Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

AZGFD asks successful spring turkey hunters for a hand — uh, leg

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking help from successful spring turkey hunters as it continues to monitor the state’s wild turkey populations for an emerging disease.

All hunters who harvest a turkey – including youth hunters whose seasons begin next week — are asked to consider donating one of the bird’s legs (or heart) by bringing it to any of the department’s regional offices statewide. The leg should be removed at the joint above the foot (see diagram). Legs and hearts should be kept frozen in a sealable plastic bag.

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) is a virus that has the potential to develop into a deadly cancer in wild turkeys. To be clear, the disease is not harmful to humans. Little is known about the disease, although it is highly likely that it is only deadly in a small percentage of birds.

For more information, visit https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/Diseases or contact aquatic and wildlife health biologist Callie Hartson at chartson@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7227.

To Report Dead Wildlife

The public can report their observations of other recently dead wildlife by calling the Wildlife Disease Hotline at 877-972-8426. Wildlife health personnel will respond Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You can leave a message if it is before or after business hours. Fresh samples are required for testing. A recently dead small animal or bird may be collected by wearing gloves, double bagged, and frozen. If you have a wildlife related emergency, please call our 24 hour dispatch center at (623) 236-7201.

If the animal you are calling about has been shot and you are reporting possible illegal activity, call Operation Game Thief 800-352-0700.

Donating even $1 at tax time helps Arizona’s wildlife

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PHOENIX — The tax filing deadline is a week away, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages those who haven’t yet submitted their returns to help support the state’s wildlife by “making a mark” on their state income tax form.

The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation specifically to help at-risk and endangered wildlife, including Sonoran pronghorn, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout and Mexican wolves, among other non-game species.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any state general fund tax dollars, so any additional funding provided through the Arizona Wildlife Fund helps to support our efforts in managing and conserving some of the state’s most iconic native species,” says Josh Avey, AZGFD Terrestrial Wildlife Branch chief. “The cumulative effect of even a dollar can have a tremendous impact on conserving one of Arizona’s greatest natural treasures – its wildlife.”

Since Arizona started the program more than 25 years ago, taxpayers have donated more than $5 million to the conservation of non-game wildlife. In previous years, donations averaged $25, but any amount helps Arizona’s wildlife.

The Arizona Wildlife Fund box can be found on line “64” of the Arizona Resident Personal Income Tax Return form 140 or line “33” on the Arizona 140A short form.

Learn more about the conservation and reintroduction efforts the fund supports.

Kids and OHVs: When are they ready to safely ride?

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Exploring Arizona from an off-highway vehicle (OHV) provides a great way to view the state’s beautiful scenery and spend quality time with family and friends. While children may be eager to climb aboard — or parents ready to share their love of the hobby with kids — OHVs aren’t toys and there are many questions to answer before allowing youngsters to take the handlebars or steering wheel.

For example, there are five different categories of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and each vehicle has a warning label that states requirements regarding the minimum age of the rider, according to the ATV Safety Institute. These safety labels clearly highlight the seriousness that everyone should employ when riding an ATV: “Operation of this ATV by children under the age of X increases the risk of severe injury or death. Adult supervision required for children under the age of 16.”

The ATV Safety Institute also provides a readiness checklist to help individuals determine if their child is ready to ride an ATV. The checklist covers information like physical development, visual perception/motor development, social/emotional development, and reasoning and decision-making ability. However, it also clarifies that “the decision is yours” and “there are no suggestions as to how many of the following abilities are necessary, nor the degree of ability that your child should have.”

When it comes to other types of OHVs, another organization wants it to be clear that ATVs and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) are not one and the same even though they are used for similar types of recreation. According to the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, ROVs are “driven” — they have a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration and braking. By comparison, ATVs are “ridden,” have a handlebar for steering, a throttle controlled by a thumb lever, hand levers for brakes and a foot pedal for the rear brake.

Another major difference: ROVs are designed to be operated by individuals age 16 or older. The different size models of ATVs allow children as young as 6 to ride the vehicle, with adult supervision of course.

In addition to following the requirements set by manufacturers, education is the key to safely introducing people of any age to OHVs. The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website links to a number of hands-on courses that are offered by different groups as well as online classes.

Once it’s been decided that it’s time to introduce a newbie to the world of OHVs, don’t forget the safety gear. All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated helmet (and they’re strongly recommended for everyone). Motorcycle goggles or a full-face shield are legally required for all riders if the OHV isn’t equipped with a windshield. See the complete list of protective gear in the OHV Laws and Places to Ride brochure.

And finally, if the OHV is equipped with seatbelts, wear them. They’ll help keep the operator and any passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident and could help prevent a tragedy.

More than 400 student archers compete in 2018 state tournament

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PHOENIX — A total of 437 student archers representing 30 schools from throughout Arizona, participants on the state level of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), recently competed in the 2018 state tournament and 3D shoot at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department coordinates NASP on the state level and hosts a half-dozen state qualifying tournaments throughout the academic year, beginning in September and ending in March. This year’s state tournament, which took place March 3, was the largest in the 11-year history of the event.

The top three boys and girls who competed in the bullseye and 3D events in three divisions – elementary, middle and high school – received awards. In addition, the top overall boy and girl also took home a new bow, donated by NASP, and a new archery target, courtesy of FeraDyne Outdoors LLC. The top three teams in each division also were awarded.

Kelsey Gerchar, the department’s archery education coordinator, said a record 256 student archers competed in the 3D event, which included an introduction to science-based wildlife management and conservation. The foam animal targets – a wild turkey, coyote, black bear, pronghorn, white-tailed deer and bighorn sheep – represented six species found in Arizona.

“We created an animal fact sheet, with the help of our (Terrestrial Wildlife) Branch, to provide students, coaches, parents and spectators with some habitat information, as well as conservation facts,” Gerchar said.

The top 10 boys and girls from each division and both events now will take aim at next month’s NASP national tournament. For the first time, the tournament will be divided into a Western and Eastern event. Gerchar said Arizona will be represented by 124 student archers April 13-14 at the Western Nationals in Sandy, Utah, while the Eastern Nationals will take place May 10-12 in Louisville, Ky.

“In previous years, only about 50 students would be able to travel to Louisville to participate in the national tournament,” Gerchar said. “Now we are able to bring almost all of our qualified archers.”

Arizona’s NASP program is funded through an excise tax on the sale of hunting and shooting sports equipment. No state general funds are used to support the program. Game and Fish administers the program for the purpose of promoting safe, responsible aspects of the sport, as well as wildlife conservation as part of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Act (WSFR). Visit www.azgfd.gov/archery for more information.

Public comment period on rules for taking, handling of wildlife ends April 15

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking public comment through April 15 regarding proposed rule changes within Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife.”

AZGFD recently hosted a public forum about proposed changes by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission pertaining to trail cameras, pneumatic weapons, drones and “smart” firearms, among others. The proposed rulemaking can be viewed on the department’s website at https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/. The rulemaking forum can be viewed below.

All public comments about the proposed rulemaking can be made by the following methods:

E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.

The final rule will be presented to the five-member commission at its May 4 meeting at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale St., Kingman.

To track the progress of this rule, view the regulatory agenda and all previous Five-year Review Reports, and to learn about any other agency rulemaking matters, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/.

Reminder: Nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame

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PHOENIX — The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame.

The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

Nominations will be accepted from March 1 – April 30. To submit a nomination, head to the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame page, download and complete the form, and return it along with all supplemental materials to:

Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Kent Komadina
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086

Nominations also may be submitted by e-mail to Kent Komadina at Kkomadina@azgfd.gov. For more information, call 623-236-7288.

This year’s inductees will be honored in August at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet.

Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris K. Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby and Tom Woods, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources. The foundation is 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 are not adequate. For more information, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes reclassification of humpback chub from endangered to threatened

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Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

PHOENIX — Through collaborative conservation efforts, the once-dwindling endangered humpback chub has been given a fighting chance against the currents of extinction, building a wild population large enough to soon be reclassified as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The success was due to the efforts and commitment of multiple agencies, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD); Colorado Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); National Park Service; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Geological Service and others. As a result, the FWS recently conducted a species status assessment with assistance of AZGFD staff and determined the fish is no longer in danger of becoming extinct.

Within the next year, the FWS will propose the chub, which is found in the Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam in Page, be reclassified from endangered to threatened.

“The recommendation is based on sound science and data, and is the result of great conservation efforts implemented throughout the Colorado River,” said Chris Cantrell, AZGFD Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief, who in 2009 led the first translocation of humpback chub into Shinumo Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River.

“This is a special time for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and partner agencies whose hard work has brought a species back from the brink. While it’s great to have seen significant progress, we realize the chub will continue to need the commitment and expertise of the Department and its partner agencies to conserve and protect this species for generations to come,” Cantrell added.

There are currently five populations of humpback chub, with the lower basin population occurring in the Colorado River and its tributaries below Glen Canyon Dam. The lower basin population is the most robust, estimated at 12,000 adults.

The humpback chub, which was first described as a unique species from collections in the Grand Canyon in the 1940’s, was not discovered in the upper Colorado River basin until the 1970’s. It was placed on the original list of endangered species in 1967.

The chub prefer canyon-bound reaches of river where they complete their life cycle in swift, turbulent currents. The species gets its name from the fleshy hump behind its head. That adaptation coupled with large, curved fins allows the species to maintain position in the turbulent flows.

AZGFD reminds non-resident boaters to clean, drain and dry before heading home

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PHOENIX — Are you a non-resident boater in Arizona? It’s time to schedule your free watercraft inspections and decontaminations before heading home.

Arizona is an incredible place to boat our vast desert impoundments and waterways surrounded by majestic red rock canyons – especially during our mild winters. After a season of adventure, avoid fines, quarantines, and even impoundments while traveling across state lines by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department or authorized contractor Woods to Water Wildlife Solutions LLC for inspections and decontaminations of boats traveling away from waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (AIS).

“We know that watercraft inspection and decontamination programs are effective in preventing the spread of AIS and we are asking the boating public to do its part in calling and scheduling a no-cost inspection,” AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator Erin Raney said. “It is absolutely essential to have your boat inspected, and if necessary, decontaminated, to prevent the spread of mussels and AIS into other waterbodies. We are already receiving reports of mussel boats being intercepted in other states that are making their way from Arizona waters.”

AIS are non-native species that are often unintentionally introduced by human movement. They do not have predators outside of their native range, and are able to outcompete native species. They can be animals, plants and even pathogens that cause disease in native fish or other aquatic animals. Even worse, they can often be invisible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to control. Once introduced, they can alter ecosystems by interrupting food chains, damaging boats and other recreational gear, clogging water and power infrastructure, and posing safety hazards.

A recent study produced in the Pacific Northwest found that an introduction of mussels to water and hydropower facilities would have an annual impact of $500 million dollars to the economy. Appointments are filling up quickly, so call well ahead of departure. There are two options to schedule:

Arizona Game and Fish AIS Program: (623) 236-7608
Woods to Water Wildlife Solutions, LLC: (602) 920-4891

“As outdoor enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the places that we love,” Raney said. “Stopping the spread of AIS is a big job, but with everyone pitching in, we can all do our part to protect our waters.”

Stop the spread of AIS and keep our waters clean and beautiful for ourselves and future generations. See a flyer on the clean, drain and dry process.

Regardless of where you boat, always remember to:

Clean boats, waders, anchors, equipment and gear by removing mud, plants, and attached animals such as snails or quagga mussels. Freeze waders overnight to eliminate fish pathogens and other aquatic hitchhikers.
Drain all residual water from engines and motors, ballast tanks, live wells and bait wells. Pull your bilge plug and leave out during transport. Store in a location where you will remember before launch such as beside your boat keys in glove box.
Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as life jackets, ropes, buoys, tubes, etc.

See more information on aquatic invasive species.

AZGFD reminds residents not to feed wildlife

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SEDONA — The Game and Fish Department reminds everyone to stop feeding wildlife following two javelina attacks near Sedona last month. Both attacks were the result of people feeding javelina at their homes.

On Feb. 5, Game and Fish received information that a 79-year-old woman was bitten by a javelina in a neighborhood southwest of Sedona. The attack occurred at around 4 p.m. at the woman’s residence, where she received severe bite wounds to her leg as she tried to stop the javelina from attacking her dogs.

A responding Game and Fish wildlife officer confirmed the woman was intentionally feeding a herd of javelina at her home. The victim was treated in Sedona and released.

The second incident occurred on Feb 25. The department received information that an elderly man was bitten by a javelina in Oak Creek Village as he was feeding a herd of javelina in his backyard. When food wasn’t provided quickly enough, one of the animals became aggressive and bit the man in the leg. He was treated at a local emergency room in Sedona and released. The victim has been going through the preventative rabies shot series.

These incidents placed the department in a very difficult position where it had to act immediately and consequently contracted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to conduct lethal removal of the javelina within a quarter-mile radius of the victims’ residences.

The decision to lethally remove the animals was based on the attacks, an imminent public safety threat created by intentional feeding, the habituation and loss of fear to humans by the javelina, and a concern for possible rabies. A javelina tested positive for rabies in Sedona approximately eight months ago.

“The Game and Fish department strongly discourages feeding wildlife other than birds and tree squirrels,” said Scott Poppenberger, Arizona Game and Fish Department Flagstaff regional supervisor. “Wildlife feeding frequently creates dangerous situations for both wildlife and people, often setting the stage for attacks.”

As wildlife are fed by people, they lose their natural fear of humans and become dependent on unnatural food sources. Feeding places the person feeding, their neighbors and the wildlife at risk.

The department is tasked with managing all wildlife in Arizona and working to ensure public safety. The department does not want to be in a position where it must decide to lethally remove wildlife due to irresponsible feeding so please help to keep wildlife wild.

Animals removed by USDA Wildlife Services have been sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. To date, test results received have been negative, some results are still pending.

To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call your local Arizona Game and Fish Department office or the appropriate county community health services department. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov.

Public Health Officials identify precautions to protect against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have contact with a wild animal.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife:

  • Wildlife emergency: 911
  • Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management: 928-679-8756
  • City of Flagstaff Animal Control/Flagstaff Police Department: 928-774-1414
  • To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.