Hunting is one of Arizona’s greatest pastimes, but also one of the pastimes most subject to state laws and regulations. Whether land is designated public or private determines how hunters may use the land.
Generally, hunting in Arizona is subject to rather lax regulations, but it is important to check the state handbook and a trustworthy map before potentially trespassing on private land and breaking the law. Here are a few things to know about hunting in Arizona on private lands.
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1. Unless the land is lawfully posted, hunters may enter private land.
In FindLaw.com’s analysis of select state laws on hunting and trespassing, the website singled out Arizona as one of the states where posting is required on private land to keep out hunters. Unless the perimeter of a private land area has a standard-sized sign that says some combination of “no hunting,” “no trapping,” and/or “no fishing,” hunters may enter the land and hunt whatever they have a license for that is in season.
2. For legally posted private land, hunters may obtain the landowner’s permission to hunt there.
Even if an area is posted as listed above, there may be some exceptions, if the hunter knows the landowner.
The Arizona Game & Fish Department’s 2014-2015 Arizona hunting regulations stipulates that a hunter “must have written or verbal permission from private property owners for use of their legally posted private lands for any purpose.”
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3. There are certain ethics for hunting on private land.
The department lists a few courtesies hunters on private lands, posted or not, should take. A few of these suggestions include asking permission to hunt on private land, being respectful and thankful, and not disturbing livestock or other personal property.
4. During specific hunts, private property may be closed.
The same hunting regulations handbook asserts that “areas of private property within municipal boundaries…are closed to deer hunting during” specific hunting seasons. During other seasons, the areas around private property may be closed to bear, javelina, mountain lion, or just hunting in general. Be sure to check the regulations for each season to see if an exception to typical rules for hunting on private property applies.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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