• Arizona Game and Fish offers grant funds to host mentored hunt camps
• Game and Fish moves forward on proposed local shooting range near Flagstaff
• Grant funds aid Arizona’s youth hunting and shooting sports programs
• Game and Fish offers bear hunting workshop for new and experienced hunters
• Game and Fish receives $74,000 grant to protect Little Colorado River habitat
• Make plans to attend the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet
• Learn about high country hummingbirds
• Air gun league offers affordable means to honing your shooting skills
• New Arizona OHV Laws and Places to Ride booklet available
• Nominations sought for 2009 Commission Awards
• Arizona waterfowl stamp program breaks new ground with two stamps

Arizona Game and Fish offers grant funds to host mentored hunt camps
Program seeks to increase hunter participation; application deadline is Aug. 12

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is now offering $25,000 in grant funding to qualifying non-profit hunting organizations, sportsmen’s groups, wildlife conservation groups, and rod and gun clubs to host mentored hunting camps for first-time hunters.

The grant program is a pass-through grant program funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Hunting Heritage Partnership, which supports state agencies to expand hunter recruitment and retention.

The goal of the program is to multiply the department’s efforts by partnering with the many organizations in the state to recruit new hunters and help perpetuate Arizona’s hunting heritage.

“Our Hunting Heritage Workgroup unveiled the critical need to preserve our hunting heritage to more than 20 concerned organizations, in a scenic meadow on the Mogollon Rim, over Father’s Day weekend,” said Director Larry Voyles for Game and Fish. “The support and collaboration expressed is not like this state has seen in many years – it’s very exciting.”

Each successful applicant can qualify for up to $1,000 to host a mentored hunting camp. The funds may be used to cover a number of expenses related to running the event. To be eligible the proposal must include, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

• Promote or facilitate hunter recruitment and retention (examples include small game hunting camps for rabbit, dove, quail, squirrel, predator/furbearing, etc.);
• Hunt using a firearm;
• Available to the public;
• Family activities at camp;
• Complete best practices training;
• Complete project by Jan. 31, 2010;
• Submit a survey / evaluation of the event.

Applications must be in the department’s possession by Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009 at 5 p.m. MST -- postmarks don’t count. Submit applications by mail only, in triplicate, to Arizona Game and Fish Department IEED, Attn: Hunter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

Application packets can be downloaded from the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hhwg, under “Hunting Heritage Partnership: Mentored Hunting Camp Grant Program,” or by contacting Hunter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Denise Raum at draum@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7567.

“By offering these funds to supporting organizations with experienced hunters, we can expand the department’s efforts to recruit new hunters, get our youth outdoors to reconnect with nature, and assure Arizona’s historic hunting heritage for future generations,” said Voyles.

Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the application period closes.

Voyles, an Arizona native, added, “Research shows a strong majority of the public supports ethical, regulated hunting. However, with urbanization, single-parent families, and busy lifestyles, many do not participate because they don’t know how to get started. This mentor program will remove some of those barriers and facilitate those interests.”

To learn more about the department’s efforts to preserve the hunting heritage, visit www.azgfd.gov/hhwg.

The recruitment and retention of hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters is important to continue the successful management of Arizona’s wildlife – game and nongame. The management and conservation of game animals is funded by dollars generated by the sale of licenses, hunt tags and funds appropriated from federal excise taxes hunters pay on firearms and ammunition – not through the state’s general fund. However, all citizens of Arizona benefit by this management allowing them to enjoy roaming elk herds in a meadow, antelope on the range or a gobbling wild turkey when driving on a country back road.

Game and Fish moves forward on proposed local shooting range near Flagstaff
Directs further evaluation of two potential alternate sites

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has unanimously voted to enter into agreement with the Coconino National Forest for the proposed land exchange that would enable the Arizona Game and Fish Department to acquire a site for the development of a local/community shooting range in northern Arizona.

At its June 27 meeting in Phoenix, the commission directed the Game and Fish Department to execute an Agreement to Initiate (ATI) with the Coconino National Forest for the proposed Willard Springs property, and to simultaneously investigate two other potential site locations.

The Cochrane Hill and the Winona/Telephone Range sites, both Coconino National Forest properties, will undergo cultural surveys to determine if acquiring either of these sites would more adequately meet the critical need for a local recreational public shooting range near Flagstaff, Ariz. Both alternate sites are located 30 minutes east of Flagstaff, north of I-40.

“While results from the cultural studies may negate the need to further consider either of these alternate sites, we want to start engaging with the citizens that reside near Winona,” said Ty Gray, the department’s assistant director of information and education. “Comments, concerns or suggestions may be emailed to nazsr@azgfd.gov. Additionally, the department will be inviting those neighboring residents to an open discussion, in late summer to early fall, when we can provide them with more details and answer any questions.”

The commission reviewed a total of 23 potential alternate sites that included public, private, state, and tribal lands in an effort to identify the most suitable location and possibly reduce the timeline or costs associated with developing a fully operational local/community public shooting range.

The commission’s guidelines for a site to be considered included the size of site (local/community range with the potential to expand to a regional range), site proximity/location (within a 30 minute drive from downtown Flagstaff), timeline (operational in a 3-5 year period if possible), and budget (consideration given to cost).

Flagstaff is the largest city in Arizona without a public shooting range, 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. A local shooting range is approximately 60-80 acres and provides multi-purpose shooting sites that may include rifle sight-in, pistol, shotgun, clay target, and archery venues.

To stay updated, or to learn more about the progress on the Northern Arizona Shooting Range, visit www.azgfd.gov and select “Northern Arizona Shooting Range” under “In the Spotlight.”

Grant funds aid Arizona’s youth hunting and shooting sports programs
NRA Foundation’s grant program provides funding to Arizona Game and Fish Department’s recruitment efforts

The Arizona Friends of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and the NRA Foundation recently awarded the Arizona Game and Fish Department $25,000 in grant funds to purchase a mix of air gun rifles, air gun pistols, .22 rimfire rifles and shotguns to be used in introductory hunting and shooting sports programs.

“The NRA Foundation’s state grant program provides much needed funding toward expanding and improving our programs,” said Ashley Lynch, shooting sports program coordinator with Game and Fish. “The grant is an increase of $9,000 from last year’s grant and a portion will go to good use buying quality air gun rifles and pistols, which allows us to hold shooting events in areas that can’t accommodate .22 or shotgun shooting.”

Once purchased, youth shotguns and .22-caliber rimfire rifles will be packaged into “loaner kits.” These kits will be used by department staff and can be loaned to partnered sportsmen’s groups and other organizations to run marksmanship workshops or small game hunting camps designed to introduce families to shooting and hunting throughout the state.

Lynch added, “A key element to the success of these traditional American pastime programs is being able to provide participants with a quality, safe and functional firearm to make their first experience positive and rewarding.”

 There continues to be a growing demand for target shooting. Each year, the department receives more requests from organizations like the Scholastic Clay Target Program, Boy Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America, hunter education instructors and more to host target-shooting events than they can run, mainly because of limited equipment resources.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation research reports indicate there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting and are simply waiting for an invitation. Grants of this kind will assist the department’s already successful shooting education programs. Target shooting is self-rewarding, builds hand-eye coordination skills, and teaches patience, discipline, and the understanding and respect for firearms. Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about the department’s many outreach programs, visit www.azgfd.gov/getoutside.

Game and Fish offers bear hunting workshop for new and experienced hunters
Take advantage first-hand knowledge and over-the-counter hunting opportunity this fall

Come and get years worth of knowledge on how to find, stalk, call, judge and harvest Arizona’s black bear during the fall hunting season from a veteran Arizona Game and Fish wildlife manager.

The informative workshop will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters, Wednesday, July 29 from 7-9 p.m. in the Quail Room auditorium. No registration required.

Brian Anthony, the wildlife manager for over a decade in Unit 22 (well known for its dense bear populations), will provide tips, strategies, and information for bear hunting that is useful to beginners as well as experienced hunters. The workshop is approximately two hours and will cover:

• Arizona black bear biology
• How to identify bear signs
• Bear hunting tactics (spot & stalk, calling, weapon types)
• How to identify bear habitat
• Field judging bears
• Field care

 “The presentation will consist of a PowerPoint presentation, loaded with pictures, and I will have some hides and a skull on display. But, my biggest focus will be on habitat,” said Anthony. “Habitat is king. I’ll teach you what to look for, and how to determine if there are bears in the area. Knowing this information will make your hunts much more productive – and hopefully successful.”

 Anthony added, “Last year I received close to 50 phone calls from sportsmen about bear hunting in Region 6. We like to be able to help folks have a safe and successful hunt, but I wasn’t able to get very detailed with them over the phone. My goal with these workshops is to offer more concise information to a larger audience and help folks take advantage of this over-the-counter big game hunting opportunity.”

Hunting Arizona’s black bear is challenging, exciting, rewarding and has the potential to provide the hunter with a harvest of a lifetime. Fall hunts are open to nonpermit-tags purchased over-the-counter and are available at all department offices and license dealers statewide. These tags are valid for a number of units around the state and have a couple of season dates in which to hunt.

For more information about bear hunting in Arizona, visit the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_bear.shtml.

Game and Fish receives $74,000 grant to protect Little Colorado River habitat

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has received a $74,145 Water Quality Improvement Grant from a sister agency to improve streamside wildlife and fish habitat along the Little Colorado River (LCR) in Apache County. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) awarded the grant to repair more than 1,000 feet of eroding stream banks to help protect important riparian habitat and two species listed on the Endangered Species Act – the Southwestern willow flycatcher, a small passerine bird, and the Little Colorado spinedace, a threatened native fish.

Under the ADEQ grant, volunteers and Game and Fish employees will remove soil from eroding banks, landscape the banks, and place vegetation arranged as barriers, all of which will reduce the amount of sediment entering the river. The affected site, located on the 357-acre Wenima Wildlife Area about 3 miles northwest of Springerville, has been owned by the Game and Fish Commission since 1993.

The previous landowners had farmed and grazed cattle along the banks of the LCR, and utilized heavy equipment to straighten its course, which reduced vegetation and increased erosion. A 2002 study by ADEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency listed this part of the river as impaired.

“One stretch of the river has a vertical dirt bank which is prone to erosion during increased water flows. In some years, we have lost 5 or more feet along 300 feet of river frontage containing quality willow habitat,” says Dave Cagle, wildlife program manager in the department’s Pinetop office. “We appreciate ADEQ’s financial assistance in addressing this problem.”

ADEQ’s Water Quality Improvement Grant program is funded by the EPA under the Clean Water Act.

Game and Fish is contributing $35,250 in matching funds, plus $14,792 in volunteer labor and donated services. The grant also will fund a public information campaign to alert residents to the importance of the habitat and the restoration work.

The Wenima property was the first to be acquired with Game and Fish Heritage Fund monies, which utilizes Arizona lottery dollars for the conservation and enhancement of Arizona’s wildlife, biological diversity, scenic wonders and environment.

The restoration effort will help the department’s conservation and recovery efforts of several important wildlife species in the area, including the Southwestern willow flycatcher and Little Colorado spinedace.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s recovery program aims to prevent species from becoming endangered and to increase the population of those species already considered endangered. State-level involvement provides closer oversight of wildlife species on a day-to-day basis in a more cost-effective manner. Specific emphasis is placed on identifying and managing the wildlife and habitat of greatest conservation need, or those species that are no longer abundant and facing increasing threats from habitat degradation, disease, introduction of non-native species and climate change.

Adaptive management of these species helps ensure their continued presence in Arizona and protects the delicate balance of the ecosystem for future generations.

Make plans to attend 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/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml 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 Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

Learn about high country hummingbirds

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again offering a unique opportunity for people to learn more about Arizona’s colorful hummingbirds at the 7th annual High Country Hummers event. On Saturday, July 25, Sheri Williamson, one of the nation’s foremost experts on hummingbirds, will lead a capture and bird-banding event that is free and open to the public at the department’s Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area in eastern Arizona.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get up close and personal with these flying jewels,” says Bruce Sitko, spokesman in the department’s Pinetop office. “We are quite fortunate to get Sheri, who is the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America, to come with her staff of volunteers and demonstrate her research.”

The one-of-a-kind program will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at noon. Observers will be able to interact with Williamson and her volunteers as they measure, weigh and band birds. They will also be able to use a stethoscope to hear a hummingbird’s heart beat more than 200 times a minute.

Other fun programs will be offered at the wildlife area that day. There will be an educational exhibit featuring live hawks and owls. Visitors can view a slide presentation on hummingbird natural history. White Mountain Audubon members will lead a “birding basics” hike. Plus, people are welcome to explore the visitor center’s interpretive displays on wildlife conservation, habitats and prehistoric culture. Concessions will be provided by the Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“We encourage people to come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors with the potential of some summer rain,” says Sitko. “It’s a good idea to bring a camera, as there will be plenty of great photo opportunities. We also require that pets be kept on a leash.”

Williamson, together with her husband Tom Wood, founded and operate the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO), which is a non-profit scientific and educational organization based in Bisbee. SABO’s mission is to promote conservation of birds of southeastern Arizona, their habitats, and the diversity of species that share those habitats through research, monitoring and public education.

The Sipe Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about 2 miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive 5 miles, on a dirt road suitable for passenger cars, to the Sipe property. For more information on this special event, contact the Pinetop Game and Fish office at (928) 367-4281.

Air gun league offers affordable means to honing your shooting skills

Are you tired of endlessly searching for ammunition?

Due to current supply and demand conditions, finding ammunition for target shooting can be a challenge. To help recreational shooters ease their troubles and reduce the impact on their wallets, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility is hosting an air gun league this fall.
The off-hand air gun league is for shooters looking to have fun and learn about one of the fastest-growing forms of shooting sports competition.

The league runs for eight weeks and meets every Thursday evening starting Sept. 10 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s indoor Air Gun Range. Participants ages six and older are welcome and classifications will include rifle and pistol for men, women, juniors and highest overall. Each match includes 300 points consisting of three relays of 10 shots from 10 meters in 20 minutes.

“Air gun shooting is a great way to introduce kids and ladies to shooting sports that might be hesitant to shoot live ammunition,” said Range Master Matt Schwartzkopf with Ben Avery Shooting Facility. “It’s also an excellent way to build character, discipline, patience and confidence.”

Loaner air guns and pellets are available on a limited and first-come, first-served basis. Adaptive equipment may be available for disabled shooters, but please include any equipment needed during pre-registration. The range is restricted to a velocity of 600 fps (feet per second) or less.

Schwartzkopf added, “All of our leagues offer participants a safe and recreational atmosphere to improve their shooting skills. Combined with our loaner equipment, and there’s no reason not to give it a try.”

The cost is $60 for adults and $30 for youth 17 and under. Pre-registration is required, contact Matt Schwartzkopf at mschwartzkopf@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7076.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. Located on 1,650 acres, it is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Offering a wide array of target-shooting opportunities, the facility has 67 covered stations at the main range (all handicap accessible), and more than 25 additional rifle, pistol, and archery ranges for recreational and competitive shooting. The Clay Target Center offers 18-lighted trap/skeet overlay fields and two sporting clays courses.

To learn more about shooting sports and the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

New Arizona OHV Laws and Places to Ride booklet available

Are you confused about the new off-highway vehicle laws or need the dust abatement actions clarified?

Do you just want to know where to ride OHVs?

There is a new booklet just for you thanks to the OHV programs from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona State Parks Department working together. This new booklet contains all of the OHV management laws currently in effect in Arizona as well as a list of places to ride across the state.

The booklet includes explanations about Arizona titling, registration and the OHV Decal, information about equipment and protective gear needed to ride as well as educational and training options and opportunities.

“This booklet has a little something for everyone, including information about wildlife and wildlife habitat protection, new dust laws and ordinances, land management agencies and tips about safe, ethical and responsible use that can help keep access to riding and hunting areas open are also in the new guide,” said Jim Harken, the OHV Public Information Officer for the Game and Fish Department.

An updated “Places to Ride” section shows you the various riding opportunities available across the state, complete with a free map to help you pinpoint the use area location.

To obtain a copy of the new booklet go to many locations including National Forest Service offices, Bureau of Land Management offices, the Arizona State Land Department Office, State Parks offices and all Game and Fish Department Offices. The booklet is also in downloadable PDF form on both the State Parks and Game and Fish Department Web sites at www.azstateparks.com/ohv and www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Funding for this project came from the new OHV Decal program that was part of the OHV management legislation that was passed in 2008 and went into effect Jan. 1, 2009.

And as always, remember: Nature Rules! Stay on roads and trails.

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.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m., 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/inside_azgfd/commission_awards.shtml.

Arizona waterfowl stamp program breaks new ground with two stamps
Artwork selected from award winning artist and elementary school student

 There are three great reasons to pick up a 2009-2010 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The reasons start with the beautifully detailed and life-like rendition of a pair of hooded mergansers by the 2006-07 Federal Duck Stamp winner Sherrie Russell Meline.

Meline is well known for her impeccably textured feather work, using an acrylic wash, delicately applying layer by layer from a self-mixed color palette. Meline’s artwork has graced the face of more than 30 other state and Canadian province duck stamps.

Secondly, for the first time ever, an alternative stamp is available - unofficially deemed the state’s junior art duck stamp.

 “We created it in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to recognize young inspiring artists who are learning about the importance of wetlands and waterfowl conservation through the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program,” said Mike Rabe, duck stamp administrator and migratory bird  biologist for the department. “It’s really a neat thing and I’m glad we are able to do it.”

“To be able to recognize the contribution of our Arizona kids in this state category is truly heartwarming and inspiring,” said Margot Bissell former Arizona Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator with the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. “Now our young artists have the excitement of a second opportunity to display their conservation and artistic learning’s.”

Ten-year-old Olivia Raiff, of Scottsdale, has the honors of being the first young amateur artist from the competition to have their artwork featured on the state’s annual waterfowl stamp.

“When I got the phone call, it took me awhile to process that I won,” said Raiff. “Then I was in shock for a minute. I couldn't think straight when the judges asked me questions. It still seems crazy now.”

Raiff, a fifth-grader from Pinnacle Peak Elementary, created an inspiring piece of art of an American widgeon taking flight out of the cattails titled “take-off” using watercolor pencils under the passionate guidance of art teacher, Gay Kohl. Her composition captured the realism of the duck’s wings direction at first flight, identified accurate habitat, and incorporated a flock of ducks in the sky off in the distance.

When asked what she liked best about the art program, Raiff added, “I like it all, but my favorite part would be the competition. I always try to add details that would make my picture stand out.”

A limited run of 500 of the alternate stamps are available for purchase, but only from the department’s headquarters office in Phoenix. Hunters and collectors can chose to purchase one or both of the stamps. Either stamp will validate a general hunting license (along with a federal duck stamp) for the legal take of waterfowl, ducks, and geese during the 2009-10 season.

Lastly, the good news is the money generated from the sale of the state’s waterfowl stamp is used to for the conservation of wetlands to benefit Arizona’s waterfowl species. When buying either stamp, you are supporting waterfowl conservation. Now in its 22nd year, some of the investments from the program have resulted in amazing resting grounds for wintering sandhill cranes, geese, waterfowl and many other birds and wildlife.

So, if you enjoy wildlife watching, birding or just beautiful wetland landscapes show your support for wildlife and artists and buy an Arizona Waterfowl Stamp – the cost is only $8.75. They can be purchased at any Game and Fish office or license dealer around the state.

For a list of where to find ducks in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waterfowl_habitat.shtml.

To learn more about the Federal Junior Duck Stamp art contest, visit http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck.