Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 151 - 175 of 620
Alexandria, VA – May 1, 2018 – Leading recreational fishing organizations applauded Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) for introducing S. 2773, the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, to phase out the use of mile-long drift gillnets in the eastern Pacific by 2020 and bring California swordfish fishing in-line with all other U.S. and international swordfish fisheries. “This bill changes the tide from indiscriminate indus... Full story
Nearly 1,100 reports came into the 24×7 program Operation Game Thief to protect the state's wildlife. "Poachers are criminals." If you talk to any of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's wildlife managers, you're likely to hear that phrase repeated as they go about their work as part biologist, part law enforcement officer. As part of their duties, the department's 97 wildlife managers work to investigate potential poaching cases to ensure that the state's most precious natural resource -... Full story
Alexandria, VA – February 28, 2018 – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation overwhelmingly approved S. 1520, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish Act). This legislation calls for critically important updates to the oversight of federal fisheries, including adding more tools to the management toolbox, improving data collection techniques, and examining some fishery allocations that are based on decades-old decisions. The... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) prides itself on providing ample fishing opportunities for its legions of anglers and the state's growing populations of cormorants have taken notice. State Has Two Species In early 2017, AZGFD began a study of the state's two species of the bird - neotropic and double-crested cormorants - both of which are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under those protections, cormorant populations have flourished nationwide, competing... Full story
Each year as part of its highly successful program to manage and conserve bald eagles in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) asks outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to help this magnificent bird in Arizona. Various land and wildlife management agencies close areas around breeding locations during the birds' breeding season to protect the state's 67 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Some closure areas are located near popular... Full story
Will you be fishing the San Diego waters during the months of April & June, 2018? Specifically, from April 28 through June 3? San Diego's International Yellowtail Derby is a World Class fishing tournament reminiscent of San Diego's famous Yellowtail Derby of the 50s and 60s. This is a competition for the best catch of yellowtail, halibut, tuna, or seabass. The Derby is for 37 days, but anglers can fish for only one day or for all thirty-six days. And all participants have an chance to win the... Full story
CANYON LAKE, Ariz. — Boaters and other outdoor recreationists are advised that the Palo Verde Boat Ramp at Canyon Lake will temporarily close from March 1 through March 17 for a facility improvement project. Arizona Game and Fish has been working with the Tonto National Forest to maintain the pavement in and around the ramp, and this project will involve milling, crack-sealing, seal-coating and other services as necessary. During the work, the area from the main highway down to the ramp will b... Full story
'Quality of life is measured by amount of time spent fishing.' In the last fish report we reported stripers and shad holding in the 15-30 foot depth range but suspected that colder weather would force both species to seek deeper water where temperature was more stable. With that in mind, we headed for Warm Creek to look for striper schools. We passed the floating restroom and slowed down and started graphing. This fall, the graph has printed a mostly blank screen in deep water with an occasional... Full story
Wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat in cold water - it could save your life, plus here are some good catching tips to snag a keeper this fall/winter. Nearly one-third of Arizona's boaters say fishing is their favorite activity to do while boating, and for many, fall is an ideal time of year to go out in search of that state record bass (or trout or catfish or ...). But, as the weather cools down, so does the water temperature. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that cold-water immersion and hy... Full story
The Key To Success Is Being Versatile Back in the day, Wes McCracken was one of the best anglers on the All Star Bass trail. The key to his success: he knew that you have to be versatile to catch fish consistently. "Every lake is different, and every year it's different, too," says McCracken. One thing that he can count on most of the time, though, is a worm bite of some sort. "Finding the fish is the hard part," says Wes. "Figuring out what they want is simply a process of elimination." This... 
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Action: Open the Nisqually River to fishing for salmon and gamefish. Effective dates: Immediately through 11:59 p.m., Jan. 31, 2018. Species affected: Salmon, gamefish. Location: Nisqually River (Pierce and Thurston counties) from the mouth to military tank crossing bridge (located one mile upstream from the mouth of Muck Creek). Reasons for action: Recent surveys indicate that the spawning goal for chum salmon has been met in the Nisqually River and its tributaries, allowing both WDFW and the... Full story
This lovely photo of Lockett Meadows from Margie Anderson shows part of the state dressed in the beauty of autumn colors. The gorgeous fall palette draws many from the Valley of the Sun just a short distance north to visit the cooler country and its autumn beauty. Besides the many upcoming holiday events, the outdoors draws enthusiasts to hunt, fish, camp, and recreate in the refreshing weather that is so welcome after a long, hot summer. May you enjoy thoroughly this season that many call... Full story
Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and we'll all be scrambling to find the perfect gift for the people we love. If someone you love also loves the outdoors, here are some ideas that are sure to please. Good Maps Are Essential Build Your Own Whether your passion is fishing, hiking, hunting, off-roading, RV-ing, or geocaching, good maps are essential. The best way to get the perfect map is to visit MyTopo.com and build your own. These are especially great for hunters because you can... Full story
Despite the winter chill, Washingtonians have plenty of reaso0ns to head outdoors during the holidays. Seasonal fisheries are underway throughout the state, waterfowl hunting is in full swing and birders are gearing up for some prime viewing opportunities. Those planning to spend time outdoors between holiday shopping can enjoy: Steelhead fishing: Fisheries for hatchery steelhead are up and running, drawing stalwart anglers to rivers on both sides of the Cascades. Goose and duck hunting:... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded $68,357 in grant funding for local sportsmen's organizations to provide public, hands-on, mentored projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers. Of 20 proposals submitted in this latest grant cycle, 18 were rated by a three-member panel. The grants were approved and awarded through a competitive application process that closed July 30. "We continue to hone the Local Sportsmen's Group grant program using the latest science for... Full story
Join Richard Childress, honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day, in creating the next generation of conservationists. National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), an annual celebration of hunters and anglers, features a new twist this year. Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day, is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. You Could Win By pledging to introduce someone to the... Full story
For tournament anglers, keeping their catch alive means avoiding point deductions and potential loss of a trophy. Pro Fisherman Kyle Weisenburger uses Iosso Products' Live Well Cleaner before an event. It safety removes stains and algae, and keep his wells fresh and odor-free. Unlike harsh chemicals that can leave residue and alter the pH, Iosso's Live Well Cleaner is environmentally-friendly and biodegradable. Simple to use, the powder is added to the live well water, circulated with the pump,... Full story
When it comes to choosing a "how-to" outdoor skill event, one size does not fit all. So, where does one begin? Look no further than the Arizona Game and Fish Department, along with its extensive network of partnering organizations, which offers dozens of events throughout the year to suit almost everyone's needs through the Outdoor Skills Network. Those events now appear in a new format, organized based on skill level and interest: • Introductory: No hunting or pursuit of wildlife, shooting less... Full story
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
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
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
PHOENIX -- To protect large fish that are targeted by tournament anglers, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has requested that the USDA Forest Service temporarily suspend angler tournaments from Apache, Canyon and Saguaro Lakes until environmental conditions improve. Golden alga blooms have developed over large portions of Saguaro and Apache Lakes. Golden alga produces a toxin (prymnesin) that affects any organism with gills. Currently, the primary species that is being affected is threadfin... Full story
Johnny Johnson is one of the best-known and best-loved fishermen in Arizona. With his popular television show Fishing With Johnny Johnson http://fishingwithjohnnyjohnson.com/ and his trademark hee-hee-hee laugh, he has made thousands of fans. At the recent Wild West Bass Team Championship, crowds of people jumped up and ran over to take photos the minute his truck and boat came into view. He has a way with kids and never turns them down when they ask for a photo with him. We once fished with him... Full story
To protect large fish that are targeted by tournament anglers, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has requested that the USDA Forest Service temporarily suspend angler tournaments from Apache, Canyon and Saguaro Lakes until environmental conditions improve. Golden Alga Blooms Golden alga blooms have developed over large portions of Saguaro and Apache Lakes. Golden alga produces a toxin (prymnesin) that affects any organism with gills. Currently, the primary species that is being affected is... Full story
The Wild West Bass Trail is a relative newcomer on the bass tournament scene, but it was founded by people with tons of tournament fishing experience. They wanted to make the best tournament circuit out there, and they have spared no expense and worked their tails off - with great success. Their mission is to promote the highest quality companies and provide premier fishing events in the western U.S. They have the highest guaranteed payout on the West Coast, and tournaments are televised so pro... Full story
