Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Mexican wolf survey begins February 7

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PINETOP — Residents of Alpine, Arizona, Reserve, NM and surrounding areas may notice a low-flying helicopter in the region between February 7 and February 20 as biologists conduct their annual Mexican wolf population survey and capture.

Arizona Game and Fish photo

The flights are part of the Mexican wolf Reintroduction Project, a multi-agency cooperative effort among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Service Inspection Service – Wildlife Services and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.Survey flights will occur — weather permitting — on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation; the Apache-Sitgreaves, Gila and Cibola National Forests in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico; and possibly some locations immediately outside forest boundaries.

“Each year this survey is done in the wintertime to provide a snapshot of the Mexican wolf population, by collecting critical data to help partner agencies make sound management decisions in the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program,” said Paul Greer, AZGFD Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team leader. “Additionally, data collected helps us know how these animals are using habitat in Arizona and New Mexico.”

As part of the operation, biologists will attempt to capture selected wolves born in 2018 that have not yet been fitted with a radio telemetry collar, in addition to those with collars that need a battery replacement or any wolf appearing to be sick or injured. Wolves are captured after being darted with an anesthetizing drug from a helicopter containing trained personnel.

After being immobilized, the wolf is then brought by air to a staging area for processing and any necessary veterinary care. The wolf is then returned to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) and released on public land.

The field team is contacting private landowners to gain permission to property to capture a wolf, if necessary, and will be coordinating with land management agencies and county sheriff offices on survey operation details.

There were a minimum of 114 wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico at the end of 2017, according to a survey by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team. The survey found that there were 63 wolves in Arizona and 51 in New Mexico.

Results of the survey will be made available to the public in March. For more information on the Mexican wolf reintroduction program, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/wolf or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/.

AZGFD reduces size of Glassford Hill pronghorn herd

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A helicopter helps drive the pronghorn into a holding pen during the capture.

PRESCOTT VALLEY — The fastest land animal in North America can make it seem so effortless, reaching a top speed of 55 mph, then being able to coast at 30 mph for miles. When they get their wheels rolling, there isn’t a predator that can keep up with them, let alone catch them.

There is one thing, however, that an estimated 100 pronghorn that have roamed the Glassford Hill area near Prescott Valley cannot outrun — development.

On January 24, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), in partnership with the Arizona Antelope Foundation (AAF) and local private landowners, reduced the size of the iconic herd by capturing 45 of the fleet-footed animals and transporting them to various release sites in southeast Arizona.“Our mission at Game and Fish is to conserve and protect all of Arizona’s wildlife,” said Erin Butler, terrestrial wildlife program manager for the department’s regional office in Kingman. “With a four-lane, divided highway to the north, an encroaching subdivision to the east, another housing community under construction to the west, and more development to the south, this particular herd needs our help.

Pronghorn are released at several sites in southern Arizona.

“As development in this area continues, and their habitat dwindles, these pronghorn will find it increasingly difficult to survive. Our goal is that translocating them will boost and add genetic diversity to existing populations in the southeast portion of the state.”

The one-day operation was conducted on private property south of Highway 89A. A helicopter was used to round up and funnel the pronghorn into a holding area, where wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and others evaluated the health of each pronghorn, attached an ear tag for identification and fitted them with GPS tracking collars.

The pronghorn then were transported almost 300 miles south to release sites near Bonita, Altar Valley and San Bernardino Valley, where they will bolster a small population numbering about 100. Extensive habitat improvement work has been done in these areas over the past 10 years in partnership with the Arizona Antelope Foundation and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), both of which provided funding and volunteers. These improvements included clearing 22,000 acres of mesquite, modifying 35 miles of fencing to facilitate easier pronghorn movement, and the placement of 15 water troughs.

As for the remaining pronghorn near Glassford Hill, AZGFD expects the lower-elevation grassland habitat to be completely developed within the next five to 10 years, resulting in a decrease in the population through natural attrition.

Costs incurred for the operation were paid for through wildlife restoration funds (which are generated by sportsmen who support conservation through their purchase of hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment), as well as support and volunteers from AAF and NRCS.

Thousands tune in as Lake Pleasant bald eagles welcome egg

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PHOENIX — Following a rollercoaster start, the next generation of bald eagles on Lake Pleasant could very well be on the way after a second egg was firmly laid in the nest.

The egg, which was laid around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, came one day after a first egg was eaten by a pair of opportunistic ravens that swooped into the nest while the unassuming bald eagle parents were away. Each event was watched in real-time by thousands streaming video of the nest on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s bald eagle nest camera.

“While this scenario occurs daily in nature, the department’s live-streaming camera allows us to bring this unfiltered nesting process to everyone with an internet connection,” said Jeff Meyers, AZGFD watchable wildlife program coordinator. “Viewers are repeatedly drawn into the daily drama of survival, tuning in to watch the eagles eat, fend off intruders — such as egg-eating ravens and a rival bald eagle — and finding time to take turns incubating the egg. All the while, viewers are learning about Arizona’s bald eagles and other native wildlife.”

While the department is hopeful the nest will produce young, biologists aren’t as optimistic based on activity they’ve seen so far.

The eggs are the first for this new bald eagle pair, after the previous male was bested by another bird early into the breeding season. The new male still has much to learn about his role in caring for and protecting vulnerable eggs.

“Egg laying is an important milestone, but the female can’t care for the egg alone,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD raptor management coordinator. “The male needs to provide relief and take his turn incubating the egg; bring food for the female; ward off potential intruders; and ensure there is a constant presence on the nest. Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite learned that and the nest is often left unoccupied for multiple stretches of the day.”

Still, records show the bald eagle population at Lake Pleasant has grown since 1993 and 28 birds have since survived to take their first flight, known as fledging. In this nest, two eggs were laid with the previous male in early January 2018 and each hatched the following month. The two young successfully fledged in late April.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department Lake Pleasant bald eagle live-streaming camera is funded through Heritage and Pittman Robertson funds, and public donations. Those wishing to support the Watchable Wildlife program can click the “donate now” button after selecting which live camera feed to view at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

To support the department’s effort to conserve and protect Arizona’s more than 800 native wildlife species, the public can purchase a Conservation Membership package at www.azwildlifehero.com and clicking on “support us” and “become a member.” Different membership levels come with special perks, from a beautiful set of wildlife notecards to an annual subscription to Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine.

The bald eagle cam is the fourth wildlife camera offered by the department, which also provides seasonal views of wintering sandhill cranes in southeastern Arizona, a bat roost at Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area and an underwater pupfish cam. All the live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

AZGFD Paddlesports training course is first to meet national standard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation’s first paddlesports class that meets the national standard for ”On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled.” AZGFD’s “Paddlesports Arizona” course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

In addition to conserving and protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle laws, Arizona Game and Fish is responsible for registering Arizona watercraft, enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public on safe boating practices.

“Paddlesports Arizona” is the first human-propelled boating course in the U.S. to receive this voluntary third-party verification. According to AZGFD Education Branch Chief Kellie Tharp, paddlesports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking are growing rapidly in Arizona.

“As paddlesports become more popular on Arizona waterways, the need to educate people on safe operation has become a priority for our department,” said Tharp. “Boating Safety Education Program Manager Kim Jackson and Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman are to be commended for creating a curriculum that meets ANSI’s stringent national standards.”

To see a schedule of free Arizona Game and Fish Department paddlesports classes, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/17. For more information, contact the Boating Education program at 623-236-7258 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Under funding provided by a U.S. Coast Guard grant, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators awarded AZGFD with a uniquely-numbered “Verified Course” mark indicating “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” For more information about the process, please visit the Verified Course page on the NASBLA website.

AZGFD conducting $3.3 million major renovation at Sterling Springs Hatchery

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is conducting a $3.3 million renovation of the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. AZGFD expects to complete the renovations by June of 2019.

“It’s all about ensuring that successful hatchery operations at Sterling Springs continue for years to come,” AZGFD Statewide Hatchery Program Manager Geoffrey Rabinovich said. “Planning for the future is necessary to maintain and increase current production in order to meet current and future demands of sport fish anglers in Arizona.”

AZGF Photo

The AZGFD-owned hatchery has been in need of refurbishment. The current infrastructure is aging, and some of the piping is more than 70 years old.The pipe, delivery system, valves and concrete raceways are in dire need of replacement. In addition, with decreasing water supplies, it is going to become necessary to be able to operate with less water.

The nearly $3.3 million project for Sterling Springs involves the rehabilitation of the water inflow pipes leading to the hatchery, as well as various spring/control boxes along the pipelines. Also, the outside concrete raceways and water pipelines will be replaced. The project includes a cover canopy and fence around raceways, a new storage building, and a partial recirculation system, among other improvements.

Such renovations are nothing new. In 1984, AZGFD spent $3.4 million to renovate Page Springs, Tonto and Silver Creek hatcheries in order to keep up with increased trout production.

During the Slide Fire in May of 2014, AZGFD initiated a successful fish rescue operation, moving 600,000 trout from Sterling Springs Hatchery to hatcheries that weren’t in fire danger. See video of the rescue.

Rabinovich said he’s grateful that AZGFD commissioners, the governor’s office, and the AZGFD executive staff recognize the importance of the fish hatcheries for the state. Hatcheries play a vital role in maintaining the quality of sport fishing in Arizona.

According to the Economic Impact of Fishing in Arizona report, annual recreational sport fishing produces $1.47 billion in economic benefits for the state.

Sterling Springs Hatchery is the smallest facility owned and operated by the AZGFD hatchery program, yet has a vital role in the program. Each year, the hatchery produces and supplies hundreds of thousands of trout fingerlings to Page Springs Hatchery (the largest trout hatchery in Arizona) to be raised to a catchable size prior to being stocked.

With renovations underway, the hatchery is closed to the public.

Receive an OHV under the tree? Don’t forget the safety gear

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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– AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — As of January 1, 2019, a Utah stamp will no longer be required for fishing on Lake Powell, the red-rock fishing destination and geological wonder that straddles the Utah-Arizona border.

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/

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held January 12

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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.

The eagles have landed: AZGFD’s bald eagle nest cam now streaming

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PHOENIX — The camera is set, zoomed in and ready to broadcast the day-to-day life of a pair of bald eagles hoping to raise a family inside their nest at Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Arizona Game and Fish Department — in partnership with Salt River Project, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, Arizona State Land Department and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — began live-streaming from the camera perched near the bald eagle nest on Lake Pleasant.

Watch the cam

Download b-roll from the nest cam

“We are thrilled to bring this camera to fruition,” said Randy Babb, AZGFD watchable wildlife program manager. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for people to truly appreciate and connect with Arizona’s wildlife, and live-feed wildlife cameras such as this help us to do exactly that. People will be fascinated as they learn from and watch these nesting eagles incubate eggs and rear their young in real-time.”

Records show bald eagles have inhabited Lake Pleasant since at least 1979, with the first documented nesting attempt occurring in 1984. While no young were produced until 1993, 28 birds have since survived to take their first flight, known as fledging.

Two eggs were laid in the nest in early January 2018 and each hatched the following month. The two young successfully fledged in late April.

“Park visitors are always excited to catch a glimpse of these magnificent raptors flying overhead while they’re recreating at Lake Pleasant Regional Park,” said R.J. Cardin, director for the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. “Now, through the addition of the eagle cam, everyone can enjoy this experience from the comfort of their own home.”

The camera feed was made possible through permitting and coordination with Arizona State Land Department, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, and Salt River Project.

“These beautiful birds often nest in and around the state’s rivers and reservoirs, and we are proud to be a part of a program that allows more members of the public to view these majestic raptors,” said Kara Montalvo, SRP Director of Environmental Compliance and Permitting.

The bald eagle cam is the fourth wildlife camera offered by the department, which also provides seasonal views of wintering sandhill cranes in southeastern Arizona, a bat roost at Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area and an underwater pupfish cam. All the live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

Viewers are asked to check the cameras frequently if there is no activity in the nest. Often the birds will leave at multiple times for feeding. If eggs are laid, viewing will be more consistent and predictable.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department Lake Pleasant bald eagle live-streaming camera is funded through Heritage and Pittman Robertson funds, the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee and public donations.

“Viewers wishing to support the Watchable Wildlife program and its wildlife cameras are asked to consider making a donation,” Babb added. “These cameras are very expensive to install and maintain and we appreciate any and all donations.”

The weather is cool, but the water is dangerously cold

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AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The calendar says winter is weeks away, but the thermometer says otherwise. For that reason the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds undeterred paddlesport enthusiasts to practice coldwater safety when heading on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that cold water immersion and hypothermia can occur in water as cool as 70 degrees. Even in a healthy person, cold-water immersion can impact muscle movement, breathing and heart rate. Prolonged exposure to the water can lead to hypothermia, cardiac arrest and death.

“Cold water immersion can be deadly so every second you’re in the water is a race against the clock,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “That is why it’s critical to make sure you are prepared for the worst, before heading out on the water by making sure you’re properly dressed and always wearing a life jacket. It’s really the simplest thing you can do to save your own life and return home safely.”

Whether enjoying Arizona’s waters from a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or boat, life jackets are an important part of boating safety. They help to keep a person’s head above water and body on the surface. While life jackets are required for those 12 years old and younger, wearing a life jacket is a simple step that could be lifesaving for persons of any age.

If you do fall overboard, stay calm, move slowly and don’t try to take off clothing while in the water. And if the boat has capsized, it most likely will not sink and can be used as a platform. It’s advised that boaters stay on top of the capsized vessel or paddleboard as much as possible in order to stay out of the water.
Survival may also depend on how well you’re dressed to cope with cold water.

The National Center for Cold Water Safety and the National Safe Boating Council recommend:

Wearing thermal protection like a wetsuit or drysuit so that you don’t experience cold shock. Wearing enough protection to keep you functioning if you have to swim or get towed to shore, and if you can’t get to shore, enough protection to keep you alive long enough to be rescued.
Wearing a float coat provides the comfortable fit and warmth of an insulated jacket, while also providing the functionality of a life jacket. A float coat does not provide hypothermia protection or replace anti-exposure coveralls or a dry suit. Be sure to check that it’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
A dry suit, or anti-exposure coveralls, keeps the boater dry and protects him or her from hypothermia. It’s worn over proper clothing layers. Boaters should try it on with their clothing layers to ensure they still have needed mobility for the boating activity.
Carry at least two communication devices that will work when wet, such as a VHF FM-DSC marine band radio and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon or personal locator beacon.
Keep emergency spare blankets on board in case someone is suffering from hypothermia symptoms.

Boaters also can brush up on their knowledge by taking one of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s free education courses at www.azgfd.gov/boating and clicking “Boating Safety Education.”