Arizona

Waterfowl
and Snipe
Regulations
2009-2010

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

Synopsis of federal regulations applicable
to migratory bird hunting
WEAPON — Migratory game birds may be taken only with a
10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than
three shells. Birds may also be taken by falconry or by bow and
arrow, or crossbow.
MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTION — No person may take migratory game birds from any motor-driven vehicle, including
aircraft. Special regulations govern handicapped hunters.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS — Waterfowl may be hunted
from a watercraft (except a sinkbox) including those propelled
by motor, sail and wind, or both when the motor has been
completely shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress
therefrom has ceased. The watercraft may be drifting as a result
of current or wind action on the hull, beached or moored,
resting at anchor, or may be propelled by paddle, oars or pole.
A watercraft under power may be used to retrieve dead or
crippled waterfowl but no shooting is permitted while the watercraft is underway. It is illegal to drive or rally game birds toward
hunters by use of any motor-driven conveyance or sail boat.
DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING — Migratory birds may not
be taken with the aid of live decoys, recorded bird calls or
electronically amplified bird calls. It is illegal to take birds by
the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area where a person
knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been
baited. A baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days
after complete removal of any bait. Baiting includes 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 areas where hunters are attempting
to take them.
RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING — All birds downed shall be retrieved if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter
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 the hunter’s name, 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 of the sender and receiver, and the number
and species of birds contained in the parcel.
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. One feathered wing must be left attached to all migratory game birds until they reach their final destination.

IMPORTATION — For information regarding the importation of
migratory game birds killed in another country, hunters should
consult federal regulations (50CFR 20.61 through 20.66). 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 (except
as required above), drawn and the head and feet are removed.
No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to
another person.

2009-2010 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp

Last Name

Suffix

SEASON AND HOURS — No person may take migratory game
birds during closed season. Migratory game birds may be taken
only during hours open to hunting.

First Name

MI

Hunt Zones

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $4.50
Date:
MO

(Circle One)

DY

Mr.

Ms.

YR

Mrs.

Address

Address

Littlefield

City

Page

12B

13A

13B

State

12A

Zip Code

NAVAJO

9

15A
MOHAVE

15B

15C

(Required)

COCONINO

18A

Williams

15D
18B

16A
16B Lake Havasu

17A

20C

Wickenberg

44A

43A 44B

42

39

25M

Gila Bend

YUMA

Desert Zone
Indian Reservation

Eagar

1

24A
24B

Did Not Hunt None 1-10 11-30 31+
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

4. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe

Safford

31
33

28

32

38M

36C 36A
34A 34B
36B

Doves
Band-tailed pigeon

GRAHAM

TUCSON

YR

3. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you
bag?

GREENLEE

Florence

37A

Ajo

DY

2. Will you hunt band-tailed pigeons this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes

27

Globe

PINAL

PIMA

Mountain Zone

2B

2C

Show Low

23

40A

46A

St. Johns

37B

40B
46B

2A

3B

GILA

PHOENIX
26M

41

45B

Payson

22

26M 47M

45A
45C

21

APACHE

3A
3C

20B

MARICOPA

43B

5A

20A

LA PAZ

Holbrook

4B

4A

6A

Prescott

Parker

Winslow

5B

MO

1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen or snipe this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes

11MFlagstaff

6B

19A

17B
YAVAPAI

City

8

19B

7

Willcox

30A
30B

29
COCHISE

SANTA
CRUZ

35B 35A

Douglas

TO ORDER BY MAIL: Mail this form to any Arizona Game and
Fish Department office. The headquarters office address is 5000
W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Please allow 2-3 weeks
for delivery. You must include a check or money order in the
amount of $4.50. This stamp will be available at all license dealers beginning July 1.

✃

Kingman

Yuma

Date of Birth:

10

2009-2010 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp

SUNRISE/SUNSET 2009-2010

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $8.75

(Times shown are for central Arizona. Figure up to nine minutes
earlier for eastern areas, nine minutes later for western areas.)

Date:
MO

(Circle One)

DY

Mr.

Ms.

YR

DATE
Oct. 1
Oct. 5
Oct. 10
Oct. 15
Oct. 20
Oct. 25
Oct. 30
Nov. 1
Nov. 5
Nov. 10
Nov. 15
Nov. 20
Nov. 25
Nov. 30
Dec. 1
Dec. 5
Dec. 10
Dec. 15
Dec. 20
Dec. 25
Dec. 30
Jan. 1
Jan. 5
Jan. 10
Jan. 15
Jan. 20
Jan. 25
Jan. 30
Feb. 5

Mrs.

Last Name

Suffix

First Name

MI

Address

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Date of Birth:
(Required)

MO

DY

YR

1. Do you intend to hunt ducks or geese this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes
2. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you
bag?
Ducks
Geese

Did Not Hunt None 1-10 11-30 31+
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

3. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe

✃

TO ORDER BY MAIL: Mail this form to any Arizona Game and
Fish Department office. The headquarters office address is 5000
W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Please allow 2-3 weeks
for delivery. You must include a check or money order in the
amount of $8.75. This stamp will be available at all license dealers beginning July 1.

RISE
6:23
6:26
6:29
6:33
6:37
6:41
6:46
6:47
6:51
6:56
7:00
7:05
7:09
7:14
7:15
7:18
7:22
7:25
7:28
7:31
7:32
7:33
7:33
7:33
7:32
7:31
7:29
7:26
7:21

SET
6:12
6:07
6:01
5:54
5:48
5:43
5:38
5:36
5:33
5:29
5:26
5:23
5:21
5:20
5:20
5:20
5:21
5:22
5:24
5:27
5:30
5:32
5:35
5:39
5:44
5:48
5:53
5:58
6:04

Monuments and military areas

Banded birds

The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert,
Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open
to hunting. Camp Navajo in Unit 6B is open to hunting only to
properly licensed members of the Arizona National Guard and
Camp Navajo civilian personnel holding a valid Camp Navajo
hunting permit. Season dates and regulations must be obtained
from the Arizona National Guard. The Fort Huachuca Army Garrison in Unit 35A is open to hunting only to properly licensed
military and Fort Huachuca civilian personnel holding a valid
Fort Huachuca post hunting permit. Season dates and special
regulations must be obtained from Fort Huachuca.

Hunters can report recovery of banded birds by calling
1-800-327-BAND (2263).

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 Web site, www.azgfd.gov (type Florence
Military Reservation in the search box).

Detailed waterfowl hunting information is available by visiting
the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.
azgfd.gov under the “Hunting and Fishing” link. Select Waterfowl Species.

One feathered wing
Sportsmen should note that one feathered wing (or head for
sandhill crane only) must be left attached to all migratory game
birds until they reach their final destination.

Nontoxic shot
Possession of lead shot, including plated lead, is prohibited
while hunting waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers,
and common moorhens). NONTOXIC shot is required
for all waterfowl hunting in Arizona. NONTOXIC shot
includes steel, bismuth, tungsten/iron, tungsten/polymer,
tungsten-nickel-iron, tungsten matrix shot, tungsten/bronze,
tungsten/tin/bismuth, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, and
tungsten-tin-iron. A complete listing of approved nontoxic
shot can be found at www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/
nontoxic_shot/nontoxic.htm.

Wildlife areas, county parks
For Restrictions for taking wildlife on Maricopa County Parks
and Information on Status of Wildlife Areas (R12-4-802), see
page 86 and pages 116–117 of the Fall 2009–2010 Arizona Hunting Regulations.

Waterfowl hunting information

Waterfowl Hunters – Arizona Bald
Eagles Need Your Help
Annually on Dec. 1, closures are enacted statewide to protect
breeding bald eagles. These closures restrict human activity
within the nest area so the resident bald eagles will have the
opportunity to successfully breed. We are asking for your assistance to avoid bald eagle breeding areas while you are hunting
waterfowl, as your presence and the noise from discharging
your firearm may cause a disturbance to the breeding pair. The
bald eagles are laying eggs during the later part of the waterfowl season and are very sensitive to human activity.
The bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered
Species Act and various other state and federal laws.
You can find the full list of Bald Eagle Breeding Area Closures
at http://www.swbemc.org. Click on the “Bald Eagle Closure
Areas Go Into Effect” link on that page. Or contact the local U.S.
Forest Service Ranger District office or Arizona Game and Fish
Regional Office where you plan to hunt.

Waterfowl: Commission Order 21
General Waterfowl
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.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Oct 23, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010
(1,3,4,5) Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M (gallinules)
Excluding scaup
Oct 9, 2009 - Jan 17, 2010

(2,3,4)

Mountain Zone: Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A and those
portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County

Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
(gallinules)
Excluding scaup

Nov 7, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010

(1,3,4,5)

Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within
Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M

Scaup

Oct 24, 2009 - Jan 17, 2010

(2,3,4)

Mountain Zone: Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A and those
portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County

Scaup

Oct 23, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010

(1,3,4,5)

Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within
Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M
EXCEPT Units 22, 23 and 27

White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese
(Canada and white-fronted)

Oct 9, 2009 - Jan 17, 2010

(2,3,4)

Mountain Zone: Units 2-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A and those
portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County

White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese
(Canada and white-fronted)

Nov 15, 2009 - Jan 17, 2010

(3,4)

Special Goose Seasons: Units 1 and 27

White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese
(Canada and white-fronted)

Nov 15, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010

(3,4)

Special Goose Seasons: Units 22 and 23

White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese
(Canada and white-fronted)

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, bow and arrow or falconry as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license plus a valid Arizona Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (i.e., federal Duck Stamp).
Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
BAG LIMIT: The daily bag limit of ducks, including mergansers: Seven (7) per day not to include more than: two (2) redheads; two (2) pintails; seven (7)
mallards, no more than two (2) of which may be female or Mexican-like ducks; three (3) scaup, and one (1) canvasback. Coots and common moorhens
(gallinules): Twenty-five (25) per day, singly or in the aggregate. Geese: Six (6) white geese (snow, including blue and Ross’ geese) per day and three (3)
dark geese (Canada and white-fronted) per day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: See Falconry-Only section.
POSSESSION LIMIT: The possession limit of ducks including mergansers: Fourteen (14) after opening day, only seven (7) of which may be taken any one
day, but no more than:
a. four (4) redheads
b. four (4) female mallards or Mexican-like ducks
c. four (4) pintails
d. six (6) scaup
e. two (2) canvasbacks
Coots and common moorhens (gallinules): Twenty-five (25) singly or in the aggregate.
Geese: Twelve (12) white geese (snow, including blue and Ross’ geese) and six (6) dark geese (Canada and white-fronted).
FALCONRY POSSESSION LIMIT: See Falconry-Only section.

Waterfowl: Commission Order 21
Juniors-Only Waterfowl
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.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Feb 6 - Feb 7, 2010
(1,3,4,5) Desert Zone: Those portions of Units 6 and 8
Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
lying within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B
(gallinules); Including white geese (snow, blue and Ross’)
through 47M
and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted)
Oct 3 - Oct 4, 2009

(2,3,4)

Mountain Zone: Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and those
portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County

Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
(gallinules); Including white geese (snow, blue and Ross’)
and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted)

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license required for participating age 14 and 15; participants age 16 or older must have a valid Arizona Waterfowl
Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (i.e., federal Duck Stamp); participants under 14 need not be licensed if accompanied by a licensed adult
as prescribed in A.R.S. 17-335.
ELIGIBLE HUNTERS: Pursuant to R12-4-318 persons are eligible to participate throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
BAG LIMIT: The daily bag limit of ducks, including mergansers: Seven (7) per day not to include more than: two (2) redheads; two (2) pintails; seven (7)
mallards, no more than two (2) of which may be female or Mexican-like ducks; three (3) scaup; and one (1) canvasback.
Coots and common moorhens (gallinules): Twenty-five (25) per day, singly or in the aggregate.
Geese: Six (6) white geese (snow, including blue and Ross’ geese) per day and three (3) dark geese (Canada and white-fronted) per day.
POSSESSION LIMIT: The possession limit of ducks including mergansers: Fourteen (14) after opening day, only seven (7) of which may be taken any one
day, but no more than:
a. four (4) redheads
b. four (4) female mallards or Mexican-like ducks
c. four (4) pintails
d. six (6) scaup
e. two (2) canvasbacks
Coots and common moorhens (gallinules): Twenty-five (25) singly or in the aggregate.
Geese: Twelve (12) white geese (snow, including blue and Ross’ geese) and six (6) dark geese (Canada and white-fronted).

Falconry-Only Waterfowl
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.
Season Dates
Notes
Open Areas
Legal Wildlife
Feb 1 - Feb 4, 2010
(4,6)
Desert Zone: Those portions of Units 6 and 8
Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
lying within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B
(gallinules)
through 47M
Oct 5 - Oct 8, 2009

(2,4,6)

Mountain Zone: Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A and those
portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County

Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens
(gallinules)

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Falconry as prescribed in R12-4-318 and R12-4-101.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license license plus valid Arizona Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (i.e., federal Duck
Stamp). Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.
HAWKING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note: The aggregate falconry bag limit of all migratory game birds is three (3), comprised of any combination of migratory
game bird species for which a general season, that includes falconry as a legal method of take, or a falconry-only season is open. Falconers should consult
Commission Orders 19, 20, 21, and 22 for season dates and open areas. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the firearms bag limit.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate of all migratory game birds in season (Commission Orders 19 through 22) after opening day, of which no more
than three (3) may be taken in any one day.

Waterfowl Notes:
1. Open areas include the Imperial, Cibola, Buenos Aires and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges EXCEPT for posted portions which shall be closed
to all hunting, a fee may be required for hunting on National Wildlife
Refuges, see refuge regulations.
2. Ashurst Lake in Management Unit 5B is closed to all waterfowl hunting.
3. All areas within Arizona are designated nontoxic shot zones. The use or
possession of lead shot while waterfowl hunting is prohibited. Waterfowl
includes ducks, geese, brant, swans and coots. Lead shot includes plated
lead shot. Steel, bismuth, tungsten/iron, tungsten/polymer, tungstennickel-iron, and tungsten matrix shot are approved as nontoxic shot.
4. Persons 16 years of age or older must have in their possession a valid
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp when taking ducks and geese, and

a valid, signed Arizona Waterfowl Stamp attached to their hunting license
or printed privileges on their license when taking ducks and geese. This
stamp or privilege will automatically register the holder for the federal
Harvest Information Program for the taking of ducks and geese. Persons
16 years of age and older must have in their possession a valid Arizona
Migratory Bird Stamp or privilege when taking coots and common moorhens pursuant to A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203.
5. 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 3 East.
6. Falconry hunting will not be permitted on National Wildlife Refuges.

Common Snipe: Commission Order 22
General Common Snipe
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.
Season Dates

Notes

Open Areas

Legal Wildlife

Oct 23, 2009 - Jan 31, 2010

(1)

Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai
County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M

Common snipe

Oct 9, 2009 - Jan 17, 2010

(2)

Mountain Zone: Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A and those portions of Units 6
and 8 within Coconino County

Common snipe

LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and by falconry.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Any valid hunting license plus a valid Arizona Migraory Bird Stamp. Falconers must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted
pursuant to R12-4-407.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
BAG LIMIT: Eight (8) per day.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Sixteen (16) common snipe after opening day, no more than eight (8) of which may have been taken in any one day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note: The aggregate falconry bag limit of all migratory game birds is three (3), comprised of any combination of
migratory game bird species for which a general season, that includes falconry as a legal method of take, or a flaconry-only season is open. Falconers should
consult Commission Orders 19, 20, 21, and 22 for season dates and open areas. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the firearms bag limit.
FALCONRY POSSESSION LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate of all migratory game birds in season (Commission Orders 19 through 22) after opening day, of
which no more than three (3) may be taken in any one day.
HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM (HIP): As required by A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203, Snipe hunters age 16 and older shall have in their possession
a valid Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp or printed privilege which will validate their license for the federal Harvest Information Program. The Arizona
Migratory Bird Stamp may be obtained on or after July 1, from any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or wherever hunting licenses are sold.

Snipe Notes:
1. Open areas include the Imperial, Cibola, Buenos Aires and Havasu
National Wildlife Refuges EXCEPT for posted portions which shall
be closed to all hunting. A fee may be required for hunting on
National Wildlife Refuges, see refuge regulations.
2. Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to common snipe hunting.

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 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 AGFD Director’s Office as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939.