At its December 2011 meeting, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission continued its anti-predator policies, approving night hunting of coyotes and cougars; "English-Style" fox, rabbit and coyote hunting and putting up more road blocks to the reintroduction of Mexican gray wolves.

"It was a disappointing, but not surprising day", said Animal Defense League of Arizona president Stephane Nichols-Young.  

Night Hunting Approved 

It was late in the day when the Commission finally heard the night hunting proposal. Despite overwhelming public opposition, including some from the hunting community, the Commission approved by a 3-1 vote the use of artificial lights to hunt coyotes and cougars (also called mountain lions) in parts of Arizona. Commissioner Norman Freeman was the lone 'No' vote and Commissioner John Harris was absent.  

Upon approval of the new rule, the Commission moved up a Saturday agenda item, and immediately implemented the rule in portions of the state.  ADLA hopes to have a map up soon to depict those areas.  It does have the game management unit ("gmu") numbers where night hunting is permitted, if you have specific questions.

The Commission approved night hunting despite concerns about public safety, and potentially detrimental impact on endangered species and law enforcement.  In 2002, the Commission followed Department recommendations to reject a similar proposal.  At that time, the Department wrote a thorough memo explaining its position, attaching memos and letters from a number of individual Department biologists who also opposed night hunting.

"English- style" Hunting with Dogs Approved

In voting to approve the rule package, the Commission also voted to allow people to use dogs to hunt and kill animals.  There are two organizations in Arizona that use dogs - either packs of beagles or foxhounds - to chase, and in some cases kill, jackrabbits, coyotes and foxes.  Although this type of hunting is prohibited in England; it is now legal in Arizona.  

Creating Road Blocks to Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction

The Commission voted 4-1 to remain as part of the Mexican gray wolf program, but to oppose any new wolf releases until a new management plan, environmental impact statement and 10j Rule are approved.  In a moment of confusion, the motion was also stated as 'no new wolf reintroductions until a definitive management plan is in place.'  Either way the intent is to block any new wolf releases in the near future.

Dr. Benjamin Tuggle of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service attended the meeting, and was peppered with an alternating lecture and barage of questions by Commissioner Jack Husted.  The Commission demonstrated its primary allegiance to protecting ranchers and cattle, rather than its statutory duty to manage willdife and its common law duty to do so minding its public trust for all citizens.

What you can do:

Please send a thank you letter or email to Commissioner Norman Freeman.  He has a lonely job, and is the only Commissioner who listens to all Arizonans at this time.

Please continue to follow ADLA alerts!

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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is considering allowing the use of artificial lights to hunt coyotes and mountain lions.  This rule change is being considered as a precurser to allowing night hunting of these species.  

The Commission rejected a similar proposal in 2002 at the recommendation of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and many individual biologists who worked for the Department at that time.

We need to send a clear message that Arizonans think this is a bad idea that should be rejected.

What you can do:

1. Come to the public meeting at AZ Game and Fish Headquarters  6:30- 7:30 pm on Tuesday  November 8th (5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix) or watch via webcast.   Click here for more information.

2. Learn more about this issue at the Sierra Club's Willdife Committee Meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursday November 10th at Quality Inn and Suites, 202 E. McDowell, 2nd floor conference room.

3. Submit written comments opposing this proposal.  Hand-written or personally drafted comments are best.  Tell Game and Fish that this is a bad idea.  It will make it more difficult to prosecute poachers, it's unsafe as it's difficult to identify target species at night.. This can put campers, hikers and their pets at risk.  Remind Game and Fish that predators play an important role in the ecosystem.  if you have any personal stories about areas where you enjoy camping, walking your dog at dusk or wildife watching, be sure to personalize your comments.The Department will accept comments through Nov. 16. To submit comments:

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The Animal Defense League of Arizona is hiring for a new position - Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Program Coordinator for the Spay Neuter Hotline.  For information on how to apply & job description click here.   No phone calls, please.

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I want to take a moment to thank the core group who has worked tirelessly to get ADLA's new website up!

First, I must thank our web designer Paul Beakley, owner of Z-Com Creative.  He graciously and generously offered to donate 100 hours (and ended-up spending more I suspect), to help ADLA take its communications to a new level.  we have literally spent a couple of years developing this site.  Paul made sure we understood how we could best use the site, and took the time to hear-out and address our questions and concerns.  Thank You Paul!

I hope you will take a quick look around the site.  Start on the Spay Neuter Hotline page.  It provides up to date information on companion animal spay neuter programs throughout Arizona.  Go to the map, hover over programs near you and you will see basic program information.  Click on one of the balloons and you will get detailed information, such as program descriptions, prices and website links. Sonia Hernandez has worked diligently to get up to date information entered into the website and will continue to keep that information up to date.  Thanks Sonia!

Thanks also to Karen Michael!  She has provided much of the content, and as ADLA's long-time volunteer webmaster has spent hours learning the new site to help us better transition.

Now it's up to you. Please join ADLA's new adventure! Notice the areas of interest on the black bar above.  In most cases, you can join a group that will provide updates and discussions on that topic.  This is an experiment. Tour around the site, share your comments, join a group and help us better serve Arizona's animals!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Nichols-Young

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