Holiday Gifts For Outdoor Recreationists, Wildlife Lovers

What do you buy for the person who seems to have it all? Give them a gift this holiday that not only provides enjoyment for them, but also benefits wildlife conservation in Arizona.

This year, consider one of the many unique gift ideas the Arizona Game And Fish Department has to offer. Buyers are sure to find something for everyone with a variety of gift ideas and prices, including the following:

Leftover Spring Big Game Hunt Tag

If the hunters on your holiday gift list missed the recent draw for 2015 spring hunts, a big game hunt this spring may still be in their future. Plenty of leftover hunt permit-tags for javelina are still available for purchase. A list of leftover tags and application instructions are available at http://www.azgfd.gov/draw.

$5 Youth Hunting/Fishing Combo License

For year-round enjoyment, purchase a $5 youth hunting license for the children ages 10-17 in your family. It can lead to quality family time spent in the outdoors. The youth license allows take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, certain nongame animals, and migratory and upland game birds. You can also buy licenses as gifts for the adults in your family. For more information and prices, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/license.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility Discount Pass

The daily fee at Ben Avery Shooting Facility Main Range is $7, but shooters get an extra day at the range as a bonus with the 11-visit discount shooter's pass for just $70. Range visits need not be consecutive and the pass has no expiration date. Call (623) 582-8313 to order the $70 discount pass as a special holiday gift or stocking-stuffer, or you can buy it at the range. The pass is good for the Ben Avery Main Range and Archery Ranges, but not for the Clay Target Center (see below for Clay Target Center gift certificates).

Ben Avery Shooting Facility Apparel

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility has a variety of shirts, hats, mugs, pins and patches for sale at the main range shooting sports center. To see the choices, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ben_averyTShirts.shtml.

Ben Avery Clay Target Center Gift Certificate

There's no better place for trap, skeet and sporting clays than the Ben Avery Clay Target Center. Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount at the CTC office or by calling (623) 434-8119. Gift certificates may be redeemed within one year of date of purchase and are good for targets only, not for ammo.

Sponsor Turtle Conservation

Help support the monitoring and study of Arizona's native desert tortoises, box turtles, mud turtles, and painted turtles. The Turtles Project at Game and Fish monitors these species, and you can help biologists ensure their long-term survival by sponsoring turtles in the name of your family member or friend. Sponsorship revenue will directly support turtle conservation and research in Arizona. Learn more about the program by contacting Game and Fish at (623) 236-7767, or visiting the Turtles Project website at http://www.azgfd.gov/turtle.

Wildlife Center Donation

The department's wildlife rehabilitation center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually and provides wildlife education to local schools. Consider sponsoring an education animal or contributing to the care of injured wildlife in the name of your family or friend. For more information on the many sponsorship options, contact mdemlong@azgfd.gov or call (623) 236-7269.

Maps And Books

For fans of watchable wildlife, geo-caching, hiking, hunting, fishing, OHVs and other outdoor pursuits, stop by any Game and Fish office statewide and check out the broad selection of affordable maps, books, charts, guides and other products for sale.

Two books of special interest to the anglers and hunters in your life are Arizona's Official Fishing Guide and An Introduction to Hunting Arizona's Small Game, both by experts in their fields.

Angler and information specialist Rory Aikens wrote his guide for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to explore Arizona's rivers, streams and lakes to catch fish and enjoy the outdoors.

Randall D. Babb brought a lifetime of experience as a hunter and biologist to his guide to hunting small game birds, squirrels, rabbits, ducks and geese in Arizona. His book includes tips on field-tested firearms and other gear, plus ways to prepare and cook a small game harvest.

The Fishing Guide is $29.95, and the Introduction to Hunting Arizona's Small Game is $16.95. Both books can be purchased at Game and Fish offices or by calling (623) 236-7224.

Gift Subscription To Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine

The department's award-winning magazine is packed with photos and articles about wildlife and outdoor recreation. During our holiday sale, gift subscriptions are just $7 for seven issues (the regular price is $8.50 for one year/six issues). Order by Dec. 31, and your gift will include the 2015 calendar issue, featuring spectacular images of Arizona's wildlife by winners of this year's photo contest, plus more than three-dozen stunning photographs that received honorable mention.

Order a gift subscription by calling (800) 777-0015. The calendar issue is also sold separately at all Arizona Game and Fish offices for just $3.

Did You Know?

Arizona hunting and fishing licenses are a great value. You can get combination hunting and fishing licenses for a family of four for less than the price of one night in a motel. Great Outdoors, Great Value! http://www.azgfd.gov/eservices/licenses_newFees.shtml