Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 4 - GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Article 8 - WILDLIFE AREAS AND DEPARTMENT PROPERTY
Section R12-4-802 - Wildlife Area and Other Department Managed Property Restrictions

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-4-802

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

A. No person shall violate the following restrictions on Wildlife Areas:

1. Alamo Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A):
a.

Posted portions closed to all public entry.

b. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

2. Allen Severson Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B):

.

a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

b. Posted portions closed to discharge of all firearms from April 1 through July 25 annually.

c. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from April 1 through July 25 annually.

3. Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area (located in Units 31 and 32):
a. Access through the Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area within the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is by permit only, available through the Safford Office of the Bureau of Land Management.

b. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.

4. Arivaca Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 36B):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping in the wildlife area allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

5. Arlington Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Target or clay bird shooting permitted in designated areas only.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
i. Posted portions around Department housing are closed to the discharge of all firearms; and

ii. Wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

6. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area (located in Units 39, 26M, and 47M):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. No target or clay bird shooting.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

7. Becker Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. The Becker Lake boat launch access road and parking areas along with any other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise daily.

f. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

g. Posted portions closed to hunting.

h. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of rifled firearms.

8. Bog Hole Wildlife Area (located in Unit 35B):
a. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response or other emergency vehicles.

b. Open to all hunting in season, by foot access only, as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

9. Chevelon Canyon Ranches Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4A):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. No target or clay bird shooting.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

10. Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4B):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

f. Additional posted portions closed to all public entry from October 1 through February 1 annually.

g. No target or clay bird shooting.

h. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 1 through February 1 annually.

11. Cibola Valley Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in unit 43A):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

12. Clarence May and C.H.M. May Memorial Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29):

Closed to hunting, except for predator hunts authorized by Commission Order.

13. Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area (located in Unit 31):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions around Department housing and Pond Three are closed to discharge of all firearms.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

14. Coal Mine Spring Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A):
a. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

b. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted on the wildlife area, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response or other emergency vehicles.

b. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

15. Colorado River Nature Center Wildlife Area (located in Unit 15D):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles, law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Closed to the discharge of firearms.

f. Closed to hunting.

16. Fool Hollow Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3C):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. The parking area adjacent to Sixteenth Avenue and other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry daily from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, except for anglers possessing a valid fishing license accessing Fool Hollow Lake/Show Low Creek.

f. Closed to the discharge of firearms.

g. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of firearms.

17. House Rock Wildlife Area (located in Unit 12A):
a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles, law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

b. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

c. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of the House Rock bison herd, except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.

18. Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B):
a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

b. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of rimfire and centerfire rifled firearms.

19. Lamar Haines Wildlife Area (located in Unit 7):
a. No open fires.

b. Wood cutting by permit only and collecting limited to dead and down material, for noncommercial use only. Members of the public shall obtain a wood cutting permit from the Flagstaff Game and Fish Department regional office.

c. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

20. Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area (located in Units 32 and 37B):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. The following acts are prohibited:
i. Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire without removing all flammable material from around the fire to adequately prevent the fire from spreading from the fire pit.

ii. Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire.

iii. Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire in any area that is closed to fires.

iv. Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.

g. Parking allowed within 300 feet of designated open roads and in designated areas only.

h. Discharge of a firearm or pre-charged pneumatic weapon prohibited within 1/4 mile of buildings.

i. A person shall not use a metal detector or similar device except as authorized by the Department. This subsection does not apply to law enforcement officers in the scope of their official duties, or to persons duly licensed, permitted, or otherwise authorized to investigate historical or cultural artifacts by a government agency with regulatory authority over cultural or historic artifacts.

21. Luna Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

b. Posted portions closed to all public entry from February 15 through July 31 annually.

c. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except when closed to hunting from April 1 through July 31 annually.

22. Manhattan Claims Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29):
a. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

b. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

23. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 43B):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

f. Mittry Lake is a "No Ski" waterway as defined under R12-4-501.

g. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

24. Planet Ranch Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel

permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H)

outside the posted Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program habitat area.

This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to public entry.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.

25. Powers Butte (Mumme Farm) Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
i. Posted portions around Department housing are closed to the discharge of all firearms; and

ii. Wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

26. Quigley-Achee Wildlife Area (located in Unit 41):
a. No open fires.

b. No overnight public camping.

c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

d. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting.

27. Raymond Wildlife Area (located in Unit 5B):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Overnight public camping permitted in designated sites only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, trails, or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). All-terrain and utility type vehicles are prohibited. For the purpose of this subsection, all-terrain and utility type vehicle means a motor vehicle having three or more wheels fitted with large tires and is designed chiefly for recreational use over roadless, rugged terrain. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

d. Posted portions closed to all public entry from May 1 through July 29 annually.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting periodically during hunting seasons.

f. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of the Raymond bison herd , except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.

28. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Parking in designated areas only.

f. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.

g. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318 except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

29. Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area (located in Units 22, 23, and 24B):
a. Posted portions closed to all public entry from November 15 through February 15 annually.

b. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). No motorized travel is permitted within agriculture and crop production areas. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

c. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from November 15 through February 15 annually.

30. Santa Rita Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A):

Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

31. Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions around Department housing is closed to the discharge of all firearms.

32. Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Closed to the discharge of all firearms.

f. Open to all hunting as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except the wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.

33. Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8):
a. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

b. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

c. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

34. Three Bar Wildlife Area (located in Unit 22):
a. Motorized vehicle travel:
i. Is permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).

ii. Is prohibited within the Three Bar Wildlife and Habitat Study Area.

iii. This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

b. Open to all hunting in season, as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

35. Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 38M):
a. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except:
i. Portions posted closed to hunting,

ii. Portions closed to hunting as identified on the online check-in system wildlife area map, and

iii. Firearms and pre-charged pneumatic weapons are prohibited for the take of wildlife.

b. Archery hunters must check-in online with the Arizona Game and Fish Department prior to going afield.

36. Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8 and 19A):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping allowed.

d. Motorized vehicle travel is not permitted, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire department, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

37. Wenima Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. No overnight public camping.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. No target or clay bird shooting.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

38. White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):
a. No open fires.

b. No firewood cutting or gathering.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.

f. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.

g. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.

39. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30B):
a. No open fires except as authorized by the Department.

b. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

d. Posted portions closed to all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.

e. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except :
i. The wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms, and

ii. Posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15 annually.

40. Willcox Playa Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30A):
a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only.

b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.

c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). This subsection does not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.

e. Posted portions closed to all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.

f. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15 annually.

B. Notwithstanding Commission Order 40, public access and use of the Hirsch Conservation Education Area and Biscuit Tank is limited to activities conducted and offered by the Department and in accordance with the Department's special management objectives for the property, which include, but are not limited to, flexible harvest, season, and methods that:

1. Allow for a variety of fishing techniques, fish harvest, fish consumption, and catch and release educational experiences;

2. Maintain a healthy, productive, and balanced fish community and

3. Provide public education activities and training courses that are compatible with the management of aquatic wildlife.

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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