Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 36
The 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show has moved across town to WestWorld of Scottsdale. And more than doubled its size! Now there are two full buildings - one for the Arizona Boat Show, and one for the Sportsman Expo, plus vast outside space. All this space will be showcasing more than 100 new exhibitors - 300+ in all. The Valley of the Sun's only boat show will spotlight more than 15 dealers, marinas and marine-accessories companies. Family Entertainment... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is "Making Bass Fishing Great Again!" The 18th annual event at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort and Marina is handing out over $50,000 in cash prizes over the course of the three-days bass fishing tournament. The bass fishing tournament has six daily hourly weigh-ins; every hour first place pays $300, second through tenth place pay $100. Top Overall Big Bass this year wins $10,000! The Biggest Bass of The Day, each day, will win $2,000. And, Bill Luke will pay a $1,000 cash award... Full story
The warming spring weather brings out "the best in show". Make that plural: shows! The first of the Arizona favorites is the 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show, this year at WestWorld of Scottsdale from Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13. One of the highlights of the Expo is shown on this month's cover - the giant WesternBass.com Aquarium Demonstration Tank, which is presented again this year by Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times news... Full story
The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trades) was held in Las Vegas this past January. As always, the show was enormous and it took several days to get around to seeing everything. Even after several days, I'm sure I missed some great stuff, but I did see a bunch of things that I can't wait to tell you about. Wildo Campware I remember when my granddaughters were in grade school and I volunteered in the cafeteria. They would give the kids these little plastic sporks to eat with that were... Full story
There are a few absolute essentials that every shooter, no matter what his sport, must wear. No range will let you shoot without "eyes and ears" - eye protection and hearing protection. That being said, there are tons of different ways to protect your eyes and ears, and some are better than others, some are good for one kind of shooting and not another, and some are just barely acceptable. Ear Protection Ear protection is one place where you'll find a lot of different products to prevent hearing... Full story
The count-down to the 25th Annual Lake Havasu Boat Show, presented by Frontier Communications and Mohave State Bank, has begun. This year, the Lake Havasu Boat Show opens on Friday, April 8 and runs through Sunday, April 10 at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 on London Bridge Road. More Boats Than Ever "This will be a very special boat show since it's our 25th annual," said boat show organizer Bob Brown. "We'll have more boats and exhibitors than ever before plus plenty of great added... Full story
In 1966, boaters could buy a new mid-sized cruiser for about $7,000, outboard engines had just surpassed 100 horsepower, and recreational boating was growing on a large scale across America. It was also in '66 that the nation's largest recreational boating group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), got its start thanks to Founder Richard Schwartz who saw a need to make recreational boaters' lives better. Schwartz's Vision His vision of offering representation, improving safety... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo is all set for Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Admission and parking are free! From Wildlife To Fish To Targets Last year's Expo and Youth Day drew a total of 39,000 attendees, and again this year, there will be plenty of hands-on fun for all ages. Check out the huge kids fishing tanks and take home a free photo. See all sorts of live wildlife. Learn target archery and try other shooting... Full story
The Reel Deel Bass Action Look for the bass action to get even better at some our pristine lakes in the desert. Apache, Canyon and Saguaro all have been stocked with rainbow trout throughout the winter, so throwing some trout-imitation swim baits can produce some trophy bass. With an onset of warmer-than-average temperatures, more bass have ventured into shallower waters in a pre-spawn mode (certainly at Roosevelt and likely Saguaro, too) and are willing to chase crankbaits, spinnerbaits and cha... Full story
As we began 2016, heavy rains were predicted for San Diego and Arizona. Anticipation of rising water sheds appear to be in our future for Arizona lakes especially on the Salt River lakes chain. Meanwhile, the offshore water current temperatures hold and numbers of 15-30 pound yellow tail are being reported at H&M Landing from the ½- and ¾-day boats. The offshore fishing season took the Christmas holiday week off but we’re at it once again; it continues! The El Niño currently causing mayhem arou... Full story
Revel in the atmosphere of 16th century Europe! Explore our 30-acre festival village filled with 13 stages of nonstop entertainment: performances of music, dance, comedy, falconry and acrobatics. Cheer on your favorite armored knight at a jousting tournament in the 5,000-seat arena. Foolish pleasures mix with artisan treasures as you shop over 200 craft shops, interact and revel with a cast of nearly 2,000 colorfully costumed characters. Kids love the interactive games and people-powered rides.... Full story
YELLOWTAIL TIME – The eighth annual Yellowtail Derby is set for Saturday, April 30 through Sunday, June 5. This premier fishing event out of San Diego offers a total of $30,000 in cash and prizes (based on 500 entries). The entry fee for all 36 days is, until March 15, $60; after that, it is $80. Juniors (ages 8 to 14) pay $40. This annual favorite is open to private boater anglers, including kayakers. The target species are yellowtail, white seabass, and halibut; there are prizes in each c... Full story
Thank you! What a fantastic gathering and discussion we had on Jan. 30. We had 50 people in attendance of whom 15 were first-time attendees — our highest turnout yet! The cross section of representation was equally as impressive with 21 unique organizations (many wear multiple hats) — including three angling groups and two predator hunting group. The Department was equally represented by our public-information staff (five), terrestrial branch (one), wildlife managers and regional staff (four), hunter education (one), and shooting sports (tw... Full story
Most Arizonans, as well as many from outside the state, are familiar with beautiful Bartlett Lake. They have enjoyed the well-run marina, the availability of both dry and wet slips, the amenities for purchase or rent at both the dock and general stores, the excellent fishing, and, of course, the friendly and helpful staff. Most are also aware of the quaint aqua lodges and the great and well-equipped party boat. They may even have caught a glimpse of "Bartleby" (although no one ever fesses up to... Full story
Offshore anglers, commercial fishermen and workboat operators can rely on new Hella Marine Sea Hawk-R floodlights to shine on in the harshest conditions. Their compact design and bright, dependable illumination are backed by a five-year warranty. Contact local dealers or www.hellamarine.com.... Full story
WHAT: Coconino Parks and Recreation has begun accepting ramada reservations for its 11 ramadas at four county parks. The ramadas are popular venues for people to host parties, reunions, and get-togethers and are available for rent seven days a week, either for half or full days. HOW: This year, Parks and Recreation is rolling out an online feature to improve accuracy of rental information and security. People may fill out a ramada reservation request on CocoRec, CCPR's online program for... Full story
Join us for the annual historic re-enactment of an Arizona Civil War skirmish, Battle of Picacho Pass, and the New Mexico battles of Glorieta and Val Verde at "Civil War in the Southwest" at Picacho Peak State Park. The three re-enactments will take place on Saturday, March 19 and will be repeated on Sunday, March 20. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days but gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and no further entry is allowed after 3 p.m. Authentic Re-Enactments, Lifestyles Visito... Full story
March activities at Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education opened with a special-event Star Party featuring live music, kids activities, and night sky star viewing on Saturday, March 5. This event celebrated the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Oracle State Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can bring their own lunch and beverages to enjoy on the ranch-house patios or park picnic areas. Full Oracle State Park event information is... Full story
One of the best of Arizona's no-kill shelters is in Tempe, Ariz.: Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. They need and welcome volunteers - for whom thorough training is provided - to help provide not only temporary homes for dogs and cats, but also careful care, and adoption services. Right now, LOH has a few more great opportunities with which they need assistance: PetSmart Volunteers Needed We have a great opportunity to possibly get more dogs and cats adopted by getting into another PetSmart location... Full story
Every year the State of Arizona convenes the legislature in January and all kinds of bills pop up. Some are ludicrous (just ask Representative Townsend) and some are a response to critical problems. This year the Arizona Game & Fish Department has been pushing for SB1361 to be approved. What Is SB1361? What is SB1361 and why are a few select former commissioners screaming? Back in 1990, The Heritage Fund (Indian gaming monies) awarded an annual amount of $10 million dollars to the Arizona Game a... Full story
For more than 20 years, the Heritage Fund has made a difference not just to wildlife conservation efforts, but also to the state's economy, public access, environmental education and outdoor recreation. Passed by voters as a ballot initiative in 1990 by a 2-1 ratio, the fund provides up to $10 million each year from Arizona lottery proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for the conservation and protection of the state's wildlife and natural areas. Protect, Provide, Educate The... Full story
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a 30-day public comment period seeking input on changes to the scope of the Bison Management Plan at Grand Canyon National Park. The focus of the planning effort will shift from development of a long-term management plan for North Rim bison to initial herd reduction. In spring 2014, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the NPS initiated public scoping for an environmental impact statement (EIS) to d... Full story
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking updated information about nine wildlife species as part of a review of native wildlife populations listed by the state as endangered, threatened or sensitive. WDFW will accept public comments through Feb. 25, 2017, on sea otters, grizzly bears, ferruginous hawks, northern leopard frogs, Larch Mountain salamanders, and four species of whales, including sei, North Pacific right, blue and fin. More information on these s... Full story
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and forest landowners are preparing to move forward on a joint strategy to help protect the fisher, a member of the weasel family currently under consideration for federal listing as a threatened species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is accepting public comments through March 30 on a proposed agreement with WDFW that, if approved, will extend incentives to landowners who take steps to protect fishers that move onto t... Full story
Action: Kalama River anglers may keep up to 2 hatchery adult spring chinook beginning Saturday, March 10. Effective date: March 10, 2016 until further notice. Species affected: Chinook salmon. Location: Kalama River from boundary markers at the mouth to 1,000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery. Reason for action: The preseason forecast is for 4,900 adult spring chinook to return to the Kalama in 2016. The hatchery escapement goal of 400 fish is expected to be met, leaving... Full story