2013-14 Arizona Hunting Regulations - Arizona Game and Fish ...

TAB +1The Four Primary Rulesof Firearm Safety• T reat every firearm as if it wereloaded.• A lways keep the muzzle in a safedirection.• B e sure of the target and beyond.• +1 Keep your finger outside thetrigger guard until ready to shoot.• Practice the rest of the 10Commandents of hunter safety.• Check your barrel and ammunition.• Unload firearm when not in use.• Point a firearm only at somethingyou intend to shoot.• Don’t run, jump, or climb with aloaded firearm.• Store firearms and ammunitionseparately and safely.• Avoid alcoholic beverages beforeand during shooting.Hunters Need To Be PreparedFailing to prepare can lead to injury and death.The cost of the average search and rescue missioncan range from $1,500 to $4,000 and somesearches that are extended operations or requirea lot of air support may reach into thetens of thousands of dollars. Hunters shouldbe prepared for any conditions they may faceduring their hunt. Below are some tips and alist of equipment that should help hunters havea more enjoyable trip.Motorized Game RetrievalMotorized game retrieval is prohibited in manyareas around Arizona. Hunters should be awareof rules and regulations for the area they planto hunt. Hunters should be prepared for retrievingtheir downed game without the use ofmotorized vehicles. Alternative options includehorseback, backpack, and game carriers withor without wheels, depending on land status.See page 43 for more information.Hunter EducationArizona’s top hunter education graduates are randomly drawn each year for the AGFD Youth PheasantHunt. While taking a hunter education class, instructors identify their top students and submit themfor this random drawing conducted in December. Upcoming classroom hunter education courseinformation can be found at www.azgfd.gov. All classroom hunter education courses are taught byArizona Game and Fish Department certified volunteer instructors.Rules of SurvivalSTOPSURVIVAL TIPS:Stop when you realize you have a problem. The first thing to do is admit toyourself that you are in trouble.Think about what you need to do to survive.Observe the area, look for shelter, fuel, etc.Plan how you are going to use your survival kit and other resources. Don’t waituntil dark to plan!• Give a responsible person your hunting or hiking plan.• Don’t travel or hunt alone.• Take enough food and water to last for several days in an emergency.• Bring a map and compass, and always orient yourself before leaving camp.• Wear layered clothing and take extra clothing, preferably wool and polyester, with you.• Plan your outings so that you can return to camp before dark.• Never leave camp without taking fire-starting equipment and a foil blanket.• Don’t panic if you become lost.Youth big game hunters need a Hunter Education card tohunt. They do not need a Hunter Education card to applyfor the draw, only a hunting license. Youth hunterscan purchase a hunting license without having attendedHunter Education.Getting Started,License and Fees Hunter Education2013-14 Arizona Hunting Regulations 37