Reptiles: Commission Order 43 Arizona General Reptiles *Open Areas do not include private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or areas closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. § Sections 17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-321, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. Other Notes may apply (see Open Areas information below). Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Reptiles Bag and Possession Limit Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 7, 8, 10, A. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Four (4) per year or in possession of each species (1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, All reptiles, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, and E Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 live or dead. 28, 29, 30, and 31 (also noted above*). B. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 (also noted above*). Lichanura trivirgata (rosy boa), Senticolis triaspis (green ratsnake), Lampropeltis pyromelana (Sonoran mountain kingsnake), and Lampropeltis triangulum (milksnake; except no open season in Cochise County). Two (2) per year or four (4) in possession of each species live or dead. Twenty (20) per day or in possession in the aggregate live or dead. Unlimited dead. C. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 (also noted above*). Sceloporus cowlesi (southwestern fence lizard), Sceloporus tristichus (plateau lizard), Tantilla hobartsmithi (Smith’s black-headed snake), and all species in the genera: Callisaurus (zebra-tailed lizard), Aspidoscelis (whiptails), Coleonyx (banded gecko), Cophosaurus (greater earless lizard), Holbrookia (lesser earless lizard), Urosaurus (tree lizard), Uta (side-blotched lizard), Hypsiglena (nightsnake), Leptotyphlops (threadsnakes), and Sonora (groundsnake) D. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 (also noted above*). Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) Reptile and Amphibian Regulations 2013 E. There is no open season on Phrynosoma mcallii (flat-tailed horned lizard), Heloderma suspectum (Gila monster), Crotalus lepidus (rock rattlesnake), Crotalus pricei (twin-spotted rattlesnake), Crotalus willardi (ridge-nosed rattlesnake), Lampropeltis triangulum (milksnake; Cochise County only), Sistrurus catenatus (massasauga), Thamnophis eques (Mexican gartersnake), Thamnophis rufipunctatus (narrow-headed gartersnake), Gopherus agassizii (desert tortoise), and Terrapene ornata (ornate box turtle); see Notes 4 and 5. Limited Weapon Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Reptiles Private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county A. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 (2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14) parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, All reptiles, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, and E Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 or posted water treatment facilities, except areas closed in Notes 7, 8 and 10. B. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 C. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 D. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 Bag and Possession Limit Four (4) per year or in possession of each species live or dead. (2, 3, 6, 11, 14) Private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities. Lichanura trivirgata (rosy boa), Senticolis triaspis (green ratsnake), Lampropeltis pyromelana (Sonoran mountain kingsnake), and Lampropeltis triangulum (milksnake; except no open season in Cochise County). Two (2) per year or four (4) in possession of each species live or dead. (2, 3, 6, 11, 14) Private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities. Sceloporus cowlesi (southwestern fence lizard), Sceloporus tristichus (plateau lizard), Tantilla hobartsmithi (Smith’s black-headed snake), and all species in the genera: Callisaurus (zebra-tailed lizard), Aspidoscelis (whiptails), Coleonyx (banded gecko), Cophosaurus (greater earless lizard), Holbrookia (lesser earless lizard), Urosaurus (tree lizard), Uta (side-blotched lizard), Hypsiglena (nightsnake), Leptotyphlops (threadsnakes), and Sonora (groundsnake) Twenty (20) per day or in possession in the aggregate live or dead. (2, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14) Private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities, except areas closed in Note 10. Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) Unlimited dead. Arizona Game and Fish Department E. There is no open season on Phrynosoma mcallii (flat-tailed horned lizard), Heloderma suspectum (Gila monster), Crotalus lepidus (rock rattlesnake), Crotalus pricei (twin-spotted rattlesnake), Crotalus willardi (ridge-nosed rattlesnake), Lampropeltis triangulum (milksnake; Cochise County only), Sistrurus catenatus (massasauga), Thamnophis eques (Mexican gartersnake), Thamnophis rufipunctatus (narrow-headed gartersnake), Gopherus agassizii (desert tortoise), and Terrapene ornata (ornate box turtle); see Notes 4 and 5. 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086 (602) 942-3000 www.azgfd.gov Reptile Notes: 1. A hunting or combination license is required for take of reptiles. A fishing or combination license is required for take of softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R12-4-304(F) for restrictions on trapping and the use of artificial light and firearms. By law, softshell turtles are considered aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination license is required for take. Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-313. 2. A hunting or combination license is required for take of reptiles. A fishing or combination license is required for take of softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R12-4-304(F) for restrictions for trapping and the use of artificial light. By law, softshell turtles are considered aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination license is required for take. Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-318(C.6). 3. Per R12-4-404, progeny of lawfully held reptiles other than desert tortoises may, for twelve months from date of hatching or birth, be held in captivity in excess of the stated limits. Before or upon reaching twelve months of age, such progeny must be disposed of by gift to another person or as directed by the Department. 4. Per R12-4-407.1, desert tortoises legally held prior to April 28, 1989, may be possessed, transported and propagated. Possession limit is one desert tortoise per person. Progeny of lawfully held desert tortoises may, for twenty-four months from date of hatching, be held in captivity in excess of the stated limit. Before or upon reaching twenty-four months of age, such progeny must be disposed of by gift to another person or as directed by the Department. 5. The possession limit for massasaugas legally held prior to January 1, 1989, when season closure went into effect, is four (4) per person. The possession limit for Mexican gartersnakes, narrow-headed gartersnakes, and ornate box turtles legally held prior to January 1, 2005, when season closure went into effect, is four (4) per person. See Note 3. 6. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the Yuma Proving Ground, and Camp Navajo control access to hunting on their installations. 7. Chuckwallas (genus Sauromalus) may not be taken within the boundaries of Phoenix South Mountain Park. 8. Shovel-nosed snakes (Chionactis occipitalis) may not be taken from Pima County east of the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation or from Pinal County. 9. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 10. Turtles may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. 1 Reptile Notes: (2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. (3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. (4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. (5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. (6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Reptile Notes: 11. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria national monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by monument regulations. 12. Open Areas do not include private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S, Sections 17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4321, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. 13. General Reptile seasons must comply with R12-4-304 - Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles. F. (9) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. 1. Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release nontarget species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any holes; (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. 2. Shall not use firearms at night; and 3. May use artificial light while taking reptiles, if the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or a watercraft under sail. (11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. (12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake. (13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. 2 An individual may take reptiles by any method not prohibited in R12-4-303 or R12-4-318 under the following conditions. An individual: 14. Limited Weapon Reptile seasons must comply with R12-4-318. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles. C. When designated by Commission order, the following seasons have specific requirements and lawful methods of take more restrictive than those for general and special seasons, as prescribed in this Section. While taking the species authorized by the season: 6. An individual participating in a “limited weapon” season may only use or possess the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, when prescribed in R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted: bow and arrow; crossbow; pneumatic weapons; falconry; slingshots; any trap except foot-hold steel traps; nets; hand-propelled projectiles; or capture by hand. 15. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 26M in the following described area: Those private lands lying just north of the Town of Cave Creek in Sections 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 of Township 6 North, Range 4 East. 16. Portions of Unit 25M are closed to hunting. Hunting is not permitted in the following area: an unincorporated portion of land west of Loop 202 (San Tan Freeway) known as the Elliot and Hawes County Island in Section 16, Township 1 South, Range 7 East. 3 Reptile Notes: Reptile Notes: 17. Entry into portions of Units 40A, 40B, 46A, and 46B is subject to military closure and requires coordination with the Barry M. Goldwater Range for hunting access. For specifics about accessing the Barry M. Goldwater Range refer to the Index: Hunting on Military Reservations. 22. Hunting is not permitted in Units 26M and 37A in the following described area in the Town of Eloy: beginning with the intersection of Cornman Road and LaPalma Road; south on LaPalma Road to Milligan Road; west on Milligan Road to Overfield Road; north on Overfield Road to Cornman Road; east on Cornman Road to LaPalma Road. 18. The Florence Military Reservation (training areas B and D: the areas north and south of Cottonwood Canyon Road) in Unit 37B is subject to short term closures due to military operations, including live fire operations, and requires coordination with the Florence Military Reservation for hunting access. For specific closure dates or any other access concerns, contact the Florence Military Reservation at 602-267-2062. A map of the Florence Military Reservation is located on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website, azgfd.gov (type Florence Military Reservation in the search box). 19. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 26M in the following described area: an unincorporated portion of land within the Town of Queen Creek in Pinal County in Sections 5, 7, 8, and 18 of Township 3 South, Range 8 East. 20. Hunting is not permitted in Units 25M and 26M in the following described area: beginning at the junction of I-17 and Loop 303; west and south on Loop 303 to Bell Road; west on Bell Road to the Beardsley canal; south on the Beardsley canal to Indian School Road; west on Indian School Road to South Jackrabbit Trail; south on South Jackrabbit Trail to Tuthill Road; south on Tuthill Road to the Gila River; east along the Gila River to 115th Avenue/Salt River junction; east along the Salt River to 51st Avenue; south on 51st Avenue to Pecos Road; east on Pecos Road to the I-10/Loop 202 junction; east, north, and then west on the Loop 202 to Gilbert Road; north on Gilbert Road to AZ Highway 87; east on AZ Highway 87 to Fort McDowell Road; north on Fort McDowell Road to Rio Verde Drive; west on Rio Verde Drive to Dynamite Road; west on Dynamite Road to Pima Road; north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road; west and south on Cave Creek Road to Deer Valley Road; west on Deer Valley Road to 7th Street; north on 7th Street to Happy Valley Road; west on Happy Valley Road to I-17; north on I-17 to the Loop 303. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area falls within the boundary described above but is open to hunting. County islands within this boundary are also open to hunting provided the hunter does not discharge a firearm within ¼ mile of an occupied farmhouse, residence, cabin, lodge, or building without permission of the owner or resident. Privately held lands within county islands may be closed by the landowner. 21. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 26M in the following described area in the City of Maricopa: that portion of the city east of Green Road, south of Smith Enke Road, and east of the Cobblestone subdivision and that portion of the city north of Farrell Road and west of White and Parker Road. 4 23. The following Pima County parks and preserves are open to hunting: A-7 Ranch in Units 32 and 33, Oracle Ridge Property in Unit 33, Six Bar Ranch in Unit 33, Emperita Ranch in Unit 34B, Bar V Ranch in Unit 34B, Sands Ranch in Unit 34B, Clyne Ranch in Unit 34B, Diamond Bell Ranch in Unit 36A, Marley Ranch in Unit 36A and 36B, Rancho Seco in Units 36A and 36B, Kings 98 Ranch in Unit 36C, Old Hayhook Ranch in Unit 36C, Verdugo in Unit 36C, Bee Ranch in Unit 37A, Mordka Ranch in Unit 37A, Buckelew Ranch in Unit 37A, Carpenter Ranch in Unit 37A, Cochise Canyon Ranch in Unit 37A, Lords Ranch in Unit 37A, and Tortolita Mountain Park in Unit 37A. Hunting in County Parks, opened by this Commission Order, is not permitted within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area, developed camp ground, shooting range, occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course. Developed areas do not include trails. 24. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 36B in the following described area: in the posted portion of Sopori Ranch south of Arivaca Road in Sections 14 and 15, Township 20 South, Range 11 East. The remainder of Sopori Ranch is open to hunting. 25. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 37A in the following described area in the Town of Marana: beginning at the intersection of Sanders Road and Avra Valley Road; north on Sanders Road to the Santa Cruz River; southeast along the Santa Cruz River to the Central Arizona Project Canal; southwest along the Central Arizona Project Canal to Avra Valley Road; west on Avra Valley Road to the intersection of Sanders Road. 26. Hunting is not permitted in Units 43A and 44B in the following described area in the Town of Quartzsite: Sections 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, Township 4 North, Range 19 West and Sections 2, 3, and 4, Township 3 North, Range 19 West. 27. The following parks and preserves in Maricopa County are open to hunting using shotgun shooting shot when this season coincides with a quail season as defined in R12-4-321: Lake Pleasant, White Tank Mountains, McDowell Mountain, and Estrella Mountain Regional parks and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hunting in parks and preserves opened by this Commission Order is not permitted within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area, developed camp ground, shooting range, occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course. Developed areas do not include trails. 28. In Units 11M and 38M, the private property within municipal boundaries is closed to hunting. 5 Reptile Notes: 29. The area in Unit 37A in the Town of Marana is subject to temporary closures in February for special events. All state lands located south of Cochie Canyon Trail in Township 11 South, Range 12 East. 30. Areas of private property within the municipal boundaries (except in Units 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 27) are closed to hunting during this hunt. 31. The area within the fenced enclosure inside the loop formed by Tonto National Forest Road 647, also known as the Walnut Canyon Enclosure, is open to public entry and hunting during an open season. ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES: TITLE 17 LAWS A.R.S. 17-101 Definitions A. In this title, unless the context otherwise requires: 17. “Statewide” means all lands except those areas lying within the boundaries of state and federal refuges, parks and monuments, unless specifically provided differently by commission order. 22. “Wildlife” means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, including their eggs or spawn. B. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply: 1. Aquatic wildlife are all fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and soft-shelled turtles. A.R.S. 17-301 Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking A. A person may take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, only during daylight hours unless otherwise prescribed by the commission. A person shall not take any species of wildlife by the aid or with the use of a jacklight, other artificial light, or illegal device, except as provided by the commission. B. A person shall not take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, or discharge a firearm or shoot any other device from a motor vehicle, including an automobile, aircraft, train or powerboat, or from a sailboat, boat under sail, or a floating object towed by powerboat or sailboat except as expressly permitted by the commission. No person may knowingly discharge any firearm or shoot any other device upon, from, across or into a road or railway. 6 A.R.S. 17-306 Importation, transportation, release or possession of live wildlife No person shall import or transport into the state or sell, trade or release within the state or have in his possession any live wildlife except as authorized by the commission or as defined in title 3, chapter 16. A.R.S. 17-331 License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order A. Except as provided by this title or commission order, a person shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid license or a commission approved proof of purchase. The person shall carry the license or proof of purchase and produce it upon request to any game ranger, wildlife manager or peace officer. A.R.S. 17-371 Transportation, possession and sale of wildlife and wildlife parts A. A person may transport in his possession his legally taken wildlife, or may authorize the transportation of his legally taken big game, provided such big game or any part thereof has attached thereto a valid transportation permit issued by the department. Such wildlife shall be transported in such manner that it may be inspected by authorized persons upon demand until the wildlife is packaged or stored. Species of wildlife, other than game species, may be transported in any manner unless otherwise specified by the commission. A person possessing a valid license may transport lawfully taken wildlife other than big game given to him but in no event shall any person possess more than one bag or possession limit. D. A holder of a sport falconry license may transport one or more raptors that the person lawfully possesses under terms and conditions prescribed by the commission. Regardless of whether a person holds a sport falconry license and as provided by section 17-236, subsection C, the person may transport for sport falconry purposes one or more raptors that are not listed pursuant to the migratory bird treaty act. NOTE: Recent legislative changes (ARS 17-231, 17-251 and 17-305) conflict with current Commission Rule, listed on the next page. In these cases, state law preempts rule, so some restrictions identified in R12-4-303 are no longer in effect. As long as the weapon type is authorized to take the species of wildlife, the silencer, magazine capacity and possession restrictions are no longer active. The only exception to this will be the federal regulations such as those identified for migratory birds. 7 GAME AND FISH COMMISSION RULES This summary of reptile and amphibian regulations effective Jan. 1, 2013, is prepared for convenience only. It is not a legal document as it does not contain all the laws and regulations related to reptiles and amphibians. For additional information, contact an Arizona Game and Fish Department office. 7. Pitfalls of greater than 5-gallon size, explosives, poisons, or stupefying substances, except as permitted in A.R.S. § 17-239, or as allowed by a scientific collecting permit issued under A.R.S. § 17-238. C. An individual shall not use manual or powered jacking or prying devices to take reptiles or amphibians. R12-4-304 R12-4-101 Definitions A. In addition to the definitions provided in A.R.S. § 17-101, R12-4-401, and R12-4-501, the following definitions apply to this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 22. “Waterdog” means the larval or metamorphosing stage of salamanders. 12-4-301 Definitions In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-101, the following definitions apply to this Article unless otherwise specified: “Dip net” means any net, excluding the handle, that is no greater than 3 feet in the greatest dimension, hand-held, and non-motorized; and the motion of the net is caused by the physical effort of the individual. R12-4-303 Unlawful Devices, Methods, and Ammunition A. In addition to the prohibitions prescribed in A.R.S. §§ 17-301 and 17-309, the following devices, methods, and ammunition are unlawful for taking any wildlife in this state. An individual shall not use or possess any of the following while taking wildlife: 1. Fully automatic firearms, including firearms capable of selective automatic fire; 2. Tracer, armor-piercing, or full-jacketed ammunition designed for military use; 3. Shotguns larger than 10 gauge or shotguns capable of holding more than five shells in the magazine, unless plugged with a one-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the gun, and that limits the magazine capacity to five shells; 4. Semiautomatic centerfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than five cartridges, unless the magazine is modified with a filler or stop that cannot be removed without disassembling the magazine; 5. Contrivances designed to silence, muffle, or minimize the report of a firearm; 6. Poisoned projectiles, or projectiles that contain explosives; or 8 Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles F. An individual may take reptiles by any method not prohibited under R12-4-303 or R12-4-318 subject to the following restrictions. An individual: 1. Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release non-target species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any holes; 2. Shall not use firearms at night; and 3. May use artificial light while taking reptiles provided the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or a watercraft under sail. R12-4-305 Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife A. For the purposes of this Section, “evidence of legality” means: 1. The wildlife is identifiable as the “legal wildlife” prescribed by Commission order, which may include evidence of species, gender, antler or horn growth, maturity and size; and 2. The wildlife is accompanied by the applicable license, tag, separated portion of a tag under R12-4-302, stamp or permit required by law. B. An individual shall ensure that evidence of legality remains with the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wild mammal, bird, or reptile that the individual possesses or transports, until arrival at the individual’s permanent abode, a commercial processing plant, or the place where the wildlife is to be consumed. G. An individual who sells, offers for sale, or exports the raw pelt of a bobcat taken in this state shall obtain a bobcat permit tag available for a fee as provided in R12-4-102 at Department offices and other locations at those times and places as determined and published by the Department, and shall ensure that the bobcat permit tag is locked through the mouth or eye openings so that it cannot be removed. I. An individual may import into this state carcasses or parts of carcasses of wildlife that have been lawfully taken in another state or country if accompanied by evidence of legality. 9 R12-4-311 Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License while Taking Aquatic Wildlife 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exempted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Arizona-Lake Powell stamp affixed to a valid Utah resident fishing license. A. A fishing license is not required to take aquatic wildlife from private waters that are not open to the public and not managed by the Department. E. The requirements of this Section are in addition to those contained in A.R.S. §§ 17-342, 17-343, and 17-344. B. An individual may take terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans from private property without a fishing license. R12-4-313 C. Any individual fishing in Arizona on the designated Saturday during National Fishing and Boating Week may fish without an Arizona fishing license if the individual’s privilege to take aquatic wildlife has not been revoked by the Commission. The provisions of this subsection apply to all waters except the Colorado River adjacent to California and Nevada, where fishing without a license is limited to the shoreline, unless the state with concurrent jurisdiction removes licensing requirements on the same day. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to Reservation lands except as authorized by tribal governments. R12-4-312 Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction A. Any individual fishing from a watercraft or other floating device or object on the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, or that portion of the Colorado River that forms the mutual boundary between Arizona and Nevada, shall have in possession: 1. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Arizona fishing license, or 2. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Nevada fishing license. B. Any individual fishing from the Arizona shorelines of the waters named in subsection (A), unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R124-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exempted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Nevada fishing license. C. Any individual fishing in the waters of Mittry Lake or Topock Marsh, unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exempted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use permit stamp affixed to a valid California fishing license. D. Any individual fishing in the Arizona portion of Lake Powell, unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 10 Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife A. An individual may take aquatic wildlife as defined in A.R.S. § 17-101, subject to the restrictions prescribed in R12-4-303, R124-317, and this Section. Aquatic wildlife may be taken during the day or night and may be taken using artificial light as prescribed in A.R.S. § 17-301. B. The Commission may, through Commission order, prescribe legal sizes for possession of aquatic wildlife. D. In addition to angling, an individual may also take the following aquatic wildlife using the following methods, subject to the restrictions of R12-4-303, R12-4-317, and this Section: 4. Amphibians, soft-shelled turtles, mollusks, and crustaceans may also be taken by minnow trap, crayfish net, hand, or with any hand-held, non-motorized implement that does not discharge a projectile, unless otherwise permitted by this Section. 5. In addition to the methods described in subsection (D)(4) of this Section, bullfrogs may also be taken by bow and arrow, crossbow, or slingshot. R12-4-321 Restrictions for Taking Wildlife in City, County, or Town Parks and Preserves A. All city, county, and town parks and preserves are closed to hunting, unless open by Commission Order. B. Unless otherwise provided under Commission Order or rule, a city, county, or town may: 1. Limit or prohibit any individual from hunting or trapping within 1/4 mile of any: a. Developed picnic area, b Developed campground, c. Boat ramp, d. Shooting range, e. Occupied structure, or f. Golf course. 2. Require an individual entering a city, county, or town park or preserve, for the purpose of hunting, to declare the individual’s intent to hunt when entering the park or preserve, if the park or preserve has an entry station in operation. 11 3. Allow an individual to take wildlife in a city, county, or town park or preserve only during the posted park or preserve hours. R12-4-401 Live Wildlife Definitions In addition to definitions given in A.R.S. § 17-101, and for the purposes of this Article, the following definitions apply: 24. “Restricted live wildlife” means wildlife that cannot be imported, exported, or possessed without a special license or lawful exemption. Restricted live wildlife are listed in R12-4-406. 26. “Special license” means any permit or license issued under this Article, including any additional stipulations placed on the license that authorizes specific activities normally prohibited by A.R.S. § 17-306 and R12-4-402. R12-4-402 Live Wildlife: Unlawful Acts A. An individual shall not perform any of the following activities with live wildlife unless authorized by this Chapter or A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 16: 1. Import any live wildlife into the state; 2. Export any live wildlife from the state; 3. Transport, possess, offer for sale, sell, sell as live bait, trade, give away, purchase, rent, lease, display, exhibit, propagate, stock, or release live wildlife within the state; or 4. Kill any captive live wildlife; B. If an individual lawfully possesses wildlife, but holds it in a manner that poses an actual or potential threat to other wildlife, or the safety, health, or welfare of the public, the Department shall seize, quarantine, or hold the wildlife. Fishing on the Ft. Huachuca Military Reservation is open to the properly licensed general public. All fishermen must obtain a copy of the special Ft. Huachuca fishing regulations and comply with the listed provisions prior to fishing. For additional information, contact: Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, ASHDEH-B, Ft. Huachuca, AZ 85613-6000. 12 Amphibian Notes Amphibians: Commission Order 41 Statewide — As defined in ARS§17-101, excluding wildlife areas not opened for hunting (R12-4-802). Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. §17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-321, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Amphibians Bag and Possession Limit All amphibians, except those Ten (10) per year or in A. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas (1, 2, 5, 6, and 7) named in Subsections B, C, D, possession of each species Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Note 5 and 6 E, F, G, and H live or dead. B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. punctatus (redspotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi (Couch’s spadefoot), and Spea multiplicata (Mexican spadefoot) (1, 2, 6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Craugaster augusti (barking frog) Two (2) per year or in possession live or dead. Unlimited live or dead. Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead. D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 4 and 6 All species in the genus Ambystoma (waterdog or tiger salamander) E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 6, 7, and 8) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 6 and 8 Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Unlimited dead. F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frogs) and Bufo marinus (giant toad) Unlimited dead. G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 6, 7, and 9) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 6 and 9. Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) Unlimited dead. H. There is no open season on Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi (Sonoran tiger salamander), Rana tarahumarae (Tarahumara frog), Rana blairi (plains leopard frog), Rana chiricahuensis (Chiricahua leopard frog), Rana pipiens (northern leopard frog), Rana yavapaiensis (lowland leopard frog), Rana onca (relict leopard frog). (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. (11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. (12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake. (13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. Arizona Game and Fish Department Amphibian Notes 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086 1. A fishing or combination license is required for take of amphibians. Amphibians may be taken day or night per R12-4-313. (2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. 7. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife. (602) 942-3000 www.azgfd.gov 2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. (3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. 8. Havasu, Bill Williams River, Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges are open to the take of bullfrogs, as permitted by refuge regulations (posted areas are closed). (4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. 9. Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frogs) may not be taken from the portion of the Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and Morristown. The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. Discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in federally assisted AGFD programs. 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 AGFD Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (602) 9423000 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 AGFD Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939. 3. The possession limit for Craugaster augusti (barking frogs) legally held prior to January 1, 2005 is 10 per person. 4. No waterdogs or salamanders may be taken in that portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82. (5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. (6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. 5. No Hyla wrightorum (Arizona treefrogs) may be taken in Cochise or Santa Cruz counties. (7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forest Boundary. 6. Amphibians may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. (9) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams.