PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is seeking to amend the previously published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6.
The intent of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was to enact amendments developed during the latest Five-year Review Report. After receiving feedback from stakeholders and members of the public, the Commission is removing proposed changes to the use and sale of live baitfish. Amendments to R12-4-314 (Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Aquatic Wildlife) and R12-4-411 (Live Bait Dealers License) are removed from this Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.
In addition, the rulemaking clarifies that the use of a pneumatic weapon using bolts or arrows during an archery-only hunting season is limited to persons who possess both a crossbow permit issued under R12-4-216 and a Challenged Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) issued under R12-4-217.
The remaining proposed amendments are not affected from the previous comment period. Those amendments are designed to clarify current rule language; protect public health and safety and private property rights; facilitate job growth and economic development; support Fair Chase principles and the tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; enable the Department to provide better customer service; and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens wherever possible.
Visit www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/rulemaking/, or https://azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register, to view the Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.
Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 6, 2023 by:
Email: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or msumner@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Celeste Cook, Rules and Policy Manager, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Telephone: Michael Sumner, Regional Supervisor (Yuma), 928-341-4040.
The public can submit comments through the Department’s AZGFD Rulemaking Contact Form, as well. The Commission also will be available to receive public input at its Jan. 19 meeting at Department headquarters in Phoenix.