Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations 2010-2011 Synopsis of Federal Regulations Applicable to Migratory Bird Hunting Federal regulations regarding bird hunting are described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These can be found at www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html. The regulations below can be found at 50 CFR 20.21 unless otherwise noted. An electronic version of these regulations can be found by downloading this booklet as a PDF at www.azgfd.gov/rules. WEAPON – Migratory game birds may be taken only with a 10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so the gun’s total capacity does not exceed three shells. Birds may also be taken by falconry, bow and arrow, or crossbow. MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS – No person may take migratory game birds from or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind. Special regulations govern handicapped hunters. WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS – Migratory game birds may not be taken from or by means of any watercraft or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased. A watercraft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds but no shooting is permitted while the watercraft is underway. No person shall take migratory game birds by means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird. 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086 DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING – Migratory game birds may not be taken by the use or aid of live decoys, recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. It is illegal to take birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. An area is considered baited for 10 days after the complete removal of all bait. It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation. (602) 942-3000 www.azgfd.gov RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING – No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort Arizona Game and Fish Department 1 to retrieve the bird and retain it in his actual custody while in the field. Crippled birds must be killed immediately. Any birds given to or left with another person must be tagged by the hunter with a tag showing his signature, address, the number and species of birds, and the dates they were killed. Packages in which migratory game birds are shipped must show the names and addresses of the sender and receiver, and the number and species of birds contained in the parcel. (50 CFR 20.25, 20.36, 20.44) BAG LIMIT – No person may, during any one day, take more than one daily bag limit or possess more than one daily bag limit in the field, or while returning to the car, hunting camp or home. (50 CFR 20.24, 20.35) IMPORTATION – For information regarding the importation of migratory game birds killed in another country, hunters should consult federal regulations. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and the hunter’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import any migratory game birds from any country except Canada unless such birds are dressed, drawn and the head and feet are removed. Special regulations govern consignment to an approved and licensed taxidermist. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person. (50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66) Monuments and military areas 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. 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, www.azgfd.gov (type Florence Military Reservation in the search box). Banded birds SEASON AND HOURS – No person may take migratory game birds during the closed season. Migratory game birds may be taken only during hours open to hunting. (50 CFR 20.22, 20.23) Hunters can report recovery of banded birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263). 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. Wildlife areas, county parks Non-toxic Shot — No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see www. fws.gov/migratorybirds/currentbirdissues/nontoxic.htm. 2 For Restrictions for taking wildlife on Maricopa County Parks and Information on Status of Wildlife Areas (R12-4-802), see “Where, When and How You Can Hunt” section in the 2010– 2011 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Waterfowl hunting information Waterfowl hunting information is available by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and selecting Waterfowl Hunting in the left menu bar. 3 Waterfowl Hunters – Arizona Bald Eagles Need Your Help 2010-2011 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COST FOR THIS STAMP IS $4.50 Annually on Dec. 1, 22 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 and various other state and federal laws. You can find the full list of Bald Eagle Breeding Area Closures at 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. Date: MO (Circle One) DY Mr. Ms. YR Mrs. Last Name Suffix First Name MI Address Address City State Zip Code Hunt Zones Date of Birth: (Required) 13B Page 12B 13A MOHAVE COCONINO Kingman 18A Williams 15D 18B 16A 16B Lake Havasu 17A LA PAZ Wickenberg 44A Yuma 39 25M Show Low 23 24A 24B 27 Globe GREENLEE GRAHAM Florence PINAL 37A Ajo PIMA Mountain Zone Desert Zone Indian Reservation 2B Eagar 4. Which of the following species did you hunt last season? ( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe 1 33 TUCSON 28 32 38M 36C 36A 34A 34B 36B Safford 31 40A 46A St. Johns 2C 37B 40B 46B 4 22 2A 3B Did Not Hunt None 1-10 11-30 31+ ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) GILA Gila Bend YUMA Payson PHOENIX 26M 41 45B 21 Doves Band-tailed pigeon APACHE 3A 3C 26M 47M MARICOPA 45C 5A 20B 42 45A 43B Holbrook 4B 4A 6A Prescott Parker Winslow 5B 20A 20C 43A 44B 11MFlagstaff 6B 19A 17B YAVAPAI City 8 19B 7 YR 3. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you bag? 10 15B 15C DY 2. Will you hunt band-tailed pigeons this season? ( ) No ( ) Yes NAVAJO 9 15A MO 1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen or snipe this season? ( ) No ( ) Yes 12A Willcox 30A 30B 29 COCHISE SANTA CRUZ 35B 35A 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. Douglas NOTE: The Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp is available for purchase at any license dealer, Game and Fish Department offices or get printed-privileges online at www.azgfd.gov. ✃ Littlefield 5 2010-2011 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp SUNRISE/SUNSET 2010-2011 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. 1 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 RISE 6:23 6:26 6:29 6:33 6:37 6:41 6:45 6:47 6:51 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:09 7:14 7:14 7:18 7:22 7:25 7:28 7:30 7:32 7:33 7:33 7:33 7:32 7:31 7:29 7:26 7:25 7:22 SET 6:13 6:07 6:01 5:55 5:49 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 5:31 5:35 5:39 5:43 5:48 5:53 5:58 6:00 6:03 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. 6 ✃ NOTE: The Arizona Waterfowl Stamp is available for purchase at any license dealer, Game and Fish Department offices or get printed-privileges online at www.azgfd.gov. 7 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 Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common Oct 22, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011 (1,3,4,5) Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M moorhens (gallinules) Excluding scaup Oct 8, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011 (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 6, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011 (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 23, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011 (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 22, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011 (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 8, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011 (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, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011 (3,4) Special Goose Seasons: Units 1 and 27 White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted) Nov 15, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011 (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. 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 Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common Desert Zone: Those portions of Units 6 and 8 moorhens (gallinules); Including white geese (snow, Feb 5 - Feb 6, 2011 (1,3,4,5) lying within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and whitethrough 47M fronted) Oct 2 - Oct 3, 2010 8 (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 whitefronted) 9 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 Desert Zone: Those portions of Units 6 and 8 Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2011 (4,6) lying within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B moorhens (gallinules) through 47M Oct 4 - Oct 7, 2010 (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 10 plated lead shot. Steel, bismuth, tungsten/ iron, tungsten/polymer, tungsten-nickel-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. 11 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 22, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011 (1) Desert Zone: those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Units 10 and 12B through 47M Common snipe Oct 8, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011 (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 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. 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. For Youth Hunters In an effort to introduce kids and beginners to hunting, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is collaborating with sportsmen’s groups, gun clubs, and conservation organizations, to host mentored, hands-on hunting camps and events throughout the season and across the state. These programs offer an excellent way to learn about hunting in a structured and supportive manner. The waterfowl hunting opportunities include: Dec. 10-12: Cibola Juniors-only Waterfowl Hunt Held at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge; food, tips and guidance offered; hosted by the Southwest Habitat Partnership; $40 refundable pre-registration required; contact getoutsideaz@gmail.com. For a listing of other mentored camps offered this season, including small game and big game hunting camps, see page 26-27 of the 2010-11 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations or visit, www.azgfd.gov/getoutside. 13 The following is a synopsis of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory game birds. Persons requiring more information should go to: www.access.gpo/nara/cfr/. Were they will find a complete version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law is different from the following Federal law the hunter must comply with the most restrictive law. What terms do I need to understand? Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result of treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section. 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the United States with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove), European starling, Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which are protected by state laws). All migratory birds are protected. However, a subset of migratory birds classified as migratory game birds and may be hunted in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The list of migratory game birds includes species of ducks, geese (including brant), swans, doves and pigeons, cranes, rails, coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock and snipe, if there is an open season. Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season in any one specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed. Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season when such person hunts in more than one specified geographic area and/or for more than one species for which a combined daily bag limit is prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one species or for any one specified geographic area in which taking occurs. prescribed. The aggregate possession limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed for any one of the species or specified geographic areas in which taking and possession occurs. Personal abode means one’s principal or ordinary home or dwelling place, as distinguished from one’s temporary or transient place of abode or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel or rooming house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip. Migratory bird preservation facility means: (1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire or other consideration; or (2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other consideration; or (3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment. Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person when lawfully taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed. Normal agricultural operation means a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Aggregate possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination of species taken in the United States permitted to be possessed by any one person when taking and possession occurs in more than one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is Normal soil stabilization practice means a planting for agricultural soil erosion control or post-mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control. Baited area means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed. • From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased; • By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited to, it shall be a violation of this paragraph for any person to take migratory waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and have been for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to such taking, confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl; • By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds. • By means or aid of any motor driven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird; • By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Manipulation means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown. Natural vegetation means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized plant species that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does not include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural vegetation. No persons shall take migratory game birds: It is legal to take migratory game birds including waterfowl, coots, and cranes, on or over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas: • • Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics); • Standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded harvested croplands; or lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation or normal soil stabilization practice; • From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation; • From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or • Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downed birds. What hunting methods are illegal? With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machinegun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance; • With a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells. • From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water; • From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motordriven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance; It is legal to take migratory game birds, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation. Wanton waste of migratory game birds No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and retain it in his actual custody, at the place where taken or between that place and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility. Non-toxic Shot No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds/issues/nontoxic_shot/nontoxic.htm Opening Day of a Season No person on the opening day of the season shall possess any freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies. Field Possession Limit No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport more than the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility. Tagging requirement No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation, or storage (including temporary storage), or for the purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shall not be considered as being in storage or temporary storage. Custody of birds of another No person shall receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged. Termination of possession Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased when such birds have been delivered by him to another person as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier to some person other than the hunter. Gift of migratory game birds No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such hunter’s address, the total number and species of birds and the date such birds were taken. Transportation of birds of another No person shall transport migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged. Species identification requirement No person shall transport within the United States any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to each such bird at all times while being transported from the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility. Marking package or container No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container in which such birds are transported has the name and address of the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement of the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and older must carry on his person a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp. More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges opened to public hunting. For additional information on refuge specific regulations see www.fws.gov/refuges/. 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.