Wildlife Rule Changes Proposed by AZ Game & Fish

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is proposing to modify some of its live wildlife rules and some of its rules about the taking and handling of wildlife. The proposed changes to the live wildlife rules include adjustments to the general application criteria for special licenses to possess live wildlife and additional requirements for holding live wildlife. These proposals were presented to the public in April. Then, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission approved a notice of proposed rulemaking at its September meeting. The department will hold a public hearing to accept final oral comments on Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Wildlife Building, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Last month, the commission also approved a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its rules for the taking and handling of wildlife. This proposal would authorize the dividing and transporting of a wildlife carcass taken in the field, add check-out requirements for hunters that take mountain lion or bear, and authorize possession of a carcass of a mountain lion or bear that depredates on livestock. The commission will accept final oral comments on these changes at its Dec. 9-10 meeting in Phoenix. The department is accepting written comments from the public on both of these proposals from Oct. 22 to Nov. 21. Direct comments and questions to Carlos Ramírez at rulemaking@azgfd.gov.