Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — Boating officials from three states are teaming up once again to stress the importance of wearing a life jacket; they will be at the ninth annual Tri-State Boating Safety Fair at the Colorado River. The event will take place May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at London Bridge Beach Park, 1340 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City. The event coincides with the kickoff of National Boating Safety Week (May 19-25) and the “Ready, Set, Wear It” life jacket campaign sponsored by th... Full story
Kevin Bergersen, boating-law administrator at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, is surrounded by the pile of life jackets that people turned in so they could get new, updated ones — for free — at last year’s Tri-State Boating Safety Fair. Again this year, boating officials from three states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) are teaming up to highlight the importance of wearing PFDs. The ninth annual event is set for May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at London Bridge Beach Park, Lake Havas... Full story
The National Safe Boating Council is a membership organization with over 330 U.S. and Canadian members committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. The Council is committed to providing education programs to promote the safety of the recreational boating experience. National Safe Boating Council The National Safe Boating Council is a partner organization supporting the North American Safe Boating Campaign, which unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating...
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering $660,000 in federal grant money to enhance and improve public boating facilities at Arizona lakes and waterways. “If you enjoy boating on Arizona waters, this money is specifically for improving that kind of recreation,” said Ron Christofferson, Game and Fish’s boating facilities program manager. “Every year, the department makes grant funds available to applicants who wish to complete boating-facility projects that otherwise might not receive funding. This is the opportunity to apply for the... Full story
In many parts of the country, people are asking when did winter end and spring begin? Anglers and boaters are taking advantage of the unusually warm weather, but some may be forgetting that cold waters still lurk beneath the keel. Here are three easy safety tips from BoatUS.com/foundation that will help you get safely through the spring fishing and boating season. • Don't allow the warm weather to let your guard down: The air temperatures may be downright balmy, but deceptively cold waters i... Full story
As the Arizona weather warms, boating season gets into full swing. As do parties. If you want a fantastic day on the water with a group of family, friends, or co-workers, there is no better way than to rent this party boat and spend the day on beautiful Bartlett Lake. All the amenities you'll ever need are already on board; just bring your group, some food and drink, and be ready to enjoy! To ensure the dates you wish are available, call early to make your reservations: (602) 316-3378,... Full story
For a little while longer, Lake Powell's water level is stable and temperature remains in the low 60s, which is ideal for excellent bass, walleye and crappie fishing. With day length and ambient temperature increasing, the best tip is to fish in the shade. That includes the shady side of an individual rock or the shady side of a canyon. Seek shade to increase catch. Bass Spawning Near Completion Bass nests are still seen in the clear water and some have male guards cruising in the vicinity.... Full story
It seems that this Bartlett Lake largemouth bass bit off more than he could chew. As Don McDowell of Shake, Rattle, and Troll Radio explained when asked if either or both of the fish could survive: "Only if someone removes the smaller fish. What happens is the dorsal fins on the smaller fish won't allow the larger fish to release the small fish.The smaller fish basically is stuck and without intervention, both are doomed."... Full story
Western Outdoor Times/Arizona Boating & Watersports was once again represented at the San Diego Sportfishing Council's Day at the Docks in Point Loma. Leslie Manes, a longtime associate and friend, is shown at the Arizona booth on April 15, distributing WOT/AZBW papers and bringing Arizona greetings to the many event attendees. Thank you, Leslie! John Campbell, another longtime associate and friend, added the Yellowtail Derby 2012 banner to the booth with information on this popular event.... Full story
Hey, with temperatures in the deserts expected to soar into the triple digits, it might be time for a cool dose of scented pine air. Especially since we are getting great fishing reports from most of the mountain lakes. Woods Canyon Lake Big Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are both hot spots right now. Both of those waters have stores and boat rentals, making them even more attractive. I have been getting lots of reports of anglers catching limits of trout — even some larger holdover ones. Ironically... Full story
-- during Day at the Docks festivities are John Campbell and Miss Yellowtail Derby 2012, Delanie Gomes. Both stopped by the Western Outdoor Times/Arizona Boating & Watersports booth to help promote the 4th Annual Yellowtail Derby. A launch party was May 3 at San Diego's Bali Hai Restaurant, and the derby itself began May 5 and runs through June 10. Arizona anglers, there's still time to join in the fun!... Full story
Slowing to optimum trolling speed no longer requires a trolling motor, hard-to-retrieve drag buckets or line-tangling drift socks. By blocking part of a prop's thrust with an aluminum plate, Happy Troller from Davis Instruments slows down even large engines. Mounted on an outboard or sterndrive's anti-cavitation plate, Happy Troller locks down behind the prop by simply pulling a cable. It enables trolling at a slightly higher rpm, helping to avoid the carbon fouling on spark plugs that can... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the new 2012-13 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet online at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters can start applying for a hunt permit-tag issued through the drawing process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, and pheasant. At this time, paper applications can be submitted either by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or hand-delivered to... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently distributed information addressing an “open letter” from a constituent group describing challenges facing sportsmen. The Department provided some additional information regarding the “loss of wildlife” issue described in the open letter. Another issue listed in the open letter is that of “access to public lands.” We agree that access for public recreation has been, and will continue to be, an issue as our state continues to grow. Challenges include p... Full story
What a concept! Arizona is a great location for solar cooking, and it suits boating and watersports enthusiasts as well as campers (as shown in this photo) perfectly! Possible future articles may include recipes, stories of experiences with solar "appliances," and information on the eco, health, and practical benefits of cooking with sunshine. Meanwhile, for more information, e-mail heather.r.stevens@gmail.com... Full story
Join Glen Canyon National Recreation Area staff on May 20 to experience a rare annular eclipse of the sun. Wahweap View, three miles north of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center on US Highway 89, is the park’s official eclipse viewing location. Rangers and amateur astronomers representing astronomy clubs in Arizona and New Mexico will provide solar telescopes and viewing devices to experience this extraordinary phenomenon. Wahweap View parking is limited to the first 45 vehicles; no RVs or v... Full story
Reminder From The Lake Pleasant Sailing Club National Safe Boating Week: May 19-May 26, 2012 LPSC is the proud recipient of a 2012 "WEAR IT!" Grassroots Outreach Campaign Grant.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department pledges to continue its proven protective management program for bald eagles even though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently decided that the species in Arizona is not a distinct population segment and does not warrant listing as an endangered species. “The Service’s recent decision has no bearing on Arizona’s bald eagle management program that has been in place for more than 30 years and has led to a more than 600 percent increase in the state... Full story
New trail camera photos of an ocelot in the Huachuca Mountains are now being analyzed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to determine if it is the same one sighted there twice in 2011. The photos — taken late April 26 and early April 27 — were provided to the department by a third party who wishes not to be identified. The ocelot’s spotting pattern is being compared to that of an ocelot photographed by Game and Fish officers in February 2011 and by a hunter’s trail camera in May 2011. T... Full story
As spring temperatures continue to warm in our state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department advises people who camp, recreate or live in bear habitat to be “bear aware,” as bears are coming out of their winter dens and becoming more active. Consecutive dry winters and intermittent seasonal rains, coupled with the impacts from last year’s large fires, suggest there may be more cases of bears visiting residential areas this year in some parts of the state. Bears in search of food are often attra... Full story
Now that the excitement of the 9th Annual Desert Ice Bonspiel is behind us, the Coyotes Curling Club turns towards the upcoming 2012 Summer League! The Summer League has always been a league where new curlers can test their hand at this incredible game in an affordable manner, learn from experienced curlers before, during, and after every game. The league is designed to be short for those who have other commitments over the summer. For those experienced curlers, the Summer League is the perfect... Full story
After more than two decades we decided it was time to upgrade our Web site, leesferry.com. Our new site is live and I invite you visit us. You will find this new site to be loaded with information about our river and fishing. The site will continue to grow and change so check back often. The weather in late March has been clear and warm (‘70s). Spring has arrived at Lees Ferry and the trees are budding out and the birds are migrating. A spring cold front is expected, which will bring moisture a... Full story
There's a lot to pack before you head out for the spring/summer fishing season. Just don't forget the camera to take shots of your catch to submit to the BoatUS Angler "Catch of the Month" photo contest at www.BoatUS.com/angler/contest, which kicks off this week and runs monthly through October 31. Monthly winners, one freshwater and one saltwater, will receive a one-year BoatUS Angler membership with basic on-water towing and roadside assistance, a $50 Visa gift card and a "prize pack" filled with fishing and BoatUS Angler gear. In addition,... Full story
This summer there’s a “cool” chance to experience the wonders of the Sonoran desert while escaping the heat. Cave Creek Regional Park will be offering a variety of programs early in the morning, late in the evening or in the luxury of our air-conditioned Nature Center. Hikes/programs are canceled if heavy inclement weather is imminent. If possible, canceled hikes will be posted on the Web site. www.maricop.gov/parks/cave_creek Please join in for exciting ranger-guided hikes and famil... Full story
An accident that injured a woman and her four grandchildren recently was a powerful reminder of the need for all-terrain vehicle riders to wear helmets. The woman packed her grandchildren onto an ATV meant for one person and went for a ride Sunday on a dirt lot in Gilbert. But, the outing ended abruptly when she drove into an irrigation ditch, sending her and all four kids to the hospital. The woman, 50, sustained head injuries. Three girls, ages 3, 4 and 5, suffered multiple,... Full story