Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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With the recent discovery of quagga mussels in Lake Powell, boaters leaving the northeastern Arizona lake will be required by law to pull their boat plug and decontaminate and dry their watercraft before leaving the vicinity of the lake to help prevent the spread of these invasive mussels. The requirements, which took effect July 1, are now the same as for other Arizona waters known to contain quagga mussels. These waters are listed in the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Aquatic Invasive S... 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
Tip Of The Week Remember that at Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) there is no bag or possession limit. The road is open and SRP has begun to draw the lake down for necessary repairs to the dam and associated piping. There have been reports of some nice holdover trout being caught. The lake will not be stocked this year due to plans to drain the lake for repairs. The Reel Deal Trout fishing is only picking up with monsoon activity. Many high country fisheries are scheduled to be stocked this week. But,... 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 collaborative efforts of multiple natural resource agencies to protect Gila trout and other native fish populations after last year's devastating Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire in New Mexico were recognized with the 2012 Region 2 Recovery Champion Award. Recovery Champions are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and their partners whose work in advancing the recovery of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. The award was presented to the Gila trout and Chihuahua Recovery... Full story
The public still has the opportunity to provide comment on the revised draft of the hunt guidelines for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 hunting seasons. The revised draft can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. Comment can be submitted through July 31 by e-mail to azgamebranch@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. The draft was developed based on prior input from the public this year and was shared with the... 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...
Local sportsmen's groups can apply now for grant funding for programs that promote activities and events for hunter, angler, shooter and trapper recruitment and retention. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering $75,000 in grant funding this year. Applications must be received by the department by 5 p.m. (MST) on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013. Examples of projects eligible for the Arizona Game and Fish Department grants include — Hands-on mentored hunting events: • Small game hunting camps - qu... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again offering a unique opportunity for people to learn more about Arizona's colorful forest hummingbirds at the 10th annual High Country Hummers Festival on Saturday, July 27, at the department's Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area located near Eagar in eastern Arizona. Sheri Williamson, one of the nation's foremost experts on hummingbirds, will lead a capture and bird-banding event with the assistance of a group of volunteers. The event is free and open... Full story
One of only two species of parrots historically found in the United States, the thick-billed parrot, will benefit from a recovery plan coauthored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The plan aims to grow the bird’s numbers by focusing recovery on protecting, managing and restoring mature and old-growth conifer forests in Mexico. The plan was published today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and represents the first time that the U.S. has adopted another country’s endangered sp... Full story
The Governor's Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered. Governor Jan Brewer is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona wildlife and its long-term conservation. In accordance with Arizona law, the Game and Fish Commission is required to be politically-balanced a... Full story
If you're looking for a great opportunity to get outdoors and help enhance wildlife habitat, join us on Saturday, Aug. 17, for a special volunteer project north of Flagstaff. The Arizona Antelope Foundation (AAF), in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will be working in the Sacred Mountain and Wupatki area of the Coconino National Forest and on an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) right-of-way adjacent to Highway 89. Volunteers will remove old right-of-way fencing... 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
Make plans now to attend the 16th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. This year’s inductees into the Outdoor Hall of Fame include: Sandra S. Froman (former president of the National Rifle Association and a former president of Wildlife for Tomorrow); William D. "Don" Martin (Kingman area wildlife outfitter and long-time conservationist and wildlife advocate); Walter Shontz (... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Dolly Steamboat and the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, is hosting a public workshop to see and learn about desert bighorn sheep, one of Arizona’s most fascinating large mammals. This special event includes two parts. The first is an evening classroom session where participants can learn about bighorn sheep, their natural history, management and historical significance from biologist Bruce Sitko, a long-time student of b... 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
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public input in the development of new hunting and fishing license structure and fees, as authorized by the recent passage of Senate Bill 1223. For information on the new concept licenses go to www.azgfd.gov/licensesimplification. This site also includes Web casts of the Phoenix public meeting, a PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation and handout, and information on how to provide comment and input. It’s important to keep in mind that the l... Full story
You might have seen the “Don’t Move a Mussel” signs that have been at some statewide lakes. Now the Arizona Game & Fish Aquatic Invasive Species Program will be providing quagga mussel educational opportunities at Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake and Lake Havasu throughout the summer. In an effort to reduce the spread and introduction of this serious invasive species, the outreach efforts will encourage boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats. Remaining Sessions Following is a rundown of remai... Full story
June 21, 2013 Governor Jan. Brewer on June 19 signed House Bill 2551 (off-highway vehicles; use; authority; enforcement). The bill clarifies state authority in how it will enforce federal Travel Management Rules regarding off-highway vehicle use on U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted in March to support HB 2551, but made its support contingent on adoption of amended language that would address the commission’s concerns about u... Full story
Phase two of public input process begins; comments accepted through July 20, webcast to be conducted on June 25 The Arizona Game and Fish Commission approved a draft hunting and fishing license structure and license/tag fees at its June 15 meeting in Payson, Ariz. The proposal will now be taken to the public for a 30-day comment period from June 20 to July 20, 2013. A webcast on the draft structure and fees will be conducted at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25. The webcast can be viewed at www.azgfd.g... Full story
Hunters and other members of the public are advised that amendments to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission's Article 3 rules (governing the taking and handling of wildlife) will take effect July 1, 2013. The amendments address such topics as using bait to take game, importation of cervid carcasses into Arizona, use of pneumatic weapons for hunting, and other topics. These amendments were developed during the rules review process that included a public comment period, and they incorporate recently passed legislation. The Commission's Notice of... 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... Full story
The most recent catfish stocking at press time was the week of April 29 – May 4 at all Phoenix and Tucson area Urban waters. Cats from previous stockings have been biting very well on worms, stink baits, and hot dogs or shrimp fished on the bottom. Catfish have been active throughout the day with mornings and evenings best. Worms (night crawlers) have been the top bait for three Urban category Big Fish-of-the-Year entries, all in March. Robert Foy hauled in an 8.2-pound, 22-inch largemouth b... Full story
Governor Jan Brewer on May 7 signed into law Senate Bill 1223, a bill that allows the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to set future hunting and fishing license structure and fees directly through a streamlined, customer-focused process. The bill, which is supported by 24 sportsmen's organizations, gives the Game and Fish Department the ability to operate more like a business and react to changing market conditions and customer needs in a timely manner. It previously passed the Arizona House, 43-10, on April 15 and the Arizona Senate, 26-2, on... Full story
RECORD! -- Eddie “Flathead Ed” Wilcoxson was asleep on the fold-out cot of his 24-foot pontoon boat on April 12, when what would become a state record flathead catfish began taking drag at Bartlett Lake. About 35 minutes later, at 2:37 a.m., Wilcoxson, 56, boated what Arizona Game and Fish Department officials verified is a 76.52-pound flathead catfish. It measured 53.5 inches in total length with a 34.75-inch girth.It also became the heaviest recorded fish of any species in state history, top... Full story
