GAME AND FISH CODE
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 STATEMENT OF TRIBAL POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE INTENT
Pursuant to the power vested in it by Article IV, Section 1 (f), (h), (i), and (q) of the Constitution of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Tribal Council of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, recognizing the spiritual, cultural, and economic value of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation; and recognizing that these are irreplaceable Tribal resources; and recognizing that unregulated use of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Tribe would threaten the political integrity, the economic security, and the health and welfare of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, hereby enacts this Game and Fish Code to ensure proper management of these vital resources.
Further, recognizing that the White Mountain Apache people alone have the absolute, inherent, retained sovereign right to use and enjoy the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, and to govern its use by its Members and all others, the Tribal Council, in regulating the wildlife and recreation resources of the Reservation, intends that tribal Members shall be afforded the greatest possible freedom to use and enjoy these resources consistent with the preservation and improvement of these resources for future generations.
Of secondary importance is the policy of permitting the limited use of the wildlife and recreation resources of the Reservation by Nonmembers for the promotion of intercultural education and good will and for the economic benefit of the Tribe as a whole. Recognizing the White Mountain Apache tradition of restitution as a remedy for injustices, the Tribal Council hereby declares that this Code is civil in nature and that restitution and other civil penalties shall be the primary remedy for its violation. Criminal sanctions may also be imposed in cases where this Code so provides.
SECTION 1.2 SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Code, or the application thereof, is held invalid, the remainder of this Code, or other applications of such provision, shall not be affected.
SECTION 1.3 DEFINITIONS
A. In this Code, unless the context requires another meaning:
1. "ACTIVITY" means any activity related to recreation or to taking wildlife.
2. "ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE" means any motorized vehicle designed primarily for recreational purposes and off-road
use, and includes two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel vehicles. This definition does not include any vehicle licensed by
any state for travel on public roads.
3. "ANGLING" means the act or sport of fishing with hook and line.
4. "AQUATIC WILDLIFE" means all plants and animals whose habitat is in water.
5. "AUTHORIZED OFFICER" means any game ranger of the Recreation Enterprise, any peace officer of the White
Mountain Apache Tribe, and any other person authorized by the White Mountain Apache Tribe to enforce this Code.
6. "BAG LIMIT" means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of a particular species of wildlife, which may lawfully
be taken by any one person during a specified period of time.
7. "BOATING" means traveling upon water in any watercraft or vessel.
8. "CLOSED AREA" means any area on the Reservation in which entry by persons or vehicles is prohibited.
9. "DIRECTOR" or "GENERAL MANAGER" means the Chief Administrative Officer of the Recreation Enterprise, or
White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish Department.
10. "FALCONRY" means the taking of wildlife with birds of prey.
11. "FIELD TRIAL" means an event or competition of sporting dogs in actual performance.
12. "FIREARM" means any weapon which propels something through the use of gunpowder.
13. "FISHING" means the act or sport of taking or attempting to take aquatic wildlife.
14. "FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION" means the lands of the White Mountain Apache Tribe within the
boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and other lands held in trust for the Tribe.
15. "GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT" means the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish Department.
16. "GUIDE" means a person who, for pay or other remuneration, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife, or pursuing
any other Recreational Activity.
17. "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE OR MATERIAL" means any substance defined as hazardous by the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., or any other
substance which, after release into the environment, is or may become injurious, either directly or indirectly, to any
organism.
18. "HUNTING PERMIT" means a permit issued by the Game and Fish Department for the taking of animals.
19. "INDIAN" means any person of Indian descent who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe according to
the laws of that Tribe, and any other person recognized by federal law as an Indian for any purpose, and denotes both the
singular and the plural.
20. "MEMBER" means a person who is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
21. "MOTORIZED VEHICLE" means any vehicle propelled by motor or engine.
22. "NONMEMBER" means a person who is not an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
23. "NONMEMBER INDIAN" means a person who is a member of any federally recognized Indian tribe other than the
White Mountain Apache Tribe.
24. "OPEN SEASON" means the time during which a particular species of wildlife may be lawfully taken.
25. "PICNIC" means a pleasure outing where food is eaten outdoors.
26. "RANGER" means a peace officer of the Recreation Enterprise or the Game and Fish Department authorized to
enforce the provisions of this Code and the Game and Fish Regulations.
27. "RECREATION ENTERPRISE" means the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish Department.
28. "RECREATION PERMIT" means any permit, including camping permits issued by the Recreation Enterprise for
any recreational use of Tribal lands.
29. "RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY" means any outdoor activity intended for sport or pleasure, including, but not
limited to, picnicking, camping, boating, tubing, hiking, bicycling, and skiing; but not including hunting or any other taking
of wildlife.
30. "RECREATIONAL AREA" means all portions of the Reservation except for communities, public roads and other
areas specially set aside for other than recreational purposes.
31. "RECREATIONAL USER" means any person engaged in a Recreational Activity.
32. "RESERVATION" means the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
33. "RIVER RUNNING" means moving or traveling upon any river by raft, kayak, inner tube, canoe, or other watercraft.
34. "ROAD" means any federal, state, county or tribal right of way for public travel, and any tribal logging road, whether
open or closed.
35. "SWIMMING" means propelling oneself in the water by natural means and includes, but is not limited to, diving,
jumping, and floating.
36. "TAKING" means pursuing, shooting, shooting at, hunting, trapping, netting, snaring, fishing, killing, capturing, or
attempting any of the foregoing.
37. "TRAPPING" means the taking of wildlife in any manner except with gun or other implement in hand.
38. "TRESPASSER" means a person who enters or remains upon the land of another without permission or right to do so
created by the possessor's consent or otherwise.
39. "TRIBAL COUNCIL" means the White Mountain Apache Tribal Council duly assembled.
40. "TRIBAL COURT" or "COURT" means the courts of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
41. "TRIBAL MEMBER" means a person who is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
42. "TRIBE" means the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
43. "WATERCRAFT" means any boat or other floating device of rigid or inflatable construction which is designed to
carry people or things on the water.
44. "WILDLIFE" means all plants, animals, and other natural items found on the Reservation.
B. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply:
1. "BIG GAME" are wild turkey, deer, elk, antelope, peccary (javelina), bear, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep and desert
sheep.
2. "FURBEARING ANIMALS" are muskrat, raccoon, otter, mink, beaver, badger, ringtail cat, weasel, and bobcat.
3. "MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS" are duck, goose, swan, sandhill crane, all gallinules, all coots, common snipe,
bandtail pigeon, and dove.
4. "PREDATORY ANIMALS" are fox, skunk, coyote, wolf, and bobcat.
5. "SMALL GAME" are rabbit, squirrel, upland game birds, and migratory game birds.
6. "UPLAND GAME BIRDS" are quail, partridge, grouse, and pheasant.
AUTHORITY OF
THE GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
SECTION 2.1 GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
In order to administer the laws of the Tribe relating to conservation and management of wildlife and recreation resources
the Game and Fish Department shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Make such rules and regulations and establish such services as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions and
purposes of this Code, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
B. Recommend to the Tribal Council broad policies and long range programs for the management and preservation of
wildlife and other Tribal recreational resources.
C. Issue Recreational Permits, watercraft permits, licenses to take wildlife, and other permits and licenses for use of the
Tribal lands and resources.
D. Establish hunting and fishing regulations, and prescribe the manner and methods which may be used in taking wildlife,
subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
E. Establish and publish Nonmember Regulations, subject to the approval of the Tribal Council.
F. Be responsible for the enforcement of laws, including setting fines and civil penalties, for the protection of wildlife and
other Tribal recreational resources.
G. Establish rewards or bounties for information leading to the identification and prosecution of violators of this Code.
H. Prescribe qualifications, training, grades and salary schedules for Department employees.
I. Provide for the assembly and distribution of information to the public relating to wildlife and other Tribal recreational
resources.
J. Assist in search and rescue operations.
K. Conduct investigations, inquiries or hearings as necessary to enforce this Code.
L. Establish game management units, refuges or Closed Areas for the preservation and management of wildlife, with the
approval of the Tribal Council. Such units, refuges or Closed Areas shall be clearly marked with signs.
M. Construct and operate game farms, fish hatcheries, fishing lakes, or other facilities for or relating to the management,
preservation or propagation of wildlife.
N. Provide training to the public in hunting safety and the safe handling of firearms.
O. Purchase, sell or barter wildlife for the purpose of stocking tribal lands and waters.
P. Use wildlife for research or other educational purposes.
Q. Enter into intergovernmental agreements, including cross-deputization agreements, with tribal, federal, state or local
governments and their political subdivisions, or enter into agreements with private entities, subject to Tribal Council
approval.
R. Prescribe seasons, bag limits, possession limits and other regulations pertaining to the taking of wildlife, with the
approval of the Tribal Council.
S. Bring suit in the name of the Tribe against any person, entity, or organization, including public entities, to restrain or
enjoin them from violating this Code or destroying or polluting Tribal resources.
T. Exercise such additional powers and duties as are necessary to fully carry out the provisions of this Code.
SECTION 2.2 DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS
The Department shall prepare and, as often as necessary, revise publications which provide the public with information on recreation permits, seasons, bag limits, closed areas, fines and penalties, and other Department regulations. The Department shall make these publications available to the public through all permit dealers, at the Department office, and at such other places as it may designate.
SECTION 2.3 GENERAL MANAGER: APPOINTMENT; REMOVAL
The Tribal Council shall employ a General Manager, who shall be the chief administrative officer of the Department. The General Manager shall be selected on the basis of administrative ability and general knowledge of wildlife and recreation resource management and conservation. The Tribal Council may remove the General Manager for any reason, with or without cause.
SECTION 2.4 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
A. In addition to any other powers and duties set forth in this Code, the General Manager shall supervise and control all activities, functions, and employees of the Department and shall oversee the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, including any rules and regulations promulgated by the Department.
B. The General Manager shall oversee the hiring and firing of Rangers and other Department employees.
PERMITS
SECTION 3.1 PERMITS; REQUIREMENTS
A. Except as otherwise provided by this Code, no person shall take or attempt to take any wildlife or engage in any Recreational Activity regulated by this Code on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation unless such person has in his or her personal possession a valid Tribal Hunting or Recreation Permit authorizing that activity.
B. No person required to obtain a Hunting or Recreation Permit pursuant to Subsection A shall fail or refuse to exhibit such permit(s) when asked to do so by an Authorized Officer.
C. No refunds shall be made on Recreational Permits.
D. Recreational Permits are neither transferable nor assignable.
E. Unless stated otherwise, all permits expire at the end of the calendar year.
F. No hunting or fishing licenses or permits issued by any state shall be required on the Reservation.
G. The Department may issue a duplicate Recreation Permit, provided that the person requesting such duplicate permit furnishes such information as may be reasonably required. The Department may collect a fee for each duplicate Recreation Permit issued.
H. The Department may refuse to issue a Recreation Permit or Hunting Permit to any Nonmember for any reason.
SECTION 3.2 PERMIT AGREEMENT FORM
A. Any persons to whom a Hunting or Recreation Permit is issued by the Department shall be required to sign a Permit Agreement before any such permit shall be valid. The Agreement shall be in substantially the same form as provided in Section B below. The form shall be signed by the applicant in the presence of the permit dealer who issued the permit, or his agent.
B. Permit Agreement Form:
I, hereby agree that the following terms and conditions govern my use of the permit, my presence on the White Mountain
Apache Reservation, and my use of Tribal resources and services:
1. I agree to obey all Tribal laws and regulations.
2. I consent to the jurisdiction of the White Mountain Apache Tribal Court as the forum for the resolution of any civil
disputes which arise from my presence on the Reservation and/or use of Tribal resources and/or services.
3. I understand that permission for me to enter the White Mountain Apache Reservation is conditioned on my obeyance of
Tribal laws and regulations and that violation of such laws and regulations makes me a trespasser and may subject me to
arrest, tribal and federal court action, expulsion from the Reservation, and seizure of property as security for payment of
potential financial obligations to the Tribe.
4. I understand that permits are required for all Recreational Activities and for taking wildlife on the Reservation.
5. Swimming is prohibited on the Reservation.
6. I understand that the willful use of Tribal resources or services contrary to the terms of Tribal law or regulation
constitutes theft of Tribal assets and is a violation of Tribal and federal law.
7. I agree to be bound by the penalties and liquidated damages provisions of Tribal law in the event that I am found liable to
the White Mountain Apache Tribe for violations of Tribal law.
I have read and understand the above terms and agree to be bound by them.
______________________ ___________________
Signature of Permittee Date
SECTION 3.3 PERMIT DEALERS; BOND
A. Hunting, fishing, and Recreation Permits shall be prepared by the Department and furnished to permit dealers. Such permits shall be available to the public from these dealers. Permit dealers shall sell permits only as authorized by this Code.
B. Permit dealers shall provide a bond to the Tribe in an amount set by the Department to protect the interests of the Tribe, and the premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the permit dealer.
C. No later than January 30th of each year, permit dealers shall provide the Department with a report of permits sold during
the previous calendar year. Such reports shall contain the following information:
(1) The total number of permits sold;
(2) The total amount of money collected for the sale of all permits;
(3) The number of permits sold by category; i.e., fishing, camping, picnicking, other, etc.;
(4) Such other information as is reasonably requested by the Department.
D. All permits in a permit dealer's possession shall be returned to the Department within ten (10) days of a written request by the Department or as otherwise directed by the Department.
E. With Tribal Council approval, the Department may promulgate other rules and regulations which shall apply to permit dealers.
F. Permit dealers who violate any provision of this Code may have their dealer's licenses suspended or revoked, after notice and hearing, and may, in addition, by subject to a Class Two Civil Penalty or criminal sanctions.
SECTION 3.4 GUIDES
A. No person without a permit shall act as a Guide for activities including, but not limited to, river running or rafting, kayaking, canoeing trips, fishing trips, hiking or backpacking trips, or hunting big game. Such permits, however, shall not be required for individuals acting as guides for the White Mountain Apache Tribe Trophy Elk Hunt.
B. Any person wishing to serve as a Guide on the Reservation shall be at least 21 years of age and shall submit an application to the Department on forms to be provided by the Department. In addition, all applicants shall submit to interviews as requested by the Department, and shall submit affidavits or other proof of competence to guide on the Reservation as requested by the Department.
C. No later than January 30th of each year, Guides shall provide the Department with a report of all guide activities which
took place on the Reservation for the previous calendar year. Such report shall contain the following information:
(1) The total number of persons guided;
(2) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons guided;
(3) The number and species of wildlife taken by each person guided;
(4) The total number of days a Guide has guided on the Reservation;
(5) The total number of days a Guide has guided off the Reservation, and where the guiding was conducted;
(6) The number and species of wildlife taken by all persons guided;
(7) Such other information as is reasonably requested by the Department.
D. No persons acting as a Guide shall carry firearms other than a pistol.
E. With Tribal Council approval, the Department may promulgate other rules and regulations which shall apply to Guides.
F. Guides who violate any provision of this Code may have their Guide licenses suspended or revoked, after notice and hearing; and may, in addition, be subject to a Class Three Civil Penalty or criminal sanctions.
SECTION 3.5 SPECIAL LICENSES AND PERMITS
A. With Tribal Council approval, the Department may issue special permits for collecting or holding wildlife, for conducting Field Trials, or for any other recreational, educational or scientific purpose.
B. Upon the request of the Department, any person who has been issued a special license or permit pursuant to this Section
shall submit a written report to the Department outlining all activities undertaken, including, where applicable:
(1) The dates of all activities;
(2) The methods and means of taking or collecting wildlife or data;
(3) The use or uses for which the wildlife or data was collected;
(4) The benefits to the Tribe or to the general public of the activities and uses of wildlife or data collected;
(5) Any other information requested by the General Manager.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
SECTION 4.1 NONMEMBER RECREATION PERMITS REQUIRED
A Recreation Permit is required for all Nonmember recreation within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
SECTION 4.2 REGULATION OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES
A. Operation by Nonmembers of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited on the Reservation.
B. No person shall operate any motorized vehicle within the Reservation unless such vehicle is currently licensed by a state or Indian tribe for unrestricted highway use, except as otherwise provided in the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 12. This provision shall not apply to Tribal Government or Department vehicles used for Tribal purposes, or to vehicles operated by Members.
C. No person shall operate any motorized vehicle except on designated roads. This provision shall not apply to:
(1) Tribal or federal employees acting within the scope of their employment;
(2) Persons with special permits who are acting within the conditions of the permit;
(3) Necessary travel by employees and agents of public utilities, or suppliers of water or power acting as agents of the
federal government, or to employees or agents of mining companies exercising rights pursuant to any applicable mining
law or regulation. Other persons who are regularly engaged in forestry, prospecting or mineral exploration shall, upon
application, be issued vehicular access permits by the Department;
(4) A hunter with a hunting permit who enters an area solely to pick up a big game animal which he or she has legally
killed;
(5) Emergency situations, such as fire or other disasters, or when otherwise necessary to protect life or property.
D. If the Department determines that the operation of motorized vehicles in a certain area may be harmful to wildlife, the Department may order the area closed to motorized vehicles for a period of time as approved by the Tribal Council. The Department shall post notices on the main roads entering such Closed Areas and at other locations as the Department deems appropriate.
E. The Department may designate particular areas of land to be available for off-road use by motorized vehicles, with the approval of the Tribal Council.
F. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.3 FISHING
See Chapter Five, Section 5.6.
SECTION 4.4 CAMPING
A. Permits
(1) Any Nonmember camping or occupying a campsite on the Reservation shall first purchase a camping permit. One
permit is required for each vehicle.
(2) Members shall not be required to obtain camping permits.
(3) Camping permits are required in addition to any other permits required by this Code for the other activities in which
campers may engage, and are not substitutes for such other permits.
B. Regulations
(1) No person shall camp in other than a campsite designated by the Department.
(2) Except as specifically authorized in writing by the Department, campfires shall be permitted only in designated
campsites.
(3) No person shall camp within one quarter mile of a wildlife or livestock watering hole, or in any area which is posted as
a "No Camping" area.
C. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.5 PICNICKING
A. Permits
(1) Any Nonmember who intends to picnic on the Reservation shall first purchase a Recreation Permit. One permit is
required for each vehicle.
(2) A Recreation Permit for picnicking is not required when a member of the family or group of up to three unrelated
persons possesses any other current and valid Recreation Permit or hunting license. (i.e., fishing permit, camping permit).
(3) Members shall not be required to purchase a Recreation Permit for picnicking.
B. Picnicking is allowed only in designated areas.
C. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.6 HIKING
A. Any Nonmember who intends to hike on the Reservation shall first purchase a Recreation Permit. One permit is required for each vehicle.
B. Hiking is permitted in designated areas only. There shall be no hiking by Nonmembers in Closed Areas.
C. Members shall not be required to purchase a Recreation Permit for hiking.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense, except that entry onto any Closed Area shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.7 WATERCRAFT
A. Nonmembers who operate watercraft on the Reservation shall first purchase a valid watercraft permit.
B. Watercraft permits shall be valid only during the calendar year issued and only for the designated watercraft for which issued. Annual permit stickers shall be attached to the designated watercraft.
C. Watercraft operated on waters within the Reservation are restricted to the use of a single electric motor, unless otherwise prescribed by Department rules and regulations.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.8 RIVER RUNNING
A. Any Nonmember who engages in River Running by raft, kayak, inner tube or other watercraft on the Salt River and who enters the Salt River from the Reservation, or who stops on the Reservation side of the river, must first purchase a Recreation Permit.
B. River Running is restricted to the Salt River from the Salt River Canyon Bridge to the boundary of the Reservation west of Gleason Flats. River Running on any river other than the Salt River is prohibited.
C. One permit is required for each person rafting. River Running permits include one night camping in any campground on the date for which the permit is issued.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.9 HORSEBACK RIDING
A. Any Nonmember who intends to ride a horse on the Reservation shall first purchase a Recreation Permit, except as otherwise permitted at Sunrise Park Resort.
B. Nonmembers may ride horses only in designated areas.
C. Violation of this Section is a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.10 BICYCLING
A. Any Nonmember who intends to bicycle on the Reservation, shall first purchase a Recreation Permit. This Section shall not apply to bicycling on paved roads. One permit is required for each person.
B. Bicycling is permitted in designated areas only. There shall be no bicycling in Closed Areas.
C. Members shall not be required to purchase a Recreation Permit for bicycling.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense, except that entry onto any Closed Area of the Reservation shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.11 WINTER ACTIVITIES
A. Any Nonmember who intends to engage in sledding, snow-tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or other outdoor winter activity on the Reservation shall first purchase a Recreation Permit pursuant to Department regulations.
B. Sledding, snow-tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or any other outdoor winter activity is permitted only in special areas designated by the Department, except as permitted at Sunrise Park Resort.
C. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.12 OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
A. All other recreational uses of Tribal lands and resources not specifically listed above or in Department rules and regulations shall require the written permission of the Department and the purchase of a Recreation Permit.
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.13 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: PROPERTY
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Mutilating, defacing, disturbing, injuring, damaging or destroying any natural item, including but not limited to
Wildlife, rocks, stones, fossils, or other property of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, including fences and Department
property;
(2) Removing any natural item, including but not limited to, Wildlife, rocks, stones, fossils, or other property of the White
Mountain Apache Tribe, including fences and Department property;
(3) Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any paleontological, prehistoric,
historic or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact or property;
(4) Removing any paleontological, prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact or property;
(5) Destroying, removing, injuring or cutting any green tree, dead tree, or other firewood on the Reservation without written
authorization; provided, however, that Members may cut wood pursuant to regulations set by the Tribal Council;
(6) Causing a fire other than a campfire.
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.14 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: OCCUPATION AND USE
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Building, attending, maintaining or using a fire outside of a stove, grill, fireplace or fire ring;
(2) Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fire-work or other pyrotechnic device;
(3) Failing to remove all camping equipment or personal property when vacating an area or site;
(4) Occupying any portion of a recreation site for other than recreation purposes;
(5) Occupying a place designated for day use only between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
(6) Entering or remaining in a camping area between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except to camp or visit a person who is camping;
(7) Moving any campground equipment without the owner's consent;
(8) Placing, maintaining, or using camping equipment except in a place specifically designated or provided for such
equipment;
(9) Cleaning or washing any food, personal property, fish or other animal, or bathing or washing at a hydrant or water
faucet not provided for that purpose;
(10) Operating or using in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without a permit,
any device which produces noise, such as a radio, television, musical instrument, motor or engine in such a manner and at
such a time so as to unreasonably disturb any person;
(11) Operating or using a public address system, whether fixed, portable or vehicle mounted, in or near a campsite or
developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without written permission from the Department;
(12) Posting, placing, or erecting any paper, notice, advertising material, sign, or similar matter without written permission
from the Department;
(13) Placing a vehicle or other object in such a manner that it is an impediment or hazard to the safety or convenience of
any person;
(14) Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions;
(15) Swimming, entering into, or being in a body of water, except while fishing and in possession of a valid fishing permit;
(16) Being publicly nude;
(17) Possessing or using a pack outfit on the Reservation without a camping permit or written permission from the
Department;
(18) Entering a Closed Area;
(19) Entering any Special Use Area without a proper Special Use Permit.
B. Violation of Subsection A shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
C. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Allowing any unleashed dog or dog on a leash longer than 8 feet to roam within any campground, or populated or
public area;
(2) Depositing any body waste except into receptacles provided for that purpose;
(3) Abandoning any personal property;
(4) Abandoning or leaving a fire unattended;
(5) Using any pesticide except for personal use as an insect repellent or as allowed with written permission by the
Department.
D. Violation of Subsection C shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
E. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Disobeying a lawful order of an Authorized Officer. In addition, any able bodied person who, without good reason,
refuses to render assistance when summoned by an Authorized Officer to suppress range or forest fires within the
Reservation, shall, pursuant to Section 6.20, forfeit all rights, privileges, leases and permits granted by the Tribe;
(2) Discharging a firearm or using any pyrotechnic device:
(a) In or within one quarter mile of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or
(b) Across or on a roadway, or within one quarter mile of a roadway, or in any manner or place whereby any person or
property is exposed to injury or damage as result of such discharge or use.
F. Violation Subsection E shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 4.15 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: SANITATION
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Placing in or near a stream, lake, or other water any substance which does or may pollute a stream, lake, or other water;
(2) Failing to dispose of all garbage, including any paper, can, bottle, sewage, waste water or material, or rubbish either by
removal from the site or area, or by depositing it into receptacles or at places provided for such purposes;
(3) Depositing in any toilet, toilet vault, or plumbing fixture any substance which could damage or interfere with the
operation or maintenance of the fixture;
(4) Possessing or leaving refuse, debris, or litter in an exposed or unsanitary condition. In addition, if the substance is a
petroleum product or any hazardous material, the penalty shall be up to $1,000 plus all clean-up costs;
(5) Dumping any refuse, debris, trash or litter brought as such from off the Reservation. In addition, if the substance is a
petroleum product or any hazardous material, the penalty shall be up to $1,000 plus all clean-up costs.
B. Except as otherwise provided, violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
TAKING AND HANDLING WILDLIFE
SECTION 5.1 TAKING AND HANDLING OF WILDLIFE ALLOWED ONLY AS PERMITTED BY CODE
A. No person shall take or attempt to take, possess, molest, harass, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale any wildlife, or parts thereof, in any manner except as permitted by this Code.
B. For the purpose of this Section, "attempt" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 6.7 B.
C. Except as otherwise provided, violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
D. The Civil Penalties provided for in this Chapter shall be in addition to the Liquidated Damages penalty pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.2 NONMEMBER SPOUSES OF TRIBAL MEMBERS
Nonmembers married to Members shall have no hunting or fishing privileges by reason of such marriage, except as may be provided by the Tribal Council.
SECTION 5.3 POSSESSION OF ANIMAL PARTS
A. No person shall possess, purchase or sell any animal parts, including but not limited to claws, paws, hooves and antlers except as permitted below. Possession of wildlife unlawfully obtained anywhere is unlawful.
B. The carcass, or parts of the carcass, of wildlife lawfully obtained may be possessed by the person who took such wildlife, and may be placed in storage in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
C. A person may make a gift of the carcass or parts of the carcass of lawfully obtained wildlife, or may have it prepared in a public eating place and served to himself or herself and guests.
D. The tagged heads, horns, and antlers of lawfully taken wildlife, or the treated or mounted wildlife specimens such as mounted heads or hides or skin of lawfully taken wildlife, or the shed antlers from whitetail deer, mule deer, or elk, may be possessed or sold by any person, except that only Members may collect or pick-up shed antlers in the woods. Members may collect shed antlers only at such times and locations and in compliance with such other regulations as the Department establishes.
E. Any untagged heads, horns, or antlers, other than shed antlers, remain the property of the Tribe and will be immediately confiscated by the Department. An inventory list of all confiscated skins, hides, animal parts, antlers, heads or horns shall be delivered on a regular basis to the Tribal Treasurer who shall decide how said property will be disposed.
F. Anyone buying antlers or other wildlife parts on the Reservation must first obtain a Tribal Peddler's Permit and notify
the Department. Shed antlers may be purchased only during the dates when Members are permitted to collect shed antlers.
Within ten days of the end of each month the buyer shall provide a report to the Department of each transaction in the prior
month including:
(1) The seller's name and address;
(2) A description of items purchased;
(3) The quantity of items purchased (in weight or number);
(4) The vehicle license number of the sellers;
(5) The date of each purchase.
G. Migratory game birds and parts thereof may be possessed and transported only in accordance with federal regulations, 50 C.F.R. part 20.
H. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.4 TRANSPORTING AND PROCESSING LEGALLY TAKEN GAME
A. All legally taken wildlife shall be transported in such a manner that it may be inspected by Authorized Officers upon request.
B. A person who has legally killed a big game animal shall attach to the animal transportation tags provided with each permit in such a manner as prescribed by the Department. No person shall possess more than one bag or possession limit of any species of wildlife, except for the purpose of transportation.
C. No person shall deliver for transportation to any common carrier, and no common carrier shall transport any wildlife
except as follows:
(1) Wildlife may be shipped during the open season, or within two weeks thereafter, but such shipment shall not exceed the
possession limit for any one species, and no more than one such possession limit may be shipped in a period of seven
consecutive days;
(2) When shipped, a valid transportation permit shall be firmly attached to such shipment and the shipment shall be clearly and conspicuously labeled with the name and address of the consignor and consignee and an accurate statement of the contents of package.
D. Commercial food establishments processing or storing wildlife shall stamp all packages containing such wildlife with a stamp furnished by the Department and such packages shall be marked with the date received or processed. The operator of such an establishment shall keep a record of the names and addresses of persons who furnish such wildlife for processing or storage, and the date, amount, and species of such wildlife received, and shall exhibit such record to an agent of the Department upon request.
E. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.5 AREAS CLOSED TO HUNTING AND FISHING
A. No persons shall carry, transport or possess devices for taking wildlife within or upon a refuge or area closed to hunting and fishing, except as may be authorized by the Department in writing.
B. No person shall remove or drive, or attempt to take or drive wildlife from areas closed to hunting and fishing, except as may be authorized by the Department in writing.
C. This Section shall not apply to Authorized Officers in the performance of official duties, nor to persons crossing the Reservation on state highways carrying firearms.
D. This Section shall not prohibit a lessee, permittee, or his or her family or an employee of the Tribe or federal government or a trapper or hunter licensed by the Tribe from carrying firearms pursuant to the rights and duties of such lease, permit or license.
E. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.6 FISHING
A. Permits
(1) Any Nonmember who fishes or intends to fish on the Reservation shall first purchase a Fishing Permit and shall comply
with this Code and the Nonmember Regulations issued by the Department.
(2) No Fishing Permit is required for any person under ten (10) years of age who is accompanied by an adult fishing permit
holder or tribal member.
(3) Fishing Permits shall not be required for Members except as provided below.
(4) Special Fishing Permits for Members and Nonmembers are required for Christmas Tree Lake, Hurricane Lake, Bootleg
Lake and Cyclone Lake.
B. Bait
(1) No live bait fish may be used.
(2) No live bait may be used except for worms or waterdogs.
(3) Some areas may be restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures only.
C. Fish may be taken by angling only unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Department.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.7 HUNTING BIG GAME
A. Any person who hunts or intends to hunt big game on the Reservation shall first purchase a Big Game Hunting Permit for each species, if available for that year, and shall comply with this Code and the hunting regulations issued by the Department.
B. A minor between the ages of fourteen (14) and seventeen (17) inclusive may hunt big game only if said minor has obtained a valid permit, and is accompanied by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older. In addition, no minor under the age of fourteen (14) years of age may hunt big game unless said minor has completed a hunter's safety course conducted by the Department or the State of Arizona and is at least twelve (12) years of age.
C. Big Horn Sheep or Desert Sheep shall not be hunted on the Reservation.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.8 HUNTING SMALL GAME
A. Any Nonmember who hunts or intends to hunt small game on the Reservation shall first purchase a Small Game Hunting Permit for each species, if available for that year and shall comply with this Code, and the Nonmember hunting regulations issued by the Department.
B. A Nonmember minor with a valid permit may hunt small game if accompanied by an adult holding a valid permit for that activity.
C. Members shall not be required to obtain a permit to hunt small game on the Reservation, but must comply with all applicable rules and regulations established by the Department.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.9 TRAPPING
A. Any person who traps or intends to trap on the Reservation shall first purchase a Trapping Permit, if available for that year, and shall comply with this Code and the regulations issued by the Department.
B. Violation of this section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.10 FALCONRY
A. Any person who intends to practice falconry on the Reservation shall first purchase a Falconry Permit, if available for that year, and shall comply with this Code and the regulations issued by the Department.
B. A Falconry Permit will allow the permittee to capture and keep on the Reservation for use in the practice of falconry the following birds only: Cooper's Hawk, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Red Tail Hawk, Harris Hawk, American Kestrel or Goshawk.
C. Raptors may be captured only in those areas prescribed by the Department.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense. In addition, the violator shall be liable for the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 5.11 DUTY TO REPORT SHOOTING ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH; DUTY TO GIVE ASSISTANCE
A. Any person who, while taking wildlife, is involved in a shooting accident resulting in injury to any person shall render every possible assistance to the injured person, and shall immediately report the accident to the nearest law enforcement officer after rendering such assistance.
B. Such person shall within ten days of the accident file a written report with the Department of such accident.
C. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.12 PROPERTY DAMAGE BY WILDLIFE; INVESTIGATION BY DEPARTMENT
A. Except as provided in Section 5.13, any person suffering property damage from wildlife may exercise all reasonable measures to alleviate such damage except that reasonable measures shall not include removing, injuring or killing any game animals, furbearing animals, predatory animals or birds.
B. Any person suffering property damage from wildlife may file a written request for assistance with the Department describing the damage suffered and the species of animals causing such damage. The Department shall order an investigation by an employee trained in handling wildlife depredations and provide the technical advice and assistance deemed necessary by the Department.
C. If removal of animals is found to be necessary to prevent further damage, the General Manager may order any action deemed reasonably necessary by the Department to stop or restrain such wildlife depredation.
SECTION 5.13 TAKING BEAR OR MOUNTAIN LION FOR PROTECTION OF PROPERTY; REPORT
A. Other provisions of the Code notwithstanding, a livestock association or Tribal Member who is a livestock operator, and who has had livestock attacked or killed by bear or mountain lion, may use such measures as are reasonably necessary to prevent further damage, including taking the bear or mountain lion.
B. A Big Game Hunting Permit shall not be required for the taking of a bear or mountain lion under this Section, but within 72 hours after the taking, the livestock owner or association shall report in writing to the Department describing the location where the animal was taken and the number and kind of livestock that were attacked or killed. The Department shall take possession of the animal within 72 hours of receiving the report.
C. No animal trapped or taken alive under this Section shall be held in captivity. Capture of such animals shall be immediately reported to the Department. Within 72 hours of such report the Department shall take possession of the animal.
D. No portion of an animal taken pursuant to this Section shall be retained by any person.
E. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.14 HAZARDOUS OR NUISANCE ANIMALS IN CAMPGROUNDS, ETC.; REPORT; ABATEMENT PLAN; PROTECTION OF PERSONS
A. An Authorized Officer may use whatever means are reasonably necessary to prevent injury to persons or property from bears or other wild animals creating a nuisance or hazard at a camping or other public use area. No animal shall be killed, except to protect persons who are in immediate danger, or as provided in an Abatement Plan pursuant to Subsection C of this Section.
B. An Authorized Officer who learns of or is involved in an incident involving nuisance or hazardous animals in a camping or other public use area shall file a written Animal Nuisance/Hazard Report with the Department describing the species of the animal, the date, time, and location of the incident, and the nature of the hazard or nuisance.
C. The Department, upon receipt of an Animal Nuisance/Hazard Report, shall order an investigation and report by an employee trained in the handling of animal depredations. If the Department determines that the nuisance or hazard is likely to be of a continuing or repetitious nature, it shall formulate a written Animal Nuisance/Hazard Abatement Plan to remedy the nuisance or hazard and shall implement the plan.
D. An Abatement Plan formulated pursuant to this Section may authorize the trapping, tagging, moving, or killing of any hazardous or nuisance animals to protect property or public safety.
E. No animal trapped pursuant to this Section shall be kept in captivity for longer than is necessary to tag and transport the animal to another area for release.
F. Any animal killed pursuant to this Section shall be disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.15, and except as provided in that Section, no person shall retain any part of such animal.
G. After an Abatement Plan has been implemented, the Department shall prepare and file a report on the methods used and the final results, including the disposition of any animal killed pursuant to the plan.
H. Any person may use any means reasonably necessary, including killing an animal, to protect a person who is in immediate danger of being injured by such animal. Any person who kills an animal pursuant to this Section shall leave the animal where it falls and, within three hours of such killing, report the incident to the Department.
SECTION 5.15 INJURED ANIMALS; TAKING BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL; DISPOSITION; DISPLAY
A. If an Authorized Officer learns that an animal has been injured to such a degree that it is unlikely that the animal will recover from its injury, the officer shall, as soon as possible, describe the animal, its injury, and its location to the Department, which may order that the animal be shot and killed. If the animal's location is such that it is not possible for the officer to obtain authorization within a reasonable time, the officer may kill the animal, and then comply with the other provisions of this Section.
B. Any animal killed pursuant to Subsection A shall be transported to the Department biologist, who shall gather such data and make such tests upon the animal as he or she deems necessary.
C. After the provisions of Subsection B have been complied with, an Authorized Officer shall transport all useful parts of the animal to a public institution or charitable organization for its use, or, if so ordered by the General Manager, have the animal mounted and displayed for public education in the Department office.
D. The officer who killed the animal shall file a report on the incident providing a brief description of his or her compliance with this Section.
E. Any employee or agent of the Department who sells any part from any animal killed on the Reservation shall promptly make a record of the monies received and transfer the monies immediately to the Tribal Business Office.
SECTION 5.16 PROHIBITED DEVICES
A. Possession or use of any of the following devices within the Recreational Area shall be unlawful:
(1) Any explosive, incendiary or poison gas including but not limited to a bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellent charge
of more than four ounces, or mine;
(2) Any device designed, made or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm;
(3) Any firearm that is capable of shooting more than one shot automatically by a single function of the trigger without
manual reloading;
(4) Any rifle, with a barrel length of less than sixteen inches, or shotgun with a barrel length of less than eighteen inches, or
firearm made from a rifle or shotgun which, as modified, has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches;
(5) Any breakable container which contains a flammable liquid with a flash point of one hundred fifty degrees fahrenheit or
less and has a wick or similar device capable of being ignited;
(6) Any cross-bow, except for use by an Authorized Officer;
(7) Any magazine capable of holding more than five rounds of ammunition;
(8) Any night vision scope or other night vision apparatus, except for use by an Authorized Officer;
(9) Any combination of parts or materials designed and intended for use in making or converting a device into an item set
forth in Subsection (1) or (5) of this Section.
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Four Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.17 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: TAKING WILDLIFE
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except fish and bullfrogs, from within or upon, or by using any
method within, upon or attached to a vehicle, aircraft, boat or other watercraft;
(2) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except raccoons, fish and bullfrogs, between the hours of 1/2 hour
after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise;
(3) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife through the use of an artificial light, saltlick or any explosive,
corrosive, poisonous or stupefying substance;
(4) Taking or attempting to take any species of Wildlife, except water dogs or bullfrogs, through the use of a net;
(5) Using any wildlife or part thereof as bait in taking any Wildlife, except the inedible parts of fish, if used as bait for
hunting bear and fishing, unless otherwise prohibited by this Code or Department regulations;
(6) Failing to remove from the field any edible portion of game taken.
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.18 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: FISHING
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Taking any amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles or other aquatic wildlife in any manner or place not permitted by
Tribal regulations;
(2) Cleaning fish in streams, springs or lakes;
(3) Fishing from any boat dock, or pier, or any walkway leading to a boat dock or pier;
(4) Cutting a hole larger than nine inches in diameter for ice fishing;
(5) Digging worms on any part of the Reservation;
(6) Fishing with bait in an artificial fly and lure only area;
(7) Fishing with a barbed hook in a barbless hook area;
(8) Using more than one hook in a single hook area.
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class One Civil Offense.
SECTION 5.19 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: HUNTING
A. Except as otherwise permitted by this Code, in addition to all other activities prohibited by this Code, the following acts
are unlawful within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation:
(1) Handling or discharging any firearm, bow and arrow or other device for taking Wildlife while intoxicated, or in a
careless or reckless manner, or with wanton disregard for the safety of human life or property, or misusing a firearm in any
other manner as defined in this Code or by Department regulations while taking wildlife;
(2) Detaching or removing, or attempting to detach or remove, from the carcass of a big game animal a portion thereof for
the purpose of misrepresenting or concealing the species or sex of the animal;
(3) Using a dog to take any big game other than bear, raccoon or mountain lion;
(4) Discharging a firearm or using any pyrotechnic device:
(a) In or within one quarter mile of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or
(b) Across or on a way, or within one quarter mile of a roadway, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property
is exposed to injury or damage as result of such discharge or use.
[This is the same offense as found at Section 4.14 E(2)]
B. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Three Civil Offense.
ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES
SECTION 6.1 JURISDICTION
Except as otherwise provided by this Code, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, through its Tribal Council, Tribal Court, and such other tribal entities as are designated by Tribal law, shall have absolute, original, and exclusive jurisdiction to regulate and adjudicate all matters pertaining to wildlife and other resources, and all matters pertaining to Recreational Activities within the boundaries of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. This Section shall not prohibit federal or state prosecution, whether civil or criminal.
SECTION 6.2 NOTICE
Signs shall be posted conspicuously at the northern and southern points of entry onto the Reservation along Arizona State
Route 60 and the northern and eastern points of entry onto the Reservation along Arizona State Route 260, putting the
public on notice of Tribal jurisdiction over Tribal lands. The notice shall be in a form similar to the following, to the effect
that:
(1) Visitors consent to Tribal jurisdiction;
(2) Permits are required for all outdoor Recreational Activities;
(3) Persons who violate any Tribal law are trespassers and shall be subject to Tribal and Federal prosecution;
(4) Visitors must inquire locally for permits and information.
SECTION 6.3 CIVIL COMPLAINTS
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, all matters arising under this Code shall be adjudicated in the White Mountain Apache Tribal Court following the filing of a Civil Complaint naming the White Mountain Apache Tribe as plaintiff, by the Authorized Officer alleging the violation, or by legal counsel for the Tribe.
SECTION 6.4 PROCEDURE
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, or as the interests of justice may require, the White Mountain Apache Formal Rules of Civil Procedure shall govern all questions of procedure arising as a result of the enforcement of this Code.
SECTION 6.5 FEDERAL PROSECUTION
A. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1165 of Nonmembers who trespass on the Reservation to hunt, trap, fish, or to remove wildlife. Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
B. The taking or using of Tribal property or services contrary to the terms of this Code constitutes theft of Tribal assets. Accordingly, nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1163 for theft of Tribal property. Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
C. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude federal prosecution pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 3371 et seq., (Lacey Act). Federal prosecution may be pursued in addition to or in lieu of other enforcement procedures provided by this Code.
SECTION 6.6 CRIMINAL SANCTIONS
A. It shall be a criminal offense for any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction to:
(1) Take, possess, transport, buy, sell, conceal, or offer for sale any big game species or any part thereof in violation of this
Code, or Department rule or regulation; or
B. Violation of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
C. Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who is a public officer, and who willfully fails to enforce this Code, or a lawful rule, regulation or order of the Department is guilty of a criminal offense and is subject to the punishment provided in this Section.
D. The criminal penalties in this Section shall be in addition to the Liquidated Damages assessment pursuant to Section 6.23.
SECTION 6.7 CRIMINAL ATTEMPT
A. Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who attempts to commit any offense prohibited in Section 6.6 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
B. For the purpose of this Section, "attempt" means to:
(1) Intentionally engage in conduct which would constitute the offense if the attendant circumstances were as the person
believes them to be; or
(2) Intentionally do or omit to do anything which, under the circumstances as such person believes them to be, is any step in
a course of conduct planned to culminate in commission of the offense.
C. Violation of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
SECTION 6.8 CRIMINAL SOLICITATION
A. Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who solicits another person to commit any offense prohibited in Section 6.6 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
B. For the purpose of this Section, "solicit" means to encourage, command or request another person to engage in specific conduct which would constitute the offense or an attempt to commit such offense or would establish his or her complicity in its commission or attempted commission.
C. Violation of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
SECTION 6.9 CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY
A. Any person over whom the Tribe may assert criminal jurisdiction who conspires with another person to commit any offense prohibited in Section 6.6 shall be guilty of a criminal offense.
B. For the purpose of this Section, "conspire" means to:
(1) Agree with another person or persons that they or one or more of them will engage in conduct which constitutes the
crime; or
(2) Agree to aid another person or persons in the planning or commission of such crime or of an attempt to commit such
crime.
C. Violation of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the Tribal jail for not less than one (1) day nor more than sixty (60) days, or performance of up to 80 hours of community service, or by any combination of such fine, imprisonment and community service.
SECTION 6.10 WARRANTS, SUBPOENAS, AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
Any Authorized Officer may, in addition to exercising any of the powers granted by this Code:
(1) Execute warrants issued for the arrest of violators of this Code;
(2) Execute search warrants issued by the Tribal Court in matters arising under this Code;
(3) Serve subpoenas or other legal documents issued in matters arising under this Code;
(4) Issue citations for violations of this Code.
SECTION 6.11 SEARCHES AND SEIZURES
A. Any Authorized Officer may, without a search warrant, search any aircraft, watercraft, motorized vehicle, box, game animal, bag, locker, tool box, ice chest, camper, camper shell, trailer, backpack, bedroll, sleeping bag, or other container or package if the officer has probable cause to believe that wildlife or parts thereof taken in violation of this Code, or the instrumentalities of such illegal taking, are contained therein.
B. Any Authorized Officer may inspect all wildlife or parts thereof taken, possessed, or transported on the Reservation, and may seize as evidence all wildlife that such officer has probable cause to believe has been taken, possessed, or transported in violation of this Code, and any object that the officer has probable cause to believe has been used as the instrumentality of such illegal taking, possession, or transportation.
C. For all property seized as evidence, the Authorized Officer shall make an inventory and provide a copy to the person from whom the property was taken. After the final disposition of the case, a hearing shall be held by the court to determine the disposition of all property taken as evidence. Upon satisfactory proof of ownership, property taken as evidence shall be returned to the owner, except for contraband which shall be disposed pursuant to Sections 6.28 and 6.30.
SECTION 6.12 APPREHENSION OF SUSPECTED VIOLATORS
A. Any Authorized Officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has violated this Code, either in or out of the officer's presence, shall identify himself or herself to such person and promptly determine whether the person is a Member or Nonmember, and if a Nonmember, whether the person is Indian or non-Indian. In making such determination, the officer may demand identification and ask such questions as the officer reasonable believes are necessary to make the determination.
B. Any person who an Authorized Officer reasonably believes to have violated this Code may:
(1) Be issued a Complaint, pursuant to Section 6.13, and, if appropriate, be required to post a bond, pursuant to Section
6.15, and be released; or
(2) If the suspected violator is a Member or Nonmember Indian, be arrested and held for initiation of criminal prosecution;
or
(3) If the suspected violator is a Nonmember, be arrested and held for initiation of federal prosecution and/or expulsion
procedures provided for by Tribal law.
C. If the suspected violator refuses to identify himself or herself the officer shall enter a fictitious name, such as John Doe, on the Complaint. After learning the defendant's true name, the Tribe shall amend the Complaint to reflect the defendant's true name.
SECTION 6.13 COMPLAINTS
A. The issuance of a Complaint initiates a civil or criminal action against a suspected violator of this Code.
B. The Complaint shall be prepared in duplicate and be signed by the person cited. One copy will be given to the person cited, the other copy will be filed with the Tribal prosecutor.
C. Any Member who fails to sign the Complaint shall be arrested and transported to Tribal jail pursuant to Tribal law governing the arrest of criminal suspects, or shall be subject to the Field Bond Procedures of this Code. Any Nonmember who fails to sign the Complaint shall be subject to the Field Bond Procedures of this Code.
D. The Complaint shall inform the person cited of the violation charged, the location, date, and time of the alleged violation, and the location, date and time of the Initial Appearance, which shall be scheduled not more than 14 days from the date of the issuance of the Complaint. The Complaint shall also inform the person cited that failure to appear at the Initial Appearance will result in the entry of a default judgment against him or her and forfeiture of bond money or property, and for persons charged criminally, will result in the issuance of an arrest warrant for failure to appear, which shall be a separate offense.
SECTION 6.14 INITIAL APPEARANCE
A. A person served with a Complaint shall appear at the time and place stated in the Complaint, or prior to that time if so authorized by the court, and upon the directions contained in the Complaint admit or deny the allegations contained within the Complaint. In any civil action, the defendant may file a written response to the complaint, in lieu of a personal appearance, provided that the defendant so notifies the court not less than 24 hours before the scheduled Initial Appearance and that the written response is received by the court prior to the scheduled Initial Appearance.
B. For a civil complaint, if the defendant admits to liability for the acts complained of, the Court may immediately impose a penalty or set a separate hearing to establish a penalty. If the defendant denies liability, the proceedings used to adjudicate liability shall be in accordance with the White Mountain Apache Tribe Formal Rules of Civil Procedure. Upon a showing of substantial need and in the interests of justice, the court may order that the proceedings be held in accordance with the White Mountain Apache Tribe Informal Rules of Civil Procedure.
C. Proceedings used to adjudicate criminal actions for violations of this Code shall be in accordance with the White Mountain Apache Tribe Rules of Criminal Procedure.
SECTION 6.15 FIELD BOND
A. Upon issuing a Complaint, an Authorized Officer may demand that a suspected violator post a Field Bond in an amount equal to the maximum amount of the Civil Penalty plus the Liquidated Damages Amount for the violations alleged in the Complaint.
B. Bond property may be cash or other property which the officer reasonably believes is valued at an amount at least equal to the required bond amount.
C. Field Bond is justified and shall be collected by the officer using any reasonably necessary nondeadly force, when, in the
officer's judgment:
(1) The violator is not a resident of the Reservation; or
(2) The violator does not own sufficient valuable property which is permanently affixed to or stored on the Reservation; or
(3) The violator refuses to sign the complaint; or
(4) The violator cannot be, or refuses to be, positively identified; or
(5) Any other reason which leads the officer to believe that the violator's presence at the court hearing for the violation
cannot be assured, or the violator's willingness or ability to pay the fine, penalty or Liquidated Damages assessment is
reasonably questioned.
D. Any person who believes that a Field Bond has been required unlawfully or unreasonably may request, in writing, a bond hearing before the Tribal Court. Bond hearings shall take place within three (3) days of the filing of such request, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other Court holidays.
E. Non-cash bond property may be redeemed at any time during normal business hours at the Department Office by the posting of a cash bond, or payment of damages. Post judgment redemption must occur, if at all, within 30 days of the entry of judgment, unless an appeal is filed.
F. If the suspected violator is found liable for the alleged violation, and there is no appeal, the bond will be applied in satisfaction of the judgment. Failure to appear at the hearing will result in entry of a default judgment and forfeiture of bond. Non-cash bond property will be sold at an auction and the proceeds will be applied to the judgment. Any excess proceeds will be returned to the violator.
G. If the suspected violator is found to be not liable for the alleged violation, the bond property will be returned.
SECTION 6.16 BOND NOTICE PROCEDURES
A. If feasible, the officer shall issue a Bond Notice to a suspected violator before the officer takes possession of any bond
property. An officer may seize bond property first and then issue a Bond Notice if the officer reasonably believes that the
delay caused by the Bond Notice Procedure could:
(1) Jeopardize the safety of the officer; or
(2) Lead to a breach of the peace; or
(3) Jeopardize the opportunity to receive a Field Bond; or
(4) Allow the suspected violator the opportunity to flee the jurisdiction of the Tribe.
B. The Bond Notice shall be prepared in duplicate and be signed by the suspected violator. One signed copy of the Bond Notice shall be attached to the Complaint and filed with the Tribal prosecutor, the other copy shall be given to the suspected violator.
C. The Bond Notice shall contain the following information:
(1) The date;
(2) The suspected violator's name and address;
(3) The Complaint number;
(4) The alleged violation;
(5) The maximum dollar amount of the penalty;
(6) The Liquidated Damages amount;
(7) The required bond amount;
(8) The signature and identification number of the issuing officer;
(9) If a cash bond is posted, the amount received;
(10) If a property bond is posted, a description of the property, including serial and model numbers, where available, and
the officer's estimate of the value of the property;
(11) Information concerning the redemption or return of the Field Bond;
(12) Other information as is reasonably requested by the Department.
SECTION 6.17 CASH BOND TRUST FUND
Within two business days of being posted, all cash bonds shall be deposited in a trust account established by the Tribal Court for that purpose.
SECTION 6.18 BOND PROPERTY STORAGE
All bond property shall be inventoried, labeled with the defendant's name and citation number, and placed in secured storage at the Department within 24 hours of being posted.
SECTION 6.19 CLASSIFICATION OF CIVIL PENALTIES
A. The maximum civil penalties for violations of this Code shall be:
(1) Class One: Fifty dollars ($50.00) and 24 hours of community service;
(2) Class Two: One hundred dollars ($100.00) and 80 hours of community service;
(3) Class Three: Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and 250 hours of community service;
(4) Class Four: Five hundred dollars ($500.00) and 250 hours of community service;
(5) The civil penalty for an offense involving the unlawful disposal or possession of any hazardous material or petroleum
product shall not exceed $1,000.00, exclusive of clean-up costs, and 250 hours community service.
B. A civil penalty of up to three times the amount of the penalty for that class of offense may be imposed if:
(1) The violator is found liable for the second or any subsequent violation of the same provision; or
(2) The violator issues a check in payment of a penalty imposed under this Code knowing there are insufficient funds on
deposit with the bank to ensure payment of the check on its presentation.
C. In addition to the civil penalties above, the court may also require that the violator complete a hunter's safety course conducted by the Department or the State of Arizona, and that no further permits shall be issued to the person until the course is completed.
SECTION 6.20 REVOCATION AND DENIAL OF RIGHT TO OBTAIN PERMIT; NOTICE
A. If any person is found in violation of this Code by the Tribal Court, the Department may revoke that person's permit to
take wildlife or engage in Recreational Activities. This remedy is available in addition to the other remedies provided by
this Code and is subject to the following conditions:
(1) No more than ninety days after the Tribal Court's ruling, the Department shall notify the person of its intent to revoke
that person's permit and privilege. Notice shall be sent to the violator's last known address by registered mail;
(2) The Department shall give the person an opportunity for a hearing to show cause why such permit and privilege should
not be revoked;
(3) The person whose permit and privilege has been revoked may appeal the Department's final decision to the Tribal Court
within thirty days of the Department's decision.
B. The Department shall furnish to permit dealers the names and addresses of persons whose permits have been revoked, and the periods for which they have been denied the right to secure permits.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly issue a permit of any kind to a person whose privilege to obtain that permit has been revoked. Any permit issued to a person whose privilege to have that permit has been revoked shall be void.
D. Violation of this Section shall be a Class Two Civil Offense.
SECTION 6.21 TRESPASSING; EXPULSION OF NONMEMBERS
A. Any Nonmember who violates this Code shall be deemed a trespasser. Such violation includes, but is not limited to, failure to purchase and possess a valid Recreation Permit. It shall be unlawful for any Nonmember to trespass on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
B. Any Authorized Officer may expel Nonmembers who violate this Code, in addition to or in lieu of any other enforcement procedure provided for by this Code.
C. Any Nonmember who violates this Code shall also be subject to formal exclusion pursuant to the Tribal Government Code.
SECTION 6.22 CONTEMPT
All defendants to actions brought under this Code, whether Member or Nonmember, shall be subject to the civil contempt power of the White Mountain Apache Tribal Court, and may be sanctioned by any means provided for in the White Mountain Apache Tribal Code for civil contempt, including, but not limited to, imprisonment or other fines or penalties to compel compliance with a lawful court order.
SECTION 6.23 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISIONS
A. The Department shall prepare and at least once per year shall review and, as necessary, revise a schedule of Liquidated
Damages calculated to closely approximate the cost of providing equitable restitution to the Tribe for the damage which
would be caused by each violation of each regulation of this Code. In calculating these Liquidated Damages the Department
may consider, in addition to any other factors reasonably deemed relevant:
(1) The cost to the Tribe of producing and/or protecting the resource;
(2) The cost of replacing or restoring the resource;
(3) The costs of enforcement including the general overall costs and costs particularized to individual violations where
appropriate;
(4) The loss to the Tribe of license revenue;
(5) Damages for trespass.
B. The Department shall publish the schedule of Liquidated Damages and cause it to be made available to the public at all permit outlets.
SECTION 6.24 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PRESUMPTION
A. Since in most instances the exact amount of damages caused to the Tribe by a particular violation of this Code will be difficult or impossible to determine, it shall be presumed by the court adjudicating a complaint for violation of this Code that the amount fixed by the schedule of Liquidated Damages represents the damages owed to the Tribe as restitution if the defendant is found to be liable. This presumption may be rebutted by evidence which shows by clear and convincing evidence that the amount indicated by the schedule of Liquidated Damages is so excessive in a particular case as to be punitive, or so inadequate in a particular case as to result in a gross deprivation of adequate restitution. In any case in which the presumption is successfully rebutted, the parties may introduce evidence to prove the actual damages as in any other civil case.
B. All persons shall be deemed to have consented to the Liquidated Damages provisions of this Code by their entry onto the Reservation, and where applicable, by their signature on a Tribal permit or permits.
SECTION 6.25 PUNITIVE DAMAGES
A. Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to preclude the Tribe, through its counsel, from praying for and being awarded punitive damages in any civil action filed for a violation of this Code wherein it is alleged that the violator has committed the acts constituting the violation without regard to the interests of the Tribe or wantonly, willfully or maliciously.
B. The Court, in assessing punitive damages, shall determine their amount in the same manner in which it would determine punitive damages in any other civil action. Punitive damages shall not exceed ten times the amount of the civil penalty.
SECTION 6.26 COSTS
A. In addition to civil penalties and liquidated and punitive damages, the Court may award payment of costs associated with damage to Tribal resources not otherwise provided for in this Code, including, but not limited to, rehabilitation, reforestation, loss of future revenue and loss of productivity.
B. The Court may also charge the violator with payment of all reasonable costs associated with the enforcement of these regulations, beginning with detection and including all processes through prosecution and collection of the settlement, such as field or animal examination and survey, damage appraisal, investigation assistance and reports, witness expenses, demand letters, court costs and attorney's fees.
SECTION 6.27 SEIZURE OF PROHIBITED DEVICES
A. Any device defined at Section 5.16 may be seized by the officer if:
(1) Seizure of the suspected violator's property is directly necessary to prevent irreparable injury to Tribal property or
resources; and
(2) Prompt action is needed because it is likely the person may flee with, or conceal the offending property, or continue the
prohibited use.
B. Any officer seizing property under this Section shall issue to the person from whom it is seized a receipt for the property describing it in detail. The officer shall then deliver the property to the General Manager for safe keeping pending the outcome of all hearings on the seizure and the underlying violations, which shall be adjudicated pursuant to this Code.
C. In addition to filing any other complaints for the illegal use or possession of the seized property, the counsel for the Tribe may apply to the Court for an injunction prohibiting the continued use or possession of the property on the Reservation.
SECTION 6.28 DISPOSAL OF PROHIBITED DEVICES
A. After adjudicating the underlying complaints of illegal possession or use, the Court shall dictate the disposal of the seized property.
B. Return of property: If the seized property belongs to a Nonmember, the Court shall return the property to its owner, unless it determines that continued retention of the seized property is necessary to secure payment of a judgment as provided by the Field Bond procedures of this Code. The Court shall also advise the owner of the terms of any injunctions which have been issued against the continued use or possession of the property on the Reservation, and shall further advise the violator that violation of the injunction is contempt of court and may subject the violator to further civil liability.
C. Forfeiture: If the seized property belongs to a Member, or to a Nonmember who fails to appear, the judge may order, in addition to any other sanction imposed for the violation, that the property be forfeited to the Tribe. In case of such forfeiture, the General Manager shall dispose of the property in the manner most consistent with the goals of the Department, choosing between destruction of the property, sale for the benefit of the Department at public auction, or retention of the property for Department use.
D. If the owner of seized property cannot be determined, the complaining officer shall file with the Court Clerk a Notice of Intent to Confiscate and a Complaint, designating the defendant by a fictitious name following the procedures of Section 6.12 C, and include a description of the property, the date of seizure and the location of seizure. The Court Clerk shall cause them to be posted in the Court and published in the Apache Scout for two consecutive issues. A hearing on the matter shall be set for the first available date after the publication period has ended, and the date of the hearing shall be included in the posted and published notices. If the owner of the property fails to appear at the scheduled hearing the Court shall dispose of the property pursuant to Section C.
SECTION 6.29 DISPOSITION OF FEES, FORFEITURES, PENALTIES
A. All fees resulting from the sale of permits by the Department and its agents, and all fines, costs, monies, penalties or damages collected for violation of this Code shall be deposited in the Tribal General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in connection with the conservation and protection of the fish and wildlife of the White Mountain Apache Tribe; provided, however that bonds, unless forfeited, shall be deposited in a Trust account as provided by Section 6.17.
B. Each Tribal judge or clerk of the Court shall, within twenty days after a judgment has been rendered under the provisions of this Code, remit to the Tribal Treasurer all fines, forfeitures, damages or penalties collected.
SECTION 6.30 DISPOSITION OF SEIZED WILDLIFE AND PROPERTY
A. Wildlife seized under this Code may be disposed of in such manner as the Department may prescribe.
B. The Department shall prepare a report of all wildlife and devices seized by the Game Rangers or other Authorized Officers showing a description of the items, the persons from whom they were seized, if known, and the disposition of the items. This report shall be prepared annually and kept by the Department. All money derived from the sale of any seized property shall be deposited in the Department fund.
Curated by:
Marilyn K. Nicely, Retired Law Librarian:
mnicely@ou.edu