Category Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Bald eagle breeding season kicks off, leads to restrictions

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagle breeding season is on the horizon and multiple public land and water areas will be closed to protect the majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring.

Each year as part of its highly successful program to conserve and protect bald eagles in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) asks outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part not to disturb the state’s 87 eagle breeding areas.​​​​​​​

“December is a sensitive time for bald eagles because they’re often busy preparing their nests for eggs,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds often nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. Because of that, it’s important for us all to do what we can to protect the birds to ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during breeding season.”

During the 2018 breeding season, a record 87 young hatched and 70 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging.

To further protect the eagles, various land and wildlife management agencies will also close areas around breeding locations, including near popular recreation sites.

Pilots are reminded to maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, while drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely. Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure.

AZGFD’s bald eagle management efforts are supported by the Heritage Fund, an initiative passed more than 20 years ago to provide for wildlife education and conservation through Arizona lottery ticket sales.

AIRSPACE ADVISORY
Statewide
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a 2000-foot above ground level (AGL) advisory along the Salt and Verde river drainages and lakes such as Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Alamo Lake. These areas are designated on the Phoenix Sectional Aeronautical map and also include Alamo Lake, Ashurst Lake, Greer Lakes, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake, Show Low Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Lake Mary, Dogtown Reservoir, White Horse Lake and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. Special brochures for pilots regarding this advisory can be obtained by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Terrestrial Wildlife branch at (623) 236-7506.
SEASONAL CLOSURES
Verde River
  • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east and portions of the west side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on east side of river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
  • A closure for the Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is not planned this year unless the eagle pair resumes nesting. Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness may be closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed, but contact the Coconino National Forest, Sedona Ranger District office for more information at (928) 282-4119.
  • Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121.
  • Verde River near Cold Water Creek, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District at (928) 567-4121
  • Verde River upstream of the East Verde confluence is closed to vehicle and foot entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend allows watercraft to float through but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River below Horseshoe Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the southwest side of the river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480)595-3300.
  • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on east side of river is allowed. A small area on the west side may also be closed depending on nesting locations. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
Tonto Creek
  • Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to vehicle, foot entry, and floating through from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (928) 467-3200.
  • Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (928) 467-3200.
Salt River
  • Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200.
  • Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger at District (928) 467-3200.
  • Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300.
  • Salt River near Goldfield-Kerr Fire Station is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300.
Crescent Lake
A portion of the west side is closed closed to all entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200.
Greer Lakes
(Tunnel and River) (not enacted unless pair moves nesting location) – Portions of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200.
Horseshoe Lake
A portion of the lake is closed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7506.
Lake Pleasant
No vehicle, watercraft or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation at (928) 501-1710.
Lower Lake Mary
(Not enacted unless pair moves nesting location) There may be no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on a portion of the north side of the lake from Jan. 1 to Aug. 30. Contact the Coconino National Forest Flagstaff Ranger District at (928) 527-8288.
Luna Lake
The north side of Luna Lake is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact Apache National Forest Alpine Ranger District at (928) 339-5000.
Lynx Lake
A portion of the lake’s east side is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Ranger District at (928) 443- 8000.
Show Low Lake
A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100.
White Horse Lake
A portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 to Aug. 31. Contact the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District at (928) 635-5600.
Woods Canyon Lake
A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline is closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.
TIPS FOR VISITING EAGLE AREAS
If you are visiting bald eagle country, an advance call to the local land management agency, such as the local U.S. Forest Service district office, or the Arizona Game and Fish Department may help to plan your trip to avoid disturbing bald eagles. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that our living wildlife legacy will last for generations to come:
  • Enjoy bald eagles from outside the closures, which are marked with signs and/or buoys. Watch from a distance using a spotting scope, binoculars or telephoto camera lens.
  • Anyone approached by a nestwatcher and asked to cease an activity or leave a closed area should comply. A few good places to see bald eagles without disturbing them (during December and January) are at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake near Flagstaff, on the Verde Canyon Train in Clarkdale or Roosevelt Lake.
  • Bald eagles protecting an active nest will let you know if you are too close. If a bald eagle is vocalizing and circling the area frantically, you are too close and need to leave the area quickly. Bald eagles incubating eggs or brooding small young should never be off the nest for more than 15 minutes.
  • Help from anglers is especially needed. Fishing line and tackle have killed two nestlings and been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state. Every year biologists remove these lethal hazards from nests and/or entangled nestlings. Discard of any fishing line properly in specially-marked recycling containers or at fishing stores. Also, use fresh line that isn’t old and brittle. Use the correct test line for the fish you are trying to catch. Also, do not cut the line when an undesirable fish is caught and return it to the water with the hook and line attached.
  • Duck hunters should scout out their hunting area to ensure that bald eagles are not nesting nearby.  
You can help bald eagle research and recovery efforts by reporting any harassment or shooting of bald eagles. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement at (480) 967-7900.

Arizona boaters: prepare to clean, drain and dry

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters to “clean, drain and dry” – and especially decontaminate — their watercraft and equipment before exiting waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (AIS).This reminder is especially important for out-of-town visitors who moor their boats at AIS-affected waters and are preparing to head out of state.

Boaters are required to comply with all AIS regulations of the respective states where they are traveling, as well as those of their final destination. Many states require that watercraft must stop for inspection, which may include both motorized and non-motorized boats. If you see signs that indicate that an inspection station is open, please stop and have your watercraft inspected by the state you in which you are traveling.

To ensure a smooth process at inspection stations while traveling home, AZGFD has authorized providers that perform free inspection and decontaminations for those with boats that have been on a quagga mussel-infested waters. Call the Arizona Game and Fish AIS Program two to three weeks in advance of departure to schedule a free inspection and decontamination at (623) 236-7608.

“As outdoor enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the places that we love,” AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator Erin Raney said. “Stopping the spread of AIS is a big job, but with everyone pitching in, we can all do our part to protect our waters.”

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native species that are often unintentionally introduced by human movement. They do not have predators outside of their native range, and are able to outcompete native species. These animals, plants and even pathogens that cause disease in native fish or other aquatic animals can often be invisible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to control. Once introduced, they can alter ecosystems.

Stop the spread of AIS and keep our waters clean and beautiful for ourselves and future generations. Under Arizona law, boaters and all recreationists who take watercraft and other equipment out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species must use the steps below when leaving a listed water. Remember to:

  • Clean boats, waders, anchors, equipment and gear by removing mud, plants, attached animals such as snails.
  • Drain all residual water from engines and motors, ballast tanks, live wells and bait wells. Pull your bilge plug and leave out during transport. Store with boat keys or in a location where you will remember before launch.
  • Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as life jackets, ropes, buoys, tubes, etc.

There are additional steps to complete for watercraft that have been on AIS-listed waters for six or more consecutive days.

See more information on all statewide decontamination requirements, how to schedule a no-fee decontamination, and the Director’s Orders lists of aquatic invasive species and waters.

For interstate travel, be sure to contact your local state AIS authorities for any additional questions on local regulation compliance.

Bighorn sheep restored to historic habitat near Tucson, Payson

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PHOENIX — Sixty of Arizona’s bighorn sheep have a new home.

Dozens of bighorns were returned to their historical ranges last week as part of two translocations from robust populations of desert bighorns in the Silver Bell Mountains northwest of Tucson and Rocky Mountain bighorns near Morenci.

The first 30 animals relocated from near Tucson were moved in an effort to re-establish bighorn sheep in their historical range in the Picacho Mountains to the north.​​​​​​​“When we can help re-establish a native species to their historic habitat, we’re truly part of something special,” said Amber Munig, AZGFD’s big game management supervisor. “Projects such as these help us to conserve and protect bighorn sheep by establishing subpopulations within their native ranges, which could help if there ever were a disease outbreak. Such an outbreak wouldn’t have a devastating effect on the entire population.”

The capture and relocation near Tucson las week was the first of two completed by AZGFD and its wildlife partners. The second involved the capture and relocation of 30 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from Eagle Creek near Morenci to East Clear Creek/Leonard Canyon north of Payson.

The Tinder Fire, which in April 2018 charred more than 16,300 acres just southwest of the East Clear Creek/Leonard Canyon release site, helped provide proper habitat for the relocated bighorn sheep by ushering in new vegetation such as grasses, forbs and browse plants. Improved habitat conditions should assist in anchoring these bighorn sheep to in their new home, which is within historic bighorn sheep range.

The translocations were no small operation as each required extensive planning and expertise of dedicated helicopter pilots, net gunners, muggers – those that exit the helicopter and safely secure the animals on the ground – and dozens of support staff and volunteers to protect and conserve Arizona’s wildlife.

All of the animals were given an identification ear tag and complete health evaluation before being released. A few were fitted with a GPS tracking collar to monitor their movements in their new locale.

The projects were a cooperative effort between the department and its partners, including Freeport-McMoran, U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests, State Land Department, the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, the federal Bureau of Land Management, the Central Arizona Project, private landowners and volunteers.

Board recommends 2 candidates to governor for Arizona Game and Fish Commission appointment

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has forwarded the names of two candidates to Gov. Doug Ducey for his consideration in making his 2019 appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

James E. Goughnour of Payson and Patrick W. Headington of Yuma were selected from three candidates who were interviewed by the board at its public meeting on November 13 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix. The three who were interviewed were chosen from an initial slate of eight applicants considered by the Appointment Recommendation Board at its October 23 public meeting.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five, candidates to the governor. The governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at 602-542-2449, toll free at 1-800-253-0883, or on the Web at www.azgovernor.gov.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Plenty of hunt permit-tags remain for 2019 spring turkey, javelina

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PHOENIX — Arizona hunters who were unsuccessful in the recent 2019 spring hunt draw still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for turkey or javelina.

As of November 1, there were 8,137 leftover hunt permit-tags for the following hunts:

186 general turkey
36 youth-only turkey
2,781 general javelina
2,631 archery-only javelina
2,253 handgun, archery or muzzleloader (HAM) javelina
250 youth-only javelina

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags on its website at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Draw/. The department will begin accepting applications for leftover hunt permit-tags Monday, November 19 – by mail only – at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, Attn.: Draw/First Come. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

Leftover hunt permit-tags will be available for purchase on a “first come, first served” basis beginning Monday, November 26, at all department offices.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, legal methods of take, and bag limits, view the “2019 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call (602) 942-3000.

AZGFD to stock rainbow trout into Lees Ferry

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) plans to stock rainbow trout this week into the lower 3 mile walk-in section of Lees Ferry, Arizona’s premier blue-ribbon trout fishery below Glen Canyon Dam.

This will be the first trout stocking at Lees Ferry since 1998.

“Lees Ferry has long been considered a world-class trout fishery,” AZGFD Commissioner Kurt Davis said. “As a managing agency for this invaluable resource, we’re thrilled to begin providing anglers with even more opportunity to make memories at this breathtaking destination.”

After AZGFD creel survey results had been showing a dramatic decrease in angler catch rates, rainbow trout fishing during the past couple years seems to have recovered somewhat in the upper portion of the river with reports of large rainbow trout being captured.

Regardless of the improvement, trout fishing in the walk-in area has not recovered as quickly as AZGFD had hoped. This stocking is intended to boost sport-fishing opportunities for rainbow trout at this walk-in portion.

AZGFD plans to stock more trout as necessary, beginning again in April, to further address low catch rates and angler satisfaction.

“Lees Ferry is regarded as one of the top tailwater rainbow trout fisheries in the nation,” AZGFD Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief Chris Cantrell said. “Even more impressive is that the fishing at this massive, clear-running river has an enormous impact on the economy near Marble Canyon.”

On the heels of last week’s high flow event, fishing could be excellent because these flows make aquatic invertebrates (fish food) available to trout. Normal flows should offer great wading and fishing this fall.

See more information on fishing in Arizona.

State Employees Charitable Campaign raises money for charities

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PHOENIX — The State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) annually provides Arizona state employees with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations that support more than 400 nonprofit agencies.

Now there’s an opportunity for the public to participate as well.

The campaign recently announced that proceeds from the raffle of a 2018 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS will equally benefit Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Elk Society, both independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charities that work closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Together, the organizations provide additional support for habitat projects, water for wildlife, education and mentored activities where traditional resources aren’t adequate.

In addition, Special Olympics Arizona, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been named one of the three designated charities to benefit from the proceeds to help assist more than 22,000 Arizona athletes who participate in the program.

RideNow Powersports has generously donated a custom camouflage 2018 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS ($16,999 MSRP) to be raffled as the grand prize. The Arizona Elk Society is hosting the fundraiser on behalf of the three charities and has donated six additional prizes to increase the number of winners.

The raffle ends at 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Dec. 1, with a live drawing scheduled for Dec. 8 at RideNow Powersports in Phoenix at 17202 N. Cave Creek Road. For more information, and to participate, visit https://aesraffles.org/.

Record number of bald eagles take first flight in 2018

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to soar as the number of breeding areas expanded statewide and a record 87 young hatched during the 2018 breeding season, according the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual survey.

The number of hatchlings rose from the previous high of 82 in 2017, as did the number of young that actually fledged, rising to 70 birds that made the important milestone of their first flight. In Arizona, at least 102 eggs were laid, which topped the 97 laid in 2017, and a record 87 breeding areas were identified, including three new areas.

“Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to be strong,” said Kenneth Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The fact that we continue to see an increase in breeding areas and hatchlings speaks to the resiliency of these magnificent animals. Our ongoing efforts to help conserve and protect Arizona’s bald eagles appear to be working.”

Arizona’s bald eagle populations have flourished since 1978, when 11 pairs were counted within the state and the species was listed as endangered. Today there are an estimated 69 adult breeding pairs.

Bald eagles nationwide were removed as a protected species under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2007, but protections under the act were reinstated in 2008 in Arizona and remained until 2011. The department’s conservation efforts contributed to the species recovery. Nationally, the birds remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

The impressive growth of the population is attributed to the continued efforts of the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee – a coalition of AZGFD and 25 other government agencies, private organizations and Native American tribes – and its years of cooperative conservation efforts, including extensive monitoring by the nationally-awarded Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program.The breeding season for bald eagles in Arizona runs from December through June, although eagle pairs at higher elevations nest later than those in the rest of the state.

Continued support from the committee, State Wildlife Grants, the Heritage Fund (Arizona Lottery ticket sales) and funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act, will help ensure that Arizona’s bald eagles continue to thrive.

For more information on bald eagles in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov or www.swbemc.org.

Water being shut off today in Oak Creek Canyon below Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will temporarily shut down the water system servicing some of the upper Oak Creek users today for repairs to the Sterling Spring Fish Hatchery delivery system.

The water system shutdown will impact the Pine Flats Subdivision, Manresa Resort, Pine Flat Campground and the public water faucet along state Route 89A.

The water service is expected to be operational Wednesday evening. The repairs are to prepare for an anticipated renovation at Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery this winter.

For questions regarding this project call, David Fox, Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery manager, at (928) 282-3643.

High flow event at Lees Ferry November 5-10

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PHOENIX — An experimental release of 38,100 cfs from Glen Canyon Dam will take place November 5-10 at the world-renowned Lees Ferry trout fishery just downstream in picturesque Marble Canyon.

The flows are short term, yet significant enough to preclude any fishing from occurring during the peak high releases. The fishing is usually excellent the week following these high flows because these flows make aquatic invertebrates (fish food) available to trout. Normal flows before and after the high flows should offer great wading and fishing this fall.

The Department of Interior will begin the release from Glen Canyon Dam Nov. 5. The flows will reach full capacity (approximately 38,100 cfs) by 2 p.m. on November 5. Releases will be maintained at peak releases about 2.5 days (60 hours) before ramping down. Normal operations of 6,500-9,000 cfs will return on Nov. 8.

The goal for the Department of the Interior is to move sand stored in the river channel and redeposit it to rebuild eroded sandbars and beaches downstream of the Paria River in Grand Canyon National Park.

See more information from the National Parks Service.