Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

Fisheries experts reclassify three native fish species as one

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1473410181403-rnau2comnz-5e72c45ae3ecacbeef050b26f9d90acaPHOENIX — A professional committee of fisheries scientists has determined that three species of chub found throughout the lower Colorado River basin—roundtail chub, headwater chub, and Gila chub—will now be recognized as one species, referred to as roundtail chub.

The decision last week by the American Fisheries Society and American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Joint Committee on the Names of Fishes resolves a long-term disparity among scientists, as these chub populations are physically similar and have been genetically indistinguishable at the currently recognized species classifications. The inability to differentiate them at a species level made management highly complex, especially given that Gila chub is listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and roundtail and headwater chub were proposed for listing as threatened in 2015.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists last year conducted a complete review of all data and scientific literature available to determine if the available science supported the recognized taxonomic designations of the three species of chub. The department’s review found no justification to support the separation of chub into three separate species, and concluded they should be classified as a single species.

Subsequently, Game and Fish formally requested that the American Fisheries Society re-evaluate the recognized taxonomic designation of the three species. The analysis was assigned to the joint committee, which conducted months of review and listened to presentations by fisheries scientists on the morphology and genetic status of chub. The committee concluded there is no morphological or genetic data that define populations of roundtail chub in the lower Colorado River basin as members of more than one species.

The committee’s decision is strongly supported by Arizona Game and Fish and will result in more effective management and conservation of roundtail chub throughout the state. Based on this decision, the species is found in more than 70 streams in Arizona alone. .

“This is a huge success for chub and for those who manage and conserve chub in the lower Colorado River basin,” said Chris Cantrell, aquatic wildlife chief for Arizona Game and Fish. “The taxonomic history of this species has been debated for decades, which has influenced our management strategies and our ability to implement conservation on a range-wide basis. We know the decision will open doors to more opportunities to protect and conserve chub in Arizona.”

The Joint Committee on the Names of Fishes is a collaborative group of the American Fisheries Society and the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. It maintains a list of scientific and common fish species names to achieve uniformity and avoid confusion in nomenclature. Their work is important to help fisheries professionals know exactly what species or subspecies is under discussion. Fish identification is particularly important when the species is under endangered species protections.

To view the department’s 2015 letter sent to the American Fisheries Society and the joint committee’s final decision, visit In the Current, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s native aquatic species news site.

Mexico wolf pair welcomes third litter of wild-born pups

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mexican-wolfPHOENIX — Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) recently reported the sighting of four wild-born Mexican wolf pups in the state of Chihuahua. The pups represent the third consecutive year that the mated pair M1215 and F1033 has produced offspring.

With the birth of this litter, Mexico’s Mexican wolf population in the wild has reached 21 animals, according to CONANP.

“Arizona wishes to congratulate Mexico on their recent successes toward the recovery of Mexican wolves in their historical habitat and offer our continued support of their efforts,” said Jim deVos, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s assistant director of wildlife management. “The vast majority of historical habitat for the Mexican wolf is in Mexico, so their efforts and successes provide a significant contribution to the recovery of the subspecies.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has collaborated with Mexican experts to develop a habitat suitability evaluation that will assist CONANP in planning future recovery efforts in Mexico.

Arizona Game and Fish has been actively involved in a multi-agency effort to reintroduce Mexican wolves to portions of the Southwest since the 1980s.

Applications sought for Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — The Governor’s Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.

Governor Doug Ducey is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona wildlife and its long-term conservation. In accordance with Arizona law, the Game and Fish Commission is required to be politically balanced and representative of all 15 counties (i.e., no more than three commissioners may be from the same political party, and no two commissioners may be residents of the same county).

Therefore, this Commission vacancy is NOT available to registered residents of Apache, Coconino, Pima, or Yuma counties. Residents of all other counties—Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yavapai—are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may apply by clicking here: Boards and Commissions Application.

For further information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission. Individuals also may contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449.

Paper applications for 2017 spring hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The department now is accepting paper applications for 2017 spring hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear. The online application service is expected to be available in early to mid-September.

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

The deadline for all spring hunt permit-tag applications is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Paper applications must be received by the department by the deadline. Postmarks do not count.

The printed “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklets are expected to be available at department offices and license dealers statewide in early September.

Applicants must possess an Arizona hunting license to apply for a spring hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid through the last day of the spring hunt permit-tag application period (Oct. 11). Licenses now are valid one year from the time of purchase. Licenses can be purchased online at https://www.azgfd.com/license, or at any department office or license dealer statewide.

As a reminder, applicants should thoroughly read and understand the appropriate regulations before submitting a hunt permit-tag application or before going afield.

Volunteers can help spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets

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Black-footed_FerretSELIGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley near Seligman.

As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two fall spotlighting projects – Sept. 15-19 and Oct. 13-17. The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.

Volunteers must have the ability to stay attentive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets and use, or learn how to use, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Volunteers can sign up by e-mailing azferret@azgfd.gov – with “fall spotlighting” in the subject line – by Sept. 9 for next month’s project and by Oct. 7 for the later opportunity. Space is limited.

Volunteers are reminded to include their full name, a contact phone number, month(s) and night(s) available to spotlight, and full names of others who also will be attending (a parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18). Volunteers also should note any equipment they can bring, such as GPS, clipboard, headlamp, pen, binoculars, walkie-talkies, compass, cordless rechargeable spotlight, backpack or 4X4 vehicle.

These events will be conducted to assess the black-footed ferret population before winter. The objectives include trapping those animals that were not caught in the spring, to trap older ones that need a canine distemper or plague booster, and to trap juveniles — called “kits” – to administer vaccinations. No black-footed ferrets were trapped during a spotlighting event in July, although there were 11 confirmed sightings and two litters documented.

For more information about the black-footed ferret recovery effort, visit the department’s website at www.azgfd.com/wildlife and click on “Nongame and Endangered Wildlife.”

Dove season outlook: Expect plenty of birds

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Dove_-_White-winged_2PHOENIX — So, how’s dove hunting going to be this season?

It’s a rhetorical question in Arizona. That’s because, in any given year, an estimated 20 million to 30 million mourning doves – and another 2 million to 3 million of the bigger white-winged doves – are residing here come opening day.

“It’s going to be a good year,” said Johnathan O’Dell, a small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “A ‘down’ year for us is 20 million. An ‘up’ year is 30 million. I’ve never worried about doves not being here on opening day. There’s a lot of them.”

The 15-day “early” season gets underway 30 minutes before legal sunrise Thursday. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45-dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

O’Dell said he hopes hunters see a few more of the preferred white-winged making up their bag limit this season.

“We’re seeing big increases in white-winged doves,” O’Dell said. “They’re expanding their range, and I think that’s partially due to a lot of agricultural practices across the country. I think we have 22 states harvesting them now, compared to when there were only four or five states back in the day.

“Agriculture plays a huge part in where white-winged doves are located. They’re always looking for small grains. If we have a lot of sorghum, millet, milo, sunflowers, that kind of stuff, it really brings them in.”

The Yuma area continues to be the premier destination for what some hunters consider to be the best wing-shooting action north of Argentina. Banners welcome hunters. Yuma’s motels, restaurants and sporting goods stores look forward to doing a brisk business over the next two weeks. It has been estimated that dove hunters pump up to $5 million into the city’s economy.

A new attraction this year: The inaugural World Championship Dove Cook-off, which takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center. For more information, visit www.yumadovehunting.com.

For everything else “dove,” visit www.azgfd.gov/dove. Also, check out O’Dell’s video demonstrating two techniques for field-dressing doves.

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

10 Tips for safe, responsible OHV riding during Labor Day weekend

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DSC_4103_-_reduced_flippedPHOENIX — With the Labor Day weekend days away, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds residents and visitors looking to head outdoors on their off-highway vehicle (OHV) to do so safely and responsibly.

AZGFD officers and partner agencies will be seeking unsafe and reckless OHV operators this holiday weekend to ensure the safety of those riding responsibly.

Between July 1, 2015 and June 30, AZGFD officers issued 404 citations and issued 283 warnings statewide for multiple offences, including failing to have a current OHV decal sticker, allowing children under the age of 18 to ride without a helmet and made arrests for operating/driving while under the influence.

Before hitting the trail, the AZGFD asks all operators and passengers to pledge to ride safely by following these 10 tips:

Always wear a helmet. Whether riding in a side-by-side, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or dirt bike, all riders younger than 18 years old are legally required to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders older than 18.
Eye protection is legally required for all riders if the OHV is not equipped with a windshield.
Wear proper clothing, including riding gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, pants and over-the-ankle boots.
Supervise children under 16 years old. Be sure young riders use an age-appropriate vehicle. Adult-sized machines may be too large and powerful for a child to safely operate. Adults are responsible for a child’s safety when it comes to OHV use.
Only ride with the number of passengers for which the machine is designed. One of the biggest causes of OHV-related injuries is riding with more than the recommended number of passengers. ProperTV riding techniques require operators to shift their weight and change position to keep control of the machine. Carrying a more passengers than recommended by the manufacturer greatly changes how the vehicle responds.
Stay on designated trails. One of the biggest threats to sustainable OHV recreation in Arizona is the closure of riding areas due to irresponsible use. Protect the state’s fragile natural resources, and your ability to visit such spots, by staying on designated trails and avoiding sensitive habitat areas.
Be prepared and equipped. Take area maps and guides, and have a compass, first aid kit, whistle, tire repair kit, tow rope or chain and other basic tools on hand. Also make sure to bring sunscreen, water and food.
Avoid drinking alcohol and/or drugs. Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always illegal, regardless of what type of vehicle you’re operating. Alcohol and drugs drastically impair a person’s judgement, responsiveness and ability to operate the machine safely.
Register your OHV and purchase an OHV decal. All vehicles designed primarily for travel on unimproved terrain and weighing less than 1,800 pounds are required to have an OHV Decal to operate on public and state land. License plates and decals are available at any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division location or at www.servicearizona.com.
Maintain your machine properly, especially the spark arrester and muffler. Arresters help to protect against sparking a wildfire and mufflers help to reduce the noise emitted by OHVs.

For more information about OHV riding in Arizona, including a list of locations to ride statewide, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

Reduced-cost pre-hibernation health exams available for desert tortoise and box turtle owners

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tourtise With summer temperatures still exceeding 100 degrees, it’s hard to imagine that winter is coming and that soon desert tortoises will begin hibernation. To help ensure your native Sonoran desert tortoise or box turtle is healthy enough to hibernate and survive the cold winter temperatures, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Tortoise Adoption Program is sponsoring a pre-hibernation health clinic with reptile veterinarians from the Valley and Tucson.

The clinic will be held Sunday, Sept. 18 from 12-4 p.m. at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital (azeah.com) located at 20040 N. 19th Ave., Suite C, Phoenix.

“This is a great opportunity to save money while ensuring your native desert tortoise or box turtle is healthy enough to enter hibernation, and to help other desert tortoises in need of care,” said Tegan Wolf, the coordinator of the Tortoise Adoption Program.

Health exams take approximately 15-30 minutes and will include a thorough physical exam, fecal test for parasites, and review of proper diet and care, including proper hibernation preparation. If left untreated, some diseases such as upper respiratory tract disease and intestinal parasites can be fatal. The cost will be $50 per tortoise, which is half of the normal tortoise exam price.

The veterinarians are donating their services and all proceeds from the health clinic will support the Tortoise Adoption Program and the tortoises in its care.

To make an exam appointment, please call the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital at (623) 243-5300.

For more information on desert tortoise adoption, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Increasing numbers of watergoers trading engines for paddles

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paddleboat_1Whether it’s dipping the canoe or kayak into one of Arizona’s lakes for a quiet day of fishing or it’s just to enjoy some time on the water, studies show the number of people reaching for a paddle and heading outdoors is increasing.

Paddlesport activities, including canoeing, kayaking, inflatable rafting and standup paddleboards, are gaining in popularity nationally. In 2014, about 21.7 million people enjoyed the sport nationally – an increase of more than 3 million people since 2010, according to a report from The Outdoor Foundation.

“Paddlesports is truly finding an audience with many people and families looking to experience the quieter side of our lakes,” said Josh Hoffman, Arizona Game and Fish Department Boating Safety Education Program coordinator. “While paddlesports offers a great time on the water, the activity does offer some risk for those who are undereducated and unprepared. That is why it’s crucial for anyone heading out on a canoe, kayak, raft or paddleboard to always wear a life jacket and to take a safety course.”

AZGFD offers free boating and paddlesports safety courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City. Those interested in taking a course can register by visiting www.azgfd.gov/boating and clicking “Boating Safety Education.”

In 2015 nationwide, 68 people died while canoeing and 71 died while using a kayak, according to U.S. Coast Guard figures. The most common causes of fatal accidents were capsizing, the vessel overturning or someone falling overboard. More than 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.

Those heading out on standup paddle boards, kayaks and canoes are reminded that each are legally considered watercraft. Users are required to have a wearable personal flotation device on board while on the water and must follow the same navigation laws pertaining to all watercraft.

“We can never stress it enough that life jackets do save lives,” Hoffman said. “If you were to fall overboard it could be several minutes until rescue arrives. That life jacket will buy you critical time.”

To better prepare for a safe and enjoyable time on the water, paddlers should consider these 10 safety tips:

  1. Take a safety course – Courses such as the free class offered monthly by AZGFD provides paddlers the information needed for canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding.
  2. Wear a life jacket – You never know when your vessel will capsize or you’ll be thrown into the water. A life jacket will help to keep you afloat until your vessel is turned upright or you’re rescued.
  3. Cold water safety – Water colder than 77 degrees can send a person into shock. 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.
  4. Learn and follow all navigation rules – Paddlers are each legally considered watercraft and must follow the same laws and navigation rules as any other watercraft.
  5. Safety check – Check your vessel and make sure it is properly equipped before heading out.
  6. Consider potential impacts to wildlife and habitat – Be mindful of how your day out on the water can impact wildlife areas and habitat. Avoid sensitive wildlife areas and check with land managers ahead of time to determine if certain areas are closed to the public.
  7. Know your limits – Always follow your instincts and play it safe. Avoid placing yourself into a potentially dangerous situation.
  8. Carry a sound-producing device – Make sure to bring a device such as a whistle or horn that is audible for at least a half mile. This will help to signal rescuers, if needed.
  9. Keep an eye on the weather – Follow current weather forecasts and avoid heading out if inclement weather is in the forecast. In Arizona during summer monsoon, weather conditions can change quickly and can be deadly.
  10. Have a detailed trip plan – Before heading out on the water, leave a detailed trip plan with location and contact information, and indicate when you could be expected back.

Bearizona assists AGFD in rescuing a troublesome bear

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800-bear-lemmonWILLIAMS — Wildlife Park officials at Bearizona report that they have worked with Arizona Game & Fish to facilitate a rescue of a young female bear that was seen multiple times around the Mt. Lemmon area. The bear reportedly followed hikers, tried to get into homes and had no fear of humans. In cases like this, usually the bear would be euthanized.

Often time’s bears will venture into campsites or urban areas for food that is more easily accessible. That’s where the saying a fed bear is a dead bear comes from. It’s important for people to clean up after themselves while camping and not make it easy for bears to get a quick meal. If a bear finds easily obtainable food and/or food trash, the animal will continue to return until the food source is gone.

Black bears usually avoid people, but are attracted to human food and trash. The AGFD reminds campers to be “bear aware” by doing the following:

  1. Keeping a clean camp or picnic site.
  2. Stowing food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of smell range of bears.
  3. Utilizing bear-proof food and trash receptacles where provided.
  4. Washing and stowing cooking utensils immediately following use.
  5. Not taking odorous items (toothpaste, lotions, etc.) or clothing used while cooking into tents.
  6. Keeping pets leashed.
  7. Avoiding contact with bears.

If bears are seen in the distance, it is advisable for visitors to change their route to avoid contact. If approached by a bear, discourage contact by looking large and imposing, waving arms or jacket, making loud noises and giving the bear an opportunity to leave the area.

Sean Casey, Bearizona’s owner stated “This past year we enacted a birth control plan for all of our bears. Cubby and Rizzo, our current cubs, will very likely be the last bear cubs born at the Park. We do this so we are able to rescue bears out of the wild when possible. Unfortunately we won’t be able to rescue every bear in need, but we are moving in a direction to rescue when the situation works for all parties involved.”

“We are fortunate to have found a new home for her,” said AZGFD Region 5 Supervisor Raul Vega. “That rarely is possible with common species like black bears. So this story has a happy ending, but it could have gone another way. Young bears that seem dangerous grow up to be large bears that are aggressive.”

Out of all of the bears that call Bearizona home, over 60% were rescued. Bearizona’s newest addition named “Lemmon” after Mt. Lemmon in Tucson where she lived, will stay in mandatory quarantine for 30 days before being released into the cub exhibit with Cubby and Rizzo.