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ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session

 

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2158

 

predatory animals; definition

Purpose

Modifies the definition of predatory animals to include bears, cougars and mountain lions.

Background

A person with a general hunting license in Arizona may take small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals and upland game birds. General hunting licenses are valid for one-year from: 1) the date of purchase when a person purchases the hunting license from a license dealer; 2) on the last day of the application deadline for that draw; 3) on the last date of an extended deadline date; and 4) the selected state date when a person purchases the hunting license from an Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) office or online. A resident may apply for a general hunting license by submitting an application to the AZGFD, a license dealer or on the AZGFD website (A.A.C. R12-4-206).

Additionally, a person with a combination hunting and fishing license may take small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, upland game birds and all aquatic wildlife. The AZGFD offers three types of combination hunting and fishing licenses which include: 1) a short-term combination hunting and fishing license which is valid for one 24-hour period; 2) a combination hunting and fishing license for a person who is at least 18 years of age which is valid for one-year; and 3) a youth combination hunting and fishing license for a person who is 17 years of age or younger which is valid for one-year. A combination hunting and fishing license is valid state-wide (A.A.C. R12-4-210).

Predatory animals include foxes, skunks, coyotes and bobcats (A.R.S. § 17-101).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1.   Modifies the definition of predatory animals to include bears, cougars and mountain lions.

2.   Becomes effective on the general effective date.

House Action

LARA             2/9/26        DP       5-3-0-0

3rd Read          2/24/26                  31-25-4

Prepared by Senate Research

March 6, 2026

SB/hk