Daily Archives: August 17, 2016

Hunters, please save that tracking collar

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is encouraging hunters who harvest a big game animal affixed with a GPS or VHF tracking collar to return that collar undamaged to any department office statewide.

While harvesting a collared animal is legal, Game and Fish asks hunters to refrain from cutting, damaging or otherwise destroying any portion of a collar. A collar easily can be removed from a harvested animal’s neck by loosening two nuts on the black “drop-off” box on one side of the collar. A crescent wrench, socket wrench or multi-use tool can be used to loosen only those two nuts.
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The department relies on valuable data that collars provide in making science-based decisions that determine the most effective wildlife management practices. The stored data can include an animal’s behaviors, movement patterns and frequency, individual and group dynamics, home-range size and more.

The technology is not inexpensive. A collar can range in cost up to several thousands of dollars. When factoring in additional costs of human resources, equipment and capture, the department is making a substantial investment in each collared animal. A portion of the funding comes from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program, a stalwart national funding source for state conservation and recreational opportunities.

It’s also helpful for hunters to report the date and location of their harvest when returning an undamaged collar. For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Last chance to attend Saturday’s Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet

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PHOENIX — This is the last chance to attend the 19th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

This year’s inductees into the Outdoor Hall of Fame include: Richard Sprague (owner and manager of Sprague’s Sports in Yuma); Jim Unmacht (President of Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation); Terry and Marge Abbott (influential in the lives of many youngsters for their instruction in youth shooting programs); Sempra Energy (supportive of environmental education and committed to maintain Mesquite Wildlife Oasis); Kevin and Patti O’Connell (25 years of dedication to Ducks Unlimited in Arizona.)

The event will include a social hour and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony. The evening will also feature a live auction and exciting raffle prizes.

Individual tickets are $70. A table for 10 is $700. A table of 10 and a full-page ad in the full-color banquet brochure is $1,200.

You can order tickets online at the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s Outdoor Hall of Fame web page or call Duane Wellnitz (WFT Board Member and Ticket Chairman) at (480) 747-0611.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed 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.

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, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

Sandhill crane regulations now available online

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016 Arizona Sandhill Crane Regulations online at https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/PortalImages/files/regs/craneregs.pdf.

The deadline for the department to receive applications for sandhill crane hunt permit-tags is Aug. 26, 2016. No applications will be accepted after this date, regardless of postmark. All applicants must use hunt permit-tag application forms.

Applications will be accepted — by mail only — at the following addresses: P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ, 85087-1052; or 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ, 85086-5000. These applications cannot be hand-delivered to any department office. All hunt permit-tags will be mailed by Sept. 23, 2016.

The hunt permit-tag fee is $43 for Arizona residents, $45 for non-residents (each successful applicant will receive three hunt permit-tags). In order to participate in the random draw, an applicant must have or apply for a valid hunting license. If an applicant is not licensed at the time of application, he or she must purchase a license by completing the license form section and include payment with the application.

The first of 10 three-day seasons begins Nov. 18, the latest starts Dec. 12. A three-day, youth-only season begins Dec. 9. The bag and possession limit is three sandhill cranes per calendar year.

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Considering a Voluntary Travel ID? Bring the right documentation

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800-voluntary-travel-idPHOENIX — New to driving or new to Arizona? Renewing a driver license or getting a 12-year photo update? If you’re planning to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office for these reasons, you’re among those who may want to consider getting a Voluntary Travel ID – and bringing along the documentation needed to get one.

The Voluntary Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act for getting through security checkpoints at airports, restricted federal buildings and military bases. It’s available as both a driver license and an identification card.

While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that all Arizona driver licenses and ID cards are valid at these checkpoints until October 2020, it may be worth getting a Voluntary Travel ID now if you need a new driver license.

“We want first-time applicants and those renewing their licenses to understand their options around Voluntary Travel ID, particularly if they travel frequently,” ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “While it is up to the customer, we would hate for them to spend their time and money to get a standard driver license now only to have to return in a couple of years to go through the whole process again to get a Travel ID.”

The Voluntary Travel ID costs $25 and is valid for a maximum of eight years. Standard licenses cost no more than $25 and are valid until the driver’s 65th birthday, although a new photo is required every 12 years.

A Voluntary Travel ID requires specific documentation, and failing to bring it will cost you time if you decide to get one. You must provide:

  • A document establishing citizenship or legal presence such as a certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or valid immigration documents.
  • A Social Security card or a W-2 form to confirm Social Security information.
  • Two forms of documentation to establish proof of residency such as a bank statement, utility bill or an Arizona Voter Registration Card. All residency documents must have a current address.

A full list of acceptable documents is available at azdot.gov/TravelID.

Those who decide against a Voluntary Travel ID should keep in mind that the REAL ID Act requires newly issued standard Arizona driver licenses and identification cards to contain the phrase “Not for federal identification.” However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will continue to accept these credentials until October 2020.

Not everyone needs a Voluntary Travel ID. Arizonans who travel by plane or need to pass through other federal security checkpoints may use an alternate form of ID such as a current U.S. passport or a military ID.

For more information on the Voluntary Travel ID, please visit azdot.gov/TravelID.

To view a video on documentation needed for the Travel ID, visit https://youtu.be/v_rWDTKJVcc

ADOT detectives make undercover bust of unlicensed auto dealer

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PHOENIX — An undercover bust of a man accused of selling more than 100 vehicles without a dealer license is a reminder for buyers to be wary and do their homework.

Detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation cited Daniel Miranda, 35, of Avondale after arranging for a detective to buy a vehicle advertised for sale. Their investigation revealed that Miranda had sold 124 vehicles in the last 11 months without a license. This is known as curbstoning.

State law allows an individual to sell no more than six vehicles in 12 consecutive months without a dealer’s license.

In addition to a citation for acting as a used vehicle dealer without a license, Miranda was cited for not having a business license. The penalty for selling more vehicles than allowed by an individual is between $1,000 and $3,000 per vehicle, so Miranda faces a minimum $118,000 in fines.

“Our detectives are very proactive when it comes to finding unlicensed dealers, protecting vehicle buyers and ensuring that vehicles are sold legally,” said Michael Lockhart, chief of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General.

After citing Miranda, ADOT detectives requested a hearing at the ADOT Executive Hearing Office to establish a penalty. Miranda will also face a court hearing since the citations are criminal charges.

ADOT urges those looking to purchase used vehicles to be diligent and ask lots of questions. Also consider completing the transaction at a Motor Vehicle Division office or Authorized Third Party business, where employees can check the vehicle title for liens and confirm the vehicle identification number.

ADOT’s Office of the Inspector General investigates fraud involving driver license and identification card applications; vehicle sales by licensed and unlicensed dealers; and vehicle titles and registration. It also assists state, local and federal law enforcement agencies with investigations.