Committee advances bill declaring hunting, fishing statutory rights; opponents warn of commission preemption

The Arizona House Rural Affairs Committee on Feb. 4 advanced HB 24-97, a bill that would state as Arizona policy that citizens have a right to lawfully hunt, fish and harvest wildlife and declare the Legislature the exclusive authority to regulate hunting methods, seasons and rules while allowing delegation of rulemaking to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Corbin (staff) described the bill as an “insurance policy” already enacted in some form in other states and said it affirms what “most Arizonans already believe to be true.” Committee members questioned whether the Game and Fish Commission currently unreasonably restricts hunting, and opponents warned the measure could undermine science-based, commission-led wildlife management.

Brianna Romero, Arizona state director for Humane World for Animals, urged the committee to oppose HB 24-97, saying the bill relies on vague terms such as “unreasonable restrictions” and “traditional means and methods,” and could legalize controversial practices like trapping, hounding and baiting. “HB 24-97 is not new policy. It is a repackaged effort to sideline the public from decisions about wildlife management,” Romero said.

Todd Ratner (Safari Club International) and Chuck Podolak (Concern Protect Arizona / Arizona Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation) testified in favor, with caveats, saying hunting heritage matters and some leaders in the sporting community support the bill but want technical conversations with the sponsor and Game and Fish.

Sandy Barr (Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter) testified in opposition, saying hunting is a privilege that can be lost for violations and warning the bill could assert legislative control over seasons and bag limits better handled by the commission.

Committee members offered explanations of vote emphasizing stewardship, balance between hunting and other outdoor recreation, and concerns about constitutionality and tying the hands of future legislatures. The committee returned HB 24-97 with a do-pass recommendation (committee tally recorded). The measure will move to subsequent House steps for further review.