Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Hunters get second shot at doves beginning Friday

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doves

PHOENIX – Arizona dove hunters will be able to double their wing-shooting pleasure when the state’s “second” season begins Friday, Nov. 25.
Unlike the 15-day season that begins Sept. 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through Jan. 8, 2017. 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 special license sale Wednesday through Sunday (Nov. 23-27) will allow dove hunters to purchase a short-term (one day) combination hunting and fishing license online for half-price — $7.50 for Arizona residents, $10 for non-residents. 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, Nov. 24, in observance of Thanksgiving. All offices will reopen 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25.   
  • 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 central Arizona, legal sunrise will be 7:10 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.

2017 pronghorn, elk hunt recommendations to be available for review

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elk-hunt-reviewPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has scheduled a series of six “open houses” for constituents to review and ask questions about the proposed pronghorn, elk and population management hunt recommendations.

The department annually makes hunt recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and hunt permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years.

The proposed hunt recommendations will be posted Monday, Nov. 21, at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The open houses will be conducted at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  1. Wednesday, Nov. 23: 6-8 p.m., Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  2. Wednesday, Nov. 23: 3-5 p.m., Yuma, 9140 E. 28th St.
  3. Monday, Nov. 28: 3-5 p.m., Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
  4. Monday, Nov. 28: 3-5 p.m., Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  5. Tuesday, Nov. 29: 3-5 p.m., Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  6. Wednesday, Nov. 30: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Mesa, 7200 E. University Road.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Constituents who are interested in particular game management units within those regions will be able to review the hunt recommendations and ask questions. No formal presentations are planned.

The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for consideration during its Dec. 3 meeting at department headquarters in Phoenix. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission.

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

Leftover permit-tags available for 2016 sandhill crane hunts

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sandhillcrane-huntPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for leftover hunt permit-tags for the 2016 sandhill crane season.

A list of the 96 leftover hunt permit-tags, including 13 for youth hunters, is available online (PDF) at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Draw. Applications are being accepted — by mail only – on a first-come, first-served basis – at the following address: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The hunt permit-tag fee is $43 for Arizona residents, $45 for non-residents (each successful applicant will receive three hunt permit-tags). A valid Arizona hunting license is needed to apply. If an applicant is not licensed at the time of application, he or she must purchase a license by completing the license form section and include payment with the application.

The 2016 Arizona Sandhill Crane Regulations are posted online at https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/PortalImages/files/regs/craneregs.pdf. For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

AZ Livestock Loss Board approves compensation for Mexican wolf depredation

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mexican-wolfPHOENIX — The Arizona Livestock Loss Board recently approved an interim policy that allows ranchers to receive compensation for cattle taken by a Mexican wolf.

While conservation efforts are helping to re-establish the Mexican wolf population within their historical range in Arizona, this program has resulted in the loss of some commercial cattle.

The board’s unanimous vote Nov. 3 allows ranchers to be compensated for a wolf depredation incident after it is investigated and confirmed by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services field representative.

“The Mexican wolf reintroduction program has been a significant burden to ranchers in Mexican wolf range,” said Arizona Livestock Loss Board Chairman and Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles. “We had one rancher testify that he had suffered 13 depredations just this year alone. Few family owned businesses can survive losses at this level.”

Under the interim policy, a commercial producer/operator can apply for reimbursement for damages incurred up to $2,500.

The board will consider claims for incidents that occurred after Sept. 1, 2015, until available funds are exhausted. Claims approved after funds have been exhausted will be paid when and if additional funding becomes available.

The policy is meant to serve as an interim remedy until the board develops and adopts permanent rules outlining eligibility requirements and compensation for the loss of livestock due to wolf depredations.

“In voting unanimously, the board is trying to compensate the ranchers who are directly impacted by the Mexican wolf re-introduction program and who earn their living off the land,” Voyles said. “The success of any conservation effort requires the tolerance and support of the people that are closest to the effort. Bottom line: Mexican wolf conservation ultimately has to occur on a variety of landscapes.”

Also during the meeting the board unanimously passed:

  • A letter to the Arizona Congressional Delegation requesting funding to address the issues associated with the Mexican wolf re-introduction program;
  • Draft legislation asking the Arizona Legislature for funding to meet its statutory obligations;
  • A letter to the Arizona Attorney General asking for a formal opinion on the applicability of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to wolf depredation of livestock;
  • A letter to Gov. Doug Ducey to request a rule-making moratorium exception to authorizing rule-making;
  • A letter of agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation;
  • Elected Ken Van De Graaff as the new chairman, replacing Director Voyles.

The board was established by law in 2015 to address depredation by Mexican wolves on livestock operations within Arizona. The program is designed to provide compensation to livestock producers who incur costs to their operations from Mexican wolves with the goal of increased tolerance for the presence of this subspecies on working landscapes.

For more information about the program, visit https://www.azgfd.com/Agency/LiveStockBoard.

2017 spring draw results available for Portal account holders

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PHOENIX — Hunters who have an AZGFD Customer Portal account now can view their draw results for the 2017 spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear seasons. Simply log into your account, and you will be taken to your personal ‘My AZ Outdoors” page.

Portal account holders have the benefit of being able to view their draw results a day or two before the results officially are released. It’s quick, easy and free to create a Portal 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.

Portal accounts are mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Meanwhile, the department will post an announcement on its website when results officially are released. All permit-tags are anticipated to be mailed by Dec. 14; all refund warrants by Nov. 30.

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

Three bull elk poached near Joseph City

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operation_game_thief_footerPINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a three bull elk on the morning of November 7. The bull elk were killed in an agriculture field located south of I-40 off Hunt Road. This is just east of Joseph City.

All three bull elk were untouched and were left to waste.

“The poacher left these animals to waste, and we need assistance from the public to find the individual(s) responsible. This is a senseless act and not the actions of a hunter,” said Officer Ken Clay, an AZGFD wildlife manager. “What makes this act so appalling is this particular area is open to elk hunting year round to anyone who purchases a non-permit elk tag over the counter at one of our offices.”

Anyone with information about this case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/thief and refer to case #16-003848. Callers who have information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) will be eligible for a $2,500.00 reward in this case. All calls may remain confidential upon request.

Board recommends 3 candidates to governor for Game and Fish Commission appointment

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has forwarded the names of three candidates to Gov. Doug Ducey for his consideration in making his 2017 appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Kurt R. Davis, James H. Unmacht and Richard Searle were selected from six candidates who were interviewed by the board at its public meeting on Nov. 9 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix. The six who were interviewed were chosen from an initial slate of 31 applicants previously considered by the Appointment Recommendation Board at its Oct. 25 public meeting.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five, candidates to the governor. The governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

Members of the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board were Susan E. Chilton (chair), W. Hays Gilstrap, Charles I. Kelly, William J. (“Jim”) Lane, and Phillip D. Townsend.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449 or toll free at 1-800-253-0883 or on the web at www.azgovernor.gov.

Arizona Game and Fish’s sandhill crane cam now streaming

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crane-camSandhill cranes have returned to southeastern Arizona and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s live-streaming camera is again trained on their wintering grounds at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area.

“Now is the perfect time to watch these magnificent birds as they winter in Arizona,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “This live-steaming camera allows the public to have an unfiltered view of our state’s wildlife. It also allows the department to connect the public with wildlife.”

The live stream is one of two in the country that offers viewers a glimpse into crane wintering habits. Each year, sandhill cranes coming as far away as Siberia travel thousands of miles to winter in southern Arizona.

Streaming sandhill cranes
The best time to view the birds is a half-hour before and up to a half-hour after sunrise, just before they leave the roost to feed for the morning. Cranes also return to Whitewater Draw sometime in the late morning, generally before noon and remain at the wildlife area for the remainder of the day.

While the department will do its best to keep the camera focused on the cranes and other interesting wildlife subjects, there will be times it isn’t possible due to the unpredictability of wildlife. Viewers that don’t see activity when they try the camera are encouraged to routinely check back. This is especially true in the early winter, when the newly arrived birds are establishing a routine.

The live stream is offered from early November when cranes first start to arrive at Whitewater Draw, through March or early April when the birds leave to migrate to northern nesting grounds.

For those that find the live stream viewing fascinating, the department encourages a trip to Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for a full sensory viewing experience. The sight of up to 10,000 birds is impressive.

2016 Wildlife Photo Contest winners announced

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photo-contestPHOENIX — “I was watching this coyote flipping mice, early one morning at Gilbert Water Ranch,” says Bryan Keil of Scottsdale, describing the instant he took the winning shot in this year’s wildlife photo contest. Keil didn’t just stumble across the scene: The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch has a devoted following among wildlife photographers, and many people knew coyotes were hunting there. Keil was there, putting in the hours required to capture a special shot.

To this opportunity, he brought the tools of his trade: a good eye, time, concentration … and a long lens. He took quite a few photos as the coyote hunted, but didn’t check his camera until after it left. He knew right away: “I was excited about this one.” Keil, who also earned four honorable mentions in this year’s contest for his masterful bird images, studies wildlife behavior to improve his photography. “That way, you’re ready when the moment comes.”

More than 180 photographers entered this wildlife photo competition, which is co-sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Highways. Thirteen winning images are published in a full-size 2017 wildlife calendar in the November–December 2016 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine, on sale now. Arizona Highways magazine will publish the best-in-show photo in 2017.

In addition to Keil, the other 12 winning photographers are:

Craig Miller, Payson: bald eagle
Kathleen LaRose, Tucson: bobcat
Archie Tucker, Goodyear: bison
Yasmina Parker, Mesa: least bittern
Guy Schmickle, Sedona: black-chinned hummingbird
Tim Van Den Berg, Tucson: northern rough-winged swallow
Jole Guthery, Flagstaff: golden-mantled ground squirrel
Thomas Hansen, Phoenix: Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
Peggy Kniffin, Chandler: snowy egret
Kenneth Wayne Don, Tucson: pallid bat
Bruce Sitko, Lakeside: Gould’s turkey
Tam Ryan, Mesa: pyrrhuloxia

Given the strength and diversity of this year’s 1,900-plus entries, the judges singled out 38 more images from 27 talented photographers for honorable mention. These are also featured in Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. The names of honorable mention photographers are posted on the photo contest’s Web page, www.azgfd.gov/photocontest. News about next year’s contest will also be posted there when it becomes available.

Arizona Game and Fish welcomes new subscribers to Arizona’s award-winning magazine about wildlife and outdoor recreation. The regular price is $8.50 for six issues (one year), but through Dec. 31, subscriptions are on sale at $7 for seven issues. They can be purchased at www.azgfd.gov/magazine.

Those who subscribe by Dec. 31 will be sure to receive the calendar issue showing this year’s winners and honorable mentions. The calendar issue is also sold at all Game and Fish offices for $3 starting in mid-November.

New license a boost to Arizona military families

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Doug_Ducey_-_Arizona_State_TreasurerPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Arizona that they, and their spouses, may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses.

The current law stipulates that an active duty member permanently or temporarily stationed in Arizona may purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife. That privilege recently has been extended to their spouses, as well.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2324, sponsored by state Rep. Frank Pratt (LD-8, Casa Grande), in May. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted unanimously in January to support this expression of gratitude for those who serve. The law became effective Aug. 6.

“Through the years, the department and commission have been proud to provide opportunities for our active military members and veterans,” said Pat Madden, commission chairman. “We’re grateful for their sacrifice and service, and we’re honored to be able to extend this privilege to their spouses.”

A valid license is required for the taking of wildlife, including fish, in Arizona. A resident can purchase a combination license (hunting and fishing), valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, for only $57.

Licenses can be purchased at all department offices and more than 300 license dealers statewide, as well as online by visiting https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml. If a license is purchased online, it must be printed from a home computer. The department will not mail any license purchased online.

The license also will allow the spouse of an active duty member to apply for big game hunt permit-tags as a resident.

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