Reptiles: Commission Order 43
GENERAL REPTILES
*Open Areas do not include 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 under A.R.S. Sections 17-101, 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, 12, 15, 16,
A. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
(1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12,
Four (4) per year or in possession of each species
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 30 (also
All reptiles, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, and E
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016
13, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33)
live or dead.
noted above*).
B. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 3, 8 10, 11, 12, 13,
23, 27, 31, 32, 33)

Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 12, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 (also
noted above*).

Kinosternon sonoriense (Sonoran mud turtle), 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, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 3, 8 11, 12, 13, 23,
27, 31, 32, 33)

Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 12, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 (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, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
23, 27, 31, 32, 33)

Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 10, 12, 15, 16,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30
(also noted above*).

Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all
species of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles)

ARIZONA

Reptile and
Amphibian
Regulations
2015 & 2016

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 (Mojave desert tortoise),
Gopherus morafkai (Sonoran desert tortoise) and Terrapene ornata (ornate box turtle); see Notes 4 and 5.

LIMITED WEAPON
Open Areas do not include any area closed under A.R.S. Sections 17-101, 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
Statewide, including private lands within city limits and
areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves,
A. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
(2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14)
county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses,
All reptiles, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, and E
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016
or posted water treatment facilities, except areas closed
in Notes 6, 7, 8 and 10.
B. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

C. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

D. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2016

Bag and Possession Limit
Four (4) per year or in possession of each species
live or dead.

Statewide, including private lands within city limits and
areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves,
county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses,
or posted water treatment facilities.

Kinosternon sonoriense (Sonoran mud turtle), 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, 8, 14)

Statewide, including 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, 8, 9, 10, 14)

Statewide, including 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.

(2, 3, 8, 10, 14)

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 (Mojave desert tortoise),
Gopherus morafkai (Sonoran 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
in 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 in R12-4-318 (C.9).
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 (A), 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. Chuckwallas (genus Sauromalus) may not be taken within
the boundaries of Phoenix South Mountain Park.
7. Shovel-nosed snakes (Chionactis occipitalis) may not be
taken from Pima County east of the Tohono O’odham
Indian Reservation or from Pinal County.
8. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the Yuma Proving
Ground, and Camp Navajo control access to hunting on
their installations.
9. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to
the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.
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Reptile Notes:
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.

(2)

Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop.

(3)

The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and onehalf 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
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary.

(8)

Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper
Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead.

(9)

Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen
Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse
Mesa and Mormon Flat dams.

(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 November 15 through February 15 annually.
(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.

Reptile Notes:
(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.
11. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran
Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria national monuments are open to hunting concurrent with a game hunting
season in the unit in which they occur.
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 R12-4-321, R12-4-801, R124-802 and R12-4-803.
13. General Reptile seasons must comply with R12-4-304 - Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles:
F.
An individual may take reptiles by any method not
prohibited in R12-4-303 or R12-4-318 under the following conditions. 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, 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.
14. Limited Weapon Hand or Hand-held Implement 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, a person
participating in:

(20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County.
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3

Reptile Notes:
9. A “limited weapon hand or hand-held implement”
season may use one or more of the following
methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species
hunted:
a. Catch-pole,
b. Hand,
c. Snake hook, or
d. Snake tongs.
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. A portion of Unit 25M is closed to hunting. Hunting is not
permitted in the following area of Unit 25M: 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.
17. Entry into portions of Units 40A, 40B, 46A, and 46B is subject to military closure and requires coordination with the
appropriate land management agency for hunting access
to Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) and some adjacent
areas. The BMGR is closed to hunting except open public
recreational use areas, as allowed by an authorized entry
permit. For specifics about accessing the BMGR refer to the
2015 -2016 Hunting Regulations Index: Hunting on Military
Reservations.
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: the 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. Within Unit 25M as described in R12-4-108, all incorporated
lands, including private property within municipal boundaries, are closed to hunting unless opened under Commission
Order. Incorporated includes all municipal and corporate
limits. County islands are open to hunting provided the
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Reptile Notes:
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.
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.
23. The following Pima County parks and preserves are open
to hunting concurrent with a game hunting season in the
unit in which they occur: 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.
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Reptile Notes:

ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES: TITLE 17 LAWS

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.

A.R.S. 17-101

27. The following parks and preserves in Maricopa County are
open to hunting as defined in R12-4-321: Lake Pleasant,
White Tank Mountains, McDowell Mountain, and Estrella
Mountain Regional parks. 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.
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, 27, and 39
west of AZ Hwy 85) 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 a concurrent open game hunting season.
32. The following City of Tucson water Properties located in
Avra Valley are open to hunting via foot access only: the
Duval property in Unit 36C and the Buckelew property in
Unit 37A; all other Tucson water properties are closed to
hunting.
33. In the northern portion of Unit 5A, access is permitted on
the Clear Creek Ranch by written permission only by contacting the Hopi Tribe Wildlife and Ecosystems Management
Program via e-mail at hopihunts@hopi.nsn.us or by calling
(928) 734-3606 or (928) 734-3605 from Monday-Friday
8am-5pm. Please contact in advance to gain access for
hunting and scouting. In Unit 5B North, access is permitted
on the Hopi’s Hart/Drye Ranch and in Unit 4A on the Hopi’s
Aja Ranch by signing in at designated sign-in boxes located
at access points.

Definitions

A. In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:
18. “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.
23. “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
softshelled 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.

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

6

7

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.

3.

GAME AND FISH COMMISSION RULES
This summary of reptile and amphibian regulations effective Jan. 1, 2014,
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.

R12-4-101

Definitions
A. In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-101, R12-4301, R12-4-401, and R12-4-501, the following definitions apply to this
Chapter, unless otherwise specified:
“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, that is hand-held, non-motorized, and
the motion of the net is caused by the physical effort of the individual.

4.

R12-4-303

Unlawful Devices, Methods, and Ammunition
A. In addition to the prohibitions prescribed under A.R.S. §§ 17-301 and
17-309, the following devices, methods, and ammunition are unlawful for taking any wildlife in this state:
1.
An individual shall not use any of the following to take wildlife:
a. Fully automatic firearms, including firearms capable of
selective automatic fire; or
b. Tracer, armor-piercing, or full-jacketed ammunition
designed for military use.
2.
An individual shall not use or possess any of the following
while taking wildlife:
a. Poisoned projectiles or projectiles that contain explosives;
b. Pitfalls of greater than 5-gallon size, explosives, poisons, or
stupefying substances, except as permitted under A.R.S. §
17-239 or as allowed by a scientific collecting permit issued
under A.R.S. § 17-238;
c. Any lure, attractant, or cover scent containing any cervid
urine; or
d. Electronic night vision equipment, electronically enhanced
light-gathering devices, thermal imaging devices or laser
sights; except for devices such as laser range finders,

8

5.
6.

scopes with self-illuminating reticles, and fiber optic sights
with self-illuminating sights or pins that do not project a
visible light onto an animal.
An individual shall not:
a. Hold wildlife at bay other than during daylight hours, unless authorized by Commission Order.
b. Injure, confine, or place a tracking device in or on wildlife
for the purpose of aiding another individual to take wildlife.
c. Place any substance, device, or object in, on, or by any
water source to prevent wildlife from using that water
source.
d. Place any substance in a manner intended to attract bears.
e. Use a manual or powered jacking or prying device to take
reptiles or amphibians.
f. Use dogs to pursue, tree, corner or hold at bay any wildlife
for a hunter unless that hunter is present for the entire
hunt.
g. Take migratory game birds, except Eurasian Collareddoves, using a shotgun larger than 10 gauge, a shotgun of
any description capable of holding more than three shells
unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler that cannot be
removed without disassembling the shotgun so that its
total capacity does not exceed three shells, electronically
amplified bird calls, or baits, as prohibited under 50 CFR
20.21, revised October 1, 2009. The material incorporated
by reference in this Section does not include any later
amendments or editions. The incorporated material is
available at any Department office, online from the Government Printing Office web site www.gpoaccess.gov, or
may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, 732 N. Capitol St. N.W.,
Stop IDCC, Washington, D.C. 20401.
h. Discharge a pneumatic weapon .30 caliber or larger while
taking wildlife within one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without
permission of the owner or resident.
An individual shall not use edible or ingestible substances
to aid in taking big game. The use of edible or ingestible
substances to aid in taking big game is unlawful when:
a. An individual places edible or ingestible substances for the
purpose of attracting or taking big game, or
b. An individual knowingly takes big game with the aid of
edible or ingestible substances placed for the purpose of
attracting wildlife to a specific location.
Subsection (A)(4) does not limit Department employees or
Department agents in the performance of their official duties.
For the purposes of subsection (A)(4), edible or ingestible
substances do not include any of the following:
a. Water.
b. Salt.
c. Salt-based materials produced and manufactured for the
livestock industry.
d. Nutritional supplements produced and manufactured for the
livestock industry and placed during the course of livestock
or agricultural operations.

R12-4-304

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:

9

1.
2.
3.

Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release non-target
species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any
holes;
Shall not use firearms at night; and
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. 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, transports, or imports until arrival at the
individual’s permanent abode, a commercial processing plant, or the
place where the wildlife is to be consumed.
M. Except for cervids, which are subject to requirements established
under subsections (I), (J), and (K), an individual may import into
this state the carcasses or parts of wildlife, including aquatic wildlife,
lawfully taken in another state or country if transported and exported
in accordance with the laws of the state or country of origin.

R12-4-311

Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License
while Taking Aquatic Wildlife
A. In addition to the exemptions prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-335, and
provided the individual’s fishing and hunting license privileges are
not currently revoked by the Commission:
1.
A fishing license is not required when an individual is:
a. Fishing from artificial ponds, tanks, and lakes contained
entirely on private lands that are not:
i. Open to the public, and
ii. Managed by the Department.
b. Taking terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans from private
property.
c. Fishing in Arizona on any designated Saturday occurring
during National Fishing and Boating Week, except in
waters of the Colorado River forming the common boundaries between Arizona and California, Nevada, or Utah
where fishing without a license is limited to the shoreline,
unless the state with concurrent jurisdiction removes
licensing requirements on the same day.
d. Participating in an introductory fishing education program
sanctioned by the Department, during scheduled program
hours, only. A sanctioned program shall have a Department employee, sport fishing contractor, or authorized
volunteer instructor present during scheduled program
hours. For the purposes of this subsection, “authorized
volunteer instructor” means an individual who has successfully passed the Department’s required background
check and sport fishing education workshop.

10

R12-4-313

Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife
A. An individual may take aquatic wildlife as defined under A.R.S. § 17-101,
subject to the restrictions prescribed under R12-4-303, R12-4-317, and
this Section. Aquatic wildlife may be taken during the day or night and
may be taken using artificial light as prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-301.
B. The Commission may, through Commission Order, prescribe legal sizes
for possession of aquatic wildlife.
C. An individual may take aquatic wildlife by angling or simultaneous
fishing as defined under R12-4-301 with any bait, artificial lure, or fly
subject to the following restrictions, an individual:
1.
Shall not possess aquatic wildlife other than aquatic wildlife
prescribed by Commission Order;
2.
Shall not use the flesh of game fish as bait, except sunfish of the
genus Lepomis;
3.
May use live baitfish, as defined under R12-4-101, only in areas
designated by Commission Order; and
4.
Shall not use waterdogs as live bait 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.
D. In addition to angling, an individual may also take the following aquatic
wildlife using the following methods, subject to the restrictions established
under R12-4-303, R12-4-317, and this Section:
6.
Amphibians, soft-shelled turtles, mollusks, and crustaceans may 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 under this Section.
7.
In addition to the methods described under subsection (D)(5),
bullfrogs may be taken by:
a. Bow and arrow,
b. Crossbow,
c. Pneumatic weapon, or
d. Slingshot.

R12-4-318

Seasons for Lawfully Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and
Reptiles
A. Methods of lawfully taking wild mammals, birds, and reptiles during
seasons designated by Commission Order as “general” seasons are
designated under R12-4-304.
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 under this Section. While taking the species authorized by the season, an individual
participating in:
8.
A “limited weapon” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, if authorized under
R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
a. Any trap except foothold traps,
b. Bows and arrows,
c. Capture by hand,
d. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting
device,
e. Dogs,
f. Falconry,
g. Hand-propelled projectiles,
h. Nets,

11

i.
9.

Pneumatic weapons discharging a single projectile .25 caliber
or smaller, or
j. Slingshots.
A “limited weapon hand or hand-held implement” season may
use one or more of the following methods or devices for taking
wildlife, if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species
hunted:
a. Catch-pole,
b. Hand,
c. Snake hook, or
d. Snake tongs.

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.
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.

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, 2015
Statewide, except areas
(1, 2, 5, 7, and 8)
named in Subsections B, C, D,
possession of each species
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016
closed in Note 7
E, F, G, and H
live or dead.

B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Note 7

Bufo cognatus (Great Plains
toad), B. punctatus (redspotted toad), Scaphiopus
couchi (Couch’s spadefoot),
and Spea multiplicata
(Mexican spadefoot)

C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 3, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Note 7

Craugaster augusti (barking
frog)

Two (2) per year or in
possession live or dead.

D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 4, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Notes 4 and 7

All species in the genus
Ambystoma (waterdog or tiger
salamander)

Unlimited live or dead.

E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Notes 7 and 9

Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog)

Unlimited dead.

F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Note 7

All species in the genus
Xenopus (clawed frog) and
Bufo marinus (giant toad)

Unlimited dead.

G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2016

(1, 2, 6, 7, and 9)

Statewide, except areas
closed in Notes 6 and 7.

Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande
leopard frog)

Unlimited dead.

Ten (10) per day or in
possession per species live
or 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).

Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov
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, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail
Stop: WSFR-4020, 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.

Amphibian Notes
1. A fishing or combination license is required for take of amphibians. Amphibians may be taken day or night. Methods of take are
prescribed in R12-4-313.
2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.
3. The possession limit for Craugaster augusti (barking frog) 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. No Hyla wrightorum (Arizona treefrogs) may be taken in Cochise
or Santa Cruz counties.
6. Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frogs) may not be taken from
the portion of the Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and
Morristown.
7. Amphibians 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.
(2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in
Pinetop.
(3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half

(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)

mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado
River.
That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the
Grand Canyon National Park.
Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake.
Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence
with the Verde River.
Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forest Boundary.
Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake
Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead.
Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen
Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and
Mormon Flat dams.
Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond
Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.
The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31.
Posted portions of Alamo Lake.
Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from
November 15 through February 15 annually.
Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through
February 15 annually.
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.
8. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert,
Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to
the take of wildlife.
9. 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).
10. Within Unit 25M, bullfrogs may only be taken by minnow
trap, crayfish net, hand, or with any hand-held, non-motorized
implement that does not discharge a projectile, as prescribed in
R12-4-313(D.6).