Game and Fish Commission system invites your participation in wildlife policy

Once a year, the Arizona Governor’s Office invites qualified individuals to apply for membership on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The Governor’s Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has accepted applications from conservation-minded individuals willing to serve on our Commission, volunteering five years of their time to help conserve and protect Arizona’s abundant wildlife. The Board will review the applicants and select two to five candidates to be interviewed on November 13th, then forward their recommendations to the Governor.

Almost 100 years ago, Arizonans understood the importance of creating a system that ensured continuity of conservation, regardless of the political party in power. Sportsmen and conservationists wanted a Commission of citizen volunteers, not politicians, to make sure that our wildlife would be managed free of the politics of the day. They wanted a Commission that represented the whole state, not just the most populous counties, so they ensured that no two Commissioners would be from the same county.

Our Commissioners serve staggered terms, meaning every year, a new Commission member is sworn in as another member retires. No more than three Commissioners may be from the same political party. This succession framework ensures both the continuity of our conservation mission, and opportunities for new blood and new ideas to effect change when needed.

Our Commissioners debate, deliberate and make rules governing the management and protection of Arizona’s wildlife, and the safe operation of watercraft and off-highway vehicles. As our guide, we use the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The world’s most successful system of wildlife conservation, the North American Model dictates that “Hunting and angling laws are created through public process.” This is important because wildlife is held in the public trust for current and future generations.

Living up to that credo means that the Appointment Review Board meetings and our Commission meetings are all open to the public, and the public always has an opportunity to comment on our proceedings. Commission meetings are held throughout the state, and you can attend in person or view each meeting online. If you can’t attend in person, you can offer comments live via the internet at all 6 of our regional offices.

As candidates are screened by the Appointment Recommendation Board and recommendations are forwarded to the Governor, please remember that serving on the Commission is not the only way to have your voice heard on wildlife policy. We invite you to come to our monthly public meetings, address your concerns to our Commissioners and be part of the process.

And if you have applied and are accepted for a spot on the Commission, come prepared for five years of the hardest, most rewarding volunteer assignment you’ve ever taken on.

James S. Zieler

Chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.