Are there boating speed limits?
Speed on the water is restricted to reasonable and prudent for conditions at that time, unless otherwise posted, such as a no wake zone. No wake zones are areas where a boat cannot create a wake or exceed 5 mph. Learn more about boating regulations by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
Are there laws for how loud a boat can be?
Unless a boater has been issued a special permit, no boat can be operated on the water that emits a sound level in excess of 86 decibels. Laws also regulate the types of muffling devices that are required and must be functional on an engine. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
Are there motor size restrictions for lakes in Arizona?
Motor restrictions for Arizona lakes can be found in the Arizona Fishing Regulations. Most cities set restrictions for urban lakes. For additional information about motor restrictions on urban lakes, call the recreation department of the appropriate city. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
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 do I need a fishing license?
Any resident or nonresident angler 14 years of age and older must have in possession a valid fishing or combination hunt/fish license. Be aware that an unlicensed youth under the age of 14 is allowed only half the limit for trout. You might want to consider purchasing a Family Fishing License, so your child can catch and keep the same limit as everyone else. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 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 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?
No. Commission Rule R12-4-318-C2 states that an individual participating in an “archery only” season shall use and possess only a bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304, and shall not use or possess any other weapon, including a crossbow or any other bow having devices attached to hold the bow in a drawn position, except as authorized by R12-4-216.
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 catch and transport live crayfish to my home to cook them?
No. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-316 states that except for a portion of Yuma County and a portion of La Paz County, you may not import, transport or possess live crayfish anywhere except at the body of water where caught. In other words, live crayfish can be used as live bait only in the body of water where they are found and may not be imported or transported between water bodies. To consume them at home, one must kill the crayfish before leaving the body of water where they were caught. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Can I fish in the canals?
Yes, unless posted “no trespassing.” Anglers must have a valid fishing license in possession for state waters (not an urban fishing license) as per ARS 17-331. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 keep fish alive in my live well until I get home to clean them?
No. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-315-A states that fish cannot be transported live from the waters where taken. Exceptions described in R12-4-316, refer to the lawful transportation of bait fish for personal use. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 leave my boat anchored/moored in a lake?
Arizona does not permit mooring except in two anchorage areas, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. You cannot leave your boat anchored or tied up on any lake or river. You can be cited for interfering with the free use of public waterways and placing mooring buoys without authorization. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has aggressively and successfully been prosecuting watercraft owners who illegally moor their watercraft on Lake Havasu. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
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 transport the fish I catch to my home pond?
No, you cannot transport live game fish. You are also required to have a stocking permit issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to stock ponds. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 boat group have a race?
Any boating event that may bring together a group of watercraft and may interfere with normal public use of the waterways requires a U.S. Coast Guard marine event permit. When the Coast Guard receives the permit application, it will ask for input from a variety of agencies along the waterway about potential impacts to life, property and habitat. The ultimate goal is safe, compatible use of Arizona’s waterways. If the event can be conducted in a safe manner with no impact to other users, then you may be issued a permit. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
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.
Can road-killed big game animals be salvaged by someone not involved in the collision?
The person who is driving the vehicle that hits the big game animal is the only one who can obtain a salvage permit for road kill. This person can then make a gift of the animal if he or she so chooses.
Do I need a license to fish on private land?
No state fishing license is required to fish on impoundments located on private land. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Do I need a trout stamp for my urban license?
No. Trout fishing privileges are included with the urban fishing license. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Does a blind resident need any documentation in their possession to fish?
A legally blind Arizona resident does not need any documentation in his or her possession to fish, but it would be of benefit to an officer who checks in the field if he or she carried documentation. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Does a person need a fishing license to fish in city parks that are not involved in the urban fishing program?
An Arizona state fishing license is required in city parks that are not involved in the Urban Fishing Program, provided that fishing is allowed at that particular city park. For more information on fishing requirements, contact the city governing the park in question. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
Does the open container law apply to boats?
There is no open container law that addresses boats. However, state law prohibits operators from being impaired to the slightest degree. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
How do I get the regulations and applications?
Arizona residents can get regulations and applications online at azgfd.gov, at any license dealer or at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office. Nonresidents can also get them online, but if they want the actual book and a set of applications, they must send a request in writing, print their name and address, and include $3 to cover the postage to the Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000.
How many children under the age of 14 can fish with a licensed adult?
There is no restriction that requires children under the age of 14 to be licensed or to be with a licensed angler while fishing. An unlicensed child fishing for trout may take only one-half the daily bag limit. Where the limit is five trout, the unlicensed person may take three trout. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 found a dead elk/deer; can I have the antlers?
No, you may not have the antlers unless an Arizona Game and Fish Department officer has determined that the animal died of natural causes. Natural causes do not include an animal that was killed by a vehicle or rifle or archery, died later and was not recovered.
I have a snake that I legally caught in Arizona; can I send it to a relative in another state?
Yes. According to Commission Rule R12-4-404, you may dispose of lawfully taken live wildlife by gift or as directed by the commission. Keep in mind that it is unlawful to sell native Arizona wildlife. Also, please be sure to check the laws of the state where you are sending the animal, to ensure you are in compliance with its laws as well.
I legally obtained an animal in another state and want to bring it into Arizona, but the animal is on Arizona’s restricted live wildlife list. Can I do this?
No. According to Commission Rule R12-4-402, it is unlawful to import restricted live wildlife into the state without a special permit or license from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
I live in another state, what are the requirements to boat in Arizona?
Nonresident watercraft may operate in Arizona for a period of 90 days without Arizona registration, provided the watercraft is in compliance with the numbering system of the U.S. Coast Guard or the home state of registration. If the watercraft continues to operate on Arizona waters, it must be registered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before the 90-day period ends. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
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’m selling my boat, can I get a temporary permit to for buyer test drives?
No, a temporary permit is not available. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
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 a person finds a dead bird of prey, is it legal to possess and have mounted?
No. A person cannot possess a dead bird of prey that he or she finds. Birds of prey are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and a federal permit must be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the pickup and salvage of these birds.
If a person finds a set of horns or antlers, will the department provide a tag or plug so that they can be possessed in another state?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not provide a tag or plug to “pick up” horns or antlers. Currently there is no definition, statute or rule that specifically regulates the pickup and possession of naturally shed antlers or horns. Therefore, these are not considered wildlife, and the pickup and possession is lawful. Also, the removal and possession of wildlife parts collected from the carcass of an animal that has died from a natural event (predation, disease, fights, fence entanglement, old age, accidental falls, drowning, electrocution, etc.) is acceptable under current allowable practices. Unnatural events would be such things as wounding loss, vehicle accidents or illegal take, making the possession of these animals and their parts unlawful. In the case of auto accidents that involve big game animals, ARS 17-319 allows the vehicle driver involved in the accident to possess the carcass of the big game animal providing a salvage permit is obtained. Officers may seize wildlife carcasses or their parts when the animal’s cause of death is not assured to have been from a natural cause or is unknown until a reasonable investigation is conducted. People possessing or transporting wildlife or parts not taken with a valid tag or license should check with their local conservation agencies prior to transporting these parts back into their home state.
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.
Is chumming (throwing an attractant into the water) illegal?
No, chumming, such as using cracked corn to attract carp or using self-chumming dough baits for catfish, is legal in Arizona. However, throwing excessive amounts of odoriferous attractants, even if biodegradable, into the water could be considered littering. A citation could be issued under ARS 5-348. Some state and national parks could have restrictions against chumming. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish
Is it legal for me to pick up shed antlers for private use or for sale?
Yes, you may possess and/or sell shed antlers that were collected on public land, or private land with permission of the landowner. You cannot, however, collect shed antlers on Native American tribal land unless you are a tribal member and are collecting according to tribal regulations. It is also unlawful to collect antlers in national parks, national wildlife refuges or national recreation areas.
Is there any way I can keep an animal listed on the restricted live wildlife list?
According to Commission Rule R12-4-417, the only way a civilian can possess a restricted live animal is by obtaining a wildlife holding license. The license is issued for wildlife management, humane holding, advancement of science, and education. Strict stipulations are placed on all licensees limiting them to specific activities listed on the license. The welfare of the animal or animals held under this license is of primary concern, and deviation from the stipulations and/or captivity standards will result in revocation of the holding license and criminal prosecution.
This is the first time I renewed my watercraft. Why did my expiration month change?
All new watercraft registrations issued are valid for twelve months. The second year of registration will be for 7-18 months (fees and tax are pro-rated appropriately) to fit into the "staggered registration system" wherein the expiration date is determined by the last two digits of the "AZ" number.
Learn more about Arizona boating laws and regulations.
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 are the requirements to operate a watercraft ?
Arizona law states that it is illegal for a person under the age 12 to operate a vessel with a motor greater than 8 horsepower, which includes personal watercraft, unless an emergency exists or another person at least 18 years of age is onboard. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
What are the requirements to operate a watercraft ?
Arizona law states that it is illegal for a person under the age 12 to operate a vessel with a motor greater than 8 horsepower, which includes personal watercraft, unless an emergency exists or another person at least 18 years of age is onboard. Learn more about boating regulations at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/watercraft.
What can I have as a pet?
It is illegal to have certain animals as pets in Arizona. Please call the regional office in your area for a list of restricted wildlife. You can find the phone numbers for the regional offices on the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at azgfd.gov.
Click here for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission rules for live wildlife.
What do I need to fish at Lake Powell?
You need a valid Arizona fishing license, and if you are in the Utah portion of Lake Powell, you are required to have a Utah Lake Powell Stamp. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What do I need to fish in Colorado River waters?
The Colorado River is an interstate boundary in several areas, and some special requirements apply, based on where you are fishing. Here’s a quick overview:
If you are an Arizonan and plan to fish from the Arizona shoreline, all you need is your Arizona fishing license (and a trout stamp, if you are fishing for trout). If you plan to fish from a boat or floating device, such as a float tube, from Lake Mead southward, then you will need the appropriate Colorado River Special Use Stamp to validate your license for the neighboring state. Here is some guidance:
BETWEEN ARIZONA AND NEVADA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a Nevada or Arizona state fishing license and an Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the Nevada shore with a Nevada license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.
BETWEEN ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-California Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.
The following bodies of water are also affected by the Colorado River Stamp:
- Mittry Lake - Arizona state license or California state license with the river stamp
- Senator Wash - California state license or Arizona state license with the river stamp
- West Pond - California state license only
- Fortuna Pond - Arizona state license only
- Squaw Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
- Martinez Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can fish only from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
- All American Canal- California license only
- Gila Gravity Canal - Arizona state license only
LAKE POWELL
Your Arizona fishing license is valid for the Arizona portion of Lake Powell. You can purchase a Utah Lake Powell Stamp for $8, which will validate your Arizona license and make all of Lake Powell in Utah available to you for fishing.
Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
What do I need to fish Lees Ferry?
A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish at Lees Ferry. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish
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 a Colorado River Special-Use Stamp?
Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamps affixed to a valid Arizona state fishing license allow an Arizona resident to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 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.
What lakes are included in the Urban Fishing Program?
The current list of designated urban lakes includes:
Town of Sahuarita – Sahuarita Lake
City of Tucson – Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake and Silverbell Lake
City of Chandler – Desert Breeze Lake
Town of Gilbert – Water Ranch Lake
City of Mesa – Red Mountain Lake and Riverview Lake
City of Peoria – Rio Vista Lake
City of Phoenix – Alvord Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Papago Ponds and Steele Indian School Park Lake
City of Scottsdale – Chaparral Lake
City of Tempe – Canal Lake and Kiwanis Lake
Town of Payson – Green Valley Lakes
City of Surprise – Surprise Lake
For additional information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Urban Fishing Program, visit the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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 I need a trout stamp?
If an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing in waters that are primarily trout waters, the angler must have a trout stamp. No trout stamp is required when using an urban fishing license or a combination hunt/fish license. Also, if an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing with bait recognized as bait used for trout in trout-stocked waters, the possession of a trout stamp is required. (ARS 17-333.2) A trout stamp is required for a fishing license when an angler is fishing for trout or possesses trout. If an angler without a trout stamp catches a trout while fishing for other species in waters that are not primarily trout waters, the fisherman should release the trout immediately. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.
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.
Where can fishermen use live bait fish?
The use of live bait fish is regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and is usually county- or river-specific, depending on the species of bait fish authorized. The Arizona Fishing Regulations should be consulted annually for the locations where live bait can be used. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish. Commission Rules that regulate the capture and transportation of live bait fish can be found in R12-4-313 and R12-4-316.
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.
Which boats must be registered?
All motorboats must be registered in Arizona regardless of their size, construction, or type and size of motor. This includes, for example, inflatable rafts, sailboats and canoes with motors (including electric motors). Exceptions to the registration requirement include watercraft used solely as lifeboats and those documented by the U. S. Coast Guard.
Learn more about Arizona boating laws and regulations.
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.
Why are some species protected in some areas of the United States and hunted in others?
Some species occur in low numbers in some parts of the country, but may be considered common in other parts. For this reason, animals can be abundant in one state and listed as threatened or even endangered in another.
