1. A. The following general provisions apply to all wildlife areas unless specifically authorized, prohibited, modified or addressed in R12-4-802B, or if the wildlife area has posted signs authorizing or prohibiting the activity:

   1. 1. Open to all hunting in season as permitted under R12-4-304 and R12-4-318.
   2. 2. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H). Motor vehicle travel restrictions in this rule do not apply to Department authorized vehicles or law enforcement, fire response, or other emergency vehicles.
   3. 3. Overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
   4. 4. Wood gathering is limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only.
   5. 5. Campfires allowed. All fires must be extinguished when not being attended. Fires may be further restricted or prohibited with seasonal restrictions, as enacted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM).
   6. 6. Wildlife areas are closed to the discharge of firearms, muzzleloaders, precharged pneumatic weapons or archery within a 1/4 mile of any occupied structure, unless authorized by the Department.
   7. 7. Knowingly excavating or collecting any historic, archaeological or paleontological specimen or resource is prohibited under A.R.S. § 41-841.

2. B. No person shall violate the following regulations on Wildlife Areas:

   1. 1. Alamo Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A): Posted portions closed to all public entry.
   2. 2. Allen Severson Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B): The rules and regulations of the land management agency (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest) apply to this wildlife area.

   3. 3. Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area (located in Units 31 and 32):

      1. a. Access through the Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area within the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is by permit only, available through the Safford Office of the Bureau of Land Management.
      2. b. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.
   4. 4. Arivaca Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 36B): No additional regulations apply to this wildlife area.

   5. 5. Arlington Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):

      1. a. No open fires.
      2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
      3. c. No overnight public camping.
      4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited within agriculture and crop production areas.
      5. e. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
      6. f. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

   6. 6. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area (located in Units 39, 26M, and 47M):

      1. a. No open fires.
      2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
      3. c. No overnight public camping.
      4. d. No target or clay bird shooting.
      5. e. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).
      6. f. Posted portions closed to hunting.
      7. g. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

   7. 7. Becker Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):

      1. a. No open fires.
      2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
      3. c. No overnight public camping.
      4. d. The Becker Lake boat launch access road and parking areas along with any other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise daily.
      5. e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
      6. f. Posted portions closed to hunting.
      7. g. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
   8. 8. Bog Hole Wildlife Area (located in Unit 35B): Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).
   9. 9. Chevelon Canyon Ranches Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4A): No additional regulations apply to this wildlife area.

   10. 10. Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4B):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
       5. e. No target or clay bird shooting.
       6. f. Posted portions closed to waterfowl hunting from October 1 through February 15 annually.

   11. 11. Cibola Valley Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in unit 43A):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited within agriculture and crop production areas.
       5. e. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
   12. 12. Clarence May and C.H.M. May Memorial Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29): Closed to hunting, except for predator hunts authorized by Commission Order.

   13. 13. Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area (located in Unit 31):

       1. a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. All fires must be extinguished when not being attended. Fires may be further restricted or prohibited with seasonal restrictions, as enacted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM).
       2. b. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
       3. c. Posted portions around Department housing and Pond Three are closed to discharge of all firearms.
       4. d. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

   14. 14. Coal Mine Spring Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).

   15. 15. Colorado River Nature Center Wildlife Area (located in Unit 15D):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel permitted on designated roads or areas only.
       5. e. Closed to the discharge of firearms.
       6. f. Closed to hunting.

   16. 16. Fool Hollow Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3C):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. The parking area adjacent to Sixteenth Avenue and other posted portions of the wildlife area will be closed to all public entry daily from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, except for anglers possessing a valid fishing license accessing Fool Hollow Lake/Show Low Creek.
       5. e. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

   17. 17. House Rock Wildlife Area (located in Unit 12A):

       1. a. The rules and regulations of the land management agency (Kaibab National Forest) apply to this wildlife area.
       2. b. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of any bison, except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.
   18. 18. Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B): The rules and regulations of the land management agency (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest) apply to this wildlife area.

   19. 19. Lamar Haines Wildlife Area (located in Unit 7):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. Wood cutting by permit only and gathering limited to dead and down material, for noncommercial use only. Members of the public shall obtain a wood cutting permit from the Flagstaff Game and Fish Department regional office.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel allowed for permitted wood cutting and big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).

   20. 20. Lower San Pedro River Wildlife Area (located in Units 32 and 37B):

       1. a. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
       2. b. Posted portions closed to hunting.

   21. 21. Luna Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):

       1. a. The rules and regulations of the land management agency (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest) apply to this wildlife area.
       2. b. Posted portions closed to all public entry from February 15 through July 31 annually.
   22. 22. Manhattan Claims Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29): No additional regulations apply to this wildlife area.

   23. 23. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 43B):

       1. a. No Camping in posted day use only areas.
       2. b. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
       3. c. Mittry Lake is a “No Ski” waterway as defined under R12-4-501.

   24. 24. Planet Ranch Conservation and Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
       4. d. The posted Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program habitat area is closed to motor vehicle and electric bicycle use.
       5. e. Posted portions closed to public entry.
       6. f. Posted portions closed to hunting.

   25. 25. Powers Butte (Mumme Farm) Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited within agriculture and crop production areas.
       5. e. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
       6. f. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.

   26. 26. Quigley-Achee Wildlife Area (located in Unit 41):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No overnight public camping.
       3. c. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited within agriculture and crop production areas.
       4. d. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
       5. e. Posted portions closed to hunting.

   27. 27. Raymond Wildlife Area (located in Unit 5B):

       1. a. Open fires allowed in designated campgrounds only. All fires must be extinguished when not being attended. Fires may be further restricted or prohibited with seasonal restrictions, as enacted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM).
       2. b. Overnight public camping permitted in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
       3. c. All-terrain and utility type vehicles are prohibited as defined under A.R.S. 28-101.
       4. d. Posted portions closed to all public entry from May 1 through July 29 annually.
       5. e. Posted portions closed to hunting periodically during hunting seasons.
       6. f. Members of the public shall remain in an enclosed vehicle at all times when within one-quarter mile of any bison, except when taking bison or accompanied by Department personnel.

   28. 28. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. Parking in designated areas only.
       5. e. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.
       6. f. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
   29. 29. Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area (located in Units 22, 23, and 24B): Posted portions closed to hunting and all public entry from November 15 through February 15 annually.

   30. 30. Santa Rita Wildlife Area (located in Unit 34A):

       1. a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. All fires must be extinguished when not being attended. Fires may be further restricted or prohibited with seasonal restrictions, as enacted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM).
       2. b. Overnight public camping permitted in designated areas only, for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
       3. c. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
   31. 31. Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1): No firewood cutting or gathering.

   32. 32. Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of all firearms.

   33. 33. Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8):

       1. a. Walk-in overnight public camping allowed for no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
       2. b. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).
   34. 34. Three Bar Wildlife Area (located in Unit 22): Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited within the Three Bar Wildlife and Habitat Study Area (within the Forest Road 647 loop).

   35. 35. Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 38M):

       1. a. Posted portions and those portions identified on the online check-in system wildlife area map are closed to hunting.
       2. b. Firearms and pre-charged pneumatic weapons are prohibited for the take of wildlife.
       3. c. Archery hunters must check-in online with the Arizona Game and Fish Department prior to going afield.

   36. 36. Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8 and 19A):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping allowed.
       4. d. Motorized vehicle and electric bicycle travel are prohibited, except for big game retrieval as permitted under R12-4-110(H).

   37. 37. Wenima Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B):

       1. a. No open fires.
       2. b. No firewood cutting or gathering.
       3. c. No overnight public camping.
       4. d. No target or clay bird shooting.

   38. 38. White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1):

       1. a. Posted portions closed to all public entry.
       2. b. If conducted during an event approved under R12-4-125, target or clay bird shooting is permitted in designated areas only.

   39. 39. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30B):

       1. a. No open fires except as authorized by the Department.
       2. b. Posted portions closed to all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.
       3. c. This wildlife area is closed to the discharge of centerfire rifled firearms.
   40. 40. Willcox Playa Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30A): Posted portions closed to hunting and all public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually.

3. C. Notwithstanding Commission Order 40, public access and use of the Hirsch Conservation Education Area and Biscuit Tank is limited to activities conducted and offered by the Department and in accordance with the Department’s special management objectives for the property, which include, but are not limited to, flexible harvest, season, and methods that:

   1. 1. Allow for a variety of fishing techniques, fish harvest, fish consumption, and catch and release educational experiences;
   2. 2. Maintain a healthy, productive, and balanced fish community; and
   3. 3. Provide public education activities and training courses that are compatible with the management of aquatic wildlife.

Historical Note

New Section adopted by exempt rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 1731, effective May 1, 2000 (Supp. 00-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 2107, effective May 1, 2002 (Supp. 02-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 9 A.A.R. 3141, effective August 23, 2003 (Supp. 03-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 10 A.A.R. 1976, effective May 14, 2004 (Supp. 04-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 11 A.A.R. 1927, effective May 20, 2005 (Supp. 05-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 12 A.A.R. 1698, effective May 19, 2006 (Supp. 06-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 13 A.A.R. 1741, effective May 18, 2007 (Supp. 07-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 14 A.A.R. 1841, effective April 22, 2008 (Supp. 08-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 397, effective March 5, 2010 (Supp. 10-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 17 A.A.R. 800, effective June 20, 2011 (Supp. 11-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 18 A.A.R. 1070, effective June 15, 2012 (Supp. 12-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 931, effective June 17, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 841, effective June 17, 2014 (Supp. 14-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 951, effective June 7, 2016 (Supp. 16-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 2209, effective October 4, 2016 (Supp. 16-4). Amended by final exempt rulemaking at 27 A.A.R. 242, effective April 5, 2021 (Supp. 21-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 32 A.A.R. 256 (January 23, 2026), effective April 1, 2026 (Supp. 25-4).