight, or any lighter-than-air contrivance, to take, locate, or assist in locating wildlife beginning 48 hours before and during all big game seasons. This rule applies to all big game seasons and includes Commission Order special seasons. The Arizona Game and Fish Department also states aircraft cannot be used at any time in a manner that results in harassment to wildlife.
Can I use full metal-jacketed ammunition?
It depends. Full-jacketed bullets designed for military use cannot be used for taking wildlife (see Commission Rule R12-4-303). However, there are several ammunition manufacturers that offer full metal-jacketed bullets that are designed for hunting; these bullets can be used to take wildlife.
Can my friend carry a firearm while accompanying me on a hunt?
Yes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will allow the friend to hunt other animals that are in season if in possession of a hunting license. The friend must be careful not to appear to be hunting the big game species that the permitted hunter is hunting, such as looking at animals through a riflescope.
Can nonresident hunters, ages 10-14, hunt in Arizona with another state’s hunter safety certificate?
Yes. A child 10-14 may hunt with an out-of-state hunter safety certificate, provided it is from a state whose hunter safety program has been approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s director. Contact the department’s hunter safety program at (602) 942-3000 to verify a state’s program certification.
Do I have to buy a license for each species I apply for?
No, but you have to either purchase a hunting license or put the correct dollar amount to cover your license fee on each application that you submit. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
Do I need a hunting license for target practice?
No. A hunting license is not required to target shoot.
Do you have a map for Unit ___?
We have unit maps for 6A, 10, 30A and 30B. They sell for $5 each. Learn more about our publications by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov.
How many children under the age of 14 can hunt with a licensed adult?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department says that no more than two unlicensed children under the age of 14 can accompany a licensed adult (18 years or older) on a non-big game hunt.
I am applying for two big game species; can I write one check for both?
No, you need a separate application and check for each species. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
I received my big game tag, but not my license. Where is it?
The tag and license are issued separately and not mailed together. You should receive your license shortly. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
I think I saw a wolf; can I shoot it?
No. Mexican gray wolves have been reintroduced into the Apache National Forest and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in the White Mountains in Arizona and the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. Mexican wolves are protected by the Endangered Species Act under a special rule that allows people to scare away or harass wolves in an “opportunistic and non-injurious” manner. This means you cannot seek out, pursue, or attract, nor can you physically injure a wolf in any way. A person who violates the rules pertaining to wolves is subject to prosecution. Criminal penalties are up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $50,000, and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000. Only if your life or another person’s life is in danger can you shoot a wolf. You cannot shoot a wolf if property or livestock is in peril. (This includes domestic animals.)
I want to be a guide. What do I need to do?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department allows you to take the guide test at any department office. Prior to the test, the department will send you a study packet and application. You can then call the nearest Game and Fish office to make an appointment to take the test. The regional offices have set days for giving guide tests but may be able to make appointments on other days.
If a child is drawn for a big game youth hunt, but turns 17 years old before the hunt, are they still eligible to participate?
A child can participate in a youth hunt up to and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
If I wound an animal and it crosses a unit boundary, what should I do?
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, in most instances it would be best to contact a department game ranger for direction. A person who pursues a wounded animal across game management unit boundaries can be cited for hunting in the wrong unit. It is the same when a person pursues wildlife into a national park or onto posted private property without the owner’s permission. In most instances if one pursues a wounded animal and discovers it dead in a wrong unit, he would be able to tag and retrieve the animal. Whether the hunter would be cited if he or she did not contact a game ranger would depend on the particular situation and the investigation conducted by the officer.
In any case where a wounded animal wanders into an area closed to hunting, be it a national, state, or county park; military installations or closed private property, the hunter should make an effort to contact the agency or owner of the property to get permission to pursue the animal. If the hunter has a problem contacting the agency or owner of the land, the hunter should contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (602) 942-3000.
What are the age requirements for hunting big game?
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the minimum age to hunt big game is 10 years old. Anyone between the ages 10 and 14 who wants to hunt big game in Arizona must have successfully completed a certified hunter education course. The minimum age for hunting without completing the hunter education course is 14 years old.
What happens with the wildlife you seize during cases?
Once a case has been adjudicated, seized wildlife may be disposed of in a variety of ways. Any animal/bird shot with a single-caliber bullet or steel shot may be given to local wildlife rehabilitators to feed to wildlife they are rehabilitating. Edible and inspected big game meat may be donated to local food banks. Some evidence is used during training scenarios for new wildlife managers. Antlers, horns and skulls are sold at auction, and the money is used to buy law enforcement equipment. Live wildlife seized as evidence is rarely released back into the wild. This is because of the possibility of transmitting any disease or parasites acquired during captivity, as well as not knowing from where the wild animal was originally taken. Some live wildlife, such as reptiles, may be used in other law enforcement cases. In some cases, the judge or commission may require that evidence be returned to its owner.
What is considered spotlighting?
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, spotlighting is shining any artificial light source to assist in the taking of wildlife. ARS 17-301 states that a person shall not take any wildlife using a jacklight or any other artificial light. Commission rules allow exceptions for raccoons, nongame mammals and birds, aquatic wildlife, and reptiles. Please be advised that spotlighting regulations are currently under review and may be changed in the near future to be more restrictive.
What is the definition of "resident"?
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a resident is a person who has resided in Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license or a member of the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the date of application for a license. A resident is a person who pays taxes, votes, licenses their vehicles and has a residence in Arizona and does not obtain resident benefits in another state or country at the same time.
What is the difference between a guide and an outfitter?
In Arizona, statutory laws and rules do not define or recognize “outfitter.” One can only obtain a guide’s license and must submit an annual report as such. The definition of a guide is a person who, for pay, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife
What is the difference between hunting from a vehicle and driving around looking for a place to hunt?
ARS 17-301B states that a person shall not take wildlife, or discharge a firearm, or shoot any other device from a motor vehicle. The definition of “take” means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting wildlife or the placing or using of any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in the capturing or killing of wildlife. The difference between hunting from a vehicle and looking for a good place to hunt is based on what the investigating officer determines during his observations and contact with the hunter.
For instance, in Arizona, it is not unlawful for an individual to drive around in a hunting area with a loaded firearm. However, certain actions of the driver such as driving extremely slow with continuous stops or driving with a gun out the window can constitute hunting from a vehicle. Don’t forget that having a passenger with a loaded firearm riding in the back of a pickup can also be construed as hunting from a vehicle. Other investigative clues may include driving toward wildlife or cutting them off with a vehicle.
When can we find out if we have been drawn?
Please refer to the Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations for a complete schedule of hunt permit-tag application dates. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
When do the regulations come out?
Regulations and applications are generally available by the end of April on the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov and in paper form by mid-May.
When is the draw deadline?
Please refer to the Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations for a complete schedule of hunt permit-tag application dates. Learn more about hunting regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/hunt.
When is the next (hunter, boating, fishing) education class?
Public education classes are posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/education.
Where can I purchase a license?
You can purchase a hunting or fishing license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, at the department's Web site at azgfd.gov, and at most stores that have a sporting goods department, including Wal-mart and Kmart stores.
Where do I find information on hunting seasons?
Most hunt seasons begin in late August and run through December. Please reference our Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which can be found online at azgfd.gov. Copies of the regulations are also available at any license dealer.
Who is the legal owner of an animal when two hunters claim they shot it?
The rightful owner of the animal is the person whose shot killed the animal, and that person must then take control of the animal. The Arizona Game and Fish Department realizes that sometimes it can be difficult to determine whose shot actually proved fatal to the animal, but Commission Rule R12-4-302 (J) states that an individual who kills an animal shall immediately attach his or her tag to the animal carcass.
Who is the wildlife manager for Unit ___? Can I contact him or her?
Since wildlife managers work mostly out of their private residences, please contact them through the appropriate regional office. Each regional office address and telephone number is listed in the Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and at the department’s Web site, azgfd.gov.
