To report an unlawful or suspicious activity, contact the AZGFD Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700



HUNTING AND AGRICULTURE





The Do's and don'ts for Dove hunting



“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching- even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”
― Aldo Leopold





AS ETHICAL SPORTSMEN WE SHOULD STRIVE TO MAINTAIN A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STEWARD OF THE LAND WE HOPE TO HUNT UPON



This means obeying all applicable laws while hunting on their ground as well as abiding by any wishes they have that may guide our actions while hunting



Guidelines typically imposed upon persons hunting on private property would be as follows:

  • OBEY all postings and seek out permission prior to entering onto any private land.
  • DO NOT harvest or field dress game near growing produce (vegetable) fields.
  • NEVER urinate or defecate near fields or waterways. Look for sanitary facilities provided on ranches.
  • DO NOT allow domestic animals (dogs) in or around growing produce (vegetable) crops.


Following these guidelines along with the application of common courtesy goes a low way towards being welcomed back in the future. Remember that irresponsible actions by a few, can impact future hunting opportunities for many.


It is our duty as ethical hunters to help ensure that the lands we hunt upon remain open for future generations.



HUNTING NEAR CROPLANDS



Some laws that would be commonly necessary to observe while hunting near croplands would be as follows:





TRESPASSING



ARS 13-1502 defines criminal trespass to include a person knowingly entering onto or remaining on any property of another if reasonable notice prohibiting entry has been given (RESPECT all postings placed by the farm - recognize that if you do not follow the directions of the landowner they may revoke your permission to be there).



DESTROY CROPS OR PRIVATE PROPERTY



ARS 17-309A.3 defines as a violation, any person that destroys growing crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting. If any person is found in violation of this statute it may be grounds for revocation of their hunting privileges.



LITTERING WHILE HUNTING



ARS 17-309A.9 defines as a violation, any person that litters any hunting area while taking wildlife. This can include shotgun hulls and remnants of dead wildlife . If any person is found in violation of this statute, it may be grounds for revocation of their hunting privileges.



TAKE FROM A CLOSED AREA



ARS 17-303 defines a violation to take or drive wildlife from an area posted per ARS 17-304. Violations of this statute may be grounds for revocation of hunting privileges.



DISCHARGE FIREARM WITHIN 0.25 MI



ARS 17-309A.4 defines as a violation, anyone discharging a firearm within 1/4 mile of an occupied structure while hunting without permission of the structure's owner.



Get yourself a
courtesy card





Courtesy cards helps a landowner to provide permission to hunters on their property. It may be used to set some ground rules for current and future hunting accesses.


Visit the Yuma AZGFD office to get your own Courtesy card at 9140 E 28th Street Yuma, AZ 85365.



PLEASE REPORT UNLAWFUL OR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR WHILE HUNTING



to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700





Arizona Game and Fish Department Region IV - Yuma



9140 E 28th Street Yuma, AZ 85365 | Phone: 928.432.0091