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Wildlife News - Feb. 14 Wildlife News Feb 14, 2008
Governor names Norman W. Freeman to Game and Fish Commission Governor Janet Napolitano has nominated Chino Valley resident Norman W. Freeman to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He will replace Michael Golightly, whose term expires this year. "Norm Freeman is a strong advocate for hunting and fishing and is committed to fulfilling the mission of Arizona Game and Fish," Governor Napolitano said. "He has many varied experiences that will help him serve Arizona very well in this role." Freeman is currently the president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Arizona and a member of the board of the Chino Valley Irrigation District, as well as the president of the Carousel Charity Horse Show. He has previously served as the vice chair of the Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. Freeman's work with wildlife has been extensive. Among other business ventures, he is the founder of Elemental Technology, a firm which developed wildlife tracking software for wildlife biologists and regulatory bodies. In 1994, he founded "Wildflight," a privately funded operation to relocate wildlife, using corporate and private aircraft to move many species, including black bears, owls, hawks, eagles, osprey, and California condors. Freeman has been extensively involved with the preservation of California condors in particular, participating in the California Condor Recovery Team - a multi-agency team including the Arizona Game and Fish Department - which defined the federal protocol for moving this endangered species. He also co-authored a successful behavior modification program to reduce the juvenile predation of young California condors by coyotes. Freeman's appointment requires confirmation by the Arizona Senate. For more information about the Office of the Governor, please visit www.azgovernor.gov. Bald eagles under careful watch during breeding season "It's part of a program that has saved the lives of over 50 eagle nestlings since it began in 1978," says Kenneth Jacobson, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Bald Eagle Management Program. "That's equal to 10 percent of all the eagles that have lived to fly on their own in Arizona since the program started." This year's nest watchers began their four-month tour of duty on Feb. 1. They will watch 11 breeding areas, most along the Salt and Verde rivers in national forests, on Native American lands, and in Maricopa County parks. The contractors will observe from dawn to dusk, collecting data about the eagles' behavior, educating the public, and notifying rescuers of any life-threatening situations for the birds. The Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The program began as a weekend volunteer effort by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and Maricopa Audubon to help ensure the continued success of bald eagle breeding. Now 23 agencies are involved with the program to monitor bald eagle breeding areas that are under heavy pressure from human recreational activities. A recent winter count survey shows at least one nestling has hatched, 26 pairs of bald eagles have laid eggs for the year, and a total of 37 breeding areas are occupied by breeding adults. Biologists expect as many as 48 pairs of bald eagles to breed in Arizona this year. Arizona fishing outlook is best in 25 years
According to Salt River Project (SRP), the projected runoff from the current snowpack is more than enough to fill Roosevelt Lake - for the first time since the dam was raised in 1996. The tremendous runoff in 2005 almost filled the lake, but was three feet shy at 96-percent full. "Our most recent runoff forecast is for inflow to exceed the amount necessary to bring Roosevelt Lake to 100 percent capacity," predicted Mark Hubble, the senior hydrologist with SRP. Fisheries biologists with the Arizona Game and Fish Department see great things happening this year not just at Roosevelt, but most of the other fishing lakes as well. "This looks like an historic year in our fisheries, in large part because of the tremendous runoff in 2005 and resulting spawns, but also because of the widespread deep snowpack in the high country we haven't experienced since at least 1993," said Fisheries Branch Chief Kirk Young. "The Arizona fishing outlook is the best we've seen in 25 years or so." Most of the state's popular high elevation trout lakes should fill-and-spill this year, or have high water levels. Even some ephemeral waters, such as Lower Lake Mary near Flagstaff, should have enough water to be stocked with trout this year. "In 2005, Lower Lake Mary was transformed from being a large elk meadow into becoming our largest high country trout lake. "That could happen again this year," Young said. Biologists are also hopeful that the state's only two natural lakes - Mormon Lake and Stoneman Lake near Flagstaff - will experience significant filling. The story doesn't end there. Young explained that the runoff in 2005 filled most of the inland desert lakes and resulted in a tremendous sport fish spawn that year. Those abundant sport fish in the various reservoirs from the 2005 spawn are now three years old, which is a prime spawning age. Plus, Roosevelt also had significant spawns in 2006 and a decent spawn in 2007. In addition, this year when Roosevelt fills it will inundate around 500 surface acres of habitat that has never been under water before. "Roosevelt will be going through what we call the 'new lake syndrome.' Its productivity will go right off the charts - again. Roosevelt will quite possibly become the best bass and crappie fishery in the Western United States, if it's not there already," said Young. In addition, both Bartlett and Horseshoe Lakes have filled - even before the spring runoff has commenced. Lake Pleasant has also received significant inflows, pumping welcome nutrients into this popular fishery. Alamo Lake west of Wickenburg has also risen significantly the past two months and the fishing outlook there is terrific as well. The snowpack outlook is also good for the Colorado River lakes, especially Lake Powell. According to the National Weather Service's Colorado Basin River Forecast Center, the water supply outlook as of Feb. 1 shows the Upper Colorado River watershed at 140 percent of snowpack, the San Juan River watershed at 160 percent, and the Green River watershed at 107 percent. That is very good news for Lake Powell, which hit record low water levels the last several years. The expected increase in the lake level at Powell should create increased sport fish reproduction this year. Here's why. While the lake level is down, vegetation - especially salt cedar - becomes established on the very fertile exposed lakebed. Much of that vegetation will become inundated this year, providing spawning cover, hiding cover and increased nutrients for sport fish and baitfish as well. If you haven't bought your license and cleared some time for this spring and summer, this is your wake-up call to do so. You will definitely regret missing this year's fishing opportunities. "These are the good ole days anglers will be reminiscing about for years to come. Get out and catch a memory," Young said. Stay on roads and trails while shed antler hunting
"Just like during the hunting season, we ask that you 'walk while you stalk'," says Joe Sacco, off-highway vehicle law enforcement program manager." The department recommends that you ride your vehicle on the trails to the area where you think the antlers are, pack them out to your machine and drive them home on the roads." Damage to areas where cross country riding occurs can take more than 100 years to recover, especially if the area where you go cross country is wet. Those tracks can be seen by other users as an open invitation to unknowingly ruin a pristine recreational area. A new illegal trail can cause a lot of problems for wildlife that live in that area. The noise could cause animals to leave their regular habitat, anything that drops off of a machine could be eaten by animals leading to unnecessary death, or someone could have a negative interaction with a very unhappy or startled animal. Minimizing impact on habitat is a key to successful wildlife conservation. Shed hunters are those hunters who look for antlers that have fallen off or been shed from game animals. Most animals shed their antlers in the spring and spend the summer and fall seasons growing a new set of antlers. Public asked to assist bird monitoring efforts The Arizona Game and Fish Department is requesting the public's assistance this spring in reporting ill or dead wetland birds (ducks, geese or shorebirds) or raptors (hawks, owls or eagles). The department, in coordination with other state and federal agencies, is conducting surveillance for the early detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (also known as "bird flu") in the United States. Although this strain of avian influenza has not yet been detected in the Western Hemisphere, the department is monitoring waterfowl populations to ensure it is prepared to respond if avian influenza, or any other significant avian disease, is detected in Arizona. The spring surveys consist of monitoring various lakes throughout the state, to inspect them for sick and dead birds. During the fall season, testing focuses on hunter-harvested birds. If you see ill or dead wetland birds or raptors while you are visiting any lake in Arizona this spring, please assist the monitoring program and report your observations by calling the toll-free bird monitoring hotline number at 1-877-97-AVIAN (1-877-972-8426) or by filling out a form online. For more information regarding avian influenza, visit www.azgfd.gov/ai. Wildlife conservation passes a $3 billion milestone A significant milestone was celebrated at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas recently - manufacturers have contributed $3 billion dollars since 1991 to finance wildlife conservation through the payment of federal excise taxes. The excise tax is a primary source of wildlife conservation funding in the United States. Since the inception of the excise tax in 1937, more than $5 billion dollars has been collected. "The firearms industry and sportsmen have been the unsung heroes of wildlife conservation in the United States. Together, they have helped create and fund a working model for wildlife conservation that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. It is a remarkable achievement that benefits all wildlife enthusiasts," said Arizona Game and Fish Director Duane Shroufe. In recognition of the recent funding milestone, a commemorative check for $3 billion dollars was presented to H. Dale Hall, the director of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and Matt Hogan, the executive director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), from key firearms industry leaders at the annual membership meeting of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - the industry's trade association. "Our industry is proud of its leading role in financially supporting wildlife conservation and protecting habitat," said Doug Painter, NSSF president and chief executive officer. "We are especially proud that our industry stepped up to the plate for America's wildlife and natural resources decades before 'environmentalism' became a popular movement." The federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition products (11 percent on long guns and ammunition and 10 percent on handguns), is collected by the U.S. Treasury, Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) where it is deposited into the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Trust Fund. "The federal excise taxes paid by manufacturers of firearms and ammunition through the Wildlife Restoration program provide state wildlife agencies this critical funding necessary to help maintain wildlife resources, educate hunters and fund sport shooting ranges nationwide," said Hall. In just the past 12 months, the firearms and ammunition industry has contributed more than $280 million to conservation via the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET). This amount of money demonstrates a 41-percent increase over the last five years. The complete amount collected through federal excise tax payments, a number which includes payments from the archery and fishing industries, tops $1 billion a year. "For over 70 years, state fish and wildlife agencies have used the revenue from the Pittman-Robertson program to build the most successful wildlife conservation model the world has ever known," said Hogan. "One needs only look at the return of species like the whitetail deer, wild turkey, pronghorn antelope and the wood duck, to name a few, to see that this money has been well spent for the benefit of all Americans." Game and Fish employee recognized for landowner relations work Wade Zarlingo, the landowner relations coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Pinetop region, has received the Outstanding Service Award from the Arizona section of the Society of Range Management. Zarlingo was nominated for the award by Rachel Murph in the Holbrook field office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), for his dedication to conservation and improving relations with landowners. Murph highlighted that "Wade's good nature and exceptional work ethic have generated a cooperative relationship between local ranches and agency personnel, enabling conservation to be accomplished on the ground." Zarlingo has assisted landowner coordination with multiple agencies, such as Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Forest Service, Arizona State Land Department and Arizona Department of Agriculture. He helped obtain monies enabling ranchers to apply substantially more conservation practices than they would have been able to on their own. He has been involved with more than 20 ranches, either cooperatively with other agencies or solely through Game and Fish funding, and has assisted with implementation of large-scale projects such as water developments and improving grasslands in northern and eastern Arizona. He spearheaded a cooperative agreement for NRCS to train Arizona Game and Fish employees to assist with cultural resource clearances, thereby increasing staff and decreasing the amount of time and funding it takes to complete clearance on large-scale grassland restoration projects. Sal Palazzolo, landowner relations program manager for Arizona Game and Fish Department, said that Zarlingo's award is significant in several ways, "It shows that the department's efforts are being appreciated by those within the agricultural sector, and it points out the positive impact that our efforts at landscape-scale grassland restorations are having." Proposed experimental flow not expected to impact Lees Ferry fishery An experimental release of up to 40,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for 60 hours from Glen Canyon Dam proposed for early March is not expected to negatively impact the world-renowned Lees Ferry trout fishery just downstream in picturesque Marble Canyon. The U.S. Department of the Interior is proposing the experiment to study and improve Colorado River resources in Grand Canyon National Park. The goal of the experiment is to better understand whether higher flows can be used to rebuild eroded beaches downstream of Glen Canyon Dam by moving sand accumulated in the riverbed onto sandbars. Grand Canyon sandbars provide habitat for wildlife, serve as camping beaches for recreationists, and supply sand needed to protect archaeological sites. Larry Riley, an Arizona Game and Fish Department biologist, said the proposed peak flow of 41,000 cfs would mean an increase of about 4 feet at the Lees Ferry boat ramp. "Wild trout are well adapted to stream conditions that include spring flushing flows. The proposed test flows could temporarily displace adult rainbow trout by changing water currents. However, the rainbow trout are unlikely to leave the immediate area and fish will return to desirable habitats rather quickly," Riley said. Riley explained that adult trout generally show a high degree of habitat fidelity, and long-term marking experiments at Lees Ferry have borne that out. Trout monitoring associated with the 1996 (spring) and 2004 (fall) high-flow experiments also noted no changes in density of adult trout in the Glen Canyon Reach. A decision by the Department of the Interior is anticipated in late February, with plans to conduct the high flow in early March 2008, if there is a decision to move forward with the experiment. The proposed 41,000 cfs flows would be about four times the average flow in recent years; however it's perhaps a third of the historic pre-dam spring peak flows of around 120,000 cfs and less than half of the peak flow during spill operations in 1983. In perspective, in late January this year the Salt River was flowing at around 80,000 cfs into Roosevelt Lake. Riley said the spawn is currently underway at the Ferry. "If the experiment is conducted, some trout redds (nests) could likely be scoured by the flow, as the spawn in recent years has peaked in late March. Also, some fry may be lost. Trout demonstrate compensatory survival to offset these kinds of events. Increased survival and growth rates of fry not lost or displaced are attributed to reduced competition for food. Likely late spawns can make up for losses of fry as well." Riley said that some anglers have expressed concerns that the trout at Lees Ferry could experience a shortage in their food supply, especially freshwater shrimp, because of the experimental flows. "We don't anticipate that happening. In fact, the flows will more likely have a positive affect on the algae habitats that support the shrimp populations." The timing of this high-flow event is at the beginning of the growing season when sunlight is returning to the canyon bottom, and the aquatic algae is poised to exploit the space, increasing sunlight, and available nutrients to grow and expand rapidly. "The experimental flows could trim the important alga beds of dead and aging fronds, just like trimming an aging tree, and could in fact create a bumper crop of high-quality food for trout." Riley said. Another concern by anglers is that the trout won't be catchable after this high flow. "Angler catch rates really did not change significantly as a result of the 1996 experiment. Fish behavior may shift following this event, with trout adopting different feeding habits and seeking out food in locations different than the seasoned Lees Ferry angler may be used to, but it shouldn't take long for anglers to adapt - it never does," Riley said. For example, he said, fish may use deeper water habitats following the high flow to capitalize upon food at depth making it more difficult for the wading angler to fish by sight. "That's a challenge to the skill of the angler, but not an adverse effect to the trout," Riley said. Guides and staff at local businesses learn quickly about alternative fishing tactics to catch these wild trout. "Consultation with these seasoned anglers and skilled listeners can provide tactics that will broaden an angler's repertoire and improve their ability to catch fish," Riley said. Riley added that Game and Fish Department biologists plan to conduct fish surveys at Lees Ferry both before and after the proposed experimental high flow event. "Every time an experiment is conducted, we learn things that help us better manage these important resources. That is an important part of the adaptive management process." For more information, visit www.gcmrc.gov/research/high_flow/2008/ Arizona's State Route 260 wildlife protection project wins national environmental award Nearly ten years ago, a multi-agency project began in Arizona to incorporate wildlife-friendly components in the expansion plans for State Route 260, in a stretch east of Payson. Now the project is being recognized for its revolutionary concept and design with the 2008 National Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Stewardship from the National Association of Environmental Professionals. A complex system of underpasses, wildlife fencing and a cutting-edge electric "wildlife crosswalk" were incorporated in roadway improvement design. The components aimed to reduce wildlife collisions along the increasingly busy stretch of road between Payson and Heber, by allowing wildlife populations to safely cross the roadway, reducing population isolation. "The State Route 260 project represents a truly groundbreaking collaborative effort of multiple partners over many years. It really was a labor of love, so national recognition from the environmental community is a great reward," says Norris Dodd, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's lead biologist on the project. "Even better, the wildlife components we incorporated into the design are proving very effective for motorists and wildlife." Population growth and the ever-expanding network of highways in Arizona have led to increasing wildlife-vehicle encounters on some of the state's most traveled routes. These collisions pose a risk to drivers and cost millions in property damage each year. Since activating the crosswalk component two years ago, the wildlife-vehicle collision rate has dropped 92 percent along the affected stretch of highway. The crosswalk was the first-of-its-kind in Arizona. It uses thermal infrared cameras that send images to sophisticated software normally used by the military to find targets. The software determines if the object is large enough-such as an elk or deer-to be a risk to motorists. Once an animal is detected, the software sends signals to electronic warning signs placed in advance of the crosswalk in either direction, and to flashing warning signs at the crosswalk. A 3-mile stretch of elk-proof fencing near the highway will funnel animals either to the crosswalk on the west end of the fence, or to the east, where there are underpasses. In addition to Arizona Game and Fish, several partners - Arizona Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Tonto National Forest, and contractors ElectroBraid Fence, Inc. and AZTEC Engineering, Inc. - developed the crosswalk system to work in conjunction with previously constructed underpasses and bridges being used as part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's award-winning State Route 260 reconstruction project. The award will be presented in March at the 2008 National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) conference to be held in California. The NAEP is a non-profit organization comprised of scientists and planning experts dedicated to the advancement of ethical environmental practices worldwide. Annual bald eagle workshop set for Flagstaff Have you ever wondered where eagles go during the winter? Have you ever seen a bald eagle? Learn more about bald eagles and see them in their natural environment at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Annual Bald Eagle Workshop in Flagstaff on Saturday, Feb. 23. The free workshop will be divided into two sessions; each one will include a lecture followed by a field trip to observe eagles. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. and the second session at 11 a.m. The lectures will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department office located at 3500 S. Lake Mary Rd. Guest speaker James Driscoll, raptor management coordinator for Arizona Game and Fish Department, will talk about wintering bald eagles, Arizona's resident eagle population and eagle identification. "This workshop has always been a big success here in Flagstaff, and we expect a great turnout again this year," says Arizona Game and Fish Public Information Officer Shelly Shepherd. "It is great to see so many people interested in wildlife in northern Arizona." Anyone interested in attending will need to register with the Arizona Game and Fish Flagstaff office by calling (928) 774-5045 by 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately, bring binoculars, bird field guidebooks, snacks and water. Funds available to law enforcement agencies for watercraft safety Arizona law enforcement agencies that conduct watercraft enforcement activities can now apply for funds under the Operating Under the Influence (OUI) Enforcement, and Boating Safety grants programs. Arizona Game and Fish administers two grant programs that will allow other agencies that have jurisdiction on Arizona's waterways the opportunity to apply for funds to increase enforcement efforts and reduce accident rates during the busy boating season. "The new OUI Enforcement grant program encourages safe and responsible boating and focuses on reducing alcohol-related boat accidents," says Joe Sacco, law enforcement program manager for Arizona Game and Fish Department. "But discouraging and removing intoxicated boat operators on Arizona's rivers and lakes can be challenging," Sacco says. The OUI Enforcement grant program is geared toward promoting OUI detection, OUI prevention and education, allows for the purchase of enforcement equipment, and can be used toward officer salaries for OUI related projects. The total available funds for the OUI program this fiscal year (2008-09) is $250,000. But OUI is not the only contributing factor to the state's high boating accident rates. For example, operator inexperience is a major contributor to accidents on Arizona's waterways. "Through outreach and education, the Boating Safety grant program will help agencies communicate to the public the many boating safety messages, such as wearing a life jacket," Sacco added. Projects through the Boating Safety program can include boating education school components, boating safety marketing, equipment and life jacket support, outreach materials and enhancing existing boating safety programs. The total available funds for the Boating Safety program this fiscal year (2008-09) is $450,000. Arizona Game and Fish encourages agencies to take advantage of the opportunity and apply. The deadline to apply for either program is March 31, 2008. Application packets can be downloaded at www.azgfd.gov/boating (click on the OUI and Boating Safety Grants link in the right column). For additional information, call Officer Kevin Bergersen at (623) 236-7383. Comment sought on proposed rule changes to Three Bar Wildlife Area restrictions The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on its proposal to amend R12-4-802(27), dealing with restrictions in the Three Bar Wildlife Area (Unit 22). Due to growing deer populations, the department would like to open the Walnut Canyon enclosure to hunting by way of Commission Order. This will allow the department to utilize hunting as a game management tool in controlling deer populations in Unit 22. The enclosure has been breached at multiple locations by the department, allowing the free flow of wildlife in and out of the enclosure. Other changes are proposed to add clarity to the rule. To view the proposed rule changes, click here, scroll down to the Notice of Exempt Rulemaking for Article 8, and click on the PDF link. The department will accept written public comment on the changes from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, 2008. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to rulemaking@azgfd.gov or by mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Eric English, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Oral comments may be presented at the April meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in Phoenix. The commission will vote on whether to approve the proposed changes at that meeting. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/rulemaking_process.shtml International Sportsmen's Exposition has a little something for everyone Want to catch a fish, shoot a bow and arrow, and see live wildlife - including all Arizona's rattlesnake species? Or maybe you're interested in bidding on a set of elk or deer antlers at the wildlife assets sale? Either way, be sure to visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department's section of the eighth annual International Sportsmen's Expo (ISE), March 7-9 (Friday through Sunday) at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. You'll find a lot to see and do for the whole family. Join more than 20,000 outdoor sports enthusiasts who will be visiting an estimated 400 exhibitors from around Arizona and the world at this fun three-day expo. There are also multiple seminar stages, contests, and a large youth outdoor sports fair. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will once again have a significant presence this year and will operate the kids fishing pond, as well as live wildlife, an archery area, and a trailer for shooting air guns. The department will also conduct its wildlife assets sale, always a big attraction at the ISE show. The sale enables the public to legally purchase items such as antlers, head mounts and hides that have been seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions, or acquired through donations. The funds raised through this silent auction-format sale are used to support the department's law enforcement program. Proceeds go toward the purchase of equipment or training that assists Game and Fish officers in more effectively enforcing anti-poaching and other wildlife laws. The department typically sells dozens of sets of elk and deer antlers and several mounts and hides at the ISE show each year. To find out what is available for sale this year, visit www.azgfd.gov/assets. ISE show hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12. Children 12 years and under receive free admission. Parking is free. Get your tickets online now! All tickets are valid for one-day admission. For more information, visit www.sportsexpos.com Game and Fish Outdoor Expo is packed with outdoor fun The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo 2008 will be jam-packed with outdoor fun and adventure for the whole family on March 29 and 30 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, just west of I-17 on Carefree Highway. It's free. This premier 1,690-acre shooting facility is once again being transformed into the largest hands-on outdoor expo in Arizona that can keep your family enthused and delighted all weekend long. And there are no admission or parking fees, just lots of fun. This year's exciting outdoor Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit the Game and Fish Department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/expo. Last year, the expo attracted more than 17,000 people and 100 exhibitors. "Families raved about how much fun they had at the Game and Fish Expo last year," said Ty Gray with the Game and Fish Department, "This year, we have made this great hands-on event even better. There's a little something to delight all outdoor enthusiasts. You won't want to miss it." You can come shoot some of the latest firearms from Sturm, Ruger & Co., Glock, Smith & Wesson, Marlin and Benelli. Or test your skill at shooting Olympic-caliber air rifles or fun .22-caliber rifles. You will even be able to see live wildlife up close and personal from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, or catch-and-release a fish at the ever-popular Family Fishing Tank. There is also an interactive nature trail. Want to test drive the latest all-terrain vehicles or watch customized rock crawlers do amazing feats? If so, you will want to visit the special Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Expo visitors can also learn to shoot a bow and arrow or see the latest in archery equipment at the newly-enhanced Archery Area. Or you can come try your hand at shooting trap, skeet or sporting clays at the revamped and modernized Clay Target Center. Interested in the country's fastest-growing shooting sport, cowboy action shooting? How about tactical-style pistol shooting? Then you will want to visit the Specialty Shooting Range section of the expo. You can even try your hand at shooting a Gatling gun. The Scholastic Clay Target Program will conduct its Commissioners' Cup state championships in sporting clays on the Saturday of Expo weekend. More than 150 young men and women will come to the Clay Target Center from all parts of the state to vie for state titles. Throughout the weekend, there will be demonstrations and workshops galore. Plus there are more than 100 exhibitors, outdoor organizations, and other interesting booths to visit, and plenty of good food to purchase at the Food Court. Last year, one outdoor family said that the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo was more fun than Disneyland and it only cost them a few dollars for the ammunition they shot. There is also something new this year - a youth education day on Friday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where teachers can bring their classes for a host of educational activities, including live wildlife demonstrations, a wilderness safety course, geocaching demonstrations, fishing, and much more. The Youth Day will also include the state's Archery in the Schools competition, which is looking very competitive. This year, there are 100 schools participating in the Archery in the Schools Program conducted by the Game and Fish Department. For more information on the Youth Day or the Outdoor Expo, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo. Muzzleloaders, cowboy action shooters coming to Ben Avery
The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association is holding its 2008 Western National Shoot on Feb. 20-25. Several hundred participants, some in period dress, are competing using muzzle-loading firearms. Competition shooting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except on Monday when awards and ceremonies will take place. Events include beginner's shoot, Boy Scout camps, pistol, Hawk and knife, primitive matches, offhand, bench rest, X-sticks, silhouette, chunk gun, running boar, trap and skeet, primitive archery, and back powder cartridge. Spectators are welcome. Admission is free. Mark your calendar to step back in time and come out and enjoy the fun! For more information, visit www.nmlra.org. The Single Action Shooting Society's national championship of cowboy action shooting, Winter Range 2008, will be held March 5-9. The mounted shooting national championships will be held on those dates as well. Nearly 700 competitors from across the country and overseas, decked out in Old West-style clothing, will compete using a combination of pistols, rifles and shotguns of the late 1800s. "Winter Range is a fun event for competitors and spectators," says Tim Coker, one of the event organizers. "Everyone dresses in Western clothing and shoots firearms from that era. A lot of families compete-more than 25 percent of the participants are women." A crowd-pleaser every year is the mounted shooting, where competitors on horseback weave through a course while popping balloons with six-guns blazing. It's like a rodeo and a shooting event combined. Spectators are welcome to view the competition and also roam the streets of a temporary cowboy "village," where vendors will be selling period clothing, arts and crafts. Admission to Winter Range is free. Visitors to the event will be asked for a $5 per car parking donation to cover the cost of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies that will be handling parking and traffic control. For more information, visit www.winterrange.com. This 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. |
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It is shaping up to be the best fishing year in Arizona in 25 years - this may indeed be the Year of the Pisces.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all shed antler hunters to stay on roads and trails this season, if hunting for antlers on an off-highway vehicle.
Two national shooting competitions celebrating early American firearms are being held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility this month and next. 
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