AZ Game and Fish Commission Opposes Initiative to Ban Wild Cat Hunting

Wild cat hunting initiative not yet on ballot

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently passed a motion in opposition to a proposed ballot initiative that would ban wild cat hunting. The initiative would also restrict AGFC’s management of the state’s mountain lions and bobcats. The proposed initiative has not yet qualified for the ballot. The Commission voted 4-0 “in opposition to the initiative related to wild cats, and to affirm that the department has all the tools necessary to manage our state’s wildlife.”

“I like to describe it as ballot box wildlife management versus scientific management of wildlife,” said Commissioner Kurt Davis, of Phoenix. “This is very dangerous for the ability of our wildlife professionals, our scientists, to effectively manage all the forms of wildlife in the state. It removes management tools used by the department and I think that’s a very dangerous path to go down.”

The proposed measure, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, also seeks to protect lynx, a species not found in Arizona, and two endangered species already under federal protection: jaguars and ocelots. None of these animals can be legally hunted in Arizona.—courtesy AGFC Gary Roberson photo