Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Arizona has almost 114 million square miles of harsh deserts, rugged canyons, sweeping plateaus and thick forests that are spread across some 15 counties. That's a lot of territory to cover for the 97 wildlife managers, or game wardens, of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). It's a monumental task, done daily by dedicated people who are charged with being part officer, part biologist, part educator, and all-the-time conduit to the public. Most Precious Resource With the start of... Full story
Public can help by texting "SENDWATER" to 41444. Water is the essence of life, and it's just as precious for Arizona's wildlife. For that reason, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has trucked and airlifted about 250,000 gallons of life-sustaining water to catchments throughout the state since January. Trail cameras document the results of this critical work, with footage of elk, deer, bighorn sheep and other species leaning over for a refreshing drink at one of 3,000 catchments... Full story
Hunters asked to continue voluntary lead-reduction efforts this fall. Arizona hunters have proven their long-held commitment to wildlife conservation by voluntarily working to reduce the amount of lead exposure to endangered California condors, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is encouraging all hunters to join the effort this fall. Hunters drawn for hunts in Game Management Units 12 and 13 (north Kaibab National Forest and Arizona Strip) are eligible to participate in the depart... Full story
Arizona's Hunting and Angling Heritage Work Group (HAHWG) and Payson's Jim Strogen were among the conservationists recently honored at theWestern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) virtual awards ceremony. "The Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department congratulate these conservation advocates on this well-deserved honor," said Commission Chair Kurt Davis. "Arizona's WAFWA award recipients are valuable partners in AZGFD's mission to conserve and protect the state's 800+... Full story
The crime was committed in Game Management Unit 39. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information about the recent poaching of a mule deer doe in Game Management Unit 39 in the Buckeye Hills south of Buckeye. The doe was pregnant with two fawns. The deer and fawn carcasses were discarded along a dirt road that connects Gillespie Dam to Robbins Butte Game Road in the southwestern portion of the Buckeye Hills, south of the Powers Butte Wildlife Area. It is believed the... Full story
The goal is to reduce Mexican wolf depredations on livestock. The Eastern Arizona Counties Organization (ECO) has made a contribution of $35,000 to support the Range Rider Program managed by the Interagency Field Team (IFT) of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Project. Created in 1993, the ECO includes Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo counties. The ECO counties have developed a leading role in natural resources and public lands management issues in eastern Arizona, including forest... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for the 2020 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Sept. 4, 2020. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state's wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not... Full story
4-21 Fees: General Hunting, resident: $37 Non-resident: not available see combination Combination Hunt and fish, resident: $57 Non-resident: $160 Youth combination hunt and fish (ages 10-17), resident: $5 Non-resident: $5 Short-term combination license, resident: $15/day, Non-resident: $20/day There are also fees for permit-tags and non-permit-tags. See the 2020-2021 Hunting Regulations at www.azgfd.com for details. Be sure to check the hunting regulations carefully before you hunt. Many of... Full story
4-21 Dove, Band-Tailed Pigeon Regulations Available Online The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2020-21 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations online at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations. The regulations have been produced in a downloadable format that hunters will find handy in the field. The color brochure is easy to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance. All... Full story
The chattery, fuzzy, winged creatures of the night are once again the stars of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's (AZGFD) live-streaming wildlife cameras. AZGFD installed the bat roost camera in 2018, giving wildlife enthusiasts throughout the world the chance to watch migratory Yuma myotis bats and other bat species while they roost at the Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area near Safford, in southeastern Arizona. "Bats are truly amazing animals," said Jeff Meyers, watchable wildlife program manager.... Full story
If tags are left over, first come applications accepted by mail on or after 8:00 a.m. July 20, 2020. Available at Game and Fish offices after 8:00 am July 27, 2020 except crane and raptor. ARIZONA BIG GAME SUPER RAFFLE: If you win, you can hunt AZ big game species for 365 days. Get raffle tickets for elk, antelope, Coues, mule deer, black bear, desert bighorn sheep, buffalo, mountain lion, javelina, turkey. Go to www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.Mail Order Entries must be received by July 10,... Full story
Much-needed rain brings out desert wildlife in Arizona. Animals may wander in search of mates, moisture and, if necessary, to escape flooding. Desert tortoises are one of several amazing species that can be encountered during Arizona's monsoon. Important Guidelines The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges the public to follow these important guidelines when coming across a desert tortoise: • Keep wild tortoises wild: Do not remove a tortoise from the wild. Taking a wild tortoise h... Full story
A record 20 captive-born pups are cross-fostered into wild packs. The Mexican wolf recovery effort recently got a genetic boost when biologists from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), and Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP), with extensive logistical support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), worked together to cross-foster 20 genetically diverse wolf pups from captive facilities across the U.S. into litters of wild... Full story
Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers should expect some operational changes when they visit one of the nation's largest publicly operated shooting facilities. It re-opened on May 13. To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted. BASF customers can reserve shooting times on the rifle and pistol ranges, as well as the Clay Target Center (CTC), by visiting... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to leave baby wildlife alone. As temperatures rise and days grow longer, newborns of many species of wildlife are beginning to explore the world around them. AZGFD encourages people to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including baby birds and young rabbits, as a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area. Unnecessary 'Rescue' “Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary... Full story
Some people mistakenly believe that when their exotic pets get too difficult to manage, it is okay to release them into the wild. But that is exactly the wrong thing to do. See this video. Introduced pets — even goldfish — can have devastating effects on native wildlife and ecosystems. In our aquatic ecosystems, they can outcompete sportfish and natives for food and space, prey on native species, and have unforeseeable effects on the food web. Even aquarium pets, once established, can eas... Full story
Each boater and angler can play a part in stopping their spread. 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, 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) has recently participated in National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The... Full story
So far, 39 bites have been recorded statewide in 2020. As Arizonans get out to experience the trails and outdoors, it is important to remember that Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnake. The ones encountered most often are the Western diamondback, Mojave, black-tailed and sidewinder. Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said: "Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing... Full story
It has long been speculated that bald eagles could utilize saguaro cacti as nesting sites. Now the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has documented proof. During recent eagle survey flights conducted by the department, officials were delighted to discover a pair of bald eagles with eaglets nesting in the arms of a large saguaro near a central Arizona reservoir. According to Kenneth "Tuk" Jacobson, AZGFD's raptor management coordinator, biologists searched historical records in the 1970s... Full story
Customers encouraged to use online, phone and mail services. To protect the health and safety of customers and employees while continuing to provide services and support, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has temporarily modified in-person customer service. At press time, front lobbies at AZGFD offices were still closed to in-person transactions except those made by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling (602) 942-3000 (select item 4 if you wish to be connected to one of...
Editor's Note: The following information was applicable as we went to press. For updates, call (602) 942-3000, or email customerservice@azgfd.gov The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is committed to staying connected with its customers and continuing to provide exceptional service. As updates related to the COVID-19 situation become available, AZGFD will share any new developments or changes to processes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility open? All r... Full story
Operational Changes Include Scheduling Shooting Times Online PHOENIX - Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers should expect some operational changes when one of the nation's largest publicly operated shooting facilities reopens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted. BASF customers can reserve shooting times on the rifle and pistol ranges,... Full story
New health protection strategies being implemented at Ben Avery Shooting Facility The Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) will reopen its Clay Target Center and archery range Thursday, March 26, after temporarily closing last Friday to implement new health protection strategies. Here's what recreational shooters need to know: • Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. • To minimize personal contact between customers and staff, the cus... Full story
It started decades ago with names being scribbled on small pieces of paper, inserted into empty capsules and then deposited into a container from which the lucky few would be drawn, often by a youngster chosen from the crowd in the State Capitol Annex Building. Over the years, actual paper applications would be dumped into a raffle ticket drum and given a spin under the guidance of law enforcement officials — and under the watchful eye of hopeful hunters who would be packed into the annex b... Full story
Make Plans To Attend The National Outdoor Women's Weekend It's a great opportunity to learn more about shooting sports, hunting, wild game cooking, more. Women interested in learning about or increasing their knowledge of shooting sports and hunting are encouraged to attend the inaugural National Outdoor Women's Weekend (NOWW) March 7-8 at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. The event, hosted by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of Quail Forever, will feature classes, seminars, clay target... Full story
