Here is a copy of the reply I got from the guys at AZGF...
Mr. Weber,
The A.R.S. Title 17 statute that you are referring to is A.R.S. 17-309A.14, which states that it is unlawful for an individual to take wildlife by unlawful method. A.R.S. 17-309A.14 is further defined by Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-304F.3, which states that an individual may use artificial light while taking reptiles if the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or watercraft under sail.
To clarify: Arizona Game and Fish Department generally allows an individual to utilize their headlights on the vehicle to take reptiles. With that said, if a Wildlife Manager (Game Ranger) observes an individual utilizing their headlights and maneuvering the vehicle in such a way to provide reasonable suspicion that the occupants of the vehicle are taking reptiles, the Game Ranger will likely conduct a compliance/license check. If an individual utilizes mounted spotlights or other lights on a vehicle or shines a light that is not fixed to the vehicle from the vehicle (i.e. flashlight or spotlight) to take reptiles or other wildlife, then that individual may be in violation of ARS and Commission Rule.
Remember the definition of take as defined in A.R.S. 17-101A.18: “Take” means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring, or netting wildlife or the placing or using of any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in the capturing or killing of wildlife.
For your reference, I have included the links to these Statutes/Rules below.
A.R.S. 17-309:
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument....17&DocType=ARSR12-4-304F.3:
http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/title_12/12-04.htmHopefully that clears up some of the confusion. If you have further questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Kevin Bodmer
[email protected]]