Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Some new fishing regulations took effect on Jan.1, Be sure to look for the full 2017-18 Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing regulations online around the first of the year. Also, the new fishing regulations booklet will be available at all AZGFD offices and license dealers in early January. Here are the changes: Reduce the daily trout bag limit to five at the Colorado River from Lake Mead to California-Nevada boundary (including Lake Mohave and Willow Beach). Reduce the daily... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department found that persons of interest in a photo distributed on some AZGFD social media accounts were hunting legally when they recently took a buck near Superior. When they learned they were “persons of interest” through AZGFD social media posts, they contacted the Department, produced their tag and additional photos of the buck, and the investigation was concluded. “This was a success story in that a member of the public reported what appeared to be suspi... Full story
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at the Archery Center at Ben Avery (same location as last year) is the date for our Winter HAHWG meeting; we look forward to a great gathering again. If you have any special topic requests send them my way. At-A-Glance HAHWG Events January gets really busy. If you’re looking to help out, or promote a camp, here’s a bunch of them — lots of good small-game opportunities. Let me know if you have any questions on the registration tool. We’re still figuring things out, bu... Full story
Every year Phoenix-area residents have a chance to celebrate the friendship they share with our neighbours (cq) to the north who become our winter visitors/residents. It's that time again! The Great Canadian Picnic is set for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Activity Complex of South Mountain Park (10919 South Central Ave., Phoenix 85042). And the event just gets better and better every year. Here is a partial list of the fun, family friendly activities on the docket for 2017: Free... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages the public, especially those interested in recreational target-shooting, to provide their input on management alternatives for the Sonoran Desert National Monument near Gila Bend. The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Phoenix District Office recently announced the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment that kicked off a 90-day public comment period. The BLM is collecting public input... Full story
In Arizona, winter doesn't have to mean sending boats and rods and reels into hibernation. While outdoor recreation opportunities across many U.S. states shut down during the season of freeze, Arizona rolls on with trout stockings and water temperatures just warm enough to convince fish to bite during the holidays. Although fishing tends to slow a tad this time of the year, there are some spots that are winter-friendly. Here, then, are the Arizona Game and Fish Department's top-five fishing... Full story
Trout are being stocked in "core" Community waters this week, and more are being caught and stocked in higher elevation lakes. If you are successful, we suggest heading to the kitchen to try this delectable recipe. Pan-Seared Trout With Blackberry Sauce By Johnathan O'Dell Serves 5 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless trout fillets with skin on 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt Black pepper 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1... Full story
Tip Of The Week Bartlett Lake in the Tonto National Forest can be a great place for winter crappie and bass. Some of the best crappie fishing can be done in the cold of the morning - then anglers can switch to bass. Consider throwing crankbaits and spinnerbaits with a slow presentation. Trailers on spinnerbaits, and slow-rolling across the rock stringers, can work well at times. Once you get a feeling for where the bass are holding, switch to the finesse style of drop-shotting. Did you know the... Full story
So you've caught some line-ripping cats and taken advantage of bragging to some buddies about your Mr. Whisker's success; now try cooking for them with this great recipe. Here's an alcohol-infused creation to turn your catfish into some fine Southern dining. Fare Afield's Bourbon-Glazed Catfish By Johnathan O'Dell Serves 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: Four 6-ounce catfish fillets 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 1/2 cup... Full story
At 5,519 square miles in area, Yuma County is bigger than three U.S. states*, so it’s not surprising that a lot of visitors never see big swathes of its wide-open spaces. Castle Dome blacksmith Yuma Visitors Bureau http://visitinginyuma.com/ aims to change that in 2017, with new Discovery Tours headed to “Points North” and “Points South” in the county. Tours kick off with a northbound trip Jan. 24; a second Points North tour is set for March 21, with Points South set for trips Feb. 21 and April... Full story
As the Arizona Game and Fish Department completes the random draw process for the 2017 spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear seasons, hopeful hunters are encouraged to open a free Customer Portal account. Portal account holders will be among the first to get the news before the draw results officially are released. It’s quick, easy and free to create a Portal account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then selec... Full story
I'll keep my introduction brief this issue as I want to stress two important things for our class: 1. Our 60th (!) class reunion is set for September 2017 in the afternoon at the museum just above Franklin Park. As next year progresses, you will receive more details. 2. Although I do enjoy putting out Pirate Press from time to time (and, of course, hearing from you), I think that social-media has me beat as to timing and convenience. I hope that all of you will consider becoming Facebook... Full story
The annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at the Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85044. The event will honor the recipients of the 2016 Commission Awards that were selected at the Commission’s August 26 meeting. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state's wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona G... Full story
Many of us decorate the traditional Christmas tree as we celebrate the holidays. The modern Christmas tree was developed in early modern Germany (where it is today called Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum) with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes. The tree was traditionally decorated... Full story
With fishing busting loose for many species heading into a cooler weather and overall fall-fishing mania, it's a must to have a great fish recipe at hand. Whether you like to chase striped bass, sneak up on panfish, or stay close to home and catch catfish in Community waters, here's a great way to prepare any tasty, white-meat fish: Fish Cakes Serves 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Ingredients 1 pound white-fleshed fish fillets, cooked and flaked 1 large egg 1... Full story
Tip Of The Week All active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Arizona, along with their spouses, may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses. The Reel Deal Grab a license online, 24/7 (and help conserve all species of wildlife). There are only a few weeks left before winter conditions prevail in the high country, so if you're looking for scents of pine, scenes of eagles and tight lines from trout, go now. The trout bite is hot at spots such as Dogtown, Kinnikinick,... Full story
Publisher's Note: We at Arizona Boating & Watersports / Western Outdoor Times would like to congratulate Don McDowell. His hard work, perseverance, and dedication to preserving our wildlife has been acknowledged by his being awarded the AZGF Commission Advocate Of The Year (Federal). McDowell has worked tirelessly for many years to preserve our outdoor heritage. He is a valuable asset to the State of Arizona and the country as well. We hope that those who are responsible for making decisions... Full story
Caught a tiger trout, yet? Try fishing the shorelines at Woods Canyon Lake. Some of our biologists were on the water at Woods Canyon, located on the Mogollon Rim, electrofishing from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. for two days and caught more than 100 tiger trout. "This number of tiger trout was interesting to us because we usually pick up few trout by boat electrofishing," AZGFD Reservoir Biologist Sally Petre said. "It seems as though the tiger trout behave a bit differently than rainbow trout and hang out... Full story
In the State of Arizona, it is legal to carry a concealed weapon whether you have a permit or not. It is also legal for visitors to do that. Open carry is also legal, and Arizona recognizes CCW's from all other states. That doesn't mean you can carry concealed everywhere without a permit, though. Schools, government buildings, places where alcohol is consumed - these are just a few of the places where you can't carry. Does the store you're headed into have a "no guns" sign? Then you can't carry... Full story
I'm standing in a small side room at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery, just off a larger chamber where a dozen concrete raceways lie. Double-doored olive metal cabinets stand against white walls under effusive florescent light. Well-used grease boards smudged with eraser marks under blue-ink to-do lists fit the narrow space on one end opposite an industrial-sized sink. On a long wall, a hygienic 12-foot-long stainless-steel counter is where the work gets done today. Two biologists stand over... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Arizona that they, and their spouses, may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses. The current law stipulates that an active duty member permanently or temporarily stationed in Arizona may purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife. That privilege recently has been extended to their spouses, as well. Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2324, sponsored by state Rep.... Full story
A ribbon-cutting event at the now-functioning Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery celebrated the renewed collaborative efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mohave County that will boost economic activity and preserve trout fishing on the lower Colorado River in Mohave County for future generations....
Niko Romero has been fishing since he was a toddler, and fished his first tournament at age eight. He fishes Phoenix Junior Bassmasters, Phoenix High School Bassmasters, Wild West Bass Trail, and JML Outdoors. He already has a slew of sponsors, too, and he's only 14 years old. Niko is an avid bass angler who spends just about every free minute on the water, gaining the skills that made him the 2015 TBF Arizona Junior State Bass Fishing Champion and the 2015 TBF Junior Angler of the year. He... Full story
The trout have made their annual Thanksgiving comeback to Tempe Town Lake. The City of Tempe and Arizona Game and Fish Department hosted the annual Welcome Back the Trout Celebration Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the SRP Tempe Town Lake Marina. Families and community members were invited to come down and watch as thousands of rainbow trout from the Department's Page Springs Hatchery are released into Town Lake. "'Welcome Back the Trout' is an annual tradition in Tempe that the city is proud to present... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has recently stocked thousands of catchable size rainbow trout into many of the White Mountain lakes. This gives anglers an extra incentive to get out to the lakes this fall. Show Low Lake was stocked with 4,000 rainbow trout. Bear Canyon and Willow Springs Lake received 5,000 fish each. Another 7,000 trout went into Woods Canyon Lake. Fool Hollow Lake and River Reservoir each received 8,000 trout. The AZGFD hatcheries had a surplus of fish that... Full story