Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Survey looks to measure off-highway vehicle financial impact

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PHOENIX — The popularity of off-highway vehicles (OHV) has exploded throughout the state and, Arizona State Parks and Trails and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are turning to OHV enthusiasts to help shape the future of the activity statewide.

With 365 riding days per year, scenic trails and great weather, Arizona continues to draw OHV enthusiasts from across the country to access our motorized trails. To better plan for the future of the activity statewide, Arizona State Parks and Trails partnered with Arizona State University to produce an economic impact study to measure the broad effect the activity has in our state.

“Having a better understanding of spending behaviors, travel trends and trail needs will aid State Parks and our partners to provide enhancements to the statewide trail system, programs, and information to OHV users,” said Skip Varney, State Parks State OHV Coordinator.

Over the next 12 months, the public is invited to complete a survey, either electronically at www.azstateparks.com/OHV or at various riding areas throughout the state. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete, however only completed surveys can be used in the reporting process.

“There are nearly limitless riding opportunities and Arizona offers some of the best views available,” said Nathan Gonzalez, AZGFD public information officer. “In addition to guiding future trail development, the results of this survey are vital to helping AZGFD anticipate current and future safety and education program needs. Our goal is to ensure our education methods are adequate to meet the needs of our growing OHV community.”

The economic impact study was last completed in 2002 and found that OHV recreation in Arizona had a $4.25 billion impact. In addition, the activity supported nearly 37,000 jobs, contributed to $1.1 billion in household incomes and added $187 million to annual state tax revenues.

To participate, please click here to complete the survey.

For more information on OHV riding in Arizona and to take an online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

BLM to host two additional public meetings on target shooting management on Sonoran Desert National Monument

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional information meetings at which it seeks input on recreational target shooting management alternatives for the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The meeting dates and locations are:

  • Feb. 11: noon to 3 p.m., Copper Sky Recreation Center, 44342 W Martin Luther King Blvd., Maricopa.
  • Feb. 21: 4-7 p.m., Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave., Phoenix.

The purpose of the meetings is to present the draft management alternatives, answer public questions, and receive public input to be considered as the planning process progresses. During the first 30 minutes of each meeting, the BLM will provide opening remarks describing the ground rules and will proceed to present the alternatives. The remaining time will be conducted in an open house format, during which staff will answer additional questions and receive input to be considered. Three meetings were previously held Jan. 19-21 in Phoenix and Casa Grande.

The 90-day comment period will close on March 15, 2017. All comments must be received prior to this date in order to be included in the final analysis.

Following the public comment period, the BLM will consider all of the input and begin work to finalize the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA).

Stakeholders and other members of the public are encouraged to submit their comments for the record through the BLM online land use planning tool, ePlanning. Written comments may be mailed to the BLM’s project manager, Wayne Monger, at 21605 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, faxed to (623) 580-5623, or e-mailed to BLM_AZ_SDNMtargetshooting@BLM.gov.

SDNM RMP Planning Website: http://bit.ly/SDNMtargetshooting.

Volunteers can help to spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets

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SELIGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch near Seligman.

As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two spring spotlighting projects – March 9-12 and April 6-9 (the department also conducts two spotlighting projects in the fall). The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.

Volunteers must have the ability to stay attentive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets and use, or learn how to use, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Volunteers can sign up by e-mailing azferret@azgfd.gov — with “spring spotlighting” in the subject line – by March 3 for next month’s project and by March 30 for the later opportunity.

Volunteers are reminded to include their full name, a contact phone number, month(s) and night(s) available to spotlight, and full names of others who also will be attending (a parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18). Volunteers also should note any equipment they can bring, such as GPS, clipboard, headlamp, pen, binoculars, walkie-talkies, compass, cordless rechargeable spotlight, backpack or 4X4 vehicle.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife and click on “Nongame Species” for more information about the black-footed ferret recovery effort.

Game and Fish Commission to meet Friday in Lake Havasu City

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LAKE HAVASU CITY — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Feb. 3, at ASU Colleges at Lake Havasu City, Santiago Hall, Room 109, located at 100 University Way in Lake Havasu City. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m.

The meeting can be attended in person or viewed at http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/CommissionCam.shtml. The meeting also can be viewed on streaming video at department headquarters in Phoenix, or any of the department’s regional offices statewide.

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

Items on the agenda include:

A briefing from Lake Havasu City staff on the Havasu Riviera Project.
A presentation on the results of the Lake Havasu Satellite Watercraft Registration Pilot Program (June-Dec. 2016).
A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
An update on the department’s efforts toward accomplishing commission priorities.
An update on the department’s statewide outreach campaign to increase public awareness of the department, its mission and how it’s funded.
A briefing on the department’s threatened and endangered species program, including a resolution in support of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendation to Congress to dedicate up to $1.3 billion annually to support the State Wildlife Action Plan and wildlife diversity funding.
A first-read item: A Memorandum of Understanding with the Arizona Antelope Foundation that would allow the department to partner with AAF on conservation and education programs.
A first-read item: A license agreement with Triskee Farms LLC for the purpose of planting and harvesting crops on the Quigley-Achee Wildlife Area.
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. Friday).
A request to review, for future approval, proposed recommendations to be included in the five-year rule review report for Article 3, regarding taking and handling of wildlife.
A briefing on public comment received to date on existing hunt guidelines.

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

On Saturday, Feb. 4, community members will lead the commission and department staff on a field trip/boat tour of conservation and recreation projects on Lake Havasu.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member, policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Arizona Senate confirms reappointment of Kurt Davis to Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate on Jan. 25 confirmed Gov. Doug Ducey’s reappointment of Kurt Davis as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Davis is currently finishing a five-year term that began after his appointment in 2011 by then-Governor Jan Brewer. He served as commission chair in fiscal year 2016.

“Kurt has admirably served the commission, Arizona’s wildlife and the people of Arizona,” said Governor Ducey. “He is well versed in wildlife and outdoor recreation issues and is a strong advocate for the state’s wildlife management authorities. His extensive experience in government, communications and business will continue to be a tremendous asset.”

“Serving on a commission dedicated to conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife—more than 800 species—is an honor of a lifetime,” said Commissioner Davis. “I look forward to continuing help set policy for the nation’s premier wildlife agency and representing our constituents.”

An avid hunter and angler, Davis is a founding partner at FirstStrategic, a communications and public affairs firm specializing in strategic public policy development for non-profit clients, issues relating to rural Arizona, and government relations. Prior to forming FirstStrategic, he served as vice president of public affairs and marketing at Northern Arizona University and before that was vice president of public affairs and corporate communications at Rural/Metro Corporation.

Davis previously served as a deputy chief of staff and executive assistant in the office of former Arizona Governor Fife Symington. In that role, he had policy responsibility for executive agencies such as the departments of transportation, corrections, state land, game and fish, and others. He has also served as director of intergovernmental affairs and issues analysis at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and executive director of the Arizona Republican Party.

Davis was appointed to several positions in the Reagan administration and served as a gubernatorial appointment to the Arizona Board of Regents, the Vision 21 Transportation Task Force, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. He received a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University in 1984.

He is active in the community and has served on the boards of directors of Great Hearts Academies, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and Arizona State University’s Ramsey Executive Program for Public Policy.

Great weather . . . great hunting!

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PHOENIX — A week’s worth of gray skies has given way to wall-to-wall sunshine. The rain puddles are long gone. The air is crisp, clean, refreshing.

While snow still might be piled high in some places around Arizona, it’s a great time – no, the perfect time – to head for the backcountry in lower elevations and take advantage of some great hunting opportunities.

But hunters need to get going. The general waterfowl season in the “Desert Zone” ends Sunday, Jan. 29. The last day to use “over the counter” archery-only nonpermit-tags for any antlered deer and spring javelina is Tuesday, Jan. 31. And the general season for Gambel’s, scaled, California and Mearns’ quail closes Feb. 12.

Don’t forget about the general spring javelina season. As of Monday, Jan. 23:

193 leftover hunt permit-tags were available for handgun, archery and muzzleloader (HAM) spring hunts that begin Feb. 10.
183 hunt permit-tags remained for general spring hunts that begin Feb. 24.

All of the leftover hunt permit-tags are available on a “first-come” basis. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted online a list of the leftover hunt permit-tags. Hunters can apply one of two ways: Fill out a paper application and bring it to any department office statewide, at which time a hunt permit-tag will be issued, or mail the completed application to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

AZGFD dispatches aggressive Flagstaff deer

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FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials reported lethally removed a mule deer buck from the Continental Country Club neighborhood Tuesday, following numerous reports of an aggressive deer. Since December, AZGFD officers have responded to multiple calls about a large mule deer buck acting aggressively towards people. The buck was not showing any fear of humans and was chasing people and their pets.

Officers used rubber bullets in an attempt to haze the animal out of the area, but the buck didn’t respond. Ultimately, the buck was lethally removed because it posed a threat to public safety, especially to children and the elderly, who may be less able to quickly react when approached by wildlife.

Meat from the animal was donated to charity and antlers from the four-point buck will be auctioned off later this year to support the department’s law enforcement efforts.

During the breeding season, bucks may act more aggressive as they try to establish dominance over females and smaller bucks in the herd. This large buck was displaying more than normal aggressive behaviors and had the potential to severely injure or kill someone.

The feeding of wildlife by residents in the Continental area has contributed to the habituation of wildlife to humans and changes in their behavior. Deer are now frequently seen in town and not in the forest – where they should be – because they are attracted by food and water sources left out by residents.

“Wildlife become comfortable in town when they receive food and water from humans, which can cause them to lose their healthy fear of humans,” said AZGFD Regional Supervisor Craig McMullen. “We encourage people not to become indifferent to the presence of wildlife. Numerous state and local regulations, including in Flagstaff, make it unlawful to intentionally feed wildlife that can cause property damage or pose a danger to humans.”

The Arizona Game and Fish department reminds everyone to never approach wildlife, never leave out food or water and to help Keep Wildlife Wild.

Arizona deer, elk clear of Chronic Wasting Disease

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced that Arizona continues to be clear of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurodegenerative wildlife disease that is fatal to deer and elk.

Department officials did not find any cases of CWD in the 750-plus deer (mule and white-tailed) and elk that were harvested by hunters and voluntarily submitted for testing in 2016. Game and Fish has been testing for the presence of the disease in Arizona since 1998. While CWD has been found in the neighboring states of Utah, New Mexico and Colorado, the disease has not been detected in Arizona.

The department is grateful for the assistance of hunters who submit deer and elk heads for testing, as well as the cooperation of local taxidermists and game processors. Heads can be brought to any Game and Fish office statewide between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about CWD, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research_cwd.shtml.

Online applications for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn antelope and elk.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2017 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet (PDF). Printed booklets also are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

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 any regional office statewide.

All applications – online or paper – must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Postmarks do not count.

In a major change from last year, online applicants must keep their credit card payment information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer will attempt to reach applicants by telephone to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards have failed.

This also marks the first time pronghorn and elk hunters will be able to purchase PointGuard as part of their online application. An innovative new program, PointGuard provides hunters with peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. Information: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

In the meantime, the department is encouraging all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD Customer Portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results information and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Finally, did you know the department’s online services are available 24/7? >From creating that AZGFD Customer Portal account and purchasing a valid hunting license, to getting the latest wildlife news and applying online for the draw, visit www.azgfd.gov anytime for all of your outdoor needs. Save time, buy online!

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Investigators seek tips to catch deer poacher

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a mule deer in Game Management Unit 5BS near Happy Jack, southeast of Flagstaff.

Game and Fish officers received information that the mature four-point mule deer was shot January 3 near the Clear Creek Pines subdivision. The deer was shot from the road within a quarter-mile of several occupied residences.

The most disgusting aspect of the case is the deer was left to waste.

“We hope the public will again come forward,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Poaching is a crime against all Arizonans, and our sportsmen and women have shown a long, committed history of stepping forward with information to help to bring poachers to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. Callers should provide case number 17-000023 and may remain confidential 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). Optionally, you may use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief.