Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 1051 - 1075 of 1087
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
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
Temperatures are warming up, and that means more people will be taking to Arizona’s waterways for boating fun in the sun. While a day on the water offers relaxation and recreation, safe-boating practices are key to enjoying your outing. The most important thing to do when on the water is to be “situationally aware,” said Kevin Bergersen, state boating law administrator with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. That means know what is going on around you, and that conditions on the water can c...
The 2012 Yellowtail Derby will run for 36 days: May 5-June 10. The 2012 Yellowtail Derby Committee has selected Miss Delanie Gomes as their 2012 Miss Yellowtail Derby. Delanie is the daughter of Tommy Gomes, general manager of Catalina Offshore Products. She was born and raised in San Diego, a fourth generation Point Loma High School graduate and has a B.A. from San Diego State. She vividly recalls,” The very first fish I ever caught, was, and you guessed it, was a yellowtail.!” Delanie Gom... Full story
Ever wondered where the feisty rainbow trout are stocked along Christopher Creek or Tonto Creek by the Arizona Game and Fish Department? Well, just click here. Thanks to a new hi-tech online interactive trout stocking schedule just released by Arizona Game and Fish, you can now find out where trout are stocked — especially along streams — and also see maps of the fisheries as well. The full address is —http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishing/stocking/2012SumTroutStockSchedule.pdf “Anglers routinel... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s online hunt draw system Web site, hosted by an outside vendor, became unavailable from Monday afternoon through early Tuesday morning as thousands of hopeful hunters tried to log on and learn whether their applications had been drawn for the upcoming elk and pronghorn antelope season. Officials have attributed the problem to extraordinary demand on the system to view draw results, and not a failure of the hunt draw or application processes. Draw results were posted early Monday afternoon, and the draw resu... Full story
A great deal of discussion has occurred over the past few months on important issues related to hunting, fishing and wildlife management. As part of its promotion of the partial privatization or diversion of Arizona's wildlife resources, one constituent group recently circulated an “open letter” regarding problems, or challenges, facing sportsmen. One of the topics the open letter listed was loss of wildlife. To illustrate their point, the circulators of the letter included some datat that com... Full story
Arizona’s mild winter and exceptionally low rainfall have wildlife on the move, especially in urban areas that are on the fringe of natural habitat. Greenbelts, yards and golf courses are particularly attractive as they provide an easier meal and shelter areas. “Green areas bring in the small mammals like rabbits, which, in turn, attract coyotes and javelina when the desert is dry and lacks adequate food resources,” said Darren Julian, an urban wildlife specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish... Full story
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This year’s annual Colorado River Law Enforcement Association (CRLEA) conference was held recently in Laughlin, Nev., and hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For those who are not familiar with CRLEA, it is an association of local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and their civilian counterparts from states bordering the Colorado River (Arizona, California , Nevada, and Utah). These officials work to reduce accidents that result in boating fatalities, injuries, and p... Full story
The 12th annual Arizona International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) arrives at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Thursday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 26. This year, the ISE is proud to announce appearances by several celebrity guest speakers, including Lt. John Nores Jr., co-star of National Geographic TV’s Wild Justice and Hank Shaw, author of Hunt, Gather, Cook. Over 300 Exhibitors More than 300 exhibiting companies will participate across the generous 160,000-square-foot space. Vendor booths inc... Full story
The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council will partner with the 12th annual Arizona International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) during the state’s largest outdoor event Feb. 23-26 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Scott Impecoven, BSA’s COO for the Grand Canyon Council, said, “It’s a great partnership for us because what we do fits right in the with the outdoors. We appreciate the opportunity for the increased visibility the ISE offers to us through this partnership... Full story
The Arizona Deer Association (ADA) will host its annual fundraising dinner in partnership with the International Sportsman’s Expo (ISE) at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 25. Doors for the banquet open at 4 p.m. and a prime rib dinner with all the trimmings will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets to the banquet are $70 each, which includes admission to the International Sportsman’s Expo, where anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the latest in products and services, plus c... Full story
Fishing for trout continues to be good to excellent at all Urban Fishing Program waters. Lakes are being stocked every two weeks. Anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms fished near the bottom, or small trout lures have been successful. Power Bait in white and rainbow colors have been appealing to the trout. For lure anglers, try spinners such as Rooster Tails and Panther Martins, or spoons such as Super Dupers. Mix up your lure retrieve to cover shallow and deep zones of... Full story
Whether you are a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice who wants to learn about the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities in our state, you won’t want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 31 and April 1. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo will have loads of hands-on experiences, demonstrations, exhibits and presentations on activities such as fishing, archery, wildlife viewing, shooting sports, hunting, camping, boating, and off-highway vehicle rec... Full story
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), and other partners announced on Jan. 17 the start of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), one of the most significant and successful partnership approaches to fish and wildlife conservation in U.S. history. The announcement was made at the 2012 SHOT show in Las Vegas. Celebrate ‘It’s Your Nature’ The “WSFR 75 – It’s Your Nature” cel... Full story
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department and other partners in the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project announced earlier today that the endangered Mexican wolf population count increased to a minimum of 58 wolves compared to last year’s count of 50. The increase is encouraging news for the multi-agency program, especially considering that the state’s largest wildfire, the Wallow, burned through three packs’ denning areas within weeks of pups being born. The w... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently served as host agency for the prestigious Quail 7 National Symposium in Tucson. The symposium, which is the largest periodic meeting of quail scientists and managers in the country, marked the seventh gathering of experts who convene every five years to deliver and discuss findings on biology, ecology, conservation, genetics, economics, hunting, and social science. The symposium involved two days of educational and informative presentations on Jan.... Full story
