Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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PHOENIX -- Scottsdale photographer Ruth Jolly's image of an elegant black-necked stilt guiding a fuzzy chick along the shoreline has captured the grand prize in this year's Arizona wildlife photo contest, sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The contest, which promotes Arizona's diverse wildlife, attracted more than 300 entries from across Arizona and beyond. Winning images are published in a full-size 2014 wildlife calendar in the November-December issue of Arizona Wildlife Views... Full story
Kunkaak trailer park is an old-fashioned tourist resort located on the mideastern shore of the marvelous Sea of Cortes, also known as the Gulf of Baja California. There are many lovely beaches and the ocean is a rich breeding ground for marine life. “Kunkaak” is the name of the native Seri Indians who live just 7 miles north of Kino Bay. At one time, the Kunkaak inhabited almost all the territory of the Pimeria Baja. This is the area of northern Sonora, Mexico, and southern Arizona. Father Eus... Full story
After the success of the debut dates in the spring, Arizona State Parks' Arizona Family Campout Program has announced fall dates. The program is designed for families who have little or no experience camping. It will introduce them to outdoor experiences over one weekend at a state park and inspire them to continue to explore Arizona. The state parks that are participating this fall are Lost Dutchman in Apache Junction (Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 12-13), Kartchner Caverns in Benson (Oct. 5-6 and Oct.... Full story
Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold informational meetings on federal proposals regarding Mexican wolves. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold public meetings this month in Payson, Tucson and Pinetop to share information with constituents on two proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules dealing with Mexican wolf conservation, and how the public can provide comments to the Service. The first federal rule proposes delisting the gray wolf from the federal list of threatened... Full story
Hunters may now submit their online and paper applications for the 2014 spring hunt draw for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, Oct. 8, by 7 p.m. (MST). Don’t wait until the last minute, as technical issues can occur on deadline day. To apply online, go to www.azgfd.gov/draw and select the link for hunt applications. Paper applications may be hand-delivered to any of the seven department offices located statewide in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Y... Full story
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket for free. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live ticket will gain free entrance for two on Saturday, Sept. 28 at one of these State Parks: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Superior), Fort Verde State Historic Park (Camp Verde), Homolovi State Park... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold public meetings this week in Payson, Tucson and Pinetop to share information with constituents on two proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules dealing with Mexican wolf conservation, and how the public can provide comments to the Service. The first federal rule proposes delisting the gray wolf from the federal list of threatened and endangered species but maintaining endangered status for the Mexican wolf. The second federal rule proposes... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - September 16, 2013) - Arizona State Parks Director Bryan Martyn will hold a Director Campout Series at several State Parks throughout Arizona from September through December 2013. The purpose of the campouts is to engage visitors, residents, campers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and other constituents in a conversation about State Parks. Director Bryan Martyn said, "This will be a unique opportunity for people to come out and talk to me personally and share their vision about... Full story
Are you fascinated by reptiles? Do you have a yard big enough for a dog, but no time to take one for daily walks? Is someone in your family allergic to pets with fur or feathers? If so, consider adopting a desert tortoise through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets, and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment. “We cannot stress enough how detrimental r... Full story
Fishing for catfish is slow at all Urban Fishing waters statewide through the summer (no stocking period). For holdover catfish, try the larger lakes of more than 5 acres. Some catfish and bass are being caught, but it takes persistence and some good timing in the early morning and evening hours. Fishing has been good all summer for the plentiful bluegill that frequent the shoreline areas in search of food. Mealworms fished on the bottom or a few feet under a bobber can catch sunfish throughout... Full story
Did you know that — • There are now a total of 21 lakes in the Program located in 11 cities. More lakes are expected to join the Program over the next few years. • The $18.50 Class U (Urban) fishing license fee is the same price for non-residents too. • The Class L, Super Conservation Fishing license is also valid at Program waters. This new combo license includes the Class A state fishing license, the Class U urban fishing license and the Trout Stamp packaged together for $53, a savings of $5 f... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold public meetings this month in Payson, Tucson and Pinetop to share information with constituents on two proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules dealing with Mexican wolf conservation, and how the public can provide comments to the Service. The first federal rule proposes delisting the gray wolf from the federal list of threatened and endangered species but maintaining endangered status for the Mexican wolf. The second federal rule proposes expa... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - September 13, 2013) - After the success of the debut dates in the spring, Arizona State Parks' Arizona Family Campout Program has announced fall dates. The program is designed for families who have little or no experience camping. It will introduce them to outdoor experiences over one weekend at a State Park and inspire them to continue to explore Arizona. The State Parks that are participating this fall are: Lost Dutchman in Apache Junction (September 28-29 & October...
(Phoenix, Arizona - September 11, 2013) - In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket for free. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live ticket will gain free entrance for two at one of these State Parks: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Superior), Fort Verde State Historic Park (Camp... Full story
Hunters may now submit their online and paper applications for the 2014 spring hunt draw for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, Oct. 8, by 7 p.m. (MST). Don’t wait until the last minute, as technical issues can occur on deadline day. To apply online, go to www.azgfd.gov/draw and select the link for hunt applications. Paper applications may be hand-delivered to any of the seven department offices located statewide in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Y... Full story
Tucson, Ariz. Vi Hillman has been selected as the new BLM Tucson field manager within the Gila District. She is currently serving as the associate district manager for Arizona’s Colorado River District in Lake Havasu City, where she has worked since December 2009. “Vi’s background in education and expertise in employee development, training, mentoring, and human resources will be a great asset to the Tucson Field Office,” said Gila District manager Tim Shannon. She will start her new job in... Full story
Tucson, Ariz. — On 17 Oct., 2013, communities throughout Arizona will participate in the second annual Great Arizona Shakeout earthquake preparedness drill: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. The Arizona Geological Survey and Arizona Division of Emergency Management are working with county emergency management and public health departments; state, federal and local authorities; and school districts throughout the state to engage Arizonans in the ShakeOut event scheduled for 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17. A... Full story
With catfish stockings at all Phoenix and Tucson urban waters on hold during the summer months, fishing becomes more challenging, requiring anglers to be adaptable, patient and persistent. Plenty of wily catfish still lurk the depths of the lakes, especially larger lakes of more than 4 acres. Catfishing is fair for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. Catfish can be caught throughout the day, but are most active when the sun goes down. Most catfish are from 14-18 inc... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is considering changes to the fishing regulations and is continuing its series of public meetings to provide information. The remaining meetings are — . • July 19, 6 p.m., Arizona Game and Fish Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road. • July 19, 6 p.m., Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. Meetings were previously held in Flagstaff, Mesa, Yuma and Tucson. In addition, the public can also submit written comme... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host six public open houses where constituents may review and ask questions about the 2014 spring recommendations for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. The proposed recommendations are anticipated to be posted online on July 19 at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. Each year, the department makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas, and...
Escape The Heat! On-Site Volunteers Needed At Kartchner Caverns State Park On-site park volunteer opportunities are available at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Bring your RV and live at the park while volunteering this summer, 2013. The weather at Kartchner Caverns State Park is 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix and 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Tucson because of the 4,600 foot elevation. Volunteers are a vital and integral part of the programs at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Volunteering at... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - July 26, 2013) - Catalina State Park debuts the first concert series at the park on the first Saturday of the month from August through October 2013. Visitors will enjoy an evening concert amid the beautiful landscapes of Catalina State Park. The concerts will be held at the main trailhead at Catalina State Park. Guests should bring a chair, food and water while listening to these Arizona artists: August 3, "The Collaborative Juices" will perform at 6 p.m.; September 7, the "Sun City Strummers" will perform at 5:30 p.m.; and... Full story
Verde Canyon Railroad is pleased to announce a great honor awarded by the State of Arizona. Train attendant, Fermin Estrada, a fan favorite on the train for more than a decade, has been honored with the Arizona Governor’s 2013 Spirit of Service tourism award in the Individual category. This well-deserved accolade was earned by Mr. Estrada for his many years of outstanding customer service. At the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tucson on July 11, Fermin was respected with a standing ovation as he was presented the Spirit of Ser... Full story
PHOENIX -- Whether you won or lost when you bought a lottery ticket last year, some of your money is going to benefit something you would approve of… helping Arizona’s schools and universities. That’s because the bulk of this year’s grants from the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund are going to education and research. Heritage Fund money comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales. This year, Game and Fish is using Heritage funds to award more than $335,000 to 32 grant projects across A... Full story
Tip Of The Week If you're bass fishing and having a hard time with standard techniques such as the dropshot or Texas rig, try something a little different: Flick-shaking. This method can include a 1/16-ounce jig hook, and a 5 ½-inch flick shake worm (made by Jackall or Bass Pro Shops). Hook the worm right in the middle so that it’s whacky style. Try a spinning rod and 8-pound test line. As the jig sinks, pull up a bit to see if a bass is hitting the worm on the fall. Once the bait hits the bo... Full story