Reminder: June 14 is deadline to apply for 2016 fall hunts

PHOENIX — Time is running out for hunters to apply for 2016 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.

All online and paper applications must be received by the department no later than 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Postmarks do not count.

Applicants are encouraged to use the online service at https://draw.azgfd.gov/ (scroll down to “Apply for a Draw”). Purchasing a hunting license and filling out an application online is fast and easy. The online service also dramatically reduces the chances of making errors that could result in a rejected application.

Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at department offices statewide.

The department is announcing an exciting, innovative program beginning with the 2016 fall hunt application period. “PointGuard,” the newest benefit for AZGFD Portal customers, ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.
 
PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline.

For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard. Applicants who encounter issues related to PointGuard are encouraged to call the department at (602) 942-3000.

Volunteers needed for Doce Pit area cleanup June 11

PRESCOTT — The Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, in conjunction with Tread Lightly!,” which promotes responsible recreation through stewardship, communication and education, has scheduled a cleanup June 11 at Doce Pit, a popular recreational shooting area near Prescott.

Volunteers – including recreational shooters, off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, hikers and others who champion responsible recreation – are needed for the four-hour event, which begins at 8 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, work gloves, hat, sunscreen, trash pinchers and buckets. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.

All volunteers who fill at least two trash bags will receive a free one-year ASRPA membership. The trash bags will be provided, and each volunteer will be shown exactly where their help will be needed along the three-mile stretch of Doce Road. Prescott National Forest representatives will conduct a pre-cleanup informational meeting at 8 a.m.

For more information, contact Noble Hathaway, ASRPA president, at president@asrpa.com or (623) 687-4251, or visit http://www.asrpa.com/Cleanup/cleanup.html.

Bert Fire remains active reaching 1531 acres in size

WILLIAMS — The lightning caused Bert fire has grown to 1531 acres in size and continues to benefit the landscape while effectively meeting objectives. Yesterday crews successfully completed a burn out operation that was designed to protect resource values that included the Highway 180 corridor and the Arizona Public Service power line.

“As with all fires we manage in the forest, protecting life, public safety, and property is our first priority” said Danelle Harrison, district ranger on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. “Although we recognize the amount of smoke increased yesterday, the benefits of securing these values at risk was essential for us and will likely reduce the number of days smoke will linger in the long term.”

Winds are predicted to remain out of the northeast throughout today and then reverse direction. Smoke is expected to disperse to the southwest on Saturday and then move off to the northeast on Sunday.  Fire managers are preparing for the changes in weather patterns and will adjust operational plans accordingly. Minimizing smoke impacts remains a top priority.

To view recent spherical panoramas and photos of the Bert Fire and the area in which it is burning, visit http://bit.ly/BertFire2016.

Safety improvement project on SR 169 will impact drivers next week

The Arizona Department of Transportation continues work next week on a safety improvement project on State Route 169 which includes a new left-turn lane at Cherry Creek Road (milepost 9.3) and Orme Road (milepost 4.5).

As a result, drivers will be restricted to one lane at both intersections for chip seal and shoulder work as part of the project.

Starting on Monday (June 6) through Thursday (June 9), drivers will be guided through the work zone with a pilot car and flaggers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. The speed limit through the work zone will be 45 mph until the project is complete.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.