Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Game and Fish Commission to meet Friday in Lake Havasu City

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LAKE HAVASU CITY — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Feb. 3, at ASU Colleges at Lake Havasu City, Santiago Hall, Room 109, located at 100 University Way in Lake Havasu City. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m.

The meeting can be attended in person or viewed at http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/CommissionCam.shtml. The meeting also can be viewed on streaming video at department headquarters in Phoenix, or any of the department’s regional offices statewide.

Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting, or from any regional office. The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.

Items on the agenda include:

A briefing from Lake Havasu City staff on the Havasu Riviera Project.
A presentation on the results of the Lake Havasu Satellite Watercraft Registration Pilot Program (June-Dec. 2016).
A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
An update on the department’s efforts toward accomplishing commission priorities.
An update on the department’s statewide outreach campaign to increase public awareness of the department, its mission and how it’s funded.
A briefing on the department’s threatened and endangered species program, including a resolution in support of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendation to Congress to dedicate up to $1.3 billion annually to support the State Wildlife Action Plan and wildlife diversity funding.
A first-read item: A Memorandum of Understanding with the Arizona Antelope Foundation that would allow the department to partner with AAF on conservation and education programs.
A first-read item: A license agreement with Triskee Farms LLC for the purpose of planting and harvesting crops on the Quigley-Achee Wildlife Area.
Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes, and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 10 a.m. Friday).
A request to review, for future approval, proposed recommendations to be included in the five-year rule review report for Article 3, regarding taking and handling of wildlife.
A briefing on public comment received to date on existing hunt guidelines.

To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, community members will lead the commission and department staff on a field trip/boat tour of conservation and recreation projects on Lake Havasu.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member, policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Arizona Senate confirms reappointment of Kurt Davis to Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate on Jan. 25 confirmed Gov. Doug Ducey’s reappointment of Kurt Davis as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Davis is currently finishing a five-year term that began after his appointment in 2011 by then-Governor Jan Brewer. He served as commission chair in fiscal year 2016.

“Kurt has admirably served the commission, Arizona’s wildlife and the people of Arizona,” said Governor Ducey. “He is well versed in wildlife and outdoor recreation issues and is a strong advocate for the state’s wildlife management authorities. His extensive experience in government, communications and business will continue to be a tremendous asset.”

“Serving on a commission dedicated to conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife—more than 800 species—is an honor of a lifetime,” said Commissioner Davis. “I look forward to continuing help set policy for the nation’s premier wildlife agency and representing our constituents.”

An avid hunter and angler, Davis is a founding partner at FirstStrategic, a communications and public affairs firm specializing in strategic public policy development for non-profit clients, issues relating to rural Arizona, and government relations. Prior to forming FirstStrategic, he served as vice president of public affairs and marketing at Northern Arizona University and before that was vice president of public affairs and corporate communications at Rural/Metro Corporation.

Davis previously served as a deputy chief of staff and executive assistant in the office of former Arizona Governor Fife Symington. In that role, he had policy responsibility for executive agencies such as the departments of transportation, corrections, state land, game and fish, and others. He has also served as director of intergovernmental affairs and issues analysis at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and executive director of the Arizona Republican Party.

Davis was appointed to several positions in the Reagan administration and served as a gubernatorial appointment to the Arizona Board of Regents, the Vision 21 Transportation Task Force, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. He received a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University in 1984.

He is active in the community and has served on the boards of directors of Great Hearts Academies, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and Arizona State University’s Ramsey Executive Program for Public Policy.

Great weather . . . great hunting!

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PHOENIX — A week’s worth of gray skies has given way to wall-to-wall sunshine. The rain puddles are long gone. The air is crisp, clean, refreshing.

While snow still might be piled high in some places around Arizona, it’s a great time – no, the perfect time – to head for the backcountry in lower elevations and take advantage of some great hunting opportunities.

But hunters need to get going. The general waterfowl season in the “Desert Zone” ends Sunday, Jan. 29. The last day to use “over the counter” archery-only nonpermit-tags for any antlered deer and spring javelina is Tuesday, Jan. 31. And the general season for Gambel’s, scaled, California and Mearns’ quail closes Feb. 12.

Don’t forget about the general spring javelina season. As of Monday, Jan. 23:

193 leftover hunt permit-tags were available for handgun, archery and muzzleloader (HAM) spring hunts that begin Feb. 10.
183 hunt permit-tags remained for general spring hunts that begin Feb. 24.

All of the leftover hunt permit-tags are available on a “first-come” basis. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted online a list of the leftover hunt permit-tags. Hunters can apply one of two ways: Fill out a paper application and bring it to any department office statewide, at which time a hunt permit-tag will be issued, or mail the completed application to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

AZGFD dispatches aggressive Flagstaff deer

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FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials reported lethally removed a mule deer buck from the Continental Country Club neighborhood Tuesday, following numerous reports of an aggressive deer. Since December, AZGFD officers have responded to multiple calls about a large mule deer buck acting aggressively towards people. The buck was not showing any fear of humans and was chasing people and their pets.

Officers used rubber bullets in an attempt to haze the animal out of the area, but the buck didn’t respond. Ultimately, the buck was lethally removed because it posed a threat to public safety, especially to children and the elderly, who may be less able to quickly react when approached by wildlife.

Meat from the animal was donated to charity and antlers from the four-point buck will be auctioned off later this year to support the department’s law enforcement efforts.

During the breeding season, bucks may act more aggressive as they try to establish dominance over females and smaller bucks in the herd. This large buck was displaying more than normal aggressive behaviors and had the potential to severely injure or kill someone.

The feeding of wildlife by residents in the Continental area has contributed to the habituation of wildlife to humans and changes in their behavior. Deer are now frequently seen in town and not in the forest – where they should be – because they are attracted by food and water sources left out by residents.

“Wildlife become comfortable in town when they receive food and water from humans, which can cause them to lose their healthy fear of humans,” said AZGFD Regional Supervisor Craig McMullen. “We encourage people not to become indifferent to the presence of wildlife. Numerous state and local regulations, including in Flagstaff, make it unlawful to intentionally feed wildlife that can cause property damage or pose a danger to humans.”

The Arizona Game and Fish department reminds everyone to never approach wildlife, never leave out food or water and to help Keep Wildlife Wild.

Arizona deer, elk clear of Chronic Wasting Disease

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced that Arizona continues to be clear of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurodegenerative wildlife disease that is fatal to deer and elk.

Department officials did not find any cases of CWD in the 750-plus deer (mule and white-tailed) and elk that were harvested by hunters and voluntarily submitted for testing in 2016. Game and Fish has been testing for the presence of the disease in Arizona since 1998. While CWD has been found in the neighboring states of Utah, New Mexico and Colorado, the disease has not been detected in Arizona.

The department is grateful for the assistance of hunters who submit deer and elk heads for testing, as well as the cooperation of local taxidermists and game processors. Heads can be brought to any Game and Fish office statewide between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about CWD, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/research_cwd.shtml.

Online applications for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn antelope and elk.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2017 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet (PDF). Printed booklets also are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any regional office statewide.

All applications – online or paper – must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Postmarks do not count.

In a major change from last year, online applicants must keep their credit card payment information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer will attempt to reach applicants by telephone to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards have failed.

This also marks the first time pronghorn and elk hunters will be able to purchase PointGuard as part of their online application. An innovative new program, PointGuard provides hunters with peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. Information: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

In the meantime, the department is encouraging all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD Customer Portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results information and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Finally, did you know the department’s online services are available 24/7? >From creating that AZGFD Customer Portal account and purchasing a valid hunting license, to getting the latest wildlife news and applying online for the draw, visit www.azgfd.gov anytime for all of your outdoor needs. Save time, buy online!

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Investigators seek tips to catch deer poacher

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a mule deer in Game Management Unit 5BS near Happy Jack, southeast of Flagstaff.

Game and Fish officers received information that the mature four-point mule deer was shot January 3 near the Clear Creek Pines subdivision. The deer was shot from the road within a quarter-mile of several occupied residences.

The most disgusting aspect of the case is the deer was left to waste.

“We hope the public will again come forward,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Poaching is a crime against all Arizonans, and our sportsmen and women have shown a long, committed history of stepping forward with information to help to bring poachers to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. Callers should provide case number 17-000023 and may remain confidential upon request. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). Optionally, you may use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief.

Arizona Game and Fish Department seeks input on game management hunt guidelines

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting comments on improving the hunt guidelines to continue the sustainable management of the state’s game animals, while providing as much hunting recreation as possible.

Comments on the existing hunt guidelines (See PDF) may be submitted through Feb. 15, 2017, either by e-mail to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

“This is your opportunity to get involved in the nuts and bolts of this process, which guides how hunts are set each year,” said Big Game Management Supervisor Amber Munig. “We are seeking your ideas, comments, concerns, or observations on how to meet the many demands by our varied hunting public, as well as fostering new opportunities for continuing our hunting heritage for future generations.”

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters that make up the “recipes” used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.) and results in the hunts in which sportsmen, women and children participate.

However, wildlife biologists note that while wildlife is held in the public’s trust, and hunting opportunity is important, using science-based principles in shaping the guideline process remains paramount to assure healthy, sustainable, and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

After all the comments are received, reviewed and processed, the department will host public meetings across the state to present the proposed revisions, answer questions, and collect any further public input. A final draft will then be prepared and posted on the department’s website prior to being presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in September.

The existing hunt guidelines (PDF), as well as information on the hunt guidelines process, can be found at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Meetings aim to shape future off-highway vehicle recreation on BLM land

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts who utilize Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to participate in a series of workshops organized by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“Whether you ride to see the countryside, to view wildlife or while hunting or fishing, OHVs are key for thousands of Arizonans and visitors to access the outdoors,” said Josh Hurst, AZGFD Off-Highway Vehicle Program coordinator. “To enhance OHV opportunities and plan for the future, the public is being given the opportunity to work with NOHVCC to help inform the BLM’s Travel Management and Recreation Management plans.”

To gather feedback, NOHVCC will hold a series of meetings around the state, where people will learn about current BLM activities and can offer their experiences on BLM managed land. The public can also provide input on what experiences can’t currently be found on BLM managed lands in Arizona and what could be done to better enhance OHV recreation.

Meetings are scheduled for the following times, dates and locations:

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center 850 S. Bluff Street in St. George, Utah
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 24 at the Ramada at 3100 E. Andy Divine Ave. in Kingman
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Quartzite Community Center at 295 Chandler Street in Quartzite
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites at 5151 E. Grant Road in Tucson
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at the Coffinger Park Recreation Center at 175 E. Swilling Ave. in Wickenburg
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the La Quinta Inn at 2510 W. Greenway Road in Phoenix

Those unable to participate in one of the meetings, but would like to provide input, can submit comments and questions to trailhead@nohvcc.org.

Feeding wildlife a threat to people and pets in Rim Country

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PINE, Ariz. — People who feed wild animals are creating a public safety problem in Arizona’s Rim Country. Incidents of wildlife endangering people and their pets in this region have increased over the past few months, including:

  • An elk regularly fed by Pine residents reportedly charged several individuals in separate instances. One woman was forced to take refuge in a greenhouse on her property to escape.
  • Also in Pine, a young male elk entered a resident’s yard through an open gate and began stomping on her dog. The dog later died from its injuries.
  • A Pine resident freed an elk that had its antlers entangled in a tire swing (pictured). But the elk returned the next day because residents continued to set out food.
  • In Strawberry, herds of increasingly aggressive javelina have rushed local residents. One man who was charged by a javelina killed it in self-defense.
  • More than a dozen elk and deer deaths have been reported to AZGFD in this region. In each case, residents were intentionally or inadvertently feeding the animals.

Aggressive behavior toward people by elk and javelina is unusual, but feeding increases the frequency of these conflicts. Wildlife that become comfortable around humans lose their natural fear and can become bold and aggressive. In these recent reports to AZGFD, the aggressive behavior by wildlife appears unprovoked. Habituated animals often must be euthanized when they become a threat to human safety.

“The feeding and resulting habituation often causes these bold and increasingly aggressive behaviors, and can lead to animal deaths,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Manager Joseph Sayer. “When you feed wildlife, you’re not doing animals any favors. In fact, you may attracting them to their deaths.”

According to AZGFD Veterinarian and Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Anne Justice-Allen, the inappropriate foods people give to wildlife also can kill them.

“Wildlife are adapted to survive on native vegetation,” said Justice-Allen. “When deer, elk, and javelina eat grain or snack foods such as potato chips or kitchen scraps, they can develop conditions such as bloat, diarrhea, and bacterial infections, all of which can lead to death.”

“Habituated wildlife also attract unwanted attention from both predators and people. When you attract prey animals, you’ll also attract their natural predators and human hunters. We’ve seen an increase in disputes between neighbors when one wants to feed the wildlife, another considers it a nuisance, and still another wants to hunt it,” added Officer Sayer. “When you feed wildlife you change its behavior, putting it, your neighbors and yourself at risk. Please help us keep wildlife wild.”

When encountering wildlife, keep a safe distance and discourage interaction with them. AZGFD urges Rim Country residents to refrain from feeding wild animals to keep wildlife wild. Report aggressive or unusual animal behavior to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7201 at any time, day or night.