Arizona Predator Hunting
Hunting predators provides a unique experience for hunters. These animals require different strategies than hunting deer or other prey. The species that are classified as a predator vary by state to state. Arizona law, A.R.S. 17-101, defines predators as coyotes, bobcats, foxes and skunks. Hunting a coyote or a bobcat can vary greatly from hunting a skunk or fox.
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Hunting Requirements
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To hunt in Arizona, a validated hunting license is required. The Arizona Hunting Regulations for 2010-2011 state that all of the predators only require a license and a valid stamp/tag. No application to hunt these animals are required. A general hunting license costs $32.25 for residents and $151.25 for nonresidents. All predators have unlimited bag and possession limits.
Coyotes
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department states that coyotes are the most common predator in the state. Coyotes range from about 2 1/2 to 3 feet in length. They have pointed ears, narrow noses and reddish brown coats. Males are larger than females, weighing 21 to 35 pounds, with females averaging around 17 1/2 pounds.
The 2010-2011 Hunting Regulations do not list a tag requirement for coyotes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department warns against the killing of Mexican wolves, which bare some resemblance to coyotes.
The Mexican wolf, which has rounded ears, is currently an endangered species. Criminal penalties include "imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of up to $50,000 and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000."
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Bobcats
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Bobcats are less common than coyotes, but considered "very common" by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Bobcats are orange to gray, with black markings. They are generally 2 to 2 1/2 feet long and can weight up to 30 lbs. The Bobcat is defined by its short tail which is around 5 inches. A Bobcat Permit-tag costs $3. Bobcat pelts sold or exported must have an attached permit tag.
Foxes
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Three species of fox are located in Arizona: the gray fox, the kit fox, and the red fox.
The gray fox, weighing 5 1/2 to 9 pounds, is considered the most common. The red fox, uncommon in Arizona, has a white-tipped tail and black ears, along with a 2-foot head. The kit fox, with large ears and a long tail, weighs less than 4 1/2 pounds. It is pale gray with a black-tipped tail. Gray foxes are seen during the day, whereas kit foxes are nocturnal.
No tag is required for foxes.
Skunks
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department states that there are "at least four species of skunks ... found in Arizona." These species are striped skunk, hooded skunk, spotted skunk and hog-nosed.
The most common is the striped skunk, which has black with white lateral striping. The hooded skunk, almost entirely black, has a foot-long tail, which is roughly the same length as its body. The spotted skunk is black with a "white triangular patch on the forehead." The hog-nosed skunk has a elongated and up-turned snout. It is black with an entirely white back.
No tags are required for the skunk.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit coyote image by Sue McMurtrie from Fotolia.com
