Don’t risk your hunting privileges by littering
By Tom Cadden, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Most of us who love the outdoors are taught at a young age that you should respect the land on which you hunt, fish and recreate. Sportsmen are typically conscientious about protecting our resources by not littering and by keeping a clean camp.

A small number of individuals, unfortunately, do litter. Some are egregious offenders, others are just momentarily careless. Either way, hunters who litter should be aware that a littering conviction could cost you the ability to legally hunt or fish for a long time.

“Arizona law makes littering while hunting or angling a class 2 misdemeanor,” says Pat Barber, law enforcement branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Littering while hunting or fishing are revocable violations, so a conviction could cost you your license privileges for up to five years.”

In fact, two individuals recently had their hunting and fishing privileges revoked for five years after a hearing at the February meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in Yuma. Their abandoned campsite in the White Mountains last August was documented to have had a noticeable amount of trash strewn about.

“I periodically hear stories from ranchers and hunters about the messes being left behind in the field,” says Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner William McLean. “Sometimes it’s hunters who are responsible, sometimes it’s others. Unfortunately, hunters are often unfairly blamed for acts of littering and vandalism that are committed by other outdoor recreationists.”

Regardless of who is doing it, it’s the kind of practice that has to stop, says McLean. “It’s bad for the land, bad for wildlife, and could ultimately cost us access from private landowners who are generous enough to allow outdoor recreationists to use their land.”

Don’t take a chance on losing your hunting and fishing enjoyment. Leave your camp area clean. Pick up shell casings and associated debris. Pack out everything you brought in.

By not littering, you’ll help keep wildlife habitat in good shape, help ensure continued hunting access from private landowners, and help keep your hunting privileges intact.