Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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The Reel Deel Bass Action Look for the bass action to get even better at some our pristine lakes in the desert. Apache, Canyon and Saguaro all have been stocked with rainbow trout throughout the winter, so throwing some trout-imitation swim baits can produce some trophy bass. With an onset of warmer-than-average temperatures, more bass have ventured into shallower waters in a pre-spawn mode (certainly at Roosevelt and likely Saguaro, too) and are willing to chase crankbaits, spinnerbaits and cha... Full story
Thank you! What a fantastic gathering and discussion we had on Jan. 30. We had 50 people in attendance of whom 15 were first-time attendees — our highest turnout yet! The cross section of representation was equally as impressive with 21 unique organizations (many wear multiple hats) — including three angling groups and two predator hunting group. The Department was equally represented by our public-information staff (five), terrestrial branch (one), wildlife managers and regional staff (four), hunter education (one), and shooting sports (tw... Full story
March activities at Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education opened with a special-event Star Party featuring live music, kids activities, and night sky star viewing on Saturday, March 5. This event celebrated the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park. Oracle State Park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can bring their own lunch and beverages to enjoy on the ranch-house patios or park picnic areas. Full Oracle State Park event information is... Full story
One of the best of Arizona's no-kill shelters is in Tempe, Ariz.: Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. They need and welcome volunteers - for whom thorough training is provided - to help provide not only temporary homes for dogs and cats, but also careful care, and adoption services. Right now, LOH has a few more great opportunities with which they need assistance: PetSmart Volunteers Needed We have a great opportunity to possibly get more dogs and cats adopted by getting into another PetSmart location... Full story
Every year the State of Arizona convenes the legislature in January and all kinds of bills pop up. Some are ludicrous (just ask Representative Townsend) and some are a response to critical problems. This year the Arizona Game & Fish Department has been pushing for SB1361 to be approved. What Is SB1361? What is SB1361 and why are a few select former commissioners screaming? Back in 1990, The Heritage Fund (Indian gaming monies) awarded an annual amount of $10 million dollars to the Arizona Game a... 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
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a 30-day public comment period seeking input on changes to the scope of the Bison Management Plan at Grand Canyon National Park. The focus of the planning effort will shift from development of a long-term management plan for North Rim bison to initial herd reduction. In spring 2014, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the NPS initiated public scoping for an environmental impact statement (EIS) to d... Full story
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking updated information about nine wildlife species as part of a review of native wildlife populations listed by the state as endangered, threatened or sensitive. WDFW will accept public comments through Feb. 25, 2017, on sea otters, grizzly bears, ferruginous hawks, northern leopard frogs, Larch Mountain salamanders, and four species of whales, including sei, North Pacific right, blue and fin. More information on these s... Full story
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and forest landowners are preparing to move forward on a joint strategy to help protect the fisher, a member of the weasel family currently under consideration for federal listing as a threatened species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is accepting public comments through March 30 on a proposed agreement with WDFW that, if approved, will extend incentives to landowners who take steps to protect fishers that move onto t... Full story
Action: Steelhead anglers on these three Cowlitz County streams will be able to fish for hatchery steelhead. Effective date: March 16, 2016 through April 15, 2016 Species affected: Hatchery steelhead Locations: * Mill Creek. * Germany Creek, including all tributaries. *Abernathy Creek from the mouth (Hwy. 4 Bridge) upstream to posted markers 500 feet below Abernathy Fish Technology Center Reason for action: Hatchery winter steelhead smolts are released into Abernathy Creek as part of a hatchery... Full story
Several fisheries are set to open in the weeks ahead, and the year’s first hunting season isn’t far behind. With a new season of outdoor adventures about to begin, Washingtonians might want to consider purchasing 2016-17 fishing and hunting licenses before current licenses expire at midnight March 31. The cost of fishing and hunting licenses remains the same as last year, and most annual licenses include a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) vehicle-access pass. That pass all... 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
Saturday, March 19 (next Saturday) is our annual National Archery in the Schools (NASP) State Tournament at Ben Avery. We have more than 300 youth archers registered for the event plus their parents and / or chaperones. They will be shooting both target archery and many shoot 3D animal targets. We would like to extend and invitation to any organization or group, especially archery hunting groups, that would like to setup a booth or trailer to do any outreach and education about your programs... Full story
Taking to the water in your power boat, sailboat, jet ski, or canoe is a great way to enjoy Colorado’s many waterways. Whether you're swimming or boating, it's important to use common sense while you’re out on the water. The Colorado Boating Program helps you get underway safely while enhancing your boating experience. Registration is required for all power boats and sail boats operating on... Website
The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a proposed framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam over the next 20 years with the goal of creating certainty and predictability for power and water users while protecting environmental and cultural resources in Grand Canyon National Park and the Colorado River ecosystem. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) is available to the public for review and comment for 90 days. Brings Together Diverse Stakeholders "This document is... 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
Updated Wildlife Rules Now In Effect. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, as part of its regular five-year review rulemaking process, has updated its Article 4 (Live Wildlife) rules. The new provisions became effective in December 2015 and were approved by the Governor's Regulatory Review Council. The new provisions include some notable changes including the following: • Removal of hedgehogs from the restricted live wildlife list to allow them as pets. • Prohibitions on possession of any non... Full story
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) is pleased to present this beautiful specialty license plate. By purchasing this plate you will be making a contribution to Arizona's wildlife and wildlife habitat. Seventeen dollars ($17) of each twenty-five ($25) special license fee will go to AZSFWC's Wildlife Conservation Habitat Fund. The AZSFWC will review and approve all grants from the special license plate program revenues. These grants will fund important outdoor recreational and... 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
Visitors never tire of visiting the vintage ships at the Maritime Museum that are sailed and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Among the Maritime treasures are ships from four different centuries, which include 19th-century Californian, a tops'l schooner; the 18th-century H.M.S. Surprise, a full-rigged British Frigate; the 19th-century three-masted bark Star of India, the 16th-century Spanish Galleon San Salvador, and the 20th-century steam yacht Medea. In addition to the... Full story
Are you interested in fostering an LOH dog or cat? If so, the first step is to attend a foster orientation so that you will have a complete understanding of how our foster program works and what is required of our foster pet parents. Fostering one of our shelter pets helps them experience a home environment until they are adopted. It also gives us valuable information about the behavior and personality of the pet that we may not be able to observe in our shelter environment. We have adorable... 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
Honorary Chair: Johnny Morris National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) has named leading national conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris to serve as the honorary chair for NHF Day 2016: Saturday, Sept. 24. A lifelong sportsman with a passion for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, Morris is one of the country's foremost leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the outdoors remain healthy for future generations to protect and enjoy. "America's sportsmen... Full story
Winter in Phoenix is a beautiful thing! There is so much going on: great events every weekend, the sun shines (almost) every day, and the temperature is just right. It is an ideal time to get out in the parks to explore the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix has some of the most parkland per person within city limits in the United States, and mountain preserves and public land surround the metro area. Here are three great options for getting outdoors in the Phoenix area. • Phoenix Mountain Parks and Preser... Full story