Game and Fish considering trail camera regulations
Our Arizona Game and Fish Commission once again proposes an alternative rule amendment to regulate use of trail cameras. As I reported earlier, The Arizona Game and Fish Commission in December 2020 originally voted to open rulemaking with proposed language that would prohibit the use of trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife. That rulemaking went through a public comment period in January.
In response to internal and external discussions and comments related to the December proposal, the commission, at its February 2021 meeting, voted 5-0 to open a separate rulemaking with proposed language that, if approved, would: Prohibit the use of trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife within ¼ mile of a developed water source as well as allowing the use of trail cameras to aid in the take of wildlife from Feb. 1 through June 30 as long as the camera is not placed within 1/4 mile of a developed water source. This new proposed language presented in February does not replace the December proposed rule, but provides the commission with options to consider at the conclusion of both rulemaking processes.
The Commission is seeking public comment on an alternative proposal to amend rules within Article 3, Taking and Handling of Wildlife, to regulate the use of trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife. Public comment period on the new proposed rule runs now through April 11.
View UPDATED INFORMATION about the two rule proposals: A link to the document is also posted at https://www. azgfd.com/Agency/Commission/commissioncorner/. considerable monies to get the job done! Call Headington (phone number above) to get registered to play the game.
If successful, adult members of YVRGC must turn in their weight slip by March 31st for this year’s Public comments Big Javelina Contest – send related to the February to Linda or James Florence rulemaking proposal are 2038 S. 10th Ave, Yuma being accepted by email 85364 or email Linda at at rulemaking@azgfd.gov gateangel@gmail.com or from now through April call 928-581-0825.
11 of this year. Note: The Captive Desert Tortoises are final rulemaking for both in need of forever homes: proposals will be heard at For some, a dog or cat the June 11 commission will do just fine. But for meeting in Payson. At that others who are considering meeting, the commission adopting something truly can approve either of the unique to Arizona, say two final rules or terminate hello to your next family rulemaking altogether. member – A Sonoran desert Any change to the current tortoise. trail camera rule will not “Many people don’t even go into effect prior to Jan. consider opening up their 1, 2022. To view proposed homes to desert tortoises, rule amendments, track but they make fantastic the progress of rules, view and personable pets,” said the regulatory agenda and Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise all previous Five-Year Review adoption program coordinator Reports, and to learn for the Arizona Game about any other agency and Fish Department rulemaking matters, visit (AZGFD). “It’s rewarding https://www.azgfd.com/ to hear stories from those agency/rulemaking/. who have adopted a captive
Hunt happenings tortoise and made them
• Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club part of the family, because
• $20 tickets are still they’re a unique alternative available for the Annual to traditional family Fund-raising Raffle that is pets. They offer many of usually drawn at the fair the same life lessons to each year but the fair has children, and they can provide been postponed until fall – just as much companionship I’ll let you know the date of and personality as this year’s drawing when it a dog or cat.” is decided. 2 Winners will Due primarily to illegal get $5,000 each while 1 winner breeding, AZGFD has more will get $3,000 while 2 than 100 tortoises of various winners will receive $1,000 ages and sizes available each. Winners do not need for adoption. Captive to be present. Questions? tortoises grow up to about Call Pat Headington at 928257-8143 14 inches long and can or visit 585levy@ live upward of 100 years. gmail.com. They cannot be released
The club is also hosting back into the wild, however, the very important “Water because they could for Wildlife Golf Tournament” spread diseases that harm May 22 at Mesa Del wild populations. Arizona Sol so plan ahead to take part with monies raised being used for equipment needs to deliver necessary water to desert water catchments for thirsty wildlife in our area. It takes
Outdoors Column Jean Wilson residents interested in providing an adoptive home should review the Tortoise Adoption Program page on the department’s website. How to properly care for a desert tortoise, including instructions on how to build an enclosure/ burrow, also are included. Once the burrow is completed, potential adopters can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/ tortoise. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be contacted by the department. Adopters must have a securely enclosed yard and construct a separate enclosure/burrow to protect the tortoise from potential hazards, such as a fire pit, unfenced pool or dogs. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer heat and a place to brumate – a seasonal period of inactivity similar to hibernation – during winter.
GFD allows for one tortoise to be adopted per person, per household, but an additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is placed in a completely separate enclosure, as these reptiles can be territorial. Federal law prohibits desert tortoises from being transported across state lines. While it is illegal to remove Sonoran desert tortoises from the wild, it’s also illegal to allow them to breed in captivity. AZGFD and its partners must spend valuable resources and time each year to find homes for dozens of captive tortoises. “One female tortoise living to 80 years old can produce more than 800 babies in her lifetime,” Wolf said. “This is why it is crucial that we work together to ensure that tortoises are not only placed in proper homes, but with responsible owners.”
If you need more about AZGFD’s Tortoise Adoption Program, or to provide a donation to help the department cover costs for tortoise food, shelter and medical expenses, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. If you suspect someone is illegally breeding Sonoran desert tortoises, contact the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700. Those submitting a tip can remain anonymous.
Fishing clubs
• Winning the top spot overall at the latest Jimmy Phipps Memorial Tournament at Mittry Lake with 30 teams participating is Tyler shaddy/Kellan Morris with 18.04 net weight for 1st pl. In 2nd place was Matt Yates with 16.26 lbs. followed by Josh Hodge/ Cody Benton placing 3rd with 15.15. Other teams weighing in bass were Dillon Chavez/Aaron Cadena with 14.90, Ryan Fulton/ Clayton Ray 13.95,Bo Williams/Brandon Kendall 13.22, James Hawk/Ryan Rothflesch 13.21, Robby Bellew/Wallace Wright 12.89, Scott Nigh/Justin Lewis 12.68, Kalib Lund/ Brandon Steffins 12.05, Ronnie McKay/Brent McKay 11.74, Craig Johnson/ Tyler Johnson 11.61, Chad Benton/Bob Benton 11.42, Robert Murray/Wyatt Mellon 10.60,Heth Tromcatti/ Descon Matthews 10.34, Joel Valenzuela/John “KW” Martin 10.02, Curtis Frost/ Billy Owen 8.60, Keith Brown.Travis Hollis 6.34, Lynn Domby 5.35, Joseph Williams/Nicole Williams 5.26, Ian Adams/Cam Saden 4.84, Manuel SantaCrus/Robert Powell 3.24, Ramon Gill/Alfonso Gill 3.03. 7 other teams unsuccessful this time. Big Fish honors earned by: Chavez/ Cadena taking 1st pl. 5.25. 2 lb. Pot Winner is the Nigh/ Lewis team with 2.65. Good Fish’n one and all. Don’t miss the next Tournament April 10th launching out of Fisher’s Landing with sign up at The Hideaway. Details next week!
Check next week for results from yesterday’s Mittry Lake Tournament or call Billly Clothier at 928-919-0304. . Have entry-fee in an envelope with the team name and enclose check or exact cash). Face coverings are required at registration and weigh-in. To register, go to ABA and click on this link to go directly to the Yuma Region Page – YUMA REGIONAL PAGE. For the Yuma Entry Form, the link is ENTRY FORM. Call Billy Clothier at 928-919-0304.
Desert Anglers:
Check with Michael Obney 928-750-7081 for possible fishing plans.
will host their Bass Tournament April 10th launching out of Fisher’s Landing – call 928783-0010 or visit online or at the store to sign up or ask questions.
Be sure to keep ears and eyes open for more news of Yuma Student Anglers or call David Shill at 949-246-6646. Visit davidhshill51@gmail. com. The March 27th State championship tournament being held in Yuma for Arizona’s High School Teams and hosted by the YSA is a great opportunity for our fishing kids. If you might volunteer to assist the day of the tournament, you’d be more than welcome – call David Shill.