Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 551 - 575 of 873
The State of Arizona and Office of the Arizona Attorney General early last month filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by several groups in July against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The lawsuit challenges some aspects of the Service’s revised 10(j) rule that governs the management of Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico. 2013_MW_in_wild_IFT_web.jpg To Defend Arizona’s Interests “The Arizona Game and Fish Department took this action to defend the state’s interes... Full story
PINETOP, Ariz. -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a mule deer doe the week of Sept. 9. The mule deer was found off Old Rim Road on the west end of Forest Lakes. The deer was killed with archery equipment. At the time of the poaching, there was an archery antlered mule deer hunt underway. The meat was left to waste. "The poacher left this animal to waste, and we need assistance from the public to... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2015-2016 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations on http://azgfdportal.az.gov/PortalImages/files/regs/waterfowlregs.pdf. The general waterfowl season in the "Mountain Zone" (Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County) begins Oct. 2, 2015, and runs through Jan. 10, 2016. The general waterfowl season in the "Desert Zone" (Game Management Units 10 and 12B through 46B, and those portions... Full story
Sept. 30, 2015 - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced today that it has lifted the consumption advisory for fish caught in the Gila River and its tributaries within and downstream of the Phoenix metropolitan area – this includes 100 miles of streams and 286 acres of lakes. Fish caught from these waters are no longer unsafe to eat due to banned pesticides (DDT, chlordane or toxaphene). “This is the first time ADEQ has lifted a fish consumption advisory,” said ADEQ... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tread Lightly! will host a special event Nov. 7 to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting access and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities, such as recreational shooting, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and camping. A fun-shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles, and live and silent auctions are planned at the Arizona State Credit Union Pavilion, located at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Proceeds will be used to help fund the... Full story
Summer-into-fall temperatures are on the decline, which is perfect for those looking to hit the trails with an off-highway vehicle (OHV). Whether it's taking a drive to see the changing aspen leaves in the high country or just enjoying cooler weather on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), autumn offers some of the best conditions to head outdoors. However, OHV enthusiasts can only enjoy their time if it's done safely and responsibly. "Riding safely should be the main priority for anyone participating... Full story
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board will meet on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, beginning at 9 a.m., to review and select for interview applicants for the 2016 vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The meeting will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Quail Room, in Phoenix and is open to the public. View the agenda for the Oct. 26 meeting (also posted at www.azgfd.gov/board). The board is... Full story
Only once a year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department opens its Wildlife Center to the public. This year come see a bald eagle, bobcat, ringtail, and many bird and reptile species on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 from 10-3 p.m. daily. The event is free and perfect for the whole family. Visitors will get a glimpse into the center's operations, see wildlife up close, view educational displays, make wildlife-related crafts and meet wildlife experts. Over thirty years ago, Arizona Game and... Full story
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is urging sportsmen who are invited to participate in the Sportsman's Values Mapping Project to take a few moments to identify lands they cherish for their hunting and angling values. The department soon will be mailing postcards to a random sample of individuals who have purchased Arizona hunting and fishing licenses, directing them to a website where they can draw their favorite areas on a map. The Sportsman's Values Mapping Project is part of a... Full story
PHOENIX – The deadline to take advantage of pre-event pricing for next month’s “Respected Access in Arizona” fundraiser, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tread Lightly!, has been extended through Friday, Nov. 6. A fun-shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles and live auction are planned for Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Arizona State Credit Union Pavilion, located at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. The cost of the fun-shoot (including targets and two boxes of ammunition) and din... Full story
Arizona waterways are teeming with activity and the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all boaters to ensure a safe boating experience by remaining vigilant when out on the water. The reminder comes after a boat operator on Lake Mohave accidentally reversed the boat and struck a man with the boat’s propeller on Saturday. The man died of his injuries. “Our thoughts go out to the family of those impacted by this horrible accident,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boat Safety Education coord... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently held a life-jacket exchange event at London Bridge beach in Lake Havasu City. Boaters with tattered and worn ski-vest type III life jackets could exchange them for new ones at the lake. The program helps to ensure boaters head out onto the water with life jackets that will keep them safe while on the state's waterways. A Life - Perhaps Your Own - Could Be Saved "It's not enough to simply have a life jacket accessible; it must also still have enough b... Full story
Tip Of The Week Two "old reliable" summer high-country lakes are Kinnickinick and Ashurst lakes near Flagstaff. Kinnickinick Lake is spring-fed, but it is best fished from float tube, canoe or kayak this time of year. Ashurst may not provide the most scenic high-country escape, but it can be one of the more productive ones. It also has some pike (please catch-and-keep all you can to help this fishery). The Reel Deal Hot desert nights are made for bottom dwellers - catfish and carp. Relax on the... Full story
Are you fascinated by reptiles? Do you have a yard big enough for a dog, but no time to take one for daily walks? Is someone in your family allergic to pets with fur or feathers? If so, consider adopting a desert tortoise through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The department's Tortoise Adoption Program has over 40 tortoises to adopt out to homes in the Phoenix, Yuma and Prescott areas prior to the animals' going into hibernation this fall. Desert tortoises will be available to... Full story
We know the weather has been hot, but it's time to make fishing hot again in the Community waters. Our first catfish of the season will be coming the third week of September. Get the fishing poles ready, and check out the Sept-Oct. CFP stocking schedule. New community water coming to Casa Grande After months of working through required paperwork, we are on track to finalize an agreement with the City of Casa Grande to add Dave White Regional Park Pond to the Community Fishing Program. The park... Full story
PHOENIX -- Governor Ducey's Office of Boards and Commissions is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered. Governor Ducey is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona wildlife and its long-term conservation. In accordance with Arizona law, the Game and Fish Commission is... Full story
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department assures hunters that a court-ordered closure of a small portion of the Sonoran Desert National Monument to recreational shooting will not affect licensed hunting in accordance with state regulations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been ordered by the U.S. District Court in Arizona to close roughly 10,600 acres near the monument’s northern boundary to recreational shooting while an analysis of the environmental impacts of such shooting is... Full story
With summer in full swing, many Arizona residents and visitors are planning to hop on their off-highway vehicle (OHV). Before hitting the trail, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds operators and passengers to do so safely and responsibly by following these 10 tips: • Always wear a helmet. Whether riding in a side-by-side utility-type vehicle (UTV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or dirt bike, all riders younger than18 years old are legally required to wear a Department of T... Full story
A Summer Favorite One summer favorite for high country anglers is Bear Canyon Lake in the Mogollon Rim. This deep canyon lake has decent shoreline access, but don't expect to fish the bottom with your PowerBait. There is a steep drop-off along most of the shoreline. There is a slight hike into this lake, which keeps most people away. There's no store, no facilities (other than a bathroom in the parking lot), and it is only dispersed camping nearby - a good thing for minimalists. The Reel Deal... Full story
PHOENIX — Arizona waterways are teeming with activity and the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all boaters to ensure a safe boating experience by remaining vigilant when out on the water. The reminder comes after a boat operator on Lake Mohave accidentally reversed the boat and struck a man with the boat’s propeller on Saturday. The man died of his injuries. “Our thoughts go out to the family of those impacted by this horrible accident,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boat Safety Educati... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department submitted a public records request to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to better assess the impact that the overpopulation of burros is having on the state and to learn the federal agency's plans to address the issue. By filing the request under the Freedom of Information Act, the department is seeking information on the BLM's plans and strategies to bring the burro population back down to "appropriate management levels" as required under the 1971 Wil... Full story
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded nearly $75,000 in grant funding for local sportsmen's organizations to provide public, hands-on, mentored projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers. Of the 17 proposals received for the latest grant cycle, 16 were approved and will be given $74,503 of the available funds. A five-member panel rated and scored the proposals. Grants were awarded through a competitive application process that closed June 22. Doug Burt, h... Full story
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has scheduled a series of six "open houses" for its constituents to review and ask questions about proposed hunt recommendations for webbed migratory birds, and spring hunts for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. The department annually makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and permit-tag allocations based on the framework o... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend its rules following the 2014 five-year rule review of Article 1, Definitions and General Provisions. A subsequent review of these recommendations evaluated their usefulness in practice and enforcement, resulting in the rulemaking as published in the Arizona Administrative Register on July 10, 2015. The public comment period runs July 10- Aug. 10. Please submit any comments you may have in regard to the proposed rulemaking to... Full story
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, has issued a fish consumption advisory recommending that people limit consumption of channel catfish and largemouth bass caught from Bartlett Lake in Maricopa County. ADEQ is issuing this advisory because recent fish tissue samples from Bartlett Lake contained elevated levels of mercury. ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of channel catfish and largemouth bass to 2.4 ounces... Full story