Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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As many people are gearing up to spend time outdoors this summer, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds everyone planning to ride an off-highway vehicle (OHV) to do so safely and responsibly. Numerous fatal accidents last year involved utility task vehicles (UTVs) that rolled over and pinned the operator underneath. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will help keep the operator and any passengers inside the UTV in the event of an accident. If children are a part of the... Full story
For April: A Hike, A Ride, and A Drive April is a great month to explore the Arizona desert. It isn't too hot yet, not too cold, and there are still wildflowers and cactus blossoms to be found, not to mention the masses of yellow palo verde blossoms. To help you enjoy some of the prettiest places I know of in the desert, I've compiled three adventures for you: a walk, a ride, and a drive. No matter what your fitness level is, one of these will work for you this April. A Hike: Badgers Springs If... Full story
Stay on trails and avoid wet, muddy areas. While it's tempting to head out on an off-highway vehicle (OHV) following rain or a snowstorm, soggy trails quickly turn muddy, and riding on them can create long-lasting damage that negatively impacts wildlife habitat. Turn Around The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises OHV riders that come upon wet and muddy roads to resist the urge to hit the gas and instead turn around or avoid the area. Splashing or mudding straight through can tear up roads...
Outdoors For All: Bring Your Family; Bring Your Friends AZGFD Expo is the largest hands-on expo in Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo dates are set for the next four years, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The Expo is held on the last weekend of March (March 29-31, 2019), as it has been for the last 11 years. And, admission and parking are free! Fun For All Ages There are always plenty of hands-on fun for all ages. There are huge family fishing tanks. See... Full story
Before getting behind the steering wheel or handlebars of any OHV, make sure you have the right equipment. Whether you have an ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that you wear the following equipment when riding in an OHV: • Helmet - All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated helmet, but they are strongly recommended for everyone. • Eye Protection - Motorcycle goggles or a ful... Full story
KINGMAN, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will be conducting an off-highway vehicle (OHV) sobriety checkpoint from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 along Castle Hot Springs Road north of Lake Pleasant. The purpose of the checkpoint is to detect and deter violations of Arizona’s laws regarding the operation of OHVs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A few OHV safety tips: Never operate an OHV while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Helmets are required by law for riders und... Full story
Operate Responsibly; Don't Go Mudding On Your OHV While it may be tempting to go out on an off-highway vehicle (OHV) after a rainstorm when the temperature is cooler and the ground is fresh, doing so can cause long-lasting damage to the habitat. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises that OHV operators turn around if they encounter wet and muddy roads. While the practice of "mudding" - purposefully driving through wet areas, whether it's a meadow, lakeshore or water tank for... Full story
It's expected that many Arizonans will include outdoor recreation as part of their summer plans. If operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) on your agenda, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges everyone to put safety first. David Rigo, OHV coordinator for AZGFD says, "We want everyone who spends time on their OHV to have a fun outing and more importantly, return home safely." Click here ( http://www.westernoutdoortimes.com/search/ohv ) for more stories on OHVs. There are many... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) recently partnered with the ATV Safety Institute to promote off-highway vehicle (OHV) education as part of ATV Safety Week. The annual initiative ran in early June and served as a reminder for all OHV enthusiasts - whether new to the hobby or veterans of the sport - to take a safety-education course. AZGFD provides a list of approved in-person and online courses on its website, and encourages everyone to take the time to learn about proper safety and... Full story
Four-wheeling is a blast – there are so many places to explore in this beautiful state, and many of them are hidden treasures that you can only get to on extremely rough roads. I've always had a 4WD pickup, but on our last deer hunt we became aware of the benefits of having an OHV: an OHV, or quad, or side-by-side, or ATV or whatever you want to call it, can get you where even a 4WD pickup can't go. A Quad Is Faster For me anyway, even if I can get my truck there, a quad can get there faster. I... Full story
Exploring Arizona from an off-highway vehicle (OHV) provides a great way to view the state's beautiful scenery and spend quality time with family and friends. While children may be eager to climb aboard - or parents ready to share their love of the hobby with kids - OHVs aren't toys and there are many questions to answer before allowing youngsters to take the handlebars or steering wheel. Five Different Categories For example, there are five different categories of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)... Full story
Fatal Yuma County Off-Highway Vehicle Accident Is Reminder To Practice OHV Safety The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to wear the proper safety gear, including a helmet, in the wake of a fatal accident that killed a 77-year-old Wellton, Ariz., man recently. A Sad Outcome The man lost control of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he was driving when he hit a rut in the roadway and was thrown from the vehicle, according to the Yuma County Sh... Full story
John and I went Coues hunting this year. We have a great 4-wheel-drive pickup, but while scouting and hunting we discovered that we needed more. Our little whitetails are spooky, and once the season opens, you have to get far away from the easy roads or you're just not going to see any. And although we could get over a lot of stuff in the truck, there always seems to be an impassable piece of road keeping us from where we want to be. I'm sure there are guys who insist they can get their trucks... Full story
For those whose garages got a little bit fuller during the holiday season with the addition of an off-highway vehicle (OHV) - or veteran riders who frequently hit Arizona's trails and dirt roads - the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages everyone to take a riding safety course. An Overview Of Basic Skills Whether riding an all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike or side-by-side, completing a safety course will ensure users have an overview of the basic skills required to safely ride in or operate... Full story
If you gave or received an off-highway vehicle (OHV) as part of the holiday season, make sure you have the proper protective gear to get off to a safe start. Whether the ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side is for a family member, lucky friend or yourself, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that you wear the following equipment when riding in an OHV: • Helmet — All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated hel... Full story
Adapted From An Article By Judy Hedding Each spring the Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts the very popular outdoor experience called the "Outdoor Expo". The largest outdoor expo in the state, this interactive experience allows people of all ages to participate in activities, see exhibits, and attend educational presentations relating to Arizona's wildlife, nature, hunting, camping, boating, recreational target shooting, archery, off-roading, and fishing. Expo Dates Saturday, March 24, from... Full story
The importance of driving-best practices are underscored by these three actions that need to be avoided as they are major contributors to accidents. Following recent fatal off-highway vehicle (OHV) accidents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds everyone about the importance of following best practices when driving on the state's trails and public land roads. In late September, a 58-year-old woman died in Cave Creek after being pinned underneath her utility-task vehicle (UTV). A week... Full story
PHOENIX - When hunting for big game, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can be a key part of how hunters retrieve downed animals. In fact, sometimes it's the only way to retrieve a harvested elk or bison. As hunters hit the trails on OHVs like side-by-sides, it's important to buckle up if the vehicle is equipped with seatbelts. Numerous fatal accidents this year have involved utility task vehicles (UTVs) that roll over and pin the operator underneath. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will... Full story
As you're gearing up to spend a weekend or a few days riding on forest roads and trails, we have one message for you: Head out, helmet on! Helmets are required for all off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators and passengers who are under 18 - but they are strongly recommended for everyone. A U.S. Department of Transportation-rated helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can wear. Case in point: In the event of an accident, a helmet is your only protection against head injuries. "Arizona... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has appointed Ty Gray as director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The appointment came in a unanimous 5-0 vote at the commission's June 11 meeting. Gray, of Phoenix, has been with Game and Fish for 24 years and is currently the agency's deputy director. He replaces outgoing Director Larry Voyles, who announced May 12 he would be retiring after a 43-year career with Game and Fish, the past nine as director. Gray will assume the role following a transi... Full story
Summer is upon us and many Arizona residents and visitors are planning to hop on their off-highway vehicle (OHV). Before hitting the trail while camping or out for a day of riding, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds operators and passengers to do so safely and responsibly by following these 10 tips: Always wear a helmet. Kids under 18 years old are required by law to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times while riding in a side-by-side, an all-terrain v... Full story
One of the most popular boating events in Arizona is the annual Desert Storm Poker Run & Shootout http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/details/1786/, held each spring at Lake Havasu. This year, performance boats will be searing the waters May 2-6 for the 18th running. The credit on the cover photo of the poker run goes to Todd Taylor of Jokers Wild Productions. He really helps with Desert Storm as a photographer and doing all kinds of major functions from dock installation to setup of the race... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) will enhance its efforts to target removal of impaired watercraft and off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators from Arizona's recreation areas through a partnership with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. AGFD was awarded nearly $46,000 in grant funding for officers to target DUI/OUI offenders on the state's waterways and those riding OHVs. In addition to funding overtime for increased DUI/OUI patrols, officers will also target helmet, seat belt and... Full story
The Boulders OHV Area is very popular with recreational target shooters, off-highway vehicle riders, equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers, and others because of its close proximity to the Phoenix area. Unfortunately, this area is also prone to illegal dumping, littering, and debris that needs to be cleaned up. This important work will help ensure future recreation opportunities to this popular area. Join in the cleanup on Saturday, April 29 at Boulders OHV Recreation Area from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo dates are set for Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Admission and parking are free! Once again, there will be plenty of hands-on fun for all ages. Check out the huge family fishing tanks. See all sorts of live wildlife. Learn target archery and try other shooting sports in a safe, supervised, controlled environment on the range. Get a feel for specialty shooting disciplines like clay target,... Full story