Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I realize the delicacy of this request, considering everyone's fears of overzealous collectors,and destroyers of habitat etc.,but I figure it is worth a shot.

I'm going to be in the Arizona area between Tucson and Nogales in the last week of March, and I would greatly appreciate any advice, tips and directions that anyone familiar with this area might be willing to share. I'm from northern Illinois, so this is an eventful trip to an area essentially foreign to me.

I am NOT a collector. I only wish to observe and photograph.
Please do not post replies (see above).I can be cotacted at lithops51@yahoo.com

Thank you in advance

Last year we did pretty good in the Santa Ritas, I will be going again. Sounds to be in the area your around. Beautiful place.
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Todd Hughes

Do you recommend getting a hunting license even if I'm not collecting to help avoid trouble with law enforcement (Rangers, Fish and Game, Immigration, etc.)?

John

I don't know, I didn't collect but would have if I encountered the species I was after, therefore I purchased a 3 day license. I would check into that at the Arizona FWD to get the answers from the horses mouth, so to speak or go to an Arizona herp organization site, sorry, don't know the exact name. I want to say road cruising is okay and taking pics involving moving the animals for shots is okay but I don't want to mislead.
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Todd Hughes

You won't need a hunting license unless you plan on collecting. You probably won't see any game and fish, more likely to see lots of Border Patrol.

AZ is a very cool place for herps.

I went camping with a couple buddies in March ‘08 up in the mountains by Crown King, south of Prescott in the Prescott National Forest. Tons of small lizards, and a handsome gopher snake. There should be some awesome crotalus up there as well, but I didn’t have any luck in that regard. I’m really looking forward to flying down there again (I live in Seattle) in early May to visit a friend.

Even if you do not intend to collect, a hunting license is required if you are "pursuing or hunting"...this includes manipulating animals in any way for photos.

Yes, it is possible to run into AzG&F officers down there...take it from someone that knows. If you have any hooks, bags, etc. in your vehicle, they WILL assume that your intent is to collect, and you really should have a license. The fines are not cheap.

Best not to worry about it and buy the 3 day out of state license.

-Kris

yep, the 3 day worked for me, didn't collect anything, didn't find my target, but I was ready in case I did, and it is the law if even keeping an animal from normally moving on its' intended path (pursue)
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Todd Hughes

Thanks again for all the advice from those who responded. (and those who might still respond)It seems the cost of license, even if unused, is a small price for peace of mind.
Its good to know that there is a real community out there and not just a bunch of self-motivated collectors.
Again thanks alot. When I return home, hopefully I'll have experiences and pics to share.

I think you'll find that there is a rather small, but very close knit field herping community here in Az...Most everyone knows everyone else, and even if they don't know them, they know OF them.

Az herpers are notoriously reluctant to disclose locales for a variety of reasons. One, people have been burned in the past...They'll disclose locales only to return later to destroyed/altered habitat...Second, we all know that Az is home to a few desirable species in the herp trade, and the douche bag poachers don't need any help coming down here and getting a road map to Gilas, willardi, etc...

So, if you talk to an Az herper and they won't give out locales, don't take it personally...

-Kris

Kris,
I understand completely. Even here in northern Illinois (Where there isn't anything of any real MONETARY value) the same thing occurs. Rock piles dismantled, boards and sheet metal stood on edge, rotting logs completely destroyed, etc. I once met someone coming out of one of my favorite spots with nearly 20 Queensnakes. What could they possibly do with 20 Queensnakes??!
I imagine the problem must be exponentially worse in AZ.
I really wasn't expecting specific locale directions, maybe just some general pointers and tips. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Again, thanks for the response and advice.
-John