Residents and nonresidents can apply for and get a fishing license online in the state of Arizona. The licenses, or permits, and other related stamps, are issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The state government has authorized agencies that also issue these licenses. The type of license, its validity, and the cost, would vary depending on the status of residency. There are certain exemptions as well. Like many other states, Arizona too has free fishing days every year, when anyone can fish without any license, or permit.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Arizona
Arizona is one of the few states in the country that do not have too many types of fishing licenses. The types of fishing licenses in Arizona you can apply for are general fishing and community fishing. Arizona necessitates licenses for hunting too, which can be combined with fishing. There is a separate migratory bird stamp, which is necessary if you are going to hunt such Aves.
Costs of a Fishing License in Arizona
Whether you are a resident or nonresident, you can get a fishing license in Arizona online and offline. Irrespective of how you apply for it and eventually purchase the license, the fee is nonrefundable and nonexchangeable. Every sale is final, whether you are dealing with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, its affiliates or authorized agencies.
The general fishing license costs $37 for residents. Nonresidents pay $55 for the same license. Residents can opt for a general hunting license for $37, or choose a combo hunt and fish license priced at $57. The general hunting license is not available for nonresidents. The combo hunt and fish license is available for nonresidents, at a price of $160.
There is a youth combo hunt and fish license for $5. This is available to both residents and nonresidents, and the fee is the same. Arizona has a short term combo hunt ; fish license that costs $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for nonresidents. Community fishing license costs $24 for both residents and nonresidents. Migratory bird stamp is also $5 for both categories of licensees.
Who is a Resident or Nonresident in Arizona?
Anyone who has been living in the state of Arizona at a permanent address for a period of at least six consecutive months preceding the date of application for the fishing license is considered to be a resident. Anyone who does not fit this criterion is a nonresident. However, these are not absolutes. There are exemptions for children younger than ten years. The free fishing day enables anyone and everyone to enjoy the activity, without any license, permit, or stamp.
U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed in the state of Arizona are regarded as residents. Even if a member of any of the forces is based for a temporary period of time, their status is that of a resident. Personnel who are born, raised, or have their permanent residency in the state of Arizona, are residents as per the regulations of the fishing license requirements. This means these personnel are residents while they may be serving anywhere else in the country, or beyond.
Fishing License Regulations in Arizona
Anyone aged ten years or older needs a fishing license, irrespective of their residency status. The same rule applies to hunting. These licenses regulate everything, be it hunting or fishing, shooting or killing, trapping or capturing, snaring or netting any wildlife. The state includes fish, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, wild birds, and wild mammals, as wildlife.
Unlicensed children can accompany licensed adults, whether residents or nonresidents, on fishing and hunting expeditions. However, there is a cap of two. Three children cannot accompany one adult license holder. Children younger than fourteen cannot hunt big game. No adult or child can hunt migratory birds while fishing, unless the necessary stamp is obtained. In addition to children aged nine or younger, blind residents do not require any fishing license.
Special Fishing Licenses in Arizona
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has simplified the entire process of applying for a fishing license, reprinting of an already purchased license, and getting a replacement for a lost, stolen or misplaced license. The Arizona Game and Fish Department issues general and special fishing licenses through its official website, and a network of dealers. These licensed dealers have offices throughout the state. There are over two hundred such dealers. However, every license is issued by the department, and not the dealer. The latter is merely a facilitator.
All general fishing licenses are valid for a year from the date of purchase or issuance. The migratory bird stamp issued by Arizona and the federal duck stamp are valid for a fiscal year, from the 1st of July through the 30th of June the following year.
Arizona has a few complimentary licenses for qualifying individuals. These could be solely for fishing, or hunting, in some cases both, or community fishing. None of these complimentary licenses is available through third party vendors, agencies or affiliated departments. Only Arizona Game and Fish Department offices have the authority to issue such licenses.
Senior citizens aged seventy or older with a residency status for twenty five consecutive years can get a pioneer license. Disabled veterans can get a special license if they have been a resident for one year or longer in the state of Arizona. There is an apprentice hunting license available for qualifying adult residents, but it is not for fishing and excluded big game animals.
Lifetime fishing license is only available for residents. The cost depends on the type of license and the age of the applicant. Nonresidents are not eligible for lifetime fishing license, or any permit that provides a validity of longer than a year. No licenses are transferable in the state of Arizona.
All residents and nonresidents should have the fishing license, related permits, and stamps, with them while partaking in the activity. No fishing license in Arizona permits a resident or nonresident to fish in private ponds, and other water bodies, without the permission and expressed authorization of the owner.
