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The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently reviewing its Article 7, Heritage Fund grants, rules as part of a scheduled periodic review process.
The department is seeking public comment on the proposed changes to Article 7. The summary of the proposed rule changes can be accessed online at www.azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register. If you wish to submit written comments on the proposed rule revisions, please send comments to rulemaking@azgfd.gov by May 15, 2016. When submitting comments on a particular rule, please include a reference to the rule to which you are referring. Written comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to: |
Tag Archives: Arizona Game and Fish
AZGFD to display world-record desert bighorn sheep
PHOENIX — The most magnificent desert bighorn sheep in the world now stands regal among the wildlife mounts on display at Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix.
On loan from the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, the massive ram joins the bull elk, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion and more, including small game and several sportfish, in the customer service area for all to see.
“This is the ideal place for this ram,” said Pete Cimellaro, whose organization delivered and assembled the mount in advance of this weekend’s meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “It’s home. It’s just the epitome of what a desert bighorn sheep looks like – and a really, really big one.”
The backstory behind the “Scrivens” ram is almost as extraordinary as his immense horns that scored at 205-1/8 points when they were first measured unofficially in 1946 by the Boone and Crockett Club – a world record that hasn’t been challenged for 70 years.
While on a hunting trip in 1942 on a remote ranch on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Carl Scrivens and his brothers were taking a stroll around the ranch when they spotted the skull and horns in the back of a dilapidated wagon. According to vaqueros at the ranch, the ram had been killed a year or so earlier by a Native American who was hunting for meat and left the head.
The brothers, knowledgeable about the size of desert bighorn rams, were not about to leave without the head and acquired it for a mere eight pesos — and a wool sweater Scrivens was wearing at the time that caught the eye of a vaquero.
“That goes down with things like the Louisiana Purchase,” Cimellaro said, laughing.
The ram was bequeathed in 1992 to ADBSS, of which Scrivens had been a lifelong member. In fact, he and his wife, Anna, often would come from their home in Afton, Wyo., to help with water catchment projects.
“They loved the desert,” Cimellaro said. “They shared many campfires with members of the sheep society. That affinity is what gave Carl the idea to allow us to be custodians of the ram. He said, ‘This is the perfect place because the sheep society is always going to care about sheep.’ ”
After obtaining a suitable cape for the ram from Game and Fish, the restored mount was put on display in 1992 at the Boone and Crockett Club’s National Collection of Heads and Horns at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo. In recent years, the mount had found its way to the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo. It was Cimellaro who recently made the trip back to Missouri, crated the world-record ram and brought it back to Arizona.
Cimellaro still marvels at the size of its thick, heavy horns.
“Nothing really has approached it,” Cimellaro said. “That might change someday, who knows? At this time, it’s one of the longest-standing records out there.”
Game and Fish headquarters is located at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, 85086. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except for holidays. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov, or call (602) 942-3000.
Arizona Game and Fish Outdoor Expo draws record weekend crowd
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2016 Outdoor Expo, presented by Shikar-Safari Club International, drew a record crowd of 41,100 people during the April 2-3 weekend at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.
Combined with 4,500 students, teachers and chaperones who turned out for the Friday, April 1 Youth Day, the 45,600 total was the second-highest three-day turnout in Expo history.
We’re thrilled with the public’s interest in the Expo,” said Game and Fish Recreation Chief Scott Lavin. ”We hold this annual event to introduce or re-engage the public with the many wildlife-related and other outdoor recreation opportunities available in Arizona.”
The Expo showcases activities such as fishing, hunting, shooting sports, archery, camping, off-highway vehicle recreation, boating recreation, and wildlife viewing. In addition to the hands-on activities, more than 150 exhibitors were on site, including sportsmen’s and conservation organizations, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.
“Despite a number of other high-profile events in the Valley over the weekend, the record Expo turnout shows there is huge interest in learning about the great outdoors,” said Lavin.
For the second straight year, the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo was Shikar-Safari Club International.
Gold Sponsors were Cabela’s, Arizona State Credit Union, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Silver Sponsors were Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and HPR Ammunition. Bronze Sponsors were the Mule Deer Foundation and Bill Luke Dodge.
“We’re grateful for the support of Shikar-Safari Club International and all of our other sponsors and exhibitors,” said Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles. “Without their participation, we could not conduct an event such as this. They are helping pass along our outdoor heritage to current and future generations.”
The mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations. The department operates without receiving any Arizona general fund tax dollars. Outdoor Expo costs are paid for by sponsor and exhibitor fees.
Next year’s Outdoor Expo will be held March 25-26, 2017, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. More information will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/expo as it becomes available.
Game and Fish Commission meeting set for April 8-9 in Phoenix
PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday and Saturday, April 8-9, at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, in Phoenix. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting, view it live on streaming video at any department regional office (Friday only), or view it on a webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting, or from any Game and Fish regional office. The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast online.
Items on the agenda include:
- A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
- An informational update on the Research Branch’s projects and activities.
- An update on the Terrestrial Wildlife Amphibians and Reptiles Program conservation and recovery efforts and capacity-building projects.
- 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 2 p.m. Friday).
- A request to consider proposed commission orders to establish seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, and open-closed areas for the 2016-2017 seasons for dove, band-tailed pigeon, waterfowl, snipe and sandhill crane (Saturday).
- Consideration of proposed commission orders to establish seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, and open-closed areas for the 2016-2017 seasons for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, bear and mountain lion, as well as trapping seasons. The commission also may consider and approve the same for tree squirrel, cottontail rabbit, predatory and furbearing mammals, other mammals and birds, pheasant, quail, chukar partridge and blue grouse (Saturday).
- A presentation on the proposed hunt-permit tag application schedule for the fall 2016 seasons. The commission will be asked to approve the application schedule (Saturday).
To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.
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.
Flagstaff/Williams fishing: hit Dogtown before dog days of summer
No question: Dogtown Reservoir south of Williams is one of Arizona’s trout fishing hot spots. A shred of evidence: Joshua Rose on Saturday caught this gorgeous 23 ¾-inch, 4.3-pound brown trout out of Dogtown.
Rose caught the fish on corn PowerBait.
This 50-acre lake in the Kaibab National Forest is being stocked consistently and is one of the best bets for a high country Arizona trout fishing adventure. Some experienced anglers are catching plump winter holdovers.
Effective baits have been PowerBait, small spinners, and wet flies such as bead-headed prince nymphs and zug bugs. Make sure the spinners are small — no heavier than 1/8 of an ounce. Some anglers are having success slow-trolling spinners.
A couple weeks ago, 10-year-old Matthew R. duped this 3 pound-pound that measured 19.5 inches.
Where to trout fish in Flagstaff/Williams area
Stocking trucks from Page Springs Hatchery have been loading up trout into Flagstaff/Williams regional waters the past few weeks .
Here is AZGFD Region 2 Aquatic Wildlife Program Manager Scott Rogers’ top 5 spots to fish near Flagstaff and Williams (all are being stocked with trout).
- Dogtown Lake
- Ashurst Lake
- Cataract Lake
- Frances Short Pond
- City Reservoir (Santa Fe Dam)
A high chance of rain is predicted for Flagstaff and Williams Friday and Sunday (trout sometimes bite great just before a storm), and these waters should be great options throughout April.
Grab your gear and your fishing license and get ready for a pine-scented weekend! Temporary fishing permits available at some Williams merchants.
The road to Dogtown has some beautiful trees including Aspens and Oaks. It is a great drive in fall.
Volunteers needed for White Tank Mountains cleanup
PHOENIX — “Tread Lightly!,” which promotes responsible recreation through stewardship, communication and education, has scheduled a cleanup April 16 in the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix.
Partner organizations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition.
Volunteers – including recreational shooters, off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, hikers and others who champion responsible recreation – are needed for this six-hour event, which begins at 8 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, work gloves, hat, sunscreen, trash pinchers and buckets. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.
The project site is located off Interstate 10 and Miller Road. From Phoenix, head west on Interstate 10, take Exit 114 to Miller Road, turn right (north) on Miller Road, then left (west) on Tonopah Salome Highway. Keep left at the fork past the trail service yard and follow posted signs to the project site. Volunteers also will be on-site to provide more information and directions. To view a map, visit http://tinyurl.com/jpd65ds.
Sign up at https://treadlightly.wufoo.com/forms/zk331w1owwg1s/. For more information, email Evan Robins at evan@treadlightly.org.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop set for April 15-17
PHOENIX — For women who just want to find out what the outdoors experience is all about, signing up for a Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop is a great place to start.
The Arizona Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will conduct its next BOW workshop April 15-17 at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott.
The workshop introduces like-minded women (18 and older) to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, no-pressure setting with expert instructors. Horsemanship, outdoor photography, archery, fly-fishing, Dutch-oven cooking, shooting and birding are among the more than 30 courses offered during the day. The evenings are filled with fun and entertainment, like night hikes, fly-tying and motivational speakers.
“BOW is about much more than hunting and fishing, or even camping and paddling,” said Linda Dightmon, program coordinator. “It’s all about learning to appreciate our wild lands and wildlife, and how to help conserve them. It’s all about learning a new skill or conquering an old fear.
“It’s all about meeting like-minded women and making new friends. It could be all about learning a lot more about you.”
Lodging will be provided in rustic cabins, with five to seven campers per room using bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding and towels. Sleeping bags are highly recommended. Full bathrooms with electricity are available in each cabin.
The workshop fee is $250 ($300 with horsemanship) and includes all course materials, meals and lodging. The only things participants need to bring are their personal items, a good attitude and a willingness to learn.
2016 fall hunt recommendations to be available for review
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has scheduled a series of six “open houses” for its constituents to review and ask questions about the proposed 2016 fall hunt recommendations for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, bear, mountain lion, predators and furbearers, small game and trapping.
The department annually makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years.
The proposed recommendations will be posted Friday, March 25, at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The open houses will be conducted at the following Game and Fish regional offices:
- Thursday, March 31: 3-5 p.m., Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
- Thursday, March 31: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.
- Monday, April 4: 3-5 p.m., Yuma, 9140 E. 28th Street.
- Monday, April 4: 3-5 p.m., Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
- Monday, April 4: 3-5 p.m., Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
- Tuesday, April 5: 6-8 p.m., Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
Constituents who are interested in particular game management units within those regions will be able to review the hunt recommendations and ask questions. No formal presentations are planned.
“The meetings allow us to meet with sportsmen and other members of the public to answer questions and discuss the direction for the recommendations based on survey data, harvest rates and the hunt guidelines,” said Amber Munig, big game management program supervisor.
The proposed recommendations will be presented to the commission for consideration during the Saturday, April 9, portion of its April 8-9 meeting at Game and Fish headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, in Phoenix.
The agenda will be posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Agency/Commission.
To learn more about the hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines processes, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.
Registration open for Native and Wild Trout Conference
Apache Trout
Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The event provides a free educational conference for those interested in meeting, networking, and developing future plans for restoration and management of watersheds and native and wild fish in Arizona and New Mexico.
The 2016 conference will again have more than 100 attendees from more than 35 various organizations and agencies from the southwest. Opening the conference will be Arizona Game and Fish Department Assistant Director Jim deVos. The agenda will include the topics of:
- AZGFD Coldwater Fisheries Vision and Management Plan
- Trout Unlimited Southwest Native Trout Initiative
- Western Native Trout Initiative Programs
- Glen Canyon Dam: Long Term Experimental Management Plan
- Stream and Temperature Monitoring Networks
- Making Hatcheries Work: Mora National Fish Hatchery Operations
- Wildfire Risk Assessments and Impacts
- Trout-In-the-Classroom Programs
- Conservation Awards for Distinguished Service
Presentations and materials from prior conferences can be found on the Trout Unlimited Arizona State Council website.
The conference has become a model in developing relationships for conservation organizations with state and federal agencies for habitat and conservation projects, which reach beyond native fish to restoration and management of watersheds for the benefit of all wildlife.
First peregrine falcon egg visible in downtown Phoenix nest
PHOENIX — If you checked on downtown Phoenix’s nesting peregrine falcons Easter Sunday via the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream, you’d know there were no eggs. But, around 5:30 a.m. yesterday, the first egg was laid with two to three more expected over the next two to four days.
Once the female lays all of the eggs and begins incubating them, viewers will have a chance to observe the male bringing food to his mate. The eggs will be incubated primarily by the female for 29 to 33 days.
“We hope that viewers get hooked on watching the progress of this peregrine pair as it is a very unique opportunity to have full, live access to the pair’s attempts to reproduce and raise young,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewing will be more consistent and predictable now that the female is incubating eggs, and viewers will see new developments consistently as the birds progress through the various stages of raising young.”
Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.
Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior.
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. This falcon feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.