| PHOENIX — Time is running out on 2018. As we reflect on the changes we want – or need – to make in the new year, how about adding an outdoors resolution to the list?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers 10 simple resolutions, any one of which should be easy for an outdoors enthusiast to stick to: 1. Fish local. Make it a point to wet a line this year at one (or more) of 45 waters in the Community Fishing Program. With lakes and ponds in 21 Arizona communities that are seasonally stocked with channel catfish, bluegill and rainbow trout, there’s always a hotspot close to home. This is a great way to introduce a youngster to a fun, lifelong sport. Your reward? Hearing that youngster squeal with delight while pulling in his or her first fish. Buy a license online today at https://www.azgfd.com/license/ (youth under age 10 do not need to purchase a license). 2. Support wildlife. Wildlife lovers can put their money where their heart is by signing up for a Conservation Membership Package. Your annual dues provide much-needed funding to sustain important wildlife and habitat conservation projects. 3. Take a youngster outdoors. Look for animal tracks together and identify the critter that made them. Armed with only a bird identification guide, embark on a “hunting” expedition and see how many species you can find. A day in the field will create memories that last a lifetime – for both of you. 4. Pick it up. Vow to clean up not only after yourself, but those who aren’t as considerate. Take an extra trash bag along on your next outing and spend a few minutes picking up those empty cans, cigarette butts or campsite trash. After all, respected access is open access. 5. Be a wildlife watcher. Arizona provides some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the nation, with more than 800 species of wildlife. It’s a fun, inexpensive activity the entire family can enjoy. 6. Invest in good optics. Most hunters know that success in the field begins with a quality pair of binoculars or spotting scope. Don’t skimp. Better to buy the best you can afford that fits your needs than settle for a middle-of-the-road piece of equipment and be forced to upgrade later. 7. Be a conservationist. It’s difficult to imagine what our wildlife populations might be like today without the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. For a presentation from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, produced by Arizona Game and Fish, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chc9Ywp-WmY. 8. Explore “Expo.” Save the date – March 30-31 – and experience the great outdoors at the department’s 2019 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. There will be plenty of hands-on activities, wildlife presentations/educational demonstrations, and the opportunity to meet with outdoors groups, agencies and exhibitors. Admission and parking are free. 9. Hunt something new. Don’t let the odds of being selected in the random draw keep you from applying for what could be the hunt of a lifetime. If you’ve always dreamed of hunting bison, pronghorn or bull elk, then get in the game and fill out an application. Also, don’t overlook small game or other species that can be hunted year-round. Buy a license online today at https://www.azgfd.com/license/. 10. Enter AZGFD’s Portal. The portal lets you create a secure account where you can view and manage your licenses, draw results, bonus points and memberships in your own personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. Just click on the “My Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page, then select the “Register” option. |
Monthly Archives: December 2018
Receive an OHV under the tree? Don’t forget the safety gear
PHOENIX — If you happened to be on Santa’s nice list and received an off-highway vehicle (OHV) this Christmas, make sure you have the proper protective gear to get off to a safe start. Whether you unwrapped an ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that you wear the following equipment when riding in an OHV:
Video: GET OUT! Off-highway recreation
- Helmet — All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated helmet, but they are strongly recommended for everyone.
- Eye protection — Motorcycle goggles or a full-face shield are legally required for all riders if the OHV isn’t equipped with a windshield. This helps protect riders against eye injuries from flying debris.
- Riding jersey — A long-sleeved riding jersey can protect riders from numerous issues, like windburn and hypothermia. In addition, bright colors will increase your visibility on the trail.
- Riding gloves — Wear off-road motorcycle or OHV gloves to protect your hands from flying debris and trailside hazards like branches and bushes and enhance your grip while driving.
- Riding pants, hip pads, knee pads and elbow pads — This specialty gear all offers additional protection for riders. Make sure the pieces fit properly and comfortably without restricting movement.
- Riding boots — Over-the-ankle boots help prevent foot and ankle injuries, while also giving riders better grip on footrests.
Now that you’re properly outfitted to hit the trail, one of the most important things to wear is a seatbelt.
A number of fatal accidents occur when vehicles roll and pin the operator or passengers underneath. If your OHV is equipped with seatbelts, wear them — they’ll help keep the operator and any passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has information about safety courses to teach both new and veteran OHV enthusiasts about safe and responsible riding practices. Get more information online at www.azgfd.gov/ohv.
Utah DWR waves requirement for Utah Lake Powell Stamp
– AZGF Photo
This means some anglers will save on what had been an $8 stamp. In addition, a resident of Utah or Arizona may buy a resident license from their home state and fish the entirety of the 254-square mile lake with only that one license. Likewise, nonresidents may buy one of the fishing license options from Utah or Arizona and fish the entire lake.
The same daily and possession limits for each state will apply.
“This change will be especially beneficial for the anglers of Arizona,” said Chris Cantrell, aquatic wildlife branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). ”It’s an example of the collaboration between both of our state agencies.”
On January 1, 2014, AZGFD made a similar change, waving the requirement for a $3 Lake Powell Stamp.
“Utah and Arizona agree on the fishing rules and regulations and converse often on how to amend the rules as needed,” said Wayne Gustaveson, the primary fisheries biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). “The cooperation of the fish managers from both states makes fishing regulation compliance easier for all those who come to the lake to fish. Expect that cooperation and fishing insight to continue going forward as we face more challenges with the lack of water flowing into the lake.”
Lake Powell offers exceptional fishing for numerous sport-fish species including striped, smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as walleye.
“The simplification of this process will allow more anglers to enjoy this fantastic fishing that Lake Powell has to offer,” said Richard Hepworth, aquatics manager for DWR.
Anglers are reminded that Lake Powell is infested with invasive quagga mussels and must still comply with respective state laws for inspection and decontamination when exiting Lake Powell.
For more information about quagga mussels in Arizona, call the AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program at 623-236-7608. For more information in Utah, visit http://stdofthesea.utah.gov/
Don’t overestimate your abilities when snow and ice are on highways
PHOENIX – An incoming storm with lower-than-normal snow levels is expected to create slippery driving conditions and limited visibility starting Thursday evening throughout Rim Country, in northeastern Arizona and on steep, winding highways east of the Valley, including US 60, State Route 77 and State Route 177 in the Globe and Superior areas.
Avoid underestimating the power of a winter storm or overestimating your ability to negotiate highways covered with snow and ice. Arizona Department of Transportation snowplows will be out in force, but driving conditions can be hazardous during storms. Highways can close suddenly if enough snow falls in a brief period or if there are crashes, slide-offs or both.
Slow down and drive for the conditions you’re in. Be sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
The safest decision when snow falls and ice forms is delaying travel until the storm passes and highways have been cleared. In addition to the obvious danger if your vehicle and others are stuck on or along a snow-covered highway, this also makes clearing the roadway much more difficult and time-consuming for ADOT’s snowplows.
If delaying travel isn’t possible, leave prepared for the possibility that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions. Pack an emergency kit with items like extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, cat litter or sand for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone.
Before leaving, check highway conditions by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or calling 511 (Not while driving). ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) is a 24-hour-a-day source of updated information and interaction. The free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com delivers immediate information in a specific area if a major highway closes due to a crash or heavy weather.
For Interstate 17 travelers, ADOT’s message boards now provide estimated travel times to Flagstaff, Prescott and other high-country destinations.
Give snowplows plenty of room to work, staying at least four vehicle lengths behind. Avoid passing a plow until the driver pulls aside to let traffic by.
For more winter driving tips, visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
New Year’s Eve Multi-Agency DUI Task Force – Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Northern AZ Law Enforcement Agencies wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season. We want to remind you, as always our Officers, Deputies and Troopers will be patrolling 24 hours a day 7 days a week to keep our communities safe.
As New Year’s approaches, we know there will be many parties and festivities. We will have increased enforcement patrols during this busy time of the year. In addition, Law Enforcement in Northern Arizona will conduct a multi-agency DUI Task Force on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Flagstaff Police Department, AZ Department of Public Safety and Northern Arizona University Police will be participating. We will be posting several DUI trailers throughout the area where officers can take possible violators to gather samples of breath and blood draws if driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is suspected.
It is our hope that by publicizing this task force and advising the public of this event, people will be encouraged to not drive while under the influence. A taxi, Uber, LYFT, Shuttle or Designated Driver is a much cheaper and safer option than taking a chance of driving while intoxicated. In addition, NAIPTA will be offering free bus service on New Year’s Eve until 1:15 am.
Don’t take a chance of ruining your life or the life of someone else by driving intoxicated or recklessly. Being arrested for DUI is very a costly life event. If you are arrested and convicted of DUI, you can face a low-end cost of around $5000. That does not include missed time at work or with family. DUI results in mandatory jail time if convicted, with a minimum of one night in jail, and incarceration increases with severity of the crime.
Please take this time to prepare for your travel and other festivities. Help us keep everyone safe on the roads this New Year’s Eve.
Missing 14-Year-Old Found Deceased Below Horseshoe Bend Overlook
PAGE – – On Monday, December 24 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to Horseshoe Bend Overlook for a report of a missing 14-year-old girl. Her family had last seen her around 2 pm at the overlook and reported her missing around 4 pm.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Air Rescue out of Flagstaff responded to search the area. Personnel aboard the DPS helicopter visually located the missing juvenile deceased at the bottom of Horseshoe Bend, approximately 700 ft below the overlook. Due to impending nightfall, rescuers were not able to recover her body that evening.
Sheriff’s Office SAR and the DPS helicopter returned the next morning and recovered the body of the girl on December 25 around 10 am. The girl’s body was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office in Flagstaff, AZ.
The family was visiting from the greater San Jose, CA area.
Initial investigation indicates an accidental fall; however, the incident is still under investigation and pending review by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held January 12
PHOENIX — The annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street in Phoenix.
The awards 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.
This year’s award recipients, who were selected at the commission’s September 21, 2018 meeting, are:
- Award of Excellence: Conserve and Protect Arizona (CAPAZ)
- Youth Conservationist of the Year: Jacob Maher
- Media of the Year: Mike Russell
- Conservation Organization of the Year: Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
- Conservationist of the Year: Joe Miller
- Natural Resource Professional of the Year: Kyle Spencer
- Volunteer of the Year: James (Spud) Hester
- Educator of the Year: Rebecca Bouquot
- Mentor of the Year: Tim Denny
- Advocate of the Year – State: Rusty Bowers
- Advocate of the Year – Federal: Greg Sheehan
- Business Partner of the Year: Patriot Ordnance Factory
- Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: Navajo Nation Hunter Education Team
- Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year: Mike Hemovich
- North American Model Commissioners Award: Paul Greer
- Chairman’s Award: Salt River Project
Those interested in attending can download and fill out a reservation form and return with a check or cash to the address listed on the form. The cost is $65 per individual before December 31, 2018 and $75 after. Table sponsorships are also available. All RSVP’s are due by January 4, 2019.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first annual awards banquet in 1991. Since then, a total of 391 recipients have been recognized with commission awards.
County and City transfer animal shelter operations
FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff will transfer animal shelter operations to High Country Humane (HCH) starting December 28, 2018. The HCH Animal Shelter is located at the former Second Chance Center for Animals (SCCA) site at 11665 US-89 in Flagstaff. The 20,000-square-foot building and surrounding acreage were donated to the County following the closure of SCCA.
Paw Placement of Northern Arizona, doing business as HCH, will run the new shelter under a five-year contract to provide animal welfare services for both the City and the County.
Coconino Humane Association (CHA), 3501 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, will continue to accept all stray and surrendered animals as the County and City shelter through December 27, 2018. Beginning December 28, 2018 all stray animals picked by a city or county animal control official will be taken to the HCH facility.
Individuals who have lost a pet should call HCH at (928) 526-0742 and leave a detailed description of the animal. In addition, any pets brought to HCH will be posted with a general description on the “Lost and Found Pets Flagstaff” and “High Country Humane” Facebook pages.
The HCH shelter will open January 2, 2019 with regular hours of 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. CHA will remain open after this transition and can be reached at (928) 526-1076.
To contact the City of Flagstaff Animal Control services, please call (928) 774-1414. Call 928-679-8756 to reach the CCPHSD Animal Management office. HCH can be reached at 928-526-0742.
Coconino County offices closed for winter holidays
FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2018 and Tuesday, January 1, 2019 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be closed on Tuesday, December 25 and open Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited staffing. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.
In the event of a snow storm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.
Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is currently closed. Please do not sled on the Fort Tuthill Bike Park or you will damage the features which were built specifically for cyclists to hone their skills on jumps and flow trails. Drinking water has been turned off at all parks, but bathrooms are still available at Raymond, Peaks View and Sawmill County Parks. Water and bathrooms are available at Louise Yellowman County Park, located in Tuba City.
Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer on call on Tuesday, December 25 for emergencies only. An officer will be working on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756, leave a message and an officer will respond.
ADOT’s newest snowplows ready for more high country storms
With another round of winter storms expected next week, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s snowplow fleet includes 25 new, high-tech vehicles ready to clear state highways of snow and ice.
These snowplows have lighter, flexible blades that ADOT’s trained drivers can adjust from inside the cab to efficiently clear highways, such as when conditions warrant a tighter curl or different angle. The new plows also provide easier handling and improved visibility.
The new Freightliner snowplow trucks, replacing older plows that are no longer part of ADOT’s fleet of nearly 200, are being used almost exclusively on wider interstate highways, including I-17 and I-40 in the Flagstaff area. While many ADOT snowplows have 11-foot wide steel blades up front, the flexible blades on these plows measure 12 feet across.
ADOT purchased the snowplows, each costing $280,000 and weighing 65,000 pounds fully loaded with equipment and deicing materials, as part of a program to maintain a reliable fleet that keeps the traveling public as safe as possible when winter weather strikes.
The bit, or bottom edge section of a flexible snowplow blade, includes a shock-absorbing rubber insulator that improves contact with the highway’s surface. The plow blade acts much more like a squeegee along the pavement, increasing the removal of snow and ice from lower, worn spots created by heavy traffic.
Inside the cab, several high-tech tools help snowplow operators negotiate often-challenging conditions. Joysticks control the blade’s movements. A computerized monitor provides weather data and pavement temperatures as well as information about deicing agents that are distributed from the plow’s dump truck bed. Another screen shows images from separate rear- and side-mounted cameras.
A laser guidance system helps drivers operate a separate blade called a wing plow, which can extend from right side of the vehicle to increase the amount of snow cleared. The laser’s beam, which shines ahead to match where the outside edge of the wing plow will travel, lets drivers know if they need to merge away from objects such as guardrails.
Any snowplow operator, whether in a new or older plow, has a lot to focus on while clearing snow from highways. It’s important that other drivers give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Try to avoid passing a snowplow while it’s clearing snow and stay at least four vehicles lengths behind it.
The new snowplows aren’t limited to use during the winter season. With plow-related equipment removed, they provide year-round flexibility when used as dump trucks for highway maintenance work.