Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Community Fishing Program waters teeming with scrappy fighters. It doesn't have to be Friday to enjoy a good, old-fashioned fish fry. Cole slaw. French fries. Red beans and rice. Oh, and don't forget hush puppies. All are perfect complements to a pile of fresh-caught catfish filets, fried in a savory cornmeal batter until crisp and golden-brown. Whatever your choice of side dishes, leave the main course up to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), which is now stocking Community Fishing... Full story
How fostering helps disseminate genetics in the wild population. What is the best way to infuse genetic diversity into the wild Mexican wolf population? Some argue that releasing captive-reared adult wolf pairs into the wild is the best way. But is it really? In this video, Jim deVos, Mexican wolf coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, discusses why fostering of wolf pups into wild dens is more effective than releasing captive pairs in the long run because of the geographic... Full story
Submissions accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 9, 2024 Do you want to see your photo on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views? 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 18th annual wildlife photo contest. One best in show and 11 winners will be showcased in the 2025 calendar, which is published as part of the November-December 2024 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. The best-in-show photo is published on the cover of the... Full story
Waterfowl and snipe, trapping rules also on AZGFD's website. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has posted the "2024-2025 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations" at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations. In addition, the "2024-2025 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations" and "2024-2025 Arizona Trapping Regulations" can be found on the department's website. The dove and band-tailed pigeon regulations are produced in a downloadable format that hunters will find handy in the field.... Full story
Eight inductees to be honored Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort. PHOENIX - Make plans to honor your fellow conservationists at the Wildlife for Tomorrow(WFT) Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. Eight new members will be inducted this year, a diverse group of experts and advocates who have made significant contributions to Arizona's natural heritage and have demonstrated passion and leadership in shaping the future of wildlife conservation in Arizona:... Full story
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2024 Commission Awards. The awards recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state's wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). There are 13 award categories (see list below). Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. AZGFD employees are not eligible for nomination. To n... Full story
Salute 'Old Glory' George M. Cohen said it well in the song he composed: " You're a grand old flag; you're a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave; you're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave... " June 14 we are reminded of this on Flag Day and again on Independence Day, July 4. Even in disturbing times like these, there is hope that all that Old Glory has symbolized will prevail. In celebration of our nation's independence, the folks at Lake Pleasant H... Full story
Reprinted from US Sailing Ed Huntsman, 72, who devoted his personal and professional life to boating safety, died after battling stage 4 cancer for nearly seven years on May 1, 2024. He was a committed volunteer to US Sailing as a member of the Safety at Sea Committee and Chair of the Committee Structure Task Force along with being a licensed captain, certified instructor, and combat veteran (Vietnam War). His First Family Son of Arral B Huntsman and Ann McFarland Viles Huntsman, brother of... Full story
PHOENIX - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is beginning the rulemaking process to amend its Article 2 rules (licenses; permits; stamps; tags) to implement the recommendations made in the recent five-year review report. The amendments proposed in the five-year review report are designed to increase the effectiveness of the rules to meet the department's mission, ensure consistency with state and federal statutes, and to increase the clarity of the existing rules. Except for the... Full story
This is the time of year when Arizona's trails and backroads can seem more like busy city streets. While the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) supports all forms of safe, responsible outdoor recreation, those who operate a variety of motorized vehicles are being urged to pump the brakes and give a much slower "traveler" the right of way. A protected species, desert tortoises are traversing the same trails and backroads - but, in typical desert tortoise fashion, they do it in low gear.... Full story
AZGFD: Leave Baby Wildlife Alone With the arrival of warmer spring weather, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) once again is advising the public to leave baby wildlife alone. While it might be difficult to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including newly hatched birds and baby rabbits, a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area. Sadly, once young animals have been removed from the wild, some species -like elk calves and deer fawns -...
Publishers Note: We realize that we ran this story in our April issue. We feel that it is a timely and important message. Thank you Ed. Have you completed your National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved state boater education course yet? If you're a California resident, effective January 1st, 2024 a NASBLA approved California course is required for any California resident age 60 and under. The course is available online, in a classroom or through home study. More... Full story
Induction banquet is Aug. 24 at the Wigwam Resort. The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation (WFT) has selected eight individuals for induction this year into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. This year's inductees are a diverse group of experts and advocates who have made significant contributions to Arizona's natural heritage and have demonstrated passion and leadership in shaping the future of wildlife conservation in Arizona. They are - • Thomas Slaughter • Randy Stalcup • Jim Walker • Tom Britt... Full story
We never tire of reminding boaters to wear their life jackets, ideally the entire time they are out on the water. PFDs are no longer bulky, unattractive, and ill-fitting. Now they are comfortable, come in many styles, even colors, and some of the kid's jackets are nothing short of "cute and fun to wear". If you are new to life-jacket shopping, check with the Coast Guard or its Auxiliary, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the National Safe Boating Council. Another good resource are the members... Full story
AZGFD offers essential tips for avoiding conflicts. With Arizona's hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise. While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise... Full story
Tournament angling for all species in Arizona has grown tremendously recently. Many people don't realize that the Arizona Game and Fish Department does not issue permits for fishing tournaments. Fishing tournaments are permitted by the land management agency where the tournament is being held. The department is, however, very interested in - • Building relationships with tournament organizations, promoters and anglers. • Working with permitting agencies like the national forests, Arizona Sta... Full story
Desert bighorn sheep are stunning - but what about Arizona's other bighorns? Eastern and central Arizona are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the stocky cousins of the desert dwellers. AZGFD sought to reestablish the subspecies in 1979 and transplanted eight Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from Colorado to the upper Blue River area of eastern Arizona. Over the last 45 years, with the help of additional translocations, the population and the animals' distribution have expanded to include... Full story
Fishing Tips By Chase Newlon, AZGFD R3 Coordinator The temperatures are on the rise! With that, bass and bluegill have been stocked throughout all the Community Fishing Waters. Try your luck at one of the 50+ of these waters, many of which are found within the Phoenix Metro area. Find one that is close to you here: www.azgfd.gov/community. When switching from targeting trout to fishing for largemouth bass, you will need to upsize most of your gear. A 7-foot medium power rod is a good starting... Full story
Joint announcement from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2023, according to the results of the annual survey. The 2023 population census revealed a minimum of 257 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began. Six... Full story
Stockings will mark earliest Canyon, Haigler and Tonto creeks have received fish. PAYSON, Ariz. - As warmer springtime weather approaches, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will begin its annual trout stockings a bit earlier in some waters near Payson on the Mogollon Rim. Canyon, Haigler, and Tonto creeks began receiving catchable-size rainbow trout in March. This will mark the first time these waters have been stocked this early in the traditional spring and summer stocking season.... Full story
Lakes to receive fish until July; stocking numbers to remain similar to 2023 . The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced waters in the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside areas will be stocked with catchable-size trout from March to July, a change from the traditional stocking schedule of April to September. Those waters include Fool Hollow, Rainbow, Show Low, and Woodland lakes, as well as Scott Reservoir. AZGFD is expected to maintain the schedule change until at least 2026 to... Full story
The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, April 12, at Buckeye City Hall (council chambers), 530 Monroe Ave., in Buckeye, Ariz. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed golden algae toxin blooms as the cause of recent fish kills at both Saguaro and Canyon lakes. When golden algae is the cause of a fish kill at one of the Salt River chain lakes (Saguaro, Canyon and Apache), varying degrees of fish kills are typically observed at all three of the lakes. AZGFD staff recently collected water-quality samples at both Saguaro and Canyon, which confirmed golden algae as the cause of the fish kills. At Saguaro... Full story
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and many states offer "free fishing days" where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are a great opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport. Free Fishing Day: June 1, 2024 The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites anglers to fish Arizona waters for free Saturday, June 3. It's an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and... Full story
The wildlife center has the tortoise adoption program, animal ambassadors and is sometimes the first stop for sick and injured wildlife. Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Adoption facilities in Phoenix and Tucson. Questions about adopting a tortoise, call 844 896-5730 or email for information to TAP@azgfd.gov. What You Need To Know To Adopt A Tortoise Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department adopts out hundreds of captive desert tortoises that are surrendered to the department. These... Full story
