Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Game and Fish Commission to meet December 1-2 in Phoenix

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PHOENIX – The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be December 1-2, 2017, at the AZGFD headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The public can attend in person, view the meeting on a webcast at https://livestream.com/azgameandfish, or (Friday only) watch the meeting on streaming video from any regional office statewide.

Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting or from any Game and Fish office (Friday only). The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.

The Friday, Deccember 1 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Among the items on Friday’s agenda are:

  • Consideration of a hunting and fishing license reciprocity memorandum of understanding with Nevada.
  • An update on state and federal legislation.
  • Consideration of a Notice of Final Expedited Rulemaking amending rules within Article 11 addressing aquatic invasive species.
  • Consideration of rulemaking recommendations for Article 3 regarding the taking and handling of wildlife.
  • Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes, and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 10 a.m.).
  • A briefing on recent bald eagle telemetry efforts to improve data gathering for management recommendations.
  • An update on department activities and involvement with resource management planning and other major actions on federal lands in Arizona.
  • Consideration of a new commercial public records request policy concerning the release of personal identifying information.
  • Request for acceptance of a perpetual access easement dedicated by the South Eastern Arizona Sportsmen Club to the department.

On Saturday, December 2, beginning at 8 a.m., the agenda includes:

  • Consideration of proposed Commission Orders 3 (pronghorn), 4 (elk) and 26 (population management) establishing seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers or authorized limits, and open areas for the 2018 and 2019 fall hunting seasons.
  • Consideration of the proposed hunt-permit tag application schedule for the antelope and elk 2018 hunts.

To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member, policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Reward offered in North Rim deer poaching

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering up to $8,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of yet another suspected poacher.

The latest case involves a mule deer buck that was found dead near Mount Logan on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The deer was recovered in game management unit 13A off County Road 5 and is suspected to have been killed sometime between November 17 and 19.

A lawful deer hunt started November 17 in unit 13A, but evidence at the scene suggests that the mule deer buck was possibly poached and edible portions of the animal were left to waste.

“This crime was obviously not the behavior of ethical, responsible hunters,” said AZGFD Wildlife Officer Luke Thompson. “We’re asking anyone who may have been in the area or has knowledge of the crime to come forward with information on this case. Poaching is a crime against all Arizonans and will not be tolerated. One tip could be all that’s needed to bring a poacher to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700 and provide case number 17-004571 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers identities will be kept confidential and people can report anonymously if needed.

Is an OHV part of your hunting strategy? Buckle up

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PHOENIX — When hunting for big game, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can be a key part of how hunters retrieve downed animals. In fact, sometimes it’s the only way to retrieve a harvested elk or bison. As hunters hit the trails on OHVs like side-by-sides, it’s important to buckle up if the vehicle is equipped with seatbelts.

Numerous fatal accidents this year have involved utility task vehicles (UTVs) that roll over and pin the operator underneath. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will help keep the operator and any passengers inside the UTV in the event of an accident.

“You wear your seatbelt when driving a car or truck, make that habit the same for operating an OHV,” said Josh Hurst, OHV law enforcement coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “If your off-highway vehicle is equipped with seatbelts, there’s no reason to not take the simple step of buckling up. Stay in the vehicle, stay alive.”

And if your kids are joining you on the hunt, helmets are required for all OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18 (but they’re strongly recommended for everyone).

In addition to seatbelts and helmets, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when combining hunting and OHVs:

  • It’s illegal to discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle, including OHVs.
  • Ask for permission before operating an OHV on private roads and trails.
  • Off-trail use on Arizona public lands is illegal, with the exception of specific areas for the retrieval of lawfully taken big-game animals. Consult with the land management agency responsible for the area to find out about the rules and regulations.
  • Share the road with others whether they’re hunters on foot, OHV recreationists or anyone enjoying Arizona’s outdoors.

Any acts of vandalism or habitat destruction can be reported 24/7 to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 1-800-VANDALS hotline. It’s helpful to provide a license plate number and description of both the OHV and operator as well as a location of the activity so law enforcement personnel can follow up on the information.

If the illegal take of wildlife is witnessed, the department encourages anyone with information to report it to the Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt. The department pays cash rewards to individuals whose reports of wildlife crimes lead to an arrest.

Get more information about OHV education and safety as well as rules and regulations at www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Hunters get second shot at doves beginning Friday

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PHOENIX – Arizona dove hunters will be able to double their wing-shooting pleasure when the state’s “second” season begins Friday, November 24.

Unlike the 15-day season that begins September 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through January 7, 2018. There still is a 15-bird daily bag limit, all of which must be mourning doves. The possession limit remains 45 mourning doves after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. As always, there is an unlimited daily bag and possession limit for the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

Here are a few things to remember to make the most of the upcoming season:

A license for youth hunters ages 10 to 17 is only $5. Children 9 and under do not need a license when accompanied by a licensed adult (two children per adult). Licenses can be purchased from any license dealer, regional department office or online at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml. NOTE: All department offices will be closed Thursday, November 23, in observance of Thanksgiving. All offices will reopen 8 a.m. Friday, November 24.
Hunters 18 and older must purchase an Arizona migratory bird stamp for $5 from any license dealer, regional department office or online at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml.
Shooting hours are 30 minutes before legal sunrise until legal sunset. On opening day in the Phoenix area, legal sunrise will be 7:08 a.m. Figure up to nine minutes earlier for eastern areas and nine minutes later for western areas.
One fully feathered wing must remain attached to each harvested dove until it reaches the hunter’s home.
Keep in mind that dove hunters are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Shell casings (shotgun hulls) and associated debris constitute litter and must be picked up and packed out. Littering while hunting or fishing are revocable violations, and a conviction can result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to five years.
For everything “dove,” visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/mourningdove.

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised 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.

Here’s a fishing license deal ​​​​​​​you’ll want to gobble up

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PHOENIX — Happy Thanksgiving from the Arizona Game and Fish family to yours! At AZGFD, we are grateful for many things – especially you. Thank you for making Arizona’s outdoor heritage a part of your life.

To express our appreciation, between now and December 1, 2017, we’re offering a 25% discount on Arizona adult general fishing licenses and community fishing licenses purchased online. And as always, youth licenses (for ages 10-17) are only $5.

This is a great time of year to get outdoors, enjoy Arizona’s spectacular weather and scenery, and spend quality time fishing with family, friends and out-of-town visitors. Invite them to experience their own Arizona outdoor adventure!

Thank you for your loyalty, and may the upcoming holiday season be filled with happiness, BIG fish, and lots of outdoor memories.

FISHING LICENSES
General Fishing: Valid for take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters.
Available to Residents and Non-residents Resident $37 Non-Resident $55
Community Fishing: Allows take of all fish species at Community Fishing waters.
Available to Residents and Non-residents Resident $24 Non-Resident $24

COMBINATION HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES Resident $57 Non-Resident $160
Hunt/Fish Combo: Valid for take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, certain nongame animals, and upland game birds. A valid tag or stamp is required for the take of big game animals and migratory game birds. Using this license to hunt big game requires a permit-tag (obtained through the big game drawing), or a nonpermit-tag (obtained at any Game and Fish office or at a Game and Fish authorized license dealer).

Still time to enter Polaris Ranger drawing to benefit SECC charity campaign​​​​​​​

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Each year the State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) gives State of Arizona employees the opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations to support nonprofit agencies. The funds raised by state employees support more than 400 charities.

The state employee pledge drive for this year recently concluded, but the public still has an opportunity to assist the SECC campaign. Wildlife for Tomorrow, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources aren’t adequate, is offering, through a raffle, the chance to win a Polaris custom camouflage Ranger, generously donated by RideNow Powersports. Raffle tickets can be purchased online until December 2, 2017. The winning ticket will be drawn at random no later than December 8.

For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, visit the SECC website at https://secc.az.gov/2017-prizes-and-rules and click on the tabs to “WFT Polaris Ranger Raffle” and “WFT Raffle Rules.”

Cow elk poaching case being investigated near Strawberry

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a cow elk, which occurred on November 10 or 11 in southern Game Management Unit 5A about 10 miles north of Strawberry.

The elk was found near U.S. Forest Service Road 308H, which is a closed road near USFS Road 308. Evidence found at the scene indicates the poachers were likely camped off the closed road and they also illegally killed an unidentified non-game bird in the same location. There was no elk season going on at the time the poaching occurred.

Investigating officers also discovered bloody fingerprints on litter found at the scene and possible DNA evidence was recovered as well.

“We are hoping the public may remember seeing a camp on the closed road during this particular weekend and can provide some vehicle or suspect descriptions,” Game and Fish Wildlife Officer Garrett Fabian said. “Getting some information now means we won’t have to wait a long time for lab results to come back to identify the suspects.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers should provide case number 17-004469, information obtained will remain confidential and callers may remain anonymous upon request.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

To learn more about Operation Game Thief, visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt.

Tonto National Forest to implement restrictions on shooting targets

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PHOENIX — The Tonto National Forest has announced it will implement reasonable restrictions on the types of shooting targets that will be allowed beginning Monday, November 20.

In an effort to reduce the amount of trash being left behind by recreational target shooters, only the following types of shooting targets will be allowed on the forest:

  1. Cardboard, and/or cardboard targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  2. Paper, and/or paper targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  3. Reactive targets designed to move or bounce along the ground when hit, are made of non-metallic materials and removed from the site after shooting.
  4. Self-healing targets, which are removed from the site after shooting.
  5. Metal targets specifically made for firearms. These targets are designed to swing, spin or fall down when struck and are removed from the site after shooting.
  6. Biodegradable clay targets.

“Over the last seven years, volunteer groups who organize and assist the forest with clean-up events have collected 192 tons of trash at these shooting sites,” said Neil Bosworth, forest supervisor. “We’re grateful for volunteers’ efforts, but all visitors should keep in mind that littering on forest land is prohibited and is a punishable offense.

“We want to keep areas open for target shooting. Target shooters can help by removing their targets and trash, including spent shell casings. This benefits the forest by protecting its resources and also fosters a positive image toward target shooting.”

Read the target restriction order on the Tonto National Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=44243.

Desert bighorn sheep translocated to Goldfield Mountains

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MESA — The next time you’re out hiking or just meandering in the Goldfield Mountains, take a good look around.

If you’re lucky, maybe way up high on the crags, you’ll see one or more of the area’s newest residents taking a good look at you.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently translocated 14 adult desert bighorn sheep – four rams and 10 ewes – from a healthy population of the animals near Saguaro Lake in Game Management Unit 24B to the Goldfield Mountains, also in Unit 24B.

All 14 of the animals were given an identification ear tag and complete health evaluation before being released. A few were fitted with a GPS tracking collar to better monitor their movements in their new locale.

“The main purpose of this project was to capture several desert bighorn sheep from within Unit 24B and establish a subpopulation within their native range,” said Dustin Darveau, terrestrial wildlife specialist. “This is important for several reasons, one of which is if there ever were to be a disease outbreak, it would not have a devastating effect on the entire population.

“We’re excited because these animals that were captured were placed in excellent habitat that also features a couple of redeveloped water catchments that will help them to easily establish a foothold in their native range.”

The translocation was no small operation. From helicopter pilots, net gunners and muggers – the ones who jump from the helicopter and safely secure the animals on the ground – to dozens of support staff and volunteers, it was a long, hard, but satisfying day in an effort to enhance and conserve Arizona’s wildlife.

The project was a cooperative effort between the department and its partners: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Mogollon Sporting Association, Tonto National Forest, and the Arizona State Land Department.

“We have heard so many comments about the professionalism and smooth implementation of this project,” Darveau said. “We can only take credit in the fact that everyone involved at every stage of this project made it so successful.”

2018-19 elk, pronghorn proposed hunt recommendations online

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2018 and 2019 elk, pronghorn, and population management hunts are available for review online at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on a five-year hunt guideline package that was approved in September.

The department recently hosted several “meet the game biologist” events at local businesses and sporting goods stores to discuss and answer questions about game species management and hunt recommendations. For those who might have missed these events, questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt can be e-mailed to: azhuntguidelines@azgfd.gov. The public also can call a game management biologist at any of the department’s statewide regional offices. No formal presentations are planned.

The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented for consideration at the next Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting December 2 at department headquarters in Phoenix. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission.

For more information about the hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines processes, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.