Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Water that is mistakenly left in a boat's engine block to freeze over the winter is sure to become an expensive repair bill come springtime. As the ice expands, it can crack the block and ruin the motor, damage fiberglass, split hoses, or destroy a boat's refrigeration system. To prevent a mishap while putting the boat away this season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), a boating advocacy, services and safety group offers the free 15-page "Boater's Guide to Winterizing."... 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
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
Winter in Sedona is perfect for family and friend celebrations. The peaceful and picturesque city of Sedona gives visitors a true holiday experience year after year, with its nationally recognized Holiday Central Sedona's lighting up the streets and the hearts with winter-inspired splendor. Whether visitors and residents cozy up in a bed and breakfast, dine at a luxury restaurant or explore the winding and twinkling streets of Uptown, guests will surely find a new holiday tradition for families... Full story
Editor's Note: Some of the most beautiful of holiday events are the Christmas lighted-boat parades. Although there are more in the Southwest, the ones we mention here are among the favorites. (If you know of others you would like included in our December issue, please email their information to editor@azbw.com.) In Arizona Lake Havasu: "Bright Ideas" Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, 2016 @ 6:30pm The Annual Boat Parade of Lights is in its 34th year and has been the must-see event of the holiday... Full story
Lake Havasu has deservedly earned a reputation as a mecca for outdoor motorsports enthusiasts. Because of the weather and the immediate proximity to both water and desert, locals rotate between boats, off-roading and RVing with the change of each season. Expo History Five years ago, the "Sand - Water - RV Expo" first appeared on the Havasu scene at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4, looking to fill a niche that wasn't being addressed. Bob Brown, Havasu Boat Show producer, decided to combine all... Full story
Whether you are an angler, a hunter, or an outdoors enthusiast, one of the treasures we share is the abundance of wildlife in the Southwest. From rainbow trout in the high country to majestic elk in the forest lands to the antelope on our open plains, to the perky Gambel quail, to the endearing little black-footed ferrets, these beings who share our world can certainly be considered precious residents of our outdoors. At Thanksgiving time, when many concentrate on expressing gratitude for the... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded $75,000 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 22 proposals submitted in this latest grant cycle, 16 were approved by a three-member panel that rated and scored the proposals. The grants were awarded through a competitive application process that closed July 14. "The Local Sportsmen's Group grant program is an investment in local... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Liberty Wildlife released four orphaned baby great horned owls Aug. 3. The owls were rescued after their mother was shot in March by a homeowner in Tolleson. The owlets were raised with the aid of a foster female great horned owl at Liberty Wildlife with the goal of preparing them for releasing. The owls were released at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, a remote area about seven miles southwest of Buckeye.... Full story
Havasupai Falls Arizona is a major destination for hikers who want to visit the blue-green waterfalls. Hidden in the Grand Canyon, and difficult to get reservations for, this paradise is for those who can plan ahead and enjoy hikes of eight miles or more. AZBW/WOT Aug. 2016 AZBW/WOT Aug. 2016 By Jim & Carol Allen 32 pages, published 8/8/2016 Havasupai Falls Arizona is a major destination for hikers who want to visit the blue-green waterfalls. Hidden in the Grand Canyon, and difficult to get... Full story
These memorable destinations are enough to fill a lifetime of "bucket lists". As we celebrate the centennial of the National Parks Service, many will be visiting national sites throughout the country. A good place to start is here at home as Arizona has over two dozen of these spectacular destinations within the state. National Monuments In Arizona Canyon De Chelly Chinle, Ariz. For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons - longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on... Full story
Summer in the Southwest means fun on the water for many Arizona families, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages everyone heading to area lakes to ensure they are wearing a life jacket while on the water. "Putting on a life jacket is the first and often easiest step anyone can take to keep themselves safe when on the water," said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. "There are comfortable options for all activities and all weather conditions. Set an example... Full story
Many find it hard to believe that sailing is even available in Arizona, much less that it is so popular. Yes, the Desert Southwest even has sailing clubs, yacht clubs, and many sailing courses and activities - for all ages and skill levels. Forget the sand and set your sails this summer! We thank Ed and Debbie Huntsman for the cover photo of their boat Bliss who called Arizona home for many years but now plies the waters on Lake Ponchatrain in Louisiana where Ed is now Boating Safety Program... Full story
Arizona's Trout Challenge Program was developed to encourage anglers to learn more about fishing opportunities in the state. Arizona Game and Fish Department manages many waters statewide to provide anglers the opportunity to catch several different species of trout, including two found only in the Southwest, Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) and Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache). There are two ways for anglers to complete the Challenge - 1. Catch all five species of wild trout in Arizona. These...
'This is the end'... Jim Morrison, 1967 The annual hunting season, long declared to be barbaric by the social media watchdogs, was officially cancelled today by the Arizona Species Specialists, a group of environmentally sensitive and morally conscious individuals who report to the chair of the Prohibited Actions On Public Lands Committee. While the demise of the hunting practice has long been predicted, today's announcement came as a mild surprise to those who had hoped that the recreational... Full story
Robbins Butte Youth-Only Dove Hunt Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (RBWA) is about seven miles southwest of Buckeye and comprises more than 1,600 acres. RBWA was purchased for its potential as waterfowl habitat. Three ponds were built in 1952 and by 1957 an estimated 30,000 ducks used these ponds. However, increased demand for agricultural water - coupled with invasion of salt cedar trees - led to dramatic waterfowl declines by 1960. In response, the Department purchased the adjacent Black Butte Far... Full story
Although this model is not wearing a life-jacket (which we hope she will don after the photo shoot!), she is certainly does a fine job of welcoming us to the water. It's time. Boating season is here, and even though boaters enjoy the water throughout the year in the Southwest, May seems to be the traditional start for many. This photo emphasizes the fun of being out on the water, but there is another side to boating that is just as, or really more important: safety. We are emphasizing that in... Full story
Park Rangers at Homolovi State Park in Winslow will educate visitors about the sacred Hopi land the park resides on at guided walks, hikes and lectures in May 2016. There will also be a Star Party featured on May 20 at the Park. Hopi Pottery Talk - May 14 at 9 a.m.: Join Park Ranger and Hopi Potter, Gwen Setalla for a discussion and demonstration of traditional Hopi pottery. She will explain how traditional pottery is made and talk about how to recognize authentic made pottery. This will be... Full story
The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. Located in Phoenix, Ariz., the zoo was founded by Robert Maytag, a member of the Maytag family, and operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. It has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. The zoo has over 1,400 animals on display and contains 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails. It is divided into four main themed areas or trails: The Arizona Trail (American...
Join us for the annual historic re-enactment of an Arizona Civil War skirmish, Battle of Picacho Pass, and the New Mexico battles of Glorieta and Val Verde at "Civil War in the Southwest" at Picacho Peak State Park. The three re-enactments will take place on Saturday, March 19 and will be repeated on Sunday, March 20. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days but gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and no further entry is allowed after 3 p.m. Authentic Re-Enactments, Lifestyles Visito... Full story
Updated Wildlife Rules Now In Effect. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, as part of its regular five-year review rulemaking process, has updated its Article 4 (Live Wildlife) rules. The new provisions became effective in December 2015 and were approved by the Governor's Regulatory Review Council. The new provisions include some notable changes including the following: • Removal of hedgehogs from the restricted live wildlife list to allow them as pets. • Prohibitions on possession of any non... Full story
Tip Alamo Lake can be a crappie hot spot this time of the year. Heavy rains might delay the great winter crappie bite, but it bodes well for the lake's productivity. Catfishing can still be excellent. These voracious channel catfish at Alamo routinely feed on shad. Try live minnows on the bottom or drop-shot style just off the bottom. The Reel Deal Water temperatures across the state have dropped to their winter standards, and rain and snow has slowed or stalled driving in the high country. Be... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - February 10, 2016) - Join us for the annual historic re-enactment of an Arizona Civil War skirmish, Battle of Picacho Pass, and the New Mexico battles of Glorieta and Val Verde at "Civil War in the Southwest" at Picacho Peak State Park. The three re-enactments will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016 and will be repeated on Sunday, March 20, 2016. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days but gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and no further entry is allowed after... Full story
The plant's scientific name is your first clue that it is something that you do not want. Botanists know it as Salvinia molesta. It's commonly known as giant salvinia. Native to South America, the floating fern made its way to the United States via the ornamental plant industry. It's pretty, but the beauty belies serious economic and ecological harm that usually follow when it is accidentally or purposely released into the wild. John Naugle would know. He's a fisheries biological technician at... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - February 18, 2016) - For the entire month of March 2016, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Arizona State Parks (ASP) is coordinating activities throughout the state for the 34th annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month (AAHAM). These events will focus on efforts to preserve our past by protecting our cultural resources. AAHAM combines education with entertainment to reach both adults and children in an effort to teach responsible... Full story
