Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning an Arizona trip to primarily road cruise and photograph central borderland herptofauna in the month of May. I have been to Az twice before, but only in the cooler months. I am aware that Az has stricter regulations than my home state of Texas so do not plan on collecting during my visit. Any suggestions on specific locales that have proved rewarding for reptile observations would be much appreciated. Any other tips are more than welcome as well. Thanks and happy herping!

Happy,

I, like most herpers, generally plan my annual excursions to that great state to coincide with the monsoon season (July-Sept.). May and June can be very hot and dry (but with this year's El Nino weather pattern, who knows?). Depending upon the day to day weather, the higher elevations can even become unproductively cool at that time of year.

It seems that you are familiar with some of AZ's herp regulations, but remember that their definition of "take" (i.e., requiring a license) can be interpreted to include photography, especially if it involves a listed species. My advice would be to "bite the bullet" and purchase the expensive "Non-Resident Hunting License" to cover yourself. That, however, only includes reptiles; for amphibians you will need an additional "Non-Resident Fishing License" -- I know, go figure, but that's the law. Depending on the length of your stay, a somewhat cheaper three-day version of these licenses is available. I believe both can still be purchased through the AZGF website. Collecting is not really much of a problem if you have a license, as most non-listed species have reasonable bag limits.

Although some herpers have recently perceived an anti-hobbiest bias on the site in general, the AZ PARC Forum [http://p206.ezboard.com/freptilesofarizonafrm1] contains helpful observations from actual field herpers on the scene. As far as specific locales, there are too many to begin to list and, of course, it depends on what you are looking for.

Good luck.

Tom Lott

Not only will AZGF stop you, but the Border Patrol might stop you anywhere below Tucson. Ruby Road along the border is a neat spot, west of Nogales, but you need to beware of the traffic in illegal aliens. Anywhere near the border is a little risky. If you are alone I'd stay in well traveled areas, like the Chiricahua Mtns, the Santa Rita Mtns, Tucson, etc.

TC

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of staying near the border the whole time. Maybe driving some Indian roads outside of Organ Pipe? The 3 day hunting license is probably a good idea...

Be very careful along the border!!!!! I spend ALOT of time photographing and roadcruising, and I always have a current 3 day license whether Im collecting or filming.
I do not collect in any of the border areas where it is legal, I do not carry "anything" else that could jepordize my trips. DO NOT ENTER ANY PARK with a snake stick or bag in the car you will be cited, no ifs, ands, buts, maybes, depending on how you do on the "attitude test" they will strip search you, your passengers, any pets you may have and dismantle your car. When they dont find anything they will cite you for whatever they can and try to make you feel like they just saved you from yourself.
Do not go alone onto the papago reservation, they can cite you for anything they want, period. If you drive backroads down that way, especially alone, you are taking a big risk!! It is literally the wild west down there nowadays.
The park rangers, DEA, Customs, and local law enforcement will check you out if they see you, count on it.
I personally stay away now, there are many places as good or better than the Ajo road and Organ Pipe.
Good luck!
Lat