Official WMAT Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Division - Complete 2007-08 NM Hunting Regs

R1. METHODS OF LEGALLY TAKING GAME

A. BIG GAME, except Elk, may be legally taken with the following weapons:

i. Center fire rifles, muzzle-loading rifles, and all other rifles using black Powder or pyrodex.

ii. Center fire handguns and handguns of a caliber not less than .44 Magnum.

iii. Shotguns, not less than 20 gauge, shooting slugs or #4 shot (minimum).

iv. Bows having a standard pull of forty or more pounds, using arrows with metal broadheads no less than 7/8- inch width cutting edges.

v. Javelina may additionally be taken with .22 rimfire magnum rifles and 5mm rimfire rifles.

B. ELK may be legally taken with the following weapons:

i. Center fire rifles having a caliber of .243 or greater. For RIFLE caliber restrictions and MUZZLELOADER requirements during the Guided Hunts, contact the W&ORD Office.

ii. Bows having a standard pull of 50 or more pounds using arrows with metal broadheads having no less than 7/8- inch width cutting edges. Mechanical broadheads of any type (broadheads having hinged/rotating blades) are prohibited.

iii. Center fire handguns and handguns of caliber not less than .44 Magnum.

C. SMALL GAME (EXCEPT MIGRATORY BIRDS AND QUAIL) may be legally taken with the following weapons:

i. Any firearm and/or bow and arrow not prohibited in section R2.B.

D. MIGRATORY BIRDS and UPLAND GAME BIRDS may be legally taken with the following weapons:

i. Shotguns NOT larger than 10 gauge shooting any non-lead shot for Migratory Waterfowl only.

ii. Lead shot is allowed for Upland Game Birds; Quail, Doves and Pigeons only.

ii. Bow and arrow not prohibited in section R2.B

E. OTHER MAMMALS AND BIRDS may be taken during the season by any means not prohibited in section R2.B. except for foothold traps and/or snares.

R2. HUNTING REGULATIONS

A. HEADS of all big game species must remain attached to the hide and be transported with the game carcass at all times, for field identification purposes.

B. PROHIBITED WEAPONS, AMMUNITION and DEVICES. The following devices and ammunition are prohibited for the taking of any wildlife on the Reservation and may not be possessed in the field.

i. Fully automatic firearms, including firearms capable of selective automatic fire.

ii. Tracer ammunition and full metal-jacketed bullets.

iii. Shotguns larger than 10 gauge, and shotguns capable of holding more than two (2) shells in the magazine (unless plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun).

iv. Semi-automatic centerfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than five (5) shells.

v. Contrivances designed to silence, muffle, or minimize the report of a firearm.

vi. Poisoned or chemically treated arrows or arrows with explosive tips.

vii. Crossbows and other bows having devices attached to mechanically hold the bow in drawn position.

viii. The use and/or possession of any artificial light source to spotlight wild animals or birds.

ix. Rifles and shotguns having total barrel length less than 24 inches.

C. TIME PERIODS FOR TAKING OF GAME

i. Big game, predators and small game species not included Migratory game birds may be legally taken during daylight hours, DEFINED AS: ½ hour before sunrise through ½ hour after sunset.

ii. Migratory game birds may be taken only at such times as authorized by Federal Laws.

R3. SPECIAL REGULATIONS

A. NON-MEMBERS (anyone who is not a registered member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe) may not be in the field with Tribal Members during any of the Tribal-Member hunting seasons. Exempt from this regulation are immediate relatives of tribal-members such as husband, wife, children, brother or sister (immediate family).

B. BLAZE ORANGE must be worn at all times by all persons entering the field for all Self-Guided Big Game hunts (Javelina, West End General – Archery Elk, East & West End Archery Raghorn Elk, Youth Raghorn Elk, West End Depredation Elk and Nonmember Spouse – General Elk,(BG. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), noted herein. At least one of the following blaze orange articles must be worn by all hunters and persons accompanying hunters: Hat, Bandanna, Jacket, Vest, Pullover, Coveralls, or Pants. Blaze orange is not required for the following hunts: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, BG2, BG3 and BG4

C. JUVENILE (Youth) HUNTING. The minimum age requirement for obtaining any Tribal hunting tag or permit is ten (10) years old, and is subject to the Juvenile successfully completing an accredited hunter education course. All hunters under the age of eighteen (18) years must be accompanied, at all times, by an adult while in the field.

D. PRE-HUNT SCOUTING is allowed TWO (2) days prior to the start date of any Self-Guided Big Game hunt seasons, and requires each member of the scouting party to possess a Scouting Special Use Permit ($20.00/person/day). The Scouting Special Use Permit may also serve as a general fishing and camping permit for the permit holder (valid only in general fishing and camping areas – see WMAT “Outdoor Recreation Regulations” for details and definitions). Scouting Special Use Permits are available only to persons possessing valid Self-Guided Big Game hunts, and up to a maximum of two (2) companions who must accompany (in the same vehicle) the licensed hunter at all times during scouting activities on the reservation. The Scouting Special Use Permit allows the hunter (and permitted companions) to access all areas within their assigned hunting unit (including any “Closed Areas”) during the 2-day pre-scout period. Scouting Special Use Permits may be purchased at W&ORD Office.

E. CAMPING PERMITS are not required DURING THE HUNT SEASON for persons possessing a valid W&ORD Big Game hunting tag and who are camping at a designated Reservation campsite for hunting purposes only:

Ø Hunt-season camping is only allowed in designated camping areas during established hunt season dates.

Ø Licensed hunters are allowed to have a maximum of two (2) companions camping with them, as long as they accompany the hunter in the same vehicle;

Ø Campers must pack out and appropriately dispose of all trash and leave campsites clean.

F. NON-LICENSED PERSONS ACCOMPANYING LICENSED HUNTERS in the same vehicle (up to a maximum of two [2]) are not required to possess Reservation permits, as long as they accompany the licensed hunter at all times. Recreation permits (of some type) are required of all non-licensed persons assisting licensed hunters who are traveling in a separate vehicle. Non-licensed persons cannot enter the field without being in the direct company of a licensed hunter.

G. NON-TRIBAL MEMBERS are prohibited from picking up and/or possessing any animal or animal part that is not biologically/anatomically tied to legally harvested game. This prohibition includes shed antlers, skulls, skulls with horns/antlers attached, and/or any animal or type/form of animal part not associated with legally harvested game.

H. HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENT. Non-tribal member hunters born after December 31, 1960, must present a certificate or other proof of successful completion of an approved Hunter Education Course or Basic and Combination Archery Hunter Education Course in order to be eligible for any Tribal hunts.

I. ALL BIG GAME HUNTING PERMITS must be validated by the Holder, by signing the tag or permit, prior to entering the field and conducting any hunting activities on the Reservation. In addition, all game must be immediately tagged in accordance with instructions on the permit or tag, or as otherwise noted herein.

J. GUIDING OR OUTFITTING of any type is strictly prohibited without proper registration/licensing through the White Mountain Apache Tribe W&ORD office. Violators will be cited, prosecuted and be further subject to having Tribal hunting privileges permanently revoked.

Ø Only persons hunting West End General – Archery Elk, East & West End Archery Raghorn Elk, Youth Raghorn Elk, West End Depredation Elk and Nonmember Spouse General Elk, (BG. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), and their lawfully permitted companions, have access to all Closed Areas within their designated Management Unit(s) for the duration of their hunt.

Ø ALL OTHER NON-TRIBAL MEMBERS ARE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ALL CLOSED AREAS AT ALL TIMES, except as provided under R.3.D., above.

Ø All Hunt/Management Units, except Unit 10, are closed to all types of hunting during the Tribal, (consult the applicable Tribal Member hunting regulations), and Nonmember Trophy Elk Hunt seasons (Hunts G1, G2 and G3).

Ø It is unlawful for any person, not engaged in lawful hunting activities, to knowingly molest, chase, harass, tape, video, photograph or call any animal.

Ø Any form of photography, video or audio taping of any Reservation wildlife or landmark for commercial purposes or uses is prohibited, unless approved in advance, in writing, by the Tribal Council of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

M. SPOTLIGHTING and the use of ARTIFICIAL LIGHT, of any type or form, is prohibited at all times in all areas of the Reservation.

N. PORTABLE TREE STANDS are allowed for archery hunts only. Stands must be completely removed by the hunter when vacating the hunt area. Permanent stands of any form are strictly prohibited.

O. ALL TYPES OF AIRCRAFT are prohibited for the use of; scouting, photographing, taking video, harassing and chasing, game on the reservation.

For purposes of purchasing NON-MEMBER SPOUSE hunting permits, as noted in W&ORD recreation and hunting regulations, a “NON-MEMBER SPOUSE” is defined as a person who is not a member of the WMAT but who is CURRENTLY married to a WMAT-enrolled spouse. Applicant must be legally married to WMAT enrolled spouse at the time of application and tag purchase.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: Proof of marriage via certified marriage license/certificate, and concurrent proof of tribal-member spouse’s WMAT enrollment is required upon purchasing NON-TRIBAL MEMBER SPOUSE permits.

V. JUVENILE or YOUTH is defined as a person a minimum of ten (10 years of age or a maximum of seventeen (17) years of age (inclusive). All hunters under the age of eighteen (18) years must be accompanied, at all times, by an adult while in the field.

A. Non-member spouse Applications and Tag purchases for the General Elk hunt (BG7) will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis, beginning September 12, 2008 and ending October 17, 2008. Non-Member Spouse tag sales will be processed subject to the limits noted herein (25 tags total). Non-member Spouse applicants must present required affidavit or other appropriate documentation at the time of hunt application and tag purchase.

B. Special Draw Hunt tags will be issued by random draw of valid hunt applications. Unless otherwise noted.

Ø Contact the W&ORD Office for more information on application, draw, deposit and payment.

Ø The successful applicant will be notified by mail immediately upon completion of the random draw, with notifications mailed/phoned to addresses/phone numbers provided on the application.

Ø Contact the W&ORD Office for more information on application, draw, deposit and payment deadlines.

Ø The successful applicant will be notified by mail immediately upon completion of the random draw, with notifications mailed/phoned to addresses/phone numbers provided on the application.

Ø Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the W&ORD office in Whiteriver or post-marked on or before AUGUST 29, 2007. Applications must include a non-refundable application fee of $5.00, payable at the time of application.

Ø The random draw of valid hunt applications, for this Special Draw Hunt, will occur on SEPTEMBER 10, 2008.

Ø Successfully drawn applicants will be notified by mail immediately thereafter (notifications will be mailed to addresses provided on applications).

Ø Successfully drawn applicants must deliver required tag payments (hand-delivered or post-marked) on or before OCTOBER 3, 2008.

Ø Unclaimed Special Draw Hunt tags will be sold as outlined in section A1.C., below, beginning OCTOBER 6, 2008.

C. Any Unclaimed/Leftover Self-Guided and/or Special Draw Elk Tags will be sold October 6, 2008 on a first-come-first-served beginning at 9:00 A.M. at the W&ORD office in Whiteriver.

Ø Applicants will be required to submit proof of successful completion of a Hunter Education Course as required in Section R.3.H., herein.

Ø Hunt applications will be required at the time of purchase of any available unclaimed hunting tags and will include any applicable non-refundable application fee(s).

A. Hunting Application Forms can be obtained at the W&ORD office in Whiteriver. Official Hunt Application Forms must be presented in person, mailed or faxed together with applicable application fee(s) as instructed. No substitute applications accepted.

a. Big-Game hunting tags/permits may be purchased at the White Mountain Apache Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Office in Whiteriver.

b. Small Game hunting permits can be obtained at the White Mountain Apache Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Office in Whiteriver, the Hon Dah Ski & Outdoor Sport Shop and at other Authorized Permit Dealers listed in the WMAT “Outdoor Recreation Regulations” booklet.

d. W&ORD office hours (928-338-4385) are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hon Dah Ski & Outdoor Sport hours (928-369-7669) are Monday through Sunday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

C. Transfer of Hunting Tags is allowed subject to a $50.00 transfer-processing fee. Hunting tag transfers are limited to one (1) transfer per tag, with NO TRANSFERS BEING ALLOWED AFTER THE START OF THE APPLICABLE HUNT SEASON. Hunt applications and any applicable non-refundable application fee(s) are required of all persons accepting transferred Hunt tags. Non-member Spouse hunt tags may only be transferred to persons meeting Non-member Spouse requirements.

D. DUPLICATE TAGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED ON ANY HUNTING TAG OR PERMIT without a W&ORD Supervisor physically inspecting and validating the original permit/tag. A duplicate may be issued in cases where the original tag/permit is damaged, provided the original tag/permit is presented to a W&ORD Supervisor and that the original tag/permit can be verified as valid by a W&ORD Supervisor (Whiteriver Office ONLY). W&ORD reserves the right to reject any unreadable or overly damaged originals for duplication.

This booklet is a synopsis of the White Mountain Apache Tribe hunting regulations and does not contain all of the laws and regulations relating to hunting and recreation. For complete laws and codes, consult the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish Code or contact the White Mountain Apache Tribe Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Division. These regulations apply to all non-tribal members and to those non-members who have been granted hunting privileges by the Tribal Council of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Visit us on-line at www.wmatoutdooors.org

IF YOU SEE A HUNTING VIOLATION PLEASE REPORT IT. YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT ANONYMOUS AND YOU CAN BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IF YOUR INFORMATION LEADS TO AN ARREST.