Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish

AZGFD hosts Life Jacket Exchange to kick off National Safe Boating Week

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and agencies across the U.S. and Canada will join forces to promote life jacket use and boating safety as part of National Safe Boating Week.

The annual event begins Saturday, May 21 and ends Friday, May 27. To help mark the occasion, the department’s Boating Safety Education program will hold Life Jacket Exchange events from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the 10-lane boat ramp at Lake Pleasant, the London Bridge Beach at Lake Havasu City and Community Park boat ramp at Bullhead City, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fisherman’s access in Laughlin, Nev.

During the exchanges, people with old, warn and less-effective life jackets can swap them for a new life vest, while supplies last.

“Boating in Arizona can offer a great experience for everyone on the water, but only if it is done safely and responsibly,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “While time on the water can be fun, it can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not prepared. National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder to all boat and watercraft users to always wear their life jacket. It could very well save your life.”

National Safe Boating Week is the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, “Wear It!”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

“Each year hundreds of people lose their lives, and they may still be alive if they had been wearing a life jacket,” said John Johnson, chief executive officer of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. “You never know when there may be a boating mishap, so it’s important that everyone onboard always wears a life jacket.”

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

“It is critical that everyone practice boating safety,” Hoffman said. “Always wear a life jacket, boat sober, follow proper navigational rules and have a proper lookout. By doing so, you’re ensuring everyone goes home safely.”

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

Game and Fish Heritage Fund properties benefit from passage of Senate Bill 1361

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is grateful for the support of Governor Doug Ducey and the state Legislature in passing Senate Bill 1361, and helping to preserve Arizona’s 16 Heritage Fund properties that are essential to the state’s native wildlife and important habitats.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Griffin, Senate Bill 1361 grants the Arizona Game and Fish Commission the ability to spend a portion of the Heritage Fund monies that are allocated to the department on the operation and maintenance (O&M) of properties that have been, or will be, purchased to support endangered, threatened and sensitive wildlife species.

“Because passive property management is never a sound management approach, it was absolutely critical that the department be given the flexibility to use some of the Heritage Fund monies for operation and maintenance of the 16 properties purchased over the years, and those that will be acquired in the future,” said Commission Chairman Kurt R. Davis. “The cost for operating and maintaining the properties is already in excess of $1 million and growing rapidly as more properties must be purchased as part of the obligations under the Heritage Fund.”

The Heritage Fund was created in 1990 by Arizona’s voters to support wildlife and habitat by directing up to $10 million each year from lottery ticket sales. The department must use a portion of it to acquire properties that further its mission to protect and recover native wildlife species and their habitats.

The department does not receive any state General Funds and previously has used revenue generated from the sale of tags, permits, application and license fees, which comprise the majority of the department’s funding, to pay for the O&M obligation of Heritage-acquired properties.

Examples of ongoing and unanticipated O&M costs include preservation of structural assets, refurbishing agricultural wells, septic system replacement, stabilization of wetlands to reduce permeability, construction of flood control levees, replacement of culverts, removal of exotic vegetation, and control of dangerous fire fuels.

For more information about the department’s Heritage Fund, visit www.azgfd.gov/heritage.

Online applications for 2016 fall hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2016 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” The deadline by which the department must receive all applications – online or paper — is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Postmarks do not count. 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 department offices statewide.

The department is announcing an exciting, innovative program beginning with the 2016 fall hunt application period. “PointGuard,” the newest benefit for AZGFD Portal customers, ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.

PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline.

Applicants who encounter issues related to PointGuard are encouraged to call the department at (602) 942-3000 beginning June 1 through June 14.

For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the application period (June 14). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 20

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department, together with boating professionals and enthusiasts nationwide, will demonstrate the importance of remaining safe on the water by participating in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day, Friday, May 20.

The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational element ahead of National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 21 to 27. The event helps to raise awareness of different life jacket types, while demonstrating their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.

life_jacket_fitting_-_reduced_1“The life jackets of today are simply more comfortable and less bulky than those of the recent past, and Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day helps to demonstrate just that,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “Another family-fun boating season has returned and many Arizonans are heading out on the water. Wearing a life jacket should just be another part of putting the boat in the water – it’s literally the simplest thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from drowning.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in approximately 68% of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and that approximately 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day coincides with the official launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign, which focuses on educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets.

AZGFD and the National Safe Boating Council each ask participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and post it to the Ready, Set, Wear It! Facebook page (facebook.com/readysetwearit) or submit directly to the NSBC at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. Participants are also encouraged to tweet their picture using #readysetwearit.

Members of the boating public as well as those interested in showing the wear-ability of life jackets are encouraged to participate. More information about the event and safe boating is available at facebook.com/readysetwearit.
For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

AZGFD adjusts trout stockings in some high country fishing holes

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be adjusting trout stockings in some high country lakes to enhance opportunities for fishing adventures and to protect wild trout populations and important trout fishing resources.

AZGFD is adjusting some trout stockings due to a few of Arizona’s state and federal fish hatcheries having tested positive for Bacteria Kidney Disease. The Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) pathogen is specific to trout and salmon, and in some cases can be lethal to trout and salmon. BKD does not affect humans.

Although it can be easily passed from one trout to another, the pathogen can lie dormant and not cause any sickness. BKD-positive trout are still edible and good quality. The Department always recommends anglers cook all fish to the proper temperature to ensure safe consumption.

Due to the BKD-positive findings, the AZGFD this year will not be stocking trout into waters where the pathogen could be transmitted to wild trout populations, or into stocked trout-dependent fisheries.

What does this mean for anglers?

The biggest impact will be at Sheeps Crossing on the West Fork of the Little Colorado River, which will not be stocked with Apache trout and will not get any hatchery-stocked trout this year.

As the AZGFD protects long-term trout fishing opportunities in Arizona, trout fishing opportunities throughout the summer will remain abundant. In fact, waters such as the East Fork of the Black River, the Little Colorado River in Greer, and Silver Creek, will be supplemented with rainbow trout to ensure level numbers of stocked trout.

Great opportunities for anglers remain at:

Desert tortoise kicks off Summer Wildlife Series in Kingman

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Desert Tortoise Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Desert Tortoise
Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.

KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office in Kingman will begin the ninth season of its popular Summer Wildlife Series on May 27 with a free, one-hour presentation on the desert tortoise.

Heather Heimann, terrestrial wildlife technician, will discuss the slow-moving but determined reptile and its habitat, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Kingman Mohave County Library, 3269 N. Burbank St., in Kingman. Heimann will cover tortoise biology, impacts of disease, habitat, and the department’s tortoise adoption program.

The presentation will include a live tortoise. Game and Fish personnel will be available to answer questions following the presentation. The main portion of the library will be open to accommodate a larger crowd.

“The tortoise is a fascinating animal,” Heimann said. “They live in an area where people probably wouldn’t expect to find them. They’re well-adapted for life in this environment.”

For more information, call (928) 692-7700.

Peregrine cam goes dark as efforts underway to save chick

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peregrine_chick_1_-_reducedPHOENIX — A peregrine falcon chick hatched in a nest box on a downtown Phoenix high-rise was seen struggling this weekend, causing the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to take action. The wild peregrine chick, whose hatching was captured by a dedicated web-video camera, was having difficulty using its legs, causing it to fall and flail its wings.

AZGFD turned off the video feed on Monday morning, and while the peregrine parents were away, removed the chick from the nest box for examination. The chick was taken to the Phoenix Dog/ Cat/ Bird Hospital, where veterinary staff donated their services and took x-rays to reveal any physical problems. The bird was in acceptable health, but had splayed legs, which made it difficult for it to stand or move normally. Small splints were fitted to the bird’s legs to rectify the problem before it was placed back in the nest.

“We knew that shutting down the camera while we worked on the chick and monitored its recovery would disappoint the many people watching the peregrines,” said AZGFD Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Randy Babb. “We wanted to spare everyone the discomfort of watching the chick fall over while it adjusts to braces. We hope the cameras will only be off for a few days. This may be the first time a peregrine chick has been fitted with splints and returned to the nest for the adults to care for. Everything is looking good for the moment, and the parents are caring for the chick as if this disturbance never happened.”

Arizona Game and Fish biologists will continue to monitor the nest-cam and evaluate the chick’s progress over the next several days. Estimates are that, if all goes well, the chick’s splints may be removed in a week.

Two other changes will be noticeable when the nest cam is turned back on. A non-viable egg that had begun to rot was removed from the nest, and a new layer of brown artificial turf has been added to the bottom of the nest to provide better traction for the chick.

“While we are guardedly optimistic about the chick’s chances, despite our best efforts and hopes, sometimes nature has other plans,” said Babb. “It’s important to note that this chick is not out of the woods yet.”

The AZGFD peregrine web-camera is part of the department’s Wildlife Viewing program, which encourages Arizonans to learn more about the wonders of wildlife. A donation account (https://donation.azgfd.gov/donation) has been set up to help defray the costs of the department’s web-cameras.

BASF introduces exciting target-shooting experience

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Saturday_Steel_-_BASF_1PHOENIX — “Clang!”

That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out every third Saturday of the month on the small bore range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix.

Christopher Dean, range manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said he hopes a new target-shooting experience – “Saturday Steel” – will hit the mark with recreational shooters of all ages and skill levels, beginning Saturday, May 21.

“This is meant to be a fun opportunity,” Dean said. “There isn’t a competitive element. There isn’t a scoring element. This is just an opportunity to shoot some steel targets in an interesting presentation.”

There’s nothing quite like the appeal of steel. Whereas paper targets are great for showing where a bullet hits, the “clang!” from hitting a steel target provides immediate feedback and gratification. That gratification is further enhanced by seeing that target swing and spin.

“We want to create a shooting opportunity in a non-pressure environment,” Dean said. “Some people don’t want to shoot competitively, but they like competitive shooting.”

For a flat fee of $20 for adults, $13 for youths (price includes the $7 BASF daily range pass), customers will have the unlimited option to shoot from several stations, with distances varying from 15 to 85 yards. A range safety officer or mentor will be available to assist customers at each station. Shooting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time will be allotted for each customer to shoot one full magazine and reload up to two times, if they have extra magazines loaded and ready. Those customers who are shooting revolvers will be able to reload using speed loaders. Only rifles and carbines chambered in .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle or pistol caliber ammunition will be allowed. Not allowed: rimfire magnum cartridges, handguns chambered in any caliber larger than .45, and magnum loads.

In addition, “hot” loads that could penetrate or deform the steel targets, as well as steel core ammunition of any caliber, are not allowed.

Youths also must adhere to the following stipulations:

1 All participating youths must be accompanied by an adult.
2 No youths under 5 will be permitted on the range.
3 Youths 5 to 9 will be limited to shooting rimfire cartridges in .22-Short, Long or Long Rifle only.
4 Youths 10 and older will be allowed to shoot other handgun calibers, with close adult supervision.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased or properly holstered before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection also is required.

Dean said targets will come in various sizes and shapes, including silhouettes, circles, squares and rectangles, each presenting a unique challenge.

“If you come back the following third Saturday of the month, it’s going to be a totally different presentation,” Dean said. “It’s not going to be the same. We’re going to make it interesting so there’s a reason to come back and shoot again.”

For more information about BASF, call (623) 582-8313 or visit https://www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF.

Quagga-affected waters grow: AZGFD identifies Apache, Saguaro, Canyon lakes

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AZGFD_Quagga-GA-2PHOENIX — Conclusive evidence of quagga mussels has recently been discovered at Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes, major recreational waters on the Tonto National Forest. Effective May 1, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will list these lakes as AIS-affected waters under AIS Directors Orders #2.

There is not an infestation of quaggas at Apache, Saguaro or Canyon. Yet there is genetic and visual evidence in all these waters of the invasive quaggas that colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin recreational watercraft motors, alter water quality for aquatic wildlife, and clog water intake structures such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

Eight of the 12 major reservoirs in Arizona (Powell, Mead, Mojave, Havasu, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Pleasant) are listed as quagga-affected waters.

The other major reservoirs – Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Horseshoe – are not impacted by quagga mussels, but require AZGFD’s increased protection.

“By law, boaters and anglers must pull their drainage plugs before transporting a watercraft from these listed waters,” said Tom McMahon, AZGFD aquatic invasive species program coordinator, “but it makes sense to simply pull their drainage plugs, and leave them out, anytime they are transporting watercraft in and through Arizona.”

In addition, inspect your boat and ensure it is completely dried before launching into any state waters. This is where the need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” is vital.

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 following steps when leaving that listed water:

1. CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, hull, trailer, etc.
2. DRAIN. Remove all water drainage plugs (and keep them out during transport). Drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s). You can do this by lowering the outboard, while on the ramp, until the water is removed.
3. DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance is allowed to dry completely before placing in water in Arizona. Leaving your plugs out during transport will assist in ventilating and speeding the drying time of those difficult-to-dry areas of your boat.

If you are in need of decontaminating your moored boat before transporting from an AIS-affected water, please contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7608.

Phoenix’s newest residents begin to hatch

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Peregrine_chick_2016-05-09_at_7.16.27_AM_webPHOENIX — After more than 30 days of anticipation by viewers around the world, the first of downtown Phoenix’s peregrine falcon eggs was welcomed on Mother’s Day after hatching at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

It’s anticipated that a second egg could hatch any time as an influx of viewers the world over monitor the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

The falcon pair laid four eggs in late March, but two cracked and were discarded by the parents. The first chick hatched Sunday appears active, healthy and can be seen as the mother repositions herself on the nest.

“The live stream offers a unique, unobtrusive opportunity for viewers to witness one of nature’s wonders that is rarely seen,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewers will be able to follow the development of the young hatchlings and will want to stay tuned for the next important milestone in the young birds’ lives, fledging, which will occur about 30 days after hatching.”

Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior. Viewers can help support the costs of bringing the live feed to their homes by selecting the donation button found just below the viewing screen and making a small contribution.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.
Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999.

Peregrines feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.