Arizona waterfowl and snipe regulations

              Changes from last year
The state is divided into two zones this year, a mountain zone and a desert
zone. The general waterfowl and goose seasons start and end two weeks
earlier in the mountain zone (Oct 8-Jan 16) than in the desert zone (Oct
22-Jan 30). The canvasback and pintail seasons likewise start and end
differently in the two zones. The purpose of this change is to allow
hunters to hunt when the birds are most available in their area of the
state. This zone change affects the general waterfowl, canvasback and
pintail, goose, and snipe seasons.
Monuments and military areas
The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Iron-wood
Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to hunting.
The Navajo Army Depot in Unit 6B is open to hunting only to properly
licensed members of the Arizona National Guard and Navajo Army
Depot civilian personnel holding a valid Navajo Army Depot hunting
permit. Season dates and regulations must be obtained from the Arizona
National Guard.
The Fort Huachuca Army Garrison in Unit 35A is open to hunting only to
properly licensed military and Fort Huachuca civilian personnel holding
a valid Fort Huachuca post hunting permit. Season dates and special
regulations must be obtained from Fort Huachuca.
One feathered wing
Sportsmen should note that one feathered wing (or head for sandhill
crane only) must be left attached to all migratory game birds until they
reach their final destination.
Nontoxic shot
Possession of lead shot, including plated lead, is prohibited while hunting
waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, and common moorhens).
NONTOXIC shot is required for all waterfowl hunting in Arizona. NON-TOXIC
shot includes steel, bismuth, tungsten/iron, tungsten/polymer,
tungsten-nickel-iron, tungsten matrix shot, tungsten/bronze, and tung-sten/
tin/bismuth.
Banded birds
Hunters can report recovery of banded birds by calling
1-800-327-BAND (2263).
Wildlife areas, county parks
For Restrictions for taking wildlife on Maricopa County Parks and
Information on Status of Wildlife Areas (R12-4-802) , see pages 60-61 and
pages 65-66 of the Fall 2004-2005 Arizona Hunting Regulations.
Waterfowl hunting information
Detailed waterfowl hunting information is available by visiting the
Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.com under the
“Wildlife and Fish” link.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone
believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or
activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging
discrimination directly with the AGFD Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix,
AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 130,
Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact
the AGFD Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939.
Synopsis of federal regulations applicable to
migratory bird hunting
WEAPON - Migratory game birds may be taken only with a 10 gauge or
smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells. Birds may
also be taken by falconry or by bow and arrow, or crossbow.
MOTOR-VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS No person may take migratory
game birds from any motor-driven vehicle, including aircraft. Special
regulations govern handicapped hunters.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS Waterfowl may be hunted from a
watercraft (except a sinkbox) including those propelled by motor, sail and
wind, or both when the motor has been completely shut off and/or the
sails furled and its progress therefrom has ceased. The watercraft may be
drifting as a result of current or wind action on the hull, beached or
moored, resting at anchor, or may be propelled by paddle, oars or pole.
A watercraft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled
waterfowl but no shooting is permitted while the watercraft is underway.
It is illegal to drive or rally game birds toward hunters by use of any motor-driven
conveyance or sail boat.
DECOYS, CALLS AND BAITING Migratory birds may not be taken with
the aid of live decoys, recorded bird calls or electronically amplified bird
calls. It is illegal to take birds by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited
area where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is
or has been baited. A baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days
after complete removal of any bait. Baiting includes placing, exposing,
depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could
serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas
where hunters are attempting to take them.
RETRIEVAL AND TAGGING All birds downed shall be retrieved if
possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field. Crippled
birds must be killed immediately. Any birds given to or left with another
person must be tagged by the hunter with a tag showing the hunter’s
name, address, the number and species of birds, and the dates they were
killed. Packages in which migratory game birds are shipped must show
the names of the sender and receiver, and the number and species of
birds contained in the parcel.
BAG LIMIT No person may, during any one day take more than one
daily bag limit or possess more than one daily bag limit in the field, or while
returning to the car, hunting camp or home. One feathered wing must be
left attached to all migratory game birds until they reach their final
destination.
IMPORTATION For information regarding the importation of migra-tory
game birds killed in another country, hunters should consult federal
regulations (50CFR 20.61 through 20.66). One fully feathered wing must
remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between
the port of entry and the hunter’s home or to a migratory bird preservation
facility. No person shall import any migratory game birds from any
country except Canada unless such birds are dressed (except as required
above), drawn and the head and feet are removed. No person shall
import migratory game birds belonging to another person.
SEASON AND HOURS No person may take migratory game birds
during closed season. Migratory game birds may be taken only during
hours open to hunting.
Arizona Game
and Fish Department
 W. Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
(602) 942-3000
azgfd.com
Arizona
Waterfowl
and Snipe
Regulations
2004–2005
Commission Order 21: Waterfowl
GENERAL WATERFOWL
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Mountain Zone
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Oct 8, 2004 - Jan 16, 2005 (1,2,3,4) Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units 6 Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens (gallinules) excluding
and 8 within Coconino County pintails and canvasbacks
Nov 18, 2004 - Jan 16, 2005 (1,2,3,4) Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units 6
and 8 within Coconino County Pintails and canvasbacks
Oct 8, 2004 - Jan 16, 2005 (1,2,3,4) Game Management Units 2-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units 6 White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and
and 8 within Coconino County white-fronted)
Desert Zone
Oct 22, 2004 – Jan 30, 2005 (1,2,3,4,5) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens (gallinules) excluding
Management Units 10 and 12B through 45 pintails and canvasbacks
Dec 2, 2004 – Jan 30, 2005 (1,2,3,4,5) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game
Management Units 10 and 12B through 45 Pintails and canvasbacks
Oct 22, 2004 – Jan 30, 2005 (1,2,3,4,5) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted)
Management Units 10 and 12B through 45 EXCEPT Game Management Units 22, 23 and 27.
Special Goose Seasons
Dec 1, 2004 - Jan 16, 2005 (3,4) Game Management Units 1 and 27 White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted)
Nov 15, 2004 - Jan 30, 2005 (3,4) Game Management Units 22 and 23 White geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted)
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, bow and
arrow or falconry as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license plus 2004-
2005 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp. Falconers must be licensed
pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-
407.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until
sunset.
BAG LIMIT: The daily bag limit of ducks, including mergan-sers:
Seven (7) per day not to include more than: two (2)
redheads; one (1) pintail (during the prescribed pintail and
canvasback season); one (1) canvasback (during the pre-scribed
pintail and canvasback season); seven (7) mallards,
no more than two (2) of which may be female or Mexican-like
ducks; and four (4) scaup.
Coots and common moorhens (gallinules): Twenty-five (25)
per day, singly or in the aggregate. Geese: Three (3) white
geese (snow, blue and Ross’ geese) per day and three (3)
dark geese (Canada and white-fronted) per day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: See Falconry-Only section.
POSSESSION LIMIT: The possession limit of ducks includ-ing
mergansers: Fourteen (14) after opening day, only
seven (7) of which may be taken any one day, but no more
than:
a. four (4) redheads
b. four (4) female mallards or Mexican-like ducks
c. two (2) pintails
d. eight (8) scaup
e. two (2) canvasbacks.
Coots and common moorhens (gallinules): Twenty-five
(25) singly or in the aggregate.
Geese: Three (3) white geese (snow, blue and Ross’ geese)
and three (3) dark geese (Canada and white-fronted). In
Yuma and La Paz counties and Game Management Units
13B, 15 and that portion of 16 lying within Mohave County,
six (6) white geese and six (6) dark geese.
FALCONRY POSSESSION LIMIT: See Falconry-Only sec-tion.
JUNIORS-ONLY WATERFOWL
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Mountain Zone
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Oct 2, 2004 (2,3) Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units Ducks including mergansers, geese, coots, and common moorhens (gallinules),
6 and 8 within Coconino County excluding pintails and canvasbacks, white geese (snow, blue, and Ross’) and dark
geese (Canada and white-fronted geese)
Desert Zone
Feb 5, 2005 (1,3) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game Ducks including mergansers, geese, coots, and common moorhens(gallinules)
Management Units 10 and 12B through 45 excluding pintails and canvasbacks, white geese (snow, blue, and Ross’) and dark
geese (Canada and white-fronted geese)
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, or bow
and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license required for
participants age 14 and 15; participants under 14 need not
be licensed if accompanied by a licensed adult as pre-scribed
in A.R.S. 17-335.
ELIGIBLE HUNTERS: Pursuant to R12-4-318 persons are
eligible to participate throughout the calendar year of their
17th birthday.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until
sunset.
BAG LIMIT: See General Waterfowl section.
General and Juniors-only Waterfowl Notes:
1. Open areas include the Imperial, Cibola, Buenos
Aires and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges EXCEPT
for posted portions which shall be closed to all hunt-ing.
A fee may be required for hunting on National
Wildlife Refuges; see refuge regulations.
2. Ashurst Lake in Management Unit 5B is closed to all
waterfowl hunting.
3. All areas within Arizona are designated nontoxic shot
zones. The use or possession of lead shot while water-fowl
hunting is prohibited. Waterfowl includes ducks,
geese, brant, swans and coots. Lead shot includes
plated lead shot. Steel, bismuth, tungsten/iron, tung-sten/
polymer, tungsten-nickel-iron, tungsten matrix
shot, tungsten/bronze, and tungsten/tin/bismuth are
approved as nontoxic shot.
4. Persons 16 years of age or older must have in their
possession a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp
when taking ducks and geese, and a signed 2004-2005
Arizona Waterfowl Stamp attached to their hunting
license when taking ducks and geese. This stamp will
automatically register the holder for the federal Harvest
Information Program for the taking of ducks and geese.
Persons 16 years of age and older must have in their
possession a 2004-2005 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp
when taking coots and common moorhens pursuant to
A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203.
5. Hunting is not permitted in Unit 42M in the following
described area: Those private lands lying just north of
the Town of Cave Creek in Sections 10, 11, 12, 14, and
15 of Township 6 North, Range 3 East.
FALCONRY-ONLY WATERFOWL
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Mountain Zone
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Oct 3 - Oct 7, 2004 (1, 2) Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens (gallinules)
6 and 8 within Coconino County
Desert Zone
Jan 31- Feb 4, 2005 (2) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game Ducks including mergansers, coots, and common moorhens (gallinules)
Management Units 10 and 12B through 45
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Falconry as prescribed in R12-
4-318 and R12-4-101.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license plus 2004-
2005 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp. Persons 16 years of age or
older must have in their possession a valid Federal Migratory
Bird Hunting Stamp when taking ducks and geese, and a
signed 2004-2005 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp attached to
their hunting license when taking ducks and geese. This
stamp will automatically register the holder for the federal
Harvest Information Program for the taking of ducks and
geese. Persons 16 years of age and older must have in their
possession a 2004-2005 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp when
taking coots and common moorhens pursuant to A.R.S. 17-
333.03 and R12-4-203. Falconers must be licensed pursuant
to R12-4-422 or exempted pursuant to R12-4-407.
HAWKING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until
sunset.
BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note: The aggregate
falconry bag limit of all migratory game birds is three (3),
comprised of any combination of migratory game bird
species for which a general season, that includes falconry
as a legal method of take, or a falconry-only season is open.
Falconers should consult Commission Orders 19, 20, 21,
and 22 for season dates and open areas.
The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the firearms bag
limit.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate of all migra-tory
game birds in season (Commission Orders 19 through
22) after opening day, of which no more than three (3) may
be taken in any one day.
Falconry-Only Waterfowl Notes:
1. Ashurst Lake in Management Unit 5B is closed to all
waterfowl hunting.
2. Falconry hunting will not be permitted on National
Wildlife Refuges.
Commission Order 22: Common Snipe
GENERAL COMMON SNIPE
Open Areas do not include any area closed to hunting under A.R.S. Sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.
Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Wildlife
Oct 8, 2004 - Jan 16, 2005 (1,2) Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 12A, and those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County Common Snipe
Oct 22, 2004 – Jan 30, 2005 (1,2) Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County and Game Management Units 10 and 12B through 45 Common Snipe
LAWFUL TAKING DEVICE: Shotgun, crossbow, or bow
and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and by falconry.
LICENSE REQUIRED: Class F, G, or H license. Falconers
must be licensed pursuant to R12-4-422 or exempted
pursuant to R12-4-407.
SHOOTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise until
sunset.
BAG LIMIT: Eight (8) common snipe per day.
POSSESSION LIMIT: Sixteen (16) common snipe after
opening day, no more than eight (8) of which may have
been taken in any one day.
FALCONRY BAG LIMIT: Three (3) per day. Note: The
aggregate falconry bag limit of all migratory game birds is
three (3), comprised of any combination of migratory
game bird species for which a general season, that includes
falconry as a legal method of take, or a falconry-only
season is open. Falconers should consult Commission
Orders 19, 20, 21, and 22 for season dates and open areas.
The falconry bag limit is not in addition to the firearms bag
limit.
FALCONRY POSSESSION LIMIT: Six (6) in the aggregate
of all migratory game birds in season (Commission Orders
19 through 22) after opening day, of which no more than
three (3) may be taken in any one day.
HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM (HIP): As required
by A.R.S. 17-333.03 and R12-4-203, Snipe hunters age 16
and older shall have in their possession a 2004-2005
Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp which will validate their
license for the federal Harvest Information Program. The
Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp may be obtained, for a cost
of $3.00 on or after July 1 of each year, from any Arizona
Game and Fish Department office or wherever hunting
licenses are sold.
Notes:
1. Open areas include the Imperial, Cibola, Buenos
Aires and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges EXCEPT
for posted portions which shall be closed to all hunt-ing.
A fee may be required for hunting on National
Wildlife Refuges, see refuge regulations.
2. Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to common snipe
hunting.
TO ORDER BY MAIL: Mail this form to any Arizona Game and Fish
Department office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. You must
include a check or money order in the amount of $3.00. This stamp will
be available at all license dealers beginning July 1 each year.
TO ORDER BY MAIL: Mail this form to any Arizona Game and Fish
Department office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. You must
include a check or money order in the amount of $7.50. This stamp will
be available at all license dealers beginning July 1 each year.
2004-2005 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp
Please print clearly. Cost for this stamp is $7.50
Date:
month/day/year
Name: Mr/Ms/Mrs
(circle one) first suffix last mi.
Address:
street address or box number
city, state, zip code
Date of Birth:
(required) month/day/year
1. Do you intend to hunt ducks or geese this season? ( ) No ( ) Yes
2. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you bag?
did not hunt none 1-10 11-30 31+
Ducks ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Geese ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
3. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe
2004-2005 Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp
Please print clearly. Cost for this stamp is $3.00
Date:
month/day/year
Name: Mr/Ms/Mrs
(circle one) first suffix last mi.
Address:
street address or box number
city, state, zip code
Date of Birth:
(required) month/day/year
1. Do you intend to hunt doves, coots, moorhen, snipe or blue grouse this season?
( ) No ( ) Yes
2. Will you hunt band-tailed pigeons this season? ( ) No ( ) Yes
3. If you hunted these birds last season, about how many did you bag?
did not hunt none 1-10 11-30 31+
Doves ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Band-tailed pigeon ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
4. Which of the following species did you hunt last season?
( ) Coots ( ) Moorhens ( ) Snipe ( ) Blue Grouse
Sunrise/Sunset for 2004/2005
(Times shown are for central Arizona. Figure up to nine minutes earlier
for eastern areas, nine minutes later for western areas.)
DATE RISE SET
Oct. 1, 2004 6:23 6:12
Oct. 8, 2004 6:28 6:03
Oct. 15, 2004 6:33 5:54
Oct. 22, 2004 6:39 5:46
Oct. 29, 2004 6:45 5:39
Nov. 5, 2004 6:51 5:32
Nov. 12, 2004 6:58 5:27
Nov. 19, 2004 7:04 5:23
Nov. 26, 2004 7:10 5:21
Dec. 3, 2004 7:17 5:20
Dec. 10, 2004 7:22 5:21
Dec. 17, 2004 7:27 5:23
Dec. 24, 2004 7:30 5:26
Dec. 31, 2004 7:32 5:31
Jan. 7, 2005 7:33 5:37
Jan. 14, 2005 7:33 5:43
Jan. 21, 2005 7:30 5:49
Jan. 27, 2005 7:27 5:55
Feb. 3, 2005 7:23 6:02