Read G&F Economic-Impact-Study
April 17, 2019
James S. Zieler, Chairman, Eric S. Sparks, Kurt R. Davis, Leland S. Brake, James E. Goughnour
AZ Game & Fish Commission
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Re: 25 A.A.R. 894, April 12, 2019
Commissioners,
Arizona Predator Callers (originally named Mesa Varmint Callers) received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in November 1944 and incorporated in April of 1982. This 75-year-old organization currently holds monthly meetings with presentations on many aspects of hunting predators, fur bearers, and various game mammals. Each season several club events are held which includes an annual Save-A-Fawn hunt in the Heber area. APC is a sponsor of the annual Junior Javelina Camp in Unit 37B and an Adopt-A-Ranch project in Unit 24A, both endorsed by AZ G&F. APC bylaws emphasize ethical hunting and adherence to all laws. Members can be expelled from the club for violations of the law or club policy.
Arizona Predator Callers opposes the proposed rule change to ban hunting contests for the following reasons:
1. These hunts provide the USDA an enhanced rabies surveillance opportunity to test grey fox for rabies from parts of Arizona where sample sizes for the surveillance program are very limited. There were 81 confirmed rabies cases in animals reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services through May 2018 up from the 54 cases reported in the same period 2017. Reported cases have not been this high in the state since 2009, when there were 126 cases from January to May, according to ADHS. Thus far this year The Health Department data shows that foxes have accounted for 11 reported cases, followed by skunks with 17.
2. Contests get people outdoors to enjoy nature, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, away from video games and keeps coyotes wary of people.
3. Hunting license sales fund enforcement of all wildlife laws for game and non-game species.
4. Bobcat, lion, and bear are delicious renewable resource.
5. There is no scientific evidence that calling contests do any harm to the coyote’s population or reason to stop coyote hunting or coyote calling contests. THIS SUPPORTS THE 2ND PRINCIPLE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MODEL THAT BEING; “Wildlife needs need to be managed in a way that their populations will be sustained forever.”
6. Contests have a significant economic impact for rural businesses. Black Cat Bar in Seligman reports making enough to pay their property taxes for a year from the Antelope Eaters weekend hunt. The 2019 Antelope Eaters hunt had 139 participants that likely had dinner at local restaurants, stayed in local motels and harvested five coyotes.
7. The emotional appeals from anti-hunting groups are not supported by the scientific North American Model.
8. It is abhorrent that Project Coyote and the Humane Society try to impose their will on others.
9. It is abhorrent that Arizona Game and Fish Department enforcement will be reduced from lost revenue from contest hunters.
10. The USDA March 2018 Environmental Assessment Predator Damage in Arizona Page 6, 1st paragraph: “Wildlife damage is also reduced via state hunting and trapping seasons that aim to maintain predator population at sustainable levels. Without hunting and trapping, estimates suggest that the costs associated with wildlife damage would increase from $20 billion to $70 billion if the United State, resulting in the public becoming less tolerant of wildlife (International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2005).”
11. It is abhorrent Arizona Game and Fish Department resources will be wasted on hunting contest enforcement.
Arizona Predator Callers urges the Commission to reconsider the issuance of this rule banning hunting contests.
Sincerely,
Dennis Slade, President
Arizona Predator Callers
To make your own comment with the agency please send them to CCook@azgfd.gov
