Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 1151 - 1175 of 1187
Three 2012 Chicks Bring Total Condors To 77 Third wild-hatched California condor chick confirmed in Arizona-Utah population GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — A biologist from the Peregrine Fund was finally able to obtain visual confirmation of a wild-hatched California condor chick that had been suspected, but not seen, in a nest cave deep in Grand Canyon National Park. This confirmed sighting brings the total number of wild condor chicks produced by the Arizona-Utah flock this season to three. “Based on... Full story
Dove, Crane Regulations Available Now From AZGFD Dove and sandhill crane regulations have now been posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at www.azgfd.gov. You can download a copy of the 2012 crane regulations at www.azgfd.gov/regs/craneregs.pdf or the dove regulations at www.azgfd.gov/regs/doveregs.pdf. Please keep in mind that there is a drawing for the available sandhill crane permits and you must apply by mail only (it’s not part of the online process). The deadline to apply... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering $660,000 in federal grant money to enhance and improve public boating facilities at Arizona lakes and waterways. “If you enjoy boating on Arizona waters, this money is specifically for improving that kind of recreation,” said Ron Christofferson, Game and Fish’s boating facilities program manager. “Every year, the department makes grant funds available to applicants who wish to complete boating-facility projects that otherwise might not receive funding. This is the opportunity to apply for the... Full story
In many parts of the country, people are asking when did winter end and spring begin? Anglers and boaters are taking advantage of the unusually warm weather, but some may be forgetting that cold waters still lurk beneath the keel. Here are three easy safety tips from BoatUS.com/foundation that will help you get safely through the spring fishing and boating season. • Don't allow the warm weather to let your guard down: The air temperatures may be downright balmy, but deceptively cold waters i... Full story
Hey, with temperatures in the deserts expected to soar into the triple digits, it might be time for a cool dose of scented pine air. Especially since we are getting great fishing reports from most of the mountain lakes. Woods Canyon Lake Big Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are both hot spots right now. Both of those waters have stores and boat rentals, making them even more attractive. I have been getting lots of reports of anglers catching limits of trout — even some larger holdover ones. Ironically... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the new 2012-13 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet online at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters can start applying for a hunt permit-tag issued through the drawing process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, and pheasant. At this time, paper applications can be submitted either by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or hand-delivered to... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently distributed information addressing an “open letter” from a constituent group describing challenges facing sportsmen. The Department provided some additional information regarding the “loss of wildlife” issue described in the open letter. Another issue listed in the open letter is that of “access to public lands.” We agree that access for public recreation has been, and will continue to be, an issue as our state continues to grow. Challenges include p... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department pledges to continue its proven protective management program for bald eagles even though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently decided that the species in Arizona is not a distinct population segment and does not warrant listing as an endangered species. “The Service’s recent decision has no bearing on Arizona’s bald eagle management program that has been in place for more than 30 years and has led to a more than 600 percent increase in the state... Full story
New trail camera photos of an ocelot in the Huachuca Mountains are now being analyzed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to determine if it is the same one sighted there twice in 2011. The photos — taken late April 26 and early April 27 — were provided to the department by a third party who wishes not to be identified. The ocelot’s spotting pattern is being compared to that of an ocelot photographed by Game and Fish officers in February 2011 and by a hunter’s trail camera in May 2011. T... Full story
An accident that injured a woman and her four grandchildren recently was a powerful reminder of the need for all-terrain vehicle riders to wear helmets. The woman packed her grandchildren onto an ATV meant for one person and went for a ride Sunday on a dirt lot in Gilbert. But, the outing ended abruptly when she drove into an irrigation ditch, sending her and all four kids to the hospital. The woman, 50, sustained head injuries. Three girls, ages 3, 4 and 5, suffered multiple,... Full story
As the warm weather is upon us, we are all thinking about dusting off the boat and going to have some fun on the lake! As most of us do not boat much in the wintertime, we need to ensure that our boats are properly maintained and that we have not forgotten about the safety equipment we must carry. Remember: When you are out on the water help is not necessarily close by! Since we may not have been boating for several months, too many of the skills required are not engrained into our normal... Full story
Temperatures are warming up, and that means more people will be taking to Arizona’s waterways for boating fun in the sun. While a day on the water offers relaxation and recreation, safe-boating practices are key to enjoying your outing. The most important thing to do when on the water is to be “situationally aware,” said Kevin Bergersen, state boating law administrator with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. That means know what is going on around you, and that conditions on the water can c...
Ever wondered where the feisty rainbow trout are stocked along Christopher Creek or Tonto Creek by the Arizona Game and Fish Department? Well, just click here. Thanks to a new hi-tech online interactive trout stocking schedule just released by Arizona Game and Fish, you can now find out where trout are stocked — especially along streams — and also see maps of the fisheries as well. The full address is —http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishing/stocking/2012SumTroutStockSchedule.pdf “Anglers routinel... Full story
A great deal of discussion has occurred over the past few months on important issues related to hunting, fishing and wildlife management. As part of its promotion of the partial privatization or diversion of Arizona's wildlife resources, one constituent group recently circulated an “open letter” regarding problems, or challenges, facing sportsmen. One of the topics the open letter listed was loss of wildlife. To illustrate their point, the circulators of the letter included some datat that com... Full story
Arizona’s mild winter and exceptionally low rainfall have wildlife on the move, especially in urban areas that are on the fringe of natural habitat. Greenbelts, yards and golf courses are particularly attractive as they provide an easier meal and shelter areas. “Green areas bring in the small mammals like rabbits, which, in turn, attract coyotes and javelina when the desert is dry and lacks adequate food resources,” said Darren Julian, an urban wildlife specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish... Full story
There’s no denying the fact that some wildlife might appear to make for a nice pet, especially the youngsters one might believe can be domesticated. But, Arizona Game and Fish officials advise otherwise. “There’s no such thing,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Region 3 office in Kingman. “Yes, wild animals may sometimes appear comfortable around people and some have been taught tricks, but they are never domesticated.” Where Do You Draw The Line? In a recent... Full story
One of the biggest and best fishing and family events of Arizona’s Centennial year is coming soon to Pleasant Harbor, Lake Pleasant, Ariz. Save March 16 through 18 for three fun-packed days of fishing, outdoor competitions, and activities for everyone, young and old (and in between). The list for this event (no, make it these events) just keeps growing and growing, thanks to Kim Carter, general manager of Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM; Don McDowell, event director of Bill Luke Bass Days a... Full story
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice wanting to learn, be sure to come on out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo is held at the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix and offers loads of fun activities, exhibits and educational presentations for the entire family Adults and kids will get a chance to see live wildlife, including hawks, owls, snakes, sma... Full story
Were you one of the many hunters who used the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s online application service for the 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Draw? Has your credit or debit card information recently changed? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, you will want to make sure that the credit or debit card you used to apply for the draw is still valid, and if not, then update your information. Be advised that if your card is invalid at the time the random drawing is run, it will result in rejection of your application (regardless o... Full story
Did you know that your state taxes do not support the conservation of Arizona's wildlife, but your donations do? Taxpayers can help the state's wildlife at tax time by "making a mark" on their state income tax form. The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation to help imperiled and endangered wildlife, including majestic bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout, Mexican wolves and desert tortoises, among other non-ga... Full story
A most important first meeting of the newly created Sportsmen’s Constituent Group (working title at this point) will be held on Thursday, March 22, from 6-9 p.m., at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The meeting will discuss how to best unite constituents (sportsmen/women and other wildlife enthusiasts, whether affiliated with an organized group or not) on immediate issues and challenges affecting the future of hunting, fishing and shooting sports, as well as Arizona’s wildlife fut... Full story
This year’s annual Colorado River Law Enforcement Association (CRLEA) conference was held recently in Laughlin, Nev., and hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For those who are not familiar with CRLEA, it is an association of local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and their civilian counterparts from states bordering the Colorado River (Arizona, California , Nevada, and Utah). These officials work to reduce accidents that result in boating fatalities, injuries, and p... Full story
Are you a professional basketball fan? Do you have an Arizona hunting or fishing license? The Phoenix Suns are offering discounted ticket prices for two games in February to people who have a current Arizona hunting or fishing license. If you haven’t already purchased your license for 2012, this is a great incentive to do so. Discounted tickets will be available for the following games: February 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks 100 level baseline (regularly $79.95) for only $50 200 level sideline (regularly 29.75) for only $25 February 19 vs. L.A. L... Full story
Whether you are a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice who wants to learn about the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities in our state, you won’t want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 31 and April 1. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo will have loads of hands-on experiences, demonstrations, exhibits and presentations on activities such as fishing, archery, wildlife viewing, shooting sports, hunting, camping, boating, and off-highway vehicle rec... Full story
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), and other partners announced on Jan. 17 the start of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), one of the most significant and successful partnership approaches to fish and wildlife conservation in U.S. history. The announcement was made at the 2012 SHOT show in Las Vegas. Celebrate ‘It’s Your Nature’ The “WSFR 75 – It’s Your Nature” cel... Full story
