- Outdoor Expo sets attendance record
- Next commission meeting is April 17-18; fall hunt orders to be set
- You can help wildlife at tax time
- Kids get opportunity to gobble up the passion for hunting wild turkey
- Governor appoints Jack Husted to Game and Fish Commission
- Ferret-finding mission proves successful
- Recommendations for the 2009-10 hunting regulations available for review
- World-class archers take aim at Arizona Cup
- Spring turkey hunters should be aware of wolves’ presence
- Elk and antelope draw results are available
- Nomination deadline for Outdoor Hall of Fame candidates is May 1
Outdoor Expo sets attendance record
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Outdoor Expo drew a record 35,000 people over the March 28-29 weekend, breaking last year’s attendance of 26,000.
The event was held at the 1,650-acre Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, a world-renowned five-star range that is listed as a Phoenix Point of Pride.
“We host the Expo each year to give the public a chance to learn about Arizona’s amazing wildlife resources and recreational opportunities,” said Assistant Director Ty Gray. “The family event gives outdoor enthusiasts and novices a hands-on chance to discover or experience activities like wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, archery, camping, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating recreation.”
Expo activities were held in four different locations throughout the Ben Avery range. An expanded family area included live wildlife displays (hawks, owls, small mammals, snakes and lizards), catch-and-release fishing for kids, casting demos and fishing tips for adults, archery classes, and outdoor workshops.
Other areas provided the chance to learn about specialty shooting sports or try out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, view off-highway vehicle demonstrations and learn about responsible OHV riding, see boating displays and learn about boating recreation and safety, observe hunting dog demonstrations, and view exciting cowboy mounted shooting competition.
Visitors were also able to visit with about 150 exhibitors, including sportsmen’s/conservation organizations, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.
In addition to the weekend Expo, the department’s second annual pre-Expo “Youth Day’ was held on Friday, March 27. The event focused on wildlife and conservation education and was attended by 1,400 pre-registered public, private, charter and home school children accompanied by 400 adult chaperones.
Gold sponsors of the 2009 Outdoor Expo were PIERCE Bullet Seal Target Systems and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.
Next year’s Outdoor Expo will be held March 27-28, 2010, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. More information will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/expoas it becomes available.
Next commission meeting is April 17-18; fall hunt orders to be set
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will consider the proposed commission orders for the 2009-10 hunting seasons for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear and mountain lion during the Saturday portion of the commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting on April 17-18.
The meeting will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the
For a list of office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.
Those viewing the meeting at the regional offices will be able to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment on the “call for comment” portions of the agenda, just as if they were attending the meeting in person.
The Friday, April 17 portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:
- Updates on legislative, lands, nongame, and information/education/watchable wildlife activities.
- Request for commission approval for the department to execute a lease termination agreement to relinquish the lease at the Deer Valley South complex in exchange for the City of Phoenix’s payment of the commission’s corporate hangar lease annual rental at Deer Valley Airport through 2022.
- Request for commission approval for renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding between the commission, the U.S. Forest Service and the Pinetop-Lakeside Sanitary District for continued cooperation regarding management of Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area in Navajo County.
- Request for commission approval of the master agreement for permit with Arizona Public Service for the purpose of continuing service for construction, operation and maintenance of electric poles and lines that provide electricity to and through the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
- Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.
The Saturday, April 18 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:
- Consideration and approval of commission orders 2 (deer), 5-10 (turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear and mountain lion), and 26 (population management), establishing seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers, and open areas for the 2009-10 hunting season.
- Approval of the hunt permit-tag application schedule for fall 2009 hunts.
- Approval of the 12A Habitat Stamp Fund budget for calendar year 2009.
- An informational presentation from the Hopi Tribe on the future relationship between the tribe and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This presentation is for informational purposes only; no action will be taken by the commission at this time.
- Updates on shooting sports activities.
The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on the agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commissionand click on the commission agenda link.
You can help wildlife at tax time
Check off the state tax return box for the Arizona Wildlife Fund
Many of us are busy trying to finish filling out our income tax returns as deadline day approaches on April 15. But, did you know that tax deadline day also offers you an opportunity to help our state’s bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, desert tortoises, native fish, and other wildlife?
All you have to do is check off a box labeled “Arizona Wildlife” on your state income tax return.
“While we recognize that economic times are difficult for many residents right now, we hope that people will recognize the value of protecting our wildlife during these critical periods,” says Mike Senn, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s assistant director of wildlife management.
“The state’s wildlife resources provide many different low-cost recreational opportunities for enthusiasts to enjoy. With one check of a box, they can donate part or all of their state income tax refund to help animals.”
The Arizona Wildlife Fund box first appeared on the state income tax form in 1982. Money goes to the Arizona Game, Nongame, Fish and Endangered Species Fund to benefit hundreds of nongame species of animals. Voluntary gifts to the fund can also be made on your state income tax form by checking the box, which is numbered “42.”
“These gifts help us fund important work in learning more about Arizona’s wildlife, which benefits all of the people who live in and visit our state,” says Senn. “We’re grateful to everyone who chooses to check off the box and help conserve the state’s unique species.”
Kids get opportunity to gobble up the passion for hunting wild turkey
Juniors-only spring turkey tags now offered over-the-counter
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is now offering juniors-only spring turkey hunting tags over-the-counter for the 2009 season. The change to the tag allocation method is in an effort to introduce youngsters to the American hunting tradition and wildlife conservation.
In previous years, the tags were issued through a random lottery draw process. Now, parents, relatives and friends can pick up a tag for a youngster at any department office or license dealer and take a kid out spring turkey hunting to experience nature and wildlife like never before, and try to trick a wary wild turkey to respond to their calls.
“Hunting strutting turkeys in the spring season is incredibly exciting, and is probably one of the best ways to introduce a youngster to big game hunting,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management with the department. “Our goal with this change was to get kids back into the field by removing one of the key barriers to hunting - the application and lottery process.”
To celebrate this new opportunity, the department is coordinating two “Juniors’ Turkey Camps” hosted by a number of conservation organizations who are dedicated to introducing kids to hunting. They include the Arizona Deer Association, Arizona Elk Society, Chandler Rod and Gun Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Outdoor Experience 4 All, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Without their dedication, time, money and resources, these camps would not be possible.
Both camps run Friday to Sunday morning, April 17-19. Each camp will offer:
- Experienced hunters to provide one-on-one coaching or even assist you in the field
- Advice from wildlife managers on where to focus your hunting efforts
- Seminars Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. on how to call and hunt turkeys – Steve Sams, state chair for the National Wild Turkey Federation, will be the featured instructor at the Mogollon Rim Camp
- Calls and giveaways to youth hunters (while supplies last)
- Free afternoon food, snacks and drinks
- Free hotdogs and hamburgers Friday and Saturday evening (White Mountain Camp)
- Campfire entertainment with a renowned banjo picker Saturday evening (Mogollon Rim Camp)
Those desiring field assistance should contact the respective camp coordinators to work out logistics prior to the actual camps.
The camps are located at:
- Mogollon Rim Camp - serving Game Management Units 3C, 4A, 4B, and 23, is based at Colcord Ridge Campground, located 33 miles east of Payson. Take SR 260 to Forest Road (FR) 512 (Young Road) and turn right, then travel 3.2 miles to the campground on your left. For more information, contact Wildlife Manager Supervisor Craig McMullen at cmcmullen@azgfd.gov.
- White Mountains Camp – serving Game Management Units 1 and 27, is based near Alpine, located at the junction of FR 249 and FR 276, 5 miles west of Alpine. For more information, contact Wildlife Manager Supervisor Mike Godwin at mikegodwin@frontiernet.net.
The juniors-only season for bearded turkey runs from April 17 – May 21, opening a week earlier than the general season. Open areas are limited to Units 1, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (except Camp Navajo), 7, 8, 10, 12A, 23 and 27. Junior hunters must be between 10-17 years old, and kids younger than 14 are required to complete a certified hunter education course prior to the hunt. The cost of a nonpermit-tag is $10. In addition to the turkey tag, young hunters are required to have a 2009 general hunting license.
Turkey hunters are reminded that heavy snow and road closures still exist in some high-elevation areas. Furthermore, weather conditions in Arizona’s high country during this time of year change quickly and hunters should prepare for freezing temperatures, snow, rain and/or sunshine – so dress and pack accordingly.
Contacts for the latest updates on road closures and conditions are:
Arizona Department of Transportation, 5-1-1 or (602) 712-7355 or www.az511.com
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, (928) 333-4301 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3600 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai
Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
Arizona is home to three subspecies of wild turkey: the Merriam’s (the most abundant), the Gould’s (found mostly in the southern reaches of the state), and the Rio Grande (recently translocated to the far northwest of the state on the Arizona Strip). For additional information about wild turkeys, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_turkey.shtml.
Governor appoints Jack Husted to Game and Fish Commission
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on April 3 announced the appointment of Jack Husted to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
“Mr. Husted is very well-versed in wildlife issues,” stated Brewer. “His deep roots in this state and his commitment to public service will prove vital to Arizona’s wildlife management.”
Husted has a broad background in both the public and private sectors. He has experience and expertise in local government and law enforcement, having served as a deputy county sheriff in Pima County, as a reserve game ranger for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and as a town councilman for the Town of Eagar. Beyond his public service, he is a successful small business owner.
Throughout his adult life, Husted has been very active in his community. He has served on several boards, including the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, the Arizona State Transportation Board, and the Springerville-Eagar Chamber. He also offers his time as a deacon/elder of the Community Presbyterian Church in Springerville, Ariz.
A third-generation Arizonan and lifelong hunter and sportsman, Husted is affiliated with several wildlife organizations. His family also has long-standing ties to ranching in the State of Arizona. He resides in Springerville with his wife and has two grown children.
Husted’s appointment requires confirmation by the Arizona Senate.
Ferret-finding mission proves successful
Ninety-two people braved the cold weather and long nights for an opportunity to call in: “we’ve got one.”
The dedicated volunteers joined Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel for five nights in the Aubrey Valley to spotlight for the elusive, nocturnal, endangered black-footed ferret.
In all, the group of participants caught 33 ferrets, 24 of which were unique individuals, meaning they are wild born and had never before been trapped. Two of the ferrets captured were first documented in 2006, displaying longevity in the wild.
“I’m excited about the numbers,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager for the Game and Fish Department’s Kingman office. “You think about this one spotlighting effort and compare it to where the ferrets once were and you can’t help but be pleased.”
The black-footed ferret was twice thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in 1981. After a disease outbreak, a mere 18 of the black-footed ferrets remained in the world. Those final 18 were captured and captive breeding efforts began in 1985.
In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley was selected as a reintroduction site and it was five years before the first documentation of wild-born ferrets.
“From where this animal was to where it is now is a testament to the dedication of Game and Fish personnel and the volunteers who have braved the cold and long nights to bring this animal back from the brink of extinction,” Pebworth said.
The latest spotlighting effort – which involves backpack-spotlighting from dusk until dawn – was a success, in large part, because of those willing to volunteer their time.
“Volunteers have played a critical role in the reintroduction process since Day One,” Pebworth said. “Without their dedication, I’m not sure we’d have as good an understanding of where we stand in this reintroduction effort.”
A fall spotlighting effort will take place in October. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the black-footed ferret field station at azferret@azgfd.govto receive more information.
Recommendations for the 2009-10 hunting regulations available for review
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for the 2009-10 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations are now available for review in PDF format on the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunt_guidelines.shtmland will also be available at a series of open houses at the regional Game and Fish offices.
The 2009-10 recommendations take into consideration the public input received from a series of regional public forums held in March. Department officials said this new process addresses the concerns of hunters earlier in the process, when there is still time to make changes if they are warranted, and give constituents a look at any potential changes before they happen.
During the regional open houses, no formal presentation will be made. However, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations. The schedule of remaining open houses is:
- Tuesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
- Tuesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
- Tuesday, April 14, 3-5 p.m. – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
- Tuesday, April 14, 5-7 p.m. – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road
- Tuesday, April 14, 3-5 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive
An open house was held at the Kingman regional office on April 7.
The final recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration during its April 17-18 meeting in Phoenix at the department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commissionunder commission agenda.
Each year, the department makes recommendations to the commission regarding the management of big 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 next guidelines will be set in the summer of 2010 for hunting seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12.
World-class archers take aim at Arizona Cup
More than 200 archers from six countries and 29 states are squaring off at the 2009 AAE Arizona Cup today through Sunday (April 10-12), at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.
This is the 20th anniversary of the Arizona Cup competition.
Among the elite archers competing is Brady Ellison of Glendale, who represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and several other former Olympians and world-class archers.
“This event is the largest international-style archery competition in the U.S.,” says Bob Pian, tournament coordinator. “It’s a qualifying event for the U.S. Archery Team and also is one of the events used to determine world rankings.”
Elimination rounds started yesterday and will continue today (Friday) and tomorrow from about 9 a.m. until noon. Medal rounds will be held tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. National team rounds will be held starting around 9 a.m. on Sunday.
The Arizona Cup is hosted by the Arizona State Archery Association and is sponsored by Arizona Archery Enterprises (AAE)/Cavalier USA. Supporting sponsors include Easton, Hoyt, Carter Enterprises and Sure-Loc archery products.
The event is held at the FITA Archery Range on the grounds of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. in Phoenix. To get to the facility, take I-17 to the Carefree Highway exit (Exit 223) and go about 1.5 miles west on Carefree Highway to the entrance at Archery Drive (stoplight by the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters). Turn right at the stoplight and follow the signs to the archery area.
Admission to the public is free.
Spring turkey hunters should be aware of wolves’ presence
Hunters have played a significant role over the past 100 years in recovering and re-establishing wildlife populations across our country, ranging from white-tailed deer to wild turkey and Canada geese. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking hunters to step up once again to assist in recovering a wildlife species to its historic range in east-central Arizona.
If you are hunting this year in Units 1, 3B, 27 or surrounding areas, be aware that Mexican wolves may be present. Over the past several years, several wolves have been illegally shot, causing significant setbacks to the reintroduction project.
It’s possible that several of these shootings were cases of mistaken identity – that the shooter believed the target was a coyote. It can be difficult to distinguish wolves from coyotes, especially if the sighting is brief, the animal is far away, if it’s a juvenile wolf, or a wolf in its summer coat.
“Hunters planning on pursuing spring turkey in these units should be aware that the very nature of turkey calling can draw a predator to the source of the call,” says Bruce Sitko, department spokesman in the Pinetop Game and Fish office. “A coyote will immediately flee once it recognizes a human is involved in making the call. A wolf, on the other hand, is naturally curious, and may stand or sit staring at the caller for a time.”
“We’re asking all sportsmen and women who potentially will be pursuing game animals in east-central Arizona to know the identification characteristics and differences between wolves and coyotes and to be familiar with the regulations regarding interactions with wolves,” continues Sitko. “Be absolutely sure of your target, because the consequences are significant.”
Mexican wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. However, you may legally harass a wolf without injuring it, but you must report the incident within 7 days. You may not legally kill or injure a wolf just because it’s near you.
You can legally harass, injure or kill a wolf in defense of human life, but you must report it within 24 hours. Few people have had to frighten Mexican wolves away, and no one has been injured by one. “Most people report that hearing or seeing wolves has not affected the success of their hunt and say a sighting has actually added to the quality of their outdoor experience,” notes Sitko.
Violations of these rules are subject to prosecution. Criminal penalties may be imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of up to $50,000 and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
For questions regarding Mexican wolves, regulations, and the differences in characteristics between coyotes and wolves, visit the department Web site at www.azgfd.gov/wolf.
Wolves normally avoid human contact, but, like other wildlife, they could become habituated to people. This is especially true if campers feed them.
Sitko advises, “If a wolf should approach you, raise your arms and look as big as possible. Yell or throw rocks to scare it away. Back away slowly – never run.”
Some other tips are:
- Keep a clean camp.
- Prepare and store food and wash dishes away from sleeping areas.
- Properly store garbage in camp and dispose of trash in predator-proof receptacle.
- Keep pets close. Do not leave them unattended or allowed to run free.
- Never feed wildlife.
For more information, contact Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager, Pinetop Region 1 at (928) 367-4281 or bsitko@azgfd.gov.
Elk and antelope draw results are available
If you haven’t yet had a chance to check elk and antelope draw results, you can find out if you’ve been drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 and following the prompts.
Be prepared to provide your department identification number, plus your birth date to access your specific draw information.
Hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than April 24. Refunds for unsuccessful applicants (minus the application fee) will be mailed out to the person shown as “Applicant A” on the application form no later than April 24. Any licenses requested via the draw application process, regardless of draw success, are scheduled to be mailed out prior to April 24.
There are 41 leftover general antlerless elk tags for limited opportunity hunts and 55 leftover archery-only antlerless elk tags for limited opportunity hunts that can be applied for by mail only beginning April 27 (first-come, first-served). The list of leftover tags is posted at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Please mail applications to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Draw/1st Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
There are also some military hunts remaining at Camp Navajo for those eligible. For more information, visit the Camp Navajo Web site at www.campnavajo.comor e-mail hunting@campnavajo.com.
Nomination deadline for Outdoor Hall of Fame candidates is May 1
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s candidates for induction into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. The deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m. on May 1, 2009.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.
To obtain a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtmland return the completed form along with all supplemental materials to Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Marty Fabritz, DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Completed forms and materials can also be submitted by fax to (623) 236-7299 or by e-mail to mfabritz@azgfd.gov.
This year’s inductees will be honored at the 12th annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 21 at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale.
The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation. Selections for induction are made annually by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s board of directors, who review nominations that have been submitted.
Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources. The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources are not adequate.
For more information about the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtmlor call (623) 236-7281.
For more information about the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.
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The Wildlife News e-newsletter is issued every other week and contains detailed and comprehensive information on the activities of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. To sign up for this newsletter or other Arizona Game and Fish Department electronic information products, go to www.azgfd.gov/signup.