| Predator
Management Policy |
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 Thank
you for your interest in Arizona’s
wildlife resources. On March 13, 2000, an
Arizona Game and Fish Department Predator
Management Team was formed to develop a plan
involving the public in the development of
a proposed Draft Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Predator Management Policy. Issues pertinent
to a Draft Commission Predator Policy were
documented during extensive public comment
and review of Commission Rule R12-4-317 governing
predator hunting contests.
The Draft Predator Policy was reviewed by the public and the Commission
with minor revisions. A copy of the final policy is below. Commission
Rule R12-4-317 was not approved for implementation. If you have any questions
regarding the final policy, or future predation management activities
please contact the Wildlife Management Division at (623) 236-7354.
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| Purpose |
The Arizona Game and Fish
Commission (Commission) recognizes predation
management to be a valuable and legitimate
wildlife management tool. The Commission
is aware of the diverse public opinions concerning
predation issues and recognizes the need
to increase public education and understanding
of predation management; including the effects
of not managing predators. The purpose of
this policy is to establish guidelines for
implementing site-specific mountain lion
and coyote management through sound biological
practices with public involvement. Bears
were specifically excluded from this policy
as their more diverse diet reduces their
impacts on other wildlife species.
The Commission appreciates the role of predators in Arizona's ecosystems.
Actions by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) should be
based on the best available scientific information. Mountain lions and
coyotes will be managed to ensure their future ecological, intrinsic, scientific,
educational, and recreational values, to minimize conflicts with humans,
and to minimize adverse impacts on other wildlife populations.
The Department will develop site-specific management plans when either
of these two species is considered to be inhibiting the ability of the
Department to attain management goals and objectives for other wildlife
species. Statewide management goals and objectives can be found in the
Department’s Strategic Planning document. Additionally, management
goals and objectives for predator control areas will be identified in site-specific
management plans. |
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| Implementation |
Site-specific
management plans will be consistent with
the management goals and objectives for the
predator species involved, other species,
the habitat, and other biological, social,
and legal constraints. This policy does not
supercede existing livestock depredation
procedures nor the Department's normal hunt
recommendation process. Threats to human
health and safety will be handled in accordance
with the Department's wildlife/human interaction
policies.
| Management
actions to reduce mountain lion or
coyote predation will be: |
| • |
Confined
to site-specific areas. |
| • |
Directed
toward offending animals or populations. |
| • |
Initiated after
approval of a site-specific management
plan. |
| Mountain
lion and coyote management may occur
in, but is not limited to, the following
circumstances: |
| • |
In
site-specific areas where introductions
or transplants of vulnerable wildlife
species (e.g., bighorn sheep, pronghorn
antelope, or special status species)
has occurred or is imminent. Management
actions should be intensive and of
sufficient duration and frequency
to allow transplanted animals and
their progeny to become established
and self-sustaining. |
| • |
Where
wildlife populations are below management
objectives and where there is evidence
that predation may be a factor. |
| • |
Site-specific
management plans should consider
the feasibility of non-lethal methods.
The Department will promote habitat
management activities on public and
private lands that could limit predator
impacts. |
| Once
the decision has been made that mountain
lion or coyote removal is necessary,
the following methods should be considered: |
| • |
Licensed
and permitted hunters or trappers
may take mountain lions or coyotes
during established seasons. Commission
rules and regulations may be modified
to promote an increased sport harvest. |
| • |
Department-designated
individuals may remove a specified
number of mountain lions or coyotes
in site-specific areas where wildlife
concerns have been identified. This
action may include the use of aerial
gunning. |
| • |
Department personnel
may remove a specified number of
mountain lions and coyotes in site-specific
areas where wildlife concerns have
been identified. |
Site-specific management
plans will be developed under the direction
of the appropriate Regional Supervisor and
reviewed by the Game, Information, and Habitat
Branch Chiefs. These plans must be approved
by the Director.
Site-specific management plans will provide the following: statement of
need, description of area, management goals, strategies and management
actions, intensity and duration of the action, measurable objectives, an
environmental assessment checklist, and a public outreach plan.
Approved by the Commission October 2000 |
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