Category Archives: Phoenix

AZGFD’s life jacket exchange program celebrates 15 years

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PHOENIX — As the temperatures continue to rise and the school year ends, more people are expected to visit Arizona’s rivers and lakes, meaning the risk of water-related accidents will likely increase. To help prevent drownings, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public of the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating or recreating on the water.

To promote the use of life jackets and kick off National Safe Boating Week (May 20-26), AZGFD and partner agencies will host several life jacket exchange events throughout the state. The life jacket exchange program allows people with old, worn out, and less-effective life jackets to swap them for a new one while supplies last.

“The exchange events are an amazing opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to ensure they have a life jacket that fits correctly and is in good condition,” says AZGFD’s boating safety education coordinator, Josh Hoffman. “Before heading out on the water, it’s important that boaters ensure their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers.”

State law requires all passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while on board a boat, and each passenger on board must have a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available. The life jacket requirements also apply to paddle crafts like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

“A life jacket does exactly what it says — it saves your life when needed; however, it can only save your life if you’re wearing one,” says Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement program coordinator.

The life jacket exchange events will take place at the following locations and dates:

Saturday, May 20:
8 a.m. – noon
Bartlett Lake (Jojoba Ramp).
Canyon Lake (Main Ramp)
Lake Pleasant (10-Lane Ramp)
Saguaro Lake (Main Ramp) also, May 21, if additional life jackets are still available.

6-11 a.m.
Tempe Town Lake (Marina)

9-11 a.m.
Bullhead City Fire Department (Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Drive, Bullhead City)

9 a.m. – noon
Eagle Motorsports (2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City.) also, every third Saturday of each month through August.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Patagonia Lake State Park (Marina ramp)

Saturday, June 3:
9 a.m. – noon
La Paz County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Drive, Parker, AZ.

Friday, June 9:
9-11 a.m.
Bullhead City Recreation Building (2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ)

Saturday, June 10:
10 a.m. – noon
Lake Havasu City (London Bridge Beach Stage). 1340 McCulloch Blvd. N., Lake Havasu City.

Please note: Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted; only ski vest-type life jackets are eligible for exchange.

Since 2016, AZGFD has exchanged more than seven thousand life jackets across the state.

For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility switches to summer hours

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PHOENIX — The Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s (BASF) rifle and pistol ranges, archery ranges, and Clay Target Center have switched to summer hours of operation through August 28.

  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Thursday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Sunday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Note: Archery ranges open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

“These summer hours of operation provide for the facility to be open during the coolest parts of the day, while still offering recreational shooters the most quality shooting times on weekends,” said Jonathan McCraw, operations manager.

BASF is one of the largest publicly operated shooting facilities in the country. Located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix, the facility averages more than 120,000 shooters per year. It’s also the first government facility to receive a Five Star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges, meaning it’s the best of the best at providing a quality recreation experience.

Visit www.azgfd.com/shooting-sports/ben-avery-shooting-facility/ for more information, or call 623-582-8313.

Wear a life jacket, practice safe and sober boating

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging all who recreate on Arizona’s waters to wear a life jacket, follow safety regulations and laws, as well as designate a sober operator.

So far in 2023, three people have lost their lives boating in Arizona. In 2022, boating accidents claimed the lives of 13 people, injured 60 more, and caused $1 million in damages.

“A life jacket does exactly what it says — it saves your life when you need it,” said Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement programs coordinator. “However, it can only save your life if you’re wearing one, and often it’s too late to put one on once you realize you need it.”

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, in cases where the cause of death has been determined, 86% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. AZGFD once again is stressing the importance of wearing a life jacket and focusing on safe boating practices as another busy boating season gets underway.

To promote the use of life jackets, as well as kick off National Safe Boating Week (May 20-26),  AZGFD and partner agencies will begin a series of summer life jacket exchange events. Those who have an old, worn out, or improperly fitting life jacket will be able to exchange it for a new one, free of charge (while supplies last).

“Like anything else, life jackets wear out with time, and these exchange events are a great opportunity for Arizona’s boaters and paddlers to ensure they have a life jacket that not only fits correctly, but is in great condition and ready should they need it,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator.

Northern Arizona Gazette would like to add considering the four-legged members of your family that you might take onboard, i.e., cats and dogs. Local pet and sports stores usually carry life preservers for them. You can find them on the Internet, as well, but if you can take your animal in to the store you can fit them properly. Remember that even though most dogs can swim, the Colorado river has areas of swift rapids and undertows that could drag your animal under water.

Exchange locations Saturday, May 20:

  • Bartlett Lake: Jojoba Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Canyon Lake: Main Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Lake Pleasant: 10-Lane Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Saguaro Lake: Main Ramp, 8 a.m.-noon (also May 21, if additional life jackets are still available).
  • Tempe Town Lake: Marina, 6-11 a.m.
  • Patagonia Lake State Park: Marina ramp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Bullhead City Fire Department: Rotary Park, 2315 Balboa Drive, Bullhead City, 9-11 a.m.
  • Eagle Motorsports: 2106 AZ-Hwy 95, Bullhead City, 9 a.m.-noon (also every third Saturday each month through August).

Exchange locations Saturday, June 3:

  • Parker, AZ: La Paz County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Building, 8484 Riverside Drive, Parker, AZ, 9 a.m.-noon.

Exchange locations Friday, June, 9:

  • Bullhead City Recreation Building, 2285 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 9-11 a.m.

Exchange locations Saturday, June 10:

  • Lake Havasu City: London Bridge Beach Stage, 1340 McCulloch Blvd. N., Lake Havasu City, 10 a.m.-noon.

AZGFD extends field day deferral for Hunter Education students

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PHOENIX — A policy implemented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) in 2020 that allowed students to defer from scheduling the field day requirement of the Hunter Education program has been extended to June 30, 2024.

To ensure the safety of all students, volunteers and staff during the pandemic, the department had postponed Hunter Education classroom courses, field days, and bonus-point field tests for youth ages 10 through 13.

Any individual 9 or older may complete a Hunter Education course offered through AZGFD. To hunt big game, youth under 14 must complete Hunter Education.

Youth may take Hunter Education through two different formats: a traditional classroom setting or online. Both formats require a hands-on field day and exam. Classroom courses are typically offered during weekends and weeknights across the state. Classroom courses average 16 hours of in-person instruction, and field days average four hours.

All courses and field days are administered by volunteer instructors. The volunteers typically schedule classes and field days based on their availability, and courses are posted two to four weeks prior to the event start date. Field days are conducted at a local shooting range. At this time, a limited number of field days and bonus-point field tests are available for youth.

All classes and field days are posted at www.azgfd.gov/HunterEd, and registration must be completed online. The website is updated on Tuesdays with new course and field day opportunities.

The purpose of Hunter Education is about more than safety. It’s also about developing responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically.

Bear activity increases as hibernation period ends

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has started to receive its first confirmed reports of the year of bear sightings in Arizona. As temperatures rise, bears will come out of their dens searching for food.

Black bears are typically shy and avoid humans; however, they have an excellent sense of smell, which can be problematic for the bears themselves and people.

AZGFD officials advise those living in or visiting bear country not to feed wildlife or leave trash or other attractants, such as pet food or bird seed, accessible because it could lead to a situation where “a fed bear is a dead bear.”

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of humans and begins to actively search other human food sources,” says Lt. Shawn Wagner, AZGFD law enforcement program manager. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Safety tips to avoid attracting bears:

Keep them away from your home.

  • Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
  • Take bird feeders down at night.
  • Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.

Camping

  • Keep your food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in your tent.
  • Don’t burn leftover food or trash at the grill or campfire.
  • Set your campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water.

Hiking

  • Don’t wear scented lotions, deodorant, or perfumes.
  • Make noise or hike in groups.
  • If you take your pet hiking, always keep it on a leash.

In case of a bear encounter

  • Do NOT run, that could trigger the bear to chase.
  • If attacked, Do NOT play dead, fight back.
  • Attempt to deter, then back away slowly facing forward if the bear keeps approaching
  • Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket higher than your head.
  • Throw items such as rocks and yell at the bear.

Bear sightings in areas with human activity should be reported to AZGFD’s 24/7 dispatch center at 623-236-7201. In an emergency, call 911. For additional information, click here or visit the Living with Wildlife page at www.azgfd.gov

AZGFD accepting applications for 2023 fall hunts

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications 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.

In the meantime:

  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (June 6). Licenses can be purchased online, or at any AZGFD office statewide. License dealers no longer sell paper licenses, but many offer to sell licenses through the department’s online purchase system. AZGFD provides a list of dealers statewide that offer online license purchases at www.azgfd.com/license/. When purchasing an Arizona hunting license, 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.
  • 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.

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repairs

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PHOENIX — As warming weather allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin more permanent repairs to highways after a rough winter, the agency is reallocating $50.5 million to replace deteriorating pavement surfaces within 23 locations, most of them in northern Arizona.

The State Transportation Board on Friday approved ADOT’s plan to address severe roadway deterioration on segments of I-40, I-17, I-10, US 60, SR 260 and SR 77. Funding for the pavement repair work comes from savings on other projects. ADOT plans to recommend $40 million for similar projects in the agency’s 2024-2029 Five-Year Construction Program.

“I’m proud to announce an over $50 million investment in fixing our roads,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money we need to protect our highways and ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans. Snow and rain this winter exposed the lack of upkeep and I’m grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these critical investments.”

The projects, which ADOT plans to begin as soon as possible, are in areas where pavement was already stressed in recent years due to age and use. The snow and rain during the record-setting winter created ideal conditions for potholes and other road surface damage in these highway stretches.

“ADOT’s goal is to deliver the safest and most reliable highway system possible with the funding we have to make improvements around the state,” ADOT State Engineer Greg Byres said. “We know these projects to improve pavement conditions are much-needed, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.”

Depending on the project, work is expected to begin from mid-May into June. The following projects will consist of removing and replacing damaged surface pavement in locations within these highway stretches:

I-40

both directions between Needle Mountain Road and SR 95 (MP 2-9)
eastbound between US 93 and Silver Springs Road (MP 72-79)
eastbound between Willow Ranch and Fort Rock roads (MP 88-92)
westbound between Cross Mountain and Willow Ranch roads (MP 95-89)
eastbound between Fort Rock Road and Seligman (MP 92-123)
both directions between Seligman and Ash Fork (MP 123-146)
both directions between the Riordan Bridge and I-17 (MP 190-195)
both directions between Walnut Canyon and Townsend-Winona roads (MP 204-211)
both directions between SR 99 and Tucker Flat Wash (MP 242-249)
both directions between Pinta and McCarrell roads (MP 319.1-330.55)

I-17

both directions between Sunset Point and SR 69 (MP 251-263)
both directions between SR 69 and SR 169 (MP 266-278)
northbound between SR 169 and 1 mile north of SR 179 (MP 280-300)
southbound between Middle Verde Road and SR 169 (MP 290-280)
both directions between SR 179 and the Scenic Overlook (MP 300-310)

I-10

both directions between US 191 and New Mexico line (MP 350-391)

SR 260

both directions between Rim Road and Heber (MP 282-302)
both directions between Knottingham Lane and fire station (MP 347.1-349.3)
both directions between Penrod Lane and Buck Springs Road (MP 354.1-354.4)

US 60

both directions between Wickenburg and SR 74 (MP 110-120)
both directions between Seneca and Salt River Bridge (MP 288-293)
both directions between Vernon and Cerro Montoso (MP 363.5-367.2)

SR 77

both directions between Dripping Springs and El Capitan (MP 154-163)

Click to view a map of the priority pavement locations and to print a list of the pavement repair locations.

These projects are in addition to pavement repairs that continue in many areas. To address the recent issues, ADOT crews first applied temporary patches and now, with warmer weather, are beginning the more permanent repairs. These repairs often involve patching material or milled and recycled pavement and a heavy-compaction roller to fill in potholes or areas of pavement.

ADOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and give workers plenty of space.

The repairs planned for I-17 complement a $35 million paving project that’s resuming this week after winter hiatus. Alongside shorter-term pavement repairs, this project will help address rough conditions on 29 miles of southbound Interstate 17 near Flagstaff.

ADEQ Announces New Arizona Orphaned Well Program

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) today announced the newly launched Orphaned Well Program. ADEQ is working in partnership with the Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (AZOGCC), landowners and community members to properly plug orphaned oil and gas wells on State and private land in Arizona and mitigate potential safety, public health and environmental risks.

Conducted on behalf of AZOGCC in 2022, ADEQ’s initial records research for potential orphaned wells in Arizona shows an estimate of 246 possible wells. Many of the wells identified were drilled in the early 1900s, before Arizona established oil and gas regulations. Therefore, there could be additional potential orphaned wells and we are encouraging community members to be on the lookout and report them to us to investigate.

“We appreciate the opportunity to lend our expertise to support this important Orphaned Well Program that serves Arizonans and our environment,” said ADEQ Air Quality Director, Daniel Czecholinski. “We are eager to work with community members to locate, verify and address any potential orphaned wells. Working together on this initiative, we will create a safer and healthier Arizona for everyone.”

ADEQ has created an interactive reporting tool that makes it easy for people to report a potential orphaned well. Community members can use the tool to report potential orphaned wells from their smartphone or computer using this link: bit.ly/ReportOrphanWells, or simply call 602-771-4501 or email azorphanedwells@azdeq.gov to help this critical effort.

The Orphaned Well Program covers confirmed orphaned wells that are located on State or private lands. Orphaned wells located on federal or Tribal lands are not included in the program. In addition to ADEQ’s initial list of 246 orphan wells, ADEQ will conduct file reviews for wells reported by community members to gather well ownership, location, geology and other information to help locate wells and determine if they are eligible for the program.

With cooperation from private landowners, ADEQ will work closely with property owners and any nearby community members to coordinate field activities. This cooperation is critical to the success of the program. Field activities can include verifying well location and status, and then, if needed, environmental sampling, well plugging, and cleanup or restoration of the landscape surrounding the plugged well to return the area to its original state. As part of the well plugging work, ADEQ will conduct methane monitoring before and after plugging to confirm its effectiveness.

“Properly addressing orphaned wells in our State is part of our continuing commitment to protecting Arizona’s natural resources,” said Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Chairman Frank Thorwald. “Thanks to our partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, we are now able to take these crucial steps and implement this program for Arizonans.”

Background

Orphaned wells are oil and gas wells that are not plugged, not producing, and have no owner or responsible party. In Arizona, the majority of these wells were drilled for oil, natural gas, potash (a mineral used in fertilizer) and helium. When not properly plugged, the wells can pose a risk to public health and the environment, including air and water pollution.

Arizona’s Orphaned Well Program is funded by a $25 million competitive grant awarded to ADEQ by the U.S. Department of Interior as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Orphaned Well Program | Learn more > 

Daily bag, possession limits reduced for cottontail rabbits, initiated for jackrabbits

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises small game hunters that reductions in the daily bag and possession limits for cottontail rabbits, as well as the initiation of daily bag and possession limits for jackrabbits, become effective July 1, 2023.

In response to the impacts and lingering effects of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2), with localized incidents still occurring throughout the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently voted to lower the bag limit for cottontails from 10 to five per day, and the possession limit from 30 to 15 (of which no more than five may be taken in any one day).

The decision extends to the much larger, lankier jackrabbits — both black-tailed and antelope — of which there are no bag or possession limits. While not designated as game animals, hunters only will be allowed to harvest two jackrabbits per day, with a possession limit of six (of which no more than two may be taken in any one day), beginning July 1.

RHDV-2 is highly contagious among lagomorphs (cottontails and jackrabbits) and is spread by physical contact with bodily fluids, fecal material, and even remains. While the meat is safe for human consumption, AZGFD encourages hunters to remove carcasses from the field and bury the remains deep enough to discourage coyotes and other scavengers from digging them up.

“Since lagomorphs are a primary prey base for almost all carnivores and raptors, we want to allow them a chance to bounce back in those areas where they were most severely affected,” said Dr. Larisa Harding, the department’s small game program manager. “If hunters harvest a lagomorph, burying the remains helps to limit the spread of RHDV-2 on the landscape.”

Within Arizona, RHDV-2 has been identified in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties. AZGFD continues to investigate mortalities in new areas and asks that reports be made to the Wildlife Health Program (ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov) and Radio Room (623-236-7201). For more information, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-diseases/.

Arizona hunters can harvest cottontails and jackrabbits year-round. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. A youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is $5.

Arizona Game and Fish Commission to meet April 14 in Phoenix

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The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, April 14, at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (headquarters), 5000 W. Carefree Highway, in Phoenix.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.