Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 1051 - 1075 of 1163
Clean! Drain! Dry! The early spring discovery of 14 adult quagga mussels at Lake Powell is a crucial reminder to boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats after every use to help prevent the spread of these destructive invasive species. According to a National Park Service (NPS) mussel monitoring update, the NPS identified 14 adult quagga mussels attached to moored vessels and dock structures at the Wahweap Marina in Lake Powell. None of the adult mussels were close enough together to mate... Full story
From majestic bighorns to tiny hummingbirds, Arizona’s wildlife diversity is awe-inspiring. Arizona Game and Fish invites people to share their vision of the state’s wildlife by taking part in our annual photo contest. The best in show and 12 first-place winners will be published in the 2014 calendar issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine, Arizona’s award-winning magazine about wildlife and outdoor recreation. The contest accepts entries through Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. MST. Cash prizes will be award... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and its partners are lifting some of the closures at lakes and rivers statewide that are put into place annually to help bald eagles during the breeding season. The closures at the following four sites have been removed, effective immediately, because the bald eagles in these areas failed to produce young and will not breed this late in the spring: Lake Pleasant, Verde River near Chasm Creek, Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake, Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76... Full story
It seems the predominant philosophy in most angling circles is that boat, jet ski and water ski traffic only spooks fish. Well, not according to local fishing professional and Bass Pro at Bass Pro Shops, Gary Senft. His belief on the matter might make your head spin like a rooster tail. In a way, all that traffic can be a good thing, Senft says. The traffic stirs up the water, which churns up plankton. Shad eat plankton, and bass move in and start gobbling shad. Besides, fish, particularly in... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind all boaters, anglers, and personal watercraft users that this year’s boating season has arrived and to please exercise safe, responsible practices when on the water. Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and w... Full story
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has begun creating a watershed-based fisheries management plan for the Verde River and is accepting public input on the development process. The plan, when ultimately finished, will provide the department's fisheries personnel with a practical tool to help guide decisions regarding both sport fish and native fish management. "This is the first time Game and Fish will be using the Watershed-based Fish Management Process (WFMP)," said M... Full story
You've probably seen it before: Every stretch is different. The way the banks wind and present a new portrait of our meadows and trees and mountains changes with each jaunt to another fishing hole. Spring surely is here. As we hit another stretch of above-average seasonal spring temperatures, the opportunity to hit the White Mountain and Mogollon Rim streams and lakes will broaden. Unfortunately, many lakes and streams remain inaccessible, but any day now — Rarin’ To Go One lake is raring to... Full story
The draw results for Arizona’s 2013 elk and pronghorn antelope big-game hunts are available by visiting https://az.gov/app/huntdraw/home.xhtml and scrolling down to the “View results and bonus points” link. Applicants can also find out if they were drawn by calling (602) 942-3000 and selecting option two. There were more than 142,000 applicants for this year’s elk/pronghorn antelope draw for hunts or bonus points, and 26,308 tags were issued. The total number of applications, including those s... Full story
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year's inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. 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, download a form at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml, fill it out, and return it along with all supplemental materials by April 25 to — Wildlife for T... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking to inform and educate the public about certain species that are “restricted live wildlife" which cannot be imported, exported, or possessed without a special license or lawful exception. The issue has arisen because of recent cases in the Tucson area involving possession of Gila monsters, among the most common restricted live wildlife. Other common species include skunks, hedgehogs, deer, Gambels quail, snapping turtles, clawed frogs, alligators, and piranhas. See http://www.az... Full story
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The family friendly Expo offers loads of activities, presentations and exhibits for everyone ranging from novices to seasoned outdoor recreationists. Best of all, admission and parking are free. Activities and attractions include educational live wildlife exhibits (raptors, reptiles, small mammals, more), the huge c... Full story
March offers the best time of the year to fish your nearby park lakes for trout, sunfish, bass and catfish. Good fishing for trout will continue through March as all lakes receive their final winter stockings. Most trout are biting on Power Bait fished on the bottom, but worms and small jigs have worked well at times. The cool morning hours are the best times to target the trout. As waters warm up, try fishing for largemouth bass that are now moving closer to shore as they prepare to spawn and... Full story
Once considered the most endangered mammal on the planet, the black-footed ferret continues its climb toward recovery in Arizona's Aubrey Valley. As part of this recovery effort, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with two spring spotlighting events to document the population of this elusive, nocturnal, and endangered carnivore. Witness the process of how researchers learn how to understand the black-footed ferret's population, longevity, and movement... Full story
For more than 35 years, Arizona's Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program has contributed to the tremendous growth of the state’s bald eagle population and helped save the lives of more than 60 eagle nestlings. This year's nestwatchers participate in four-month tours of duty, watching 14 breeding areas, most along the Salt and Verde rivers in national forests, on Native American lands, and in Maricopa County parks. They collect data about the eagles' behavior, educate the public, and notify rescuers of a... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has hosted its series of public forums to meet with constituents about developing the 2013 fall hunt recommendations for deer, bighorn sheep, turkey, javelina, buffalo, bear, mountain lion, and small game animals. The meetings were held in Yuma, Mesa, Pinetop, Flagstaff, Tucson and Kingman. Constituents interested in particular game management units within those regions had the opportunity to discuss management direction. The meetings allowed the department... Full story
A coveted Arizona Commissioners Special Elk Tag (good from Aug. 15, 2013- Aug. 14, 2014) is one of the premium auction items being offered during the 12th Annual Arizona Elk Society Banquet in Mesa, Ariz., on March 23. The tag will be sold during the Live Auction on Saturday. Every dollar raised from this elk tag goes directly to the management of elk in Arizona and allows for a multitude of wildlife conservation projects. Management of the dollars and projects are in coordination with the... Full story
When Arizona became a state in 1912, many wildlife species were in dire straits. Fifty years later, most wildlife species, especially game animals, were abundant beyond the hopes of even the most enthusiastic conservationist. A newly published book, Bringing Back the Game: Arizona Wildlife Management, 1912–1962, examines wildlife management in Arizona during those formative years as sportsmen, and later professional game wardens and biologists, worked to return game populations to abundance a... Full story
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The family friendly Expo offers loads of activities, presentations and exhibits for everyone ranging from novices to seasoned outdoor recreationists. Best of all, admission and parking are free. Activities and attractions include educational live wildlife exhibits (raptors, reptiles, small mammals, more), the huge c... Full story
PRESCOTT, Ariz. – For anyone tired of the daily routine, the time might be right to enjoy an old-fashioned camp out. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in conjunction with the Arizona Bowhunters Association and the Outdoor Experience 4 All, is offering just such an event: the Javelina Hunt and Outdoor Fair. The event will be held Feb. 22-24 in the Bagdad area. The dates mark the opening weekend of the general javelina hunting season and the camp is free and open to the general public. Not J... Full story
Although it is winter in most parts of the state, wildlife encounters still occur. The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to pass along a few reminders to avoid conflicts with wildlife and how you can help keep wildlife wild. Arizona is an amazing state, home to more than 800 wildlife species and close to 7 million people. Based on those numbers, humans and wildlife do occasionally cross paths. Although encounters do happen, Game and Fish encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy... Full story
Come out on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, for the free Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo, held on the 1,600-acre grounds of the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo offers fun activities, exhibits and educational presentations for the entire family. Two Days’ Of Fun, Information For All • See live wildlife — hawks, owls, reptiles, • Learn target archery, • Take the kids to the huge catch-and-release fish tanks,... Full story
How does catching a 2- or 3-pound rainbow trout sound? How about catching that trout right close to home? Well, you now have that opportunity, so grab your favorite fishing pole and make sure you have a 2013 Urban Fishing license because the “incentive” trout stocking was just completed on Jan. 12 at all Urban Program lakes. To kick off the New Year in a big way, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Urban Fishing Program has stocked incentive-size trout. In addition to the usual 11-12 inchers, incentive stockings include bigger fish and u... Full story
Throughout the winter, lakes in the Urban Fishing Program (UFP) have been successfully stocked with rainbow trout at two-week intervals. More trout and bigger trout arrived the week of Jan. 7-12 as part of the UFP’s annual incentive trout stocking, making this a great time to go fishing. Many fish in the 12-15 inch range are part of this special delivery, and some 3-4 pound whoppers are expected. Get ready for some big fish action by making sure your fishing line is in good shape, your hooks are... Full story
The 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations are now available at all seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and at fishing license dealers throughout the state. They are also posted online at www.azgfd.gov/fishing. “Arizona’s diverse fisheries offer great opportunities all year round,” said Acting Fisheries Chief Eric Swanson. “If getting outdoors, staying healthy and spending quality time with family and friends are among your 2013 resolutions, fishing is a great way to meet your goals, have f... Full story
The new Arizona Game and Fish Department book, An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game, is now available for sale at Game and Fish offices or by downloading an order form at www.azgfd.gov/publications. This 198-page, 6x9” guide is an indispensable resource for new or experienced hunters. It provides loads of information and expert tips, including — • Where and how to hunt small game birds, squirrels, rabbits, ducks and geese in Arizona, • Detailed descriptions of small game animals a... Full story
