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SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Applications sought for Arizona Game and Fish Commission

Deadline for submittal is Sept. 26

PHOENIX – The Governor's Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. Those received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.

Governor Jan Brewer is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona’s wildlife and its long-term conservation.

In accordance with Arizona law, no more than three commissioners can be from any one political party and no more than one commissioner can be from any one county. Current commissioners who will have remaining terms include three Republicans and one Democrat, and they are from Coconino, Maricopa, Navajo and Yuma counties. Therefore, this upcoming commission vacancy is not available to registered members of the Republican Party or to residents of Coconino, Maricopa, Navajo or Yuma counties.

Residents of all other Arizona counties – Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yavapai – and who are not registered members of the Republican Party are eligible and encouraged to apply for this upcoming vacancy.

Interested individuals may apply online at www.azgovernor.gov/BC.

For further information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission. Individuals also may contact the Governor's Office of Boards and Commissions at 602-542-2449, or toll free at 800-253-0883.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Fall hunting in the White Mountains

SPRINGERVILLE – The Apache-Sitgreaves (A-S) National Forests would like to remind hunters of potential hazards in the woods. Increased situational awareness is especially important for hunters traveling within the Wallow Fire and San Juan fire burned areas. Remember to look up, look down, and look all around. Snags and dead trees, flash floods, and unstable soils are just a few of the hazards to be aware of. Hunters are encouraged to carry the means to remove fallen trees, such as a chainsaw or handsaw, which may block their access on roads. Although the monsoon season will soon be winding down, visitors should continue to exercise caution and alertness in these areas as rainstorms can still occur and the risk for flooding exists. Depending on weather and road conditions, the A-S National Forests may close campgrounds or roads for the sake of public safety. Visitors are encouraged to contact the local ranger district for the current status of campgrounds and roads before heading out to the woods.

HUNTER SAFETY: Hunter education is not mandated in Arizona, with one exception for youth ages 10 through 13, who are required to have a valid hunter education certification from Arizona or other approved program to participate in a big game hunt (10 is the minimum age to hunt big game). However, all hunters are encouraged to wear “hunter orange” in all hunting situations - except spring turkey season - and to remember Arizona’s safe hunter’s slogan: tab plus one (T.A.B. +1): Treat every gun as if it were loaded; Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction; Be sure of your target and beyond; +1 Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. Safety is no accident. 

Please visit the AZ Game and Fish Department web site for more information on hunting in Arizona http://www.azgfd.gov/index.shtml

If you have a permit to hunt in a Game Management Unit that includes the A-S National Forests, please contact the appropriate ranger district for updated information relative to motor vehicle use and motorized big game retrieval, before your hunt starts.

Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter (@A_SNFs).

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

New rule allows transfer of big game hunt tags to disabled military veterans

PHOENIX – Hunters who won't be able to use their upcoming Arizona big game hunt permit-tag now have the option of transferring that tag to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that provide hunting opportunities to veterans with service-related disabilities. The new tag transfer option is the result of legislation sponsored by Representative Frank Pratt (District 8) that went into effect in July.

A tag transfer to a disabled veteran's 501(c)(3) organization requires a big game tag transfer affidavit of voluntary donation and the tag. Contact the individual 501(c)(3) organization to obtain the transfer affidavit. A list of qualified organizations can be found at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting.shtml (scroll about two-thirds down the page to the tag transfer information). The Arizona Game and Fish Department is unable to reimburse bonus points for transferred tags.

"We’re pleased about the hunting opportunities the new rule may provide for veterans with service-related disabilities," said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Robert Mansell. "It's one way that we and sportsmen can show our appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifices."

Keep in mind that there are two other tag transfer options also still available: (1) By a parent to his or her minor child, or by a grandparent to his or her minor grandchild, subject to provisions specified in the Arizona Hunting Regulations and applicable rules, or (2) To a qualified 501(c)(3) organization for use by a child with a life-threatening condition or permanent disability.

For a list of 501(c)(3) organizations providing hunting opportunities to children with a life-threatening condition or permanent disability, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting.shtml.

For more information about tag transfers, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting.shtml.