Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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These Five Are The State's Representatives Though it's thought of as a desert state, Arizona has a surprisingly wide variety of climates that support a wide variety of wildlife from rodents to reptiles, birds and large predators be they common and familiar or the rarest and the strange. Here is information about some of the animals in Arizona. Official State Bird Arizona's state bird is the cactus wren. This bird is only found in the deserts of the southwest and upper Mexico. It's the United... Full story
If you're a dove hunter who's counting the days until the Sept. 1 opener, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is rolling out a different video each week that's sure to whet your wing-shooting appetite. Just keep checking your email each week, and enjoy what our talented folks in the audio-visual department have produced about hunting doves, Arizona-style. And, for those who might have missed them - Yuma Desert Doves Women Hunt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkWAczgpBD0 Healey Family... Full story
'Here, Kitty, Kitty' Trail cam confirms "Lil' Jefe" the ocelot still roams the mountains of southeast Arizona. Kudos to The Arizona Republic and reporter Brandon Loomis for a recent news story about a Vail, Ariz., man's trail camera footage that confirms Arizona's lone ocelot still roams the Huachuca Mountains, more than a decade after the wildcat was first sighted there. Upcoming Events: Virtual Speaker Wildlife Series Arizona's Wildcats: Learn about our state's stealthy hypercarnivores - 6:30... Full story
The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Sept. 8, at the Greer Community Center, 74 Main St., in Greer, 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. Join our Conservation Membership program and ensure a wildlife legacy for the future. The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser... Full story
Do you want to see your photo on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views' annual calendar? Do you have a knack for capturing great photos of wildlife? Then you won't want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 17th annual wildlife photo contest. One best in show and 11 first-place winners will be showcased in the 2024 calendar, which is published in the November-December 2023 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. The best-in-show photo is published on the calendar's cover and as one of the... Full story
Editor's Note: This issue addresses the subject of survival, of keeping cool during our long, hot summer. Although we concentrate on the elderly and the little people, wildlife, as well as humans, need "cooling stations" and thanks to Arizona Game and Fish, there is help for our animal friends. You can help them too. Arizona is in a cycle of long-term drought. For our wildlife, this means less drinking water and a bigger fight for survival, especially during the dangerously hot and dry summer... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2023 Commission Awards. The awards 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 (AZGFD). There are 12 award categories (see list below). Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. AZGFD employees are not eligible for nomination. Nominate By Aug... Full story
Director's Orders (list of waters with aquatic invasive species) updated to include Tonto Creek; Tonto Creek Hatchery closed to public. PAYSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the... Full story
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2023 fall 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 https://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 contact information, as well as their lic... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers that the record-setting heat has raised water temperatures in many trout lakes and streams. Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal responsibi... Full story
The following is a summary of Mexican Wolf Recovery Program activities in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona, including the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and New Mexico. Additional Program information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at (888) 459-9653, or by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at www.azgfd.gov/wolf, or by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at... Full story
March 23-24, 2024 Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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. Sponsorship opportunities also available on the registration site. Register HERE... Full story
If you're a dove hunter who's counting the days (15) until the Sept. 1 opener, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is rolling out a different video each week that is sure to whet your wing-shooting appetite. Just keep checking your email each week, and enjoy what our talented folks in the audio-visual department have produced about hunting doves, Arizona-style. This week: Healey Family Opening Day Dove Hunt And, for those who might have missed it . . . Aug. 10: Yuma: A Dove Hunter's... Full story
Monsoon weather is just around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly, from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash flooding. "Arizona is known for its often unbearable summer heat; it's also known for great places... Full story
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and respected outdoor journalist Craig Boddington will honor the 2023 class of inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame at the 25th annual Hall of Fame banquet Saturday, Aug. 19. The event will take place at The Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd., in Litchfield Park, Ariz. This year's inductees represent a diverse range of experts and advocates dedicated to preserving Arizona's natural heritage. These organizations and individuals have demonstrated... Full story
Precaution Taken After Invasive Mudsnails Detected In Creek 2.5 Miles Downstream Of Hatchery The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species, in Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Beginning June 22, the Tonto Creek Hatchery was closed to the public. This will provide the department with time to en... Full story
To keep the public safe from watercraft-related accidents this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will increase patrols on Arizona’s waterways from July 1-3 during Operation Dry Water. This nationwide campaign focuses on decreasing the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities, and educating recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence. Law enforcement officers will remove dangerous and im... Full story
As always, keep food sources unavailable, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy wildlife from a distance. Many people will be headed to Arizona's high country this weekend, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding outdoor recreationists and residents to be aware of the chance encounter with bears or other native wildlife. The best way to enjoy wildlife is from a safe distance. Bears, in particular, are powerful animals that should always be considered unpredictable and... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is hosting its 20th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on July 29 at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. The free, family-friendly festival will include: Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Plant displays to attract hummingbirds. Live wildlife from the R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch. Live bird display from AZGFD. Take a photo with a live critter at the critter photo booth. Activities for... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers that the record-setting heat has raised water temperatures in many trout lakes and streams. Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal... Full story
There’s not a better time than right now to apply for 2023 hunt permit-tags issued through the fall draw process for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, and sandhill crane. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.” For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2023-2024 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/R... Full story
In the aftermath of two recent coyote attacks on toddlers in north Scottsdale, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding residents to help avoid conflicts with wildlife by not feeding them and by not letting them feel comfortable around your home. If a coyote has bitten a person, call 911. Anyone bitten by a coyote should immediately seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider. If you encounter a coyote (or other wildlife) that is acting aggressively toward... Full story
AZGFD Cautions Boaters, Anglers, OHV Users During Monsoon Monsoon Awareness Week is June 11-17 Monsoon weather is just around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly, from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash... Full story
AZGFD Reports On All Things Fishing A recent article by Nixza Gonzalez for the A-Z Animals blog/website discusses some of the rainbow trout records in Arizona. The Arizona record for largest rainbow trout caught with a hook and line in an inland water is 15 pounds, 9.2 ounces, caught at Willow Springs Lake on Sept. 29, 2006, by Harold Wright of Sun City. The largest rainbow trout ever caught and released in Arizona’s inland waters is a 32-inch rainbow caught at Silver Creek on Jan. 30, 2010, by... Full story
More than 67,000 rainbow trout varying in size from 3 to 18 inches stocked into Lower Lake Mary in this spring. By Matt Rinker, Senior Aquatic Wildlife Specialist, AZGFD Flagstaff Region If you have ever fished Lower Lake Mary, you know it is a lake of boom and bust. Some years the lake is full and fishing is great and other years the lake is low or just a meadow. Well, the story of Upper and Lower Lake Mary is directly tied to the history of Flagstaff and its early settlers. Upper and Lower... Full story