Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-4-322

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section R12-4-322 - Pickup and Possession of Wildlife Carcasses or Parts

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

1. "Fresh" means the majority of the wildlife carcass or part is not exposed dry bone and is comprised mainly of hair, hide, or flesh.

2. "Not fresh" means the majority of the wildlife carcass or part is exposed dry bone due to natural processes such as scavenging, decomposition, or weathering.

B. If not contrary to federal law or regulation, a person may pick up and possess naturally shed antlers or horns or other wildlife parts that are not fresh without a permit or inspection by a Department law enforcement officer.

C. Except for wildlife carcasses for which a big game salvage permit is issued under A.R.S. § 17-319, a person may only pick up and possess a fresh wildlife carcass or its parts under this Section if the person notifies the Department prior to pick up and possession and:

1. The Department's first report or knowledge of the carcass or its parts is voluntarily provided by the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts;

2. A Department law enforcement officer or an authorized Department employee or agent is able to observe the carcass or its parts at the site where the animal was found in the same condition and location as when the animal was originally found by the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts; and

3. A Department law enforcement officer, using the officer's education, training, and experience, determines the animal died from natural causes. The Department may require the person to take the officer to the site where the animal carcass or parts were found when an adequate description or location cannot be provided to the officer.

D. If a Department law enforcement officer determines that the person wanting to possess the carcass or its parts is authorized to do so under subsection (C), the officer may authorize possession of the carcass or its parts.

E. Wildlife parts picked up and possessed from areas under control of jurisdictions that prohibit such activity, such as other states, reservations, or national parks, are illegal to possess in this state.

F. This Section does not authorize the pickup and possession of a threatened or endangered species carcass or its parts.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R12-4-322

New Section made by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 826, effective July 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 1048, effective 6/1/2019. Amended by final rulemaking at 30 A.A.R. 2308, effective 8/10/2024.