Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Articles from the March 15, 2012 edition


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  • The Top Five Outdoor Films — Ever!

    Mar 15, 2012

    It's hard to define what qualifies a motion picture as an "outdoor" film. To make this list the film must center on hunting and/or the outdoors. One of these two elements must be central to the plot, theme, tone and overall narrative of the flick. Feel free to add your top five or even 20 and your candid opinions on the choices below. 1. Jeremiah Johnson (1972) — Director Sydney Pollack's take on jaded army vet Jeremiah Johnson's battle with an unforgiving Colorado Territory in the 1840's is t... Full story

  • Native Wildlife Are Not Pets

    AZGFD|Mar 15, 2012

    There’s no denying the fact that some wildlife might appear to make for a nice pet, especially the youngsters one might believe can be domesticated. But, Arizona Game and Fish officials advise otherwise. “There’s no such thing,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Region 3 office in Kingman. “Yes, wild animals may sometimes appear comfortable around people and some have been taught tricks, but they are never domesticated.” Where Do You Draw The Line? In a recent... Full story

  • Boat Maintenance: Spring Commissioning Part II

    Sandy Lindsey|Mar 15, 2012

    The Exterior The exterior of your boat needs to be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a year, if not more often, or you'll find yourself with a seasoned mess with stains that are more difficult to get out than they'd been if you hadn’t skipped this simple step. First, close all the windows and hatches so the cleaning and rinse water only goes where you want it to, and remove any seat cushions, etc., that you didn't take off the deck during winterizing like you should have. Think Shipshape Conditi... Full story

  • New Model Roll-Outs To Highlight Lake Havasu Boat Show

    Mar 15, 2012

    The Miami International Boat Show is considered by many to be the granddaddy of all boat shows, but for Southwest boaters, the 2012 Lake Havasu Boat Show, April 20-22 at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4, runs a close second. Thanks to repositioning annual boat show dates to run concurrently with Desert Storm, the Lake Havasu Boat Show, sponsored by Teague Custom Marine of Valencia, Calif., will be 2-1/2 times larger than last year, and is jam-packed with much-awaited new model offerings.... Full story

  • April ‘Storm’ Predicted For The Desert

    Jim Nichols LakeRacer LLC|Mar 15, 2012

    We’re only weeks away from Desert Storm 2012: April 23-28. After Desert Storm 2011, ideas of incorporating the Lake Havasu Boat Show into the same timeframe as Desert Storm were popping up as a way to keep growing the Lake Havasu boat show. For boating manufacturers and vendors, who normally wouldn’t display in a West Coast event, but do attend Desert Storm, it would be a great incentive to attend both and get more exposure than ever before. Plus it really puts the Desert Storm Performance Boa... Full story

  • THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

    AZDBA|Mar 15, 2012

    To celebrate 2012 as the "Year of the Dragon," what better way than to come see the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, Saturday, March 31-Sunday, April 1 on Tempe Town Lake? This is a free boat festival with entertainment and food vendors. The Arizona Dragon Boat Association is a non-profit 501c(3) organization whose vision is to spread the sport of Dragon Boat racing in Arizona. Founded in 2002, their paddlers have competed in races in the United States and around the world, and they offer all... Full story

  • Top 10 Most Popular Boat Names In 2011

    BoatUS Boat Graphics|Mar 15, 2012

    BoatUS: 22nd Annual List Of Top 10 Boat Names Making the decision to buy a boat comes easy for some people. Picking out a name for the boat, however, can prove to be much harder, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). "A boat name reflects the life and loves of the owner," says Occoless Trotter of the BoatUS Boat Graphics department, which helps boaters design their own boat names "But, it's hard to sum it all up with just a few words." The half-million-member boat owners group has been tallying the Top Ten Boat... Full story

  • Book Your Trip Today

    Mar 15, 2012

    From early March to Aprill 15 (and possibly into early May, depending on flow levels), rafters can enjoy the thrill of "running" down the Salt River. For more information, call Salt River Rafting, LLC, at (800) 472-5194 or visit www.RaftTheSalt.com.... Full story

  • Catalina, Here We Come!

    Mar 15, 2012

    Although not all the details were in place at press time, according to Debbie Huntsman, commodore of Lake Pleasant Sailing Club (LPSC), it is a done deal that the Arizona Yacht Club (AYC) and LPSC will be sailing together (possibly along with the Tucson Sailing Club) to Catalina Island in early July. They hope to have a large flotilla invasion of "Zonies" on Catalina. For the first time in decades, the two clubs will do a sail together, so many are excited by this co-cruise. John Pendleton is... Full story

  • The Big One Is Here!

    Don McDowell|Mar 15, 2012

    One of the biggest and best fishing and family events of Arizona’s Centennial year is coming soon to Pleasant Harbor, Lake Pleasant, Ariz. Save March 16 through 18 for three fun-packed days of fishing, outdoor competitions, and activities for everyone, young and old (and in between). The list for this event (no, make it these events) just keeps growing and growing, thanks to Kim Carter, general manager of Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM; Don McDowell, event director of Bill Luke Bass Days a... Full story

  • It’s All About San Diego Sportfishing

    Mar 15, 2012

    A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego's Day At The Docks is the West Coast's largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of the world-renowned sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay. This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family, and especially the sportfishing ent... Full story

  • Imagine Getting A Rebate For Buying A Fishing License

    Mar 15, 2012

    Imagine getting a rebate for fishing? Well, guess what? You can now get a rebate for having or buying a 2012 Arizona Fishing License, thanks to a promotion by Shakespeare. Here’s the deal. Buy any two Shakespeare products (such as the Ugly Stick) that total $40 and a 2012 Arizona Fishing License (or show proof that you have one), submit the documentation by mail, and get $10 back by mail. It’s as simple as all that. For more information, visit the Recreation and Boating and Fishing Foundation at www.rbff.org. “We are already stocking trout... Full story

  • Getting Ready To Fish Arizona

    Mar 15, 2012

    Just recently, we just stocked a bonus 3,000 rainbow trout into the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake near Phoenix at the Waters Users (where the tubers put in) and Blue Point Bridge. Despite our late winter temperatures soaring up just as spring approaches, the water in the Lower Salt comes from the bottom of Saguaro Lake, so it is in the low 50s, making it a superb riverine trout fishery in the Upper Sonoran Desert. Basically, it's a one-of-a-kind fishery. So, give it a try. Be sure to get y...

  • Bon Voyage

    Mar 15, 2012

    It is hard to say goodbye to one of our most loyal supporters of and contributors to the safety of Arizona outdoor recreationists, both on the water and on land. However, congratulations are definitely in order for Ed Huntsman, leaving the Arizona Game & Fish Department on March 19 where he has served as Boating and OHV Safety Education administrator and program manager since November 2004. Effective March 26, Huntsman begins his new position in New Orleans, La., at the helm of the Recreational... Full story

  • Lake Powell Report

    Wayne Gustaveson|Mar 15, 2012

    Lake Powell water temperature still hovers between 49 and 54. Not much change will occur in fishing conditions until significant warming of air and water comes toward the end of March. The good news is that stripers, walleye, largemouth and crappie can be caught now with specific effort directed in the small areas of vulnerability these species exhibit. Here is the pattern for success. Look for water that is murky green instead of blue and clear. Most fish are holding in the back of canyons... Full story

  • Bring Your Family, Friends To AZGFD Outdoor Expo

    Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice wanting to learn, be sure to come on out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo is held at the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix and offers loads of fun activities, exhibits and educational presentations for the entire family Adults and kids will get a chance to see live wildlife, including hawks, owls, snakes, sma... Full story

  • Tony Stewart To Chair NHF Day Celebration

    Mar 15, 2012

    Leading NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver/owner Tony Stewart knows a thing or two about winning championships. As the driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Stewart has won 12 driving championships, including three Sprint Cup Series titles, in a career spanning more than three decades. Stewart is a champion off the racetrack as much as he is on, and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts via his Tony Stewart Foundation, which raises funds... Full story

  • Online Draw Applicants Should Ensure Credit Card Info Is Current

    Mar 15, 2012

    Were you one of the many hunters who used the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s online application service for the 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Draw? Has your credit or debit card information recently changed? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, you will want to make sure that the credit or debit card you used to apply for the draw is still valid, and if not, then update your information. Be advised that if your card is invalid at the time the random drawing is run, it will result in rejection of your application (regardless o... Full story

  • Mountain Gear Announces Red Rock Rendezvous

    LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The ninth annual “Mountain Gear Presents: Red Rock Rendezvous” (RRR) rock-climbing festival, title sponsored by The North Face, returns to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas on March 30 through April 1. This year’s event is limited to the first 1,000 registrants; early registration is recommended. To register, visit www.RedRockRendezvous.com. For the 2012 RRR, Mountain Gear is adding Special Friday Clinics to the three-day event that include a range... Full story

  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park

    Mar 15, 2012

    (Phoenix, AZ - February 13, 2012) -- Beginning in March, Park Rangers at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood will offer guided ranger-led hikes on Sundays and mountain bike ride/clinics on Saturdays. The hikes will be charged as part of the $7 park car entrance fee; however, the mountain bike clinic/rides require an additional program fee of $5.00 per person. "Nature Walks" will start every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. from March 24 through May 5, and last for one to two hours. The guided hike... Full story

  • Arizonans Can Help Wildlife At Tax Time

    Mar 15, 2012

    Did you know that your state taxes do not support the conservation of Arizona's wildlife, but your donations do? Taxpayers can help the state's wildlife at tax time by "making a mark" on their state income tax form. The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation to help imperiled and endangered wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout, Mexican wolves and desert tortoises, among other non-ga... Full story

  • Audubon Society Names Bill Williams River NWR ‘Global Important Bird Area’

    Mar 15, 2012

    For birdwatchers everywhere, the sharp weeep call of a Nutting's Flycatcher makes the heart skip a beat, especially for so-called "listers" who try to see as many of the world's 10,000 species as they can in one year. It's a passion popularized in the recent Hollywood movie The Big Year. News that a Nutting's was spotted early in 2012 near Lake Havasu City in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge has spread worldwide. Since then, flocks of birders descended upon this Colorado River... Full story

  • Important First Meeting Of Sportsmen’s Constituent Group To Be Held March 22

    Mar 15, 2012

    A most important first meeting of the newly created Sportsmen’s Constituent Group (working title at this point) will be held on Thursday, March 22, from 6-9 p.m., at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The meeting will discuss how to best unite constituents (sportsmen/women and other wildlife enthusiasts, whether affiliated with an organized group or not) on immediate issues and challenges affecting the future of hunting, fishing and shooting sports, as well as Arizona’s wildlife fut... Full story