AZGFD Considering Fall Hunt Recommendations
Game and Fish Commission is considering fall hunt recommendations
A slight increase in deer permits, a continuation of fall javelina seasons, and a 3-month restriction on mountain lion hunting in units without multiple bag limits are three of the recommendations being considered by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on Saturday, April 21 in Glendale.
The commission is meeting at the Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive (on 57th Drive one block north of Glendale Avenue), starting at 8 a.m. on April 21 to set the seasons for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, fall bear and mountain lion. Those interested in the full recommendations can view them at the Game and Fish Department’s Web site. AZGF
Elk and antelope are not part of this current hunt proposal package. This is the first year for an early draw on elk and antelope and the draw has already taken place for those two species. Now hunters already know whether or not they have been drawn for those two species prior to applying for the other fall hunts.
The recommendation hunt package this year has some of the components that were introduced for the first time last year. “The Game and Fish Department is recommending the commission maintain the deer and javelina fall seasons adopted last year,” says Game Chief Leonard Ordway.
For instance, last year the commission set no more than 10 percent of the general white-tailed deer hunting opportunities during the December rut. The department is proposing the same season strategy for whitetails again this year to help maximize hunt opportunities.
Also, last year was the first time a fall hunt was offered for javelina in another effort to increase hunting opportunities. The department is recommending javelina seasons in the same format implemented last year.
The department is also recommending a juniors-only archery and muzzleloader javelina season in Unit 39.
Ordway explained that hunt recommendations were formulated following the two-year guidelines approved by the commission last year.
The department is recommending 40,055 general deer season permits in 2007, which is an increase of 2,080 compared to 2006.
