Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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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
4 Industry Day At The Range Join us Friday, March 27 for the Arizona Game and Fish Department Industry Day at the Range. This event is being hosted to provide invited members of the press and retail, wholesale and law-enforcement purchasing agents the opportunity for hands-on testing, review and evaluation of almost every category of firearm and ammunition in the shooting, hunting and outdoor markets. Exhibiting opportunities are open to all manufacturer exhibitors currently registered for... Full story
The late season runs through Jan. 5, 2020. Arizona dove hunters will be able to double their wing-shooting pleasure now that the state's "second" season has begun. Unlike the 15-day season that began Sept. 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through Jan. 5, 2020. There still is a 15-bird daily bag limit, all of which must be mourning doves. The possession limit remains 45 mourning doves after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. As always, there is an... Full story
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) recently recognized three individuals from Arizona as well as the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) for their dedication to advancing wildlife conservation. The awards were presented at the association's annual awards ceremony held in late September in St. Paul, Minn. Doug Burt AZGFD Hunting and Shooting Sports Program Manager Doug Burt and the Arizona Game and Fish Department received the Boone and Crockett Award, which honors an agency... Full story
Outdoor Recreationists, Pilots And Drone Operators Asked To Avoid Bald Eagle Nest Areas Arizona's bald eagles are back and they will soon be working on the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state's continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state's 89 eagle breeding areas. As such, some... Full story
The general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the "Desert Zone" (Game Management Units 10 and 12B through 46B, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County) runs through Jan. 26, 2020. Meanwhile, the general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the "Mountain Zone" (Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County) continue through Jan. 12, 2020. The following are legal wildlife in both Mountain and Desert zones: ducks, including mergansers... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is pleased to be offering two FREE teacher professional development opportunities over the winter break. Both take place in north Phoenix and last 4 hours. So, if you are looking for some exciting learning opportunities or you just want to get out of the house, check out the information below. Building Literacy with Wildlife, Monday, December 30, 9am-1pm Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop that will introduce educators to practical techniques and... Full story
Winter moisture improves overall brood survival. Truth be told, Arizona's quail hunters are also weather wonks - always checking the forecasts, particularly during the winter months, their fingers crossed that the wet stuff is on the way. After all, good doses of timely precipitation that time of year are what give the state's Gambel's and scaled quail populations a much-needed boost, which usually points to better hunting in the fall. Case In Point: Winter 2018 "Unlike the past few years, when... Full story
A wildlife biologist from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will be available to answer questions about local game management at two locations: •Dec. 3: 4-6 p.m., AZGFD regional office, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa. •Dec. 4: 6-7:30 p.m., Chasin’ A Dream Outfitters, 612 S. Beeline Highway, Payson. The public is invited to bring questions and engage in one-on-one conversation about game management. In addition, hunt recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and p... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's proposed recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2021 and 2022 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on the hunt guidelines approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Questions, Comments Welcome All questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt are welcome by... Full story
Proposed hunt recommendations available for review for pronghorn, elk, and fall and spring turkey for 2020-21, 2021-22 PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Department's proposed recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2021 and 2022 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on the hunt guidelines approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Comm... Full story
AZGFD continues innovative public-private collaborations to help fund wildlife conservation. Join Canyon Coolers in supporting the 800-plus species of wildlife that call Arizona home. Now through Nov. 22, go to https://canyoncoolers.com/?utm_source=partners&utm_medium=promo&utm_campaign=azgfdto automatically apply the discount code "CONSERVE" at CanyonCoolers.com and you'll get 10 percent off and a FREE copper tumbler (while supplies last). Plus, Canyon Coolers will donate 10 percent of your... Full story
For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something uniquely Arizonan, say hello to your next family member: a captive Sonoran desert tortoise. How To Adopt Due primarily to illegal breeding, the department has dozens of tortoises of varying ages and sizes available for adoption. Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise and an information packet on how to properly care for a... Full story
A record number of bald eagle breeding areas couldn't guarantee another shattered record of eagle nestlings, which dipped to 71 during the 2019 breeding season from 87 hatched in 2018. During the Arizona Game and Fish Department annual bald eagle survey this summer, raptor biologists counted a minimum of 74 occupied breeding areas statewide, which was up from the 69 counted last year. Despite that, the number of eggs laid this year dipped slightly to 97 from the 102 counted last year.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information officers hope will lead to those responsible for contaminating a water catchment with diesel fuel or gasoline northeast of Flagstaff. Sometime around Sept. 15, fuel was deliberately poured into Young's Canyon Trick Tank, a water catchment in Game Management Unit 7E near U.S. Forest Service Road 775 and east of the high tension powerlines. The catchment is approximately 2 miles east of the Winona exit (211) along Interstate 40.... Full story
