ADEQ Awards $22,530 in Brownfields Grants to Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council, Kingman

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today two Brownfields Grant awards totaling $22,530 to the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC) (http://www.javc.org/) to support redevelopment of the long-vacant, deteriorating Arnold Plaza located at 301-315 E. Oak Street in downtown Kingman. JAVC’s reuse plan for Arnold Plaza, called ‘Operation 6’, will establish and provide transitional housing, treatment, training and reintegration for homeless and at-risk military veterans and their families.

Grant funds will be used to perform a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and asbestos and lead-based paint survey. The ESA and survey will address both the underlying land and physical improvements to the property by identifying potential or existing environmental contamination and the presence, type and amount of building materials that contain asbestos and lead-based paint, which require cleanup or abatement to protect public health and the environment.

Public forums set for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunt recommendations

pronghornPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host four public forums to meet with constituents about developing the 2017 hunt recommendations for pronghorn, elk and population management seasons.

The department annually makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations, 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 meetings will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 19: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • Thursday, Oct. 27: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

Constituents who are interested in specific game management units within those regions will have the opportunity to discuss management direction. The proposed hunt recommendations will be outlined during a short presentation, which will be followed by an opportunity to submit comments regarding those recommendations. All comments will be reviewed by the department.

After the public forums have been completed, the final proposed draft hunt recommendations will be made available for public review at several regional open houses and posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines by Nov. 21, 2016.

Open houses will be conducted at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Yuma, 9140 E. 28th St.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., TBD: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

The final 2017 pronghorn and elk hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for consideration during its Dec. 3 meeting in Phoenix.

AZGFD among agencies conducting OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend on the Colorado River, pursuing those who are operating their boats and other watercraft while under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol.

AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for boat and watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs, and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“Our main goal is to ensure people are enjoying our waterways safely and responsibly, and to help avert the next needless accident on the water,” said Velma Holt, west sector supervisor for the department’s regional office in Kingman. “The responsibility for boating safety among watercraft users is critically important.

“Because we share the river with California and Nevada, the area is a major draw for people traveling from across the Southwest. This time of year, our waterways are very congested, which lends itself to the potential for additional hazards.”

Boaters and watercraft users should review all regulations prior to launching. That includes having a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board and making sure that anyone 12 and under is wearing one. Boats also must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and a Type IV throwable personal flotation device (PFD).

Additional multi-agency OUI checkpoints will occur on the Colorado River and its reservoirs throughout the boating season.

Summer Wildlife Series continues with mountain lions

mountain-lionKINGMAN — The secretive, shy and elusive mountain lion will be the subject of a free, one-hour presentation July 8 at the Kingman Mohave County Library, 3269 N. Burbank St., in Kingman.

This will be the third installment of the popular Summer Wildlife Series, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office in Kingman. The main portion of the library will be open to accommodate a larger crowd.

Jeff Pebworth, terrestrial wildlife program manager, will discuss biology, myths, perceptions and management of the predator, whose population in Arizona is robust and healthy, even expanding in some areas. He also will explain why one of the biggest dangers associated with mountain lions is the feeding of other wildlife.

“We get lion calls quite often,” Pebworth said. “This presentation will help the public understand the difference between normal lion behavior and other behaviors of concern. There also are a lot of stories associated with lions that simply aren’t true.”

Pebworth plans to share some of the more entertaining calls that his office has received about mountain lions.

The Summer Wildlife Series concludes July 29 with a presentation on “Habitat and Wildlife.” For more information, call (928) 692-7700.

Summer Wildlife Series moves from terrestrial to aquatic

Roundtail_ChubKINGMAN — The Summer Wildlife Series, presented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office in Kingman, has remained on solid ground – until now.

After kicking off the ninth season of its popular program last month with a presentation on the desert tortoise, department personnel will shift from land to water and conduct a one-hour lecture on native Colorado River fishes, beginning at 6 p.m. June 16 at the Kingman Mohave County Library, 3269 N. Burbank St., in Kingman.

The event is free, although seating capacity is limited to 52 on a first-come, first-served basis.

David Partridge, aquatic wildlife specialist, will discuss different species of native fish, provide biological information, explain which fish can be caught by anglers, and the importance of reintroductions and protections. Partridge also will provide tips on where species that qualify as sport fish can be caught, as well as the best types of bait.

Some of the fish to be discussed will include roundtail chub (photo), various species of suckers and dace, and the relationship between many fish species. Matt Chmiel, the region’s aquatic program manager, said most Arizona residents know little about the state’s native fish.

“This presentation will provide people of all ages with an opportunity to come and learn about these species of fish that have learned over years how to survive in the harsh Arizona environment,” Chmiel said.

The series continues with mountain lions (July 8) and Habitat and Wildlife (July 29). For more information, call (928) 692-7700.

Desert tortoise kicks off Summer Wildlife Series in Kingman

Desert Tortoise Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Desert Tortoise
Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.

KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office in Kingman will begin the ninth season of its popular Summer Wildlife Series on May 27 with a free, one-hour presentation on the desert tortoise.

Heather Heimann, terrestrial wildlife technician, will discuss the slow-moving but determined reptile and its habitat, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Kingman Mohave County Library, 3269 N. Burbank St., in Kingman. Heimann will cover tortoise biology, impacts of disease, habitat, and the department’s tortoise adoption program.

The presentation will include a live tortoise. Game and Fish personnel will be available to answer questions following the presentation. The main portion of the library will be open to accommodate a larger crowd.

“The tortoise is a fascinating animal,” Heimann said. “They live in an area where people probably wouldn’t expect to find them. They’re well-adapted for life in this environment.”

For more information, call (928) 692-7700.

Don’t Tread on US – the Freedom Rifle by Zanna

800-2-donttredonusFormer Italian and naturalized American, Gianluca Zanna, launches his latest creation: The “Don’t Tread on US – the Freedom rifle”—billed as the most affordable military grade semiautomatic AR15 rifle. The rifle comes in M4 configuration chambered in .223 Wylde that can shoot both 5.56 NATO and .223 4 MOA. The rifle is made in the USA—some from a company in Arizona—and has a lifetime warranty on the lower for just $499.

The affordable rifle is inspired by the sad reality of his former country Italy, where law abiding people have no Second Amendment Right “to keep and bear arms,” but a privilege granted by the government. After studying history, where slaves were never allowed to be armed, Zanna wanted to create the most affordable rifle for the working American man and woman who are committed into the defense of the Republic and innocent life.

Zanna states “The main purpose of the Don’t Tread on US Rifle is to give the opportunity to every law abiding American who loves freedom and refuses to be a subject to be armed with at least one military spec rifle and the knowledge on how to use it. This is my way of social justice!

300--m4“As you know, there are so many great rifles out there on the market, but not every American can afford one, especially now in this economy. After two-years of research and testing I was able to find two American companies (one in Mohave County Arizona) that could provide a great quality product and, thanks to my work, for an incredible price. I dare to say that the Don’t Tread on US Rifle, is the most affordable and reliable military grade rifle on the US market chambered in .223 Wylde.

“Since I am not an FFL dealer (and I do not want to be one) or a gun manufacturer, I want to be sure that is clear, that I will not sell you the whole rifle, but just the upper and then I will direct you to one of my FFL dealers where you will be able to get the lower for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle for an incredible price.”

For that combined with the Zanna-designed upper, you will be paying just $499 (tax and shipping not included).

“When I came out with the idea to create a rifle that every American could afford—and also be able to shoot, considering recoil, rifle’s size and ergonomics—the choice was clear: I needed to focus on the AR15 platform. My original choice for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle was the chamber in 5.56 NATO, so it could shoot both 5.56 and .223. As you know it is not safe to shoot 5.56 in .223 chambers.

“Then by accident, I stumbled into the .223 Wylde chamber. After testing the upper with this chamber I was so impressed that I decided to adopt it for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle. One of the things convinced me the most, was the reliability in being able to shoot and cycle without malfunctions in both calibers the 5.56 and the .223. Even the cheapest steel case rounds like .223 Russian ammunition—that normally would often get stuck in some of the more expensive 5.56 rifles—were cycling smoothly with no problems in the .223 Wylde chamber.

“Also the accuracy was phenomenal. Being able to shoot 4MOA—that translates in groups of 1 square inch group at 25 yards with iron sight and no bench—with this cheap ammo was a great plus. Also, doing more research, I was able to find out that this chamber and rifle twist (1:9) allows you to shoot heavier bullets than the standard 55 or 62 grains, that with quality rounds it can definitely help in overcome the average reach of the .223 or 5.56. These are the reasons why I chose the .223 Wylde Chamber for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle.

When you purchase Don’t Tread on US – The Freedom Rifle, you get more than just a military grade Rifle that can shoot 4 minutes of angle (4MOA). You will receive also knowledge and inspiration with free bonuses that Gianluca believes are as important as the Rifle itself.

  • Free Parchment replica of the US Constitution
  • Free Digital CD Don’t Tread on US by Zanna
  • Free ebook how to become a Rifleman by Zanna
  • Free T-shirt Slaves are never Armed – I am not a slave
  • Free 30 rounds magazine (where permitted by the law)
  • Free laser engraved ejection port “Don’t Tread on US”

“Remember, the rifle is just a tool. Your knowledge and your heart are the weapons,” Zanna stated in a press release.

Drone Munition developer on air with Gianluca Zanna

IMG_3317-300x169KINGMAN — American patriot radio host Gianluca Zanna discussed Drone Munition with Casey Betzold, president of Snake River Shooting Products in Emmett, Idaho. Drone Munition has made the round of the news, lately, but Casey and Gianluca stressed complying with federal and State laws and regulations.

Both assured listeners that they are not anti-drone. Casey said they use drones to get video on the range that would otherwise be hazardous. Luca said that he uses his drone to take video of his own property and animals.

The shotgun round was developed for a sporting application initially. It was designed to use on a range where aerial drone targets are specifically used as targets to be shot down. Casey said that they concentrated on making a law enforcement quality shell that has a very tight pattern and spent a lot of money on the steel shot that goes into the shell.

Casey noted that because of his Air Force background, he was concerned with the security, but currently there are no regulations preventing invasion of privacy by drones. In addition all States have regulations against discharging firearms within a neighborhood.

“We think the regulations are coming for drones, with regards to privacy concerns. The same as if a peeping Tom walked up into your yard and looked into your window at night; that’s against the law. But right now, if a drone does the same thing, it’s not against the law,” Casey said.

He indicated that he is glad that the news and controversy over the shotgun ammunition is generating a conversation about the issue. While it is illegal, currently, to shoot down a drone even in wilderness areas, he said that self-defense may be applicable.

“Now if the drone is causing a self-defense concern, then there is a legal application to this; to defend yourself the same as if a person is threatening you.”


The full show at Love, Guns and Freedom also has a discussion with Blaine Cooper from Prescott who has been investigating abuse of homeless veterans in Phoenix. He discusses the possibility of an economic crash with reporter Lisa Haven and a discussion of ozone therapy with Dr. Robert Rowen.

Two youths suffer minor injuries from elk encounter

Elk_-_Trash_Lid_-_Large_1KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been informing people for years about the dangers of feeding wildlife. Last week, Mohave County Parks reported that two youths suffered minor injuries that likely were the result of elk seeking human food.

The encounter, which took place in Hualapai Mountain Park, involved a family at a picnic table. A group of elk approached the family and encircled the table. The two youths, a boy and girl, were injured by the hooves. The girl suffered a bloody nose and minor injuries to the forehead and lower leg, while the boy suffered a bump to the forehead.

“They were not feeding the animals, but this encounter was clearly the result of past behaviors of the public.”” said Zen Mocarski, information and education program manager for the department’s regional office in Kingman.

“The family tried to keep the table between themselves and the elk, but the elk continued to move around the family,” said Brandon Oktay, park superintendent. “The park is a place to visit and enjoy, and I’m disappointed this family had to experience something like this. Those children were frightened, but the parents declined medical assistance and the injuries appear to be minor, which is the good news.”

“While I’m sure the children were scared, this could have turned out worse,” Mocarski said. “Elk are large, wild animals, but some people continue to treat them like pets. It is a bit disheartening to hear about the circumstances surrounding this encounter, because Game and Fish has been warning the public of the dangers of feeding wild animals for many years.”

Mocarski said feeding issues in the community near the park have been severe despite warnings. In 2007, two elk needed to have trash can lids removed from their necks, which prompted the park to replace the type of lids on the cans and posted signs not to feed wildlife.

In 2005, two deer in two days were killed by a lion in driveways within the community, which prompted Game and Fish to post warning signs. There’s also the possibility of disease transmission when wildlife exist in unnaturally high densities in such a small area. Some diseases, such as Chronic Wasting Disease, are transmitted through saliva, so feeding from the same food source can decimate herds.

In 1995, two dozen deer, apparently starving, were killed at the Grand Canyon. Following a necropsy, it was found the deer had lost their ability to digest vegetation due to being hooked on junk food. Mocarski said the common link is humans feeding wildlife.

“The message is stop feeding wildlife,” Mocarski said. “Wild animals are supposed to disperse and forage, but some people mistakenly believe the animals need assistance. Feeding wildlife is not an act of selflessness, it’s a selfish act that has now resulted in two children getting injured. This has to stop.”

There is a statewide ordinance against feeding wildlife, but it only applies to counties with populations of 280,000 or more, including Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. The best practice for those wishing to see or help wildlife is to plant native vegetation.

“The bottom line is that things like chips or pretzels, which are not particularly good for humans, are certainly not good for wildlife,” Mocarski said. “Neither are the hay bales visible throughout the community. Allow these animals to forage naturally. They should have a natural fear of humans, not expect a handout.”

Kingman show might have answer for your stocking stuffer

KINGMAN – Missing summer gun shows? Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? High Desert Event might just have the answer for you.

The group is holding their first winter Gun, Knife, Coin and Collectibles Show & Sale on Saturday and Sunday December 13th and 14th in Kingman, Arizona.

The event will be held at the 18,000 square-foot Mohave County Fairgrounds on Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $7 or $10 for two-day pass. Kids 12 and under are free with paid adult admission.

The event promises firearms and knives of all kinds, targets, gun safes, gun parts, military surplus and more. Table space is still available to you by calling 928-279-5406.

The event is heated and 24-hour security will be present.

Photography, video and people like me (media) are not allowed on the premises without prior written consent of High Desert Events.