- Spring draw application deadline is Oct. 13
- Second group of black-tailed prairie dogs released in S.E. Arizona
- Comment period on Kofa NWR draft environmental assessment ends Oct. 2
- Join a youth shotgun shooting team this fall
- Silver Creek seasonal trout fishery opens Oct. 1
- Reminder: Quail and squirrel seasons open Oct. 2
- Pumpkin season in Chino Valley is a great chance to learn about the outdoors
- Learn how to hunt in a safe mentored environment
- One-of-a-kind fishery opening on Oct. 3 for “Verde trout”
- Don’t forget to gobble up over-the-counter youth turkey tags
- Arizona Wildlife Views nominated for Emmy Award
- Next commission meeting is Oct. 9-10 in Phoenix
Spring draw application deadline is Oct. 13
Hunters are reminded that the application deadline for 2010 spring hunts for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear is Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. (MST).
Paper applications can be submitted by mail (Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052), or they can be hand delivered to any Game and Fish office. Applications must be received by the department by the deadline; postmarks don't count. There is no online application process available.
The spring hunt draw information booklet is available at more than 300 license dealers statewide, at Game and Fish offices, or by downloading from www.azgfd.gov/draw.
Remember, you must purchase a 2010 license to enter the spring draw.
For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.
Special note: Bring an outdoor-focused magazine and help our military personnel
Do you have an old outdoor magazine lying around? Then bring it in with your hunt application.
In an effort to send outdoor-related magazines to U.S. military personnel overseas serving our country, the department is to providing magazine collection points at all department offices through the spring draw deadline.
The nonprofit organization, Outdoor Experience 4 All, is arranging to have all the donated magazines packed up and sent overseas to bring the great outdoors and hunting heritage to them while they are away.
To learn more about the magazine drive, contact www.outdoorexperienceforall.org.
Second group of black-tailed prairie dogs released in S.E. Arizona
Multi-partner reintroduction effort aims for species comeback
Nearly 50 years ago, they vanished from Arizona’s landscape, but thanks to a multi-partner reintroduction effort, black-tailed prairie dogs are making a comeback.
Twenty-seven black-tailed prairie dogs captured in New Mexico were released Sept. 21 into the wild at the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita in southeastern Arizona.
This release follows a release last October of 74 black-tailed prairie dogs on state land in the conservation area.
The reintroductions aim to repopulate these animals to where they once existed in Arizona.
“Black-tailed prairie dogs play a key ecological role by helping maintain grasslands for other animals to forage and serving as important prey for eagles and hawks,” said Eric Gardner, nongame branch chief with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Because of the far-reaching effect they have on other species, successful re-establishment would benefit the whole ecosystem by maintaining species diversity.”
The animals used to re-establish black-tailed prairie dogs in Arizona were chosen based on their similar genetics to the population that previously existed in the state.
Acclimation cages were used to prevent the animals from dispersing too quickly upon release and to allow them to adjust to their new environment. In time, the animals will burrow themselves out of the acclimation cages and be free to establish an underground network of tunnels.
This reintroduction site and the first one will be used to evaluate and modify the methods employed to reintroduce prairie dogs. Once the population is stable, Game and Fish plans to re-establish the species in up to four additional sites in southern Arizona to contribute towards the national conservation effort and preclude the need for listing as part of the Endangered Species Act.
This black-tailed prairie dog release was a collaborative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Bureau of Land Management. Last October’s release teamed the efforts of Game and Fish, the State Land Department, and volunteer support for the site preparations by Sky Island Alliance, Animal Defense League and the Sierra Club.
“This is an exciting milestone for us,” said BLM Ecosystem Planner, Karen Simms. “The partnership’s effort is one step closer to establishing a self-sustaining population of the native black-tailed prairie dogs and enhancing the unique ecosystem we have here in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.”
Black-tailed prairie dogs are one of Arizona’s two native prairie dog species. The other species, which is found in northern Arizona, is the Gunnison’s prairie dog.
The black-tailed prairie dog formerly inhabited the grasslands of southeastern Arizona. Population declines began in the late 1800s and continued into the mid-1900s, leading to the eventual extirpation of the species from the state. Historically, it was the most widely distributed of the five prairie dog species. Human-related factors, including poisoning and habitat fragmentation, greatly reduced their numbers range-wide over the last 150 years.
Black-tailed prairie dogs are approximately 15 inches long and weigh 2-3 pounds. These tan animals with black-tipped tails are highly social, living in coteries or family units. Family groups live close together to form larger colonies or towns for predator evasion.
Comment period on Kofa NWR draft environmental assessment ends Friday, Oct. 2
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds constituents that the deadline to comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft environment assessment, Limiting Mountain Lion Predation on Desert Bighorn Sheep on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, is Friday, Oct. 2.
For comments to be entered into the record, they must be submitted in writing by e-mail to KofaLionComments@fws.gov, or mailed to 9300 E. 28th St., Yuma, AZ 85365
The Draft EA is available for review and downloaded at www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/kofa.
To learn more about the history of the historic Kofa desert bighorn sheep herd, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/kofa.
Join a youth shotgun shooting team this fall
Scholastic Clay Target Program offers fun outdoor recreation
Students, are you looking for fun, competition, and the chance to meet new friends and be part of a team?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009-10 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season is ready to get underway, and students interested in learning about and competing in skeet, trap and sporting clays shotgun shooting are encouraged to find a club in their community.
The program is open to boys and girls from age 9 through 12th grades.
“Our SCTP is one of the best in the nation and we continue to see students become great athletes of clay target shooting through this team-based youth development program,” said Statewide Shooting Sports Coordinator, Ashley Lynch. “The mentoring, instruction, safety, and teamwork instilled by our certified coaches are second to none.”
The program is run similar to other youth-based athletics. The season runs from Oct 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010. Athletes can join at anytime depending on club availability. All of the SCTP clubs in Arizona are run 100 percent by volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are committed to teaching today’s youth to carry on the American tradition of shooting sports recreation.
“Shooting sports are an activity that any person with the desire can participate in. The structure of this program allows kids to have fun, compete, and learn safety and discipline skills,” said Lynch.
Currently, there were 20 active clubs across the state; below is a list by region with contact information to get you started.
Central region:
• Chandler area – Arizona Dust Devils (480) 628-9977
• North Phoenix – Ben Avery Clay Crushers (602) 920-5465
• Buckeye – Buckeye Buckshots (623) 869-9050
• Phantom / West Valley – Phantom Sure Shots (623) 925-9549
• East Valley – Rio Salado Target Terminators (480) 510-5604
Northern region:
• Cottonwood / Verde Valley – American Heritage Academy (enrollment to AHA students only)
• Prescott – Prescott (928) 636-4709
• Williams/Flagstaff – Williams Bird Busters (928) 635-4330
• Wickenburg – Wickenburg (928) 231-7644
Northeastern region:
• St. Johns – Leading Edge Shooters (928) 337-4955
• Springerville / Round Valley – White Mountain Rod & Gun Club (928) 333-5692
• Show Low – White Mountain Clay Busters (928) 369-1155
Northwestern region:
• Kingman – Mohave Top Guns (928) 753-5274
• Lake Havasu – Havasu SCTP (928) 486-8607
Southern region:
• Casa Grande - Central Arizona Target Shooters (CATS) (520) 251-2024
• Tucson – Tucson Shooting Stars (520) 780-0715
• Globe – Globe SCTP (602) 542-2785
Southeastern region:
• Double Adobe / McNeal – Double Adobe Young Guns (520) 364-4000
• Sierra Vista – Huachuca Hot Shots (520) 266-1078
Southwestern region:
• Yuma – Yuma Young Guns (928) 246-7157
To learn more about the department’s SCTP program, maps of participating teams, or how to get involved, visit www.azgfd.gov/sctp.
SCTP is a youth development program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays to students in grades 12 and under. The program uses a competitive, team-based format and has been called the "Little League" of shooting sports. More than 600 kids compete in Arizona’s SCTP. Nationally, about 10,000 youngsters compete in 40 states.
To learn more about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation national SCTP program, visit www.sssfonline.org.
Silver Creek seasonal trout fishery opens Oct. 1
Want to catch Arizona’s state fish?
Then get into an Apache trout state of mind for the Oct. 1 opening of the catch-and-release only fishery at Silver Creek near the department’s hatchery there.
“The opening of this unique fishery has become like a small party each autumn for Apache trout aficionados,” said Kirk Young, the fisheries chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
This catch-and-release section of Silver Creek requires Apache and rainbow trout to be immediately released unharmed, and is artificial flies and lures only with barbless hooks. This segment of Silver Creek is open for fishing from Oct. 1 through March 1 of each year.
“This seasonal fishery is especially revered by fly and spin anglers who have discovered the joys of fishing for native Apache trout,” Young said.
Silver Creek is located east of Show Low about 5 miles on Highway 60. Turn north off 60 onto Bourdon Ranch Road for five miles to Hatchery Way Road. Turn east on Hatchery Way Road for 1 mile to where you can park at the Silver Creek Hatchery. Then simply follow the signs.
Don’t forget that the White Mountains of Arizona is the only place where you can fish for pure-strain Apache trout. This large area offers lots of opportunities to fish for this native salmonid.
Apache trout can be caught by a variety of methods, including wet or dry flies, or small lures such as spinners. For more information on how and where to fish for Apache trout, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site.
Reminder: Quail and squirrel seasons open Oct. 2
Oil up those squirrel rifles and make sure you have enough shotgun shells for quail – the Oct. 2 opening of tree squirrel and general quail seasons is rapidly approaching, advise Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists.
“It’s shaping up to be a decent year for tree squirrels, especially in the spruce and mixed-conifer areas for both tassel-eared and red squirrels,” Ron Day, the department’s small game biologist. “Also try hunting the transition zone between the ponderosa pine forest and the mixed conifer one.”
Don’t forget that the squirrel season remains open until the Dec. 31, providing more opportunities to take the youngsters out during the holidays.
But on the quail side, the outlook is not as promising. “We had pretty good Gambel’s quail reproduction last spring, but the dry hot summer may have taken its toll,” Day said. “Hunters should still be able to find some pockets of decent quail hunting.”
Day added that there is also a good population of cottontail rabbits in the low and mid elevation habitats again this year. “It’s always a good idea to mix in a little rabbit hunting with your quail outing, but you might even want to grab the trusty .22 and discover the joys of rabbit hunting.”
Pumpkin season in Chino Valley is a great chance to learn about the outdoors
Game and Fish Commissioner’s farm to host department educational event
Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Norm Freeman, as part of his annual Pumpkin Festival, will open his farm in Chino Valley to host a free Arizona Game and Fish Department educational day on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeman Farms, 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, Ariz. (north of Prescott). Families are invited to come and learn more about outdoor opportunities in Arizona and how you and your kids can get involved.
Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center will be providing an opportunity to get an up close look at wildlife native to Arizona and learn about their natural history.
The Hunter Education staff and volunteers will be there to answer questions about hunter education programs for the young and young at heart. They will also provide information about other learning opportunities that they present throughout the year.
Learn proper archery safety and shooting form while having fun shooting bulls eye’s and popping balloons along the way. Certified instructors will be on hand to make sure future Robin Hoods of all shapes and sizes will have a great time. Archers must be 8 years of age or older and registration is necessary for the 30 minute sessions. You may sign up at the event with class sizes limited to 24 participants. Accommodations will be made to keep family groups together.
See the off-highway vehicle (OHV) learning center trailer and learn about the new rules and regulations affecting all OHV use in Arizona. Also learn about the new OHV online education program available through the Game and Fish Department Web site.
Head out to the ponds and learn about boating safety, and get some hands-on canoeing or kayaking experience.
Parking, pumpkin patch admission, horse presentations and the Game and Fish educational event are FREE!
There are other activities available for a fee. A hay ride, mini-corn maze, and petting zoo are available for $3 each for adults and children alike. Proceeds are used to offset operational costs associated with the event.
Directions to the farm: From I-40, go south on Highway 89 from Ash Fork to Chino Valley. Continue through town to Road 3 South. Turn left on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.
From I-17, exit on Highway 69 to Prescott. Continue through Dewey. Turn right on Fain Road (will turn into 89A) and stay on it until you reach Highway 89. Turn right and continue into Chino Valley. Look for Road 3 South (and signs). Turn right on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.
For more information go to: www.azpumpkins.com/index.htm
Learn how to hunt in a safe mentored environment
Game and Fish partners with sportsmen groups to host clinics for first-time hunters
Parents, do you want to see your kids take a break from playing video games all day and get outdoors for some healthy activity?
Then check out the Arizona Game and Fish Department, your outdoor recreation resource. The department has partnered with dedicated sportsmen groups to offer first-time hunters dozens of mentored, hands-on, how-to hunting and shooting opportunities this fall.
For the majority of these events, all the participant has to do is show up and the mentors take care of the rest, including food and equipment. For others, participants must bring basic outdoor camping gear, and some hunts may require a hunting license and appropriate tags or stamps.
“Hunting in Arizona is very safe and it provides a healthy experience for the body, the mind and the soul,” said Arizona Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles. “Not only is it fun and challenging, but hunters play a critical role in modern wildlife conservation through harvest, funding, habitat restoration, advocacy and more.
The types of hunts, time of year and location can accommodate nearly any schedule, and include:
- Sept. 26, 5-Stand and Sporting Clays Camp – Hosted by Mohave SCTP at Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range in Kingman. To register, call (928) 758-2355.
- Fall 2009 (date pending), Small Game Hunting Camp – Hosted by Northeastern Arizona Sportsman’s Association, at Vernon. To register, contact (928) 337-3768.
- Oct. 3-4, Trophy Squirrel Camp – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club at Forest Lakes east of Payson on the Mogollon Rim. To register, e-mail info@chandlerrodandgunclub.com.
- Oct. 8-11, Antlerless Elk Camp – Hosted by Outdoor Experience 4 All at Mormon Lake, south of Flagstaff, in unit 6A. Special hunt for children with a life-threatening illness (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, contact (480) 529-8340.
- Oct. 8-12, Junior Deer Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association at the Colcord Ridge Campground for units 3A, 3C, 22, and 23 (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Oct. 15-18, Juniors Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Elk Society at Bear Springs, near Overgaard, for units 3C and 4A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (480) 720-2393.
- Oct. 15-18, Junior Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Elk Society at Happy Jack Lodge for unit 6A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 594-7074.
- Oct. 15-19, Junior Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, for unit 3A and 3C (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Nov. 19-22, Junior Deer & Javelina Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona chapter of the Safari Club International at Marley Ranch south of Tucson for units 36A and 36B (Limited javelina tags still available, deer tags already issued). For information, call (520) 490-8367.
- Nov. 19-22, Junior Deer Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, for unit 20C (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Nov. 26-29, Bull Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association at Bar D Ranch for unit 6A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Dec. 5-6, Predator Hunting Seminar and Camp – Hosted by Huachuca Gould’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, at Rose Tree Museum in Sierra Vista. To register, contact (520) 508-4272.
- Dec. 5-6, Small Game Hunting Camp – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club, at Gold Canyon. To register, e-mail info@chandlerrodandgunclub.com.
- Dec. 11-13, Junior Waterfowl Hunting Camp – Hosted by Southwest Habitat Partnership, at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. To register, e-mail getoutsideaz@gmail.com.
- Dec. 18-21, Junior Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Camp – Hosted by Mohave Sportsman Club, at Cain Springs in unit 16A (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (928) 758-2355.
- December (date pending), Shotgun Shooting Camp – Hosted by Northeastern Arizona Sportsman’s Association in St. Johns. To register, call (928) 337-3768.
- Jan. 16-17, Quail Hunting Camp – Hosted by Cochise Bird Dog Club at Empire Ranch near Sonoita. To register, call (520) 458-1584.
- Jan. 21-24, Juniors Javelina Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, in unit 20C (Apply for javelina tag before Oct. 13, Hunt No. 5039). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Jan. 21-24, Javelina Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, in unit 23 (Apply for javelina tag before Oct. 13, Hunt No. 5040). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
- Jan. 22-24, Junior Jack Rabbit Hunting Camp – Host by Arizona chapter of the Safari Club International, at Altar Valley. To register, contact (520) 490-8367.
- April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation, location to be determined, in Unit 6A near Flagstaff (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.
- April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation at Colcord Ridge Campground for units 3, 4, and 23 (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.
- April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation at Alpine for units 1 and 27 (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.
Several other events made available by the grant program have already occurred (see list below). However, many of these are annual events and are worth noting in your calendar:
- August, Christian Hunting and Shooting Camp – Hosted by Grace Community Church Group at Nowell Tree Farm.
- September, Junior Dove Hunt – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club and Arizona Game and Fish Department at department’s Robbins Butte Wildlife Area.
- September, Junior’s Fall Turkey Hunting Seminar – Hosted by Huachuca Gould’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation in Sierra Vista.
- September, Beginner’s Dove Hunt – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club and Arizona Game and Fish Department in the East Valley.
- September, Trap Shooting Camp – Hosted by Mohave SCTP at Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range in Kingman. To register, call (928) 758-2355.
A national survey in 2008 reports there is overwhelming public support for hunting. One method identified by the study to increase hunting participation is to provide new hunters with a mentored experience to teach them the skills needed to foster their self-interest.
Therefore, in teaching this valuable tradition in the 21st century, the department is taking on an approach like that of organized sports. The department’s Mentored Hunting Camp Project connects experienced sportsmen organizations with interested new hunters into a setting that teaches them the basic skills, ethics, and how-to’s in a safe and positive environment to foster those who have an interest in hunting but have no means with which to get started.
“Hunting is an American tradition that historically has been passed down from generation to generation, much like a skilled trade. However, as Arizona continues to transform from a rural- to an urban-based society, these traditions are not fostered like in years past, resulting in hunter participation rates not keeping pace in comparison to rising population levels,” added Voyles
Funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Hunter Heritage Grant Program, the Arizona Game and Fish Department created a pass-through grant program to local nonprofit organizations for the Mentored Hunting Camp Project.
“Arizona Game and Fish’s mentor program is an excellent example of thinking outside the box to put new hunters in the field,” said Melissa Schilling, National Shooting Sports Foundation, recruitment and retention manager. “This proposal is a ‘model’ program for other agencies to roll into their hunter recruitment and retention efforts.”
Voyles noted, “The NSSF Hunter Heritage Grant Program provided our agency an invaluable opportunity to develop a new program with our sportsmen’s groups for recruiting the hunter-conservationists of the future.”
Hunters are the original wildlife conservationists. Dating back more than 100 years ago, forward thinkers like President Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and others began to establish laws and management practices that would assure the sustainability of wildlife and their habitats for future generations. These mentored hunting camps are a way for today’s youth to become a part of this ongoing tradition and play a role in wildlife conservation.
To learn more about hunting, how to get a big game tag and other programs, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting.
One-of-a-kind fishery opening on Oct. 3 for “Verde trout”
First-ever roundtail chub seasonal fishery on Fossil Creek
Get your spinning gear and fly rods ready for the grand opening on Oct. 3 for the first-ever seasonal, one-of-a-kind “Verde trout” fishery on one of the state’s most unique waterways, Fossil Creek.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists said the opening of this catch-and-release fishery for native roundtail chub, also called Verde trout, is yet another chapter in the remarkable history of this picturesque travertine stream that has played an integral role in the development of Arizona.
Several groups and organizations along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be available at Fossil Creek to provide information about the area and the importance of this fishery.
“This is a great way to teach people about this amazing area and the unique fishing opportunity it provides,” says Arizona Game and Fish department fish biologist Scott Rogers. “People need to know about this area, how to respect it, and the native fish species found in the creek.”
Rogers added that anglers have already demonstrated their dedicated conservation abilities in helping renovate this creek. “We feel that this fishery opens the door even wider for a whole new public appreciation for native fish species that will aid us in all our native fish recovery efforts.”
This seasonal fishery requires anglers to use artificial fly and lures only, single barbless hooks, and utilize catch-and-release techniques in which fish are immediately released unharmed. The fishing season will only be open from the first Saturday in October through April 30. Only the middle 4.5 miles of the creek is open to fishing (there will be signs). Check the Fishing Regulations for this description.
Fossil Creek is located on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests approximately 15 miles east of Camp Verde and 5 miles west of the town of Strawberry. You can find it by driving along Forest Service Road 708.
This renovated creek is home to many of Arizona’s imperiled native fishes. It has roundtail chub, speckled dace, longfin dace, desert suckers, and Sonora suckers, These fish now inhabit a superb habitat thanks to an extensive renovation and reintroduction project conducted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coconino National Forest, the Northern Arizona Flycasters, Arizona Public Service, and Bureau of Reclamation .
The overall project included the removal of nonnative fish, the construction of a fish barrier on the lower portion of the creek, and the decommissioning of the Childs hydroelectric power plant. Upon completion of the project, the public was interested in reopening this area to fishing.
Don’t forget to gobble up over-the-counter youth turkey tags
Don’t forget to gobble up the over-the-counter youth turkey tags – the fall season is Oct. 2-8.
Those youth who obtained turkey tags in the spring but did not harvest an animal during that hunt can use their turkey tag to hunt during the fall season – the bag limit is only one turkey per year.
Youth are eligible to participate up and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that those between the ages of 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed an approved Arizona hunter education course.
Keep in mind, legal harvest for the fall season is any turkey (male or female) but is limited to shotguns shooting shot only.
Arizona Wildlife Views TV show nominated for Emmy Award
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s award-winning television series, Arizona Wildlife Views, has been nominated for outstanding achievement in environmental programming for a show that featured the impacts on fish populations and beach erosion from the artificial flooding of the Grand Canyon.
In 2008 the Bureau of Reclamation opened the flood gates of Glen Canyon Dam for three days hoping to recreate the natural flooding of the canyon that existed before the dam was built.
Arizona Wildlife Views is a 13-week series that airs on local PBS stations as well as city cable channels throughout the state and has won 11 Emmys in previous years.
The Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmy region of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences includes Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and parts of California. The winners will be announced on October 24th.
Next commission meeting is Oct. 9 and 10 in Phoenix
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 9 and 10 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).
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 the Game and Fish regional offices; 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.
For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.