AZGFD Offers Training, Experience For All Ages

Robbins Butte Youth-Only Dove Hunt

Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (RBWA) is about seven miles southwest of Buckeye and comprises more than 1,600 acres. RBWA was purchased for its potential as waterfowl habitat.

Three ponds were built in 1952 and by 1957 an estimated 30,000 ducks used these ponds. However, increased demand for agricultural water - coupled with invasion of salt cedar trees - led to dramatic waterfowl declines by 1960.

In response, the Department purchased the adjacent Black Butte Farm to expand RBWA. This land contained some of the last pristine honey mesquite bosque remaining

along the lower Gila River. This acquisition protected the bosque, and provided cultivated grain crops for small game. The combination of wildlife food crops, natural foods and nesting habitat now attracts a combined average of 5,000 breeding white-winged and mourning doves each year.

A portion of RBWA is managed strictly for youth hunters. The special hunt is open to youth up to their 18th birthday; those 10 years and older need a valid hunting license and migratory bird stamp (included in youth license). Shooting locations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must check in prior to hunting and check out when finished.

On Sat., Sept. 3, plan to arrive by 4:30 a.m. for a safety briefing and location assignments. Afterward, visit the check-in tables and enjoy a free breakfast provided by the Youth Outdoors Unlimited.

Oh, and don't forget to bring plenty of shells. This area can produce lots of chances to fill your bag. Please refer to the current Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations for specific season dates at http://www.azgfd.gov/dove.

A dove hunt at Robbins Butte is one opportunity available to youth.

AZGD Offers Learn-To-Hunt Events

The Arizona Game And Fish Department offers camps on hunting basics to individuals who are interested in hunting but may not know where to start. These hands-on workshops teach the skills necessary to successfully pursue the variety of game animals found in Arizona. Both adults and youth are invited to participate.

The camps include instruction and the opportunity to interact with experienced mentors and other camp participants. Attendees will learn information on firearm safety, hunting opportunities, game care, archery instruction and more.

There will also be hands-on hunting opportunities. A schedule of upcoming camps is listed on pages 26–30 and also at http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP)

The Arizona Game And Fish Department Scholastic Clay Target Program is a team-based youth development program that uses the shotgun sports to instill discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence and other life values. Team members can participate in any or all three clay target disciplines: trap, skeet and sporting clays. For more information, contact the Shooting Sports coordinator at (623) 236-7305 or visit http://www.azgfd.gov/sctp.

National Archery In The Schools Program (NASP)

The Arizona Game And Fish Department offers the national Archery in the Schools Program based on a national physical education curriculum introduced in 2003. The core content covers archery, history, safety, techniques, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement.

In addition, the curriculum provides interesting and creative possibilities for integration with core content in social studies, mathematics, visual arts, history and English/language arts. The program provides school PE programs with training, equipment and curriculum to introduce youth to archery.

For more information, contact the Archery coordinator at (623) 236-7233 or visit http://www.azgfd.gov/archery.