ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: LARA DP 5-3-0-0

HB 2147: deer; taking; landowner permits

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

Caucus & COW

Overview

Requires the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to issue landowner permits for deer hunting on private lands and outlines exemptions.

History

The AZGFD manages wildlife populations in Arizona through the administration of hunting and fishing license programs, enforcement actions for the unlawful taking of game and wildlife habitat protection and development. A five-member commission appointed by the Governor oversees the operations of AZGFD (A.R.S. §§ 17-201 et. seq.).

Title 17, Chapter 3 (Taking and Handling of Wildlife) outlines statutes regulating hunting and transporting hunted animals. A person in this state cannot take wildlife without a valid license or a commission-approved proof of purchase. A person must carry the license or proof of purchase and produce it on request to any game ranger, wildlife manager or peace officer (A.R.S. § 17-331).

Provisions

1. Requires AZGFD to issue a landowner permit for the taking of deer on private lands. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs AZGFD to issue a landowner permit if the Arizona Game and Fish Commission determines the permit is necessary to reduce conflicts between people and wildlife and to provide sport hunting opportunities consistent with AZGFD rules. (Sec. 1)

3. Specifies AZGFD may not issue a landowner permit for the taking of deer if the total number of permits issued for deer exceeds 10% of the total number of tags issued for deer through the general lottery draw during the calendar year. (Sec. 1)

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7. Initials CW HB 2147

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