Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- When the Midwest is cold and snowy, in Arizona the springtime is all about calling in a wild turkey in the pines, or stalking a javelina in the open desert.

The seasons for these two sought-after species are set and hunters can begin submitting applications for tags issued through the drawing process.

The 2012 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Buffalo and Bear Hunt Draw Information booklet and regulations are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website, and applications for applying are available at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

“Javelina and wild turkey offer hunters, beginners and experienced alike, a challenge and a unique outdoor experience in the springtime,” said Wildlife Recreation Chief, Craig McMullen. “There’s nothing like stalking a javelina in the open desert or calling in a wild turkey when his tail-feathers are fully displayed. It’s sure beats watching television.”

Many of the spring hunts have a limited number of tags and are issued through a draw/lottery process. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 by 7 p.m. (MST). Postmarks do not count.

Arizona Javelina Hunts

At this time, applications can be mailed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department or hand-delivered to drop boxes at any of the seven offices located in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix.

Mailed applications should be addressed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052.

Furthermore, Game and Fish continues to test its new online application system, and officials anticipate that it may become available during the spring drawing cycle. However, there is no set date at this time. To be notified when the system is available, you can sign up for email alerts, “like” our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

Worth noting, applicants who submit their application by the Sept. 23 correction period will be contacted by Game and Fish (by phone, three times in a 24-hour period) if there is a mistake on the application, providing an opportunity to correct the mistake. After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

Applicants are reminded a 2012 license is required to enter the spring draw. Licenses may be purchased through the draw/application process. For those that wish to purchase a license outside of the application process, 2012 licenses are anticipated to be available at Game and Fish offices and website service by Aug. 20 and at license dealers the first week of September.

“For those kids that are considering hunting, or are new to big game hunting, we are offering juniors-only hunting camps and outdoor skills workshops (see page 26 of the spring regs). These events are a perfect place to start learning about the excitement and traditions of hunting,” McMullen added.

Printed copies of the regulations are anticipated to be in stores at license dealers and Game and Fish offices statewide by early September.

For more information about hunting and drawing information, including leftover tags remaining for fall deer, juniors-only javelina and fall turkey, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Let the planning begin.

The drawing results for Arizona’s 2011 fall big game hunting permits are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000 by selecting option two.

The more than 107,000 applicants, an increase of 3 percent from last year, can find out if they were issued a permit-tag for deer, fall turkey, fall juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, or pheasant by providing their sportsman’s ID and date of birth.

Game and Fish officials report that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 12 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful and rejected applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Aug. 23 (less application fees).

For those individuals who missed the drawing application deadline or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 5,767 hunt permit-tags remaining. These remaining tags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and include more than 4,600 deer tags, more than 700 fall turkey tags, and nearly 400 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.

There are two methods to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will first only be accepted by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 1. Starting on Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits which includes hunt number, number of permits available and unit number, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and click on the “Leftover Permits for 2011 Fall Hunts” link under the “2011-12 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations, season dates and drawing information” section.

Hopi hunts with leftover tags are available to everyone, tribal and non-tribal members. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-8763 for additional information.

For those that applied for a fall turkey permit in unit 1 (hunt number 4501) or unit 27 (hunt number 4518), there was a reduction in permitted tags issued through the draw compared to what was listed in the regulations. On July 8, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to reduce the number of permit-tags by 1,075 permits due to the Wallow Fire. The commission action was taken after the application deadline, but before the draw was processed.

Hunter clinics and seminars
Getting prepared and planning for an upcoming hunt is almost as fun as the hunt itself. It’s also the most important. Many of the local hunter conservation groups are hosting hunting clinics to teach the basics, all the way up to how to score a trophy. Many of these clinics offer biology and ecology of the species; hunting tips and techniques; knowledgeable guest speakers, and other great information from experienced hunters. The popular hunting clinics are open to all, not just tag holders, and include:

• July 30: Arizona Elk Society Elk Hunting Clinic
• Aug. 13: Arizona Deer Association Hunting Clinic
• Sept. 24: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Clinic

For more details on these clinics, upcoming hunting camps for first-time hunters, and events hosted for families and juniors-only hunts, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

Note: The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on a variety of hunting and angling related equipment) remain the primary sources for funding wildlife conservation in North America.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Fair Chase Javelina Hunting

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Hunters, don’t start your summer vacation just yet. Applications for fall hunt permit-tags for the 2010-11 hunting season are due to the Arizona Game and Fish Department on or before Tuesday, June 8 by 7 p.m. MST (the previous notice incorrectly stated June 9; we apologize for any confusion). Postmarks do not count.

Hunters interested in a permit-tag for fall deer, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, fall turkey, juniors-only fall javelina, or pheasant are required to submit a paper application for the drawing process.There is no online application process available.

Applications may be hand delivered to any of the seven department offices or sent by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052. For the locations of department offices, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

To apply, refer to the 2010-11 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and application forms available at any department office, license dealer, or online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Directions on how to apply for the draw are outlined on pages 16-20 of the regulations. The digital editable PDF application can be typed using a computer and then printed, signed, and submitted to the department. A blank form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

A 2010 hunting license is required to apply. Licenses can be purchased through the application process, at department offices, from license dealers, or at www.azgfd.gov.

Youth hunts
Hey kids, do you want to go deer hunting, but don’t know how to get started? There are three mentored deer hunting camps designed to help new hunters learn how to hunt. Each camp offers experienced instruction on hunting, camping, care of game, and other tips for first-time hunters. A tag issued through the draw is required for these hunts. Below is a list of the hunt numbers where the camps will be. Use the appropriate hunt number on your application depending on your schedule and location needs:

Mogollon Rim Area, Oct. 8-10: Apply for hunt number 1156, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 23 Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona Deer Association.
Southern Arizona, Nov. 19–21: Apply for hunt number 1162, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 36A Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by the Arizona state chapter of Safari Club International.

Central Arizona, Nov. 19–21: Apply for hunt number 1154, juniors-only deer.
The Unit 20C Juniors Deer Camp is hosted by Youth Outdoors Unlimited.
Other great opportunities for the kids are several hunts that are like a two-for-one hunt. Juniors-only deer hunts for hunt numbers 1158, 1159, 1162, 1163, and 1176 (hunt areas include units 28, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 36A, 36B and 16A muzzleloader) are also eligible to purchase an over-the-counter restricted javelina nonpermit-tag (companion tag) at any department office. The companion tag is valid for the same area and dates as the deer hunt, and gives kids twice the reason to go hunting.

Buy a ticket, support wildlife
To increase your odds of getting a big game tag, and possibly one of a lifetime, take part in the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle. There are 10 special big game tags and every dollar raised for these tags goes directly towards wildlife management projects that benefit that species in Arizona. Winners will be able to hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state of Arizona during the 2010-2011 hunting season. Tickets range from $5-25. The deadline to get a ticket by mail is July 9. Online ticket sales end on July 11. The public drawing will be held July 15. For more details, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the backbone of wildlife conservation in North America. To learn more, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/northamericanmodel.shtml.

Arizona Game And Fish Department Annual Survey, Harvest and Hunt Data

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Do you want to find the hunts with the best chances of putting a tag in your pocket. Or, are you more interested in which hunts have the best harvest success? You can find that information and much more in the 2010 edition of Hunt Arizona [PDF, 9.5MB].

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual collection of survey, harvest and hunt data for big and small game has the latest 5-year data as well as historical data that you are bound to find of interest, some of it dating back to 1930s.

“From this one book, you have access to how many people apply, what kind of hunt success they have, and if permits are increasing, decreasing or static,” said Game Branch Chief, Brian Wakeling. “This is an incredible resource that can help a hunter, new or experienced, balance the odds for getting drawn with the odds for successfully harvesting wildlife.”

What does an incredible resource like this cost? Nothing, it is free and available for downloading at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Beginning this year, the resource is no longer available in a printed book format due to the popularity of the online version. The online PDF format (192 pages, 9.5Mb) allows for conveniences not afforded by the printed format, including keyword searching, copy and paste for creating your own custom comparisons, and the ability to zoom the text to any size to aid in reading.

With the application deadline approaching, Hunt Arizona is out just in time for applying for the upcoming fall hunts.

Hunters interested in a permit-tag for fall deer, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, fall turkey, juniors-only fall javelina, or pheasant (antelope and elk took place in February) should note that the deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7 p.m. MST.

The 2010-11 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations [PDF, 6mb] and application forms are now available in department offices and license dealers statewide, and they can be downloaded at the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

If you submit your application early (received by the department before May 27 at 5 p.m.) you can still take advantage of the correction period, where the department will attempt to call you three times in a 24-hour period to correct the mistake. After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

Applications may be hand delivered to any of the seven department offices or sent by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052 before the deadline. Postmarks do not count. There is no online application process available.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the backbone of wildlife conservation in North America.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, Az – -(AmmoLand.com)- The 2009 fall drawing process for big game and pheasant hunts is now complete and the more than 106,000 applicants can now find out if they’ve been drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Applicants can obtain draw results for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo and pheasant hunt tags by providing a department ID Number and date of birth. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000 and select option two.

Game and Fish officials report an increase in applications over last year, and said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 14 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Sept. 4 (less application fees).

For those individuals who missed the draw or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 4,500 of leftover tags remaining. Remaining tags, available on a first-come, first-served basis include more than 3,500 deer tags, more than 400 fall turkey tags, and more than 500 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-2549 for additional information.

There are now two systems to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will be accepted by mail only on after 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 3. Additionally, beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 10 hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

“We are introducing this in person first-come, first-served system to streamline the process to obtain a leftover permit, and to provide a more timely service to our customers,” said Harry Seck, assistant director of special services. “We also feel this improvement will aid hunter participation.”

Youth hunters are also reminded that fall turkey tags can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. Additionally, if a youngster participated in the spring youth turkey hunt, but didn’t harvest a bird, their tag is good for the fall season as well. If you lost it, you can get a duplicate at any department office for $4.

Additionally, the forecast for the nearly six-month long general hunting season for dove, quail, squirrel, rabbits, ducks and more is shaping up to be average to very good, depending on the species and area. Families are reminded to reserve a few weekends for introducing a youngster to the core principles of hunting this year. Many of these species offer lots of excitement, learning opportunities, and of course – great table fare for the whole family. To learn more about hunting in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

Note to media: Did you know, that a recent survey suggests that more than 75 percent of Americans support regulated and ethical hunting? Hunting and angling continue to be crucial elements in maintaining our wildlife populations while providing an economic benefit of $1.3 billion to Arizona. The big game draw is a lottery-style process for allocating the limited number of Arizona big game hunting permits to applicants. The first-come permit system allows individuals to apply for any leftover big game hunt permit-tags not issued during the normal drawing process.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ –-(AmmoLand.com)- You still have a chance to win one of the nation’s most prestigious hunts — the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle deadline for 2009 has been extended to July 12.

Here’s your chance to win one of Arizona’s 10 top hunts, while also contributing to wildlife conservation. It’s a win-win for everyone. But Super Raffle mail orders must be received by July 12 and online orders will be accepted at the Arizona Gig Game Super Raffle Web site until 10 p.m. July 12.

The big game tags available in the raffle are for 365 days of hunting almost anywhere in the state during the 2009-2010 hunting season, and ticket prices range from $5 to $25. Raffle tickets are offered for the following species:

• Elk
• Desert Bighorn Sheep
• Buffalo
• Antelope
• Turkey (Merriam’s or Goulds)
• Coues Whitetail
• Mule Deer
• Javelina
• Black Bear
• Mountain Lion

You can also get tickets for the incredible “Swarovski Optics Package” valued at more than $5,000. The money raised from the optics package is used to defray the costs of the raffle itself. All the money raised from the hunt raffle tickets goes directly to wildlife management efforts.

Arizona offers some of the best trophy opportunities in North America for each of these species. A quick review of both the Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young record books will confirm this. (Click for B&C and P&Y websites). If you are after a truly huge mule deer, elk, antelope, Coues deer, desert bighorn sheep, or buffalo, then Arizona is where you need to be. The only huntable population of Gould’s turkeys in the United States exists in southern Arizona and can be hunted with the raffled turkey tag.

Remember, hunters are the original conservationists and have financed most of the wildlife conservation efforts in the United States for the past century. This raffle is just another creative way to raise money for these remarkable conservation efforts. It’s a proud and successful heritage.

For more information visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX - -(TheOutdoorWire.com)- For as little as five dollars you can get a chance at a great hunt. For $25, that highly sought-after tag for desert bighorn sheep or a bull elk may be yours.

The Arizona Big Game Super Raffle now has 10 special big game tags up for raffle to raise money for wildlife conservation in Arizona. The deadline to purchase tickets by mail is July 3 (postmarks don’t count). The deadline to purchase tickets online is July 12.

The big game tags up for raffle include one each for pronghorn antelope, black bear, buffalo, Coues whitetail, desert bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, mule deer, turkey (Gould’s or Merriam’s), and now mountain lion. In addition, there will be a Swarovski optics package raffled, which will pay for the administration costs of the Super Raffle.

What makes these tags so special? The season dates for each hunt will be 365 days starting Aug. 15 and there are very few limitations on hunting areas.

Launched in 2006 by a consortium of sportsmen’s / conservation groups in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission as a way to raise money for wildlife conservation, the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle returns all ticket proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Every dollar raised for each species will go directly toward the management of that particular species.

Last year’s raffle raised $478,860.

Raffle tickets cost between $5 and $25, depending on species, and a ticket for all 11 raffles is only $150. Tickets can be purchased by mail using the downloadable order form and making a check payable to AZBGSR. Mail the form and payment to AZBGSR, P.O. Box 61713, Phoenix, AZ 85082. You can also buy tickets online at www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com. The site is a verified Authorize.Net merchant site and accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

The public drawing is Saturday, July 18. The time and location will be announced soon.

Special big game tags are granted to qualifying nonprofit organizations, dedicated to wildlife conservation, by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through a public application process each year per A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120.

Wildlife conservation and management of game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment.

So, the next time you see a herd of elk near Flagstaff, or antelope in an open plains of Prescott, or if you’re lucky to spot a desert bighorn sheep peering down from a cliff in the desolate desert, remember to thank a hunter – wildlife’s original conservationists.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.