• Elk and antelope draw is complete; results are available
• Learn tips and techniques at this weekend’s Outdoor Expo workshops
• Recommendations for the 2008-09 Arizona hunting and trapping regulations will be available for public review
• He’s back – Mr. Whiskers splashes into urban lakes
• Off-highway vehicle legislation update
• Game and Fish to host wildlife fair in Prescott Valley on April 10
• Gobbles echo throughout spring in southern Arizona’s Sky Islands region
• Game and Fish to host tortoise adoption fair in Tucson
• Rio Salado celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on April 12

Elk and antelope draw is complete; results are available

The 2008 elk and antelope draw has been completed and the 120,392 applicants can now visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (602) 942-3000 and follow the prompts to see if they have been drawn.

Be prepared to provide your department identification number, plus your birth date to access your specific draw information.

Game and Fish officials said there are approximately 45 antlerless elk tags for limited opportunity hunts remaining for first-come, first-serve starting April 14 by mail only. Approximately 50 archery elk tags remain at Camp Navajo for those eligible. Please contact Camp Navajo at www.campnavajo.com or call (928) 773-3306 for further information.

Remember that the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be setting the other 2008-09 big game hunts for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear and mountain lion during its Saturday, April 19 meeting in the new Game and Fish headquarters on Carefree Highway just 1.5 miles west of I-17. You will be able to start applying for the other permitted fall hunts once the appropriate information is posted online.

The anticipated deadline day to submit for those remaining fall big game hunt-permit applications is Tuesday, June 10 (the second Tuesday of June). Remember, postmarks don’t count. As a reminder, the online application process will not be available for the remaining fall hunts.

Learn tips and techniques at Outdoor Expo workshops

Is Arizona really going to experience its best fishing in 25 years? What should you do if you meet up with a rattlesnake while hiking? How do Arizona’s hawks and other birds of prey survive in our desert environment?

Come out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 29-30 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility and find out.

The Expo offers a series of entertaining and educational workshops on a variety of topics. For example, Fisheries Chief Kirk Young and Fishing Report Editor Rory Aikens will talk about how anglers can take advantage of what is shaping up to be a terrific year for fishing.

“Thanks to the historic filling of Roosevelt Lake this year and the fantastic runoff and nutrient loading into most Arizona fisheries, we are looking at some of the best fishing opportunities in a couple of decades or so,” said Young.

Aikens pointed out that the fishing this year will vie with the tremendous fishing opportunities of the 1970s after Lake Powell filled and Lees Ferry was astounding anglers with stringers of giant rainbow trout that drew fishermen from around the world.

“While those fishing opportunities in the ‘70s were spectacular, they were fairly localized. This year, and perhaps in subsequent years as well, we are looking at tremendous fishing opportunities across most of Arizona for all types of sport fish,” Aikens said.

The schedule of free outdoor workshops at the Expo is:

Saturday, March 29

• 10 a.m. – Majestic hunting partners: Falconry in Arizona.
• 11 a.m. – Quail hunting and bird dog tips.
• Noon – Sky masters: Arizona’s birds of prey.
• 12:45 p.m. – Arizona’s best fishing in 25 years?
• 1:30 p.m. – Mother Earth and magic.
• 2:15 p.m. – Arizona’s venomous reptiles.
• 3 p.m. – Traditional bowhunting in a modern world.

Sunday, March 30

• 10 a.m. – Basic dog training.
• 11 a.m. – Watchable wildlife: Tools, tips, techniques.
• Noon – Sky masters: Arizona’s birds of prey.
• 12:45 p.m. – Arizona’s best fishing in 25 years?
• 1:15 p.m. – Arizona’s venomous reptiles.
• 2 p.m. – Ever skin a grizz, pilgrim?
• 2:45 p.m. – River running.

The workshops will be held at the Family Fun Adventures Area near the archery range.

The department’s Outdoor Expo has become the largest hands-on outdoor show in the state. Visitors can try out the latest firearms, learn specialty shooting, try their hand at archery, view live wildlife, learn about off-highway vehicle and boating recreation, and visit with more than 150 exhibitors.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. Admission and parking are free.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located at the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.

Recommendations for the 2008-09 Arizona hunting and trapping regulations will be available for public review

The proposed recommendations for the 2008-09 Arizona hunting and trapping regulations will soon be available for review on the department’s Web site and at a series of open houses at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional offices.

The annual hunting and trapping regulations establish the seasons, season dates, bag limits, open areas, and hunt permit-tag quantities.

During the regional open houses, no formal presentation will be made. However, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations.  The open house schedules are:

• Monday, April 7, 3-5 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. 
  
  
• Tuesday, April 8, 3-5 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road. 
  
  
• Tuesday, April 8, 6-8 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road. 
  
  
• Wednesday, April 9, 3-5 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive. 
  
  
• Wednesday, April 9, 3-5 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St. 
  
  
• Thursday, April 10, 6-8 p.m. – Arizona Game and Fish Department Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

If you are unable to attend one of these open houses, the 2008-09 hunt recommendations will be posted on the Game and Fish Department's Web site early next week and you may download a PDF file to review.

The recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration during its April 18-19 meeting in Phoenix at the department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

He’s back – Mr. Whiskers splashes into urban lakes

Ah, spring is in the air, and warming water temperatures signal the return of channel catfish to all Phoenix and Tucson area Urban Fishing Program waters.

On Friday, March 21, the Arizona Game and Fish Department distributed approximately 7,000 feisty catfish, fresh from the farm, each weighing an average of 2 pounds, to the 19 lakes and ponds in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas.

Additional stocking of these hefty, hard-fighting fish will continue every two weeks through the end of June. Green Valley Lakes in Payson will continue to receive trout stockings through mid-May.

“We’re excited about kicking off our spring stocking season with these powerful, fun to catch catfish. Some of the best baits for catfish include stink baits, worms and hotdogs,” says Eric Swanson, urban fishing program manager. “The bite for channel catfish is usually best in evenings and early mornings and slower during mid-day periods.”

Children under 14 can fish for free; however, anglers 14 and older must purchase a 2008 Urban Fishing License, $18.50 per calendar year, to fish any of the 20 specially designated urban fishing program waters. Daily limits are four catfish per person at Urban Lakes or two catfish per person at Urban Ponds as noted by park signage and fishing regulation booklets. Any observed fishing violations or exceeded limits should be phoned in immediately to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700. To find out more about the Urban Fishing Program and the lake location closest to you, go to www.azgfd.gov/fish and click on the “Urban Fishing” link on the left side.

With the current economic conditions of higher gas prices, grocery bills and the like, the Urban Fishing Program offers an affordable and healthy outdoor activity for the entire family - even those that choose not to fish. Many lakes are in parks that have kids' playgrounds, greenbelt areas, basketball courts, jogging trails, dog parks, wildlife viewing, or public libraries.

Convenient locations make for a short drive or even better – a walk or bike ride. Moreover, fish can be released or they can be kept for consumption. Catfish make excellent table fare and can be prepared in a multitude of ways from deep-fried, baked or broiled, or as fish tacos with a southwestern flare of chipotle sauce, avocado and cilantro. Proper care during transportation and cooking of your catch will ensure a healthy and delicious meal!

Arizona's Urban Fishing Program is recognized nationally as one of the best in the country. The program is a partnership with the Game and Fish Department and local parks and recreation departments to intensively stock and manage park lakes for fishing recreation.

Off-highway vehicle legislation update

House Bill 2573 (also known as the off-highway vehicle, user fee bill) was added to the House Natural Resources Committee agenda and passed on March 26 as a strike-everything amendment to SB 1167. HB 2573 had failed the previous week in the Arizona Senate Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee (the March 19 vote was 3-3, with one absent).

House Bill 2573 will provide resources to better manage Arizona’s growing off-highway vehicle (OHV) use while protecting wildlife habitat. OHVs have seen a 347 percent increase in usage in Arizona in the last few years, but law enforcement and trail development have lagged far behind. Through this legislation, dollars would be provided by a nominal user fee to create new law enforcement positions, new land and habitat mitigation for damaged use areas, and better trail construction.

For more information or the latest developments regarding HB 2573, go to the department’s OHV legislation Web site at www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ohv_legislation.shtml.

Game and Fish to host wildlife fair in Prescott Valley on April 10

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region III office will host its annual wildlife fair for the public from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the Bradshaw Mountain East Freshman campus, 6411 Robert Road in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

The fair, free to all, will feature live animals, wildlife education, interactive games, and free giveaways. This is a one-night only event.

“This is a great event for everyone,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Region III office. “Teachers, students, and the general public can all enjoy the event. Game and Fish staff and law enforcement will be available to answer questions, and other agencies and organizations will attend as well.”

Mocarski said there will be live birds, mammals, several species of rattlesnake, and a number of other wildlife. Game and Fish will also have interactive hunting and fishing games and a number of educational booths. Free giveaways will include items such as posters, brochures, and booklets.

The fair, however, will not be limited to the Game and Fish Department. Slated to participate at the event are: Arizona Trappers Association, Arizona State Parks, the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Prescott Audubon Society, Prescott National Forest, Prescott Sportsmen’s Club, and Yavapai Big Brother and Big Sisters.

Although designed for youth, many of the exhibits will be of interest to adults.

“It’s a good time for everyone,” said Mocarski. “We’ll have a lot of educational material on a variety of topics.

“As Arizona’s population continues to grow, it’s important for adults and youth to have an understanding of wildlife: the behavior of animals, their value, and potential risks of specific human behaviors.”

There will be some photographic opportunities, so anyone interested is welcome to bring a camera.

For more information, contact the Kingman regional office at (928) 692-7700.

Gobbles echo throughout spring in southern Arizona’s Sky Islands region

The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Wild Turkey Federation, along with sportsmen and private citizens, successfully captured and relocated 50 Gould’s wild turkeys  from the Huachuca mountains in early March. The captured birds were relocated to the Santa Rita and Catalina Mountains to help supplement existing populations and continue to expand the range of this unique but once eradicated wild turkey subspecies. The Gould’s turkey is common in Mexico, but only Arizona and New Mexico support populations in the United States.

A total of 10 gobblers and 15 hens went to each mountain range. Birds taken to the Santa Ritas were released near Josephine Canyon. Birds taken to the Catalina Mountains were released near the Rose Canyon Lake area. This is the second year that Gould’s turkeys from the Huachuca Mountains have been released into these mountain ranges, although Gould’s turkeys from Mexico have also been released here. Relocation has been the cornerstone of this restoration success story.
   
“It took five captures, over three weeks of very cold early mornings, to meet our capture goal and gobbler-to-hen ratio. Approximately 12-14 volunteers were available each time to assist in any way necessary,” stated John Millican, wildlife manager with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Tucson office. “These captures take incredible amounts of planning, coordination and participation from outside resources. Without the assistance from department personnel, volunteer sportsmen, landowners, and conservation groups, these achievements would not be possible.”
   
Six mountain ranges throughout southeastern Arizona now support populations of the Gould’s turkey: the Chiricahua, Pinaleno, Galiuro, Santa Rita, Catalina, and Huachuca Mountains. All of these mountain ranges are part of the Sky Islands. This 70,000-square-mile region extends from southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico and the northwestern part of Mexico. The name is due to the mosaic of forested mountaintops or “islands” that are isolated from each other by vast expanses of desert or grasslands referred to as “seas.” This region encompasses one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America.
   
“The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is proud to play a part in the return of this native game bird to the pine and oak filled canyons of the Sky Islands. Funding from the National Wild Turkey Federation has helped make the restoration of the Gould's wild turkey possible in southeastern Arizona. New hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities are now available to the people of Arizona due to the cooperation of public and private groups and individuals,” says John Larsen, regional director from the organization’s Arizona chapter.
   
The Gould’s reintroduction project began as a joint international effort with Mexico, where the first populations of Gould’s subspecies came from to restore Arizona’s historic populations during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Today, Gould’s populations in the Huachuca’s are significant and capable of sustaining further range expansion from our own populations. This translocation marks the fourth time that in-state populations have been used to continue the repopulation effort, indicating that the reintroduced Gould’s turkeys to southern Arizona are healthy and adapting well.
   
Big Game Program Manager Brian Wakeling explains, “The money that the department receives from the sales of special turkey hunt permit-tags, over $91,500 since 1996, has been an integral part of the restoration of Gould’s turkey to southeastern Arizona. Funding from the turkey special license tag sales covers research, monitoring, prescribed burning, water development, and other management activities for both Gould’s and Merriam’s turkeys in Arizona, activities that could not have been done without this revenue source. The National Wild Turkey Federation and their Arizona Chapter are to be commended for their efforts in marketing these great hunting opportunities.”
   
Wakeling continues to add, “With the restoration of the Gould’s turkey, wildlife viewing opportunities have been expanded, and many people travel to the Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains each year just to view the relatively rare Gould’s subspecies. This is yet another example of how hunting revenues and wildlife management based on the North American Model benefit all wildlife enthusiasts.”
   
Translocation programs are designed to increase diversity of wildlife populations throughout the state and beyond. Turkeys nationwide have expanded from a historic low of less than 100,000 to over 7.4 million birds today. Programs are made possible by funding from license sales, concerned sportsmen groups, special auction tags and other concerned conservationists.

To watch an exciting online video of Merriam’s turkeys being captured, visit www.azgfd.gov/video/ArizonaWildlifeViews2008-5.shtml.

Game and Fish to host tortoise adoption fair in Tucson

Do you have a yard big enough for a dog, but no time to take one for daily walks and weekend outings? Do reptiles fascinate you? Is someone in your family allergic to pets with fur or feathers? If so, consider adopting a desert tortoise through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s tortoise adoption fair in Tucson on Saturday, April 26.

Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets, and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment.

Tucson-area residents interested in sharing their yard with a tortoise must mail a completed application form and photos of their enclosure to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, ATTN: Tortoise Adoption Program, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ  85743. Application materials need to be postmarked by April 7. Enclosure specifications and application forms can be downloaded at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. People interested in adopting a tortoise will find frequently asked questions on the Web site, but may also call the Tucson area Tortoise Adoption hotline at (520) 883-3062 with additional questions.

“People are pleasantly surprised at how fun a desert tortoise can be for the family, and how easy they are to care for,” says Stéphane Poulin, coordinator of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Tortoise Adoption Program. “Tortoises make a good tool for parents to teach their children about wildlife, the environment and how to care for an animal.”

The adoption fair will be held at Game and Fish’s Tucson office located at 555 N. Greasewood Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tortoise experts will be on hand to answer questions, and they will give presentations about proper care at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A veterinarian will also be available in the afternoon to answer health questions, but please do not bring any animals from your home to this event. Examples of proper outdoor enclosures and burrows will be on display.

Tortoises are available for adoption to pre-approved Tucson homes at scheduled appointment times. Tortoises are marked with identification and pass a health check before being available for adoption. State law prohibits taking these creatures from the wild. Federal law bans the transport of them across state lines. 

Desert tortoises can live up to 100 years. They grow to be about 15 pounds and hibernate in the winter months. They eat plant material, including grasses, wildflowers and native cactus fruits. Once captive, desert tortoises can not be released back into the wild. Captive animals can pass an upper respiratory disease to wild tortoise populations.

Game and Fish discourages tortoise custodians from allowing their animals to breed. Each year, there are more tortoises than good homes for adoption.

Rio Salado celebrates International Migratory Bird Day on April 12

It’s that time of year again: flowers blooming, temperatures warming, and migratory birds returning from their winter retreats. Celebrate their arrival during International Migratory Bird Day on April 12 at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area.

The free celebration begins at 8 a.m. with guided bird walks, demonstrations and lectures from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The family-friendly event offers fun children’s activities including face painting, story-telling, birding activities and crafts. An art contest for students in grades 1-6 will also be offered, and children can win festival t-shirts and other prizes. Participants will be treated to Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s free flight raptor demonstration, as well as to bird photography tips from experts. In addition, avian biologists and wildlife rehabilitators will be on hand to answer questions and display live critters.

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is an annual event to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. The theme for IMBD 2008, “From Tundra to Tropics,” focuses on long distant migrants, the habitats they depend on, and the people who are important to the conservation of birds — all of us.

Located in south-central Phoenix, the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is a bird habitat success story. The project to revitalize the dewatered Salt River streambed began in 1998. Today, more than 200 species of birds, many of them migratory, have been reported in the project area. The IMBD festival will be held at the project’s center at 2439 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

Event partners include the City of Phoenix, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Liberty Wildlife, Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Auxiliary, and Environment for the Americas.

For more information on the festivities, visit www.phoenix.gov/riosalado.