PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has completed the rulemaking process amending rules within Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6 to implement the recommendations that were proposed in the most recent Article 3, Taking and Handling of Wildlife, five-year review report.
The commission’s intent in proposing the amendments is to address the ethical taking and handling of wildlife, increase hunter opportunity, and encourage hunter recruitment and retention. These areas include the use of tags, lawful and unlawful methods of taking and possessing wildlife and wildlife parts, seasons, check-in/check-out requirements, and reporting
requirements.
After significant public input during the initial public process, the commission directed the department to modify its original recommendations to accommodate that input. The commission voted to approve the final rulemaking at its September 2023 meeting. The amended final rules will become effective Aug. 10, 2024.