Multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River
Game and Fish: Boat safe, boat smart, boat sober
KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend, pursuing people operating their vessels under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs on the Colorado River.
AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.
Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.
“A large number of boating accidents involve alcohol,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman office. “Removing impaired boaters from the waterways is a critical element in creating a safe, enjoyable recreational environment for the public.”
Before heading out boaters should review all laws and regulations prior to launching. Boaters and watercraft users should make sure to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for every individual onboard and that everyone 12 years and younger are wearing a life jacket.
Boats must also have a working fire extinguisher and a type IV throwable personal floatation device (PFD) onboard.
Additional multi-agency OUI checkpoints will occur on the Colorado River and its reservoirs throughout the boating season.
For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.
Deer, turkey, youth-only javelina hunt permit-tags available
Applications will be accepted by mail beginning July 22
PHOENIX — Arizona hunters will have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2019 deer, fall turkey and fall youth-only javelina hunts.
There are 968 leftover hunt permit-tags available for general deer hunts, with most of those hunts being for antlered white-tailed deer only in Game Management Units (GMUs) in the southeastern portion of the state.
There also are leftover hunt permit-tags for muzzleloader deer (249), youth-only deer (55), youth-only muzzleloader deer (7), turkey (455) and youth-only javelina (278) hunts.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will accept applications for leftover hunt permit-tags — by mail only — beginning July 22. All completed paper applications must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.
All remaining leftover hunt permit-tags will be available for purchase on a “first come, first served” basis at all department offices beginning July 29.
For a complete list of leftover hunt permit-tags, visit https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Draw/.
For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, consult the “2019-20 Arizona Hunting Regulations” (online or booklet), or call (602) 942-3000.
Bat netting workshops come to Verde River July 26, Sept. 6
SCOTTSDALE — Bats get a bad rap, but the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) aims to change that by highlighting the good they do – such as eating pesky mosquitoes and flies – during a series of bat netting and monitoring workshops July 26 and Sept. 6.
Each event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Needle Rock Recreation Area northeast of Scottsdale and costs $25 per person, with proceeds going to help the department provide other wildlife viewing events statewide.
During the events, participants will observe the capture and identification of local bat species alongside AZGFD biologists as part of the department’s overall bat conservation and monitoring efforts.
AZGFD Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Jeff Meyers and department biologists will provide a dynamic experience educating attendees about Arizona’s 28 species of bats, while netting over the Verde River. Attendees will help identify bats captured and collect important data before the animals are released unharmed.
Space for each event is limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early to reserve their spot by visiting https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/186-world-of-wonder .
Participants should also wear long pants, close-toed shoes, insect repellent, and bring water, a headlamp or flashlight, and a chair. To reach the events, head east on Rio Verde Drive to Needle Rock Road and head north 2.5 miles until you reach the fully developed recreation area.
2019 Annual Elk Viewing Workshop Aug. 17
FLAGSTAFF – Ever wonder what it would be like to see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? That opportunity is possible during the elk viewing workshop hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from Mormon Lake Lodge. Workshop presentations are scheduled for the morning on Saturday, Aug. 17. The workshop includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon Lake.
“This is always a popular event, people want to escape the summer heat and get outdoors in northern Arizona and enjoy wildlife,” says Erin Brown with Game and Fish. “This workshop is a great way for people to learn about the watchable wildlife opportunities in Northern Arizona.”
Mormon Lake is unique as it is only one of two natural lakes found in Arizona. During late summer and early fall, hundreds of elk can be observed at the site and along Lake Mary Road.
There will be two sessions, starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Participants will attend a presentation, located at Town Hall in Mormon Lake Village, then go on a field trip to view elk. Walking will be minimal during the field trip. The field trip location will be determined that day based on where the elk are observed. Spotting scopes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, snacks, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for standing.
Cost to attend is $20/participant (kids 12 and under free).
Mormon Lake Lodge is located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff (take Lake Mary Road and turn off on Mormon Lake Road). For directions, visit www.mormonlakelodge.com.
Registration required! Seats will be limited so please click on the link below to secure your spot!
https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/186-world-of-wonder?event_type=19
If you need assistance with registration, please contact Erin Brown at [email protected] or call 928-606-6822.
Nominations for Commission Awards
Deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 6
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2019 Commission Awards. The awards recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
There are 12 award categories (see list below). Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.
To nominate someone, download a nomination form and submit the completed form and any supplemental information to Shay Bernal, either by email to [email protected], or by U.S. mail to Shay Bernal, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Nominations must be received by the department no later than 5 p.m., Sept. 6, 2019.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2019 Commission Award recipients at its Sept. 20-21, 2019 meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020.
2019 Award Categories
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Any individual, group, organization, club, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife, wildlife habitats, or programs of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
YOUTH CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Any individual, 18 years of age or younger, who has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
MEDIA OF THE YEAR
Any media source (radio, television, magazine, newsletter, or periodical) that has published articles or materials beneficial to public interest about wildlife or wildlife-related topics and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Any organization, group, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to enhance the welfare of wildlife, wildlife-related recreation, and the mission of the Game and Fish Department.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, who has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Any individual who through a professional agency affiliation has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Any individual who, as a registered volunteer with the Department, has excelled in efforts to support and benefit the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Any individual whose educational activities have advanced and supported the welfare of wildlife, wildlife-related recreation, or the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Any individual who has acted in the role of a mentor and whose efforts have resulted in the promotion and support of future wildlife conservation efforts and the development of future wildlife conservation leaders in Arizona.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR (Two Nominations)
Any individual who has engaged in political advocacy for the betterment of wildlife conservation and in the support of the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Any business partner that actively promotes Game and Fish through innovative approaches, community involvement, and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Game and Fish’s mission of wildlife conservation.
BUCK APPLEBY HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Any hunter education instructor who actively participates in hunter education activities and demonstrates the highest level of customer service, dedication and professionalism during these activities. Award category recently approved by the AZGFD Commission in honor of Buck Appleby, a long-time hunter education instructor who passed away in 2010.
