Daily Archives: August 1, 2016

Arizona Game and Fish to offer another bighorn sheep viewing tour on Canyon Lake

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bighorn sheepAPACHE JUNCTION — Due to the popularity of July’s Canyon Lake bighorn sheep tour, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, is offering an encore Canyon Lake cruise for the public to see magnificent desert bighorn sheep in their natural environment.

The three-hour tour, accompanied by Game and Fish biologists and educators, leaves from Canyon Lake Marina at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. Cost is $40 for adults and $25 for children ages 5-12.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep and conservation efforts in an area virtually inaccessible except by boat,” says Game and Fish Wildlife Manager John Dickson. “During the heat of summer, water is a scarce commodity in bighorn country. This makes summer the best time of year to view young lambs and family groups coming down to the lakeshore to drink.”

The Dolly Steamboat offers both open-air decks and air-conditioned viewing areas, is accessible, and has bathrooms. Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable light clothing and bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars.

Reservations required: You must reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket for the special Dolly Steamboat Cruise. Space is limited. To buy your ticket, call Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144 or book online at www.dollysteamboat.com.

Dove, band-tailed pigeon regulations now online

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dovesPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016-2017 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations online at https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/regs/doveregs.pdf.

The dove season begins Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45 dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no bag or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

The band-tailed pigeon season is Sept. 2-15. The daily bag limit is two band-tailed pigeons per day. Possession limit after opening day is six, of which no more than two may be taken in any one day.

Hunters 18 and older who want to hunt doves and band-tailed pigeons (as well as ducks, geese, coots, snipe and common moorhens) must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the 2016-17 season (the stamp is included with the youth combo hunt/fish license). Both can be purchased online at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml, or any department office or license dealer.

Reminder: Nominations sought for Game and Fish Commission Awards

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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2016 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Aug. 12, 2016. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Nominations are for the categories listed below and may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

Submit a Commission Awards nomination, or download a nomination form. Then submit the completed form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: 2016 Commission Awards – DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 or fax to: 623-236-7299 or email to: lroe@azgfd.gov. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. August 12, 2016.
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