Category Archives: Phoenix

AZGFD to step up patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend

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To keep the public safe from watercraft-related accidents this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will increase patrols on Arizona’s waterways from July 1-3 during Operation Dry Water.

This nationwide campaign focuses on decreasing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and educating recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence.

Law enforcement officers will remove dangerous and impaired operators from Arizona’s waterways during the holiday weekend. Officers may also give warnings or issue citations, including but not limited to safety equipment and life jacket violations.

“Boating or driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs are equally dangerous,” said Danny Rodriguez, AZGFD’s watercraft law administrator. “Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone enjoying Arizona’s waterways.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Fourth of July and Memorial Day holiday weekends account for more than one-third of all boating-related accidents and fatalities in the nation. One person died and six others were injured in watercraft-related accidents during the Fourth of July weekend last year in Arizona.

Now accepting entries for the Arizona Wildlife Photo Contest

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Do you want to see your photo on the cover of Arizona Wildlife Views’ annual calendar? Do you have a knack for capturing great photos of wildlife? Then you won’t want to miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 17th annual wildlife photo contest.

One best in show and 11 first-place winners will be showcased in the 2024 calendar, which is published in the November-December 2023 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. The best-in-show photo is published on the calendar’s cover and as one of the photos representing a month.

We’re partnering with Arizona Highways to provide an easier way to submit photographs. Use the online form to submit your Arizona wildlife photos. Each contestant may submit a maximum of three photographs, which must be uploaded as separate submissions through the form.

This contest is for images of Arizona wildlife. All photos must depict wildlife native to and found in Arizona, and all photos must have been taken in Arizona settings. Please review the Official Rules prior to entering. Entrants are responsible for complying with the Official Rules or may result in disqualification.

The deadline is 5 p.m. (Arizona time) Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

Winners will be announced online at www.azgfd.gov/photocontest and www.arizonahighways.com after Nov. 1, 2023.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, both the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and County Manager’s Office have directed Emergency Management (CCEM) to do likewise in all unincorporated areas of the County.

Under the County’s Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. The use of tracer rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time.

For information on Coconino County’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 fire restrictions please visit: https://coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information.

Information about all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, can be found at wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions are available for the Kaibab National Forest at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and the Coconino National Forest at fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Necropsy conducted on bear that killed man near Prescott

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, conducted a necropsy on the carcass of the adult male black bear responsible for the June 16 killing of Steven Jackson at his property in the Groom Creek area near Prescott, Ariz.

Dr. Justice-Allen’s summary indicated the bear was a 7- to 10-year-old adult male weighing 365 pounds. It was in good condition with no apparent signs of disease.

An examination of the stomach found human remains consistent with the injuries found in the victim. Additionally, native vegetation and seeds were found inside the bear. The amount of body fat on the bear indicated it was in good nutritional condition.

The bear’s brain stem was tested for rabies at the Arizona Department of Health Services state laboratory and the results were negative. Arizona has recorded only one case of a bear having tested positive for rabies, in 1971.

Cause of death of the bear was determined to be from multiple gunshot wounds from a neighbor who was trying to stop the attack.

AZGFD officials believe this bear acted in what appeared to be an unprovoked predatory attack by the animal. Bears are predators, and when acting aggressively toward humans can attack, injure and kill.

2023 fall hunt applications due by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) tonight

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The deadline to apply for 2023 fall hunt permit-tags is only hours away.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) tonight, Tuesday, June 6. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is available to assist applicants. Customer service representatives can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today by calling 602-942-3000. In addition, customer service representatives will be available to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only at 602-942-3000 (do not call regional offices) — from 5 to 11:59 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with the following before calling AZGFD:

  • An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through June 6. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point only, must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/license/.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Know where you want to hunt. It’s important to have your four-digit hunt number(s) pre-determined (not game management units).

All applicants are encouraged to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated (if eligible). A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. More information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.

AZGFD also recommends downloading Arizona E-Tag. Hunters can download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic tag in their AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. More information: www.azgfd.gov/etag.

In addition, as part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2023-2024 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. Printed booklets also are available at license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

For more information, check out “What You Need to Know,” a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Interstate 17 to close in both directions nightly from Bumble Bee Road to Sunset Point for controlled rock blasting June 5-8

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The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists to plan for overnight full closures and lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The work is starting Monday, June 5, and ending the morning of Saturday, June 10, as the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point continues.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following closures and restrictions are in place:

Controlled Rock Blasting Schedule – Expect delays of at least one hour and backups of about two miles.
17

I-17 will be closed in both directions between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) from 10 to 11 p.m. the nights of Monday, June 5, Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, for controlled rock blasting. The on-ramp to southbound I-17 from Sunset Point, and the on-ramp to northbound I-17 from Bumble Bee Road will be closed at the same time.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Sunset Point and Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 252-250) nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for controlled rock blasting operations.

Other Lane Restrictions Next Week

Northbound

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 232-234) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for earthwork.

Southbound

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 248-246) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 242-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for temporary striping, temporary concrete barrier, bridge demolition at Moores Gulch, and earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Table Mesa Road and New River Road (mileposts 236-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work and the installation of temporary concrete barrier.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) between New River Road and Anthem Way (mileposts 231-229) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work.

Rabies incident a reminder to enjoy wildlife from a distance, keep pets vaccinated

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds the public to protect themselves and their pets by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially animals that may be behaving abnormally, such as those that appear overly aggressive and/or lacking a fear of humans.

The reminder comes after a recent incident in which a dog infected with the grey fox strain of rabies bit a child in the town of Whiteriver on the Fort Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona.

Healthy Gray Fox — AZGF photo


“The weather is warming up and people are outside,” said Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, AZGFD wildlife veterinarian. “At this time of year, we often see an uptick in the number of wildlife submitted for rabies testing as a result of contact with people or their pets.”

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It can be prevented in persons who have come into contact or have been bitten by wild animals through prompt administration of anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin.

Pets such as dogs and cats, as well as livestock such as horses, should be vaccinated regularly against rabies. In addition, dogs should be on leashes when outdoors and a veterinarian consulted if any domestic animals are injured by wildlife. Unvaccinated animals exposed to wildlife with rabies must undergo a four-month quarantine and vaccinated animals need to be quarantined for 45 days.

“In Arizona, the principal rabies hosts are bats, skunks and foxes,” Justice-Allen said. “These animals carry their own distinct strains of the rabies virus. When rabies activity within these animal groups increases, rabies can impact other mammals, such as bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses or cows.”

Often, infected animals may appear disoriented or intoxicated, salivate heavily, or appear thirsty.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) offers some precautions to avoid exposure to rabies:

  • Keep people and pets away from wild animals.
    Do not pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones.
  • Do not “rescue” young wild animals you believe to be abandoned. In most cases they are not abandoned. Leave wildlife alone.
  • Never leave pet food in your yard because it will attract wild animals.
  • Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies.
  • Keep pets on a leash or in a fenced yard.
  • If you have been bitten or scratched, wash the wound or area well with soap and water, and report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
  • Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper.
  • Wear impermeable gloves when skinning carcasses.
  • Do not disturb roosting bats.
  • If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Try to preserve the bat so it is intact for testing at a laboratory. Report the bat and its location to animal control or health officials.

According to the AZDHS website, approximately 30 people are exposed to rabid animals in Arizona annually. People who are exposed must receive vaccine and anti-rabies serum treatment to prevent infection.

Upcoming traffic restrictions on State Route 89a in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

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SEDONA — The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers and area residents and businesses to plan for upcoming daytime full closures and lane restrictions on State Route 89A in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

DAYTIME FULL CLOSURES

  • Full closures will be from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days:
    • Tuesday, June 20 through Thursday June 22.
    • Tuesday, June 27 and Wednesday, June 28.
  • North- and southbound SR 89A will be closed to all traffic between the Owenby Way roundabout and the Midgley Bridge picnic area (mileposts 375-376).
    • NORTHBOUND DETOUR:  Sedona area drivers  traveling north to Flagstaff will use State Route 179 to Interstate 17.
    • SOUTHBOUND DETOUR:  Flagstaff area drivers traveling south to Sedona will use I-17 to SR 179.
  • The roadway will reopen each day after work hours.

SINGLE-LANE RESTRICTIONS

  • SR 89A will be intermittently narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel between the Owenby Way roundabout and Oak Creek Vista (mileposts 375-390). The restrictions will be in place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m from June 5 to 16 and on June 19, 23, 26, 29 and 30.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will guide traffic through the work zone.
  • Speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.
  • No work will take place on the weekends.
  • The restrictions will be lifted each day after work hours.

The restrictions are needed as work continues on the SR 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvements project, which includes rockfall mitigation, erosion control and a bridge rehabilitation.

Please visit azdot.gov/SR89A for additional project information or contact Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at (480) 751-7104 or jstephens@azdot.gov.

No state highway closures over Memorial Day weekend

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PHOENIX — Drivers should monitor weather forecasts, check their vehicles and pack an emergency travel kit if heading out on a Memorial Day weekend trip, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The good news for drivers is that ADOT and its contractors are not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 26, through Monday night, May 29, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

ADOT still recommends an early start and extra time, especially during peak travel periods. Motorists should be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

An emergency prep kit for your vehicle should include extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger, snacks, diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember as the annual summer travel season gets underway.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Drivers should be prepared to slow down and move over if ADOT workers and other first responders are along state highways. In addition to on-call statewide maintenance crews, the ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers in need of help. More information about ADOT IRU can be found on the ADOT website.

Motorists also should slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.

Deadline to apply for 2023 fall hunts is June 6

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There’s not a better time than right now to apply for 2023 hunt permit-tags issued through the fall draw process for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, and sandhill crane.

To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.” For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2023-2024 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/.

The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license (or combination hunt and fish license) to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 6). Licenses are available online and at license dealers statewide. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.

In the meantime:

  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt in to receive an electronic permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Just visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. AZGFD encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Family account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Click on “Account Login” at the bottom of the homepage to review personal data, including application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

For more information, check out “What You Need to Know,” a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), at www.azgfd.gov/draw.