A petition to ban hunting with dogs in Arizona has been filed, stirring up strong reactions from both hunting enthusiasts and anti-hunting groups.
The petition, filed on November 25th, calls for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to prohibit the use of dogs for hunting mountain lions, black bears, and other wildlife species.
This includes hunting animals like bobcats, coyotes, and even smaller mammals. The petition also claims that hunting with dogs can harm other species, including ocelots and jaguars, which could be outmatched by the dogs during a chase.
Anti-hunting groups argue that using dogs in hunting poses a danger to hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts and claim that it violates ethical standards of hunting.
They point out that GPS tracking technology, commonly used by hound hunters, is a violation of Arizona’s anti-technology rules in hunting. T
he petitioners are asking the AZGFD to decide on this matter, but the Commission has 60 days to review the petition and determine its validity.
The AZGFD has scheduled the petition for discussion during its January 2025 meeting, which will take place in Phoenix. While the petitioners plan to show up in full force at upcoming meetings, sportsmen and women are also being urged to attend and voice their opinions.
One of the key arguments in favor of hunting with dogs is that it allows hunters to more effectively track and identify animals, especially mountain lions.
It helps them get close enough to make a safe and ethical hunt. Supporters argue that banning this practice would make it harder to manage wildlife populations effectively, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts and potentially higher costs for the state.
Hunting, along with fishing, provides significant funding for wildlife conservation in Arizona. Revenue generated through hunting and fishing license sales helps support the AZGFD’s conservation efforts, benefiting both game and non-game species in the state.
If hunting with dogs is banned, it could lead to a decrease in participation, which would impact the funds available for conservation projects that benefit the public.
The anti-hunting groups that filed the petition are rallying their supporters to attend the December and January meetings, and it’s expected that the petition will be discussed in greater detail.
For those who want to stand against the petition, the meetings will be held at the AZGFD headquarters at 5000 West Carefree Highway in Phoenix. T
he meetings will be held on December 6th and January 24th, and it is an opportunity for those who support hunting with dogs to make their voices heard.
As this issue develops, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and work to oppose the petition.
They will keep hunters updated on any changes and provide information on how they can get involved.
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