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Wildlife News - July 18 Wildlife News Jul 18, 2008
Applicants can obtain draw results for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo and bear hunt tags by providing a department ID Number (usually the applicant's Social Security number) and date of birth. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000. Game and Fish officials said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 22 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). For those individuals who were unsuccessful in the draw or didn’t submit an application, don’t despair – there are leftover tags for deer, turkey, and juniors-only javelina. Applications for more than 3,000 deer tags, more than 350 turkey tags, and more than 2,000 tags for juniors-only javelina hunts will be accepted by mail only on or after 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 11, 2008. For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-2549 for additional information. Hunters are also reminded that fall turkey tags for juniors-only can be purchased over-the-counter at any department office or license dealer. Also, predictions are good to excellent for the dove season that begins Sept. 1. Dove hunting is a great way to introduce young and new people to hunting. Other dates to remember include Oct. 3 for the opening day for quail and squirrel seasons, and Tuesday, Oct. 14 for the anticipated deadline to submit applications for the spring draw for javelina, turkey, bear and buffalo. Hunting and fishing continues to be the cornerstone and a primary source of funding for wildlife management and conservation in North American. 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. Ever wish you could see a map of Arizona showing all the places to go fishing, along with what types of fish you can find and maybe even something about the facilities at each lake, river or stream?
The Game and Fish Department now has a computerized interactive fishing hole map of Arizona on its Web site at www.azgfd.gov/fishing under “Where To Fish.” Most of the information for the interactive computerized map was taken from the popular “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” booklet published by the Game and Fish Department. One of the cool things about this interactive map is it gives you the ability to locate places to fish for specific species. “Want to know where to fish for rainbow trout? Simply click on the words ‘rainbow trout’ at the bottom and the map will only show those locations with trout,” said Web Master Brian Ference, who headed up the project. Do you need directions to a particular fishing hole? Those are there too. You can even choose the type of map you want, including topographical or satellite imagery. There are even links to Wikipedia to provide more detailed information. Are you curious about the current weather over your prospective fishing hole? Just click on the link to “View on Google Earth” at the top of the map and with a couple of tweaks, you can see for yourself. Don’t forget, you can also sign up to have the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report delivered directly to your computer each and every week. It’s always good to find out what fish are biting where, and what baits or methods to use as well. To complete your friendly arsenal of relevant fishing information, you might want to purchase the $6 “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” publication as well – it is sized to fit most vehicle glove compartments. To obtain an order form, visit www.azgfd.gov/i_e/pubs/publications.shtml
Bass fishermen receive recognition for saving hunters from sinking boat
The heroic actions of Mike Perry and Mark Potts earned them a “Commendation for Excellence” from the Arizona Game and Fish Department Deputy Director during the June commission meeting in Phoenix. “All too often and usually after the fact, we see the tragic end results of bad decisions. It is very rare to honor folks who have actually made a real difference. Without a doubt, the quick and heads-up actions by Mark Potts and Mike Perry saved three lives that day and prevented a tragedy,” said Kevin Bergersen, law enforcement programs coordinator / boating law administrator. “All hunters, indeed all boaters, can learn from this near miss.” Perry and Potts were bass fishing on Saguaro Lake when they witnessed the three hunters’ heavily loaded aluminum boat starting to sink and overturn. Fortunately, the fishermen were only 150 yards away and were able to rescue the struggling hunters before it was too late. The three archery javelina hunters had just launched their boat, which was being used to access the other side of the lake. The voyage only went about 100 yards before the front of the boat went under water and began to sink. Due to the near freezing winter weather, all three hunters were fully clothed and geared up for their hunt, which made swimming nearly impossible. Perry and Potts had been watching the entire scene unfold. They quickly raced over to the overturned boat to find the situation turning worse, since no one was wearing a life jacket. Two of the victims were struggling just to stay above water, while the third was no longer visible. Fast-thinking Perry saw an arm under the surface and was able to reach the drowning man and haul him to the boat. Potts managed to assist the other two waterlogged hunters to the side of the boat. When the boat was recovered, the only gear salvaged were the three unworn life jackets found floating nearby. Bergersen advises all boat owners take a boating safety class before casting off. “Safe boating is important in all activities, be it recreational or just as a method of transportation. Understanding weight and passenger capacity, weight distribution, and use of personal floatation devices are just a few of the concerns boat owners should be aware of,” he says. Oddly, although the incident happened in January, the Game and Fish Department was unable to get the awards to Perry and Potts due to scheduling conflicts around their very busy spring time fishing schedules. Apparently, outside of work and family, fishing is the next most important passion in their life. Now those are dedicated sportsmen! In addition to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s recognition, both Perry and Potts were also awarded the Medal of Lifesaving by the Phoenix Police Department’s Honors Board. To learn more about boating safety, visit www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/boating_education.shtml Trout fishing in the high country during summer can enter the daytime doldrums, but monsoon-generated rain showers can radically alter the equation.
“When those billowing thunderstorms start building in the mountains, the barometer drops, the insects come out but fly low in the sky, prompting the trout to feed actively. That means it’s time to grab your fishing pole and go catch some tasty salmonids for dinner,” said Rory Aikens, the Fishing Report editor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Aikens said the most active trout will be near the surface to gobble up flying insects that have fallen into the water, or those flying just above the surface. Most traditional trout fishing techniques will work at this time, but the best fishing techniques will mimic the conditions. “Even if you are not a fly angler, you can still take advantage of these trout feeding habits. You don’t necessarily need a fly rod to fish flies,” Aikens said. Aikens suggests using what is called a casting bubble with a tapered fly line attached, and of course, a fly. “Drop by any fly fishing shop or the major sporting goods stores and they can help you select the right tackle. It’s a whole lot of fun. Youngsters love it because they can often see the trout hitting their offering at the surface.” Simply cast the bubble with the leader and fly attached, and then slowly reel it in with stop-and-go action. “Experiment; sometimes little flicks of the wrist to make the fly dart will prompt a predator reaction from the trout. Get creative,” he suggests. But once the thunderstorms get underway and lightning is flashing across the mountain skies, seek some shelter. “Our new graphite fishing poles are superb lightning rods. You don’t want one in your hands when lightning is about – it can be a shocking experience,” Aikens said. However, he added, the cloud cover and cooling rains also open up other opportunities in the mountains – wildlife watching. “During the heat of summer, a lot of the larger mammals such as deer and elk are not very active during the day. Cooling thunderstorms can change that situation,” Aikens said. Try driving down the road slowly at between 10 to 15 mph. Most wild animals are seen from the corners of your eyes, which most readily pick up movement. “Believe it or not, your vehicle can often make a pretty good wildlife blind. Once you spot a wild animal, slow to a stop, and keep very still within the vehicle,” Aikens said.
The public drawing will take place at the El Zaribah Shrine, 552 North 40th Street in Phoenix. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the drawing begins at 3:30 p.m. However, the foundation’s banquet dinner, following the drawing, is only open to registered guests. Raffle winners will be announced at the drawing. Winners not present will be contacted live from the drawing by speaker phone during the drawing. So, if you have a ticket, be sure to keep your phone nearby between 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., just in case. If you are out of town or away from the phone, don’t worry, all winners will be notified by mail and will be posted at www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com shortly after the drawing. This is the third annual Arizona Big Game Super Raffle. The raffle awards nine of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Special Tags. Big game tags up for raffle include one each for pronghorn antelope, black bear, buffalo, Coues whitetail, desert bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, mule deer, and turkey. The raffle has generated over $1.07 million in its brief two-year history. Launched in 2006 by a consortium of sportsmen’s / conservation groups in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, all ticket proceeds are returned to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to be used for wildlife management. Every dollar raised for each species will go directly toward the management of that particular species. To learn about the 2009 raffle, which will offer ten species up for raffle (the commission added a mountain lion tag to the auction), visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.
The program will consist of a classroom presentation, including discussion of bald eagle life history, behavior patterns and current status in Arizona and North America. This will be followed by an optional field trip to possibly observe eagle behavior first-hand if one is present nearby. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for weather conditions that day, and to bring a set of binoculars or a spotting scope for improved observation. “Most of Arizona’s bald eagles are snowbirds,” says Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager in the Game and Fish Pinetop office. “They move down from the north in December, are commonly seen perched at White Mountain lakes and reservoirs in January and February, and begin moving back north by March.” Mid-winter surveys estimate an average of 325 eagles statewide, but that number has been improving in recent years. The number of nesting pairs in Arizona has also been rising. There are perhaps 40,000 bald eagles in Canada and Alaska. Sitko encourages anyone interested in learning more about Arizona’s bald eagles to attend this informative seminar.
The Local Sportsmen’s Group Grant Program will award funding through a competitive application process to eligible local sportsmen’s group projects that promote or facilitate hunter, angler, shooter or trapper recruitment and retention. The deadline to apply is Aug. 18. The total funding available for this year is $50,000. Multiple awards may be made, and the department may partially fund projects at its discretion. To be eligible for consideration, a group must:
The deadline for groups to submit grant applications is Monday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. (MST). Applications must be in the department’s possession by the deadline; postmarks don’t count. Applications can be submitted to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, DOFP All applicants must use the forms from the grant application packet and include all the documentation listed in the packet’s instructions. Application packets can be downloaded from www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/i_e/applicationFINAL.pdf [PDF, 181kb] or can be obtained by calling Grant Administrator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. Final awards will be made by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Director. It is anticipated grant awards for the 2008-09 grant year will be announced around the end of October 2008. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/i_e/local_sportsmens.shtml. The recruitment and retention of hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters is important to continue the successful management of Arizona’s wildlife. Funding for the management and conservation of game animals is funded by dollars generated by the sale of licenses, hunt tags and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment – not through the state’s general fund. However, driving on a country road and enjoying roaming elk herds, antelope on the range or ducks in flight are enjoyed by all citizens of Arizona and beyond.
This year’s stamp features a majestic pair of swimming canvasbacks. The art was created by the 2006-2007 Federal Duck Stamp winner Sherrie Russell Meline. The Arizona duck stamp is a conservation stamp for raising funds to benefit Arizona’s waterfowl and waterfowl habitat, similar to the Federal Duck Stamp Program. Now in its 21st year, some of the investments from the program have resulted in amazing resting grounds for wintering sandhill cranes, geese and waterfowl. On a larger scale, a portion of the funding is sent to Canada and receives a bonus. For every dollar the state donates, it increases by four, and in some cases, even eight times the value, due to matching funds from Ducks Unlimited, Canada, and the North American Wetland Conservation Act. Although these matching dollars are a great benefit to waterfowl conservation, unfortunately, increased urbanization and modernization have caused a significant decrease in stamp revenues over the last few years. Nearly 90 percent of duck stamps are purchased by hunters, and Arizona has fewer duck hunters today than it had a decade ago. If this downward trend continues, a primary funding source for restoring, enhancing, and acquiring wetland habitat in Arizona will dry up. Oddly, the misconception is that duck stamps, both state and federal, are only for waterfowl hunters. While it is true hunters are required to have the state duck stamp, the truth is, all citizens benefit from the increase in wildlife and habitat purchased by this conservation effort. Wetland habitats are important for many birds in Arizona, not just waterfowl. Rails, shorebirds, herons, Ibis, and many other spectacular birds depend on wetland habitats. The state duck stamp benefits them all. If you enjoy wildlife watching, birding or just beautiful wetland landscapes, show your support and buy an Arizona Duck Stamp – the cost is only $8.75. They can be purchased at any Game and Fish office or license dealer around the state. Then, take a youngster out to learn about waterfowl, wetlands, migration, and the Arizona outdoors. For a list of where to find ducks in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waterfowl_hunting.shtml.
$5 raffle ticket for chance at rare Gould’s turkey hunt
Representatives from NWTF will be on-hand selling raffle tickets this Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa, Cabela’s in Glendale, Sportsman’s Warehouse in Phoenix and the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Mesa. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased with cash only. Monies raised are returned to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to be used for the direct management and benefit for wild turkeys in Arizona. “We really appreciate the NWTF for hosting this fundraising event,” says Brian Wakeling, big game management supervisor. “The revenue generated allows the department to conduct projects that directly benefit turkeys. The Gould’s turkey reintroduction is a perfect example. Once eradicated from Arizona, we now enjoy a healthy and growing population of this incredible subspecies.” There will be a public drawing for the winning ticket Aug. 4 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. The time is yet to be determined. The winner does not need to be present to win. Additional contacts for getting raffle tickets are Rich Williams (602) 881-6815 (Phoenix), Craig Kennedy (602) 531-6263 (Mesa), Anthony Chavez (623) 877-7246 or krisgchavez@yahoo.com (Phoenix AZGFD), John Millican j2dbmill@msn.com (Sierra Vista), or John Larsen (928) 537-9848 or jlarsennwtf@yahoo.com (Pinetop area). The Arizona Game and Fish Commission may award up to three special tags for each big game species to qualifying nonprofit conservation organizations per A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120. Proceeds from the sale of these tags are used for wildlife management and conservation of the species of each particular tag sold.
Game and Fish offers Wildlife Conservation Fund grants The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF) grants to nonprofit groups and government agencies for projects that support wildlife conservation. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process. A total of up to $300,000 in funding is available. The application deadline is Sept. 2. Projects eligible for consideration include those related to:
Eligible applicants include any agency of the state or any political subdivision, Indian tribe, or nonprofit organization exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of conservation of wildlife or wildlife habitat, or acquisition of real property that is wildlife habitat. All applicants must use the forms from the WCF grant packet and include all the documentation listed in the packet’s instructions. Application packets can be downloaded from www.azgfd.gov/w_c/wildlife_conservation_grant.shtml or by calling Grant Coordinator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. (MST). Applications must be in the department’s possession by the deadline; postmarks don’t count. Applications can be submitted to: Arizona Game and Fish Department Two sets (one original and one copy) of the application and supporting documentation must be submitted. Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. The WCF Grant Program is one of several grant programs offered by Arizona Game and Fish and is different from the Local Sportsman Group Grant Program. The WCF Grant Program is funded by monies from the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund instituted in 2002 after Arizona voters approved Proposition 202, which continued limited and regulated gaming on Arizona tribal lands. Proposition 202 distributes a portion of shared gaming revenues, through the Arizona Benefits Fund, to the State of Arizona and local governments to support specified state and local programs. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/wildlife_conservation_grant.shtml or contact Grant Coordinator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530 or rbeck@azgfd.gov.
Arizona’s dove and sandhill crane regulations are online
“The super abundant rains this past winter and early spring have resulted in a robust seed crop in the desert and a tremendous crop of saguaro blossoms. This should result in a nice fat population of dispersed mourning doves and white-winged doves,” says Small Game Management Supervisor Mike Rabe. “Dove hunting is a deep-rooted family tradition, and in many cases, is the best way to teach the next generation about the value that hunters bring to wildlife management,” says Recruitment/Retention Coordinator Tristanna Bickford. “However, families without a hunting background are encouraged to come to the Robins Butte Dove Hunt where we will have mentors to teach youngsters how fun and safe dove hunting is.” Included within the dove regulations are the season dates and bag limits for band-tailed pigeons and Eurasian collared-doves. Band-tailed pigeon season starts Sept. 12 (north zone) or Sept. 19 (south zone) and runs through Oct. 5. The season for Eurasian collared-doves is open now and runs year-long from Sept. 1, 2008 - Aug. 31, 2009. Hunters are reminded to keep one feathered wing attached to all harvested birds, including Eurasian collared-doves, until they reach their final destination. Also, hunters 16 and older are required to have the Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp. The stamp is not required to harvest Eurasian collared-doves. The 2008 sandhill crane season offers a change this year with a juniors-only hunt Dec. 12-14. This is the last crane hunt of the season and should offer the greatest opportunity for a successful outing. There are 50 slots available and the harvest limit is two birds per hunter. Sandhill crane season is regulated through the Arizona Game and Fish application process. Hunters interested in hunting sandhill cranes must apply for a hunt permit-tag. Applications can be found at any department office, license dealer, or downloaded from www.azgfd.gov/rules (select the “Hunt Permit Tag Application [PDF, 312kb]).” Applications must be submitted by U.S. Mail only. There is no online process and hand deliveries will not be accepted. Applications will be accepted after Aug. 4. All applications must be received by Sept. 2 – postmarks do not count. 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. Controlled hunting seasons maintain them as a sustainable wildlife resource. Dove hunters are a valuable conservation tool. There is an excise tax on ammunition that is contributed to the Pitman-Robertson Fund, which in turn is returned to state wildlife agencies for the management of wildlife, which benefits 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.
Fire restrictions lifted on some state wildlife areas The Arizona Game and Fish Department has rescinded its fire restrictions on wildlife areas in the high country to correspond to the lifting of fire restrictions on the Prescott, Coconino and Tonto national forests. State wildlife officials said that while fire restrictions can sometimes get confusing this time of year, there is a logic you can follow. “If a state wildlife area is located within a national forest that has rescinded fire restrictions, then just expect the Game and Fish Department to follow suit and lift its restrictions,” said Field Operations Director Mike Senn. “On the flip side,” Senn explained, “Many of the desert jurisdictions such as the Bureau of Land Management areas in the desert or along the Colorado River still have fire restrictions in place, so you can expect corresponding state wildlife areas such as the one at Alamo Lake and Mittry Lake to retain their restrictions as well.” For the latest updates on fire restrictions in Arizona, visit the Public Lands Information Center at www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php. The Game and Fish Department has lifted fire restrictions at:
Those state wildlife areas with fire restrictions remaining are:
In those wildlife areas with restrictions, no open fires are allowed – including charcoal-burning barbecues. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, is prohibited. However, you can still use gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices. “These are pretty much the same restrictions you will see at other locations. It’s all simple and straightforward – enjoy the outdoors but take the simple precautions to be safe out there,” Senn said. Remember that just because fire restrictions have been lifted for many areas, this is still the fire season. “Fire Weather Watches” are issued when there is a possibility of critical fire weather conditions and you should listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.
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The 2008 fall big game draw process is complete and applicants can now find out if they’ve been drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at 
Well, just wave a magic wand over your computer because your wish has been granted – thanks to a little computer magic from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
On a cold January morning at Saguaro Lake, the quick thinking of two off-duty Phoenix police officers, who coincidentally were out tournament bass fishing, saved the lives of three javelina hunters whose boat started sinking while crossing the lake.
Don’t forget, if you bought a raffle ticket for the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, the public drawing is being hosted this Saturday, July 19, at the Arizona Antelope Foundation’s annual fundraising banquet.
Would you like to know more about one of our great symbols of national pride – the bald eagle? Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists will conduct an educational seminar on bald eagle natural history at the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Big Lake Visitor Center this Saturday, July 19, beginning at 10 a.m. The workshop is free to the public.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is making grant dollars available to local sportsmen’s groups in support of wildlife conservation. 
Stamp collectors, conservationists, birders, and waterfowl hunters: The 2008 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp is on sale now. 
The Arizona State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is hosting a raffle for a chance at a 2008 Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s special turkey hunt permit-tag. The winner can hunt either the Merriam’s or the Gould’s turkey from Aug. 15, 2008 – Aug. 14, 2009 as regulated by commission order 29.
Deadline to apply is Sept. 2
The dove season will follow the same guidelines and bag limits as in previous years, with the early season open from Sept. 1-15, followed by a late season from Nov. 21, 2008 through Jan. 4, 2009. Although there is once again half-day (morning) shooting in the desert areas for adults during the early season, youth 17 and younger can enjoy all-day hunting during the early season. There is also a special junior’s hunt at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area on Sept. 6-7. For details, contact the Mesa regional office at (480) 981-9400.
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