Wildlife News - Nov. 6, 2009

Wildlife News – Nov. 6, 2009

• AGFD takes first step toward southern Arizona Gila trout fishery
• Half-priced fishing licenses, trout stockings return
• Tonto National Forest to hold open houses on proposed Travel Management Plan
• 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar now on sale
• Mount Graham red squirrel fall 2009 count announced
• Ben Avery Shooting Facility sets winter hours and new late arrival check-in
• Grants available for public shooting ranges in Arizona
• Quail hunters: Washes, walking and water are key this season
• Web site unavailable afternoon of Nov. 9 for maintenance

AGFD takes first step toward southern Arizona Gila trout fishery
Airlifts fish up Mount Graham canyon for creek stocking

The Arizona Game and Fish Department took its first step toward recovering Gila trout and establishing a Gila trout fishery in southern Arizona on Wednesday, Nov. 4 when it began stocking Frye Creek on Mount Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains.

The fish were trucked in from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center in New Mexico to the department's Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area near Pima, Ariz.This morning they were transferred to transport drums, which were attached to a helicopter by long line slings, then flown to Frye Creek.

Three crews staged on the mountain to receive the fish, hike them up to three miles into Frye Canyon along a rebuilt trail, and stock them into creek pools.

“With a load of fish, this was physically taxing, but well worth the effort,” said Jason Kline, a department fisheries program specialist. “It's an historic occasion, as it will provide five miles of Gila trout recovery stream and be the first fishable population of Gila trout in Arizona.”

In addition, Kline noted that once the Gila trout population there stabilizes as early as three years from now, anglers will be able to fish for five species of trout on the same mountain, including the hybrid Apache, brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Five miles of Frye Creek from its headwaters to the Frye Mesa Reservoir have been closed to fishing since mid-October, and will remain so until the Gila trout population there is thriving. Thereafter, “limited opportunity” fishing will be initially allowed.Fishing at the reservoir is still permitted.

Fires in 1999 prevented efforts to stock Gila trout into Dude Creek in the White Mountains. A small but unfishable population of the trout was introduced into Raspberry Creek there in 2000.

First described in 1950, Gila trout in Arizona were listed as an endangered species in 1967 and have been a threatened species since 2006. This will be only the third site in the state where Gila trout have been released.

“This will create a very unique fishing experience,” noted Acting Regional Supervisor Don Mitchell of the Game and Fish Department office in Tucson.“Apache trout inhabit streams atop Mount Graham already, creating the distinct possibility of catching two native trout on the same mountain in the near future.”

Approximately 20 state Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service officials participated in the stocking. Also to be stocked with Gila trout as part of the project will be Grapevine Creek in Prescott.Approximately 150 trout will be stocked there.

Half-priced fishing licenses, trout stockings return

The stars have aligned – rainbow trout are coming to a galaxy of waters close to home for millions of people, plus 2009 fishing licenses for state waters or the urban program lakes are now on sale for half price, say Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“It doesn't get much better than this, especially during these tough economic times,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “Your family can get quality outdoor recreation and delicious trout for the table, all at half price.”

The 2009 annual state fishing license is now on sale for just $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents, but if you plan to catch trout in state waters, don't forget your trout stamp.

The Urban Program Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for both residents and nonresidents alike.

“The month of November offers some of the best fishing available at Urban Program lakes,” said Eric Swanson, urban fishing program manager. “The lakes have been loaded with catfish all fall, stockings of bluegill sunfish took place in late October. and the first trout delivery begins November 16.”

This week (Wednesday, Nov. 4), the Lower Salt River near Phoenix is being stocked with feisty rainbow trout.

“This fishery is just minutes away from Tempe and Mesa and has become extremely popular with winter trout anglers. Where else can you catch trout in a scenic desert river adjacent to a major metropolitan area? The answer – only here,” Young said.

Trout are also being stocked this week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes in the Prescott area, Wet Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley, plus Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes in southern Arizona.

The following week, trout are being stocked in Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Francis Short Pond in Flagstaff, Oak Creek, the Verde River (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde), Cluff Pond and Roper Lake near Safford, and in Rose Canyon on Mount Lemon near Tucson.

The week of Nov. 16, trout will also be stocked in Canyon Lake and Tempe Town Lake. Be sure to mark Nov. 24 on your calendar – that is the Welcome Back the Trout Celebration at Tempe Town Lake with a fishing clinic starting at 3 p.m.

“This has become an annual tradition in Arizona to kick-off the holidays,” said Young. “So come fish with us and catch some holiday cheer.”

For the weekly fishing report, and to learn more about the great fishing opportunities in Arizona visit, www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

Tonto National Forest to hold open houses on proposed Travel Management Plan

The Tonto National Forest is hosting a series of travel management planning open houses during the month of November to give the public an opportunity to share ideas about the forest's system of roads, trails, and/or areas, review the proposed system, and submit comments about the proposal.

Two open houses have already been held in Tonto Basin and in Globe. Remaining open house locations and times in the various ranger districts are:

• Cave Creek Ranger District, Monday, Nov. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Black Mountain Elementary School, 33606 N. 60^th St., Scottsdale
  
  
• Pleasant Valley Ranger District, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Pleasant Valley Community Center, 47533 Highway 288, Young
  
  
• Mesa Ranger District, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Broadway Recreation Center, 59 E. Broadway Road, Mesa
  
  
• Payson Ranger District, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m., Julia Randall Elementary School, 601 S. Greenway Parkway, Payson

In a news release posted on the Tonto National Forest Web site, the Forest Service provides the following information:

In 2005, the Department of Agriculture enacted a new planning rule to manage motorized vehicle use on all national forests and grasslands. This rule requires the Tonto National Forest to designate those roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicle use. Designations will be made by class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The final rule will prohibit the use of motor vehicles off the designated system, as well as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas that are not consistent with the designations.

Tonto National Forest officials will be presenting a proposed system of roads, trails and areas. Based on public input, the alternatives will then be proposed in a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) which will be released to the public for comment. The final product will be a Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows which roads and trails will be open to motor vehicle use.

“Public involvement at this time is a critical component in developing a motorized travel system,” stated Delvin Lopez, Public Services Group leader for the Tonto National Forest. “By having these open houses in a variety of communities, we are hoping to get representative viewpoints and suggestions from a cross-section of forest visitors.

“The purpose of the Motor Vehicle Use Map is to comply with the requirements of the Travel Management Rule, to reduce problems caused by uncontrolled off-road travel, and to improve the current system of travel routes for public access and enjoyment,” said Lopez. “The development of a Motor Vehicle Use Map is an adaptive process in which future changes can be made in the public interest.”

For a copy of the forest travel management proposed action, visit the Tonto National Forest Web page at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/travelmgt/index.shtml, or visit the Forest Supervisor's Office at 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, or one of the forest's district offices. For more information, contact Genevieve Johnson at (602) 225-5213.

Written comments regarding the proposed action may be submitted through December 4, 2009. Comments should be mailed to Travel Management Team Leader, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85006.

For more information about the program, please visit the Tonto National Forest Web page at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tontoor call the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200.

2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar now on sale

The talented winners of this year's photo contest have left their mark on the 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar. From the cover image — an iconic photograph of a long-nosed leopard lizard in a slot canyon — to the 12 monthly winners inside, this beautiful calendar will make 2010 a memorable year for everyone who cares about Arizona Wildlife.

The calendar is now on sale at all offices of the Arizona Game and Fish Department for just $3. Along with gorgeous photographs, its handy wall-hanging format features timely reminders of important dates. To order, visit any office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (visit www.azgfd.gov/officesfor addresses), or go online to www.azgfd.gov/photocontestto print an order form you can send in at your convenience. Get yours today!

Mount Graham red squirrel fall 2009 count announced

The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the USDA Forest Service announced on Oct. 26 the results of the fall 2009 Mount Graham red squirrel survey. Biologists estimate that a range of 250 (plus or minus 11) Mount Graham red squirrels currently occupy the Pinaleño Mountain range, also known as Mount Graham. These results are lower than the fall 2008 estimate of 263 (plus or minus 11) squirrels.

The red squirrel survey is conducted by visiting a random number of known middens (areas where red squirrels store or cache their cones). The activity rate is then extrapolated across the total number of known middens to determine the population estimate. While spring surveys provide us with a look at recruitment numbers, activity is often difficult to detect during the spring. This can result in fluctuating (variable) estimates. Because cached cones are easier to detect during the fall survey, fall population estimates may be easier to compare from year to year. No spring survey was conducted in 2009.

Although none of the population estimates statistically indicate a trend in the population, our estimates show two groups of figures with a spike during 1998-2000. It is apparent that Mount Graham red squirrels had a population of around 350 individuals from 1991-1997, and over the last nine years (2001-2009) the number has fallen to somewhere around 250 individuals. A combination of drought, poor cone crops, fires, and insects may have caused reductions to the population. As with other small mammals, biologists are confident, that given the right conditions, Mount Graham red squirrels may be able to rebound as shown during 1998-2000.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility sets winter hours and new late arrival check-in

Recreational shooters are reminded that the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is operating on winter business hours as of Oct. 15.

In addition, shooters arriving near closing time are required to check-in 30 minutes before closing time to allow shooters and archers ample range time. Arriving with less than 30 minutes could leave customers in the middle of a cease- fire, offering little to no opportunity to shoot.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility winter business hours are:

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
• Thursday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
• Friday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. last check-in time)
• Saturday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:30 p.m. last check-in time)
• Sunday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. last check-in time)

Winter hours are in effect until May 14, 2010.

Grants available for public shooting ranges in Arizona

The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to continue to improve and expand public shooting ranges across the state by providing grant funding to qualified applicants involved in the development, improvement or maintenance of public shooting and archery ranges.

The department is accepting grant applications now through Jan. 15 by 5 p.m. (MST). Shooting clubs, sportsmen's groups and government agencies operating public shooting ranges are encouraged to apply. Privately owned for-profit ranges are not eligible for this program.

“This program has been instrumental in the vitality of shooting ranges across the state,” said Game and Fish Shooting Ranges Administrator, Anthony Chavez. “It has afforded ranges the opportunity to expand safety barriers; add capabilities to include clay target shooting and archery shooting; improve ADA accessibility; as well as update and modernize these facilities.”

Examples of projects that could be eligible for funds include shooting range development and redevelopment, construction of noise abatement structures and safety berms, installation of shooting pads and stations, and construction or improvement of access roads and parking lots.

Grants are available through a competitive application process each year. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission determines how much money is available, but generally the total is about $100,000. The maximum grant award is $50,000 per project.

Application packets are available online at www.azgfd.gov/shootingsports(select “range development grants” link on the left side of the page), or contact Anthony Chavez, statewide shooting ranges administrator, at (623) 236-7395 or aechavez@azgfd.gov.

Chavez added, “Public shooting ranges are critical in the preservation of recreational and competitive shooting, they support hunter education and youth programs, and they facilitate law enforcement training.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona. Most department funding results from “user-pays, user-benefits” sources of funding, including sales of hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and tags. The benefit for allocating revenue for this grant is that it supports the department's hunter education, hunter recruitment and shooting sports programs, and it promotes and provides Arizona residents with safe shooting areas – all important elements of the department's mission.

Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of recreation. Some 40 million people of all ages safely participate in these activities. However, research shows there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting sports and are simply waiting for an invitation. Grants of this kind will assist the department's already successful shooting and hunter education programs.

Quail hunters: Washes, walking and water are key this season
2009-10 season offers less crowds, exploration and mixed bag

Quail check station results from the season opener weekend (Oct. 3-4) vary and suggest populations are below-average in central regions to well-below-average in southern regions of the state reported Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

Southern region check stations (Freeman & Willow Springs) recorded 1.8 birds per day of which the harvest comprised of juveniles was at 50-57 percent. The central region (Tonto Basin) reported slightly better numbers of 2.9 birds per day and 70 percent juveniles in the harvest.

“Field reports from quail hunters have been mixed,” said Public Information Officer, Doug Burt. “I've seen comments of 15-bird limits on chat forums one day and heard hunters state ‘I didn't see a bird all day' the next – clearly, hunters will need to search out the honey holes.”

Don't despair, there is a silver lining.

“You can still go out and find birds, there's always Gambel's quail to hunt in Arizona – we just get spoiled by the great years,” said Small Game Program Supervisor, Mike Rabe. “Hunters will need to focus on core quail habitat in lower elevations, areas with good cover (roosting trees and low ground cover), drainage and water source's are a plus.”

Rabe added, “Washes are key and can provide upland hunters a smorgasbord of game to pursue including quail, mourning dove (reopens Nov. 20) and rabbits (jacks and cottontails) – all are exciting and challenging to hunt and excellent eating.”

The late season dove and year-round rabbit seasons are overlooked by many hunters says Rabe. “Many hunters are missing out - the weather is fantastic, there are no crowds, and doves and rabbits are plentiful.”

Cover and habitat for all three game animals are similar and should include a combination of mesquite-lined washes, hackberry bushes, desert brittle brush, catclaw, varieties of desert cacti, (prickly pear is a good indicator) and desert grasses between 1,500-4,500 feet in elevation.

No. 6 shot is recommended during challenging seasons. The same shot is suitable for rabbits and doves flushing through cover too. So load up, be safe and enjoy the great American hunting tradition.

For more reports on the upland hunting season, tips, season dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

Web site unavailable afternoon of Nov. 9 for maintenance

The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site, http://www.azgfd.gov/, will be unavailable from approximately 1 p.m. until late afternoon on Monday, Oct. 9, while the department performs server maintenance.

After the maintenance is complete, Web site access will be restored. The department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.