Fair Share
A question that comes up from time to time, particularly during hunting seasons, is who has the right-of-way when recreating outdoors on Arizona’s 50 million acres of public land? It’s a one-word answer: everybody.
Arizona’s hunters already know that conducting themselves respectfully and responsibly in the field strengthens public opinion of their time-honored tradition. Here are some important ethical tips to keep in mind:
- Arizona’s vast and treasured public lands sustain multiple uses for enjoyment by hunters, hikers, anglers, mountain bikers, wildlife photographers, campers, all-terrain vehicle riders and more. Public and state lands belong to everyone, and everyone should enjoy free and equal access.
- Ethically responsible hunters respect other hunters’ privileges and will always yield to another hunter who has reached the hunting area first.
- Posting a sign or notice on or near a public hunting area does not give anyone the exclusive right to hunt in that area. The hunter must be present.
- Placing a tree stand near an area does not give a person exclusive rights to that area. It may be unlawful to leave tree stands or blinds for extended periods of time. They may be considered abandoned property and be subject to seizure.
- “First come, first served” is a common courtesy that should be used when more than one person wants to hunt in the same area, regardless of who has a tree stand or blind in the area.
- Be courteous to nonhunters when transporting game from the field. Transport animals discreetly.