Category Archives: Amusement

Protect yourself, protect a bear

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PHOENIX — With Arizona’s hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise.

While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise those living or visiting bear country to avoid feeding wildlife and to not leave trash, food or other attractants accessible (such as pet food or bird seed). Unfortunately, a fed bear is a dead bear.

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of humans and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, AZGFD regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears:

Keep them away from your home

Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
Take bird feeders down at night.
Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.

When camping

Keep your food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in your tent.
Don’t burn left-over food or trash on the grill.
Set up your campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

When hiking

Don’t wear scented lotions, deodorant or perfumes.
Make noise or hike in groups.
Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times.

In case of a bear encounter

Do NOT run.
Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
Make yourself look bigger than you are by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket up higher than your head.
Throw items and yell at the bear.
If attacked, fight back.

Bear sightings in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. For questions, or to obtain a brochure on living with bears, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.

AZGFD reopened Silver Creek Fish Hatchery property to public on April 3

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Show Low — Following a brief period of closure due to localized flooding, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced it will reopen the Silver Creek Fish Hatchery property to the public on Wednesday, April 3.

This is good news for anglers, as the catch-and-keep season for Silver Creek started on Monday, April 1.

Although the recent flooding has subsided, the aftermath of the flooding has left the area extremely muddy. Anglers are advised that fishing conditions may not be optimal due to high water flows and turbidity, and they are encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of the muddy terrain and their surroundings as further snowmelt could cause additional flooding over the next few days.

AZGFD appreciates the patience and understanding of the public during the brief closure period and looks forward to welcoming visitors back to the Silver Creek Fish Hatchery.

Limited-entry permit-tag draw applications due by 5 p.m. Today

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The deadline to submit applications for limited-entry permit-tag seasons is 5 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, April 9. To apply, visit www.limitedhuntentry.azgfd.com/.

This limited-entry permit-tag draw offers hunters a chance to draw an additional elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn permit-tag, while generating revenue to support wildlife conservation efforts across the state.

New in this limited-entry permit-tag draw: An opportunity to hunt antlered mule deer on the world-famous Kaibab Plateau. This single permit-tag is for Game Management Units 12A and 12B between Aug. 1 and Sept. 12. AZGFD also has added additional units in which to hunt elk, deer and pronghorn.

Applicants who are drawn for a permit-tag will be contacted by the department during the week of April 15, at which time payment will be required before the permit-tag can be mailed. It is the responsibility of each applicant to provide accurate contact information to avoid missing an opportunity to receive the permit-tag for which they were drawn.

Applicants must have a Customer ID to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard;” 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting https://customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Don’t have a Customer ID? Visit www.accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account. For those applicants who believe they have a portal account but are unable to locate their Customer ID by using the Customer ID Retrieval Tool, call the department at 602-942-3000 to avoid creating a duplicate account.

These opportunities should not be confused with the annual draws that are conducted by the department in February, June and October. A limited-entry permit-tag application does not preclude an applicant from applying for any other hunts throughout the year or impact bonus points. Animals harvested during limited-entry permit-tag seasons are excluded from annual bag limits.

In addition:

  • This is discretionary. The objective is to generate revenue in order to maintain current operations, and limit or eliminate the need to increase license and hunt permit-tag fees.
  • The issuance of a specific number of limited-entry permit-tags will not adversely affect management objectives for a species or area. These hunts will not impact the number of permit-tags made available for the annual draws. The related harvest will have an insignificant impact on wildlife populations.
  • A valid Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license is not needed at the time of application; it is required if an applicant draws a limited-entry permit-tag.
    Applicants can select up to six limited-entry permit-tag hunts on one application. Multiple applications will not be accepted.
  • At the time of application, an applicant shall submit the required application fee ($13 for Arizona residents, $15 for nonresidents) for each selected hunt number.
    Each applicant must apply individually. Applicants cannot apply as a group, unlike the annual draws.
  • If an applicant enters inaccurate information during the application process, or attempts to enter the draw for a hunt more than once, all applications will be deemed invalid.
  • After an application has been saved, an applicant cannot begin a new one. An applicant may return to their application to make changes as long as the draw is open, however. When an application is completed and final payment is accepted, an applicant can no longer make changes or apply for additional hunts.

A total of six limited-entry permit-tags will be available for the following hunting opportunities:

  • Elk (any elk): Aug. 15, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B.
  • Elk (any elk): Aug. 15, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 15A, 15B, 16A, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 20A.
  • Mule deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 28, 31, 32, 37A, 37B.
  • Mule deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 12A, 12B.
  • White-tailed deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C.
  • Pronghorn (buck): Aug. 1, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 17A, 17B, 18A, 19A, 19B.

The elk, deer and pronghorn hunts are general season hunts. Legal methods of take: any firearm, pre-charged pneumatic weapon, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.

Gov. Hobbs nominates James E. Goughnour to Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs nominated James E. Goughnour as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission January 19.

Goughnour is currently finishing a five-year term that began after his appointment in 2019 by then-Governor Doug Ducey. He served as commission chair in fiscal year 2023 and was one of two candidates forwarded in November by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board for Governor Hobbs’ consideration.

He has lived in Arizona for more than 45 years and is a driving force for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in the Payson area. He is the owner of Rim Country Custom Rods, a small business that designs and builds custom fishing rods.

Prior to starting his business, Goughnour worked 26 years for General Dynamics Aerospace Systems Group (previously Motorola Space Systems Group), culminating in his position as project manager responsible for all aspects of the Aerospace Operations Program.

Goughnour’s nomination is pending confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

Applications for 2024 pronghorn, elk hunts due soon

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk is right around the corner.

To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. 

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2024 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed versions are available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

In the meantime:

  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/ to review personal data, including  application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Feb. 6). Purchases licenses at https://license.azgfd.com/, or at any AZGFD office statewide. AZGFD provides a list of license dealers statewide that offer online licenses for purchase. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

Apply now for 2024 pronghorn, elk hunts

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.

To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2024 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed versions soon will be available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

In the meantime:

  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/ to review personal data, including application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Feb. 6). Purchases licenses at https://license.azgfd.com/, or at any AZGFD office statewide. AZGFD provides a list of license dealers statewide that offer online licenses for purchase. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

Apply now for 2024 spring hunts

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison, and raptor capture.

To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.” The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2024 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison, Bear and Raptor Capture Hunt Draw Information” booklet. The booklet is posted online at www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations/. Printed versions soon will be available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

In the meantime:

  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit www.azgfd.gov, then click on “Account Login” at the bottom of the homepage. Take this time to review personal data, including  application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license (or combination hunt and fish license) to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (October 3). Licenses can be purchased online, or at any AZGFD office statewide. AZGFD provides a list of license dealers statewide that offer online licenses for purchase. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.
  • When’s the draw? AZGFD will post an announcement on its website and social media channels when the 2024 spring draw opens. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Dove season outlook: Birds should be plentiful

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When it comes to dove hunting in Arizona, one thing is pretty much indisputable: There’s never a bad season opener.

All signs indicate that there will be birds aplenty when the 2023 season gets underway next Friday, Sept. 1. This is especially true for hunters who are willing to scout in the mornings and evenings between now and the opener to locate some good hunting spots.

Once again, the greatest number of doves — and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. That includes locations like Yuma, one of the premier destinations in the U.S., as well as Buckeye, Eloy, Florence, Gila Bend, Toltec and others. Note: All National Park Service parks and monuments are closed to hunting unless specifically opened in Commission Order.

The 15-day “early” season gets underway 30 minutes before legal sunrise Sept. 1. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45-dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove. A fully feathered wing must be left attached to each dove for identification purposes until a hunter reaches his or her permanent residence or where the game meat will be consumed.

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp — both of which can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/license/. A youth combination hunt/fish license (for youth hunters 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes a migratory bird stamp.

All dove hunters should review the “2023-2024 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easy to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance.

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds consist of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

If you’re a dove hunter who’s counting the days (9) until the Sept. 1 opener, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is rolling out a different video each week that’s sure to whet your wing-shooting appetite.

Just keep checking your email each week, and enjoy what our talented folks in the audio-visual department have produced about hunting doves, Arizona-style.

This week: Yuma Desert Doves Women Hunt

And, for those who might have missed it . . .

Aug. 17: Healey Family Opening Day Dove Hunt

Aug. 10: Yuma: A Dove Hunter’s Paradise

August 20 is deadline to apply for Local Sportsmen’s Group grants

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, mentored projects that are focused on the progressive development of new hunters and anglers.

The Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program places a high priority on projects that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive online application process. Information, instructions, and a link to the online application are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Sunday, August 20.

“This grant program continues to provide much-needed funding for Arizona’s conservation organizations, which are the backbone of wildlife conservation and the teachers of the next generation of hunters and anglers,” said Doug Burt, AZGFD’s recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) manager. “We appreciate these valued organizations for their hosting of hands-on, mentored events and projects for folks who want to learn, but maybe don’t know where to get started.”

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona.

Cathedral Rock Trailhead closed Wednesday

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SEDONA – The Cathedral Rock Trailhead on the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will be closed to the public on Wednesday (July 19) due to the City of Sedona conducting work along Back O’ Beyond Road and the necessity to close the road which accesses the trailhead.The trail itself is open for hiking, but the public will need to access Cathedral Rock Trail through alternate trailheads, such as Baldwin Trail Trailhead or Little Horse Trailhead. The city’s work consists of installing a new concrete box culvert system at the low-water crossing along Back O’ Beyond Road.