PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises small game hunters that reductions in the daily bag and possession limits for cottontail rabbits, as well as the initiation of daily bag and possession limits for jackrabbits, become effective July 1, 2023.

In response to the impacts and lingering effects of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2), with localized incidents still occurring throughout the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently voted to lower the bag limit for cottontails from 10 to five per day, and the possession limit from 30 to 15 (of which no more than five may be taken in any one day).

The decision extends to the much larger, lankier jackrabbits — both black-tailed and antelope — of which there are no bag or possession limits. While not designated as game animals, hunters only will be allowed to harvest two jackrabbits per day, with a possession limit of six (of which no more than two may be taken in any one day), beginning July 1.

RHDV-2 is highly contagious among lagomorphs (cottontails and jackrabbits) and is spread by physical contact with bodily fluids, fecal material, and even remains. While the meat is safe for human consumption, AZGFD encourages hunters to remove carcasses from the field and bury the remains deep enough to discourage coyotes and other scavengers from digging them up.

“Since lagomorphs are a primary prey base for almost all carnivores and raptors, we want to allow them a chance to bounce back in those areas where they were most severely affected,” said Dr. Larisa Harding, the department’s small game program manager. “If hunters harvest a lagomorph, burying the remains helps to limit the spread of RHDV-2 on the landscape.”

Within Arizona, RHDV-2 has been identified in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties. AZGFD continues to investigate mortalities in new areas and asks that reports be made to the Wildlife Health Program (ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov) and Radio Room (623-236-7201). For more information, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-diseases/.

Arizona hunters can harvest cottontails and jackrabbits year-round. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. A youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is $5.

PHOENIX — Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2023 elk hunts.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website.

Leftover hunt permit-tags include:

• 62 — limited opportunity (general) antlerless elk.
• 9 — limited opportunity (HAM) antlerless elk.
• 6 — archery-only antlerless elk.
• 6 — youth-only (general) antlerless elk.
• 2 — archery-only bull elk.

The department will begin accepting paper applications for leftover hunt permit-tags on a first-come, first-served basis — by mail only — beginning Monday, March 27. All completed paper applications must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

Any remaining leftover hunt permit-tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, April 3, at all department offices. Some of the leftover hunt permit-tags are for Hopi hunt open areas and are available to everyone, both tribal members and non-tribal members, through the first-come, first-served process.

A number of leftover hunt permit-tags remain for military hunts at Camp Navajo, for those who qualify. For more information, visit https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/camp-navajo/garrison-operations/camp-navajo-hunting-information.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, view the “2023 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call 602-942-3000.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2023 pronghorn and elk hunts.

A customer’s AZGFD portal account is the only source for finding out draw results and viewing bonus points. A free portal account can be created at accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register (account features for minor dependents are available).

A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. For questions about creating a portal account, call 602-942-3000 and press “7.”

By the numbers:

• 24,863: The total number of hunt permit-tags issued.
• 225,376: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points.
• 184,489: The total number of applications submitted.

AZGFD expects to mail hunt permit-tags to customers by April 14, with the exception of those who have downloaded the new Arizona E-Tag mobile app (from either the Apple or Google Play stores) and opted-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in their portal account. Customers who have downloaded the app but opted-in after the Feb. 14 deadline will receive their hunt permit-tag by mail. Information: www.azgfd.gov/hunting.