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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
House: LARA DPA 5-3-0-0 |
HB 2497: right to hunt; fish; harvest
Sponsor: Representative Way, LD 15
Caucus & COW
Overview
Prescribes the citizens of Arizona with the right to lawfully hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. Outlines jurisdiction over the regulation of game and fish and state policy of wildlife management.
History
Current law designates the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) with administering the laws relating to wildlife, watercraft and off-highway vehicles. AZGFD accomplishes this through hunting and fishing license programs, wildlife habitat protection, educational programs and certain law enforcement actions. Control of the AZGFD is vested in the, gubernatorial appointed five member, Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) (A.R.S. §§ 17-201, 17-231).
Provisions
1. Entitles the citizens of Arizona the right to lawfully hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. (Sec. 1)
2. Asserts, through existing statute, that wildlife is the property of Arizona and is held in trust for the benefit of the citizens of Arizona. (Sec. 1)
3. States the Legislature has the exclusive authority to regulate hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife. (Sec. 1)
4. Authorizes the Legislature to delegate rulemaking authority to the Commission. (Sec. 1)
5. Prohibits any law, rule or policy enacted or adopted, by the Legislature or the Commission, from unreasonably restricting:
a. hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife; or
b. the use of traditional means and methods. (Sec. 1)
6. Declares it is the policy of Arizona that public hunting and fishing are the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. (Sec. 1)
7. Clarifies this act does not modify:
a. any provision of common law; or
b. any law relating to trespass or property rights. (Sec. 1)
8. Cites this legislation as the Arizona Right to Hunt Act. (Sec. 2)
Amendments
Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
1. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
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Initials CW HB 2497
2/13/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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