March 2025 Edition
March 2025 Edition
For the more than 600 red boats of TowBoatUS, the on-water towing and assistance fleet for recreational boaters, a routine day typically includes towing disabled boats back to the launch ramp, providing battery jumps, dropping off fuel, or offering a gentle tug out of the shallows. For each of these towboat captains and crews, however, one workday was far from routine. At the annual gathering of the TowBoatUS fleet, company owners, captains and BoatUS staff honored eight captains in Florida,... Full story
Help Stop The Spread Of Harmful Invasive Species Did you know that invasive Quagga mussels cause millions of dollars in damage to boat motors, docks and water intake systems? Or that unwanted turtles, tortoises, fish, and other pets illegally released into the wild can hurt our native species by introducing disease or outcompeting them for habitat and food? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is participating in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 24-28. The nationwide event... Full story
Whether on a boat or at the beach, families and water go together. However, keeping little ones safe can be challenging unless adults set an example. That's why the Family Bundle of US Coast Guard-approved PFDs is so perfect. The collection from Bombora comes with a pair of inflatable Slim Belts and two Kid's Life Vests to keep everyone safe, comfortable and stylishly coordinated. Contact local dealers or Bombora,sa... Full story
Please Note - Articles and information will be added throughout the month. We welcome readers input on each article. Thank you. - Publisher It's All About Fish As the weather warms, a young man's (and woman's) fancy turns to thoughts of - fish. And, although there are many fantastic angling destinations in Arizona, Margie Anderson says to keep in mind the community waters that make fishing possible in waters near you. For some, this is the first opportunity to enjoy casting a line and a good... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's (AZGFD) 2025 Outdoor Expo will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30, 2025. The event will take place at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. What to expect • Wildlife exhibits: See wildlife mounts, taxidermy, and artwork • Fishing: Try fishing in family-friendly tanks • Firearms: Try out firearms in a safe environment • Animal ambassadors: Meet the AZGFD's animal ambassadors, including a female great horned owl and a... Full story
Arizona has extensive opportunities and destinations to go fishing, from a local pond to a remote mountain stream, but many don't know where to get started. The Arizona Game and Fish Department's FishAZ Network brings all these opportunities in one place offering instructional and educational events, hands-on beginner fishing events, and other fishing based on your skill level and interest. Event Type All Events 1 - Introductory 2 - Beginner 3 - Developing 4 - Intermediate 5 - Experienced Event... Full story
Tom Cole - Stories from the War in Vietnam Many people feel that it's the politicians or protesters of war who hate war the most. This, even though the vast majority of them have never experienced war firsthand. This is SO not true. It is the warriors who hate war most, for they have experienced it, seen it, smelled it, tasted it and hopefully lived through it. March 29th we celebrate Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day recognizing those who served in and during the Vietnam War. At VFW Post 3513,... Full story
Nominations Open ForArizona Outdoor Hall Of Fame Deadline to submit nominations is April 7. Wildlife for Tomorrow is now accepting nominations for the 27th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. Established in 1998 through a partnership between Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to wildlife conservation, natural resource preservation, and... Full story
1. China Beach TV Series The trials of a weary nurse, her friends and colleagues in a Vietnam War field hospital. Creators: John Sacret, Young ,William Broyles Jr. Stars: Dana Delany, Marg Helgenberger, Brian Wimmer 2. Tour of Duty TV Series The trials of a U.S. Army platoon serving in the field during the Vietnam War. Creators: L. Travis Clark, Steve Duncan Stars: Terence Knox, Stephen Caffrey, Tony Becker 3. A Rumor of War TV Mini Series The memories of a US Marine lieutenant in Vietnam who... Full story
That was the prevailing attitude among Kay County, Okla., high school and Career Tech employees after a 15-minute ride on a Black Hawk helicopter. The recruitment event, sponsored by the Oklahoma Army National Guard, was held on Jan. 29 at the Ponca City Regional Airport. Ponca City, Okla. you may ask? Well, that’s where AZBW/WOT production manager Angela Ogden resides and works, and she was fortunate enough to be included in the event. “We climbed, dove, and rolled our way to a nearby lake... Full story
Our community lakes are such great places to fish – the Game and Fish stocks them with a variety of fish at different times of year, including trout, catfish, and bluegill. Some of the lakes have bass in them, too! You've probably got an urban lake close by – there are over 50! - and sitting on the bank with a line in the water is one of the best ways to spend a day that I know of. We've been taking our granddaughters to urban lakes since they were very small, and they not only love to... Full story
Inconsistent, thin ice is not safe; high-country anglers need to be aware. High country temperatures have been up and down this winter. Before taking that first step on an ice-covered lake to do some fishing, or to simply enjoy the winter weather in Arizona's high country, take a step back and consider if the conditions are safe. First Ice, Last Ice The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), along with the Coconino and Kaibab national forests, are urging outdoor recreationists to be aware... Full story
A short drive through the east valley from Phoenix transported me Back in Time to The Enchantment of the Renaissance Festival. After quickly navigating a well-designed parking lot, I was whisked away to a vibrant tapestry of the 16th century, where history comes alive in a whirlwind of color, music, and merriment! It was soon clear that folks from all ages made the most of the opportunity to dress in attire from the period or any interpretation of history. More than half of the guests were... Full story
This month is probably your last chance for a great low country outdoor adventure before it gets too darn hot and you only want to head for the forests. With that in mind, I've gathered up four of my favorite drives that John and I have done in the month of March. The best part is that each of these drives has great stuff to see even if you don't have a 4WD vehicle, with an added attraction for those of you who DO have a 4x4. Fairly Easy: Agua Fria Petroglyphs Take Bloody Basin Road east (I... Full story
A different type of hunt takes place for wildlife enthusiasts in the late winter and into spring - the hunt for antlers. Deer and elk shed their antlers each winter, providing an opportunity for people to search for them and further their connection with and understanding of wildlife. Elk antlers start dropping in mid-February, deer start dropping in March, and the season progresses through the end of April. Arizona doesn't regulate shed antler hunting, but if you set out in search of a set,... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has partnered with the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) to host virtual wildlife lectures. Coming up: • Wild About Arizona: Learn the Truth About Rattlesnakes (Beyond the Bad Rap) - 6:30 p.m. March 20 (AZGFD). Description: Snakes have received a lot of bad press over the centuries, and most of that criticism - and even fear - has been directed at rattlesnakes more than any other species. Truth: Snakes serve an important ecological... Full story
Willcox Playa Wildlife Area is best known for its wintering population of sandhill cranes that annually migrate to the playa in large numbers. It's not unusual to see several thousands of the winter visitors from the viewing area at the power-plant ponds, located on the southwest side of the playa, or at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 600-acre wildlife area on the southeast side. The cranes feed and court, but will begin their migration to their summer breeding grounds in the northern... Full story
