Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 872
Induction banquet is Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort. The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation (WFT) has selected eight individuals for induction this year into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. This year's inductees are a diverse group of experts and advocates who have made significant contributions to Arizona's natural heritage and have demonstrated passion and leadership in shaping the future of wildlife conservation in Arizona. They are - • Thomas Slaughter • Randy Stalcup • Jim Walker • Tom Britt... Full story
AZGFD offers essential tips for avoiding conflicts. With Arizona's hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise. While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise... Full story
Tournament angling for all species in Arizona has grown tremendously recently. Many people don't realize that the Arizona Game and Fish Department does not issue permits for fishing tournaments. Fishing tournaments are permitted by the land management agency where the tournament is being held. The department is, however, very interested in - • Building relationships with tournament organizations, promoters and anglers. • Working with permitting agencies like the national forests, Arizona Sta... Full story
Desert bighorn sheep are stunning - but what about Arizona's other bighorns? Eastern and central Arizona are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the stocky cousins of the desert dwellers. AZGFD sought to reestablish the subspecies in 1979 and transplanted eight Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from Colorado to the upper Blue River area of eastern Arizona. Over the last 45 years, with the help of additional translocations, the population and the animals' distribution have expanded to include... Full story
Joint announcement from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2023, according to the results of the annual survey. The 2023 population census revealed a minimum of 257 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began. Six... Full story
Stockings will mark earliest Canyon, Haigler and Tonto creeks have received fish. PAYSON, Ariz. - As warmer springtime weather approaches, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will begin its annual trout stockings a bit earlier in some waters near Payson on the Mogollon Rim. Canyon, Haigler, and Tonto creeks began receiving catchable-size rainbow trout in March. This will mark the first time these waters have been stocked this early in the traditional spring and summer stocking season.... Full story
Lakes to receive fish until July; stocking numbers to remain similar to 2023 . The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced waters in the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside areas will be stocked with catchable-size trout from March to July, a change from the traditional stocking schedule of April to September. Those waters include Fool Hollow, Rainbow, Show Low, and Woodland lakes, as well as Scott Reservoir. AZGFD is expected to maintain the schedule change until at least 2026 to... Full story
The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, April 12, at Buckeye City Hall (council chambers), 530 Monroe Ave., in Buckeye, Ariz. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed golden algae toxin blooms as the cause of recent fish kills at both Saguaro and Canyon lakes. When golden algae is the cause of a fish kill at one of the Salt River chain lakes (Saguaro, Canyon and Apache), varying degrees of fish kills are typically observed at all three of the lakes. AZGFD staff recently collected water-quality samples at both Saguaro and Canyon, which confirmed golden algae as the cause of the fish kills. At Saguaro... Full story
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and many states offer "free fishing days" where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are a great opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport. Free Fishing Day: June 1, 2024 The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites anglers to fish Arizona waters for free Saturday, June 3. It's an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and... Full story
The wildlife center has the tortoise adoption program, animal ambassadors and is sometimes the first stop for sick and injured wildlife. Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Adoption facilities in Phoenix and Tucson. Questions about adopting a tortoise, call 844 896-5730 or email for information to TAP@azgfd.gov. What You Need To Know To Adopt A Tortoise Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department adopts out hundreds of captive desert tortoises that are surrendered to the department. These... Full story
The largest hands-on outdoor expo in Arizona is at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Outdoor Expo will feature everything from wildlife exhibits and family fishing tanks and trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range. March 23-24, Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. "We're not aware of any other free event that combines conservation, recreation and industry into such a... Full story
Applicants should check their AZGFD portal account . The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2024 pronghorn and elk hunts. A customer's AZGFD portal account is the only source for finding out draw results and viewing bonus points. A free portal account can be created at accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register (account features for minor dependents are available). A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their... Full story
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? Awareness Week The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) participated in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, which ran through the beginning of March. The nationwide event aimed to... Full story
Most boating fatalities involve people not wearing a life jacket . The importance of wearing a life jacket while recreating on Arizona's waterways is sadly reflected in the most recent statistics involving boating tragedies. A majority of the recreational boating fatalities were individuals who drowned and were not wearing a life jacket - the most important piece of safety gear one can wear, whether on a boat, personal watercraft or paddlecraft. Drowning Victims Not Wearing Life Jackets This... Full story
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation (WFT) is soliciting nominations for inductees into the 26th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 8, 2024. In 1998, Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Game and Fish Department joined forces to establish the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. This prestigious award honors individuals and organizations that have made remarkable and enduring contributions towards the conservation of Arizona's wildlife, the preservation... Full story
Poaching Poachers are thieves who steal Arizona’s most precious natural resource – wildlife! Poaching interferes with the ability to effectively manage wildlife and wildlife habitat. It negatively impacts the ability to enjoy the outdoors, and reduces opportunities to hunt and fish in Arizona. Cellular phone calls to the OGT hotline have proven to be extremely beneficial. An officer’s chances of apprehending the violator while he is still in the woods are greatly enhanced when the offense is re... Full story
From in-person events all across the state of Arizona to educational programs you can experience from the comfort of your own home, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has a wildlife viewing event you are sure to enjoy. Learn more about each of these incredible programs and how you can attend. Bat Netting Arizona is home to 28 species of bats, and many live and forage in our own backyards. Here's your chance to see these fascinating creatures up close. https://www.azgfd.com/... Full story
We have established fishing waters in 23 Arizona communities. Whether you are an experienced, occasional or new angler, the Arizona Community Fishing Program offers fishing opportunities that you are sure to enjoy. There are currently more than 50 city park lakes participating in the Program, a partnership between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and 23 communities across the state. Detailed maps and park-specific information on all Community Fishing waters are found in this website... Full story
Whether you're new to angling or a seasoned pro, the fishing challenges provide opportunities to pursue and catch your "big fish" and have it posted on our website. Find your challenge, see how to enter, and explore the official rules. Fishing Challenges Offered By AZGFD Bass Anglers: The Arizona Hawg Bass Challenge Arizona is home to great largemouth bass fishing! The Arizona Game and Fish Department works to provide great opportunities for anglers to catch huge largemouth bass all over the... Full story
Arizona's bald eagles are back, and they are now preparing for 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 (AZGFD) encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state's 97 eagle breeding areas. To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily... Full story
Raffle Proceeds Benefit Arizona's Wildlife Why don't you give someone special (perhaps yourself!) a ticket for Conservation First USA's 2024 raffle! Seven lucky individuals will win one of seven special big-game tags (bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bison and turkey) for the 2024–25 hunting season. Buy tickets today! New this year: Purchase the "All 7 Package" and receive one entry per species, PLUS a free entry for the Swarovski Optics Package. Details: • Raf... Full story
AZGFD aims to meet elk objectives. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking to bolster its pool of hunters who apply to be randomly selected throughout the year for specific population management hunts. Population management hunts enhance the department's ability to meet population and habitat management objectives when traditional harvest strategies are not meeting these objectives. At this time, a population management hunt for any elk is planned for February in portions of... Full story
Hunt Guidelines Available For Review The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed amendments to Arizona hunt guidelines for fall 2023 through spring 2028 seasons are available for review at https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations/hunt-guidelines-process/. All questions or comments about the proposed changes can be emailed to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov. The public also is invited to call any of the department’s regional offices statewide and ask to speak with a game management bio... Full story
We've said goodbye to 2023 and now is a good time to reflect on the changes that we want - or need - to make in 2024; how about adding an outdoors resolution to your list? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) offers some simple resolutions, any one of which should be easy for an outdoors enthusiast to stick to - • Fish local. Make it a point to wet a line this year at one (or more) of the state's 50-plus waters in the Community Fishing Program that are seasonally stocked with channel c... Full story
