- Fall draw results now available for Arizona’s big game and pheasant hunters
- Dove, pigeon, sandhill crane hunt regulations are online
- Arizona Game and Fish hosts open houses for spring big game and fall waterfowl hunting recommendations
- Arizona Game and Fish Commission to meet on Aug. 7 and 8, 2009
- Nominations sought for 2009 Commission Awards
- Arizona Game and Fish videos attract 1 million-plus viewers
- Sportsmen raise more than $540,000 for wildlife conservation in Arizona
- Join Game and Fish on a ferret-finding mission
- Escape the heat, improve antelope habitat and enjoy a free steak dinner
- Arizona Game and Fish garners conservation communications honors
- $2,000 reward offered in dual elk poaching
- Reward offered in theft of large number of Apache trout from hatchery
- Reserve your spot for the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet
Fall draw results now available for Arizona’s big game and pheasant hunters
Leftover tags for deer, turkey, and javelina tags to be issued first-come
The 2009 fall drawing process for big game and pheasant hunts is complete, and the more than 106,000 applicants can now find out if they’ve been drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw.
Applicants can obtain draw results for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo and pheasant hunt tags by providing a department ID Number and date of birth. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000, select option two.
Game and Fish officials report an increase in applications over last year, and said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 14 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Sept. 4 (less application fees).
For those individuals who missed the draw or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 4,500 leftover tags remaining. Remaining tags, available on a first-come, first-served basis, include more than 3,500 deer tags, more than 400 fall turkey tags, and more than 500 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.
For a detailed list of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. For additional information, call (520) 533-2549.
There are now two ways to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will be accepted by mail only after 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 3. Additionally, beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 10, hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. Click here for a list of office locations.
“We are introducing this in-person first-come, first-served system to streamline the process to obtain a leftover permit, and to provide a more timely service to our customers,” said Harry Seck, assistant director of special services. “We also feel this improvement will aid hunter participation.”
Youth hunters are also reminded that fall turkey tags can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. Additionally, if a youngster participated in the spring youth turkey hunt, but didn’t harvest a bird, their tag is also good for the fall season. Hunters that lost their tag can get a duplicate at any department office for $4.
Additionally, the forecast for the nearly six-month long general hunting season for dove, quail, squirrel, rabbits, ducks and more is shaping up to be average to very good, depending on the species and area. Families are reminded to reserve a few weekends this year for introducing a youngster to the core principles of hunting. Many of these species offer lots of excitement, learning opportunities, and of course, great table fare for the whole family. To learn more about hunting in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov.
Dove, pigeon, sandhill crane hunt regulations are online
Applications accepted for limited crane hunts between Aug. 3 and Sept. 1
Hunters hibernating during the sizzling summer can now go online and get the 2009-10 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations, as well as the 2009 Arizona Sandhill Crane Regulations, at www.azgfd.gov. Printed copies should be in Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and license dealers statewide by Aug 1.
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This is the second year for a special juniors-only crane season, and the department anticipates hosting a youth hunt camp to mentor kids hunting these amazing prehistoric-looking creatures. There are 25 juniors-only permits this year, available only by the application process.
Successful sandhill crane applicants will receive three hunt permit-tags this year, compared to two in years past. Applicants can choose from seasons for general, archery-only, or, for those ages 17 and younger, the juniors-only hunt. Forms and information needed to apply are available at department offices, license dealers and online.
Dove outlook
Hunters are reminded that it’s not too early to start preparing for dove season. Opening in September, the season is expected to be very good due to a high number of birds carrying over from last season and above-average winter and spring precipitation this year.
Dove hunting is an Arizona tradition with more than 35,000 hunters participating each year. It provides an ideal hunting opportunity for families and novice hunters.
To learn more about the dove outlook, where to go and what to do, click here.
Arizona Game and Fish hosts open houses for spring big game and fall waterfowl hunting recommendations
The proposed spring hunt recommendations for the 2010 spring turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear regulations, as well as the recommendations for 2009–10 waterfowl and snipe regulations, are available now for review at all of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional offices.
These hunt recommendations are formulated according to the existing hunt guidelines approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in August 2007, so hunters will see similar structures as they did this year.
“Other than relatively minor permit adjustments in response to changing wildlife populations, hunters should see a familiar package for 2010,” said Chief of Game Management, Brian Wakeling. “We are proposing to continue two over-the-counter programs, the juniors-only spring turkey season and the archery-only javelina season for metro units. We had some good feedback and feel these are invaluable improvements for introducing youth to hunting.”
A total of six open houses will be held at the department's regional offices. At each of the open houses, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations and answer questions. No formal presentation will be provided. The remaining scheduled open houses are:
- Flagstaff – Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m. at the Region 2 Game and Fish office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, (928) 774-5045.
- Mesa – Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m. at the Region 6 Game and Fish office, 7200 E. University Drive, (480) 981-9400.
- Pinetop – Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at the Region 1 Game and Fish office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., (928) 367-4281.
- Yuma – Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Region 4 Game and Fish office, 9140 E. 28th St., (928) 342-0091.
For driving directions and a map of each location, click here.
If you are unable to attend one of these open houses, both of the hunt recommendations are posted on the department’s Web site, and you may download a PDF file to review at your leisure. The recommendations will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines under the “Recommendations” section heading.
The spring big game hunt and fall waterfowl regulations will be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration Saturday, Aug. 8, during its regular meeting in Phoenix at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters on 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ. 85086. For a full agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission under “Meeting Agenda.”
Arizona Game and Fish Commission to meet on Aug. 7 and 8, 2009
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 7 and 8, 2009 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).
You are invited to attend the meeting in person or you can be part of a test of the new Internet streaming of the meeting. The meeting will be shown live online as the meeting is in progress. The meeting will be available on the two meeting days at: www.azgfd.gov.
The Friday, Aug. 7 portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:
- Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area right-of-way access agreement – Right-of-way through State Land is needed to keep access open to the Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area in Graham County.
- Right-of-way grant for a flood control monitoring system at Tufa Tank – This monitoring system will allow the department to be able to know the water level of the tank remotely and if the tank is close to flooding.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Audubon Society for possibility of partnering for educational programs – This MOU will officially recognize Arizona Audubon Chapters as part of the National Audubon Society and allow for conservation and education program partnerships.
- A briefing will be provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the status of Mexican wolf reintroduction in Mexico and whether and how reintroduction in northern Mexico might affect wildlife management and land-use practices in southern Arizona and southern New Mexico.
- Time certain hunting and fishing License Revocation hearings begin at 2 p.m.
- Jim Kenna, director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), will present the BLM - Arizona Strategic Goals. This presentation is for Commission information purposes only.
The Saturday portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. with agenda items that include:
- Setting orders for the 2010 hunting seasons – This establishes seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers and open areas for spring turkey, spring javelina, spring buffalo and spring bear.
- Setting orders on the 2009-2010 waterfowl and snipe hunting seasons – This establishes seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits and open areas for waterfowl and snipe.
- Hunt permit-tag application schedule for 2010 hunts - This sets the hunt permit-tag application schedule for the 2010 spring hunts.
- Update on the progress of the department’s e-commerce activities – The update will include information for online watercraft registration renewals, license sales and big game applications.
The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on these agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.
Nominations sought for 2009 Commission Awards
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2009 Commission Awards to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the welfare of the state's wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.
Categories for nomination include Award of Excellence, Youth Environmentalist of the Year, Outdoor Writer of the Year, Media of the Year, Conservation Organization of the Year, Conservationist of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Educator of the Year, and License Dealer of the Year, as well as three new categories: Natural Resource Professional of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and Advocate of the Year. Descriptions of each category are on the nomination form.
To download a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission awards” link.
Return the nomination form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Marty Fabritz - DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Forms can also be faxed to (623) 236-7299 or e-mailed to Mfabritz@azgfd.gov.
The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2009.
Winners of the 2009 awards will be honored at the Meet the Commission banquet in Phoenix in January 2010.
For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov.
Arizona Game and Fish videos attract 1 million-plus viewers
Online videos provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department have now exceeded the one-million-viewer mark, but guess which one received the most public interest?
Was it the popular black-footed ferrets? Maybe it was the always intriguing burrowing owls? Could it have been the captivating peregrine falcons nesting on downtown skyscrapers?
While all those recordings drew impressive audiences, the top video attracting more than 127,261 views on YouTube so far was an interesting segment about hunting dogs done for the department’s award-winning television series.
“We’ve had our videos online at places like YouTube for about two years now,” said Webmaster Brian Ference. “We started off slowly with just a couple of videos and have expanded the offerings and the number of Web sites showing them quite a bit since the early days.”
Now you can see all of the department’s “Arizona Wildlife Views” television shows, which are cycled to the Web sites once they have been shown on the Public Broadcasting Stations in Phoenix and Tucson.
There are also how-to videos and public service announcements. Sometimes you will just find interesting video segments on subjects such as wildlife, mounted cowboy shooting, archery competitions, boating, off-highway travel and wildlife watching. There’s a little something for everyone.
Want tips on how to live with urban wildlife? Just sit down at your computer, open up the video at www.azgfd.gov, and start watching any time.
“We even have a fish cam at one of our hatcheries,” Ference said. “Videos on the Web are becoming more and more popular, so I am sure we will continue to expand our offerings. Wildlife especially make fascinating viewing.”
Other places to find Arizona Game and Fish Department videos include:
- DailyMotion
- Yahoo
- MySpace
- Metacafe
- Blip.tv
- Veoh
- Viddler
- Howcast
- Facebook Video
Sportsmen raise more than $540,000 for wildlife conservation in Arizona
Annual raffle of Game and Fish Commission’s special big game tags nears record
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Eleven winners were selected on July 18 to receive the ten special big game tags and one unbelievable Swarovski optics package. Swarovski covered the cost of administrating the raffle. The winners are:
- Antelope (Pronghorn) – Rodney B. Everhart, Hustontown, Pa.
- Bear – Paul P. Pier, Vail, Ariz.
- Buffalo – Cecil DeWayne Davis Jr., Tucson, Ariz.
- Coues deer – Greg D. Diehl, Peoria, Ariz.
- Elk – Michael Schnable, Edgewater, Md.
- Javelina – David Nygaard, Astoria, Ore.
- Mountain lion – Dan Bix, Flagstaff, Ariz.
- Mule deer – Robin Hansen Jr., Saint George, Utah.
- Bighorn sheep – Claude G. Sanchez Jr., Santa Fe, N.M.
- Turkey – Bruce A. Carlson, Celebration, Fla.
- Swarovski optics package – Bret Fuller, Sunnyvale, Calif.
“The success of this raffle is a testament to what can be accomplished when organizations work collaboratively to improve Arizona’s wildlife populations and habitats for game and non-game species,” said Director Larry Voyles of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The real winners of this raffle are the citizens of Arizona. Through the dedication of concerned hunters and sportsmen, all Arizonans can continue to enjoy the state’s full complement of diverse wildlife for generations to come.”
Since the raffle’s inception in 2006, every dollar raised is returned to the Game and Fish Department. Management of the dollars and projects approved is through the cooperation of the Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee. Input from 12 statewide habitat partners and the organizations involved in the fundraising, collectively determine which projects will provide the most benefit to each species represented.
Funding from the raffle allows for a multitude of wildlife conservation projects. For 2009, more than 50 projects were approved. One primary focus is the development, maintenance, and improvements of water catchments to provide reliable water sources for wildlife during drought years. A number of grassland restoration and antelope-friendly fence improvement projects are scheduled. Other funded projects assist in wildlife management through helicopter surveys, translocation of wildlife, and the monitoring of wildlife movements to map connectivity issues. Some of the most notable projects are land acquisitions to conserve critical habitat for the future of wildlife. Many of the projects are matched with other funding sources, labor, or supplied materials, further leveraging every dollar spent even further.
“This program is just another example of how sportsmen continue to dedicate their time and money for the benefit of wildlife,” added Voyles. “It amazes me what a relatively small group of the population can accomplish – just think of what we could accomplish with even greater participation.”
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission grants the tags that are raffled off as Special Big Game Tags. The tags are publicly awarded to soliciting organizations each year. The big game tags raffled included one each for pronghorn antelope, black bear, buffalo, Coues whitetail, desert bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, mountain lion, mule deer, and turkey.
The uniqueness of these special tags is that the hunting season is year-round, but with the same wildlife conservation restrictions applied to other permit holders. It allows tag winners the time to pursue a trophy animal, many of which can only be found in the southwest and some only in Arizona, particularly the Gould’s wild turkey, bighorn sheep, Coues whitetail deer, and the world-famous Kaibab mule deer.
The Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, a non-profit entity, is supported by the following organizations:
- Arizona Antelope Foundation
- Arizona Bowhunters Association
- Arizona Deer Association
- Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society
- Arizona Elk Society
- Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Arizona Wildlife Federation
- Wild Sheep Foundation
- Mule Deer Foundation
- National Wild Turkey Federation
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Safari Club International, Arizona Chapter
- Safari Club International, Phoenix Chapter
- Swarovski Optics
So, the next time you see a highway underpass allowing elk to move safely near the Mogollon Rim, or an antelope ducking under a fence in the open plains of Prescott, or if you’re fortunate to spot a desert bighorn sheep peering down from a cliff after watering in the arid desert, remember to think of hunters as conservationists. Because, the majority of wildlife conservation and management by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment and not from the state’s general fund.
Join Game and Fish on a ferret-finding mission
Volunteers critical in recovery effort
While the elusive, nocturnal black-footed ferret has established a foothold in Aubrey Valley, the Arizona Game and Fish Department needs volunteers to continue monitoring efforts of the endangered animal’s uphill climb.
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“Volunteers have played a critical role in this recovery effort,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at Game and Fish’s Kingman office. “We don’t have the personnel to fully staff these efforts and the program’s continued success depends on the public’s involvement.”
Twice thought to be extinct, a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981. A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley, west of Seligman, was selected as a reintroduction site.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in Arizona,” Pebworth said, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently determined Aubrey Valley to be a successful black-footed recovery site. A lot of that credit falls on those who have donated their time to help.”
“However, it is critical we continue to closely monitor this population and the only way to do so is through these spotlighting efforts.”
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Volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise, be able to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack-spotlighting for two-hour durations. They must also be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under the age of 18.
Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail azferret@azgfd.gov by Sept. 21 with “October Spotlighting” in the subject line. Please indicate what night(s) you are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with you.
Also, please list any of the following equipment you can bring: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry a 30-pound battery), headlamp, pen, compass, binoculars, walkie-talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), or a cordless rechargeable spotlight.
Weather in the Aubrey Valley can be unpredictable, so individuals need to dress appropriately.
“We’ve made progress,” Pebworth said, “but we’re a long way from recovery. It is critical we continue to document ferret numbers and understand how this population is holding up in the wild.”
Escape the heat, improve antelope habitat and enjoy a free steak dinner
On Aug. 8-9, the Arizona Antelope Foundation (AAF) and the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) are hosting a restoration project improving antelope habitat near Lower Lake Mary southeast of Flagstaff.
If you are looking to get outdoors and out of the air-conditioning, bring the family to this great event. The temperatures in the Flagstaff area run from 50 degrees in the evenings to the low 80s in the daytime. The kids can stretch their legs, breathe some fresh air, and learn how range fences affect the movement of Arizona’s pronghorn antelope herds.
The primary activity is removing fencing that is already on the ground. Studies suggest that the long meadows in the project area play an important role in the overall health of the Anderson Mesa pronghorn herd.
Volunteers should dress appropriately and bring work gloves, wire cutters, a sack lunch, snacks, water and camping gear.
The AAF will provide volunteers a steak dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning for their participation.
Preregistration is encouraged to allow for meal and work planning. Volunteers should contact Scott Anderson of the AAF at (480) 213-1611 or info@azantelope.org.
To learn more about the Arizona Antelope Foundation and this project, visit www.azantelope.org.
Arizona Game and Fish garners conservation communications honors
The Arizona Game and Fish Department received national recognition for its conservation communications efforts by winning 10 awards - three 1st-place, one 2nd-place and six 3rd-place awards - at the annual Association for Conservation Information (ACI) Conference in Baton Rouge, La., July 16.
The award total was the most for any agency.
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Second-place was awarded to: "Topwater Obsession" (Category: Magazine, Fisheries Article).
Third-place was awarded to: AZGFD Interactive Web Site" (Category: Web Site); "Desert Bighorn Sheep Photo" (Category: Photography); "AZGFD 2008 Outdoor Expo Communications Campaign" (Category: Communications Campaign); "AZ Wildlife Views TV - 2008 Shows #2 and #3" (Category: Television Shows); "Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail" (Category: Magazine: Parks, Historical and Cultural Article); and "Raptors of Arizona" (Category: Posters).
ACI is a nonprofit association of information and education professionals representing state, federal and Canadian agencies and private conservation organizations.
$2,000 reward offered in dual elk poaching
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the individual or people responsible for the illegal killing of two elk on the evening of July 5. A cow elk was killed in a meadow a couple hundred yards from the visitor center at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area, and a bull was shot adjacent to Forest Road 275 near State Highway 191, just south of Nelson Reservoir.
“While the locations of the two animals killed are about 2 miles apart, according to department law enforcement personnel investigating the scenes, evidence shows the same weapon killed both elk,” says Bruce Sitko, spokesman in the department’s Pinetop office. “The poacher left the animals to waste, and we need assistance from the public to find the individual who committed these senseless acts.”
“These aren’t the actions of a hunter,” adds Sitko. “They’re acts of a criminal stealing wildlife assets and resources from the people of Arizona.”
Sipe is located in eastern Arizona, a few miles southeast of Springerville and Eagar. Wildlife viewers regularly visit to enjoy watching and photographing the elk herds that frequent the wildlife area.
To report information on this incident, or any Game and Fish violation, call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700. Caller identities may remain confidential upon request. Callers are eligible to receive a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of the violator in these poaching cases.
Reward offered in theft of large number of Apache trout from hatchery
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the individual or people responsible for the theft of numerous Apache trout and vandalism at the Silver Creek Fish Hatchery. Over the weekend of July 11-12, someone broke into the hatchery complex and stole approximately 270 trout from one of the raceways.
Hatchery workers discovered the vandalism and missing fish the following Monday morning. The Silver Creek Hatchery, located near the community of White Mountain Lake northeast of Show Low, stocks thousands of Apache trout each year into regional waterways such as the Black River, Little Colorado River, Lee Valley Reservoir and Silver Creek.
“The theft of these trout is essentially stealing money from the pockets of Arizona anglers,” says Paul Greer, wildlife manager in Units 3A and 3C. “Anglers foot the bill for department-operated hatcheries to raise and stock trout throughout Arizona by the purchase of a trout stamp with their fishing license. An entire stocking of a state waterway will not occur now because of the irresponsible behavior of a couple of people.”
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time fish have been stolen from this facility,” adds Greer. “These aren’t the actions of a sportsman. They’re acts of criminals stealing wildlife assets and resources from the people of Arizona.”
To report information on this incident, or any Game and Fish violation, call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700. Caller identities may remain confidential upon request. Callers are eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s) responsible for these crimes.
Reserve your spot for the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet
Make your reservation now to honor this year’s inductees into the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame.
The annual Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet is Friday, Aug. 21 at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, 7700 East McCormick Parkway in Scottsdale. The social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony.
Tickets to the banquet are $70 each or $700 for a table of 10. Table sponsorship opportunities are available as well for $1,000.
To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on the link near the lower part of the page. Completed forms should be mailed to Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, 14646 W. Harvard St., Goodyear, AZ 85395, or they can be e-mailed to wildlifefortomorrow@cox.net.
This year’s honorees are Dr. Robert Ohmart, Frances Werner, the Mesa Hunter Education Instructor Team, and the Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club.
The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage. Selections for induction are made each year by the board of directors of the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation from a list of submitted nominations.
For more information about the banquet, contact the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation at (623) 204-2130. For more information about the foundation, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.