Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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A record 20 captive-born pups are cross-fostered into wild packs. The Mexican wolf recovery effort recently got a genetic boost when biologists from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), and Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP), with extensive logistical support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), worked together to cross-foster 20 genetically diverse wolf pups from captive facilities across the U.S. into litters of wild... Full story
Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers should expect some operational changes when they visit one of the nation's largest publicly operated shooting facilities. It re-opened on May 13. To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted. BASF customers can reserve shooting times on the rifle and pistol ranges, as well as the Clay Target Center (CTC), by visiting... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to leave baby wildlife alone. As temperatures rise and days grow longer, newborns of many species of wildlife are beginning to explore the world around them. AZGFD encourages people to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including baby birds and young rabbits, as a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area. Unnecessary 'Rescue' “Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary... Full story
Some people mistakenly believe that when their exotic pets get too difficult to manage, it is okay to release them into the wild. But that is exactly the wrong thing to do. See this video. Introduced pets — even goldfish — can have devastating effects on native wildlife and ecosystems. In our aquatic ecosystems, they can outcompete sportfish and natives for food and space, prey on native species, and have unforeseeable effects on the food web. Even aquarium pets, once established, can eas... Full story
Each boater and angler can play a part in stopping their spread. Did you know that invasive quagga mussels cause millions of dollars in damage to boat motors, docks and water intake systems? Or that unwanted turtles, tortoises, and other pets illegally released into the wild can hurt our native species by introducing disease or outcompeting them for habitat and food? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has recently participated in National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The... Full story
The deadline to submit nominations is May 12. The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year's candidates for induction 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. For two decades the Foundation has honored those individuals and organizations who... Full story
So far, 39 bites have been recorded statewide in 2020. As Arizonans get out to experience the trails and outdoors, it is important to remember that Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnake. The ones encountered most often are the Western diamondback, Mojave, black-tailed and sidewinder. Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said: "Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing... Full story
It has long been speculated that bald eagles could utilize saguaro cacti as nesting sites. Now the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has documented proof. During recent eagle survey flights conducted by the department, officials were delighted to discover a pair of bald eagles with eaglets nesting in the arms of a large saguaro near a central Arizona reservoir. According to Kenneth "Tuk" Jacobson, AZGFD's raptor management coordinator, biologists searched historical records in the 1970s... Full story
Natural Resources Conservation Service to invest $2.85 million. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will leverage $2.85 million for wildlife habitat improvement projects through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Under the 2018 Farm Bill, RCPP uses a partner-driven approach, matching the contributions of partnering organizations dollar-for-dollar to p... Full story
'Conserve and Protect' By Connor Dziawura of Phoenix.org In recent years, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has been looking to work with organizations on the ground level to support its conservation efforts. And as it turns out, Flagstaff's Mother Road Brewing Company had a similar interest. Last year, the Northern Arizona microbrewery repackaged its kölsch-style ale as the limited-edition Conserve and Protect Kölsch Style Ale, with a portion of the proceeds from draft and can sales going t... Full story
Customers encouraged to use online, phone and mail services. To protect the health and safety of customers and employees while continuing to provide services and support, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has temporarily modified in-person customer service. At press time, front lobbies at AZGFD offices were still closed to in-person transactions except those made by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling (602) 942-3000 (select item 4 if you wish to be connected to one of...
Editor's Note: The following information was applicable as we went to press. For updates, call (602) 942-3000, or email customerservice@azgfd.gov The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is committed to staying connected with its customers and continuing to provide exceptional service. As updates related to the COVID-19 situation become available, AZGFD will share any new developments or changes to processes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility open? All r... Full story
Operational Changes Include Scheduling Shooting Times Online PHOENIX - Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers should expect some operational changes when one of the nation's largest publicly operated shooting facilities reopens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted. BASF customers can reserve shooting times on the rifle and pistol ranges,... Full story
New health protection strategies being implemented at Ben Avery Shooting Facility The Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) will reopen its Clay Target Center and archery range Thursday, March 26, after temporarily closing last Friday to implement new health protection strategies. Here's what recreational shooters need to know: • Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. • To minimize personal contact between customers and staff, the cus... Full story
It started decades ago with names being scribbled on small pieces of paper, inserted into empty capsules and then deposited into a container from which the lucky few would be drawn, often by a youngster chosen from the crowd in the State Capitol Annex Building. Over the years, actual paper applications would be dumped into a raffle ticket drum and given a spin under the guidance of law enforcement officials — and under the watchful eye of hopeful hunters who would be packed into the annex b... Full story
ARIZONA BIG GAME SUPER RAFFLE: If you win, you can hunt AZ big game species for 365 days. Get raffle tickets for elk, antelope, Coues, mule deer, black bear, desert bighorn sheep, buffalo, mountain lion, javelina, turkey. Go to www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com. Entries must be received by July 12, 2019. Online orders accepted through July 14, 2019. Drawing July 25, 2019. 2019-2020 Fees: General Hunting, resident: $37 Non-resident: not available see combination Combination Hunt and fish,... Full story
Spring is bursting with great events for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you are a kid or a senior, as long as you enjoy outdoor activities, there is something wonderful ahead for you. The International Sportsmen's Expo comes again to West World of Scottsdale on March 13-15 with a plethora of free activities, adventure destinations, gear, and services. A sincere thank you to George Andrejko, AZGFD photographer, for the cover photo that illustrates the joy youngsters can experience at the family fr... Full story
There are two big outdoor events in Arizona this month, plus two fantastic new holsters I wanted to tell you about. Also, dove seasons, quail season, and waterfowl seasons may all be over, but that doesn't mean you can't still do some great bird hunting. Read on for details! Alien Gear Grip Tuck Holster This holster is different from the other Alien Gear holsters in a couple of ways – it's designed to fit an entire class of firearms instead of a single model like their hard polymer holsters, a... Full story
Make Plans To Attend The National Outdoor Women's Weekend It's a great opportunity to learn more about shooting sports, hunting, wild game cooking, more. Women interested in learning about or increasing their knowledge of shooting sports and hunting are encouraged to attend the inaugural National Outdoor Women's Weekend (NOWW) March 7-8 at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. The event, hosted by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of Quail Forever, will feature classes, seminars, clay target... Full story
4 Industry Day At The Range Join us Friday, March 27 for the Arizona Game and Fish Department Industry Day at the Range. This event is being hosted to provide invited members of the press and retail, wholesale and law-enforcement purchasing agents the opportunity for hands-on testing, review and evaluation of almost every category of firearm and ammunition in the shooting, hunting and outdoor markets. Exhibiting opportunities are open to all manufacturer exhibitors currently registered for... Full story
Off-road vehicles, RVs, kayaks, motorcycles, lanterns, trucks: What do these all have in common? They are all coming to the Southwest in awesome expos and events ahead this spring. It's the time of year when the Southwest really comes alive -- on water and on land. Thank you, Bob Brown of Media Direction for the cover photo that represents the power and energy of the outdoor activities that begin at this time of the year. We recommend that you attend as many of these awesome events as you can... Full story
This is a huge year for Dylan with tournaments and marriage ahead. We wish him well. February can be a tough month at Bartlett. The water isn't warm yet, but it's coming, and a degree or two a day can put the bass in pre-spawn mode. This time of year, Dylan Maxon reaches for a big spinnerbait to get a limit at Bartlett. Dylan is a long-time tournament bass fisherman with some great sponsors – Signature Gates and Welding (the owner is another great fisherman – Kevin Finley), Irod Fishing Rod... Full story
For The Hunter (1/20, 2/20) Happy 2020! It's difficult to believe we're already one-fifth of the way through the 21st century, isn't it? Our Opportunities As we head into the new year, I'm reminded of how blessed we are to have opportunities to pursue 10 species of big game - elk, pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bison, bear, javelina, mountain lion, bighorn sheep and turkey - and a variety of small game species like quail, rabbits, ducks, geese and doves, as well as predatory and... Full story
The late season runs through Jan. 5, 2020. Arizona dove hunters will be able to double their wing-shooting pleasure now that the state's "second" season has begun. Unlike the 15-day season that began Sept. 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through Jan. 5, 2020. There still is a 15-bird daily bag limit, all of which must be mourning doves. The possession limit remains 45 mourning doves after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. As always, there is an... Full story
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) recently recognized three individuals from Arizona as well as the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) for their dedication to advancing wildlife conservation. The awards were presented at the association's annual awards ceremony held in late September in St. Paul, Minn. Doug Burt AZGFD Hunting and Shooting Sports Program Manager Doug Burt and the Arizona Game and Fish Department received the Boone and Crockett Award, which honors an agency... Full story
