Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 176 - 200 of 290
Randy Spray has been putting in for a bighorn tag for 43 years and had never drawn one. He told a friend, "I really need to draw a tag, I'm getting older and pretty soon I won't be able to do a bighorn hunt." That friend suggested that Randy try putting in for Rocky Mountain bighorn instead of Desert Bighorn, and that did the trick. He was already in the max bonus point pool, and this year he finally drew his tag for the archery hunt in 6A. Shooting the ram was not a problem. Spray is an avid... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department found that persons of interest in a photo distributed on some AZGFD social media accounts were hunting legally when they recently took a buck near Superior. When they learned they were “persons of interest” through AZGFD social media posts, they contacted the Department, produced their tag and additional photos of the buck, and the investigation was concluded. “This was a success story in that a member of the public reported what appeared to be suspi... Full story
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at the Archery Center at Ben Avery (same location as last year) is the date for our Winter HAHWG meeting; we look forward to a great gathering again. If you have any special topic requests send them my way. At-A-Glance HAHWG Events January gets really busy. If you’re looking to help out, or promote a camp, here’s a bunch of them — lots of good small-game opportunities. Let me know if you have any questions on the registration tool. We’re still figuring things out, bu... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages the public, especially those interested in recreational target-shooting, to provide their input on management alternatives for the Sonoran Desert National Monument near Gila Bend. The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Phoenix District Office recently announced the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment that kicked off a 90-day public comment period. The BLM is collecting public input... Full story
This show is for trade only and is not open to the public, but Western Outdoor Times writers John and Margie Anderson, who are both members of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), will be at both the Range Day and at the Show, and will be sending daily updates from the show on the latest equipment and news. The SHOT Show ® is owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation http://nssf.org/, a trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting, and shooting... Full story
OLYMPIA – Recreational fishing and hunting licenses for the 2017-2018 season, which begins April 1, 2017, are available for sale today. Typically, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) begins to sell the upcoming year's licenses in December. "With the release of our new licensing system last month, we opted to delay selling 2017-18 licenses in order to avoid printing licenses from two separate systems, with slightly different formatting, for a single license year," said Peter V... Full story
As the Arizona Game and Fish Department completes the random draw process for the 2017 spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear seasons, hopeful hunters are encouraged to open a free Customer Portal account. Portal account holders will be among the first to get the news before the draw results officially are released. It’s quick, easy and free to create a Portal account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then selec... Full story
In the State of Arizona, it is legal to carry a concealed weapon whether you have a permit or not. It is also legal for visitors to do that. Open carry is also legal, and Arizona recognizes CCW's from all other states. That doesn't mean you can carry concealed everywhere without a permit, though. Schools, government buildings, places where alcohol is consumed - these are just a few of the places where you can't carry. Does the store you're headed into have a "no guns" sign? Then you can't carry... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Arizona that they, and their spouses, may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses. The current law stipulates that an active duty member permanently or temporarily stationed in Arizona may purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife. That privilege recently has been extended to their spouses, as well. Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2324, sponsored by state Rep.... Full story
PINETOP, Ariz - The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a three bull elk on the morning of Nov. 7. The bull elk were killed in an agriculture field located south of I-40 off Hunt Road. This is just east of Joseph City. All three bull elk were untouched and were left to waste. "The poacher left these animals to waste, and we need assistance from the public to find the individual(s) responsible. This is a... Full story
Before you know it, gift-giving season will be upon us. If you have a shooter in your life — a boss, a spouse, a sibling, a best friend, a child or grandchild — I’m here to make your holiday a little easier. Here are some of my top picks: the best gifts for the shooter on your shopping list. Speed Loader One thing everyone learns quickly is that loading magazines is hard on the fingers. Loading them by hand takes strength and dexterity, and hardly anyone I know can do it quickly. Glocks come... Full story
By Mike Berger and Pat Knight Well, the Savage Model 1899 finally had a range day, with both good and not-so-good results. First the good news, it shot very well with both .38-55 Winchester and .375 Winchester factory ammunition. Recoil was no problem at all, and the balance of the rifle made it great handling and a bunch of fun to shoot. Accuracy was excellent with both loads. Now the bad news. I reload for almost everything I shoot. .375-diameter bullets are mostly designed for the .375... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear. To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to "Apply for a Draw." The deadline by which the department must receive all applications - online or paper - is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Postmarks do not count. Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.:... Full story
PHOENIX - There's no better way for women 9 and older to learn about firearm safety and receive hands-on instruction shooting trap, skeet and sporting clays than signing up for the Desert Roses women's shotgun program at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. For $10, a shooter – whether new to the shotgun shooting sports or just needing a refresher – can sign up for three sessions, beginning Thursday (Oct. 6). The fee includes use of a loaner shotgun, ammunition, eye and ear protection, targets and... Full story
The two most important aspects of good shooting are sight alignment and trigger control. Master both of these, and you'll be an awesome shot. The importance of sight alignment is reflected in the number of different kinds of sights that are available. You are not limited to the sights that come on your gun when you buy it - you have almost limitless choices when it comes to picking your perfect sights. The gunsmith at Shooters World told me that putting on new sights is one of the only things... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded $75,000 in grant funding for local sportsmen's organizations to provide public, hands-on, mentored projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers. Of 22 proposals submitted in this latest grant cycle, 16 were approved by a three-member panel that rated and scored the proposals. The grants were awarded through a competitive application process that closed July 14. "The Local Sportsmen's Group grant program is an investment in local... Full story
Congratulations to the recent inductees to the Outdoor Hall of Fame by Wildlife for Tomorrow, including some folks we know from Hunting And Angling Heritage Workshop Group (HAHWG) and other ventures. It’s great to see you recognized, and thank you for all you do. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/NewsMedia/Conservationists-inducted-into-Arizona-Outdoor-Hall-of-Fame.shtml Richard Sprague, owner Sprague’s Sports in Yuma Jim Unmacht, president of the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation htt... Full story
YUMA, Ariz. - On Saturday, September 3, the 1st Annual World Championship Dove Cook-Off will take place at Yuma Civic Center. Coinciding with the opening week of the early dove hunt season (Sept. 1-15), the Cook-Off will pit chefs of all skill levels in a competition to see who can create the best dove dish within the allotted time. "This will be an exciting event," says Richard Sprague, owner of Sprague's Sports in Yuma. "Yuma is the premier dove hunting destination, so having a culinary... Full story
With the care of two experts, the Model 1899 is now ready for the range. By Mike Berger and Pat Knight Editor's Note: The beginning, middle, and end of this restoration saga areal included as we feel it is important to tell the whole story of the remarkable skill and commitment these two men have shown to a once-abandoned antique rifle. Part 1: 'Rescued' From The Corner It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were... Full story
Here is a counter-intuitive truth: Small pistols are more difficult to handle, require a better (stronger) grip, and have a lot more recoil (kick) than larger pistols. Many smaller people make the mistake of thinking that since their hands are small, a smaller pistol is ideal.In many cases, the opposite is true. The same goes for buying that first pistol for your child - just because she has smaller hands doesn't mean you should buy her a small pistol. Single-Stack Semis My granddaughters both... Full story
Editor's Note: Although Part 1 of this incredible restoration story appeared in the July issue, it is included here again so that the whole story of the old Winchester is not lost. Berger continues below with Part 2 and, thankfully, will follow that with a Part 3 in future. It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were not in the best shape were placed. This particular rifle had begun its life back in 1906, at the... Full story
If you carry or even own a gun, safety should be your number-one priority. The four rules should be engraved on your brain like your first-ever address. In case they aren't yet, here they are again: All guns are always loaded. Treat them that way. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target (and you have made the decision to shoot). Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. GLOCK launched the annual GLOCK... Full story
While my focus and much of Hunting And Angling Heritage Workshop Group’s (HAHWG’s) effort is on recruitment and retention. There are other groups fighting the good fight at a higher level. I got an email from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation’s President Jim Unmacht (they also do the license plate grant program many of us have used) that listed the concerns, threats and challenges for sportsmen on a landscape scale. And, I said to him, some of us work with kids, others work with legis... Full story
It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were not in the best shape were placed. This particular rifle had begun its life back in 1906, at the Savage Arms factory. It was a Model 1899, with a 24-inch-long barrel in 30-30. This was a very popular combination for a deer rifle in its day. I don't know why it attracted attention that day, yet it came out of its corner for examination. The condition could best be... Full story
If you’re interested in outdoor activities and in the participation of future generations, the Hunting Angling Heritage Workshop Group would welcome your input. Well, it’s starting to feel like Arizona now. I hope everyone is having a good summer and getting a chance to visit the high country as well. The fishing and crayfishing should be great, not to mention the cooler weather and green! A couple dates I thought you might want on your radar, and for more, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills for... Full story
