How the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Works: A Hunter’s Guide
Why Arizona Hunters Should Understand Who Makes the Rules
Most statewide hunting regulations—including season dates, permit-tag numbers, legal hunting methods, and many wildlife management policies—are adopted by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. This five-member board makes many of the key policy decisions that shape hunting opportunities across Arizona.
Understanding how the Commission works helps hunters know where decisions are made, how to participate, and how their voices can influence the future of hunting in the state.
The Five Commissioners
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Arizona Senate. Each commissioner serves a five-year term, with appointments staggered so that one position typically comes up each year. This staggered structure provides continuity while allowing for gradual turnover.
Arizona law also requires that no more than one commissioner reside in the same county and no more than three commissioners belong to the same political party. Commissioners serve part-time while maintaining careers in their respective professions. Commissioners customarily serve as Chair during the final year of their term.
Many commissioners have backgrounds in hunting, ranching, wildlife conservation, business, law enforcement, or public service, although Arizona law does not require specific professional experience.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 17-231, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission establishes policy for the management, conservation, preservation, and harvest of Arizona’s wildlife. The Commission adopts rules governing wildlife and fisheries management, hunting and fishing regulations, and the safe operation of watercraft and off-highway vehicles for the benefit of Arizona’s citizens.
While the Commission sets policy, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is responsible for carrying out those policies. The Department’s Director serves as the chief administrative officer and oversees the agency’s day-to-day operations.
Current Commission Members
James E. Goughnour — Commission Chair (Payson)
James E. Goughnour was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey and confirmed by the Arizona Senate in January 2019. A resident of Arizona for more than 40 years, Goughnour is a strong advocate for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. He owns Rim Country Custom Rods in Payson, where he designs and builds custom fishing rods. Prior to starting his business, he spent 26 years with General Dynamics Aerospace Systems Group, ultimately serving as a project manager.
Kurt Kerr — Commissioner (Pinetop)
Kurt Kerr was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs and confirmed by the Arizona Senate in April 2025. A lifelong Arizona resident, Kerr is an avid hunter, angler, and conservationist. He spent 27 years teaching science and coaching at Blue Ridge High School and has served as an Arizona Game and Fish volunteer hunter education instructor for 25 years. Throughout his life, he has volunteered with organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the White Mountain Bird Dog Club, and the White Mountain Clay Busters. He earned his degree in education with an emphasis in Earth Science from Northern Arizona University.
Jessica Manuell — Commissioner (Parks)
Jessica Manuell was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs and confirmed by the Arizona Senate in March 2026. She is a lifelong hunter, angler, and wildlife conservationist who has taught hunter education since 2018. Her dedication has earned her the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s New Hunter Education Instructor of the Year and Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year awards. Manuell is active with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, the Arizona Mule Deer Organization, and Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation. She holds a master’s degree in Crop and Soil Science from Oregon State University and lives in Parks, Arizona, with her husband and daughter.
Marsha Petrie Sue — Commissioner (Scottsdale)
Marsha Petrie Sue was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey. A longtime hunter and angler, she has dedicated nearly 25 years to wildlife conservation. She is a Life Member of the Arizona Antelope Foundation, volunteers with the Arizona Deer Association, serves as a conservationist with the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, and has worked with Desert Fence Busters. She also serves on the Board of Wildlife for Tomorrow, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s conservation foundation. Petrie Sue is a retired corporate executive, founder of Communicating Results, Inc., and the author of five leadership development books. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Her honors include In Business Magazine’s 2022 Woman of Achievement, the Margie Herndon Conservation Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award.