ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: LARA DP 5-3-0-0

☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

HB 2159: Mexican wolves; landowner permits; rules

Sponsor: Representative Diaz, LD 19

Caucus & COW

Overview

Requires the Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) issue a landowner a permit for the taking of Mexican wolves in specified areas. Allows AZGFD to adopt rules to establish a voluntary compensated incentive program for the trapping of Mexican wolves.

History

The Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction Program began in 1998 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The program is overseen and implemented by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (FWS).

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations for managing, conserving and protecting wildlife. The Commission is comprised of five members appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, who serve five-year terms. AZGFD administers the rules and regulations as set by the Commission (A.R.S. §§ 17-201, 17-231, 38-211).

Title 17, Chapter 3 outlines the regulation of hunting and transporting of 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 issue a landowner a permit for the taking of Mexican wolves on:

a.   the landowner's private land; and

b.   public and State Trust lands leased to the landowner for grazing purposes. (Sec. 1)

2.   Stipulates AZGFD may only issue a permit to a lessee that owns private land in the state. (Sec. 1)

3.   Allows AZGFD to adopt rules to establish a voluntary compensated incentive program for the humane and non-lethal trapping of Mexican wolves that would otherwise be taken pursuant to this act. (Sec. 1)

4.   Requires AZGFD to issue a permit if the Commission determines one is necessary to reduce conflicts between Mexican wolves and humans and property. (Sec. 1)

5.   Requires AZGFD issue a permit to provide sport hunting opportunities consistent with AZGFD rules. (Sec. 1)

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9.   Initials CW/RS                HB 2159

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