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Spring Hunt Draw Regulations are Now Posted Online

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Arizona's spring 2009 hunt draw regulations have been posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters can now start applying for the spring hunts for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear.

Applicants should keep in mind that the online draw application service is not available; you must apply using paper forms. A PDF application form is available for downloading at www.azgfd.gov/draw. The form can be filled out using a computer and keyboard, but must be printed, signed and submitted (along with the correct fees by check or money order) by mail, or by delivery to any department office. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

Printed regulation booklets and applications are anticipated to be available at license dealers statewide by Sept. 15.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at 7 p.m. MST - postmarks do not count.

Hunters should apply early to take advantage of the correction period. If an application has a mistake and is received by Sept. 25, the department will attempt to call the applicant three times in a 24-hour period and provide the opportunity to correct the mistake. After that date, mistakes can cause applications to be rejected.

Remember, hunters must purchase a 2009 license to enter the spring draw. Licenses available through the draw include General Hunting, Adult Combination Hunting and Fishing, and Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing. Other licenses (including Family and Super Conservation licenses) can be purchased at department offices. License information can be found on page 4 of the spring regulations booklet.

Some changes for the 2009 spring season include:

Juniors-only spring turkey. Tags for the juniors-only spring turkey hunts are now nonpermit-tags and can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. If not filled during the spring hunts, these nonpermit-tags may be used during the fall if the Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorizes a juniors-only nonpermit-tag fall turkey season.

Archery javelina. Tags for the archery javelina hunt in Units 11M, 25M, 26M, 38M and 47M are now nonpermit-tags and can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer.

General spring bear. Tags for the general spring bear hunts in all open units (except 6B and Fort Huachuca) are now nonpermit-tags and can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. Tags for the archery spring bear hunts in Units 3B/3C and 33 (season dates March 20-April 30) are also nonpermit-tags and can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. A bear nonpermit-tag purchased in the spring and not filled is valid for any authorized fall bear nonpermit-tag season.

Hunters operating off-highway vehicles. Please be aware that new regulations affecting off-highway vehicle use will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009. See page 16 of the spring regulations booklet for more information.

Waterfowl hunters will want to take note that the 2008-09 waterfowl and snipe regulations have also been posted to the department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw (click on the link under the "downloads" column).

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Media Contact:
Doug Burt (623) 236-7215