Comments Sought On Reptile, Raptor, Amphibian, Mollusk Regulations

The Arizona Game And Fish Department is seeking public comments on draft 2015-2016 regulations for reptiles, raptors, crustaceans and mollusks, and amphibians. Public comment will be accepted through July 11. If warranted, public meetings on the proposed changes to these commission orders may be held in Phoenix, Tucson and/or Flagstaff.

The proposed changes being considered for the 2015-2016 commission orders include the following:

• In Commission Order 25, a reduced bag limit for the nonresident peregrine falcon hunt, adjustment of the hunt units for ferruginous hawks, and clarification of peregrine falcon harvest capture age.

• In Commission Order 43, a reduced bag limit for Sonoran mud turtle from four to two (possession limit remains the same), and changing "Limited Weapon" season to "Limited Weapon Hand or Hand-held Implement" season, which opens more of the state to traditional means of hunting reptiles.

• To see the draft commission orders, visit AZGFD Web site and look for these commission orders: Commission Order 25 (Raptors), Commission Order 41 (Amphibians), Commission Order 43 (Reptiles), Commission Order 42 (Crustaceans and Mollusks)

For more information, call (623) 236-7507. To provide written comments, send correspondences to: Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, Arizona Game And Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086, or by e-mail to: CommOrd25@azgfd.gov (Raptors); CommOrd41&43@azgfd.gov (Amphibians and Reptiles); and CommOrd42@azgfd.gov (Crustaceans and Mollusks).