Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-4-308 - Wildlife Inspections; Check Stations; Roadblocks; Harvest Reporting; Hunt Surveys

A. The Department has the authority to establish mandatory wildlife check stations.

1. The Department shall publish in the Commission Order establishing the season the:

a. Location,

b. Check in requirements, and

c. Check out requirements for that specific season.

2. The Department shall ensure a wildlife check station with a published:

a. Check in requirement is open:

i. 8:00 a.m. the day before the season until 8:00 p.m. the first day of the season, and

ii. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season.

b. Check out requirement is open:

i. 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season, and

ii. Until 12:00 p.m. on the day after the close of the season.

3. A hunter shall:

a. Check in at a wildlife check station in person before hunting when the Department includes a check in requirement in the Commission Order for that season;

b. Check out at a wildlife check station in person after hunting when the Department includes a check out requirement in the Commission Order for that season and shall:

i. Present for inspection any wildlife taken; and

ii. Display any license, tag, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife.

B. The Department may conduct inspections of lawfully taken wildlife at the Department's Phoenix and regional offices or designated locations during the posted business hours.

1. A bighorn sheep hunter shall check out either in person or by designee within three days after the close of the season. The hunter or designee shall submit the intact horns and skull for inspection and photographing. A Department representative shall affix a mark or seal to one horn of each bighorn sheep lawfully taken under Commission Order. It is unlawful for any person to remove, alter, or obliterate the mark or seal.

2. A hunter who harvests a bear or mountain lion shall:

a. Report information about the kill to the Department either in person or by telephone within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the:

i. Name of the hunter;

ii. Hunter's hunting license number;

iii. Sex of the wildlife taken;

iv. Management unit where the wildlife was taken;

v. Hunter's email address, when available;

v.vi. Telephone number where the hunter can be reached for additional information; and

vi.vii. Any additional information required by the Department.

b. Present either in person or by designee the skull, hide, and attached proof of sex for inspection within 10 days of taking the wildlife. If a hunter freezes the skull or hide before presenting it for inspection, the hunter shall prop the jaw open to allow access to the teeth and ensure that the attached proof of sex is identifiable and accessible.

3.C. For seasons other than bear, bighorn sheep, or mountain lion, a hunter who harvests wildlife for which a harvest limit is established shall report information about the kill either in person, by telephone, or through the person's electronic device, as applicable, within 48 hours of taking the wildlife. The report shall include the information required under subsection (B)(2)(a).

D. When required by Commission Order:

1. A hunter who is issued a permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or electronic tag shall submit to the Department a completed hunter survey within 30 days following the close of the season.

2. A hunter who harvests wildlife may be required to submit a biological sample, such as teeth or parts of the carcass, within 10 days of taking the wildlife.

C.E. The Director may establish vehicle roadblocks at specific locations when necessary to ensure compliance with applicable wildlife laws. Any occupant of a vehicle at a roadblock shall, upon request, present for inspection all wildlife in possession, and provide evidence of legality as defined under R12-4-301.

F. It is unlawful for any person to submit a false report under this Section.

D.G. This Section does not limit the game ranger or wildlife manager's authority to conduct stops, searches, and inspections authorized under A.R.S. §§ 17-211(E), 17-250(A)(4), and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-4-308

Amended effective June 29, 1978 (Supp. 78-3). Former Section R12-4-57 renumbered as Section R12-4-308 without change effective August 13, 1981 (Supp. 81-4). Former Section R12-4-308 repealed, new Section R12-4-308 adopted effective May 12, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Amended subsections (B), (D), and (F), and added subsection (G) effective July 3, 1984 (Supp. 84-4). Former Section R12-4-308 repealed, new Section R12-4-308 adopted effective December 30, 1988 (Supp. 88-4). Correction, former Historical Note should read "Former Section R12-4-308 repealed, new Section R12-4-308 adopted effective January 1, 1989, filed December 30, 1988" (Supp. 89-2). Amended effective January 1, 1993; filed December 18, 1992 (Supp. 92-4). Amended effective July 12, 1996 (Supp. 96-3). Amended effective November 10, 1997 (Supp. 97-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 10 A.A.R. 850, effective April 3, 2004 (Supp. 04-1). Amended by final rulemaking at 12 A.A.R. 683, effective April 8, 2006 (Supp. 06-1). Amended by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 826, effective July 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 1048, effective 6/1/2019. Amended by final rulemaking at 30 A.A.R. 2308, effective 8/10/2024.