• Public comments sought on Arizona fish stocking program in order to continue to receive federal funding in the future
• Learn more about new OHV laws taking effect Jan. 1
• New wolf pair to be released in Arizona
• Reel in a half-price fishing license deal
• Mountain lion incident offers reminders to public 
• Quail hunters: Bird numbers are up and gas prices are falling
• Arizona Wildlife Views offers armchair excitement
• Meet renowned waterfowl artist, take home a poster

Public comments sought on Arizona fish stocking program in order to continue to receive federal funding in the future
Three open houses scheduled this month

Did you know that the feisty rainbow trout dancing on the end of your fishing line was most likely hatchery raised?

Each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks more than 3 million fish for anglers to catch in approximately 160 of Arizona’s lakes, rivers and streams – mostly rainbow, Apache, brook, and cutthroat trout, but some warmwater species such as largemouth bass and channel catfish as well.

The stocking program is supported with federal funds through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, along with state funds from the sale of licenses and trout stamps.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are seeking public comments on issues associated with all the sport-fish stockings in the state as part of a draft environmental assessment process that is required to continue using federal funding for stocking activities in Arizona.

“Public input is being sought to determine the extent and variety of issues that should be addressed by the draft environmental assessment,” says Dave Weedman, aquatic habitat program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The comment period will continue through 5 p.m. on Dec. 19.”

An overview of the NEPA scoping process, a list of stocking locations, and maps showing the locations can be found at www.azgfd.gov/fishea.

Written comments can be sent to either:

David Weedman, Aquatic Habitat Program Coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. E-mail: fishaz@azgfd.gov.

Harold Namminga, Sport Fish Restoration Grant Administrator, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2008.

Once the comment period ends, the wildlife agencies will prepare a draft environmental assessment to evaluate the social, economic and environmental effects of stockings related to continued funding for the program through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

As part of the scoping process, the following three public open houses are being held to answer questions and gather public input on the stocking program issues:

• Pinetop, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 1 office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tucson, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 5 office, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
• Phoenix, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25, at Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

“While agency personnel will be at the open houses to provide background information and answer questions, all comments to be formally considered must be made in writing,” said Weedman.

Weedman pointed out that recreational angling in Arizona totaled 4,156,000 angling days in 2006, creating a statewide economic impact of more than $1.1 billion annually.

Arizona’s natural fish fauna historically consisted of 36 species of fish, only a few of which were traditionally sought by early Americans for sport fishing, which is a trend that continues today.

Since the early 1900s, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other agencies have supplemented recreational angling opportunities by stocking state waters with sport fish species.

“Fish stockings have evolved over the past 100 years or so to meet the growing needs of anglers in Arizona,” Weedman said. “Now we consider a wide range of factors when determining where and when to stock fish, including biology, angler use, partnership commitments and needs, native fish impacts and social demands.”

Although most of the trout species caught in Arizona likely come from fish hatcheries, most of the warmwater species in the state – especially those in the larger impoundments such as Roosevelt Lake – come from natural reproduction.

The federal funding apportioned to Arizona is authorized under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act. It provides federal aid to state wildlife agencies for management and restoration of sport fish.

These Sport Fish Restoration funds are derived from a federal excise tax at the manufacturing level on certain items of sport-fishing tackle, fishing equipment and motor boat fuel.

Learn more about new OHV laws taking effect Jan. 1

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has a new Web page designed to inform off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts about new laws that will affect OHV use starting Jan. 1, 2009.

A Web link at www.azgfd.gov/ohv will take you to a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the new laws and the rules and regulations. Some of the provisions include:

• The requirement to purchase an annual “OHV Decal” for any OHV designed by the manufacturer primarily for off-highway use and weighing 1,800 pounds or less, in order to operate that OHV in Arizona. This generally includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides (utility vehicles), dirt bikes, and some sand rails. The OHV Decal can be purchased through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) after Jan. 1. It is anticipated that MVD will announce the cost of the Decal soon.
  
  
• 4X4’s, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), cars, and other recreational vehicles (motor homes) are not required to purchase the OHV Decal.
  
  
• Travel is limited to roads, trails and areas that are designated open by the land management agency for motorized vehicle use.
  
  
• Travel by motorized vehicles that causes damage to wildlife habitat, riparian areas, cultural or natural resources, or property or improvements is prohibited.
  
  
• OHVs generating sound greater than 96 decibels must have a muffler or other noise dissipative device
  
  
• Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to wear a properly fitted and fastened USDOT approved helmet when riding any OHV.

The new laws were passed thanks in large part to a joint effort between Arizona sportsmen, conservation groups, off-highway vehicle (OHV) user groups, elected officials, and other members of the public. The goal of the new regulations is to provide better OHV management and protection of natural resources while maintaining access. For more information go to: www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

New wolf pair to be released in Arizona

PINETOP, Ariz. – In order to meet ongoing Mexican wolf reintroduction project objectives, a pair of wolves will soon be placed in a temporary holding pen in preparation for their release in eastern Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department officials say the wolves will be moved to the pen site, located near Middle Mountain on the Apache National Forest in northern Greenlee County, during the third week of November.

The pair, called the Moonshine Pack, consists of a male and female wolf. The male was born in 2006 and has extensive experience in the wild. Project biologists captured it this past spring after it became ensnared in a leg-hold trap which was lawfully set by a trapper in New Mexico. The female was born in 2003 at the Minnesota Zoo, a participant in the Mexican wolf captive breeding program. Both wolves, especially the female, have genetic characteristics that will enhance the free-ranging wolf population currently in the wild. They have bonded since being placed together in captivity in March. 

"The Moonshine Pack release is a part of ongoing efforts to reintroduce Mexican wolves into a portion of their historic habitat in east-central Arizona and southwestern New Mexico," says Chris Bagnoli, the department's wolf project field team leader. "With this release, we are attempting to augment the breeding wolf population now in the wild and also expand the genetic diversity of the wild population.”

The pack will stay in a nylon mesh, low-impact acclimation pen for up to two weeks. If they do not release themselves by the end of that period, then wolf project biologists will free them. The pen site is located about 10 miles southwest of Alpine, and will have a signed, one-mile public closure surrounding it, ordered by the USDA Forest Service, to protect the wolves from disturbance. The closure will remain in effect while the wolves occupy the pen, but will not extend beyond Nov. 27.

Bagnoli says that several factors were considered in the selection of the Middle Mountain release site, including appropriate prey density, distance from occupied residences, seasonal absence of livestock grazing, and occurrence of established wolf packs in the area. He also notes that the release site was chosen in close coordination with the public and with approval from the Forest Service.

“Existing packs are doing well, with most producing pups this year; however, the unlawful killing of several wolves is a continuing concern for the wolf project,” says Bagnoli. The Moonshine Pack will join 12 other packs now living in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico."

The reintroduction of the Mexican wolf is a cooperative, multi-agency effort of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, White Mountain Apache Tribe, USDA Forest Service and USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.

You can reel in a half-price fishing license deal

If you are looking to reel in a great deal during these tough economic times, Arizona’s 2008 general and urban fishing licenses are both on sale for half price during November and December, said Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“This is a sweet deal each year following Halloween,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “With the winter trout stockings picking up steam, this is a terrific time to catch this half-price fishing deal.”

The 2008 General Fishing License (Class A) is on sale in November and December for $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents. The 2008 Class U (urban) Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for residents and nonresidents alike.

This week, the popular Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake is being stocked with trout, as are Dead Horse Ranch State Park near Cottonwood, the Verde River between Camp Verde and Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes near Prescott, plus Patagonia and Parker Canyon lakes in southern Arizona.

The popular urban lakes in the Valley of the Sun and the Tucson area will be stocked with trout on Nov. 13.

Saguaro Lake will be stocked the second week of November, and Canyon Lake will be stocked the week of Nov. 17. As usual again this year, the ever-popular Tempe Town Lake will be stocked with trout the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) – come join us to welcome back the trout.

“With the unseasonably mild weather right now,” Young said, “Anglers have a wide range for good fishing opportunities from bass, crappie and catfish in the larger desert impoundments to trout in the high country, plus the winter stocking program.”

Mountain lion incident offers reminders to public

In the aftermath of a recent human-mountain lion encounter in southern Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains, the Arizona Game and Fish Department offers tips for people who recreate or live in mountain lion country.

An unusual-acting mountain lion that had been stalking a hiker and his dog in the Madera Canyon area was located and killed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department on Oct. 26. The mountain lion had continued to act aggressively toward the hiker even when the person tried to scare it away.

“This strange-acting mountain lion posed a clear public safety threat,” said Leonard Ordway, the Tucson regional supervisor for the Game and Fish Department.

Ordway said that the hiker did the things he was supposed to – he shouted and tried to make himself look bigger by waving his arms, he picked his dog up off the ground, but the mountain lion continued to approach. The hiker then used his pistol to fire two warning shots, and the mountain lion continued to approach, at which time the hiker shot directly at the lion and the animal finally ran away.

Because of the animal’s aggressive actions toward a human, and in accordance with the department’s lion-human interaction management protocol that was developed in 2004 through extensive public process, immediate action was required to prevent any further public incident involving this animal.

The mountain lion was sent to a laboratory for examination and tests in an effort to find clues that might explain its abnormal behavior. The tests showed the mountain lion did not have rabies.

Ordway offered these safety tips for anyone who encounters a mountain lion or other large predator:

• Do not hike, jog or ride your bicycle alone in mountain lion country: Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
  
  
• Keep children close to you. Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children in your sight at all times. 
  
  
• Do not approach a mountain lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape. 
  
  
• Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If there are small children there, pick them up if possible so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion. 
  
  
• Do not crouch or bend over: A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. When in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.
  
  
• Appear larger: Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.|
  
  
• Fight back if attacked: Many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

Ordway also offered these tips for living in mountain lion country:

• Don't feed wildlife. By feeding deer, javelina or other wildlife in your yard, you may inadvertently attract mountain lions, which prey upon them.
  
  
• Deer and rabbit proof your landscape. Avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat; if landscaping attracts deer, mountain lions may be close by. 
  
  
• Landscape for safety: Remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation that provides good hiding places for mountain lions and coyotes, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for wild predators to approach a yard unseen. 
  
  
• Closely supervise children. Keep a close watch on children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about mountain lions and teach them what to do if they encounter one. 
  
  
• Install outdoor lighting. Keep the house perimeter well lit at night - especially along walkways - to keep any approaching mountain lions visible. 
  
  
• Keep pets secure. Roaming pets are easy prey for hungry mountain lions and coyotes. Either bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside – this can attract javelina, skunks and other mountain lion prey.

Mountain lions in Arizona are classified as a big game species and the department manages them as a renewable natural resource. Since 2000, the department has distributed an average of 8,100 hunting permits per year with an average annual harvest of 321 lions. Arizona’s mountain lion population is estimated at around 2,500 to 3,000 animals. Mountain lions are efficient predators capable of killing or seriously injuring humans, although attacks rarely occur. The department is committed to public education to help people learn how to behave responsibly and live safely in proximity to lions.

Quail hunters: Bird numbers are up and gas prices are falling

Quail hunters are finding plenty of young birds in their harvest, according to Arizona Game and Fish biologists. Nearly 80 percent of the birds checked by hunters over the Oct. 4-5 opening weekend were juveniles.

Gambel’s quail harvest results, collected at two of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s check stations, reflect improved bird populations this hunting season compared to last year. Data collected at the Freeman Road check station, near Florence, and the Willow Springs Road check station, near Oracle, show the total number of birds reported was up 75 percent from last year’s results (492 total birds versus 276). Biologists calculate that hunters harvested 1.9 birds per hour on average compared to the 1.2 birds an hour last year.
   
“What’s really exciting is although the numbers are not those of banner years, as far as hunter success measured by birds harvested in a day of hunting, this year is the best recorded since 2001,” says Game Biologist Jim Heffelfinger.

General quail season runs until Feb. 8, 2009. Birds can be found in typical desert cover of washes, brush and places that offer good roosting cover. A quail call is an excellent tool for locating single birds after breaking up a covey. Their meat is completely white and is excellent table fare. A general hunting license is all that is required for hunters 14 and older. Children 13 and younger (2 maximum) can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult 18 or older.

“Conditions are right for folks to get out and enjoy Arizona quail hunting. Nothing compares to walking the open desert foothills with the sun on your back and the anticipation of the whirling wings of a quail flushing underneath your feet,” adds Heffelfinger.

Quail hunters should expect another critter to jump out from under their feet – rabbits. Cottontail rabbits are abundant this year and can be found in all the same areas as quail. They are quick and nimble and are challenging to hunt. Rabbit meat is superb and was once a key meat source in this country during difficult economic times. Hunters are reminded to field dress their game as soon as they harvest them to help keep them clean and cool.

Small game hunting is an American tradition and is a great way to introduce children to the outdoors, wildlife and nature. To learn more about hunting small game and where to hunt, visit www.azgfd.gov.

Arizona Wildlife Views offers armchair excitement

Would you like to explore a man-made bat cave, watch sandhill cranes soar across a full moon, experience an antelope hunt, confidently anchor a boat and search for snakes and frogs, all without leaving the comforts of home?

Then read the January-February issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine! Each issue is packed with articles about Arizona wildlife, outdoor recreation and conservation. Subscribe for just $8.50 a year:

• Online: www.azgfd.gov/magazine
• By phone: (800) 777-0015

Subscriptions to the official magazine of the Arizona Game and Fish Department make great gifts. Give a gift subscription today and get a free 2009 Arizona Wildlife Calendar (a $3 value) while supplies last. Subscribe or give a gift today!

Meet renowned waterfowl artist, take home a poster
Afternoon open house is followed by free duck hunting clinic in evening

Lovers of migratory birds, waterfowl and fine art will have a chance to meet the winning artist of the Federal Duck Stamp contest and possibly win a beautiful waterfowl art print once featured on the Arizona State Waterfowl Stamp.

Sherrie Russell Meline, the winning artist of the 2006-07 Federal Duck Stamp contest, will be at an open house tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 7) from 1-5 p.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. All visitors can register for a drawing to win a collector’s edition duck stamp print. Names of those randomly selected will be announced periodically during the event. No purchase is necessary.

Throughout the years, Meline’s artwork has graced the faces of over 30 state duck stamps, many of them for Arizona, including the current stamp for the 2008-09 season featuring a majestic pair of swimming canvasbacks. Meline will be signing autographs, displaying samples of her artwork, and will have signed collector prints available for sale.

The collector edition prints are reproductions of the original art of prior years’ Arizona State Waterfowl Stamp, and are an excellent addition to a stamp collector’s portfolio, as well as a beautiful art piece for casual art aficionados.

Also on display will be the artistic expressions created by some of Arizona’s dynamic young artists, ages 6-18. Their waterfowl artwork was created for the annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program. Margot Bissell, from the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and state coordinator for the junior program, will be available to talk to educators interested in getting this interactive science/art based program integrated into their curriculum.

If you have never purchased a duck stamp but support wildlife, buying a duck stamp is a very easy and effective way to give your support. Every dollar raised from the sale of Arizona’s Waterfowl Stamp is used to improve habitat for waterfowl.

Additionally, for those interested in learning about duck hunting in Arizona, there will be an informative and entertaining “Waterfowl 101 Clinic” from 7-9 p.m. in the auditorium following the open house. Arizona Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist and hunting expert Mike Rabe will give a powerpoint presentation and will discuss tips about places to hunt, using decoys, calling techniques, blind placement, recipes, and much more. The clinic is free and no registration is required.

To get to the department headquarters, take I-17 to the Carefree Highway exit (Exit 223) and go west 1.5 miles on Carefree Highway.

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The Wildlife News e-newsletter is issued every other week and contains detailed and comprehensive information on the activities of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. To sign up for this newsletter or other Arizona Game and Fish Department electronic information products, go to www.azgfd.gov/signup.