Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Southern Arizona endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population decreases

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south-squirrelPHOENIX — An annual survey of the Mount Graham red squirrel recently revealed a slight decline in the number of the endangered squirrels in the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

The survey conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Coronado National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Arizona estimated 252 squirrels. The survey is a decrease of 11 squirrels from the 2015 estimate of 263.

“While we’d prefer to see squirrel populations continually grow, it’s not uncommon for them to fluctuate considerably from year to year,” said Tim Snow, AZGFD terrestrial wildlife specialist. “At this point, we aren’t immediately concerned with the lower squirrel numbers. We remain optimistic that our efforts are working to ensure the population has the best opportunity to flourish in the future.”

The red squirrel survey is conducted each fall by visiting a random sample of known middens, which are areas where red squirrels store their pinecones. Mount Graham red squirrels live only in the upper elevation conifer forests of the Pinaleño Mountains and feed primarily on conifer seeds. Females produce two to seven young per year.

The species was declared endangered in 1987. The Mount Graham red squirrel population peaked at about 550 animals in the late 1990s, but typically ranges between 200 and 300 individuals.

Habitat losses caused by fire, insect infestations and poor cone crops caused by drought are considered primary factors influencing population size. Biologists continue to explore new methods to conserve the species, including squirrel research, habitat improvements and a pilot captive-breeding program.

Conservation of the species is guided by the Mount Graham Red Squirrel Recovery Team, a partnership that includes the Coronado National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Arizona, The Phoenix Zoo, Native American tribes and others.

Game and Fish Commission to meet Dec. 2 and 3 in Phoenix

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PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at AZGFD headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. Each meeting begins at 8 a.m.
The public can attend the meeting or view it on a webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. The meeting also can be watched on streaming video at any regional office statewide with the exception of the regional office in Pinetop, which is temporarily unavailable due to remodeling.
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 (except Pinetop). The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.
Items on Friday’s agenda include:
  • 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.
  • Requests to approve the five-year rule reports for Article 6 rules of practice before the commission and Article 11 aquatic invasive species.
  • A briefing on California condor recovery efforts.
  • 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.).
  • An update on the Lands and Habitat program.
  • A briefing on the development of the department’s Warmwater Sportfish Vision for the continued management of warmwater species.
  • Consideration of separate memorandums of understanding with Adventure for Charity and Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Inc.
  • Consideration for approving Jack Mann to serve on the Landowner-Lessee/Sportsman Relations Committee.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the commission will consider Commission Orders 3 (pronghorn antelope), 4 (elk) and 26 (population management) for the 2017 hunting season and amending Commission Order 8 (bison) for the 2017 spring season. The commission will also consider approval of the hunt-permit tag application schedule for the 2017 antelope and elk 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. For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Governor Ducey reappoints Kurt Davis to Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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kurt-davisPHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the 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 and was one of three candidates forwarded earlier this month by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board for Governor Ducey’s consideration.

“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, Davis 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.

Davis’s reappointment for a five-year term awaits confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member board that sets policy, appoints the Arizona Game and Fish Department director and oversees the department. The commission establishes rules and regulations for managing and conserving wildlife and fisheries resources, and for safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations for the benefit of Arizona residents. Commission members are appointed by the governor with the assistance of the Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board and are confirmed by the Senate.

For more information on the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

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.