Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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A draft recreational boating Compatibility Determination for Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is now available for public review and comment. Due to an increase in safety concerns and the protection of wildlife habitat, the Service is in the process of reassessing all boating recreation activities taking place at the Refuge. The Refuge began reevaluating boating usage when the need arose to extend a 17-mile restricted boating area by ½ mile of No-Waterskiing for the safety of the visiting... Full story
OLYMPIA–Trout fishing in Washington reaches full speed April 23, when several hundred lowland lakes – stocked with millions of fish – open for a six-month season. That date also marks the start of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) first lowland lake fishing derby, which runs through Sept. 6. To participate on opening weekend, Washington anglers must have an annual freshwater or combination fishing license valid through March 31, 2017. Licenses can be purchased online... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is "Making Bass Fishing Great Again!" The 18th annual event at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort and Marina is handing out over $50,000 in cash prizes over the course of the three-days bass fishing tournament. The bass fishing tournament has six daily hourly weigh-ins; every hour first place pays $300, second through tenth place pay $100. Top Overall Big Bass this year wins $10,000! The Biggest Bass of The Day, each day, will win $2,000. And, Bill Luke will pay a $1,000 cash award... Full story
The warming spring weather brings out "the best in show". Make that plural: shows! The first of the Arizona favorites is the 16th annual International Sportsmen Exposition & Arizona Boat Show, this year at WestWorld of Scottsdale from Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13. One of the highlights of the Expo is shown on this month's cover - the giant WesternBass.com Aquarium Demonstration Tank, which is presented again this year by Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times news... Full story
The count-down to the 25th Annual Lake Havasu Boat Show, presented by Frontier Communications and Mohave State Bank, has begun. This year, the Lake Havasu Boat Show opens on Friday, April 8 and runs through Sunday, April 10 at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 on London Bridge Road. More Boats Than Ever "This will be a very special boat show since it's our 25th annual," said boat show organizer Bob Brown. "We'll have more boats and exhibitors than ever before plus plenty of great added... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo is all set for Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Admission and parking are free! From Wildlife To Fish To Targets Last year's Expo and Youth Day drew a total of 39,000 attendees, and again this year, there will be plenty of hands-on fun for all ages. Check out the huge kids fishing tanks and take home a free photo. See all sorts of live wildlife. Learn target archery and try other shooting... Full story
Most Arizonans, as well as many from outside the state, are familiar with beautiful Bartlett Lake. They have enjoyed the well-run marina, the availability of both dry and wet slips, the amenities for purchase or rent at both the dock and general stores, the excellent fishing, and, of course, the friendly and helpful staff. Most are also aware of the quaint aqua lodges and the great and well-equipped party boat. They may even have caught a glimpse of "Bartleby" (although no one ever fesses up to... Full story
For more than 20 years, the Heritage Fund has made a difference not just to wildlife conservation efforts, but also to the state's economy, public access, environmental education and outdoor recreation. Passed by voters as a ballot initiative in 1990 by a 2-1 ratio, the fund provides up to $10 million each year from Arizona lottery proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for the conservation and protection of the state's wildlife and natural areas. Protect, Provide, Educate The... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s Boating Clean and Green Program and its partners are offering volunteer opportunities, workshops and seminars on ways to help keep California’s waterways clean. Motivated individuals with an ability and willingness to learn and convey important environmental messages are encouraged to participate. Registration is required to take part in these free events. “It is important to know that environmental stewardship efforts we implement today to keep Califor... Full story
OLYMPIA – Another decent return of hatchery chinook salmon to the Columbia River is forecast this year, but expected low returns of coho could put a damper on salmon fisheries in the river, along the coast and in Puget Sound. Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye and chum salmon, which were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty tribes, were released today at a public meeting in Olympia. The forecast meeting marks the starting point for developing 2016 s... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - March 9, 2016) - Imagine your next camping trip...waking up from a good night sleep on a comfortable bed, you walk out the front door onto the porch and breathe the fresh cool morning air while the sun warms your face. As you look out across the placid lake, birds sing gleefully around you. Welcome to the camping cabin, Arizona State Parks' version of glamping! Arizona's state parks provide perfect destinations for family camping adventures without the need for a RV or tent.... Full story
The count-down to the 25th Annual Lake Havasu Boat Show, presented by Frontier Communications and Mohave State Bank, has begun. This year, the Lake Havasu Boat Show opens on Friday, April 8 and runs through Sunday, April 10 at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 on London Bridge Road. 'A Very Special Boat Show' "This will be a very special boat show since it's our 25th annual," said boat show organizer Bob Brown. "We'll have more boats and exhibitors than ever before plus plenty of great added... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms' bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the West and Midwest have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record-breaking El Nino season will be offering. Time... Full story
John ("JK") Koleszar can be reached at elkhabitat@gmail.comelkhabitat@gmail.com. Before anyone sets out the lynch mobs, let me be perfectly clear - I really like horses. I rode them for years, found them to be beautiful and, in many cases, like family members. I also love elk, deer, javelina, antelope, desert bighorn sheep and a host of other creatures. The problem that I have is in the prevailing attitude of those who proclaim the absolute love of only horses. I did a little digging, courtesy... Full story
One of our favorite places for a relaxing and beautiful hike is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park on Highway 60 just south of Superior, Ariz. This lovely place is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has over two miles of trails to explore. It is $10 per person to enter, and that includes guided nature walks if you want to go on one. They also have classes that you can sign up for, including photography and various craft classes. There are fees for the classes. 'Walk About' Australia... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival - to be held March 18, 19, 20 at Lake Pleasant. This year's version is sure to be one of our biggest events! For the fishermen, we are featuring over $50,000 in cash prizes. For everyone, we will have a day and night time festival featuring a Cornhole Tournament, a classic-car show, carnival rides, vendors, food, wildlife exhibits and live music. Also featured will be a Coast Guard water-rescue demonstration.... Full story
A local company that that helps boaters get safely home was singled out for its professionalism at the BoatUS Towing Services Annual Conference recently held in Jupiter, Fla. "Tower of the Year" honors went to TowBoatUS Catalina, which is owned and operated by Captains Nathan Lins, Jordan Lake and Greg Dreischmeyer. The company, a familiar site in Avalon Harbor and Catalina Island waters with three red response vessels, was recognized for its near perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, super... Full story
Tip Alamo Lake can be a crappie hot spot this time of the year. Heavy rains might delay the great winter crappie bite, but it bodes well for the lake's productivity. Catfishing can still be excellent. These voracious channel catfish at Alamo routinely feed on shad. Try live minnows on the bottom or drop-shot style just off the bottom. The Reel Deal Water temperatures across the state have dropped to their winter standards, and rain and snow has slowed or stalled driving in the high country. Be... Full story
Whether you already live in Arizona or are planning to visit our beautiful desert from another state or even out of the country, you shouldn't miss our great marinas. jim@azbw.comClick here to email Jim and find out how to enhance your listing. Antelope Point Marina Apache Lake Resort & Marina Bartlett Lake Marina & Boat Club Bartlett Lake Marina: Click Here"borde Bartlett Lake is located in the northeast valley only 48 miles from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles northeast of Carefree and is within... Full story
The evolution of the lead spoons or flat falls continues with local Striper Guide Derrick Franks, aka The Striper Snatcher. I told you previously of the 3" jig very effective in fresh and saltwater. Well he's taken the lure to the next level, with the 5", 130 gram version with high performance Daiichi saltwater hooks. The jigs performance on the fall is more erratic than any I ever seen or used. Like the 3" version, the Snatcher has standard colors and has the ability to custom finish with your... Full story
Temperatures are warming, birds are singing and the lower Columbia River will soon be teeming with spring chinook salmon. Spring is still a ways off, but February offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. State fishery managers expect about 299,000 adult spring chinook to the Columbia River this year. The fishery is open now below the Interstate 5 Bridge, but it usually doesn’t catch fire until March when fishing expands upriver to Bonneville Dam and beyond. For information about the... Full story
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for the 2016-17 hunting seasons. Through Feb. 25, WDFW will accept written comments from the public to help finalize hunting rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming hunting seasons. The proposals and comment forms are posted on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/hunting_regulations/ Most of the proposals address changes in special per... Full story
There have been significant advances made in reel design over the last several years. Today’s reels are smaller, lighter, stronger, smoother and, in many cases, faster than ever before. Abu Garcia has driven many of these innovations with game-changing models in their popular Revo baitcaster line. It’s impossible not to like the powerful Abu Revo MGX or the speedy Revo Rocket. Both offer performance upgrades that help put fish in the boat. Let’s fast-forward to today. And tomorrow. While innov... Full story
Ending nearly a 10-year decline, watercraft registrations in Arizona rebounded this year, bringing more people to the state's waterways and likely contributing to an increase in watercraft-related accidents. Two Increases To date this year, there were 127,796 watercraft registered in Arizona, which is a 2.7-percent increase from the 124,425 registered in the state in 2014. With the increase in registrations, law enforcement officers statewide recorded a 13-percent jump in watercraft-related... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department swapped approximately 800 old and tattered life jackets with new ones during life jacket exchange events at area lakes this past summer. During the popular events, the public can swap old, less-effective life jackets for new ones. The department began the life jacket exchange program in 2008 to help save lives and to encourage watercraft users to remain safe on the water. Most Effective Way "Wearing a life jacket is the most effective way to prevent against... Full story
