Roughneck91

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Gents, It appears AZGFD is proposing a rule change to R12-4-303 (Unlawful Devices or Ammunition) that will prohibit the use of a trail camera of any kind within 1/4 mile (440 yards) of a developed water source. A developed water source includes any man made structure or placed container capable of holding water such as stock tanks, holding ponds, water catchments etc. The definition of a developed water source is very broad and could technically apply to water run-off catchments constructed by ranchers a hundred years ago. Those of you that place trail cams on a wallow, water catchment (even you you make yourself) or a cattle tank will now be breaking the law and subject to fines and license revocation. It will fall under the category of using an illegal device for the purpose of taking wildlife which if convicted is a misdemeanor offense subject to a $750 fine and/or 4 months in jail (per offense) and could result in a 5 year suspension of your hunting license. The way the proposed rule is written is that it will be in effect all year long, not just during the hunting season. So if you own property and monitor your water sources or want to do some pre-season scouting by placing cameras over your favorite tank or wallow to see what's in the area, you'll be in violation. This rule change is currently in the comment period until April 15th, the game and fish commissioners will then review the rules at their May 4th meeting. Commission approved rules will be forwarded to the Governor's Council on regulatory review for approval and may go into effect for the 2019-2020 hunting season. If you want to view the presentation of all of the proposed rules, here's the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6O0zBVSq_A&feature=youtu.be All public comments about the proposed rule making can be made by the following methods: E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov. U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207. Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.