Daily Archives: July 18, 2023

August 20 is deadline to apply for Local Sportsmen’s Group grants

Posted on by

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, mentored projects that are focused on the progressive development of new hunters and anglers.

The Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program places a high priority on projects that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive online application process. Information, instructions, and a link to the online application are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Sunday, August 20.

“This grant program continues to provide much-needed funding for Arizona’s conservation organizations, which are the backbone of wildlife conservation and the teachers of the next generation of hunters and anglers,” said Doug Burt, AZGFD’s recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) manager. “We appreciate these valued organizations for their hosting of hands-on, mentored events and projects for folks who want to learn, but maybe don’t know where to get started.”

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona.

20th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival set for July 29

Posted on by

File photo from Williams, Arizona where we have a hummingbird festival virtually every day.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is hosting its 20th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on July 29 at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar.

The free, family-friendly festival will include:

  • Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory.
  • Plant displays to attract hummingbirds.
  • Live wildlife from the R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch.
  • Live bird display from AZGFD.
  • Take a photo with a live critter at the critter photo booth.
  • Activities for children/U.S. Forest Service will conduct its Junior Ranger Program.
  • Informational talks about hummingbirds and bird calls of the White Mountains.
  • Booths from local, outdoor-oriented organizations.

The event runs from 8 a.m. until noon.

The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive south five miles to the Sipe property on a gravel road suitable for passenger cars.

Come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors with the potential of some summer rain. Parking can become extremely limited if the area receives rain.  Rain or shine, carpooling is encouraged. Attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast for the day of the event.

The Round Valley Chamber of Commerce has coordinated with several vendors to provide snacks, water, soft drinks, and lunch for purchase. This is a cash-only event, so come prepared and support the Chamber.

Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed near live wildlife.

For more information, visit  azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/events/hummingbird-festival/ or call the Game and Fish office in Pinetop at 928-532-3680. The most current information and event schedule can be found on AZGFD’s Pinetop Regional Facebook page at facebook.com/AZGFDPinetop/.

Cathedral Rock Trailhead closed Wednesday

Posted on by

SEDONA – The Cathedral Rock Trailhead on the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will be closed to the public on Wednesday (July 19) due to the City of Sedona conducting work along Back O’ Beyond Road and the necessity to close the road which accesses the trailhead.The trail itself is open for hiking, but the public will need to access Cathedral Rock Trail through alternate trailheads, such as Baldwin Trail Trailhead or Little Horse Trailhead. The city’s work consists of installing a new concrete box culvert system at the low-water crossing along Back O’ Beyond Road.