Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet has been posted online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Hunters can now start applying for a hunt permit-tag issued through the drawing process.

Paper applications can be submitted either by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or hand-delivered to any Game and Fish office.

The online application service for this draw is expected to be available by early to mid January 2012.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 by 7 p.m. (MST). For those mailing their application, remember, postmarks do not count.

A 2012 hunting license is required to apply in the draw, and hunters are reminded that licenses purchased through the draw will not be mailed out until after the drawing process is completed.

2012 Arizona Pronghorn & Elk Hunt Draw Booklet Is Online

Licenses can also be purchased online at the Game and Fish website, and also at Game and Fish offices and more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Please keep in mind that you must have a working printer handy if you purchase your license online. The online system is self-fulfilling and you must print your license at time of purchase.

Apply early to take advantage of the “correction period.” If your application has an error and is received before 5 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2012, you will receive up to three phone calls from Game and Fish in a 24-hour period to help get the application corrected.

After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

The printed elk and antelope draw information/regulations booklets are anticipated to be available at department offices and at license dealers statewide around mid January 2012.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds (tax revenues) to operate.

Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many nongame species, is made possible through the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, a federal excise tax on certain hunting and fishing equipment.

Arizona Game And Fish Commission Sets 23,383 Permits For Elk

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission approved the 2012 hunt seasons for elk and pronghorn antelope during its Dec. 3 meeting in Phoenix, paving the way for hunters to start applying once they have the pertinent information available online in mid December.

The Game and Fish Commission set 23,383 hunt permit-tags for elk (down 1,035 from last year). The commission also set 788 hunt permit-tags for pronghorn antelope (down 21).

Don’t forget that the hunt-permit application deadline for elk and antelope is 7 p.m. MST Feb. 14 at all seven department offices – postmarks don’t count.

The department anticipates having elk and antelope regulations posted online by mid December. Once that is done, hunters can begin submitting applications.

The printed elk and antelope regulations for 2012 will be mailed to license dealers at the end of December and should be available the first week of January.

Keep in mind that the online application process is back and is expected to be available in December, but it may not be available right when the regulations are posted. The department will send out a notification about when the online application process will be available to submit applications for elk and antelope.

Hunters applying manually via the paper applications will want to jot down this date: Jan. 20, which ends the correction period. During the correction period, if you make a mistake on your submitted application, the department will make three attempts within a 24-hour period to notify you by telephone (if a phone number is provided), and give you a chance to correct the mistake.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has a busy agenda including setting the 2012 hunts for elk and antelope and discussing wolf recovery efforts during its Dec. 2 and 3 meeting at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

The Friday, Dec. 2 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m.

Among the items on the Friday agenda are:

* The commission will be provided a briefing on the department’s involvement in Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico and related Mexican wolf recovery and conservation issues. The commission may vote to reaffirm existing policy guidance and/or to provide new or additional policy guidance to the department on any or all aspects of Mexican wolf conservation, including reintroduction and range-wide recovery (time certain at 10:30 a.m.)

* The department will request commission approval of the notice of exempt rulemaking to amend R12-4-304 (addressing lawful methods of take) to implement House Bill 2396.

• * The department will provide the commission with a proposed objective for the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Project and a briefing on the project timeline and approach.
• * The department will request commission approval to enter into five conservation easement agreements with private landowners along the Upper San Pedro River and to approve the accompanying memorandum of understanding with The Nature Conservancy for monitoring each conservation easement.
• * The department will request commission approval of a cooperative agreement for livestock operations at Horseshoe Ranch, which will facilitate the required federal base property lease for livestock operations based out of the commission-owned Horseshoe Ranch.
• * The department will request commission approval of the draft notice of exempt rulemaking to amend Article 8 (addressing wildlife areas and department property).
• * The department will request commission approval of a notice of docket opening, notice of proposed rulemaking, and economic impact statement amending rules within Article 1 addressing management unit boundaries and Article 3 addressing taking and handling of wildlife to implement HB 2543 and SB 1334.
• * The department will request commission approval of a notice of final rulemaking and economic impact statement amending R12-4-422 to ensure compliance with amendments made to federal sport falconry regulations.
• * The department will request commission approval of a revised department mission statement.
• * The commission will conduct 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.).
• * The department will provide the commission updates on federal and state legislation; information/education and wildlife recreation activities; recreational access issues; lands and habitat program activities; Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities; and law enforcement program activities.
• * The commission will consider approval of several consent agenda items.
• The Saturday, Dec. 3 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Among the items on Saturday’s agenda are:
• * The commission will consider proposed commission orders 3 (pronghorn antelope), 4 (elk), and 26 (population management) establishing seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers or authorized limits, and open areas for the respective 2012 fall hunting season.
• * The commission will be presented with the proposed hunt permit-tag application schedule for the elk/antelope 2012 hunts.
• * The commission will consider proposed amendments to the hunt guidelines process schedule and the 2012-13 and 2013-14 hunt guidelines governing hunting seasons to accommodate Hopi Trust Lands located in Units 4A, 5A, and 5B and allocation of permits to Hopi tribal members.
• * The commission will consider amendments to commission orders 10 (mountain lion), 11 (tree squirrel), 12 (cottontail), 13 (predatory and furbearing mammals), 14 (other birds and mammals), 16 (quail), 19 (dove), and 21 (waterfowl) for 2011-12 hunting seasons to incorporate changes to open areas as authorized by SB 1334 and changes to method of take as authorized in R12-4-304.
• * The department will request commission approval of acquisition of a federal patent from the BLM Kingman office for the development of the Tri-State Shooting Range.
• * The department will request commission approval of the transfer of the Adair Shooting Park in Yuma County from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of six Game and Fish regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at any of the regional Game and Fish offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa). For office addresses and contact information, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a complete meeting agenda or to learn more about the Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board on Nov. 3 selected seven finalists from a field of 46 applicants to be interviewed on Nov. 15 for the upcoming available seat on the civilian policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Those selected for interview for the 2012 vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission are:

• James R. Ammons, Yuma (Yuma County), Republican;
• Kurt R. Davis, Phoenix (Maricopa County), Republican;
• Wayne W. Lackner, Klondyke (Graham County), Republican;
• Keith D. Manning, Mesa (Maricopa County), Republican;
• Brian D. Pinney, Chandler (Maricopa County), Independent;
• George Z. Taylor, Rio Rico (Santa Cruz County), Republican;
• Bob W. Thomas, Phoenix (Maricopa County), Republican.

The Commission Appointment Recommendation Board will interview the finalists on Tuesday, Nov. 15, and select the candidates to be forwarded for the Governor’s consideration. The meeting will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix and is open to the public.

The finalist list and the Nov. 15 meeting agenda are posted at www.azgfd.gov/board.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202 (which became effective in July 2010), the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

As per the statute, the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five candidates to the governor. The governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

Members of the Recommendation Board are Phillip D. Townsend (chair), Susan E. Chilton, W. Hays Gilstrap, Donald R. Johnson, and Leonard G. Stinson.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449 or toll free at 1-800-253-0883 or on the web at www.azgovernor.gov.

For more information on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Here is some updated information for hunters and other outdoor recreationists regarding public access to areas within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter, including a Frequently Asked Questions section (below) and a link to an updated map.

Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) personnel in Region I have been coordinating with Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (Forest) staff to finalize the Forest’s decisions related to public access to those areas within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter.

With fall hunting seasons rapidly approaching, this is a process of significant priority for the Department.

The following information encompasses the key elements and framework the Forest has announced and will utilize in opening the area of the Forest (those portions of Game Management Units 1 and 27) impacted by the Wallow Fire. In reviewing this information, please be advised of the following key points:

• Many areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter continue to present significant public safety hazards, primarily associated with dead (falling) trees and flash flood impacts. The amount and level of public access provided is largely dictated by these public safety concerns and liabilities.
• A prerequisite to reopening the Forest within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter has been clearing and preparing designated, priority roadways for safe public travel. Roads are being evaluated in an ongoing process for consideration of opening, with open roads for motorized travel being designated with white arrows. Roads and trails not having white arrows are closed to all motorized travel. As a result, vehicular access will be limited to white-arrow roads for a certain time, but foot and nonmotorized access will be available to all areas that are not designated as closed by the Forest.
• Forest users are responsible for their own safety and are encouraged to use caution as they utilize their Forest, and to do so in a responsible manner to ensure the protection of life, property and natural resources. Be aware of your surroundings – “Look up, look down and look around.”

WALLOW FIRE BURN AREA ACCESS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Developed Aug. 15, 2011

Where can I drive within the Wallow Fire perimeter?
Motorized use within the fire perimeter will only be allowed on roads designated as open, indicated on the ground with a white arrow. With certain exceptions for motorized big game retrieval and fuelwood collection, cross-country motorized use is not allowed.

When will you open more roads?
Forest managers are evaluating conditions on a weekly basis to determine if additional roads or areas are safe for reentry. Typically, we’ll know by Wednesdays if any changes will be made for the weekend. Alternately, all currently open areas are subject to be closed again if safety conditions change. Be sure to Know Before You Go – double check conditions with your local Apache-Sitgreaves office or the website before you venture out.

Why do portions of the Forest need to remain closed after the fire is out?
Our number one priority is human safety. We’re dedicated to avoiding accidents and injuries as much as possible. After the fire is out, many hazards still exist, including stump holes, falling dead trees, and the potential for flash flooding. We’ll continue to work hard mitigating some of these hazards so we can begin opening certain areas for public reentry.

How long until all the areas within the fire perimeter are open?
The length of closure is dependent upon many criteria, including public safety, protection of property, and protection of forest resources (i.e., soils, vegetation, water quality, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, heritage, etc.). We’re working diligently to remove hazards and restore the forest to safer conditions for public use. We’ll be able to open some areas over the next several weeks. Other areas with severe damage will have to remain closed for some time.

If I encounter a road that is not shown on the map, but is posted with a white arrow on the ground, can I use it?
Yes. Postings with a white arrow on the ground supersede the map; however crews are in the process of signing some roads that are not yet open. Gates, barricades, and other closure signs supersede white arrows.

What hazards should I be aware of in burned areas?
Stump holes, flooding potential, washed out roads, falling trees/branches. Any time you enter the forest, you should be aware of your environment and changing weather conditions. The environment you are entering is highly susceptible to rainstorms and wind events. As always, Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Can I go hunting within the perimeter of the Wallow Fire?
Yes, with a valid hunting license, and as long as you’re driving only on roads designated as open with the posting of a white arrow, or entering via non-motorized means into off-road areas designated as open. Remember that hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. You’re responsible for your own safety — Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Can I retrieve my legally harvested big game animal with a motorized vehicle within the Fire perimeter?
Yes. You may retrieve legally harvested animals by motorized means, so long as you do not cause resource damage. You may not enter areas designated as closed for either motorized or non-motorized game retrieval without additional authorization by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests or the Arizona Game and Fish Department. You may not drive off-road to scout for game.

Can I pursue an animal that I wounded during hunting season into a closed area?
In certain circumstances, Apache-Sitgreaves or Arizona Game and Fish officials may consider limited entry into a closed area in pursuit of mortally wounded or deceased game animals. If you experience this situation, you must contact either the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline (24-hour, 7-day/week) at-1-800-352-0700 or the local Forest Service office (Alpine Ranger District Office at (928) 339-5000, or the Springerville District office at (928) 333-6200) during normal business hours to make a request of this nature.

I am a CHAMP hunter, am I allowed motorized use off designated roads and trails, or in areas designated as closed?
No. With the exception of retrieving legally harvested big game animals by motorized means, you are not allowed to use motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Can I go fishing within the Wallow Fire perimeter?
Yes, with a valid fishing license, and as long as you remain in areas and along routes designated as open with a white arrow. Remember that hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. You’re responsible for your own safety — Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Can I go camping in the campgrounds associated with the Wallow Fire?
Camping will continue within certain developed campgrounds deemed safe. Please keep in mind that certain campgrounds have been closed for an indeterminant length of time until hazards can be mitigated, and flooding potential subsides.

Can I camp in dispersed areas, outside of campgrounds, within the perimeter?
Yes. Dispersed camping is allowed within 30 feet of any motorized or non-motorized routes designated and posted on the ground with a white arrow. Please keep in mind that certain areas remain closed to dispersed camping in order to limit potential exposure to hazards by forest users, mitigate erosion potential, and minimize impacts to vegetation.

Can I camp further than 30 feet away from an open road if I walk in?
Yes. If you walk in, you may camp in any area designated as open. Vehicles must remain within 30 feet from an open road. Bear in mind that these areas have not been mitigated for hazards and pose a higher risk to your safety. Hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. You’re responsible for your own safety — Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

When can I collect firewood within the fire perimeter?
Fuelwood permits are anticipated to be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 23 from the Springerville and Alpine Ranger District offices. The cost will be $5 per cord with a minimum purchase of $20. The cost and regulations apply only to areas within the Wallow fire perimeter. All other areas are $10 per cord; regulations vary by district.

Where will I be able to collect firewood within the fire perimeter?
With a valid fuelwood permit, you may collect fuelwood within 150 feet from any Forest Service numbered road, except in closure areas and areas where fuelwood collection is normally restricted (campgrounds, wilderness, etc.). Remember that hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. You’re responsible for your own safety — Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Can I drive off road to collect firewood within the perimeter of the Wallow Fire?
With a valid permit, you may retrieve your fuelwood by motorized means as far as 150 feet off the road, so long as you do not cause resource damage. You may not enter areas designated as closed. Remember that hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. You’re responsible for your own safety — Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Why can fuelwood collectors drive on any numbered road and drive 150 feet off the road while hunters must remain within 30 feet of roads signed with a white arrow?
Fuelwood collection is a permitted activity administered by the Forest Service, not a licensed activity from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. By signing the permit, the collector agrees to the specific liability clauses within that permit, clauses that do not exist in hunting licenses.

In addition, collecting fuelwood from the burn area is helping to remove fuels that could lead to tree infestation and disease, as well as severe behavior of future fires. We want to encourage the public to help reduce that risk as much as possible while putting the wood to good use. Safety conditions still apply to all visitors within the fire perimeter: Hazards such as falling trees, stump holes, and potential flooding continue to exist in the area. Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.

Can I use routes not designated with an arrow for non-motorized activities?
Yes, so long as the routes are not within a designated closure area, you may use routes for non-motorized activities. Please keep in mind that any area affected by the wildfire can be prone to hazards such as falling trees, flooding and burned out stump holes. Any time you enter the forest, you should be aware of your environment and changing weather conditions. The environment you are entering is highly susceptible to rainstorms and wind events. As always, Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around.

Can I hike on trails within the fire perimeter?
While the trails within the open areas can be used, they have not been mitigated for hazards and pose a higher threat to your safety. We recommend that you try to find other locations across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Remember that you’re responsible for your own safety. While you’re hiking, continue to Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around.

What is the penalty for going into areas or on routes that are designated as closed?
Any violation of closure order is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals, and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment up to than six (6) months.

Does the white arrow program pre-empt the Travel Management Rule?
No. The White Arrow designation of motorized routes within the Wallow Fire perimeter is being used as an interim measure for the protection of public safety, property and forest resources. Further assessments will occur later in the year that will help Travel Management planners determine the next steps for moving forward in that process.

Where can I get a map of the routes designated as open to motorized use?
As motorized routes are assessed and opened for motorized entry, they will be depicted on a map, which is available to the public. This map will be updated on a periodic basis to accurately reflect conditions as they appear on the ground. The map is available from the link toward the bottom of this information, or can be obtained at any Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ office, or at www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.

How often will the map be updated?
The map will be periodically updated to reflect changes. Be sure to either check this web page, or call one of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ offices, or check the Forests’ website prior to venturing into the forest to ensure you have the most recent information.

OTHER KEY INFORMATION

• You are responsible for your own safety!
• Check in with a friend or family member; tell them where you are going, when you’re leaving, and when you plan to return.
• Whenever possible, travel in pairs.
• When parking your vehicle, look up for overhead hazards within 1 ½ times the length of the tallest tree surrounding your vehicle.
• Don’t camp in areas that have dead trees within 1 ½ tree lengths.
• Carry a communication device and check-in at regular intervals.
• Don’t cross washes when water is present.
• Flash flooding almost always follows large, intense wildfires. Locations in, near, and downstream of recently burned areas are now much more susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows.
• Remember…it does not take a heavy downpour to result in flash flooding on a burn scar.
• Even a short period of moderate rainfall on a severely burned watershed can lead to flash floods or debris flows. After soils and vegetation have been charred, rainfall that would normally be absorbed will run off extremely quickly. Severely burned soils can be as water repellent as pavement.
• Rapidly moving flood waters can pick up large amounts of debris that can damage or destroy culverts, bridges, roadways, and buildings, potentially causing injury or death. Flash floods in and near burn scars can be life threatening.

MAP and LIST OF FOREST ROADS CURRENTLY OPEN

• Click here to view the latest burn area access map. (Note: This map was posted Aug. 15 and will be updated as changes occur.)
• Click here for a list of Forest Roads currently open within the Wallow Fire perimeter.

To view Wallow Fire burn area information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests web site, click here or visit www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

The above information is also posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/wildfires.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. --(Ammoland.com)- Several agencies are working together to assess and open burned areas of the Apache portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) to outdoor recreation, where safe and appropriate to do so.

“We fully recognize the public desire to continue recreation on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is paramount. Getting the Apache side of the forest open for all users is a huge undertaking, because of the vast area impacted by the fire. It will be a gradual progression of identifying and removing safety hazards. Reopening the severely burned portions could take several years dependent on manpower and resources available,” according to Jim Zornes, ASNF deputy forest supervisor.

“These hazardous conditions, such as flash flooding and dead-standing trees, pose exceptional problems; however, ultimately, safety is the responsibility of recreationists, hunters, and forest users.”

Three key issues determine all decisions being made: public safety, protection of public property, and protection of natural resources.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and Arizona Department of Transportation are in ongoing discussions to determine access protocol to portions of Game Management Units 1 and 27 that were impacted by the Wallow Fire. Discussions include access roads, dispersed camping, and motorized big game retrieval.

All fall hunts will occur and take place as scheduled. Protocols will be agreed upon and the public will be able to access this information at www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf and www.azgfd.gov. Ongoing map updates will be supplied through these websites and hard copies at the Pinetop Game and Fish office, the Apache-Sitgreaves Supervisor’s office, and local ranger district offices.

“Game and Fish fully understands the ASNFs’ very difficult situation with the enormity of the Wallow Fire and all its associated issues. We deeply appreciate the Forest working diligently with us in a close relationship to reopen many of the fire-impacted areas in such a short time-frame.

The Forest has been receptive to our suggestions and has gone out of their way to ensure hunts take place that have been scheduled this fall. We ask the hunting community and general public to understand the scale of this situation and to have tolerance and patience as we all work together to restore access back to the National Forest lands affected by fire,” said Jon Cooley, regional supervisor in the Pinetop Game and Fish office.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)-Thanks to new laws passed by the Arizona Legislature this past session and actions by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on Saturday, June 25, dove hunters will find it simpler this year determining where it is legal to hunt after the season opens Sept. 1.

Senate Bill 1334 prohibits municipalities and counties from enacting any ordinance, rule or regulation limiting the take of wildlife during an open season established by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

SB1334 also amends state law (Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3107) by permitting the discharge of a firearm within the limits of any municipality while lawfully taking wildlife during an open season established by the Game and Fish Commission. This new law takes effect July 20.

However, nothing in SB1334 prohibits municipalities from regulating the discharge of firearms within a quarter mile of occupied structures.

Basically, these new laws leave the decision making of where people can legally hunt in the experienced hands of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. But hunters can’t expect carte blanche – the Game and Fish Commission is taking a conservative, thoughtful approach in its deployment of these shifted or modified authorities.

“It’s a balancing act. We wanted to maximize hunting opportunity while at the same time minimizing potential conflicts, said Commission Chairman Robert Woodhouse, who is from Yuma. “We also considered geo-political realities, recognizing that one size does not necessarily fit all within the various municipal boundaries, as each locale is unique.”

For instance, based on the department’s studied evaluation, the Game and Fish Commission has closed a well-defined densely populated core area within the Valley of the Sun to hunting.

The boundaries of this area, which crosses multiple municipal boundaries, are well defined by major roadways, making it much simpler for hunters, municipal leaders and law enforcement officers to determine where hunting is legal. The Base and Meridian wildlife area and a couple of small county islands within this closure area will remain open to hunting dove with shotgun shooting shot.

All restrictions in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17 (the state game laws) apply, such as not hunting within ¼ mile of an occupied building and not shooting from or across a roadway.

In addition, municipal hunt management units created by the commission, such as those in the Valley of the Sun, Tucson and Flagstaff, also impose certain restrictions on hunting, especially for the use of firearms while taking wildlife. For instance, within the greater Phoenix metropolitan units, the legal firearms for hunting doves are restricted to the use of shotguns, shooting shot.

The first commission order adopted since the passage of this law establishes the 2011 season on dove, which is a migratory bird that also falls under certain federal hunting constraints and guidelines. The commission unanimously approved the dove season at its June 25 meeting.

Leonard Ordway, assistant director for the Field Operations Division, pointed out that in the past, dove hunters – especially those in the Valley of the Sun where there are lots of different municipal boundaries to contend with – often found it difficult or sometimes even impossible to determine where one could legally hunt dove.

Ordway said the change in the law will make it easier for dove hunters to determine where they can hunt, and will also once again open up tracts of uninhabited and undeveloped public and State Trust land within municipalities to hunting.

“For example, hunters will find the return of hunting opportunities on those large areas of open land that have been annexed but won’t be developed for years, or those highly productive yet un-posted agricultural lands within municipalities,” he said.

Ordway said this is especially important for families. “This new approach to hunting in municipalities makes it simpler for parents to take their youngsters hunting, quite often closer to home, so they can re-connect with nature. This is truly a quality of life improvement for outdoor families now, and will help in passing on the hunting and outdoor tradition to future generations.”

The commission and department will be working closely with counties, municipalities, chiefs of police and other major stakeholders to continue taking a thoughtful and cooperative approach to hunting within municipalities.

“In the past, chiefs of police had the authority to approve or to close areas to discharge of firearms, thus closing what would otherwise be lawful hunting within municipal boundaries,” said Commissioner John W. Harris, a veteran law enforcement officer who is currently the police chief of Sahuarita. “Even though such authority with regard to hunting has shifted to the capable hands of the Game and Fish Commission, the commission and the department will work closely with chiefs of police and other municipal leaders to thoughtfully and properly address concerns.”

Keep in mind that the dove commission order is just the first step. In August, the commission will consider recommendations for modifying all the commission orders so these new laws and authorities can be fully implemented.

“The department and commission have a long-standing track record of utilizing adaptive management principals not just within biology frameworks, but also within public administration venues as well,” said Ordway. “When it comes to hunting within municipalities, we expect to adapt and evolve while working cooperatively with other government entities and our outdoor stakeholders.”

Detailed regulations and boundaries are anticipated to be available in mid-July at www.azgfd.gov.

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)- For those hunters with hopes of getting one of the few remaining hunting permits for elk and pronghorn antelope, the first-come, first-served process, issued through application by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) only, begins on Monday, April 25 after 8 a.m.

To apply for these permits remaining after the drawing process, a valid hunt application must be sent via U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) to:

Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attention: Draw/First Come
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ, 85086

Game and Fish officials caution applicants not to use the standard envelope provided with the hunt application form. The PO Box address listed on that preprinted envelope is for the draw process only and should not be used for the first-come, first-served leftover process.

Applications received by any other delivery method, at any other address, or prior to 8 a.m. Monday, April 25, will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.

Absent an electronic service, the most equitable way to achieve a first-come, first-served process is by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) only. The U.S. mail-only process allows applicants the same chance at being first in line regardless if they are from the far reaches of the state, from out-of-state (resident or nonresident), or from the Phoenix metro area.

A detailed listing of the leftover permits remaining and their associated hunt numbers is posted at the Game and Fish website at www.azgfd.gov/draw under the link “Leftover Permits for 2011 Elk and Pronghorn Antelope Hunts.”

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available at Camp Navajo. For more information, contact Camp Navajo at (928) 773-3158 or at www.campnavajo.com.

There are three archery-only antelope permits. For general elk, there are seven bull elk permits remaining and six antlerless tags remaining. For archery-only hunts, there are eight bull elk permits and five permits for antlerless elk hunts.

Also available are 335 limited opportunity general antlerless elk tags, two limited opportunity general any elk tags, and 199 limited opportunity archery-only antlerless elk tags.

Applicants should note that hunt numbers in the 3800 series shown on the leftover permit list are not listed in the 2011 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet. These hunts were Hopi hunts only during the draw process and did not carry a public hunt number in the regulations. However, for the first-come process these hunts are now open to all hunters (tribal and non-tribal members).

Therefore, to match the 3800 series numbers in the regulations, applicants will have to carefully match the hunt type (general, limited opportunity), the season dates, the open areas, and the legal wildlife gender (bull, antlerless) to find any other notes applicable to that hunt of interest.

If any tags remain following the first-come, first-served by U.S. mail (Postal Service) only process, these tags will become available for purchase in person over-the-counter at any of the seven Game and Fish offices across the state after 8 a.m. on May 2.

However, leftover tags for these coveted hunts go very quickly, considering the demand for these hunts far outweighs the available resource by more than 4 to 1. During the draw process, more than 121,000 people applied for the approximately 26,000 total permits allocated for the 2011 elk and pronghorn seasons.

To learn more about leftover tags, hunting regulations, drawing process, bonus points, future drawing cycles and more, please 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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports no detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in any of the 1,417 testable samples from hunter-harvested or road-killed deer and elk during Arizona’s 2010-11 hunting season.

Game and Fish has tested nearly 16,000 deer and elk samples since beginning its surveillance program in 1998.

To date, none have tested positive for the disease.

Although CWD has not yet been found in Arizona, it is present in the three neighboring states of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

“We remain steadfast in our sampling efforts in high-risk areas, nearly tripling the number of tested samples compared to last year in Game Management Units 1, 27 and unit 28 (areas bordering Utah and New Mexico),” said Anne Justice-Allen, DVM, wildlife health specialist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Another improvement to the program is easy access to test results. A web-based online system at www.azgfd.gov/cwd allows you to enter your name, phone number, permit and hunt number to obtain results, rather than waiting for a mailed post card with those results.

“The online system is a great improvement to get individual test results out as quickly as possible,” said Justice-Allen. “This monitoring program is made possible by Arizona’s hunters, meat processors, and taxidermists who continue to provide the samples we need and we hope this new tool will make the process easier for them too.”

Each year, hunters who are successful in the Game Management Units bordering Utah and New Mexico, particularly Units 1, 12B, 27, and 28, are encouraged to submit heads for sampling because these units are closest to CWD positive areas. Arizona deer and elk from these areas have the greatest potential to have contact with an infected animal from these neighboring states.

While it is only mandatory to bring animals harvested from Units 12A East and 12A West to the Kaibab check station, hunters may also bring animals harvested from other units to the check station for CWD sampling during the regular hours of operation.

About CWD
CWD is a neurodegenerative wildlife disease that is fatal to cervids, which include deer, elk, and moose. Symptoms include loss of body weight or emaciation, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, stumbling, trembling, and behavioral changes such as listlessness, lowering of the head, and walking in circles or repetitive patterns.

No evidence has been found to indicate that CWD will cause disease in humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

CWD was first identified in captive deer in Colorado in 1967 and has since spread to both captive and wild cervids in 18 states and two Canadian provinces. It is a naturally occurring prion disease belonging to a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other TSEs are Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in domestic cattle and Scrapie in sheep and goats.

The department has had rules in place since 2002, which designate cervids as restricted wildlife and ban the importation of cervids in order to protect against the introduction of CWD to free-ranging or captive wildlife in the state (for details see R12-4-406 and R-4-430). Additionally, Game and Fish has a CWD Prevention, Detection, Response, and Management Plan that provides a logical process to manage issues related to CWD in Arizona.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will continue to work in close coordination with other state and federal agencies to monitor for CWD.

For more information on CWD, visit these website resources:

* Arizona Game and Fish Department’s CWD program at www.azgfd.gov/cwd
* Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance at www.cwd-info.org
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting an informational open house to present the draft master site-plan for the Northern Arizona Shooting Range on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Game and Fish Flagstaff regional office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to provide input on the latest draft design, and get first-hand information about the efforts the department is taking to balance the needs for a shooting range and being good neighbors in the community,” said Jay Cook, chief of shooting ranges for Game and Fish.

On display at the self-paced open house will be the latest proposed range design, capabilities of the facility, and examples of range construction methods that assure safety and further mitigate sound.

View Draft Master Plan For Arizona Shooting Range

The draft design is in the final stages and addresses many of the needs for a shooting range in northern Arizona, including law enforcement training, hunter education, rifle sight-in, a long-distance rifle range, shotgun sports, and onsite camping. All of the facility is within the 160-acre Foster Ranch property that was acquired by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through a private land purchase.

Although no formal presentation will be made, key Game and Fish representatives will be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and take comments on the proposed range design.

The Department will continue to take public input on this updated draft design before finalizing and presenting it to the commission for approval, which is tentatively scheduled for the March 11-12 public meeting in Phoenix.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/nazsr to preview the current conceptual plan and other information about the Northern Arizona Shooting range including a way for those who are unable to attend the open house to submit their comments.

About sound
An independent sound study, conducted to state standards, found the sound emitted from the range to be in compliance even before any range construction.

“We understand for many, the discussion of guns and shooting ranges is unfamiliar and invokes concerns – particularly for noise. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is looking at the latest technologies in sound mitigation to build a state-of-the-art shooting range, and everything we do as required by range construction will further reduce the sounds that are already in compliance,” said Cook.

Range design components required by standards for safety and function such as earthen berms backstops, sound-absorbing shooting canopies, and natural landscape will further reduce sound from the range. Additionally, Game and Fish is committed to incorporating cost-effective measures when considering specific sound-mitigation design elements apart from the inherent design components of the range.

During the study at the Walnut Canyon’s Rim Trail observation point, the faint distant reports/echoes from the sound test were only slightly audible, but not measurable over the ambient sound levels (approximately 48 dBA), which would have been undetected amongst a normal conversation (approximately 55-60 dBA). Once again, this is before any construction and sound mitigation measures have been employed.

Background and history
Northern Arizona residents have been without a rifle and pistol shooting range since 1968. In 1994, closures of the local shotgun and archery ranges resulted in Flagstaff being one of Arizona’s largest communities without a designated place for recreational/competitive shooting and law enforcement training.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has looked at over 50 site locations, mostly public and then private (which have a different acquisition process than federal lands) over the last 15 years, seeking to establish a shooting range in northern Arizona.

In 2009, the Game and Fish Commission set its objectives (based on constituent input) for selecting a site for the shooting range as:

1. to be located within 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff;
2. sized for a local range with potential to expand to a regional range; and
3. the ability to be operational by 2013 (3-5 years).

In July 2010, the commission purchased the private 160-acre Foster Ranch in Coconino County. The private purchase followed state regulations for acquisitions.

The public process on the range design began in September 2010, with input from user groups, the public and neighboring stakeholders. Additionally, the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Association of Shooting Ranges, and other private industry consultants provided professional design consultation.

From all of these collaborations, Game and Fish took into consideration many elements, including safety, environmental concerns, sound mitigation, functionality, capabilities, training, education, and other shooting range requirements to create this conceptual master site plan for the deeded 160-acre, Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned property.

Game and Fish receives no tax dollars from the state’s general fund and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model. The property was purchased and will be developed through the sale of licenses to hunters and anglers. A $3 surcharge is imposed on hunting and fishing licenses to acquire, construct, renovate, or improve Game and Fish facilities. The fund for the development of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range was established beginning in 2001.

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.

Rare Ocelot Observed In Southern Arizona - Image: AZGFD

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Arizona Game and Fish Department officials report that a rare ocelot was observed this morning (Feb. in the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona.

An individual called Game and Fish this morning to report that while he was working in his yard in the Huachuca Mountains, his dogs began barking at a cat-like animal which quickly climbed a tree. The individual drew closer and suspected that the small spotted cat might be an ocelot. An ocelot is a rare and endangered species of cat.

The man called Game and Fish and an officer responded to the site and confirmed that it was, in fact, an ocelot. The officer did a non-intrusive, visual inspection of the animal from the ground near the tree, and the animal appeared to be healthy. There was no indication that there had been any dog-to-cat direct interaction, as no wounds were visible on any animal.

As with all wildlife-human interaction cases, photos were taken of the animal. The officer was also able to retrieve some scat samples from the scene.

Once the final confirmation was determined, the officer directed that all humans and dogs retreat from the area, and the ocelot, apparently unharmed, was allowed to go on his way.

Ocelots are small to medium-sized spotted cats with a long tail. These cats have been listed as endangered since 1982 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Since being listed, ocelots have only rarely been seen in Arizona. Only one other ocelot, an animal run over near Globe in April 2010, has been confirmed in Arizona since the mid 1960s. One other ocelot was reportedly captured on film by the Sky Island Alliance in November of 2009; however, it has not been possible to fully verify the species or the animal’s origin based on that photo.

Ocelots tend to be smaller in size in the more northerly portions of their habitat range than those individuals in the central or southern habitat areas. The upper body coloring is highly variable, ranging from grayish to cinnamon or tawny to reddish brown. Dark markings form chainlike streaks down the sides of the ocelot’s body. They have a long, curling, ringed tail that wraps around limbs for stability and is very indicative of the species.

The present range for ocelots is in the eastern and western lowlands of Mexico, from southern Mexico through Central America and in the lowland areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. On the fringes of their range, they occupy a very limited region in both the United States (a remnant population exists in Southern Texas) and Argentina. And now Arizona can be included in that range. Other animals such as bobcats and young mountain lions are sometimes misidentified as ocelots, which is why verification is so very important.

Arizona Game and Fish will work together with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review materials from the site and the photos to attempt to determine whether or not this was a naturally occurring ocelot. Some ocelots are known to be kept as pets, and occasionally, individual animals escape or are released into the wild.

Ocelots are protected by the Endangered Species Act and should be left alone. If anyone encounters a cat believed to be an ocelot, we would request that all sightings and photos along with observation information be reported immediately to the department. More information and additional photos will be made available Wednesday, visit www.azgfd.gov for details.

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)- The next Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, at the Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The public session begins at 8 a.m.

Items on the agenda include consideration of amending Commission Order 40 to establish an open season, and a one-fish bag and possession limit for Gila trout, at Frye Mesa Reservoir for 2011 and 2012. Commission Order 40 establishes open areas, season dates, and bag and possession limits for fish.

In addition, the commission will: discuss the 2011 director’s goals and objectives; be presented with a “commission rules of practice” approach to consider for possible adoption as a guidance document for future commissions; consider approval of a Notice of Emergency Rulemaking for the adoption of a new Article 11 to address issues associated with aquatic invasive species; consider approval of the Article 5 Five-year Review Report (regarding boating and water sports) for submission to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council; and, consider approval of the Article 7 Five-year Review Report (regarding Heritage Grants) for submission to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council.

The commission will also hear license revocation cases involving violations of the Game and Fish codes, consider several consent agenda items, and receive updates on the department’s activities related to state and federal legislation, shooting sports and ranges (including the Northern Arizona Shooting Range), lands issues/habitat program, law enforcement program, enterprise architecture, and information/education and wildlife recreation activities.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of six Game and Fish regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at any of the regional Game and Fish offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa). For office addresses and contact information, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

The Game and Fish Commission is comprised of five members (serving staggered five-year terms) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party.

The commission is the policy-setting board overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since its inception in 1929, this organizational structure has served as a buffer for the best interests of science-driven wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change.

For a complete meeting agenda or to learn more about the Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

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)- They’re here. Printed versions of Arizona’s 2011 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklets are now available at all seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

Deliveries of the regulations to more than 300 license dealers are underway.

The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 by 7 p.m. (MST) – postmarks do not count. There is no online application process.

All applications must be submitted either by U.S. mail to P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or hand-delivered to any Game and Fish office. There are Game and Fish offices in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix. For contact information and directions, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Drawing odds from 2010 for elk and pronghorn antelope are not listed in the regulations, but are available for viewing and printing from the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

For 2009 and older information, refer to the Hunt Arizona 2010: Survey, Harvest and Draw Data on the right side of the page under “Hunting, Trapping & Fishing Regulations, Season Dates & Draw Information.”

Also available is an editable PDF application form that allows applicants to enter their information using a computer for better legibility and consistency. The form must be printed, signed, and then mailed or hand delivered to Game and Fish. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen and submitted the same way.

Hunters are reminded they will need a 2011 hunting license to apply. Licenses can be purchased through the application process, at Game and Fish offices and website, or at more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Game and Fish reminds applicants that all department offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday.

Go Hunting Now
There are still plenty of leftover spring javelina and turkey hunting permits remaining, including juniors-only opportunities, issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits can be obtained at any Game and Fish office. For a listing of available hunts, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw under the link “List of Leftover Tags for Spring 2011 Javelina, Turkey, and Bear Hunts.”

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 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 certain related equipment.

2011 Arizona Pronghorn and Elk Booklet

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

Flagstaff, Ariz. – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department on Tuesday, Jan. 18 will provide a presentation to the Flagstaff City Council about the selection and purchase of the private Foster Ranch property for the development of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range, which is located in Coconino County, to the southeast of Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Although the property is not within the city limits, the council invited Game and Fish to give a presentation due to recent public comments regarding concerns of potential effects of a shooting range located near Walnut Canyon.

At this stage, the property is owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the baseline sound study is in compliance with A.R.S. § 17-601, and the final range design process incorporating public input is underway.

The public meeting begins at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Flagstaff City Hall, Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, Ariz., 86001. The meeting can also be viewed live by streaming webcast at www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx.

Because Game and Fish receives no tax dollars from the state’s general fund, the property purchase came at no expense to taxpayers, state or local. Funding for the 160-acre property came from a surcharge collected from the sale of licenses to hunters and anglers.

To learn more about the Northern Arizona Shooting Range, visit www.azgfd.gov/nazsr. Additionally, interested parties can get the latest information e-mailed to them by subscribing at www.azgfd.gov/signup and select the “shooting sports news” and the “wildlife news” e-newsletters.

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.

Season's Greetings From Arizona Game And Fish

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- YUMA, Ariz. — The recently completed survey of the desert bighorn sheep population on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Arizona resulted in a population estimate of 402 sheep.

The survey estimate is down from the 2009 survey estimate of 410 sheep, but it is still slightly above the lowest recorded estimated level of the 2006 survey of 390.

Due to standardized survey methodology and scientific margin of accuracy, biologists’ analysis of the past five surveys indicates no significant decline or improvement to the herd’s population. Wildlife management agencies remain concerned about the low population levels on the refuge compared to the estimated 812 animals of the 2000 survey.

Once a very robust population, the size of the herd on the refuge has dropped significantly since 2000. Wildlife experts attribute the decline to a variety of potential factors including drought, predation, water availability, disease and human disturbance. Due to the significance of this sheep population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) are conducting an ongoing, joint study to collect data on these and other suspected causes of the population’s decline.

Seasonal rains in 2010 were good, consequently habitat conditions are also favorable throughout the refuge. All of the sheep appeared healthy during the aerial surveys. Biologists observed lamb-to-ewe ratios of 24 lambs per 100 ewes, which is above the long-term average of approximately 20 lambs per 100 ewes for the refuge. However, a slightly higher lamb-to-ewe ratio has not yet translated into an increase in the population – it has only stabilized it.

2010 Survey Results Released For Desert Bighorn Sheep On The Kofa NWR

The New Mexico State University Cooperative Studies Unit is studying the relative health of bighorn sheep on the refuge. In November 2007, 30 ewes were fitted with tracking devices to monitor nutrition, movements, and mortality to assist in making active management decisions to assist in restoring the herd’s population. The project study is scheduled to run through the fall of 2010. The ewes were evaluated in November 2010 using ultrasound technology. Body fat composition indicated good nutrition and nearly all of the ewes were pregnant. Other biological samples were collected for disease analysis and have been sent to various laboratories.

AGFD and USFWS biologists captured a male mountain lion in November 2010 on Kofa NWR. A satellite (GPS) collar was fitted on the lion pursuant to the ongoing effort to monitor mountain lions and remove lions that regularly prey on desert bighorn sheep as described in the final environmental assessment “Limiting Mountain Lion Predation on Desert Bighorn Sheep on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge” and the AGFD Kofa Mountains Complex Adaptive Predation Management Plan.

To view the management documents and learn more about the restoration efforts of the Kofa desert bighorn sheep herd, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/kofa. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Kofa National Wildlife Refuge website is at www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/kofa/index.html.

About Arizona Game and Fish Department:
The mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is to conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations.

About U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, Sept. 10 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

The meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting.

Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• Discussion of the recently conducted department employee survey.
• Update on state and federal legislation.
• Briefings on activities related to the department’s information, education, wildlife recreation, shooting ranges/shooting sports, lands/habitat, and law enforcement programs.
• Consent agenda items.
• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (2 p.m. time certain).

The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on the agenda items.

The public has three options for viewing the meeting: (1) Attend the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) View it via video stream at one of six Game and Fish regional offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, and Tucson; addresses are available at www.azgfd.gov/offices); (3) View it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either in person at the Phoenix meeting or at one of the six Game and Fish regional offices showing the video stream.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam and click on the meeting agenda link.

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)-The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission is Aug. 6-7 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters located at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of Interstate 17).

The public has three options for viewing the meeting: (1) Attend the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) View it via video stream at one of five Game and Fish regional offices (Note: The Flagstaff office is temporarily unavailable for viewing the meeting due to office construction); (3) View it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either in person at the Phoenix meeting or at one of the five Game and Fish regional offices showing the video stream.

The Friday, Aug. 6 portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. The Saturday, Aug. 7 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation invite you to join your fellow wildlife conservationists in honoring Arizona’s 2010 Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees at the 13th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet.

The banquet will be Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Chaparral Suites, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Ariz. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a social hour, then dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with awards to follow.

2010 inductees are Michael Golightly, William Cordasco, Liberty Wildlife, and Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club. We invite you to join us in honoring these deserving individuals and organizations for their many contributions to Arizona’s natural outdoor heritage.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage. Selections for induction are made each year by the board of directors of the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation from a list of nominations submitted.

Tickets are $70 each or $700 for a table of 10. Table and advertisement sponsorship opportunities are available as well for $1,200. To download an order form, go to http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml or contact Duane Wellnitz at duane.wellnitz@intel.com, or call (623) 204-2130 for more information.

For more information about the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation or the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow and Saturday, June 25 and 26 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

The meeting begins both days at 8 a.m. with an executive session followed by the public meeting.

The meeting agenda has been amended since it was first released. The additions to the agenda include:

On Friday:
The Commission will receive a briefing on current Mexican wolf conservation issues and consideration of an interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by which to coordinate Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico.
On Saturday:

The Commission will consider a possible amendment to Commission Order 26 – Population Management Season.

The Commission will consider the Statewide Shooting Range Grant requests for FY 2011.
The public has three options for viewing the meeting:

1. Attend the meeting in person in Phoenix;
2. View it via video stream at one of five Game and Fish regional offices (Note: The Flagstaff office is temporarily unavailable for viewing the meeting due to office construction);
3. View it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either in person at the Phoenix meeting or at one of the five Game and Fish regional offices showing the video stream.

For the complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam and click on the meeting agenda link.

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.

See Bighorn Sheep On Canyon Lake

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is partnering with the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake to host a public workshop to see and learn about the state’s desert bighorn sheep.

This guided wildlife viewing experience starts with an evening classroom presentation where participants can learn about bighorn sheep, their natural history, management and historical significance from a wildlife biologist. The following morning, participants will join biologists for a morning aboard the Dolly Steamboat where the group will tour the lake to view wild bighorn sheep in their natural environment.

The presentation will be held on June 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Game and Fish’s regional office located at 7200 E. University Drive in Mesa. The lake tour and viewing will take place on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Dolly Steamboat.

“June is the time of year when the bighorns stay pretty close to water. It will be hot on the lake, and there will be little shade on the boats, but that’s when bighorns come down to the water’s edge for a drink,” said Brian Anthony, Game and Fish wildlife manager in the Canyon Lake district. “The hotter it is, the better the opportunity to see sheep along the banks.”

Pre-registration is requested for both the Friday evening classroom session and the Saturday lake tour. The Friday classroom session is free, and those planning on doing the lake tour are strongly encouraged to attend to maximize their knowledge and viewing experience. To register for the Friday evening classroom session, call Randy Babb at the Game and Fish Mesa office at (480) 324-3546. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as the presentation is limited to 70 people due to facility restrictions.

The Saturday lake tour and bighorn sheep viewing experience will be on the Dolly Steamboat and costs $30 per person. Advance registration is required. To register, call the Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars. Snacks and drinks may not be brought on the Dolly Steamboat, but can be purchased onboard.

Those that have not registered prior to the event will be accommodated as space allows.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep, and conservation efforts by the Game and Fish Department and its partners for bighorn sheep,” says Anthony.

Anyone with questions about the workshop may contact Randy Babb at (480) 324-3546 or e-mail rbabb@azgfd.gov.

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 Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department has charged an individual with four wildlife law violations in connection with an alleged illegal killing of a bighorn sheep ram near the southern shore of Canyon Lake, northeast of Apache Junction.

The arrest was made after the department received information from the public through its Operation Game Thief hotline, which is a silent witness line the public can utilize to report wildlife violations.

Game and Fish officers corroborated the information with evidence obtained at the crime scene and obtained and executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in Mesa. The officers received a written confession from the suspect and seized evidence from the residence, including the firearm he admitted was involved in the alleged illegal shooting and a desert bighorn sheep head which was buried in the backyard.

Department officers cited the individual for taking a bighorn sheep during closed season, possessing/transporting an unlawfully taken bighorn sheep, taking a bighorn sheep without a permit-tag, and waste of game meat.

More charges may be pending based on evidence seized at the residence, and the investigation is ongoing.

The department began investigating in late April after an employee with the Dolly Steamboat called in a report of a dead bighorn sheep by the shore of the lake. Further investigation found one dead bighorn ram with its head removed and indications of being illegally shot, and a second dead bighorn ram about 100 yards away with its head intact. Because of the decomposed condition of the second carcass, it was difficult to ascertain whether unlawful take was involved with this animal.

Multiple tips came in after the department issued a May 4 news release offering a reward of up to $8,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the cases. The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society also offered a reward of up to $1,000 per sheep for information leading to a conviction in either case, and the Arizona Bowhunters Association offered a $1,000 reward for a conviction.

The suspect has only been charged in connection with one of the bighorn sheep.

If convicted of the misdemeanor violations, the individual could face penalties of up to $3,000 and a year in jail. He could also face civil sanctions from the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

“Poachers aren’t hunters, and the public should not confuse the two,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management for Game and Fish. “One of the truly unfortunate aspects of poaching is that it may result in the reduction of legal hunting opportunities. Hunting regulations are formulated to be biologically sustainable, yet someone who illegally takes wildlife does not consider any of the biological implications.”

Wakeling pointed out that as many as 18,000 people have applied in a year for the opportunity to draw the fewer than 100 bighorn sheep permits generally authorized annually by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

“Illegal take of wildlife certainly influences the number of permits we can recommend, regardless of which game species we consider,” Wakeling said.

Operation Game Thief Program Manager Ken Dinquel said it’s gratifying to have the support of hunters and other members of the public in helping solve these types of cases.

“Although hunters pay for the largest share of wildlife conservation through license and tag fees, poaching adversely affects more than just hunters,” said Dinquel. “Poachers steal from everyone because wildlife is managed in the public trust for all citizens to enjoy. That’s why it’s in the public’s best interest to report wildlife law violations to the Operation Game Thief hotline.”

Anyone with information regarding a wildlife law violation should contact the Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or via the web at www.azgfd.gov/thief. All calls will remain confidential and rewards can be paid if the information leads to an arrest of a violator.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Beginning Wednesday, May 12, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility will be switching to its summer hours of operation to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and earlier sunrise.

To simplify the schedule and reduce confusion, the mid-day closures have been eliminated. Shooters can now enjoy the range anytime between the opening and closing hours. Hours vary slightly between the main firearm range and the shotgun range.

However, regardless of range, shooters should check in 30 minutes prior to closing time to ensure ample shooting opportunity.

Summer hours of operation are:

Main Range – pistol, rifle, and archery

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center – shotgun

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center note: Shooting during the hours after dark is limited to the trap and skeet fields only. There are no lights for the sporting clays courses.

Learn how to shoot, join a shooting program or league:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers a variety of structured introductory target shooting programs. There are programs for women, children, families, and co-ed participation. Department programs are taught by certified range safety officers to assure participants learn how to be safe, responsible, and skilled when using firearms, air guns or archery equipment. For many of these programs, the equipment is provided. To learn about the shooting programs available, contact the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313 or visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

In addition to being a fun and safe recreational activity, target shooting also has a positive impact on local and rural economies. Target shooters’ purchases support local business, communities, and shooting ranges, benefiting the local workforce and their revenue streams. Furthermore, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax on the purchases of ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment, is collected and then appropriated back to state wildlife agencies for wildlife management, public access, and hunter safety and shooting programs.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. The Clay Target Center is just west of the main facility. Located on 1,650 acres, Ben Avery is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Target shooting available at the facility includes rifle, pistol, air gun (indoor), shotgun, archery (indoor and outdoor), as well as a number of other specialty shooting disciplines.

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

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- If passed by Arizona Senate, HCR 2008 would let voters decide on state constitutional amendment to make hunting and fishing a right

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission supports House Concurrent Resolution 2008, a measure that would create a state constitutional right to hunt and fish.

HCR 2008 yesterday passed the Arizona Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt by a 5-1 vote. It will next go to the Senate for consideration and, if passed, will go on the ballot in the fall election.

Robert Woodhouse, a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, testified in favor of the bill at yesterday’s Senate committee hearing.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Commission stands in support of HCR 2008,” said Woodhouse. “We believe it is a needed amendment to our constitution.”

In response to questions from the committee, Commissioner Woodhouse added that the amendment would protect the right of citizens to lawfully hunt and fish and that it would retain the commission’s authority over wildlife management as granted by the legislature.

During his testimony, Woodhouse also thanked the resolution’s sponsor, Rep. Jerry Weiers (R-Glendale), for his leadership on this issue, and thanked the National Rifle Association, one of the leading proponents, for its willingness to work collaboratively on the language.

The commission voted on Feb. 23 to support HCR 2008. HCR 2008 passed the Arizona House on March 24 by a 37-18 vote.

“Hunting and angling are long-standing and honorable traditions,” said Commissioner Jack Husted. “HCR 2008 recognizes the right to hunt and fish and will protect that right for all citizens for all time.”

To read a copy of the bill and a list of frequently asked questions, click here and scroll down the page.

The Game and Fish Commission is comprised of five members (serving staggered five-year terms) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party.

The commission is the policy-setting board overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since its inception in 1929, this organizational structure has served as a buffer for the best interests of science-driven wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Leftover Javelina Hunting Tags Available

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)-Hunters who are still looking for spring big game opportunities are reminded there are about 6,000 leftover javelina tags (about 175 juniors-only) and more than 20 archery-only bear tags available.

These tags are available by submitting an application by U.S. mail, or by bringing a completed application in to any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

Nearly all hunt types are available for javelina, including general, juniors-only, HAM (handgun, archery, and muzzleloader), and archery-only.

A 2010 hunting license is required to apply for a permit-tag. Licenses can be purchased from Game and Fish offices, license dealers, or apply for one by mail in conjunction with your tag application.

When applying for a license via the tag application, be certain that all required information and additional payment fees are correct and enclosed.

In addition, youth hunters ages 10-13 are required to have completed a certified hunter education course to hunt big game.

For a list of remaining leftover tags remaining, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Arizona Wildlife Views TV

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)-The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s award-winning television show, Arizona Wildlife Views, will be back on PBS station KAET-TV Phoenix (Channel with brand-new episodes in February.

The new season will begin its 13-week run on Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the 7:30 p.m. time slot.

Arizona Wildlife Views features wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation stories from across Arizona, highlighting the wonders of our great state.

Some of the shows you can look forward to include: The reintroduction of endangered species, like the black-tailed prairie dog and Chiricahua leopard frog; habitat recovery such as Fossil Creek and the San Pedro River; tips from the Wildlife Viewing Guide on the best places to watch wildlife; and other wonderful feature stories starring the wildlife of Arizona.

The Emmy-winning television program also airs on KUAT-TV in Tucson and on most city cable access channels throughout the state.

For more information or to watch your favorite episode again from the department’s Web site, visit www.azgfd.gov/tv.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Applications are now being accepted for Arizona’s 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope hunts.

The 2010 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet and application forms are available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Printed copies of the booklet and forms should be available at department offices and at license dealers by the second week of January.

Applications must be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department either by U.S. mail to P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052 or by hand delivery to any Game and Fish office. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 by 7 p.m. (MST). Applications must be in the department’s possession by the deadline – postmarks do not count.

Hunters whose applications are received during the “correction period” will receive up to three calls from the department in a 24-hour period if an error is found on the application. If the applicant is reached by phone, the department will try to help fix the error to prevent the application from being rejected. The correction period ends at 5 p.m. on Jan. 21.

Hunters are reminded that a 2010 hunting license is required to apply. Department officials encourage hunters to get their license before applying for an elk or antelope hunt permit-tag if they wish to do any other hunting in early 2010. Licenses purchased through the draw process will not be mailed out until after the draw is completed.

Arizona Drawing Results For Spring Hunts

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ –-(AmmoLand.com)- The more than 35,000 hunters who applied for a tag to hunt spring turkey, javelina, buffalo or bear in 2010 can find out if they were drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 (option 2).

Game and Fish officials said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Dec. 4. Unsuccessful or rejected applicants will have their refund mailed out by Nov. 27.

There are plenty of remaining tags available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those individuals who forgot to submit an application or were unsuccessful in the 2010 spring drawing. Remaining tags include more than 10,000 javelina tags (328 juniors-only), nearly 200 turkey tags, and just over 70 tags for archery-only bear hunts. For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702.

There are now two systems to obtain a leftover tag. Paper applications will be accepted by mail only starting on Monday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. (MST). However, beginning on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can also obtain a leftover tag in person (over-the-counter) from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available. For additional information on Camp Navajo, call (928) 773-3306 and Fort Huachuca call (520) 533-2549.

Juniors-only hunts
Youngsters interested in hunting have many choices and special seasons that are only open to kids. These hunts offer an outdoor family experience and a memory of a lifetime.

There are more than 300 juniors-only spring javelina tags remaining from the draw for $22.50 (by mail or from department offices only). Juniors-only spring turkey hunts (shotgun shooting shot) are available over-the-counter from any license dealer or department office for just $10. A unique December hunt for sandhill cranes still has several tags (good for three birds) available for $22.50 (by application sent via U.S. mail only).

Both javelina and turkey are big game animals and the minimum age to hunt them is 10 years old. Kids age 10 to 13 must complete an Arizona certified hunter education course to hunt big game which includes turkey and javelina.

The anticipated drawing deadline to apply for a 2010 pronghorn antelope and elk tag is the second Tuesday in February 2010. Winter drawing information and regulations should be available on the department’s web site, www.azgfd.gov, by mid to late December 2009.

Sidebar:
With small game season in full swing, now is a great time to get out in the field and do some hunting and scouting for your upcoming hunt. Most of the habitat that javelina occupy is also good habitat for quail (Gambel’s, scaled and Mearns’), cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, dove, squirrel and even ducks. Not to mention, all of these species make great table fare when cared for properly.

Other great hunting opportunities
Young hunters can hone many of the same skills needed to hunt javelina when pursuing rabbits and squirrels with a .22 rifle including, using their binoculars to discover game, identifying habitat, stalking, marksmanship, and proper field care for dressing harvested game.

Small game season offers big fun, with plenty of pursuits and long seasons, including:

• Year-round – cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits
• Oct. 2, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Gambel’s and scaled quail
• Oct. 2 – Dec. 31, 2009 – Squirrel season
• Oct. 9/23, 2009 – Jan 17/31, 2010 – Waterfowl season (mountain/desert zones)
• Nov. 20 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010 – Dove season
• Nov. 27, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Mearns’ quail

To learn more about the fun hunting small game, including events, tips and outlooks, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml.

Note:

Hunting and fishing continues to be the cornerstone and a primary source of funding for wildlife management and conservation in North America. In Arizona alone, more than 418,000 hunters and anglers spend $3.8 million a day, or $1.3 billion per year, participating in these activities to the benefit of local economies. Regardless of whether one chooses to actively participate in hunting or angling, people interested in wildlife and its future should understand the role sportsmen play in conservation.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to continue to improve and expand public shooting ranges across the state by providing grant funding to qualified applicants involved in the development, improvement or maintenance of public shooting and archery ranges.

The department is accepting grant applications now through Jan. 15 by 5 p.m. (MST). Shooting clubs, sportsmen’s groups and government agencies operating public shooting ranges are encouraged to apply. Privately owned for-profit ranges are not eligible for this program.

“This program has been instrumental in the vitality of shooting ranges across the state,” said Game and Fish Shooting Ranges Administrator, Anthony Chavez. “It has afforded ranges the opportunity to expand safety barriers; add capabilities to include clay target shooting and archery shooting; improve ADA accessibility; as well as update and modernize these facilities.”

Examples of projects that could be eligible for funds include shooting range development and redevelopment, construction of noise abatement structures and safety berms, installation of shooting pads and stations, and construction or improvement of access roads and parking lots.

Grants are available through a competitive application process each year. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission determines how much money is available, but generally the total is about $100,000. The maximum grant award is $50,000 per project.

Application packets are available online at www.azgfd.gov/shootingsports (select “range development grants” link on the left side of the page), or contact Anthony Chavez, statewide shooting ranges administrator, at (623) 236-7395 or aechavez@azgfd.gov.

Chavez added, “Public shooting ranges are critical in the preservation of recreational and competitive shooting, they support hunter education and youth programs, and facilitate law enforcement training.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona. Most department funding results from user-pays user-benefits sources of funding including sales of hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and tags. The benefit for allocating revenue for this grant is it supports the department’s hunter education, hunter recruitment and shooting sports programs, and it promotes and provides Arizona residents with safe shooting areas – all important elements of the department’s mission.

Note: Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of recreation. Some 40 million people of all ages safely participate in these activities. However, research shows there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting sports and are simply waiting for an invitation. Grants of this kind will assist the department’s already successful shooting and hunter education programs.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has awarded $93,790 in shooting range grants for providing ADA accessibility, construction, improvement, expansion or enhancement to public shooting ranges located throughout the state.

The commission awarded funds to five recipients ranging from $1,990 to $30,000.

As the state continues to expand, it’s very important that we provide target shooters a safe and functional place to shoot,” said Shooting Range Branch Chief Jay Cook. “Participation and interest by the public in shooting sports continues to grow, and this funding program will assure that those interested in this American tradition have a safe place to learn.”

The recipients of the Shooting Range Grants for the 2010 fiscal year are:

• General Joe Foss Shooting Complex – Buckeye Sportsman’s Club (Buckeye) – $20,500 for the construction and addition of the first of four trap and skeet fields.
• 7-Mile Shooting Range – Mohave Sportsman’s Club (Kingman) – $6,300 to upgrade walkways and make the trap and skeet ranges ADA accessible.
• Northeastern Arizona Shooting Range – Northeastern Arizona Sportsman’s Association (St. Johns) – $1,990 for construction and relocation of the main range entrance.
• Usery Mountain Shooting Range – Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club (Mesa) – $35,000 to construct and relocate a lateral safety berm on the main range to add 10 new shooting positions.
• Tucson Trap and Skeet Club (Tucson) – $30,000 for the construction and replacement of direct burial electrical lines to meet safety code.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department received 10 applications for the 2010 grant cycle. Applications were judged by a panel of department employees on various criteria. The four finalists were presented and approved by the commission at its regular June meeting.

Cook added, “Public ranges provide an outlet for many positive programs for the state and for the American tradition of shooting sports. Some of these shooting programs are represented nationally and internationally, including the Olympics, Scholastic Clay Target Program, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, and cowboy action shooting events.

The Shooting Range Grants Program, administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, was established in 1996 to encourage the development and improvement of shooting ranges in Arizona. Public shooting ranges offer important venues for safe target shooting (recreational and scholastic), teaching firearm safety, hunter education, as well as law enforcement training.

Grants are available through a competitive application process each year. Privately owned and for-profit ranges are not eligible for this program. Applications for fiscal year 2011 will be available in mid-October. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2010. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/shootingsports and click on the “Range Development Grants” link on the left side of the page, or contact the department’s Statewide Shooting Ranges Administrator, Anthony Chavez, at (623) 236-7395 or aechavez@azgfd.gov.

Note: Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of outdoor recreation. Some 40 million people of all ages safely participate in these activities. However, research shows there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting and are simply waiting for an invitation — grants of this kind will assist in expanding the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s already successful shooting education programs.

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)- Young and first-time hunters preparing for deer season this fall are encouraged to attend or go online to enjoy a free deer-hunting clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the clinic will inform and educate young and first-time hunters about the characteristics of deer, their habits and behaviors. The clinic will also offer tips and techniques for hunting these incredible animals in different habitats and weather conditions. Audience participation is encouraged, and questions from both the attending audience and those submitted by e-mail (webcast@azgfd.gov) from online viewers will be addressed.

The event will be held at the department’s Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. To accommodate all interested hunters and constituents, the event will be webcast live on the Internet by visiting www.azgfd.gov/webcast.

“It’s important to us to provide young and first-time hunters with the basic knowledge and skills to make their pursuit for deer a positive and rewarding experience,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management. “For many new hunters that ‘positive experience’ doesn’t always equate to harvesting an animal. It’s the pursuit that is exciting, and this clinic will provide them with the knowledge to help avoid some of the pitfalls that could distract from the hunt itself – like planning for weather, knowing one’s physical capabilities, not getting lost, and others.”

To learn more about hunting in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

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)- Cooler temperatures signals that fall is finally here, and Friday, Oct. 2 marks the opening day for quail (Gambel’s and scaled) and tree squirrel hunting.

To add to the fun, rabbit season for cottontails and jackrabbits is open all year round.

All of these species offer affordable, healthy outdoor recreation, exciting hunting pursuits, and dandy table-fare.

Equipment needed to hunt this quarry is minimal, requiring a general hunting license, a shotgun (.410- to 12-gauge), plenty of No. 7 ½ or 6’s upland shot shells, and a good pair of boots. Young hunters 13 and under (when accompanied by a licensed adult) do not need a hunting license.

Each species is a challenging quarry and hunting them will take you to just about anywhere you would like to go in Arizona – a great excuse for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Quail and rabbit can be hunted in the open spaces of the lower desert up to the rolling hills of scrub oaks and manzanita bush of the mid-level desert. Squirrel hunting is your passport to the towering ponderosa pine forests of the mountain region, during a time when leaves are changing and the air is crisp.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

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)- The overall outlook for small game this year is ‘good’ — not great and not bad – but good. And, that’s good, because in Arizona we are blessed with an incredible array of wildlife species to hunt in the fall. Even if one species isn’t flourishing, there are others that offer challenging pursuit.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting offer the brightest lights in the forecast, with Gambel’s quail coming up a little short this year. With that said, dedicated and resourceful quail hunters will still find some areas where populations are doing well by keying in on seasonal rainfall information and be able to have productive hunts. Scaled quail should be fair to average, which is enough to make the trip south worthwhile.

Mearns’ quail this year won’t measure up to the back-to-back “very good” seasons we had. However, the rolling grasslands and drainages in southern Arizona should still offer some decent hunting for one of the most unique quail species. One thing for certain, a trip down south offers a mixed bag of opportunities for dove, rabbit, and possibly another species of quail – maybe all three.

Another potentially bright light is waterfowl season, which starts Oct. 9 (mountain zone). Duck numbers are up in the Pacific Flyway, and Utah has reported a strong local population. If an early cold winter hits the northern states, Arizona could see plenty of migrating ducks in our waters.

As the season progresses, late season dove opens on Nov. 20 and it should not disappoint. As the desert begins to green up from the fall moisture, desert water tanks should become productive hunting spots.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting and choose “small game outlook.”

Happy hunting, and be safe.

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

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Students, are you looking for fun, competition, and the chance to meet new friends and be part of a team?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009-10 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season is ready to get underway, and students interested in learning about and competing in skeet, trap and sporting clays shotgun shooting are encouraged to find a club in their community.

The program is open to boys and girls from age 9 through 12th grades.

“Our SCTP is one of the best in the nation and we continue to see students become great athletes of clay target shooting through this team-based youth development program,” said Statewide Shooting Sports Coordinator, Ashley Lynch. “The mentoring, instruction, safety, and teamwork instilled by our certified coaches are second to none.”

The program is run similar to other youth-based athletics. The season runs from Oct 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010. Athletes can join at anytime depending on club availability. All of the SCTP clubs in Arizona are run 100 percent by volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are committed to teaching today’s youth to carry on the American tradition of shooting sports recreation.

“Shooting sports are an activity that any person with the desire can participate in. The structure of this program allows kids to have fun, compete, and learn safety and discipline skills,” said Lynch.

Currently, there were 20 active clubs across the state; below is a list by region with contact information to get you started.

Central region:
• Chandler area – Arizona Dust Devils (480) 628-9977
• North Phoenix – Ben Avery Clay Crushers (602) 920-5465
• Buckeye – Buckeye Buckshots (623) 869-9050
• Phantom / West Valley – Phantom Sure Shots (623) 925-9549
• East Valley – Rio Salado Target Terminators (480) 510-5604

Northern region:
• Cottonwood / Verde Valley – American Heritage Academy (enrollment to AHA students only)
• Prescott – Prescott (928) 636-4709
• Williams/Flagstaff – Williams Bird Busters (928) 635-4330
• Wickenburg – Wickenburg (928) 231-7644

Northeastern region:
• St. Johns – Leading Edge Shooters (928) 337-4955
• Springerville / Round Valley – White Mountain Rod & Gun Club (928) 333-5692
• Show Low – White Mountain Clay Busters (928) 369-1155

Northwestern region:
• Kingman – Mohave Top Guns (928) 753-5274
• Lake Havasu – Havasu SCTP (928) 486-8607

Southern region:
• Casa Grande – Central Arizona Target Shooters (CATS) (520) 251-2024
• Tucson – Tucson Shooting Stars (520) 780-0715
• Globe – Globe SCTP (602) 542-2785

Southeastern region:
• Double Adobe / McNeal – Double Adobe Young Guns (520) 364-4000
• Sierra Vista – Huachuca Hot Shots (520) 266-1078

Southwestern region:
• Yuma – Yuma Young Guns (928) 246-7157

To learn more about the department’s SCTP program, maps of participating teams, or how to get involved, visit www.azgfd.gov/sctp.

SCTP is a youth development program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays to students in grades 12 and under. The program uses a competitive, team-based format and has been called the “Little League” of shooting sports. More than 600 kids compete in Arizona’s SCTP. Nationally, about 10,000 youngsters compete in 40 states.

To learn more about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation national SCTP program, visit www.sssfonline.org.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Flagstaff, Az --(AmmoLand.com)-The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites the public to a free educational presentation on Wednesday evening, Sept. 23 to learn about the natural history, management efforts, and biological and social issues related to mountain lions and bighorn sheep in Arizona.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the department’s Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. To accommodate interested constituents who are unable to attend in person, the seminar will be webcast simultaneously on the Internet by visiting www.azgfd.gov/webcast.

For those watching online, questions may be submitted electronically for consideration during the interactive question-and-answer period. Submit your questions at: webcast@azgfd.gov.

A panel of three of the department’s expert wildlife biologists will each provide a 15-minute informative presentation with pictures, natural history and management objectives.

Ron Thompson will speak on mountain lions; John Hervert will cover bighorn sheep; Pat Barber will provide an overall summary of the department’s role for managing both species in southwestern Arizona, including the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

The speakers have more than 70 years of collective experience in wildlife management.

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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ — -(AmmoLand.com)- Students, are you looking for fun, competition, and the chance to meet new friends and be part of a team?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009-10 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season is ready to get underway, and students interested in learning about and competing in skeet, trap and sporting clays shotgun shooting are encouraged to find a club in their community.

The program is open to boys and girls from age 9 through 12th grade.

“Our SCTP program is one of the best in the nation and we continue to see students become great athletes of clay target shooting through this team-based youth development program,” said Statewide Shooting Sports Coordinator, Ashley Lynch. “The mentoring, instruction, safety, and teamwork instilled by our certified coaches are second to none.”

The program is run similar to other youth-based athletics. The season runs from Oct 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010. Athletes can join at anytime depending on club availability. All of the SCTP clubs in Arizona are run 100 percent by volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are committed to teaching today’s youth to carry on the American tradition of shooting sports recreation.

“Shooting sports are an activity that any person with the desire can participate in. The structure of this program allows kids to have fun, compete, and learn safety and discipline skills,” said Lynch.

Currently, there were 20 active clubs across the state, below is a list by region with contact information to get you started.

Central region:

Chandler area – Arizona Dust Devils (480) 628-9977
North Phoenix – Ben Avery Clay Crushers (602) 920-5465
Buckeye – Buckeye Buckshots (623) 869-9050
Phantom / West Valley – Phantom Sure Shots (623) 925-9549
East Valley – Rio Salado Target Terminators (480) 510-5604
Northern region:

Cottonwood / Verde Valley – American Heritage Academy (enrollment to AHA students only)
Prescott – Prescott (928) 636-4709
Williams/Flagstaff – Williams Bird Busters (928) 635-4330
Wickenburg – Wickenburg (928) 231-7644
Northeastern region:

St. Johns – Leading Edge Shooters (928) 337-4955
Springerville / Round Valley – White Mountain Rod & Gun Club (928) 333-5692
Show Low – White Mountain Clay Busters (928) 369-1155
Northwestern region:

Kingman – Mohave Top Guns (928) 753-5274
Lake Havasu – Havasu SCTP (928) 486-8607
Southern region:

Casa Grande – Central Arizona Target Shooters (CATS) (520) 251-2024
Tucson – Tucson Shooting Stars (520) 780-0715
Globe – Glove SCTP (602) 542-2785
Southeastern region:

Double Adobe / McNeal – Double Adobe Young Guns (520) 364-4000
Sierra Vista – Huachuca Hot Shots (520) 266-1078
Southwestern region:

Yuma – Yuma Young Guns (928) 246-7157
To learn more about the department’s SCTP program, maps of participating teams, or how to get involved, visit www.azgfd.gov/sctp.

SCTP is a youth development program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays to students in grades 12 and under. The program uses a competitive, team-based format and has been called the “Little League” of shooting sports. More than 600 kids compete in Arizona’s SCTP. Nationally, about 10,000 youngsters compete in 40 states.

To learn more about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation national SCTP program, visit www.sssfonline.org.

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)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites the public to a free educational presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to learn about the natural history, management efforts, and biological and social issues related to mountain lions and bighorn sheep in Arizona.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the department’s Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. To accommodate interested constituents who are unable to attend in person, the seminar will be webcast simultaneously on the Internet by visiting www.azgfd.gov/webcast. For those watching online, questions may be submitted electronically for consideration during the interactive question-and-answer period.

A panel of three of the department’s expert wildlife biologists will each provide a 15-minute informative presentation with pictures, natural history and management objectives. Ron Thompson will speak on mountain lions; John Hervert will cover bighorn sheep; Pat Barber will provide an overall summary of the department’s role for managing both species in southwestern Arizona, including the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

The speakers have more than 70 years of collective experience in wildlife management:

Pat Barber, a second-generation Yuma native, is the department’s Yuma regional supervisor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with an emphasis in fish and wildlife management from Northern Arizona University. In his 14 years with the department, Barber spent eight years in the field as a wildlife manager, was the predator and furbearer biologist, and was the department’s chief of law enforcement before assuming his current position. He is very knowledgeable about bighorn sheep and mountain lion management. Barber played a lead role in the change to the three-month closure for the mountain lion hunting season, regulatory protection for female lions with spotted kittens, and establishing the mechanisms requiring physical check-in for hunter-harvested mountain lions to improve data collection.

John Hervert is the department’s wildlife program manager in the Yuma regional office. He has a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Arizona. Hervert is a veteran biologist of 25 years with the department. His knowledge and experience is extensive, with 30 years working with desert ungulates (desert bighorn sheep and mule deer) and 20 years working with mountains lions in the Sonoran Desert. Hervert’s areas of special interest include water physiology, development of aerial survey techniques, and re-establishment of bighorn sheep and two endangered species, the Sonoran pronghorn and Mexican Wolf.

Ron Thompson is the department’s large carnivore biologist. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology from the University of Arizona. Before rejoining the department in his current position, Thompson had a long career as a wildlife manager. After retirement, he was a contract wildlife biologist involved in adaptive management strategies for bighorn sheep and mountain lions for projects in New Mexico as part of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and in Arizona and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. He is highly interested in using leading-edge DNA science for the future management of carnivores. Thompson is responsible for the development of a statewide conservation plan for mountain lions and bears.

After the presentations, the public is encouraged to engage in a question-and-answer session to address questions, concerns and issues about these dynamic species. Web viewers will have access to a link at www.azgfd.gov/webcast for submitting questions to the panel electronically for consideration.

The mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is to conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations.

To learn more about the desert bighorn sheep and mountain lions in Kofa Mountains Complex and the department’s management objectives, visit www.azgfd.gov/kofa.

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.

Kofa Boghorn Sheep

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- As a cooperating agency with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is encouraging its constituents to attend the public meeting regarding the draft environment assessment for Limiting Mountain Lion Predation on Desert Bighorn Sheep on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

The public meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Pivot Point Conference Center, 200 North Madison Ave, in Yuma, Ariz. Directions to the Conference Center area available at www.pivotpointconferencecenter.com

Hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) the public meeting will provide a forum for sharing information and facilitating public input regarding this important issue. The Service will provide a presentation, address questions and will staff multiple information stations during the open house portion of the meeting.

The Draft EA was announced Aug. 4 with a 60-day comment period open from Aug. 4 – Oct. 2. A copy of the Draft EA maybe reviewed and downloaded from www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/kofa.

Once a very robust population, the number of bighorn sheep on the Kofa NWR has dropped significantly since 2000. The Kofa NWR sheep herd has played a critical role in reversing the decline of desert bighorn sheep for more than 50 years. The herd is a historic source population for re-establishing, supplementing, or expanding other sheep populations throughout the Southwest, in many cases bringing back this incredible species back to places they have not been for years.

To learn more about the struggling Kofa desert bighorn sheep herd, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/kofa.

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)- If you have ever had an interest in shooting a shotgun at a fast-tracking target, then your wish has come true.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting a seminar for new hunters on Friday, Sept. 11, followed by a traditional Arizona dove hunt on Saturday.

“This is basically an all-inclusive opportunity to learn how to hunt,” said Wildlife Manager Dave Carson. “All we require from participants 14 and older is to have a general hunting license, and those 16 and older will need a state migratory bird stamp. The department will provide mentored instruction, shotguns (20 available), the first box of shotgun shells and a great hunting opportunity.”

Space is limited and preregistration is required; for details contact David Carson at (480) 987-4825 or Randy Babb at (480) 324-3546. All participants must attend the safety seminar on Friday at the department’s Mesa regional office to be able to hunt on Saturday.

Families and friends hunting can reduce their cost and “try before you buy” by taking advantage of the new free two-day apprentice license. The licensed is issued to a licensed resident hunter over 18, and allows the mentor to take two new hunters afield at no cost. However, the migratory bird stamp is required if the apprentice hunting is 16 or older. To learn more about the new apprentice license, visit www.azgfd.gov and select the license icon.

Carson added, “This is a great way to get introduced to hunting in a very organized, safe and supportive environment. Everyone that participated last year had a great time.”

To learn more about upcoming mentored hunting opportunities offered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting and check out the “Mentored Hunting & Juniors-only Events 2009-10 Season” feature on the right side of the page.

Did you know, mourning doves are the most numerous, widespread game bird in North America? They are prolific breeders with an average life span of 1-2 years and controlled seasons maintain them as a sustainable wildlife resource. Dove hunters are a valuable conservation tool. There is a federal excise tax on ammunition that is contributed to the Pitman-Robertson Fund, which in turn is apportioned to state wildlife agencies for the management of wildlife, which is a benefits to all citizens. Additionally, hunters provide hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy, by purchasing ammunition, gas, food and lodging while engaging in this American tradition.

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.