Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Articles from the July 1, 2017 edition


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 25 of 25

  • ON THE COVER - Come To Cool Places

    Carol L. Allen

    This issue's photos and article from Margie Anderson highlight one of the "coolest" areas of our state: Payson and its nearby delights, including fascinating trails, water falls, cool pools, and well-known destinations such as the Tonto Natural Bridge. She reminds us all that we need not stay put in the Valley of the Sun all summer long. We have options. Wonderful, refreshing options! Land Cruising - Rainbow Bridge Gains Designation - The National Park Service has designated Rainbow Bridge a... Full story

  • Phoenix, AZ - Gov. Ducey Issues Proclamation Encouraging Boating Safety

    AZBW|Jul 1, 2017

    "Boating in Arizona can offer great experience for everyone on the water, but only if it is done safely and responsibly," said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. "While time on the water can be fun, it can quickly turn dangerous if you're not prepared ... all boat and watercraft users [need] to always wear their life jacket. It could very well save your life." Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey helped kick off May's Safe Boating Week by issuing a proclamation, encouraging the public... Full story

  • Arizona Lakes, Arizona Pros: Kevin Finley - Lake Pleasant

    Margie Anderson|Jul 1, 2017

    Trapp Technology pro Kevin Finley just came home from the California Open where he took 13th out of 87 pros. If he looks familiar to you, it's probably because he fishes tournaments all over the West, plus he was just on the Fishing with Johnny Johnson television show. Kevin is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, plus he's one heck of a stick - he's been fishing out of the Trapp Technology boat for quite a while now, and as a business owner himself, he appreciates their expertise in IT solu... Full story

  • Substantial Firearm Optimization?

    Justin Daniel|Jul 1, 2017

    Are you the type of man or woman who wants great shooting firearms along with unrivaled accuracy every time you pull the trigger? Fantastic! You are among most other shooters and hunters out there who are always looking for a way to optimize your firearms for a trip to the range, the next hunt, or when you have tickets for an exotic hunt in a foreign country. Or perhaps you're an aspiring competition shooter looking to shoot your first 1000 meter target? Either way, you need the most out of your... Full story

  • Beat The Heat In Beautiful Payson

    Margie Anderson|Jul 1, 2017

    At 5000 feet, Payson stays quite a bit cooler than Phoenix in the summer. Temperatures may reach the mid 90s, but if you're in a shady forest, it seems a lot cooler. We love to go to Payson, and started taking the granddaughters there years ago. There are plenty of good hotels and lots of great places to eat in Payson and the surrounding area, and there are great hikes as well. Tonto Natural Bridge One of the places near Payson that we love the most is Tonto Natural Bridge. It's actually more... Full story

  • Concealed Carriers, Consider These

    John Anderson|Jul 1, 2017

    What is the purpose of carrying a concealed weapon? For me, it's the ability to defend myself or my loved ones if we are violently attacked. The key is concealment. If you really want to fly under the radar, it's not enough to simply hide your weapon - too many "concealed" carriers advertise the fact that they have a weapon. How? Body language and clothing are the top ways. Easy To Spot Many times I can spot a guy who's carrying the instant he stands up because odds are, he's going to grab his... Full story

  • The Two Gunsmiths Finish Their Story

    Mike Berger and Pat Knight|Jul 1, 2017

    'Working on guns is a very interesting skill to learn, and a very satisfying process to become involved in.' Following is their chapter of completion, the conclusion of this fascinating project. Editor's Note: We at Arizona Boating & Watersports sincerely appreciate these two gunsmiths' sharing their story of and passion for rebuilding vintage guns. (Personally, I also appreciate the guidance given by retired Chief Mike Berger to our granddaughter Kelsee Haws while she was a student at Central... Full story

  • Rainbow Bridge Gains Traditional Cultural Property

    AZBW|Jul 1, 2017

    The National Park Service has designated Rainbow Bridge a Traditional Cultural Property, recognizing the site's historic and ongoing cultural significance to at least six American Indian tribes, and establishing its listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rainbow Bridge is the first site in Utah to gain a TCP designation. Stunning Beauty, Value "Anyone who has visited Rainbow Bridge can attest to its stunning beauty and unique value as an example of the geologic forces that have... Full story

  • HAHWG To Meet In Flagstaff

    Doug Burt, AGFD Hunting and Shooting Sports Program Manager|Jul 1, 2017

    The Hunting And Angling Heritage Workgroup (HAHWG) will hold their summer meeting July 22-23 at the Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff (was Nordic Center, new owners). The group will return to the two-day format, meeting from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by a dinner, social hour, networking and campfire, then Sunday from 8 a.m. – noon to allow folks time to get home at a decent time. If you have a topic we've been missing in our discussions, send it my way. If you are interested in j... Full story

  • Vaquitas Are Vanishing

    WOT|Jul 1, 2017

    It is estimated that there are fewer than 30 vaquita left in the entire world. It is now the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. This small, cute porpoise, which lives off the coast of Mexico, is dangerously endangered, due in large part to illegal fishing in the area and the "ghost gear" left behind. Illegal Nets Are Killers Abandoned and lost fishing nets and gear injure and entangle the vaquita and other marine animals, which leads to drowning. The vaquita have been killed in mass... Full story

  • Monument Review Could Help Arizona

    AZGFD, Larry D. Voyles Retiring Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department|Jul 1, 2017

    President Trump's Executive Order calling for a review of expansive executive land designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906 has predictably generated a volume of debate and dire predictions. Missing from the discussion is thoughtful dialogue about the critical role of multiple-use management in natural resources conservation and the sometimes dire consequences to our natural resources of removing such tools from the pallet of management actions and possibilities. This is all done in the... Full story

  • AZGFD Advises Public To Leave Baby Wildlife Alone

    AZGFD|Jul 1, 2017

    The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has seized a deer, bobcat and javelina since early last month that were illegally taken captive while young by Tucson area residents and reared as pets. The mule deer buck was taken to the AZGFD Wildlife Center in Phoenix for treatment, and then will go to Bearizona in Williams. The bobcat was placed at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, and the javelina moved to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale. Taking captive and holding... Full story

  • Apache Leap Management Plan

    WOT|Jul 1, 2017

    PHOENIX, June 30, 2017 -For Immediate Release. The Tonto National Forest will offer a 30-day public comment period from July 1 through July 30, 2017, to collect feedback on suggested changes to the proposed management plan for the Apache Leap Special Management Area and forthcoming Forest Plan amendment that would incorporate the new management direction. Guidance for providing comments is included in the June 30, 2017, Legal Notice. Guidance also is available on the project website at:... Full story

  • AZGFD Has 10 Safety Tips For OHV Riders

    AZGFD|Jul 1, 2017

    Summer is upon us and many Arizona residents and visitors are planning to hop on their off-highway vehicle (OHV). Before hitting the trail while camping or out for a day of riding, 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. Kids under 18 years old are required by law to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times while riding in a side-by-side, an all-terrain v... Full story

  • Wildlife Selfies

    AZBW, Maricopa County Parks|Jul 1, 2017

    What goes on at the watering hole at Cave Creek Regional Park doesn't necessarily always stay in the park. That's right, it could end up on Facebook! So, the parks critters should always make sure they're minding their Ps & Qs, and smile big for the camera as they take their wildlife selfies. It All Started With A Habitat Several years ago, the park constructed a habitat for their resident desert tortoise, Piccolo. Along with a variety of vegetation, and a den for hibernation, the habitat... Full story

  • Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

    Lost Our Home Lists How We Can Help

    Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, Emily Vivian Voluteer Service And Events Manager|Jul 1, 2017

    Can You Help With Any Of These? • Early Morning Walkers: AM walkers needed from 6:30AM-8:30AM to walk the dogs before the pavement becomes too hot! • Front Desk Help: Our staff desperately needs consistent front desk help! This would involve greeting and directing potential pet parents, answering questions, answering phones, listening to voicemail, data entry, and more! • Adoption Counselors: Do you have a passion for helping our animals find their furever homes? We are in need... Full story

  • Payson Book Festival - Cool Off And Read

    AZBW

    When you visit Payson to cool off this summer, there's a great event to add to your excursion: The Payson Book Festival, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino. Free to the public, this event promotes literacy and showcases local and Arizona authors representing many genres of fiction and non-fiction. Here you can meet 70 authors, enjoy book signings and presentations. Kids can meet "Story Monster" and enjoy story time, including The Cat in the Hat. Food from local... Full story

  • We Highly Recommend This Place - Boat, Dine, Celebrate, Cool Off At The Watershed

    Carol L. Allen

    It's hard to believe, but yes, there is a lake and there are boats right in the middle of Tempe, Ariz. My husband and I were residents of this beautiful area, The Lakes, for four years and enjoyed every minute of our time there. Now, years later, we love returning to The Lakes with a special destination in mind: The Watershed restaurant. It is one of our favorites. Being lakeside, it is also a cool alternative for escaping the summer heat. Besides this great feature, you can enjoy modern... Full story

  • San Diego, CA - Yellowtail Derby 2017 Is A 'Reel' Success Story

    Carol L. Allen|Jul 1, 2017

    Another year and another successful Yellowtail Derby has ended with awards going to these winners: Harry Okuda, overall (49 lb.-11.2 oz. yellowtail); Mike Mooradian, second place overall (41 lb.-.8 oz. yellowtail), and Laurie Chambliss, third place overall (34 lb. yellowtail). The winners were honored at the Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island, San Diego, Calif. This concluded the ninth annual YTD, which had 118 anglers competing in the derby.... Full story

  • FY2018 Budget Must Support Outdoor Recreation

    ASA|Jul 1, 2017

    WASHINGTON, DC, June 26, 2017 – America’s Great Outdoors is vital to the quality of life for most Americans and key to the nation’s $887 billion per year outdoor recreation industry. The federal government manages nearly one-third of the nation’s surface area, making it integral to the health of an industry that supports some 7.6 million jobs. The Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) urges support for federal outdoor recreation programs in the FY2018 budget now being crafted by the Con... Full story

  • Trump Administration Delivers for Saltwater Recreational Anglers

    ASA|Jul 1, 2017

    Washington, D.C. – June 28, 2017 – Today, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the 2017 Regional Fishery Management Council (RFMC) appointments and has shown that recreational fishing and boating are important to the Trump Administration. The appointments of Steve Heins of New York to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Chester Brewer of Florida to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; and Phil Dyskow of Florida, Dr. Bob Shipp of Alabama, and Dr. Greg Stunz of Texas to the... Full story

  • James Ammons Becomes Chairman Of Arizona Game And Fish Commission

    AZGFD

    PHOENIX — James Ammons assumed the role of chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on July 1. Charged with leading the five-member commission for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Ammons has been serving on the commission since 2014 after being appointed to a five-year term by then-Gov. Jan Brewer. Ammons replaces Chairman Edward “Pat” Madden, whose term as chair expired June 30. Madden will continue to serve on the commission through the end of the year until a successor is appointed by th... Full story

  • Here's A Safer, Easier Way To Move Small Boats

    AZBW|Jul 1, 2017

    Out of the water, even the lightest dinghy can be awkward to move. Some owners use anything they can find, from reluctant bystanders to dock carts. Others simply resort to dragging on it the ground by its painter. Whichever method, there's always a risk to the vessel and everyone around it - especially on a windy day. Davis Instruments solves this problem with its Wheel-a-Weigh™ launching wheels. This ingenious set of portable, removable wheels enables one person to maneuver a small boat with ea... Full story

  • Be Aware Of The Dangers Of Haphazardly Storing Emergency Gear

    Jul 1, 2017

    Damages associated with boats sinking cost nearly $5.8M in 2015, according to the US Coast Guard. In that same year, new boats were commonly offered with everything from decorative underwater lighting to built-in cup holders. Yet, no one seemed to think about providing a dedicated space on deck for safety equipment, leaving owners to find storage spots throughout the vessel for gear that could possibly save lives. Almost every boat can sink. And it doesn't take running into a rock to do it. A co... Full story

  • AZGFD Seeking Public Comment On Proposed Hunt Guidelines

    AZGFD|Jul 1, 2017

    PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on proposed hunt guidelines for the 2018-19 through 2022-23 hunting seasons. The proposed guidelines were developed based on input received through written public comment and information gathered during a webinar and eight public meetings conducted statewide. The proposed guidelines can be viewed on the department’s website at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Guidelines/. Comments on the proposed guidelines may be s... Full story