The hunt recommendation process
By Leonard Ordway, game branch chief, Arizona Game and Fish Department

“How do you determine how many deer permits to authorize for a unit each year?”

This is a common question our Game and Fish Department staff hears each year–not just for deer, but for all big game species. Some would say there is no rhyme or reason, but quite to the contrary, we do have a hunt recommendation process we follow each year. It is founded on two sets of factors–biological and social.

On the biological side, we have population index parameters for each species that we measure and evaluate each year to determine population status and available animals for harvest. In the case of deer, these parameters are buck-to-doe ratio, fawn-to-doe ratio and population abundance. These parameters are tracked similarly each year to determine trends. Our wildlife managers survey the deer population in their respective units during midwinter when the rut is ongoing. The surveys are conducted from aircraft as well from the ground–vehicle, foot or horseback. Survey efforts are directed to derive a statistically valid sample and to replicate previous years’ efforts so that valid comparisons can be made.

We also monitor harvest and hunt success for each species through the hunter questionnaire program (yes, it is very important that you complete and return those little cards that we send to you in the mail each year), check stations and biological specimen collection. And finally, we work with the various land management entities to assess habitat trend and condition as it relates to harvest objectives and hunter access. All of this biological data is then evaluated against species-specific management guidelines to determine permit numbers and/or needed changes from preceding years.

For the social aspects of the process, the department works with and through the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to establish hunt guidelines. The commission, through the public commission order process, directs the department on how to distribute permits relative to hunt method (e.g., general, archery and muzzleloader), hunt type, hunter group, season timing, designated animal for harvest, bag limits and possession limits. During public meetings the commission takes department recommendations (based on the commission-approved guidelines) for hunts and shares them with the public. You are able to provide comment at these meetings and through other means to assist the commission in deriving the final commission orders for the various species.

On April 22, the commission approved the final commission orders for the upcoming fall hunting seasons (see article in this newsletter). The process took many months and involved an extensive amount of public input. We encourage your continued involvement in the process in the coming years. Visit azgfd.gov to stay informed as to upcoming commission meeting agendas and subsequent hunt regulations. Enjoy Arizona’s great wildlife resources!