Trail Camera Ban Put to Vote In Arizona

On Friday December 4th the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Voted 5-0 to ban trail camera use in Arizona. This sets a dangerous precedent moving forward for all outdoorsman across the country. Though this is not the first time that this issue has came up in Arizona, in the last year this came to a vote but failed to move forward with the motion. This motion had a strong backing from the Arizona Cattle growers. Now one of the commissioners for Arizona Game and Fish commission, is on the board for the Arizona Cattle Growers.

When this bill failed to pass 3 years ago it became a personal mission for Commissioner Davis to get this through.

The Arizona Game and Fish commission has not let the public know why using trail cameras are bad for wildlife. Or what the reason is behind the vote leading to an outright band.

Benefits Of Trail Camera Usage

1. Safety

With early season hunts here in Arizona it can be up to 125 degrees + in the desert. The ban of trail cameras will put the lives of hunters and first responders in great jeopardy. By being exposed to the extreme heat more often.

2.Expense

Hunting is already expensive and becoming more and more a rich mans sport. Not being able to use trail cameras will cost more in gas and lodging fees to scout an area continuously especially for long drives. Or you will have to pay for guide services especially in high prize draw areas such as the Kaibab were monster deer grow but you are essentially in the middle of no where and 4 hours away from the closes town.

3.Discovery

Arizona Game and Fish department owes the discovery of the jaguar and other endangered and near extinct species in southern Arizona to hunters with trail cameras. Trail cameras have caught these elusive animals many times in the past.

Trail cameras do not change animal patterns or behavior. They are nearly invisible to the animals.

The Arizona Game and fish commission also had the option to put a ban on trail cameras during a certain period of time (July 1st- Jan 31st). This did not pass they chose to go straight to the outright ban.

Instagram user gamecamaz stated

“In my 100’s of 1000’s of pictures captured on my trail cameras, I have yet to see or harvest any of those animals on my hunts.” ” I have been an avid Trail camera user for the past 4 years and love to share my experiences with others, including my kids.”

With this dangerous precedent being set this is the first attack on hunter across America in a pro hunting state. This opens the door too many anti hunting laws that could be passed by the administrations that are suppose to be in place to help hunters and anglers alike.

Starting January 1st There will be a Public hearing Period Lasting for 30 days.

What You Can Do To Help

1.Sign the Change.Org Petition by clicking HERE

2. Email the Game and Fish Commission (SEE TABLE BELOW)

3. Reach out to groups like Sportsman Alliance asking for help

4. Make your voice heard

5. Order the shirts below. All proceeds will go to helping defeat this bill.

NAME	Email Address
Eric S. Sparks	esparks@azgfd.gov
Kurt R. Davis	kdavis@azgfd.gov
Leland S. “Bill” Brake	lbrake@azgfd.gov
James E. Gaughnour	jgaughnour@azgfd.gov
Todd G Geiler	Tgeiler@azgfd.gov

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