• Elk and pronghorn application deadline almost here
• A limited supply of javelina hunting tags remain
• Next Game and Fish Commission meeting is Feb. 5
• Annual Bald Eagle Workshop set for Flagstaff
• Join Valentine’s Day bike run for sick and injured wildlife
• Frontier history comes alive at national muzzle loader shoot
• Game and Fish seeks ferret-finding volunteers
• Wildlife populations in Arizona were not jeopardized by storms
• 2009 urban big fish records announced
• Visit Arizona Game and Fish at the ISE show
• Wildlife action plan public meetings continue in February
• Governor’s office approves AZGFD request to pursue certain rulemakings

Elk and pronghorn application deadline almost here

The Feb. 9 application deadline to submit elk and pronghorn hunt applications is rapidly approaching – don’t procrastinate any longer.

Applications must be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department by U.S. mail to P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052 or hand-delivered to any department office by Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 by 7 p.m. (MST) – postmarks do not count.

There is no online application service available.

The regulations for Arizona’s 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope seasons are available at hunting and fishing license dealers throughout the state, at all Game and Fish offices, or online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Hunters are reminded a 2010 hunting license is required to apply.
To learn more about the big game draw lottery process, bonus points, and available leftover spring hunting permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Donate an outdoor magazine for military stationed overseas:

You can give a piece of the outdoors to the men and women stationed overseas with our U.S. military by dropping off your current or old outdoor magazines at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office.

The Outdoor Experience 4 All is conducting another magazine drive for the troops to follow up on last fall’s successful effort. There will be magazine collection points at all Game and Fish Department offices through the elk and antelope draw deadline on Feb. 9. There are locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Flagstaff, Pinetop, Kingman, Tucson and Yuma. For addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Once collected, the donated magazines will be added to care packages prepared by Blue Star Mom’s to send "a little bit of home to our sons and daughters” overseas. Last fall’s effort resulted in nearly 5,000 magazines being shipped to the troops.

To learn more about the magazine drive, contact www.outdoorexperienceforall.org or www.bluestarmoms.org.

Dropping off your application at the Mesa office? Sign-up for a blood drive:

The Red Cross will be at the Mesa regional office conducting a blood drive on deadline day, Feb. 9. There are 48 slots between 12:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. If you would like to give blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE with sponsor code OE4A to make an appointment. The Mesa office is located at 7200 E. University Drive.

A limited supply of javelina hunting tags remain

Time is running out to get one of the limited spring javelina tags remaining before the last two hunting seasons close for the year. The hunt permit-tags are available for purchase in person at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish offices.

“As the desert begins to green up from the recent rain and snowfall, javelina should be a little easier to spot in your binoculars due to the contrasting colors,” said Big Game Program Manager, Jim Hinkle. “The moist soil can also improve your ability to stalk quietly within range.”

The next open javelina hunt is the HAM season (handgun, archery or muzzleloader). It runs from Feb. 5-14, offering two full weekends to hunt. There are more than 700 tags still available and hunters have a choice of more than 15 different units in which to hunt (availability subject to change).

For rifle hunters, more than 1,000 tags remain for the general season, open from Feb. 19-25. There are more than a dozen open hunting areas to choose from for these tags (availability subject to change).

“With all the water available, javelina should be well distributed; however, they won’t need to cover as much territory when feeding, and they may get their fill early. Hunters will need to be in glassing position by first light to spot animals moving through corridors and feeding,” added Hinkle.

A 2010 general hunting license ($32.25 resident) and a javelina hunt-permit tag ($28.75 resident) are required. Young hunters ages 10-13 must have completed a certified hunter education course to hunt javelina and other big game animals.

When picking up your hunting tag at your local Game and Fish office, grab a copy of the January-February 2010 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. Inside you will find a helpful article titled, “I See Pigs” that will get you prepared for your hunt with tips about the habits and habitats of javelina. If you find the award-winning, full-color magazine helpful, an annual subscription of six issues is just $8.50. To subscribe, visit www.azgfd.gov/magazine.

Regardless of how your hunt turns out, Hinkle adds, “Now is a great time to get outside with friends or family and experience the desert. Animals you will most likely encounter include quail, rabbits, coyotes, deer and birds. After these good seasonal rains, the air is crisp, and wildlife and fauna come to life. ”

For a list of available spring javelina hunts, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw under “View List of Leftover 2010 Spring Hunts for Turkey, Javelina and Bear.”

Next Game and Fish Commission meeting is Feb. 5

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Friday, Feb. 5, at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

Items on the one-day agenda include:

• An update on the current status of the remainder of the department’s 2010 budget and of the 2011 budget.
• Consideration of approval of the Master Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the commission and the U.S. Forest Service Southwest Regional Office to replace the existing MOU.
• Consideration of approval of a state land use permit with the Arizona State Land Department for the purpose of statewide wildlife water improvements on state trust lands.
• A presentation on the current status of the Species and Habitat Conservation Guide (SHCG) and the Geospatial Planning Tool.
• Consideration of approval of a Notice of Docket Opening and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for one new rule and several rule amendments (see last article in this newsletter for more details).
• A briefing on the department’s involvement in Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico and related recovery and conservation issues.
• Updates on state and federal legislation, state and federal lands issues and activities, information/education/wildlife recreation activities, and shooting sports/shooting range activities.
• Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of five Game and Fish regional offices (Flagstaff is unavailable at this time due to office construction); or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at the regional Game and Fish offices (again, Flagstaff will be unavailable). For office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

Annual Bald Eagle Workshop set for Flagstaff

Ever wonder where eagles go during the wintertime?

Find this out and more at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Annual Bald Eagle Workshop in Flagstaff on Saturday, Feb. 20.

The free workshop will be divided into two sessions; each one will include an informative lecture followed by a field trip to observe eagles. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. and the second at 11 a.m.

The lectures will be held at the Law Enforcement Administration Facility (LEAF) at 911 Sawmill Road in Flagstaff, which is the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office facility.

Biologists from the department will discuss bald eagle management and research in Arizona. The day will also include the opportunity to see a live bald eagle up close and personal, and a chance to talk with dedicated individuals from Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation.

“The primary goal of the workshop is to educate people about eagles in Arizona but also to show the importance of wildlife management and the cooperation involved,” says Shelly Shepherd, information and education program manager for the department’s Flagstaff region. “This is a popular workshop and we are happy to see such an interest in our Arizona wildlife.”

Anyone interested in attending will need to register with the Game and Fish Flagstaff office at (928) 774-5045 by 3 p.m. on Friday Feb. 19. People are reminded to dress appropriately for weather conditions, bring binoculars, bird field guidebooks, snacks and water. Be advised field trips may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Have a heart:
Join Valentine’s Day bike run for sick and injured wildlife
   
Looking for something different to do with your Valentine this year?

What better way to celebrate the occasion than on the back of a motorcycle enjoying Arizona’s landscape, all while benefiting sick and injured wildlife?

Riders are invited to participate in the family-friendly “Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run” on Feb. 14. The fundraiser helps with the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center, and is hosted by the center’s auxiliary.

“Flowers and candy are nice, but this bike run is an opportunity for you and your Valentine to spend the day together doing something different, all while helping raise money for wildlife rehabilitation and education,” says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Wildlife Center. “The whole family is sure to have fun with a variety of activities, including the poker run, plus wildlife exhibits, a live band, and a raffle for prizes that include NASCAR and NHRA pit passes.”

Riders will enjoy approximately 130 miles of scenic Arizona, beginning at Arrowhead Harley Davidson at 16130 Fountain Center in Peoria and ending at Dillon’s at Lake Pleasant’s Scorpion Bay Marina.

Throughout the route, riders will stop at designated locations to collect a playing card, with the best hand of five cards winning a prize at the end of the ride. Even the non-riders in the family can partake by joining riders after 12 p.m. to enjoy the activities at the final destination.

The tax-deductible cost to participate is $25 per rider or $30 per rider and passenger with lunch provided to all registered riders. This reduced pre-registration cost is offered through Feb. 1, and the first 300 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt and a 5-year anniversary ride pin.

After Feb. 1, the cost to participate will be $30 per rider or $35 per rider and passenger. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. For more information and to register, visit the Wildlife Center’s volunteer auxiliary Web site at www.azwildlifecenter.net/events or call (623) 587-0139. 

Founded in May 1983, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. The center’s mission is carried out with a small budget from the state’s Heritage Fund, making fundraising an important contributor to the care of the animals.

The Heritage Fund, a voter-passed initiative, was started in 1990 to further conservation efforts in the state, including protecting endangered species, educating children about wildlife, helping urban residents to better coexist with wildlife, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Funding comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales. 
   

Frontier history comes alive at national muzzle loader shoot

Come enjoy a smokin’ saga of living frontier history during the National Muzzle Loader Rifle Association’s Western National Shoot Feb. 10-15 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility on the northern edge of Phoenix.

Bring along your coonskin cap and Davy Crockett frame of mind because participants will be dressed in period clothing while shooting black powder rifles, throwing knives and tomahawks, wielding chunk guns and even firing smoke-belching cannons.

There’s a little something for everyone at this “historical, cultural and educational event” at the nation’s largest public shooting complex along Carefree Highway just west of Interstate 17.

There is no entry fee, but you can expect to pay a nominal fee for parking. Events run all day long. You’ll even find contestants camping out in teepees and cooking over campfires.

Many of these matches are loads of fun for contestants and spectators alike.

For instance, there is the “turkey machine shoot” where a shooter in a blind has to use a turkey call. If the turkey calling is good enough, a turkey head target will briefly appear down range for the contestant to shoot at with a black powder rifle or musket. At the end of the multi-day event, someone will be crowned “the best turkey hunter.”

There are even international matches.

Be sure to set your palate for frontier vittles and bring along some wampum in your wallet – once again there will be a Traders Row where you can purchase everything from mountain man stew (or hot dogs) to period clothing and vintage black powder firearms. There will also be plenty of bygone era toys available to fuel the imagination of your youngsters. Want your own cannon? You can probably buy one there.

For more information, visit the National Muzzle Loader Web site at www.nmlra.org/index.asp .

Wildlife populations in Arizona were not jeopardized by storms

The winter storms and accompanying deep snows that impacted Arizona recently made life challenging for wildlife in the short term, but there were no significant impacts to most species, especially large animals such as elk and deer.

Brian Wakeling, the game chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said Arizona’s high country now has lots of deep snow which can make it challenging for elk, deer and other wild animals. “But what we experienced was a fairly warm storm without prolonged cold conditions.”

Most wild animals are adapted so they can survive days without eating, possibly even a week or more if necessary. “The key is the cold – how tough is it for them to break through the snow to reach their forage items and how long does the deep snow stay on the ground?” Wakeling explained.

The larger species, such as elk, also move into winter habitats typically less impacted by deep snow, such as pinon-juniper woodlands.

However, he added, there may be localized instances where the department will step in to give wild animals experiencing trouble a helping hand. “Probably the most common problem I can think of is animals like elk and deer being trapped along a fence line due to deep snow. In those instances, yes, we can and do step in to help out these animals.”

Older animals or others that are in poor condition can also succumb due to the added challenges and stress caused by deep snow. “That’s part of the natural survival-of-the-fittest process and is something we can’t change,” Wakeling said.

Wakeling added that many people have probably seen television programs where in other states, such as Wyoming and Colorado, they have initiated wildlife feeding programs during severe winters, especially in areas already impacted by drought.

“Keep in mind that such drastic actions are taken because of prolonged winter conditions, especially freezing temperatures that are jeopardizing wildlife populations. Fortunately, that is not the situation we face in Arizona,” Wakeling said.

In fact, supplemental feeding itself takes time to be effective for large ungulates like elk, deer and antelope. “These large animals are what we call ruminants – their digestive systems rely heavily on certain strains of bacteria to aid in the digestive process,” Wakeling explained.

When these animals are provided supplemental food that does not mimic their natural forage, it can take two or three weeks for their digestive system to adapt. “We have learned from mistakes in decades past, such as the 1967 storm. There were times when wild ungulates died from starvation with stomachs full of hay,” Wakeling said.

Wakeling reiterated that department biologists will continue to closely monitor the situation. “This is also the time of year when we do survey flights for deer and elk, which will also aid in our ability to keep abreast of the situation.”

On the bright side, he said, all this precipitation is certainly a blessing to help ease the impacts of drought. “There is indeed a silver lining to all these storm clouds despite the often temporary problems they cause.”

Game and Fish seeks ferret-finding volunteers
Spotlighting effort to document recovery progress

While the elusive, nocturnal, black-footed ferret has established a foothold in Aubrey Valley, the Arizona Game and Fish Department needs volunteers to help monitor progress in the recovery of the endangered animal.

As part of this effort, Game and Fish will be conducting a spotlighting event from March 25-29 and needs volunteer wildlife enthusiasts to help find the small predators.

“Since this program’s inception, volunteers have played a critical role in the recovery of this animal,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at the Game and Fish Kingman office. “We don’t have the personnel available to fully staff these efforts and the program’s continued success depends on people remaining involved.”

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 was selected as a reintroduction site.

The reintroduction of these rare animals in Arizona was possible because of state’s Heritage Fund which, when matched with federal dollars, accounts for the project’s funding. This, along with the dedication of volunteers, has made Arizona’s reintroduction effort a model for other sites to emulate.

Pebworth admitted that without the voter-approved initiative, which provides money through the Arizona Lottery, this effort would not have been possible.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in Arizona,” Pebworth said. “We’re restoring an animal that was absent from the state for about 65 years. It’s gratifying to know we’ve reached a point with this reintroduction where the population has continued to improve.”

Spotlighting is not easy, and Pebworth acknowledges that volunteers earn the right to brag about their participation in the recovery of this animal.

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, and they must 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 18.

“This is a unique experience and provides volunteers with an opportunity to see the amount of effort involved with this reintroduction,” Pebworth said. “Not to mention the fact that people will have a chance to see an animal few others have ever encountered.”

Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail azferret@azgfd.gov by March 19 with “March Spotlighting” in the subject line. Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.

Additional information will be sent following contact, including meeting location and times.
Volunteers should also note any of the following equipment they 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.

It can be cool during the March event, 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.”

2009 urban big fish records announced

Topping the list of 2009 Urban Program Big Fish-of-the-Year official winners was a 26.9-pound channel catfish caught and kept by Tuy Sayasavanh from Green Valley Lake in Payson. The huge brute is an all-time Urban Fishing Program catfish record.

Two other large catches came from the tiny Papago Park Ponds in Phoenix. A 6.9-pound rainbow trout reeled in by Morris Sevada, and a 19-pound common carp kept by Emigdio Hernandez.

But topping this list of big fish in 2009 was an unusual catch, a 33.9-pound bigmouth buffalo caught by Isaias Pineda from Chaparral Lake in Scottsdale.

Other 2009 Big Fish-of-the-Year winners include:

Kept category:

• Bluegill - 0.5 lb., Garrett Laubinger, Kiwanis Lake, Tempe
• White amur - 18.3 lb., Tori Townsend, Kiwanis Lake, Tempe

Released category:

• Largemouth bass - 19 in., Brandon Williams, Steele Indian School Pond, Phoenix
• Rainbow trout - 17 in., Lisa Miller, Surprise Lake, Surprise

Four of the 2009 Urban Program record fish also beat out the Arizona statewide records submitted for the year. Lists of 2009 winners, previous year’s winners, and current 2010 records can be found at www.azgfd.gov.

Information on how to apply for record kept or released fish can be found in the current Urban Fishing Program Guidebook or in the Arizona Fishing Regulations booklet. All winners receive certificates, caps and other prizes.

Visit Arizona Game and Fish at the ISE show

Be sure to check out the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s fun and interesting exhibits and activities at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) on Feb. 26-28 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

The department will operate the kids fishing pond, teach basic archery skills, and conduct the annual wildlife assets sale that includes everything from huge antlers to supple, soft rabbit skins.

You’ll be able to see live wildlife from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, view live displays of venomous reptiles, learn about wildlife-related recreation, or get general Game and Fish information.

ISE is one of Arizona’s largest hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation shows. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28. Tickets are $15 for adults; admission is free for youth and children age 15 and younger. Parking is free.

For more information, visit www.sportsexpos.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewlocation&locationnumber=6.

Wildlife action plan public meetings continue in February

If you haven’t had a chance to provide your input into Arizona’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), you can still do so by attending one of the public meetings in February:

• Wednesday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m., Pinetop, Arizona Game and Fish Department Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  
• Tuesday, Feb. 16, 3 p.m., Flagstaff, Radisson Woodlands Hotel, 1175 West Route 66.
  
• Thursday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m., Phoenix, Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

The meetings begin at 3 p.m. with a series of presentations, each followed by an open discussion period for up to 30 minutes. The meetings will end at 7 p.m. or sooner if all agenda items and open discussions have been completed. Public meetings have already been held in Kingman, Tucson, Yuma and Mesa.

The review will focus on three main areas of the plan: the species of greatest conservation need (including the criteria used to determine their status and their spatial distributions); the spatial distribution of stressors to wildlife (including a vulnerability assessment for climate change); and delineation of landscapes of conservation concern.

The public can also provide input into aspects of the plan by accessing an online survey at www.azgfd.gov/cwcs.

Arizona’s SWAP, previously known as the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, builds on and complements existing plans and wildlife conservation projects and provides a vision for managing Arizona’s fish, wildlife, and wildlife habitats. It outlines strategies and conservation actions aimed at promoting partnerships and coordinating efforts among all who hold a stake in conserving Arizona’s wildlife.

The existing SWAP document, along with some new maps and documents, is posted at www.azgfd.gov/cwcs. A DVD of the complete set of SWAP maps (there are more than 340) can be requested through SWAPcomment@azgfd.gov.

Governor’s office approves AZGFD request to pursue certain rulemakings

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been given approval by Gov. Jan Brewer’s office to pursue several rulemakings exempted from a freeze on state agency rulemaking activities. 

Agency rulemakings had been frozen by House Bill 2008 (Laws 2009, Third Special Session, Chapter 7, Section 28) for the remainder of fiscal year 2009-10. The legislation exempted from the freeze rulemaking that meets specific criteria including, but not limited to, rulemakings that address the state budget, are deregulatory, eliminate or replace obsolete language, implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), or impact the critical public peace, health and safety functions of an agency.

The rulemakings being pursued are:

• The department proposes to establish a new rule, R12-4-309, to provide the department with necessary proactive regulatory measures designed to address issues involving the use of drugs on wildlife. Individuals administering improper amounts of drugs to wildlife may cause unintended mortalities to occur. Thus, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has determined that certain criteria and standards must be achieved by anyone requesting authorization to use drugs on wildlife in order to ensure the protection and preservation of Arizona’s wildlife resources.
  
• The department proposes to amend R12-4-318 to allow individuals to possess a non-hunting handgun for personal protection during archery-only and muzzleloader-only seasons. The department believes that it is necessary to allow individuals participating in these seasons to possess a non-hunting handgun for their own personal protection. The amended rule clearly stipulates that a non-hunting handgun is a handgun with a barrel length of six inches or less that does not have a scope or any type of electronic sight.
  
• The department proposes to amend R12-4-601, R12-4-610, R12-4-611 to reflect the department’s current address.
  
• The department proposes to amend R12-4-802 to clarify restrictions and conditions for use of commission-owned wildlife areas and to more clearly identify wildlife areas.
  
• The department proposes to amend R12-4-803 to add wildlife area boundary descriptions for newly acquired department properties; Cibola Valley Conservation and Wildlife Area and new properties located within the Arlington Wildlife Area.

The commission will review these recommendations at the upcoming commission meeting scheduled for Feb. 5 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix.