Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

BASF introduces exciting target-shooting experience

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Saturday_Steel_-_BASF_1PHOENIX — “Clang!”

That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out every third Saturday of the month on the small bore range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix.

Christopher Dean, range manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said he hopes a new target-shooting experience – “Saturday Steel” – will hit the mark with recreational shooters of all ages and skill levels, beginning Saturday, May 21.

“This is meant to be a fun opportunity,” Dean said. “There isn’t a competitive element. There isn’t a scoring element. This is just an opportunity to shoot some steel targets in an interesting presentation.”

There’s nothing quite like the appeal of steel. Whereas paper targets are great for showing where a bullet hits, the “clang!” from hitting a steel target provides immediate feedback and gratification. That gratification is further enhanced by seeing that target swing and spin.

“We want to create a shooting opportunity in a non-pressure environment,” Dean said. “Some people don’t want to shoot competitively, but they like competitive shooting.”

For a flat fee of $20 for adults, $13 for youths (price includes the $7 BASF daily range pass), customers will have the unlimited option to shoot from several stations, with distances varying from 15 to 85 yards. A range safety officer or mentor will be available to assist customers at each station. Shooting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time will be allotted for each customer to shoot one full magazine and reload up to two times, if they have extra magazines loaded and ready. Those customers who are shooting revolvers will be able to reload using speed loaders. Only rifles and carbines chambered in .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle or pistol caliber ammunition will be allowed. Not allowed: rimfire magnum cartridges, handguns chambered in any caliber larger than .45, and magnum loads.

In addition, “hot” loads that could penetrate or deform the steel targets, as well as steel core ammunition of any caliber, are not allowed.

Youths also must adhere to the following stipulations:

1 All participating youths must be accompanied by an adult.
2 No youths under 5 will be permitted on the range.
3 Youths 5 to 9 will be limited to shooting rimfire cartridges in .22-Short, Long or Long Rifle only.
4 Youths 10 and older will be allowed to shoot other handgun calibers, with close adult supervision.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased or properly holstered before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection also is required.

Dean said targets will come in various sizes and shapes, including silhouettes, circles, squares and rectangles, each presenting a unique challenge.

“If you come back the following third Saturday of the month, it’s going to be a totally different presentation,” Dean said. “It’s not going to be the same. We’re going to make it interesting so there’s a reason to come back and shoot again.”

For more information about BASF, call (623) 582-8313 or visit https://www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF.

Quagga-affected waters grow: AZGFD identifies Apache, Saguaro, Canyon lakes

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AZGFD_Quagga-GA-2PHOENIX — Conclusive evidence of quagga mussels has recently been discovered at Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes, major recreational waters on the Tonto National Forest. Effective May 1, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will list these lakes as AIS-affected waters under AIS Directors Orders #2.

There is not an infestation of quaggas at Apache, Saguaro or Canyon. Yet there is genetic and visual evidence in all these waters of the invasive quaggas that colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin recreational watercraft motors, alter water quality for aquatic wildlife, and clog water intake structures such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

Eight of the 12 major reservoirs in Arizona (Powell, Mead, Mojave, Havasu, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Pleasant) are listed as quagga-affected waters.

The other major reservoirs – Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Horseshoe – are not impacted by quagga mussels, but require AZGFD’s increased protection.

“By law, boaters and anglers must pull their drainage plugs before transporting a watercraft from these listed waters,” said Tom McMahon, AZGFD aquatic invasive species program coordinator, “but it makes sense to simply pull their drainage plugs, and leave them out, anytime they are transporting watercraft in and through Arizona.”

In addition, inspect your boat and ensure it is completely dried before launching into any state waters. This is where the need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” is vital.

Under Arizona law, boaters and all recreationists who take watercraft and other equipment out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species must use the following steps when leaving that listed water:

1. CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, hull, trailer, etc.
2. DRAIN. Remove all water drainage plugs (and keep them out during transport). Drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s). You can do this by lowering the outboard, while on the ramp, until the water is removed.
3. DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance is allowed to dry completely before placing in water in Arizona. Leaving your plugs out during transport will assist in ventilating and speeding the drying time of those difficult-to-dry areas of your boat.

If you are in need of decontaminating your moored boat before transporting from an AIS-affected water, please contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7608.

Phoenix’s newest residents begin to hatch

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Peregrine_chick_2016-05-09_at_7.16.27_AM_webPHOENIX — After more than 30 days of anticipation by viewers around the world, the first of downtown Phoenix’s peregrine falcon eggs was welcomed on Mother’s Day after hatching at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

It’s anticipated that a second egg could hatch any time as an influx of viewers the world over monitor the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

The falcon pair laid four eggs in late March, but two cracked and were discarded by the parents. The first chick hatched Sunday appears active, healthy and can be seen as the mother repositions herself on the nest.

“The live stream offers a unique, unobtrusive opportunity for viewers to witness one of nature’s wonders that is rarely seen,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewers will be able to follow the development of the young hatchlings and will want to stay tuned for the next important milestone in the young birds’ lives, fledging, which will occur about 30 days after hatching.”

Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior. Viewers can help support the costs of bringing the live feed to their homes by selecting the donation button found just below the viewing screen and making a small contribution.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.
Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999.

Peregrines feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

Paper applications for 2016 fall hunts now being accepted

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2016-17_AZ_Hunt_Regs_-_CoverPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016-17 Arizona Hunting Regulations online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The department now is accepting paper applications for 2016 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant (the draw process for elk and pronghorn antelope took place in mid-April). The online application service for the draw is expected to be available in early to mid-May.

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 department office statewide. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Paper applications must be received by the department by the deadline. Postmarks do not count.

The printed 2016-17 Arizona Hunting Regulations booklets are expected to be available in the next few days at department offices and license dealers statewide.

In the meantime, hunters are encouraged to open a free 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 history and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A Portal account is a mobile-friendly, convenient way to access the online license purchase and hunt draw application systems. Just visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information.

Another benefit of having a Portal account is the opportunity to sign up for the “I Support Wildlife” program, which helps fund wildlife conservation in Arizona. An annual membership for $25 includes access to the new “premium” version of the Recreational Access Arizona (RAA) mapping application, the latest fish stocking reports, an “I Support Wildlife” window decal and a one-year subscription to the award-winning Arizona
Wildlife Views magazine.

The premium RAA mapping application is a significant upgrade over the free version and is a tremendous tool when planning your hunt. It is designed to work on all mobile devices and lets you see your current location in reference to different data layers, including Game Management Units, wildlife waters, Arizona land ownership, an ESRI USA Topographic (USGS 24k Topo) basemap and more. Even better, the premium mapping application allows you to create your own point locations and automatically save and sync that data to all of your devices.

Bubbling Ponds Preserve dedication to be held this Saturday, May 7

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SEDONA — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Northern Arizona Audubon Society will hold a dedication ceremony for the Bubbling Ponds Preserve at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. The dedication will be at the Anita MacFarlane Ramada, located adjacent to the Bubbling Ponds native fish ponds on the west side of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery grounds, about 10 miles south of Sedona.

Bubbling Ponds Preserve is a wildlife-viewing and outdoor educational facility located on the grounds of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, an approximately 100-acre facility that raises both native and sport fish for Arizona’s rivers and lakes. It consists of a recently upgraded 1.8-mile Black Hawk Nature Trail together with a large ramada, two wildlife-viewing decks, an outdoor educational area, informative signage, and conveniently located benches.

The preserve project is a great example of a public-private partnership. Arizona Game and Fish provided the land and staff who supported the project from its inception. The $45,000 cost of the project was funded by Northern Arizona Audubon, thanks to donations from its members. Members of Audubon also handled the design and project management, and assisted in constructing many of the improvements.

The dedication will feature comments from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Northern Arizona Audubon Society, and culminate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The public is invited to attend. Hosts will be available for tours after the ceremony and refreshments will be served. Carpooling is suggested.

The Bubbling Ponds Preserve is located on Oak Creek approximately 10 miles south of Sedona and 10 miles north of Cottonwood, off Highway 89A on the Page Springs Road.

Arizona Game and Fish urges public comment on proposed boating restrictions at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

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CORRECTED 160420, 10:53 a.m.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises constituents to be aware of, and participate in, the public comment process regarding the draft recreational boating Compatibility Determination for the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released the Compatibility Determination on April 12 and opened a 30-day comment period that ends May 12. The Compatibility Determination contemplates the closure of some areas used by recreational boaters on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recognizes the importance of watercraft-related recreation to the Lake Havasu community and has concerns over the short 30-day comment period.

“It astounds me that USFWS is considering this proposal, given the recent history of the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery debacle causing a halt to trout stockings and threatening some of the 1,700 jobs and $75 million generated by anglers along the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the river,” said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Kurt Davis. “Thanks to the immediate engagement of U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, and local elected officials, USFWS has been forced to give the public a chance to make their voices heard. Arizona Game and Fish supports a 60-day public comment period extension in order to thoroughly analyze any and all impacts to recreational boating, angling, hunting and most importantly to the local economy.

“I hope that the federal government will once again listen to the public, come to their senses, and realize what devastating economic impacts their arbitrary decisions can have.”

Others are also calling for an extended comment period.

In an April 25 letter to USFWS Director Dan Ashe, Senator John McCain requested an extension, citing concerns over the economic impact of such restrictions.

“By USFWS’s own estimates, between two and three million visitors vacation at Lake Havasu annually,” wrote McCain. “Additionally, an average holiday weekend attracts 50,000 boaters to the area. The regional economic impact of visitors to Lake Havasu City is substantial, and significantly contributes to the greater regional economy… I ask that no decision be made final until a thorough attempt is made to understand and address the concerns raised by local stakeholders.”

Similarly, in a bipartisan letter today to USFWS Director Ashe, Rep. Paul Gosar and 20 other members of the House of Representatives urged an extension of the comment period for an additional 60 days.

“Countless stakeholders and members of Congress from both parties have voiced opposition and are calling on the Service to heed their concerns,” stated Gosar in a news release. “Given the significant flaws with the CD, I’ve called on the Service to drop this proposal. At minimum, the comment period should be extended 60 days as few people understand what is actually going on, including staff within the Service.”

The USFWS has currently scheduled three meetings to provide information and to gather public input.

  • May 2, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Relics and Rods Hall
    Lake Havasu City Community/Aquatics Center
    100 Park Avenue
    Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86403
  • May 3, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Avi Resort and Casino
    10000 Aha Macav Parkway
    Laughlin, Nevada 89029
  • May 3, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Avi Resort and Casino
    10000 Aha Macav Parkway
    Laughlin, Nevada 89029


Unless the comment period is extended, comments to the draft recreational boating Compatibility Determination for the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge will be accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through close of business on May 12, 2016. Please send written comments to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Attn: Draft Recreational Boating CD
317 Mesquite Avenue
Needles, CA 92363

Comments may also be emailed to: Havasu_Boating_Comments@fws.gov.

Off-highway vehicle rollover a reminder to practice OHV safety

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ensure they are riding safely by carrying only the number of passengers for which their vehicle is designed.

The reminder comes after a Mohave County couple was injured when their single-rider all-terrain vehicle (ATV) flipped recently while on a difficult roadway in the Hualapai Mountains, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Most ATVs are only designed to carry a single rider.

“It’s critically important for OHV operators not to overload their machines and to make sure they are driving with the correct number of passengers,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “Carrying too many people in any OHV, especially on a single-rider ATV, dramatically alters the handling of the vehicle and makes it unsafe and unstable for everyone aboard.”

The couple was not wearing helmets as they attempted to reach a ridge on their ATV. Unfortunately, the trail became too steep and the machine flipped backwards, according to authorities. Both were injured and one needed to be airlifted by County Search and Rescue deputies.

AZGFD reminds riders that helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. However, they are strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition riders should remember to:

  • Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.com/ohv.

Arizona Game and Fish hosts multiagency law enforcement training on Lake Pleasant

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_GF12795_-_reducedPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and law enforcement from around the country are preparing for the upcoming boating season by participating in a two-week joint training to increase public safety on the nation’s waterways.

The training concludes Thursday evening at Lake Pleasant and is designed to prepare every law enforcement agency that patrols the state’s rivers and lakes. The course involved 25 officers from eight Arizona state and county agencies, including AZGFD, Maricopa, Coconino, La Paz and Yuma counties, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City police. Officers from North Dakota also participated in the training.

“These types of exercises are invaluable,” said AZGFD Watercraft Coordinator David Rigo, who is spearheading the multiagency event. “Anytime we can bring together so many partner agencies it places a national spotlight on Arizona and helps to protect the public, our country’s law enforcement and saves lives.”

The training is conducted with upwards of 66 law enforcement and civilians that serve as “violator/suspects” for officers to practice routine watercraft stops, searches, investigations and arrests. Scenarios can be anything from a wake zone violation, operating under the influence, assaults or fishing without a license.

“Just as on land, our officers handle any number of emergencies and criminal investigations, and our officers have to be prepared to handle each one of those types of incidents. It takes specific skills and training to ensure the safety of our officers and the boating public,” Rigo said.

The training is just one way the Arizona Game and Fish Department works to enhance public safety on the water. The department offers free boating safety courses in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and Tucson.

In addition, the department is expanding its Life Jacket Loaner Station program to include more lakes throughout the state. Currently stations where the public can borrow a life jacket have been placed at Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave and others are planned this spring and summer.

As a reminder, all boats in Arizona must have a life jacket aboard for every passenger and those 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times, under state law.

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Only 73 permit-tags remain for 2016 elk hunts

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PHOENIX — Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2016 elk hunts.

After this week’s release of the official draw results, there were 73 leftover hunt permit-tags that will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis as follows:

  • By mail: Paper applications will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, April 25, and must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ  85086. Applications postmarked prior to April 25 will not be accepted. Note: There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.
  • In person: If any leftover hunt permit-tags remain, they will be available for purchase beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, May 2 at any of the seven department offices statewide.

For a complete list of leftover hunt permit-tags, visit https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/PortalImages/files/hunting/draw/leftoverTags/leftovers-fall.pdf.

Many of the leftover elk tags are for Hopi hunt open areas and are available to everyone, both tribal members and non-tribal members, through the first-come, first-served process.

A number of leftover elk tags remain for military hunts at Camp Navajo, for those who qualify. For more information, visit https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/camp-navajo/garrison-operations/camp-navajo-hunting-information, e-mail sarah.b.golabiewski.mil@mail.mil, or call 928-773-3225.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, view the “2016 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call (602) 942-3000.  

Please don’t “rescue” baby wildlife: you are likely doing more harm than good

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Deer_fawn_web_GAPHOENIX — Rising temperatures and longer days mean spring is here and newborn wildlife will become increasingly visible.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department understands people’s desire to help seemingly “abandoned” animals such as baby birds and bunnies. However, despite their best intentions, people are often taking a wild baby animal from its parents who have “parked” the baby while they forage for food and water, sometimes for the majority of the day.

Unfortunately, some species of baby animals must be euthanized because they cannot be released back into the wild, and zoos and sanctuaries do not have space to hold them.

“The bottom line is that ‘helping’ or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife unnecessarily creates an “orphan,” and in some cases is inhumane. The mother is often left searching for her young, and baby wildlife raised by humans is less likely to survive when they are released back into the wild,” said Mike Demlong, wildlife education program manager with Game and Fish. “The department’s wildlife rehab center and others around the state are inundated every year with baby birds and rabbits – and even bobcat kittens, bighorn lambs and elk calves – that were never abandoned and should not have been taken from the wild. In essence, these baby animals were kidnapped.”

Baby_cottontail_GA_webYoung wildlife such as rabbits and squirrels found in your yard or in the field are rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (you, or your cat or dog) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Young birds that have fallen from the nest can be placed back in the nest or as close as possible. Those that are partially flighted should be left alone or in some cases moved nearby out of harm’s way. Contrary to popular belief, human scent will not prevent the parents from returning to care for their young.

Eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

“It’s reassuring to know our society values wildlife and is passionate about caring for wild animals,” Demlong said. “But, people need to do what is best for the baby wildlife and leave them alone even if it’s difficult to accept.”

If you have questions about a specific situation, please contact one of the wildlife rehabilitators listed on the department’s website at: www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife. Or, contact your local Game and Fish office.