Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages the fish and wildlife on all publicly owned lands in the State. Please visit the AZGFD website for information on hunting and fishing and to buy licenses when required.

AZGFD periodically stocks the Verde River and Lynx and Mingus lakes with fish. A stocking schedule can be found on their website.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Lynx and Mingus Lakes are periodically stocked with trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Granite Basin and Horsethief Lakes are not stocked with fish, but patient anglers may catch bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona.

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at river access points along the Verde River. Rainbow trout are stocked upstream at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and in Camp Verde at Black Bridge from November through March. Bass, catfish, and roundtail chub are some of the other species that may be caught in this part of the river. Note: If caught, roundtail chub must be released immediately.

A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

For more information please visit: Arizona Game and Fish

Recreational and Target Shooting

Many people enjoy target shooting and plinking in open country. When participating in this activity, shooters must be aware of federal and state gun laws covering National Forest System lands. The following is information that will give you a better understanding of regulations and guidelines relating to the discharge of firearms on your national forest so that your visit will be a safe and enjoyable one. Forest Order #03-09-00-20-266 prohibits use of refuse as targets.

CONCERNS:

Problems that may arise when shooting on open national forest land include:
•Safety of other forest visitors
•Disturbance of other forest visitors
•Littering: targets and shell casings, etc.
•Starting wildfires
•Damage to private or public property
•Damage to natural features such as cactus and wildlife

REGULATIONS:

Regulations covering National Forest System Lands are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36. As listed in 36 CFR 261.9 and 261.10, the following are prohibited:

Shooting within 150-yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area
Shooting across or on a forest road
Shooting across or on a body of water adjacent to a forest road
Shooting in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage
Damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States
ArizonaState law prohibits shooting from a vehicle while hunting and authorities also consider “road-shooting” as endangerment.
Regional Order Prohibits Explosives (Including Explosive Targets) on Forests in Arizona and New Mexico (2 MB PDF)

THINK BEFORE YOU SHOOT:

The sound of gunfire can make people nervous (even when done safely). Stay comfortably away from other forest visitors.
Be certain of your target and backstop.
Know the effective range and maximum range of the firearm and ammunition you are using.
Do not leave targets or other debris. Remove shell casings -- especially shotgun shells.
Do not use glass objects as targets.
If someone else is shooting, don’t crowd in on him or her.

A WORD TO THE WISE:

The information contained in this guide is for general information purposes only. It is not a substitute for the law. You are fully accountable for knowing the laws and regulations governing use of firearms.

REFERENCES:

• Arizona Hunting Regulation, Arizona Game & Fish Department
• Arizona revised Statues, Title 13
• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36

RESOURCES:

Visit the Bureau of Land Management website for more information and safety tips for shooting on public lands.
More information, locations of shooting ranges, shooting classes, and more visit the Arizona Game & Fish web site.