Sorted by date Results 101 - 125 of 1163
March 23-24, 2024 Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The largest hands-on outdoor expo in Arizona is at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Outdoor Expo will feature everything from wildlife exhibits and family fishing tanks and trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range. Sponsorship opportunities also available on the registration site. Register HERE... Full story
If you're a dove hunter who's counting the days (15) until the Sept. 1 opener, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is rolling out a different video each week that is sure to whet your wing-shooting appetite. Just keep checking your email each week, and enjoy what our talented folks in the audio-visual department have produced about hunting doves, Arizona-style. This week: Healey Family Opening Day Dove Hunt And, for those who might have missed it . . . Aug. 10: Yuma: A Dove Hunter's... Full story
Monsoon weather is just around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly, from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash flooding. "Arizona is known for its often unbearable summer heat; it's also known for great places... Full story
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and respected outdoor journalist Craig Boddington will honor the 2023 class of inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame at the 25th annual Hall of Fame banquet Saturday, Aug. 19. The event will take place at The Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd., in Litchfield Park, Ariz. This year's inductees represent a diverse range of experts and advocates dedicated to preserving Arizona's natural heritage. These organizations and individuals have demonstrated... Full story
Safety tips can prevent attracting bears and advise what to do in case of an encounter. Editor's Note: In light of the recent tragedy near Prescott, Ariz., we publish this reminder from AZGFD and send sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has started to receive its first confirmed reports of the year of bear sightings in Arizona. As temperatures rise, bears will come out of their dens searching for food. Black bears are typicall... Full story
Precaution Taken After Invasive Mudsnails Detected In Creek 2.5 Miles Downstream Of Hatchery The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species, in Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Beginning June 22, the Tonto Creek Hatchery was closed to the public. This will provide the department with time to en... Full story
Appeal of steel being offered to recreational pistol shooters. "Clang!" That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) in north Phoenix. Nathaniel Seward, a senior range master for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), hopes a new target-shooting experience that begins July 9 will hit the mark with recreational pistol shooters of all ages (5 and older), and of all skill levels. Steel Appeal "There's nothing quite like... Full story
To keep the public safe from watercraft-related accidents this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will increase patrols on Arizona’s waterways from July 1-3 during Operation Dry Water. This nationwide campaign focuses on decreasing the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities, and educating recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence. Law enforcement officers will remove dangerous and im... Full story
As always, keep food sources unavailable, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy wildlife from a distance. Many people will be headed to Arizona's high country this weekend, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding outdoor recreationists and residents to be aware of the chance encounter with bears or other native wildlife. The best way to enjoy wildlife is from a safe distance. Bears, in particular, are powerful animals that should always be considered unpredictable and... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is hosting its 20th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on July 29 at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. The free, family-friendly festival will include: Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Plant displays to attract hummingbirds. Live wildlife from the R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch. Live bird display from AZGFD. Take a photo with a live critter at the critter photo booth. Activities for... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers that the record-setting heat has raised water temperatures in many trout lakes and streams. Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal... Full story
There’s not a better time than right now to apply for 2023 hunt permit-tags issued through the fall draw process for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, and sandhill crane. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.” For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2023-2024 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/R... Full story
In the aftermath of two recent coyote attacks on toddlers in north Scottsdale, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding residents to help avoid conflicts with wildlife by not feeding them and by not letting them feel comfortable around your home. If a coyote has bitten a person, call 911. Anyone bitten by a coyote should immediately seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider. If you encounter a coyote (or other wildlife) that is acting aggressively toward... Full story
AZGFD Cautions Boaters, Anglers, OHV Users During Monsoon Monsoon Awareness Week is June 11-17 Monsoon weather is just around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly, from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash... Full story
AZGFD Reports On All Things Fishing A recent article by Nixza Gonzalez for the A-Z Animals blog/website discusses some of the rainbow trout records in Arizona. The Arizona record for largest rainbow trout caught with a hook and line in an inland water is 15 pounds, 9.2 ounces, caught at Willow Springs Lake on Sept. 29, 2006, by Harold Wright of Sun City. The largest rainbow trout ever caught and released in Arizona’s inland waters is a 32-inch rainbow caught at Silver Creek on Jan. 30, 2010, by... Full story
More than 67,000 rainbow trout varying in size from 3 to 18 inches stocked into Lower Lake Mary in this spring. By Matt Rinker, Senior Aquatic Wildlife Specialist, AZGFD Flagstaff Region If you have ever fished Lower Lake Mary, you know it is a lake of boom and bust. Some years the lake is full and fishing is great and other years the lake is low or just a meadow. Well, the story of Upper and Lower Lake Mary is directly tied to the history of Flagstaff and its early settlers. Upper and Lower... Full story
Submissions accepted through 5 p.m. (Arizona time) Friday, Aug. 11 Do you want to see your photo on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views' annual calendar? Do you have a knack for capturing great photos of wildlife? Then you won't want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 17th annual wildlife photo contest. One best in show and 11 first-place winners will be showcased in the 2024 calendar, which is published in the November-December 2023 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. The best-in-show... Full story
Summer Partner Gathering - Outdoor Skills Network (OSN) July 22-23, 2023 Arizona Nordic Village Flagstaff, AZ Meeting details: Onsite camping or lodging in town Saturday noon - 5pm: host lunch and dinner, followed by social Sunday 8-noon: host breakfast, meeting and depart RSVP HERE - https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/200789 Local Sportsmen's Group Grant Program (LSG) The annual grant should be opening on July 10, 2023. And will be open for 6 weeks. Once again, we have $75,000 available... Full story
PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises small game hunters that reductions in the daily bag and possession limits for cottontail rabbits, as well as the initiation of daily bag and possession limits for jackrabbits, become effective July 1, 2023. Responding To Impacts In response to the impacts and lingering effects of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2), with localized incidents still occurring throughout the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission... Full story
There were 13 boating fatalities, 60 injuries, $1 million in damages last year. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging all who recreate on Arizona's waters to wear a life jacket, follow safety regulations and laws, as well as designate a sober operator. So far in 2023, three people have lost their lives boating in Arizona. In 2022, boating accidents claimed the lives of 13 people, injured 60 more, and caused $1 million in damages. "A life jacket does exactly what it says - it... Full story
The Ben Avery Shooting Facility's (BASF) rifle and pistol ranges, archery ranges, and Clay Target Center have switched to summer hours of operation through Aug. 28. • Monday: CLOSED • Tuesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. • Wednesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. • Thursday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. • Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. • Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. • Sunday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Note: Archery ranges open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. "These summer hours of operation provide for the facility to be open during the coolest parts of the... Full story
Anglers and others recreating in Canyon Creek are now required to clean, drain, dry and decontaminate their equipment after each visit The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has added Canyon Creek to its list of "Aquatic Invasive Species Affected Waters" (also known as Director's Order 2) after recently confirming the presence of invasive New Zealand mudsnails in lower Canyon Creek about 3 miles downstream of Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery. Director's Orders are authorized by ARS §17-255.01... Full story
This year marks the Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary. The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation (WFT) is soliciting nominations for this year's inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 28, 2023. The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona's wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state's outdoor heritage. To Submit A Nomination Visit h... Full story
AZGFD offers ROV side-by-side driver training course on April 22 Includes closed and open trail experiences PHOENIX - If you enjoy riding recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) side-by-sides, you shouldn't pass up this unique opportunity to enhance your skills and learn from an expert. AZGFD Offers Unique Training The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is offering a unique side-by-side training class on Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the department's OHV Education Range... Full story
In the aftermath of two recent coyote attacks on toddlers in north Scottsdale, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding residents to help avoid conflicts with wildlife by not feeding them and by not letting them feel comfortable around your home. The toddlers were attacked by coyotes in separate incidents two weeks ago and sustained minor injuries. Wildlife officials believe the same coyote was responsible for both attacks. AZGFD personnel searched the area for several days... Full story