Arizona Game and Fish agrees to retain one trail-cam ban, lift another

PAYSON, Ariz. — In a 5-0 vote, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission agreed to retain the provision that prohibits use of live-action trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife, but removed the provision that prohibits the use of other trail cameras within one-fourth mile of a developed water source.

The provisions were in the amended Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” Notice of Final Rulemaking, which was submitted to the Commission for consideration.

A live-action trail camera is defined as an unmanned device capable of transmitting images, still photographs, video or satellite imagery, wirelessly to a remote device such as, but not limited to, a computer, smartphone or tablet. This does not include a trail camera that records photographic or video data for later use (such as on an SD card), provided the device is not capable of transmitting wirelessly.

The unanimous decision, reached following a public input process by the Commission and the department, has prompted a Supplemental Rule Making process that will include a 30-day public comment period beginning in July. The final rule will be presented to the Commission at its Sept. 21 meeting at the Navajo County Heber Complex in Overgaard. The Commission then could take action on the remainder of the Article 3 rulemaking proposals.

— Arizona Game and Fish Department