Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 4 - GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Article 3 - TAKING AND HANDLING OF WILDLIFE
Section R12-4-308 - Wildlife Inspections; Check Stations; Roadblocks; Harvest Reporting; Hunt Surveys

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-4-308

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 38, September 20, 2024

A. The Department has the authority to establish mandatory wildlife check stations.

1. The Department shall publish in the Commission Order establishing the season the:
a. Location,

b. Check in requirements, and

c. Check out requirements for that specific season.

2. The Department shall ensure a wildlife check station with a published:
a. Check in requirement is open:
i. 8:00 a.m. the day before the season until 8:00 p.m. the first day of the season, and

ii. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season.

b. Check out requirement is open:
i. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season, and

ii. Until 12:00 p.m. on the day after the close of the season.

3. A hunter shall:
a. Check in at a wildlife check station in person before hunting when the Department includes a check in requirement in the Commission Order for that season;

b. Check out at a wildlife check station in person after hunting when the Department includes a check out requirement in the Commission Order for that season and shall:
i. Present for inspection any wildlife taken; and

ii. Display any license, tag, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife.

B. The Department may conduct inspections of lawfully taken wildlife at the Department's Phoenix and regional offices or designated locations during the posted business hours.

1. A bighorn sheep hunter shall check out either in person or by designee within three days after the close of the season. The hunter or designee shall submit the intact horns and skull for inspection and photographing. A Department representative shall affix a mark or seal to one horn of each bighorn sheep lawfully taken under Commission Order. It is unlawful for any person to remove, alter, or obliterate the mark or seal.

2. A hunter who harvests a bear or mountain lion shall:
a. Report information about the kill to the Department either in person or by telephone within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the:
i. Name of the hunter;

ii. Hunter's hunting license number;

iii. Sex of the wildlife taken;

iv. Management unit where the wildlife was taken;

v. Hunter's email address, when available;

vi. Telephone number where the hunter can be reached for additional information; and

vii. Any additional information required by the Department.

b. Present either in person or by designee the skull, hide, and attached proof of sex for inspection within 10 days of taking the wildlife. If a hunter freezes the skull or hide before presenting it for inspection, the hunter shall prop the jaw open to allow access to the teeth and ensure that the attached proof of sex is identifiable and accessible.

C. For seasons other than bear, bighorn sheep, or mountain lion, a hunter who harvests wildlife for which a harvest limit is established shall report information about the kill either in person, by telephone, or through the person's electronic device, as applicable, within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the information required under subsection (B)(2)(a).

D. When required by Commission Order:

1. A hunter who is issued a permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or electronic tag shall submit to the Department a completed hunter survey within 30 days following the close of the season.

2. A hunter who harvests wildlife may be required to submit a biological sample, such as teeth or parts of the carcass, within 10 days of taking the wildlife.

E. The Director may establish vehicle roadblocks at specific locations when necessary to ensure compliance with applicable wildlife laws. Any occupant of a vehicle at a roadblock shall, upon request, present for inspection all wildlife in possession, and provide evidence of legality as defined under R12-4-301.

F. It is unlawful for any person to submit a false report under this Section.

G. This Section does not limit the game ranger or wildlife manager's authority to conduct stops, searches, and inspections authorized under A.R.S. §§ 17-211(E), 17-250(A)(4), and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arizona may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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