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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
wildlife; firearms discharge; structures; distance
Purpose
Allows the discharge of a shotgun loaded with bird or game shot, or a device that fires an arrow, within one-quarter mile but outside of one-eighth mile of a building, while taking small game wildlife.
Background
Statute prohibits the discharge of a firearm while taking wildlife within one-quarter mile of an occupied residence without permission of the owner. Unlawful action in the taking and handling of wildlife, or failure to comply with a lawful order or rule of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor. A class 2 misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to four months imprisonment and a fine of not more than $750 (A.R.S. §§ 17-309; 13-707; and 13-802).
Big game means wild turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, javelina, bear and mountain lion. Small game means cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds and migratory game birds (A.R.S. § 17-101).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
2. Specifies that the one-quarter mile restriction still applies to discharging a rifle or shotgun that is loaded with a buckshot or slug shell when taking big game wildlife.
3. Removes the ability of a county to adopt an ordinance restricting the discharge of firearms within one-quarter mile of an occupied structure without the consent of the owner.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2025
ZD/AW/ci