• Arizona’s fall hunt application deadline is June 9
• Commission to receive critical riparian habitat as part of mining bankruptcy settlement
• Arizona fishing license sales are up despite economic downturn
• Prime camping season is here: Be bear aware
• Exercise safe, responsible OHV use over the Memorial Day weekend
• Great American Deer Raffle helps benefit Arizona’s deer herds
• Tortoise adoption days offer wealth of information
• Alternative sites to be considered for the Northern Arizona Shooting Facility
• Checkpoint leads to removal of impaired boaters
• Boat safely throughout the busy summer boating season
• Big Game Super Raffle offers hunt of a lifetime, benefits conservation
• Fire restrictions implemented for some Game and Fish wildlife areas
• Sign up now for popular bighorn workshops
• Submit your best wildlife photos for the 2010 calendar contest
• Kingman wildlife presentations set through summer

Arizona’s fall hunt application deadline is June 9
Apply now and take advantage of correction period through May 28

It may be 100 degrees outside, but fall is right around the corner – the fall hunting application deadline, that is.

Sportsmen, women and children looking forward to hunting in Arizona this fall have until Tuesday, June 9 by 7 p.m. MST (postmarks do not count) to apply for a hunt permit-tag for fall deer, turkey, juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear, mountain lion and pheasant. Antelope and elk draws are already complete.

There is no online application process available; it is a manual paper-permit process only.

Printed copies of the 2009-10 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations have been distributed to license dealers and Arizona Game and Fish Department offices throughout the state. Regulations and application materials are also available at the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Apply before 5 p.m. on May 28 to take advantage of the correction period. If there is an error in your application, the department will make three attempts, within a 24-hour period, to notify you by telephone (if a phone number is provided) to get the application corrected. After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

Pheasant hunters should note that the deadline to apply for a pheasant tag has changed. The new deadline to apply coincides with the fall draw deadline of Tuesday, June 9 by 7 p.m. MST – postmarks do not count. Pheasant applicants are reminded there is a nonrefundable $7.50 application fee for successful and unsuccessful applicants.

Applicants for the draw can take advantage of the editable PDF application available at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Just type out your information on the computer, then print it out, sign, include your payment, and drop it off or mail it in (along with the correct fees using check or money order). Using this form helps prevent some of the common mistakes (missing information, using the unit numbers instead of the four-digit hunt number, etc.) and improves legibility.

Applicants should note, there is a new P.O. Box for submitting hunt permit applications. The new address is Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052. This address has been printed on the new envelopes. However, applications mailed to the old address will be automatically forwarded to the new address.

If, when looking at the regulations, you see changes from last year and you find yourself asking “why did they do that,” most likely the reason for the change is derived from the hunt guidelines. The hunt guidelines set the overall framework (biological and social) for determining the hunting seasons, structures and permits. The department is in the process of revising the guidelines that will be used for setting the 2010-11 and 2011-12 hunting seasons.

The direction for the next guideline revision is for standardization, simplification, and increasing hunter participation. Hunters are encouraged to participate. If you have an idea or suggestion, submit it to the hunt guideline team through May 31 to azgamebranch@azgfd.gov or to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

To learn more about the hunt guideline process, or to review and download the current guidelines, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Commission to receive critical riparian habitat as part of mining bankruptcy settlement
Gov. Brewer approves $30 million in ASARCO settlements to clean up former mine sites and compensate Arizona for natural resource damages

Governor Jan Brewer on May 19 announced the participation of Arizona in two settlements, valued at about $30 million in cash and land transfers to the State, with the copper mining company ASARCO.  The settlements were filed last month in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Texas and are awaiting approval.

The settlements compensate Arizona for damages to its natural resources and provide funds to Arizona to ensure cleanup of three historical mine sites -- Sacaton, northwest of the city of Casa Grande; Salero, northwest of the Town of Patagonia; and Trench, south of Patagonia.

The settlements are known as the Remediation Trust Settlement and the Natural Resource Damage Settlement.

The Natural Resource Damage Settlement provides nearly $4 million in unsecured claims for restoration, perpetual operation and maintenance and a transfer of three parcels of land, totaling about 1,000 acres, to the Trustees to be owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and managed for wildlife.

The parcels, located along about 4 miles of the Lower San Pedro River south of the towns of Winkelman and Hayden near the confluence with Aravaipa Creek, are home to many diverse species, including neo-tropical migratory birds, nesting raptors, the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, and waterfowl species. ASARCO and the State of Arizona have estimated the total cash value of the properties to be between $3 million and $4 million, and it compensates the State for damage done to Arizona’s natural resources.

"The San Pedro River supports nearly two-thirds of the avian diversity in the United States. All three parcels to be deeded to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in this settlement have dense riparian habitat and high ecological value. The Game and Fish Department will manage the parcels and associated water rights in perpetuity for wildlife benefits and in stewardship for the citizens of Arizona,” said Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles.

The settlements act to safeguard State Trust Land that abuts the three ASARCO parcels transferred to Game and Fish for preservation. The State Trust lands make up part of the riparian area along the San Pedro and are of great value to the state and the Permanent School Trust.

The settlements to resolve damage to natural resources are the result of negotiations among ASARCO, ADEQ, the Arizona State Land Department, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Attorney General, and the U.S. Departments of Justice and the Interior, represented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The damages for release of hazardous substances are being awarded under the federal Superfund law, and ADEQ acts as Arizona’s Natural Resource Trustee under federal law by delegation from the Governor.

Click here to read the complete article.

Arizona fishing license sales are up despite economic downturn

Arizona fishing license sales are up around 10 percent from last year despite the economic downtown – or possibly because of it.

“Most people are probably staying closer to home this year, and perhaps getting back to both quality and value experiences,” said Kirk Young, fisheries chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

When times are tough, Young said, people often focus on the things that matter most such as family, friends and quality time in the outdoors. “Plus fishing is almost a universal antidote for an ailing spirit. So it’s not surprising that more people are connecting with nature and fishing this year.”

Fishing in Arizona provides a great value for individuals as well. “For the price of a couple trips to the movies or a baseball game you can get a fishing license that lasts all year,” Young pointed out.

In fact, Young said, fishing in Arizona provides you value and a quality outdoor experience. “This is a great time to go fishing and reconnect with family, friends and the great outdoors.
After all, when was the last time you were able to talk to your kids, family, or friends without competing with the TV, video games, i-Pods or cell phones?”

A general fishing license for state waters (excluding urban waters) is only $23.50 for residents and $70.25 for nonresidents. A trout stamp is $15.75 for residents and $57.75 for nonresidents. An urban license that allows fishing at all Urban Fishing Program waters is $18.50 for residents and nonresidents. Licenses can be purchased at more than 340 authorized license dealers (sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, retailers) or at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office and are valid for the remainder of the calendar year.

The department also sells “family” and “super conservation” license packages that offer savings over the cost of the licenses if purchased individually. For example, a “family” fishing license for a family of four (adult, spouse, two children between the ages of 14 and 17) costs $69.25, or a savings of $62 over the cost of the licenses if purchased individually. Family licenses are available to Arizona residents only.

A “super conservation” license includes a general fishing license, a trout stamp and an urban license and costs $53 for residents—a savings of $5. Family and super conservation licenses can only be purchased at Game and Fish offices.

Want to know where to go and what to fish for? Check out the Arizona fishing locations map at www.azgfd.gov/fishing. You can also access the Weekly Fishing Report from a link on that Web page, or subscribe by visiting www.azgfd.gov/signup.

Prime camping season is here: Be bear aware

The prime camping season is underway and the Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind everyone to “Be Bear Aware” while recreating in the cool pines.

“The root cause of most human-bear conflicts is typically food. Please keep a clean camp, don’t intentionally feed wildlife, and be sure to keep your food stuffs well away from your sleeping area,” advises Ron Thompson, a furbearer biologist with the Game and Fish Department.

Biologists recommend all outdoor recreationists take the following precautions to minimize potential conflicts with bears and other wildlife:

• Never intentionally feed wildlife;
• Secure all garbage;
• Keep a clean camp;
• Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area;
• Store all foods, toiletries and other scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears;
• Wash-up, change clothing and remove all scented articles before retiring to your sleeping area;
• Walk or jog in groups. Pay attention to your surroundings when hiking, jogging or bicycling.
• Supervise your children (especially toddlers) and keep them in sight at all times.
• Keep your pets on a leash – don’t allow them to be free roaming. Or better yet, leave them at home if you can. Pets can easily get into conflicts with a wide range of wildlife from skunks to coyotes.

“Following these simple tips will greatly minimize your chance of having an undesirable encounter with a wild animal while visiting the outdoors. So please exercise your common sense and be safe out there,” said Thompson.

If you encounter a bear in a developed campground, notify the campground host. If you have a problem with a scavenging bear in the forest, notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

If you are confronted by a black bear (the only bear species in Arizona), it is advisable to follow these tips:

• Don’t run. Running elicits what is called a predator-prey response – if you run, the animal might instinctively want to chase and catch you. Despite their imposing size, bears are quick and can reach speeds of 40 mph.
• Stay calm.
• Continue facing it, and slowly back away.
• Try making yourself look as big and imposing as possible; put young children on your shoulders.
• Speak loudly or yell and let it know you are human (don’t scream).
• Make loud noises by clanging pans, using air horns, or whatever is available.
• If attacked, fight back.
• Never get between a female bear and her cubs.

Biologists advise that bears and other predators can be unpredictable, so the situation should dictate your actions.

Exercise safe, responsible OHV use over the Memorial Day weekend

As off-highway vehicle recreationists throughout the state prepare to take advantage of the busy Memorial Day weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all OHV users to practice safe and responsible use when out on the roads and trails.

OHV recreation can be fun and enjoyable but needs to be done safely and within laws and regulations so as not to detract from your or others’ enjoyment of the outdoors.

The department offers these tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable operating experience.

• Those 18 and younger are required by law to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding on an OHV. For safety reasons, it is recommended that all riders wear a helmet, including operators and passengers of side-by-sides.
  
• Only carry the number of passengers that a vehicle is made to carry. Particularly on ATVs, proper riding techniques require operators to shift their weight and position continually. Carrying a passenger can impede proper riding technique and drastically change how the vehicle responds. Many roll-over accidents can be attributed to the improper carrying of passengers on an ATV.  
  
• Riding areas and trail conditions can change dramatically in a very short time due to weather and other factors. Remember to assess the current conditions and be aware of possible hazards. Hazards to look out for include washouts, soil piping, obstacles, erosion, and other users.
  
• Always work to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat by staying on the roads and trails. If the current riding area isn’t enough of a challenge for you, don’t create your own route. Instead, try another riding area. Click here for a list of places to ride.
  
• “Operating while under the influence" laws are the same for OHVs as they are for any vehicle on a roadway. Never drink and drive, and always designate a driver.
  
• Always tell someone explicitly where you are going to be riding and when you plan to return.

Game and Fish recommends that off-highway vehicle operators take an OHV education class to become a more knowledgeable rider. The ATV Safety Institute (ASI), the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the Arizona State Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs are all examples of organizations that currently provide safety courses and training. There are classes year-round to give you hands-on experience on your vehicle. For more information on OHV education, visit www.azgfd.gov.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is close to launching an online OHV education course. The goal of this education effort is to create informed users that make prudent decisions while riding. Increasing awareness of the importance of safe and responsible riding is a cornerstone to ensuring future access opportunities.

For more information about safe, ethical and responsible OHV use in Arizona, go online to www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Great American Deer Raffle helps benefits Arizona’s deer herds

The Arizona Deer Association is sponsoring the Great American Deer Raffle to benefit Arizona's mule deer and Coues deer herds. One of the hunts available for raffle is an Arizona Commissioner’s Coues Deer tag. The winner of that drawing will receive a license and tag to hunt Coues whitetail deer throughout Arizona from Aug. 15, 2009 through Aug. 14, 2010 (per Commission Order 29). The raffle also offers other hunt opportunities.

You may order tickets for the Great American Deer Raffle online or by mail. Online orders must be received by June 22, 2009. Mail-in orders must be received by June 15, 2009. The drawing will be at the Arizona Deer Association’s annual fundraising banquet on June 27, 2009.

For more information, visit www.azdeer.org.

Tortoise adoption days provide wealth of information

Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets, and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment.

For approved applicants that are ready to adopt a desert tortoise, the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS) will be holding workshops to provide future custodians with a wealth of information on how to properly care for a captive desert tortoise.

Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the summer, including June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15. In addition, a special pre-hibernation clinic will be held on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help adopters learn more about their tortoise’s upcoming winter hibernation and how to properly prepare.

Adoptions are approved only after applicants have submitted an application and can demonstrate that they have a proper outdoor enclosure and burrow.

While these workshops are for already-approved adopters, anyone interested in becoming a tortoise custodian is encouraged to submit their application promptly in order to attend one of the free presentations.

Desert tortoises can live up to 100 years. They grow to be about 15 pounds and hibernate in the winter months. They eat plant material, including grasses, wildflowers and native cactus fruits. Once captive, desert tortoises cannot be released back into the wild. Captive animals can pass an upper respiratory disease to wild tortoise populations.

Game and Fish discourages tortoise custodians from allowing their animals to breed. Each year, there are more tortoises than good homes for adoption.

Tortoises adopted through the cooperative program between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and PHS are marked with identification and pass a health check before being available for adoption. 

State law prohibits taking these creatures from the wild, and federal law bans the transport of them across state lines.  

For information on the workshops, please visit www.phoenixherp.com. To learn more about adopting a desert tortoise, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Alternative sites to be considered for the Northern Arizona Shooting Facility

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has surveyed 13 alternative sites for consideration along with the Willard Springs site for the establishment of a public shooting range in northern Arizona.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission directed the department in March to produce a list of potential alternative approaches due to a multi-year timeline forecast by the Coconino National Forest to complete a land exchange for the Willard Springs site.

Since that commission directive, the department has surveyed new and previously evaluated sites for the much-needed shooting range in the Flagstaff region. Alternate site selection has been in coordination with private property owners, the Coconino National Forest, the current forest grazing permittee at Willard Springs, representatives of the Hopi Tribe, Camp Navajo and representatives from the Munds Park Community. The department is continuing to look at other alternative approaches prior to the commission’s June meeting in Phoenix.

To assist the selection process, the Department hired an independent firm to survey potential users for their opinions on, and demand for, a public outdoor shooting range in the northern Arizona region. The study entailed a telephone survey of hunting license holders from the Flagstaff area, a list of supporters who attended previous public meetings regarding this range proposal, and local law enforcement agencies. Survey questions included the distance/time they are willing to travel, past and future shooting participation, and preferred capabilities of the proposed range.

Click on the links below for survey results.

• Complete report: “Northern Arizona Hunters’ and Shooters’ Attitudes Toward a Shooting Range in Northern Arizona.”
  
• Tabulation of results from the “Survey of Law Enforcement Personnel Regarding an Outdoor Public Shooting Range in Northern Arizona.” (These tabulations are supplementary to the above report; the survey methodology is explained in that report.)

The complete list of viable alternative approaches will be presented at the commission meeting scheduled for June 26-27. That meeting will be held in Phoenix at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. However, the meeting may be viewed at any of the six regional offices by video conference. The public can offer comment remotely via blue slips during the appropriate agenda item. For a list of department offices, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Flagstaff is the largest city in Arizona without a public shooting facility, forcing recreational shooters to use makeshift areas, such as cinder pits in the forest, and causing law enforcement personnel to travel to other cities with shooting ranges for training.

Checkpoint leads to removal of impaired boaters

In an effort to keep the Colorado River waterways safe for recreational boating enthusiasts, the Arizona Game and Fish Department was part of a multi-agency OUI (Operating Under the Influence)/Safety Checkpoint on May 16.

The Nevada Division of Wildlife, National Park Service, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted the effort, which resulted in seven operators being cited for OUI (exceeding the .08 legal limit for blood-alcohol content), and one for aggravated OUI.

A total of 244 watercraft passed through the four-hour checkpoint at Katherine’s Landing and 67 citations were issued.

Twenty-seven percent of the boaters checked were not in compliance with equipment requirements and 31 percent had consumed alcohol.

“I’m disappointed with the number of boaters contacted who consumed alcohol,” said Tim Baumgarten, law enforcement program manager with the Game and Fish Department’s Region III office in Kingman.

Baumgarten noted that alcohol impairment was the fourth most common violation at the checkpoint. Not having a type IV throwable was the most common violation (28), followed by no fire extinguisher (13), and life jackets (9). Two citations were issued for consumption by a minor.

“I believe the operation was a success in that we removed impaired boaters from the waterway,” Baumgarten stated, “but people need to understand that recreation becomes potentially life threatening at these numbers.

Overall, 73 percent of the boaters were in compliance with boating regulations in regards to operating a watercraft without being impaired by alcohol and proper equipment, a 3 percent decrease from 2008.

The Game and Fish Department encourages boaters to take part in a boating education class. Available classes can be found on the department web site, www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Boat safely this busy Memorial Day weekend

National Safe Boating Week ends May 22, but the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds watercraft operators that safe boating should be exercised year-round.

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday means more boats are likely to be out on Arizona’s waterways. Here are some precautions you should take before heading out on the water to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience:

• Make sure enough life jackets are on board the boat for everyone, and make sure they’re all the right size, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, and in good working order, free from holes. Wear your life jacket.
• Know the “rules of the road.” The correct direction of travel on Arizona lakes is counterclockwise (shoreline off your right shoulder).
• Check that your boat’s motor and propulsion system are working right.
• Never operate a boat while intoxicated. Alcohol limits for boat operators are identical to those for motor vehicle drivers and you could be arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol if you exceed those limits.
• Don’t crowd other boaters, and remember to maintain a safe distance when passing others.
• Know the passenger and weight limits for your boat, so you can avoid overloading it.
• Make sure your fire extinguishers work.
• Put drain plugs back in your boat after winter storage.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/boating to view other boating regulations, too. 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends taking a boating education class. Statistics show knowledgeable boaters are safe boaters. Those interested in taking a Game and Fish boating safety class can call (623) 236-7235 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boat-ed for more information.

Big Game Super Raffle offers hunt of a lifetime, benefits conservation

For as little as five dollars you can get a chance at a great hunt. For $25, that highly sought-after tag for desert bighorn sheep or a bull elk may be yours.

 The Arizona Big Game Super Raffle now has 10 special big game tags up for raffle to raise money for wildlife conservation in Arizona. The deadline to purchase tickets by mail is July 3 (postmarks don’t count). The deadline to purchase tickets online is July 12.

The big game tags up for raffle include one each for pronghorn antelope, black bear, buffalo, Coues whitetail, desert bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, mule deer, turkey (Gould’s or Merriam’s), and now mountain lion. In addition, there will be a Swarovski optics package raffled, which will pay for the administration costs of the Super Raffle.

What makes these tags so special? The season dates for each hunt will be 365 days starting Aug. 15 and there are very few limitations on hunting areas.

Launched in 2006 by a consortium of sportsmen’s / conservation groups in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission as a way to raise money for wildlife conservation, the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle returns all ticket proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Every dollar raised for each species will go directly toward the management of that particular species.
 
Last year’s raffle raised $478,860.

Raffle tickets cost between $5 and $25, depending on species, and a ticket for all 11 raffles is only $150. Tickets can be purchased by mail using the downloadable order form and making a check payable to AZBGSR. Mail the form and payment to AZBGSR, P.O. Box 61713, Phoenix, AZ 85082. You can also buy tickets online at www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com. The site is a verified Authorize.Net merchant site and accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

The public drawing is Saturday, July 18. The time and location will be announced soon.

Special big game tags are granted to qualifying nonprofit organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through a public application process each year per A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120.

Wildlife conservation and management of game animals 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.

So, the next time you see a herd of elk near Flagstaff, or antelope in an open plain of Prescott, or if you’re lucky enough to spot a desert bighorn sheep peering down from a cliff in the desolate desert, remember to thank a hunter – wildlife’s original conservationists.

Fire restrictions implemented for some Game and Fish wildlife areas

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is following the lead of other agencies and has implemented fire restrictions at some of its wildlife areas.

Wildlife officials said a good rule of thumb to follow is that if a state wildlife area is located within a national forest or other jurisdiction such as the BLM or State Land Department that has implemented fire restrictions, then expect Game and Fish to follow suit.

For the latest updates on fire restrictions in Arizona, visit the Public Lands Information Center.

The Game and Fish Department has implemented restrictions at:

• Alamo Wildlife Area
• Aravaipa Wildlife Area
• Arlington Wildlife Area
• Base and Meridian Wildlife Area
• Powers Butte Wildlife Area
• Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
• Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area
• Three Bar Wildlife Area
• Upper Verde Wildlife Area

In those affected wildlife areas, no open fires are allowed, including charcoal-burning barbecues. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, is prohibited. However, you can still use gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices.

Sign up now for popular bighorn sheep workshops
Space is limited; reservations will be filled through draw process

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering the public an opportunity to view the majestic bighorn sheep in their natural habitat during its annual Bighorn Sheep Workshops.

The workshop offers wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about these sure-footed animals and view them in their native habitat during two separate two-day workshops on July 31-Aug. 1 and Aug. 7-8.

The first day of each workshop involves mandatory classroom education from 6-8 p.m. at the Kingman Game and Fish office, followed the next day by a field trip on the Colorado River from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sheep-viewing boat trip will depart from Willow Beach.

These popular workshops are open members of the public age 14 and up. Nobody under 14 will be registered. Space, however, is limited to 40 people per session. Preference will be given to those who have not attended the workshop in the last two years.

Participants will be selected through a draw process. Applications received on or before June 22 will be drawn at random. Following the draw, all applicants will be contacted by mail.

“The draw process is an attempt to give people in outlying areas of Arizona a chance to make it on one of the two workshops,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer in Kingman. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, and that’s difficult with only 80 open spaces over two weeks.”

The workshops include an optional tour the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery prior to the Colorado River field trip. The 45-minute tour will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature both sport fish and endangered native fish.

To reserve a spot, a $20 per person refundable deposit is required in the form of a check made out to the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to help reduce the problem of no-shows. The money is refunded when a person either attends the workshop or calls to cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Wildlife for Tomorrow is a non-profit group that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Registration is by mail only. Send the check to: Sheep Workshop, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ  86409. Include the names of participants, address, phone, e-mail (if available) and specify which weekend is preferred. Also, please include a note if you are interested in the tour of the fish hatchery.

Cash donations, which are not mandatory to participate, will be accepted at the workshop to help offset increasing costs for boat rentals and fuel. Please do not send cash donations prior to the event.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. No tripods will be allowed on the boats, but small coolers are okay.

“It will be hot on the river,” Mocarski advised, “but that’s when bighorn come down for a drink. There is limited shade on the boats, but the temperatures will be in the triple digits.”

Anyone with questions about the workshop may contact Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, ext. 2301, or e-mail: zmocarski@azgfd.gov.

Submit your best wildlife photos for the 2010 calendar contest

Blow the dust off your camera lens and lace up your hiking boots — it’s time to start taking pictures for our annual wildlife photo contest. Your best images could grab a coveted spot in the 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar.

Winning wildlife images will grace the 2010 calendar, and winners will receive cash prizes. Also this year, a slideshow highlighting honorable mention photographs will be displayed on our Web page, giving your photos many more chances to be seen. Pictures are judged anonymously — there is no personal information included with them during the judging process.

New this year: Contestants are allowed to enter only three (3) photographs, so send us the best of your best and you just might win.

Mark your calendar and start shooting! The deadline for submissions to this year’s wildlife photo contest is July 6 at 5 p.m. MST. There is no fee to enter. For contest rules and an entry form, visit www.azgfd.gov/photocontest.

Kingman wildlife presentations set through summer
Urban wildlife talk to be held May 28

With recent events around Kingman and in other areas of Arizona, Game and Fish Department personnel will discuss “Urban Wildlife” at the next presentation of the Summer Wildlife Series in Kingman, May 28.

All presentations, which will be held from May through August, run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Powerhouse Visitor’s Center Event Room. Personnel will remain afterward to answer questions. Admission is free.

“Urban wildlife seems like a timely subject,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Kingman office. “And, as the population continues to grow, people will have increased encounters with wildlife.”

Mocarski said the upcoming presentation will include information on Game and Fish response, decision-making, capture methods, dangers, and past issues.

“Recent examples of human-wildlife encounters provide an opportunity to educate the public,” Mocarski said. “There are just too many myths out there and few people truly understand the dangers and potential problems associated with encounters and captures.”

Mocarski added that he has finalized the entire Summer Wildlife Series season. Upcoming topics are:

• June 11 – Hunting Arizona
• June 25 – Fishing: Largemouth Bass
• July 9 – Northern Arizona Predators
• July 23 – Bats of Arizona
• Aug. 6 – Fishing: Catfish
• Aug. 20 – Desert Bighorn Sheep

The series kicked off the season on May 14 with a presentation on venomous critters.

“I think this series provides a fantastic opportunity for the public,” Mocarski said. “We had 35 at the first presentation and I’m hoping these crowds will grow as we continue through the summer. I believe people always walk away having learned something new.”

The Powerhouse Visitor’s Center is located at 120 W. Andy Devine (across from Locomotive Park). For more information, please contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, Ext. 2301.