- Get ready for fun and excitement – it’s outdoor expo time!
- Feeding wildlife continues to create problems
- You can help wildlife at tax time
- Got a Hunting Tip? Send it to us
- Nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame
- Score two popular wildlife publications at a bargain price
- Outdoor expo features dozens of speakers sharing their knowledge
- Air gun range improvements offer safe introduction to growing sport
- Get your cluck-and-putt skills ready for juniors-only turkey
- Game and Fish wildlife fair returns to Kingman
- New Web page offers the story of the collared jaguar in Arizona
- 2 “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” (BOW) workshops to choose from
Get ready for fun and excitement – it’s outdoor expo time!
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 28-29 promises to be the largest and most exciting ever. Last year, this dynamic outdoor event that sprawls across the 1,650-acre shooting complex attracted 26,000 people. During these tough economic times, the price is right – the event is absolutely free.
Bring the family and come catch a fish, hike a nature trail, shoot all types of firearms, see live wildlife, watch exciting rock crawler and ATV demonstrations, refine your archery skills or witness exciting mounted cowboy shooters.
Be sure to wear a fun-in-the-sun hat and prepare to spend a full day because you can:
Try out firearms from Sturm, Ruger & Co., GLOCK, and Smith & Wesson in a safe, supervised shooting range setting
* Have your kids catch a fish at the large kids fishing pond
* See lots of live wildlife demonstrations from birds of prey to amazing reptiles
* Take an archery class or try out 3D archery on a walking course through the desert
* Kids can shoot .22s and air guns while learning more about firearm safety
* Try your hand at different specialty shooting disciplines, such as cowboy action shooting, black powder, tactical pistol, plus rifle and pistol silhouette
* Learn everything you wanted to know about off-highway vehicle recreation and the latest laws. View quads, side-by-sides, and 4x4s, plus see rock crawler, trial bike and ATV demonstrations.
* Visit with more than 100 exhibitors—sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services
* See hunting dog demonstrations
* Hike a nature trail/field course
* View exciting shooting competition by the cowboy mounted shooters at the brand new cowboy action arena
* Attend informative workshops on fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation
* Get fishing tips from local tournament anglers and fishing guides at the huge fish demonstration tank
* Visit the enhanced Clay Target Center and shoot skeet and trap in a supervised environment
* Learn about all kinds of outdoor skills, including Stone Age camping (for more information about workshops and demonstrations at the Expo, see the article further down in this newsletter)
One segment expanded this year is the Family Adventure area. This area was a big hit last year. Game and Fish is adding some new attractions, such as a fishing demonstration tank with local experts sharing their secrets on various fishing techniques.
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Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee if you want to try out firearms on the range.
Gold sponsors for this year’s Outdoor Expo are Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems, the Weatherby Foundation, and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.
For more information about the Outdoor Expo, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.
Feeding wildlife continues to create problems
Game and Fish reminds public of dangers
As the spring weather warms up and animals such as coyotes and javelina become more active, Arizona Game and Fish Department officials remind everyone to avoid the temptation to feed wildlife.
Feeding wildlife is a bad practice that can lead to nuisance problems or potentially dangerous encounters between animals and humans. Recent calls to Game and Fish offices around the state have included people having problems with coyotes, skunks, javelina, raccoons, foxes, bobcats and mountain lions.
“Many people mistakenly think that feeding wildlife is a nice thing to do, either out of a belief they are helping them, or because they like to see rabbits or javelina spend time around their homes,” says Darren Julian, urban wildlife specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Mesa region.
“But what really happens is that the animals can become habituated to people and conditioned to receiving food from them, increasing the chance for human-wildlife conflicts. Feeding smaller animals can attract larger, predatory ones, such as coyotes and mountain lions, which can cause property damage, eat pets, and become aggressive toward people.”
Two types of feeding take place: intentional, where people put out food to attract wildlife, and unintentional, such as leaving trash accessible or feeding pets outside.
In 2006, the Arizona Legislature passed a law making it illegal to feed wildlife (except birds and tree squirrels) in Maricopa and Pima counties.
To reduce the chance of unwanted wildlife encounters, people should avoid feeding wildlife, feed pets indoors (and not leave small pets unattended outside), and make sure all garbage is secured. If you feed birds, keep the seed in an appropriate bird feeder rather than scattering it in your yard. The seed can attract rodents and snakes, which in turn can attract larger predators.
People can also look at the vegetation on their property to see if there are attractants that can be eliminated. Talk to a local nursery about planting vegetation native to the area. This will allow wildlife to make the occasional visit, but they will continue to forage naturally and won’t congregate in one area.
All wildlife, regardless of the “cuteness” factor, can be dangerous and are best enjoyed from a distance.
Julian cautions people that if an animal is considered a public safety threat, it is usually lethally removed.
“People can help prevent situations like that through a community effort,” he says. “You and your neighbors can help keep wildlife wild by not feeding them or providing them easy access to food and water sources around your house. Don’t be the person responsible for creating a situation that’s bad for wildlife and bad for people.”
For additional information on the dangers of feeding wildlife and tips on living with urban wildlife, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.
You can help wildlife at tax time
Check off the state tax return box for the Arizona Wildlife Fund
Many of us are busy trying to finish filling out our income tax returns as deadline day approaches on April 15. But, did you know that tax deadline day also offers you an opportunity to help our state’s bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, California condors, desert tortoises, native fish, and other wildlife?
All you have to do is check off a box labeled “Arizona Wildlife” on your state income tax return.
“While we recognize that economic times are difficult for many residents right now, we hope that people will recognize the value of protecting our wildlife during these critical periods,” says Mike Senn, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s assistant director of wildlife management. “The state’s wildlife resources provide many different low-cost recreational opportunities for enthusiasts to enjoy. With one check of a box, they can donate part or all of their state income tax refund to help animals.”
The Arizona Wildlife Fund box first appeared on the state income tax form in 1982. Money goes to the Arizona Game, Nongame, Fish and Endangered Species Fund to benefit hundreds of nongame species of animals. Voluntary gifts to the fund can also be made on your state income tax form by checking the box, which is numbered “42.”
“These gifts help us fund important work in learning more about Arizona’s wildlife, which benefits all of the people who live in and visit our state,” says Senn. “We’re grateful to everyone who chooses to check off the box and help conserve the state’s unique species.”
Got a Hunting Tip? Send it to us
Arizona Wildlife Views magazine invites you to share your best hunting tip with our readers.
Send your tips in by April 6, and you could win a free copy of “Hunt Arizona 2009.” The first 50 persons to send in a qualifying entry get a copy of “Man and Wildlife” for their trouble.
What kind of tips do we want? That nugget of wisdom gleaned from years of experience, or a piece of advice you would share with your best friend or your child to improve their success at hunting.
Keep it brief: Three sentences or fewer should cover it. Be specific: Avoid generalities by tying your tip to a particular species, situation, time of year or other fact. Don’t give away a favorite location; we’d rather hear about techniques or practices that pay off. And yes, it’s OK to identify gear you swear by.
Examples of what and what not to submit:
* Pay attention to wind direction. (This is too general: We’re looking for specifics.)
* Hunt into the wind. (This is excellent and brief, a true nugget of wisdom.)
* When making a stalk, take wind direction into account. Wind is never your friend, and if ignored will carry your scent toward your quarry, lessening your chance of success. To avoid that, hunt into the wind. (Excellent and an acceptable length — but please don’t go longer.)
The best tips received by April 6 will be published — along with the author’s first name, last initial and home town — in an upcoming issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. Everyone whose tip is published gets a free copy of that issue. The author of the best tip wins “Hunt Arizona 2009” when it’s published in May. And the first 50 people who submit a complete entry will receive a copy of “Man and Wildlife,” a fascinating history of wildlife in Arizona — a $14.95 value!
Ready to share your best hunting tip? Send it by e-mail to HuntingHighlights@azgfd.gov (use the subject title: Best Tips).
Be sure to include your full name and mailing address in the body of your message to be eligible to receive top honors or a free gift. Limit one tip per person, please.
Nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame
The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. The deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m. on May 1, 2009.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.
This major award and induction event was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation. Selections for induction are made annually by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s board of directors, who review nominations that have been submitted.
To obtain a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml, fill it out, and return it along with all supplemental materials to Wildlife For Tomorrow Foundation, c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Marty Fabritz, DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Completed forms and materials can also be submitted by fax to (623) 236-7299 or by e-mail to mfabritz@azgfd.gov.
This year’s inductees will be honored at the 12th annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 21 at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale.
Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources. The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources are not adequate.
For more information about the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml or call (623) 236-7281.
For more information about the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow@cox.net.
Score two popular wildlife publications at a bargain price
Act fast and you can score two of our most popular wildlife publications at a bargain price.
For just $15, get one year (six issues) of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine, plus your very own 240-page “Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide” for observing Arizona’s diverse wildlife!
With maps and descriptions of more than 128 sites across the Grand Canyon state, the viewing guide is an essential resource for wildlife photographers and all those who love to watch wildlife. And Arizona Wildlife Views magazine keeps readers informed about all things wild in Arizona, with special features for wildlife enthusiasts of all types.
This special offer won’t last forever, so get in on it now. Visit www.azgfd.gov/magazine for details.
Outdoor expo features dozens of speakers sharing their knowledge
Get more than 20 hours of free education
If you are new to Arizona or just interested in learning about useful skills for enjoying the outdoors and wildlife, then make sure you attend one of the outdoor workshops at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 28-29.
All of the presentations are free and in an outdoor classroom setting, consisting of two large event tents with the beautiful Sonoran desert as a backdrop. The presenters’ demonstrations run the gamut and should offer something for everyone.
“The biggest goal we have for these workshops is to help those who are interested in getting involved in traditional outdoor activities but don’t know where to start,” said Assistant Director Ty Gray. “These focused talks and demonstrations are a great place to find that ‘nugget’ of information that will give families the confidence they need to start their own outdoor adventure – be it wildlife watching, shooting sports, fishing or hunting.“
There will be two presentation tents in the “Family Adventure” Area. One tent is configured theater style and the other features a large casting fish tank packed with lunker largemouth bass, jumbo sunfish, and other eye-catching warmwater species. Each tent will be the platform for an array of subjects including:
* Outdoor skills - Learn about fire by friction, Stone Age tools, natural rope making and more; Knot Tying – the 7 basic knots; and Wildlife Photography.
* Hunting – Youth Turkey Hunting; Small Game Hunting; Big Game Hunting; and Wildlife Skinning.
* Equipment - Backpacks, Gear and More; and Optics, Binoculars and Tripods.
* Wildlife - Arizona Birds of Prey; Venomous Reptiles of Arizona; and a Quail Calling Contest.
* Fishing – Fishing 101 Basics; Bass Fishing Tips; Casting Demonstrations; Spinner and Crankbaits; Drop-shot Fishing; Flutter-down Bass Baits; and more.
* Arizona Game and Fish 101 - Who we are and what do we do.
“Last year we had only one demonstration area and it was a huge hit – so we really wanted to expand it this year – and that’s what we did,” said Environmental Education Program Manager Kellie Tharp. “I like all of them, but my favorite would have to be the live wildlife. Where else can you get up close and personal with hawks, owls, and snakes – how cool is that?”
Tharp added that nearly every presentation will allow participants to walk away learning new skills or information that will allow them to participate, encounter and discover amazing things in the outdoors – all of which become incredible educational and teachable experiences to the next generation.
To see an event program with a schedule and descriptions of the Outdoor Expo workshops, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.
Air gun range improvements offer safe introduction to growing sport
After hearing this news, Ralphie, the 8-year-old boy from the movie A Christmas Story, would be grabbing his trusty Red Rider BB gun and fixing his sights on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s Air Gun Range – and he won’t have to worry about shooting his eye out.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility has made extensive improvements to its Air Gun Range. Now fully paved and well lighted, the 42-position indoor range offers temperature control for year-long shooting. All shooting lanes are freshly painted and identified, as are both the yellow and red firing lines. There is a raised platform booth for the range master with a full PA system for conducting safe shoots. There are plans for stadium seating in the near future.
Air gun shooting is one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in America, and competitive shooting can lead to college scholarships or even a chance at Olympic competition. While these accomplishments may be the cream of the crop, other lessons learned from target shooting include humility, accountability, honor, integrity, commitment, teamwork, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and many other positive personal character developments important to becoming a good citizen.
To celebrate, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting a Grand Opening Fun 3-Position Cup Match for both sporter-class and precision-class shooters. The event will take place at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 27, the day before the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo. Although there will be experienced 3-position shooters participating, this is a great opportunity to see what this safe and fun shooting sport is all about. And, if you don’t have an air gun to shoot, don’t worry, the range has loaner guns available. There is no cost to enter, but preregistration is recommended.
In addition, if you find you have the “shooter’s bug” like Ralphie, with no plans this summer, look no further. There is an evening summer league starting in June for shooters ages 8 and over with skill levels of beginner to veteran. Registration is $30 for junior shooters and $40 for adults, and loaner guns are available for newcomers.
Families receive a discount and will benefit in sharing a common interest. A single adult with one or more junior shooters pays only $20 per junior shooter. Two adults with one or more junior shooters pay only $15 per junior shooter. The adult pays the regular $40 fee.
To register for either event, call the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313.
The range is restricted to air guns shooting 600 feet per second or less only. All shoots, leagues and instruction will follow the National 3-Position Air Rifle Council rules and regulations. To learn more about 3-position air gun rules, visit www.odcmp.com/3P/Rules.pdf.
The Air Gun Range is located at the east end of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located on Carefree Highway, ¼ mile west of Interstate 17 in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.
Get your cluck-and-putt skills ready for juniors-only turkey
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Nope, they are neither a 10K run in Kingman nor a miniature golf park in Peoria. They are all part of turkey calling. If you aren’t familiar with the gratifying art of calling turkeys and you have a youngster under 17 years old, then it is time to learn.
Why you ask?
Simple – this is the first spring turkey season in Arizona where youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 can get over-the-counter turkey tags. Yes, that means no drawing – just get and go.
No foolin’.
If you have never called in a wild turkey and have it strut its stuff or prance around doing a tail-fan dance in front of your blind, then you are in for one of the greatest wildlife experiences on this planet. There is nothing quite like it. If you are lucky enough, you might just get to witness two huge toms fanning their tail feathers and doing one-upmanship in front of a flock of hens. It’s hilarious and thrilling at the same time.
Watching huge toms in full display is one of the grandest and most colorful courting displays in the wildlife kingdom.
It usually takes a short time to learn the basics of calling turkeys, but it takes a lifetime to truly refine this seasonal art form – you never stop learning. For tips on calling wild turkeys and for clinics, visit the National Wild Turkey Federation at www.nwtf.org/calling_tips.html.
You can even help your youngster construct simple squawk boxes and then go practice on amorous spring gobblers. This is not just a macho man deal, it’s something for the whole family. What’s more, it’s also something to pass down or up from generation to generation.
If you want some hands-on tips, come to the Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Expo on March 28-29. We’ll have a number of mini-clinics for you. So go learn to Cluck and Putt and get your family into a Kee Kee Run state of mind this spring.
Game and Fish wildlife fair returns to Kingman
Those who believe nothing in life is free have yet to visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region III Wildlife Fair from 6-9 p.m. April 9 at the Kingman Academy of Learning High School
The information, giveaway items, and hands-on instruction in hunting and casting is all free of charge as Game and Fish personnel continue efforts to educate and inform.
“The event is designed around youth, but it’s fun for everyone,” said Zen Mocarski, information and education program manager for the Game and Fish Kingman office. “Last time we were in Kingman we had approximately 2,000 come through the doors. It was unreal.”
Mocarski said there will be live birds, mammals, several species of rattlesnake, and other wildlife. Game and Fish will also have interactive hunting and fishing games. In addition, there will be free information and giveaway items such as posters and key chains.
There will be some photographic opportunities at the fair, and participants are encouraged to bring a camera.
“People shouldn’t miss an opportunity to grab a snapshot of some of the birds or get a photo of their children learning to cast,” Mocarski said.
The fair is not limited to Game and Fish. Also slated to participate are: Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Falconers Association, Audubon Society, Bureau of Land Management, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mohave Sportsman Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
“Obviously this is a great event for everyone,” Mocarski said. “It’s critical for adults and youth to have an understanding of wildlife: the behavior of animals, their value, and potential risks of specific human behaviors. This is the event to attend if you have any questions, or just want to look around.”
Kingman Academy High School is located at 3420 Burbank, which is located off Airway. For more information about the wildlife fair, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, ext. 2301.
New Web page offers the story of the collared jaguar in Arizona
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has created a Web page at www.azgfd.gov/machob to provide you comprehensive information on Macho B, the recently collared jaguar in southern Arizona.
The new Web page contains a summary of the capture and collaring of the jaguar, along with press releases, a timeline of events, photographs and answers to frequently asked questions.
The page also includes a link to a videotaped copy of a news conference held on March 5 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the attending veterinarian from the Phoenix Zoo, a jaguar conservation biologist from Game and Fish, and the chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
The jaguar was incidentally captured Feb. 18 in an area southwest of Tucson during a research study aimed at monitoring habitat connectivity for mountain lions and black bears. The cat was fitted with a satellite tracking collar and then released. It was hoped that the collar would provide biologists with a better understanding of how jaguars use the borderlands habitat.
Initial location data indicated the jaguar was doing well and had moved more than three miles from the original capture site, but data monitoring more than a week later revealed a decreased level of activity.
A response team was activated to assess the animal’s condition in the field. Due to weight loss, on March 2, the cat was brought immediately to The Phoenix Zoo for further medical assessment. It was determined then through blood tests that the jaguar was in severe and unrecoverable kidney failure, and the decision was made to euthanize the animal.
For more information about jaguar conservation in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/jaguar.
Two “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” (BOW) workshops to choose from
There are two “Becoming An Outdoors Woman” workshops to choose from: April 3-5, and again Aug.14-16, at the Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Enrollment is open to all women 18 and older.
These workshops introduce women to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment. Expert instructors teach women skills such as canoeing, camping, using a compass, fly fishing, Dutch oven cooking, archery, and many more.
For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, go to www.azwildlife.org or call the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077 or email us at awf@azwildlife.org.