Arizona Mountain Lion

[Bowhunter60]

I am planning a Javelina hunt in Arizona this October. I read somewhere that Arizona Game & Fish recommends the purchase of a Mountain Lion permit, however, I can't recall where I read that.

I have a Non-Resident combo license. Do I need to purchase a permit for mountain lion? If so, where can I get that? I can't find them listed anywhere on the Game & Fish website.

Thank You,


Scott

 

[Biscuit Hunter]

Are you putting in for the draw in October for the spring 2017 hunts, or coming out to hunt this October? I ask, because the only October javelina hunts I'm aware of are junior hunts. If you're planning to bring your kids out, good on you, they'll have a great time I'm sure. If adults are planning to hunt, you should check the regs carefully. Here are the proposed hunts for this fall:

https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/...Big Game Hunt Recommendations - Fall 2016.pdf


As for lion tags-- yes, you need one-- they are $75 for NR's, good for the calendar year in which they are purchased, and can be bought OTC anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Good luck seeing one, but if you do, you'll want to have a tag in your pocket. They recently dropped the NR price, from $225, so that helps a lot...

 

[Bowhunter60]

Still Learning

Biscuit,

Thank you for the information. I do need a little guidance in this area. I've never hunted Arizona before, and frankly, during my professional life, didn't get out of state at all. So, I would consider myself a novice at the drawing systems of other states.

Anyway, based on what you've mentioned, I'll be putting in for the Spring 2017 permit for Javelina. The Mountain Lion permit was intended as a "just in case I do see one." Although it would be nice to drive home in the Peoples Republic of California (PRC) with a Mountain Lion in the bed of my truck.

 

[Gerald Martin]

You do know that the PRC will not allow you to bring a mountain lion trophy back across the border of the 'stan don't you?

 

[sbhooper]

That is a good price drop. I may even buy one if I get drawn for Coues deer this year. Az is pushing the permits, as they are overrun with the big cats. They are really rough on the bighorns in particular.

 

[Biscuit Hunter]

You do know that the PRC will not allow you to bring a mountain lion trophy back across the border of the 'stan don't you?

Wow. I actually googled that, thinking that you might just be joking. Good thing you said something.

 

[Biscuit Hunter]

Bowhunter60,

AZ runs three different draws throughout the year. The one you want will happen in October. Look for the regs for those hunts to come out in August or September. The deadline to put in will be the second Tuesday in October. Depending on when you bought your license, you might need to purchase another to hunt on next year. They are good for 365 days from purchase.

Sorry about the news regarding the illegality of importing lions to CA.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Wow. I actually googled that, thinking that you might just be joking. Good thing you said something.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Wouldn't want to see you featured on Nat. Geographic's Wild Justice.

 

[Biscuit Hunter]

I'm an AZ resident, with no reason to take a lion to CA, but hopefully the OP catches this before he buys a tag for something he can't even bring home.

It's scary that a state can pass a law such as that.

 

[Bowhunter60]

You do know that the PRC will not allow you to bring a mountain lion trophy back across the border of the 'stan don't you?

I am aware. But an out of state relative will benefit.

 

[Bowhunter60]

Wow. I actually googled that, thinking that you might just be joking. Good thing you said something.

In fact, the former commissioner of the PRC's Fish & Game was actually asked to step down when he went to Idaho and took a nice tom. The photo's ticked off one of the legislators and of course you can figure out the rest.

 

[Biscuit Hunter]

Is it just "trophy" parts that you can't import? Could you at least bring back the meat?

 

[Gerald Martin]

I'm an AZ resident, with no reason to take a lion to CA, but hopefully the OP catches this before he buys a tag for something he can't even bring home.

It's scary that a state can pass a law such as that.

Sorry Biscuit Hunter, I didn't look closely to distinguish you from the OP. My bad, apologies to the both of you.