Category Archives: Phoenix

Drivers on Interstate 17 should plan for nightly lane restrictions in both directions April 15-20

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The restrictions will begin the evening of Monday, April 15, and end the morning of Saturday, April 20, as work continues on the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point.

Drivers should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:

Northbound Restrictions

  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near Rock Springs/Black Canyon City (mileposts 239-240) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) from 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, to 6 a.m. Friday, April 19, for earthwork.

Southbound Restrictions

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) south of Sunset Point (mileposts 250-249) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between Bumble Bee Road and Black Canyon City (mileposts 246-240) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement/removal of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) north of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 238-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) north of New River Road (mileposts 233-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Friday, April 19, for electrical work.

Rabies incidents a reminder to keep pets vaccinated

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to protect themselves and their pets by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially animals that may be behaving abnormally, such as those that appear overly aggressive and/or lacking a fear of humans.

The reminder comes after a gray fox, suspected of being rabid, bit three people in two separate attacks earlier this month at Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona. The animal was killed as it approached a park service officer. Another gray fox was located and killed last month after it bit a person in a picnic area on Mount Lemmon near Tucson.

Pets such as dogs and cats, as well as livestock such as horses, should be vaccinated regularly against rabies. In addition, dogs should be on leashes when outdoors and a veterinarian consulted if any domestic animals are injured by wildlife. Unvaccinated animals exposed to wildlife with rabies must undergo a four-month quarantine, and vaccinated animals need to be quarantined for 45 days.

“In Arizona, the principal rabies hosts are bats, skunks and foxes,” said Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, AZGFD wildlife veterinarian. “These animals carry their own distinct strains of the rabies virus. When rabies activity within these animal groups increases, rabies can impact other mammals, such as bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses, or cows.”

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.

ADOT seeks bids to construct 21 electric vehicle charging stations

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PHOENIX – Advancing plans to support adoption of electric vehicles, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.

The stations are the first major step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations, with 21 facilities expected to be operating by the end of 2025. These stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations. Bids are due April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.

The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy and $76.5 million for Arizona.

The charging stations generally will be spaced no more than 50 miles apart, and must be constructed beyond the freeway within a mile of an interchange. The bidding process outlines general areas where stations eligible for funding can be located, with specific locations to be determined through the selection process. Each station must include at least four chargers that can charge a typical electric vehicle within 20-30 minutes.

While the first round of electric vehicle charging stations will focus on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025. The plans will evolve based on developments within the electric vehicle industry and by studying the usage patterns of the first set of stations that come online.

For more information about the electric vehicle charging station network, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

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.

Young hunters wanted for Pintail Slough Youth Waterfowl Camp

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KINGMAN — Young hunters who want to learn all about waterfowl hunting are invited to attend the annual Pintail Slough Junior Waterfowl Camp, sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The camp will take place Jan. 5-7, 2024 (hunters check in Jan. 5) at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The deadline to register is Nov. 10. The event is limited to 18 hunters between ages 12 and 17 (each must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is necessary.

All young hunters will learn how to identify, hunt and field-dress waterfowl before putting those skills to use in the Pintail Slough duck blinds.

“If you aren’t getting out, you’re missing out,” said Cody Johnston, wildlife manager supervisor. “This is a great opportunity for parents to get outside with their kids and enjoy the outdoors.”

To request an application, contact Jessica Stephens at jstephens@azgfd.gov, or call AZGFD’s regional office in Kingman at 928-692-7700. A refundable $40 registration fee is required. All participants will be chosen through a random draw and notified by email or telephone.

AZGFD seeks public comment on Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is seeking to amend the previously published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6.

The intent of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was to enact amendments developed during the latest Five-year Review Report. After receiving feedback from stakeholders and members of the public, the Commission is removing proposed changes to the use and sale of live baitfish. Amendments to R12-4-314 (Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Aquatic Wildlife) and R12-4-411 (Live Bait Dealers License) are removed from this Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

In addition, the rulemaking clarifies that the use of a pneumatic weapon using bolts or arrows during an archery-only hunting season is limited to persons who possess both a crossbow permit issued under R12-4-216 and a Challenged Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) issued under R12-4-217.

The remaining proposed amendments are not affected from the previous comment period. Those amendments are designed to clarify current rule language; protect public health and safety and private property rights; facilitate job growth and economic development; support Fair Chase principles and the tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; enable the Department to provide better customer service; and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens wherever possible.

Visit www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/rulemaking/, or https://azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register, to view the Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 6, 2023 by:

Email: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or msumner@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Celeste Cook, Rules and Policy Manager, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Telephone: Michael Sumner, Regional Supervisor (Yuma), 928-341-4040.

The public can submit comments through the Department’s AZGFD Rulemaking Contact Form, as well. The Commission also will be available to receive public input at its Jan. 19 meeting at Department headquarters in Phoenix.

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a public survey to gather input about the speed limit along a stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix, in accordance with a new state law.

ADOT has commissioned an independent study to determine an appropriate speed limit for I-17 between the I-10 “Split” interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Peoria Avenue. The speed limit for that part of I-17 is currently 55 mph.

You can take part in the online survey from now through Saturday, Sept. 30, at https://tinyurl.com/I-17speedlimits; by email at projects@azdot.gov); and by phone at 1.855.712.8530. Comments also can be mailed to: I-17 Speed Limit Study, ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The speed study follows passage of legislation (SB 1102) that calls for a minimum speed limit of 65 mph on any interstate highway in counties with a population of 3 million or more people.

SB 1102 also stipulates that a lower speed limit can be set if certain conditions are met, including:

  • A lower limit is deemed necessary based on an independent engineering study or roadway assessment.
  • The overall system capacity and mobility along the freeway will not be reduced.
  • An opportunity for public input is provided.

The I-17 speed limit study is scheduled for completion in mid-October.