Synopsis of federal regulations applicable
to migratory bird hunting
Federal regulations regarding bird hunting are described in
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These can be found at
www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html. The regulations below can
be found at 50 CFR 20.21 unless otherwise noted. An electronic
version of these regulations can be found by downloading this
booklet as a PDF at www.azgfd.gov/rules.
BAG & POSSESSION LIMIT – For hunts in Units 30A, 30B, 31,
and 32 – Three (3) sandhill cranes per calendar year. For hunts
in Gillespie Dam Hunt Area in Unit 39 – One (1) sandhill crane
per calendar year.
WEAPON – Migratory game birds may be taken only with a
10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than
three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so the gun’s
total capacity does not exceed three shells. Birds may also be
taken by falconry or by bow and arrow, or crossbow.
NON-TOXIC SHOT – Non-toxic shot is not required for hunting cranes, however, no person may take waterfowl or coots
while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for
muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot.
MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS – No person may take migratory game birds from or by means, aid, or use of any motor
vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind.
Special regulations govern handicapped hunters.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS – Migratory game birds may
not be taken from or by means of any watercraft or other craft
having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor
has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its
progress there from has ceased. A watercraft under power may
be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds but no shooting is
permitted while the watercraft is underway. Migratory game
birds may not be taken from or by means, aid, or use of a
sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath
the surface of the water. No person shall take migratory game
birds by means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air
conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any
migratory bird.
DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING – Migratory game birds
may not be taken by the use or aid of live decoys, recorded
or electronically amplified bird calls or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. It is illegal to
take birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area,
where a person knows or reasonably should know that the
area is or has been baited. An area is considered baited for 10
days after the complete removal of all bait. It is legal to take

migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on
or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and
where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered
solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or
other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a
normal agricultural operation.
RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING – No person shall kill or cripple
any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort
to retrieve the bird and retain it in his actual custody while in
the field. Crippled birds must be killed immediately. Any birds
given to or left with another person must be tagged by the
hunter with a tag showing his signature, address, the number
and species of birds, and the dates they were killed. Packages
in which migratory game birds are shipped must show the
names and addresses of the sender and receiver, and the
number and species of birds contained in the parcel. (50 CFR
20.25, 20.36, 20.44)
BAG LIMIT – No person may, during any one day, take more
than one daily bag limit or possess more than one daily bag
limit in the field, or while returning to the car, hunting camp or
home. (50 CFR 20.24, 20.35)

Arizona

Sandhill
Crane
Regulations
2010

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION – No person shall transport any
migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons,
unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached
to each such bird at all times while being transported from
the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal
abode of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.
IMPORTATION – For information regarding the importation
of migratory game birds killed in another country, hunters
should consult federal regulations. One fully feathered wing
must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and the hunter’s home or to
a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import
any migratory game birds from any country except Canada
unless such birds are dressed, drawn and the head and feet
are removed. Special regulations govern consignment to an
approved and licensed taxidermist. No person shall import
migratory game birds belonging to another person. (50 CFR
20.61 through 20.66)
SEASON AND HOURS – No person may take migratory game
birds during the closed season. Migratory game birds may be
taken only during hours open to hunting. (50 CFR 20.22, 20.23)
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on
the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and disability in
its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been
discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities,
including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint
alleging discrimination directly with the Director’s Office, 5000 W.
Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If
you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the
Director’s Office as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939.

Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov

Hunt permit-tag application process and schedule

Sandhill Crane: Commission Order 24
General Sandhill Crane
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Permits
9001
Nov 19 - Nov 21, 2010
(1,2,3,4,5)
30A, 30B, 31 and 32
Any sandhill crane
85
9002
Nov 23 - Nov 25, 2010
(1,2,3,4,5)
30A, 30B, 31 and 32
Any sandhill crane
85
9003
Nov 27 - Nov 29, 2010
(1,2,3,4,5)
30A, 30B, 31 and 32
Any sandhill crane
85
9004
Dec 1 - Dec 3, 2010
(1,2,3,4,5)
30A, 30B, 31 and 32
Any sandhill crane
85
Total
340
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICES: Shotgun, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license and Sandhill Crane Hunt Permit-tag.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Juniors-Only Sandhill Crane
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Permits
30A, 30B, 31 and 32 (3 hunt permit-tags issued to
9006
Dec 10 - Dec 12, 2010
(1,2,3,4,5)
Any sandhill crane
25
each hunter)
Gillespie Dam Hunt Area in Unit 39 (only 1 hunt
9007
Dec 10 - Dec 12, 2010
(2,6)
Any sandhill crane
9
permit-tag issued to each hunter for this hunt no.)
Total
34
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICES: Shotgun, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license and Sandhill Crane Hunt Permit-tag.
ELIGIBLE HUNTERS: Pursuant to R12-4-318 persons are eligible to participate throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday.

Archery-Only Sandhill Crane
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Hunt No. Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Permits
9005
Nov 12 - Nov 14, 2010
(2,3,4,5)
30A, 30B, 31 and 32
Any sandhill crane
25
Total
25
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license and Sandhill Crane Hunt Permit-Tag.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Sandhill Crane Notes:
1. There will not be a hunter check station for
the 2010 seasons. Also, all hunters, successful
and unsuccessful, are asked to return the
harvest questionnaire following the hunt to
help us maintain the harvest database.
2. In accordance with R12-4-305 each sandhill
crane possessed or being transported shall
have a permit-tag attached to its leg or neck
and either the fully feathered head or one
fully feathered wing shall remain attached
until it arrives at the hunter’s permanent
abode or the place where it is to be
consumed.
3. An area within the following described
boundaries shall be closed to sandhill crane
hunting during the sandhill crane season
dates: Beginning at Willcox; southeast on
AZ Hwy 186 to the Kansas Settlement Road;
south on the Kansas Settlement Road to

Kimzey Road which runs west from K-S Store
(formerly Brown’s store) and the cotton gin at
the northeast corner of Section 11, Township
16 South, Range 25 East; west along this road
alignment to AZ Hwy 191; north on AZ Hwy
191 to Interstate 10; northeast on Interstate 10
to Willcox.

5. Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32 Hunt Area Sandhill crane hunt permit-tags may be
obtained only through application and
drawing procedures prescribed in R12-4-104
and the Hunt Permit-Tag Application Schedule.
Successful applicants will receive three (3)
sandhill crane hunt-permit tags.

4. The area within the following described
boundaries shall be closed to sandhill crane
hunting. Beginning at the junction of Coffman
and Davis roads; south on Coffman road
to Bagby road; west along the Bagby road
alignment to the intersection of Bagby and
posted portions of the Alamo Ranch; north to
the boundary with that portion of Whitewater
Draw Wildlife Area in Section 30, Township 12
South, Range 26 East; west along the posted
portion of the Wildlife Area to Frontier road;
north on Frontier road to Davis road; east on
Davis Road to the point of origin.

6. Gillespie Dam Hunt Area in Unit 39 - that
portion of the Gila River corridor in Unit 39
south of Gillespie Dam and north of Gila Bend
located within the following townships and
ranges: T2S R4W, T2S R5W, T3S R4W, T3S
R5W, T4S R4W, and T5S R4W. A mandatory
check out is required for this hunt. Sandhill
crane hunt permit-tags may be obtained only
through application and drawing procedures
prescribed in R12-4-104 and the Hunt
Permit-Tag Application Schedule. Successful
applicants will only receive one (1) sandhill
crane hunt-permit tag.

Sandhill crane hunt permit-tags may be obtained only through
application and drawing procedures as prescribed in R12-4-104
and R12-4-114. Applications for hunt permit-tags shall be made
on Hunt Permit-tag Application Forms. In order to participate
in the draw you must have or apply for a license. If you are not
licensed at the time you submit your Hunt Permit-tag Application
Form, you must apply for a license by completing the license
form section and include payment with the application.
Hunt Permit-tag Applications for sandhill crane will be accepted
beginning Aug. 2, 2010, by mail only at the following addresses: P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052; or 5000 W.
Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000. Deadline for the
Department to receive applications is Aug. 31, 2010. No application will be accepted after this date regardless of postmark.
Hunt permit-tags will be mailed out by Sept. 20, 2010.
The hunt permit-tag fee for Hunt No. 9007 is $7.50 (each
hunter will receive 1 hunt permit-tag). The hunt permit-tag
fee for all other hunts is $22.50 (each hunter will receive 3
hunt permit-tags).

Sunrise/Sunset 2010
(Times shown are for Willcox, Arizona)
DATE
RISE
Nov. 14
6:48
Nov. 15
6:49
Nov. 16
6:49
Nov. 17
6:50
Nov. 18
6:51
Nov. 19
6:52
Nov. 20
6:53
Nov. 21
6:54
Nov. 22
6:55
Nov. 23
6:56
Nov. 24
6:57
Nov. 25
6:57
Nov. 26
6:58
Nov. 27
6:59
Nov. 28
7:00
Nov. 29
7:01
Nov. 30
7:02
Dec. 1
7:03
Dec. 2
7:03
Dec. 3
7:04
Dec. 4
7:05
Dec. 5
7:06
Dec. 6
7:07
Dec. 7
7:07
Dec. 8
7:08
Dec. 9
7:09
Dec. 10
7:10
Dec. 11
7:10
Dec. 12
7:11
Dec. 13
7:12
Dec. 14
7:12

SET
5:20
5:19
5:19
5:18
5:18
5:17
5:17
5:16
5:16
5:16
5:15
5:15
5:15
5:15
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:14
5:15
5:15
5:15
5:15
5:15
5:16

The following is a synopsis of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory game birds.
Persons requiring more information should go to: www.access.gpo/nara/cfr/. Were they will find a complete
version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law is different from the following Federal law the hunter must comply
with the most restrictive law.
What terms do I need to understand?
Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result of treaties
signed with other countries. Protected migratory birds are listed in Title
50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section. 10.13. This list includes almost
all birds found in the United States with the exception of the house
sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove), European starling,
Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which are
protected by state laws).
All migratory birds are protected. However, a subset of migratory birds
classified as migratory game birds and may be hunted in accordance
with State and Federal regulations. The list of migratory game birds
includes species of ducks, geese (including brant), swans, doves and
pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock and
snipe, if there is an open season.
Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of
a single species or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be
taken by one person in any one day during the open season in any one
specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed.
Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory
game birds permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during
the open season when such person hunts in more than one specified
geographic area and/or for more than one species for which a combined
daily bag limit is prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but
shall not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one species
or for any one specified geographic area in which taking occurs.
Possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds
of a single species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed
by any one person when lawfully taken in the United States in any one
specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed.
Aggregate possession limit means the maximum number of migratory
game birds of a single species or combination of species taken in the
United States permitted to be possessed by any one person when taking
and possession occurs in more than one specified geographic area for
which a possession limit is prescribed. The aggregate possession limit
is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed
for any one of the species or specified geographic areas in which taking
and possession occurs.

(3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives,
possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to
another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.
Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of
producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such harvest and
removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension
Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Normal agricultural operation means a normal agricultural planting,
harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice that
is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State
Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
Normal soil stabilization practice means a planting for agricultural
soil erosion control or post-mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of
the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
for agricultural soil erosion control.
Baited area means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been
placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or
other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds
to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Any
such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete
removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.
Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as
a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas
where hunters are attempting to take them.
Manipulation means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural
crops by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding,
discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide
treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or
scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage
on the field where grown.

Personal abode means one’s principal or ordinary home or dwelling
place, as distinguished from one’s temporary or transient place of abode
or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or
trailer house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel or rooming
house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.

Natural vegetation means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized
plant species that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does not
include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on its own
in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural
vegetation.

Migratory bird preservation facility means:

What hunting methods are illegal?

(1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire
or other consideration; or

No persons shall take migratory game birds:

(2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire
or other consideration; or

•

With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than
10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machinegun, fish hook, poison,
drug, explosive, or stupefying substance;

•

With a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than
three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of
removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does
not exceed three shells.

•

From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low
floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means
of concealment beneath the surface of the water;

•

From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven
land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics
and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary
motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance;

•

From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor
attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut
off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased;

•

By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited to, it
shall be a violation of this paragraph for any person to take migratory waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live ducks or geese
are present unless such birds are and have been for a period of 10
consecutive days prior to such taking, confined within an enclosure
which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally
conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl;

•

By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or
sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls
or sounds.

•

By means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance,
or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird;

•

By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person
knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been
baited.

It is legal to take migratory game birds including waterfowl,
coots, and cranes, on or over the following lands or areas that
are not otherwise baited areas:
•

Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics);

•

Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded
harvested croplands; or lands or areas where seeds or grains have
been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting,
harvesting, post-harvest manipulation or normal soil stabilization
practice;

•

From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural
vegetation;

•

From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does
not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of
grain or other feed; or

•

Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting
a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downed birds.

It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and
cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas,
and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely
as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on
the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural
operation.
Wanton waste of migratory game birds No person shall kill or
cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to
retrieve the bird, and retain it in his actual custody, at the place where
taken or between that place and either (a) his automobile or principal
means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary
or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility;
or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Non-toxic Shot No person may take ducks, geese (including brant),
or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for
muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved
non-toxic shot, see www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/nontoxic_shot/
nontoxic.htm
Opening Day of a Season No person on the opening day of the season
shall possess any freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the
daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.
Field Possession Limit No person shall possess, have in custody,
or transport more than the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit,
whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or
between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile or principal
means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or
transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility;
or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.
Tagging requirement No person shall put or leave any migratory game
birds at any place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of
another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation,
or storage (including temporary storage), or for the purpose of having
taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag attached,
signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species
of birds, and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being
transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shall
not be considered as being in storage or temporary storage.
Custody of birds of another No person shall receive or have in
custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless
such birds are properly tagged.
Termination of possession Subject to all other requirements of this
part, the possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to
have ceased when such birds have been delivered by him to another
person as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for
transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier to some person
other than the hunter.
Gift of migratory game birds No person may receive, possess, or
give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except
at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have
a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such
hunter’s address, the total number and species of birds and the date
such birds were taken.

Transportation of birds of another No person shall transport migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are
properly tagged.
Species identification requirement No person shall transport within
the United States any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed
pigeons, unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to
each such bird at all times while being transported from the place where
taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of the possessor or
a migratory bird preservation facility.
Marking package or container No person shall transport by the
Postal Service or a common carrier migratory game birds unless the
package or container in which such birds are transported has the name
and address of the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement
of the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearly and
conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp The law requires
that each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and older must carry on his
person a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck
Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across
the face of the stamp.
More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges
opened to public hunting. For additional information on refuge specific
regulations see www.fws.gov/refuges/.