Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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PHOENIX, AZ – Today, I stepped into a world I never knew existed, right here in the heart of Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Outdoor Expo, held at the sprawling Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix, promised a hands-on celebration of wildlife, conservation, and outdoor fun, and it delivered in ways I couldn't have imagined. As a first-time visitor on this sunny weekend in March, I found myself wide-eyed and eager, plunged into an event that felt like a gateway to A... Full story
With the arrival of warmer spring weather, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) once again is advising the public to leave baby wildlife alone. While it might be difficult to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including newly hatched birds and baby rabbits, a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area. Sadly, once young animals have been removed from the wild, some species -like elk calves and deer fawns - may have to be euthanized because... Full story
________________________________________ 'Buy Often, Win Big' Program Offers Incentives Conservation First USA is not only offering $10 raffle tickets for a chance to hunt big game in Arizona, but the group also is entering you into monthly drawings to win BONUS PRIZES. Yes, you read that right! One person will win April's bonus prize: a $500 gift card to SCHEELS. Do not miss this opportunity. Visit https://conservationfirstusa.org/product/arizona-special-big-game-tags to buy your raffle... Full story
Once again, hunters have stepped up in a big way in their financial support of wildlife conservation efforts across the state. The newly named "Copper State Draw" (formerly the "limited-entry permit-tag draw") offered hunters a chance to draw an additional elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn permit-tag, while generating revenue that will bolster a variety of conservation programs funded through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The monitoring and maintenance of wildlife... Full story
When we asked the Easter Bunny to include some desert tortoises in his Easter basket deliveries, he said the only shells he deals with are on the eggs! So now, we're asking you directly. The Desert Tortoise Adoption Program at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) currently has over 100 non-releasable desert tortoises that need forever homes. The tortoises will soon wake up from brumation, so it's the perfect time to get your burrow built and your adoption application submitted.... Full story
Please Note - Articles and information will be added throughout the month. We welcome readers input on each article. Thank you. - Publisher The Three Servicemen statue and flagstaff were added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1984. The statue depicts three American servicemen and the things they carried. Sculptor Frederick Hart's goal was to create a moving evocation of the experience and service of the Vietnam veteran. As Hart described the sculpture, "The contrast between the innocence of... Full story
9 Pronghorn, Elk Hunt Draw Results Applicants should check their AZGFD portal account . The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2025 pronghorn and elk hunts. A customer's AZGFD portal account is the only source for finding out draw results and viewing bonus points. A free portal account can be created at accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register (account features for minor dependents are available). A portal account allows customers to create a secure account... Full story
If you found yourself tag less after the 2025 pronghorn and elk draw, have we got a deal for you! Conservation First USA is holding its Big Game Super Raffle where tickets to hunt pronghorn and elk for 365 days are only $10 per species. The best part: There is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase. Buy tickets today! Ten lucky individuals will win one of 10 special big-game tags (elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bison, turkey, javelina, bear and mountain... Full story
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) wildlife officers never know what they'll face from one day to the next. Several weeks ago, the department's radio dispatch center received a call about a deer fawn in Chloride, Ariz., that was covered in cholla cactus. They relayed the information to AZGFD wildlife officer Troy Moody in Kingman, who contacted the reporting party and was told the fawn typically came onto the person's property around 2:30 p.m. each afternoon. Officer Moody arrived to find... Full story
Vietnam Combat Art Painter, sculptor, muralist, teacher and author, Austin Deuel, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1939. He served in the United States Marine Corps twice: from 1959-1965 and rejoined in 1967 to serve in the Vietnam combat art program. After His Military Service Following his military service, he relocated to Scottsdale, Ariz., and pursued his career as a professional fine artist. Deuel has completed numerous monument commissions such as the Vietnam War Memorial in San Antonio,... Full story
The recent discovery of invasive golden mussels (Limnopernafortunei) in the California Delta region serves as a reminder to boaters and anglers to please do your part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Arizona's waters. Golden mussels have similar impacts as quagga mussels, but can survive in locations that typically quagga mussels cannot. Boaters and anglers are strongly encouraged to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft before launching in ANY Arizona waterbody.... Full story
Trout Unlimited are hosting Salt River Saturday River Cleanups every other Saturday. This is a great event if you are looking to help promote conservation and keep our waterways clean. After a few hours of picking up trash, you can relax and wind down with some fishing on the Salt. This is a great opportunity if you are new to fly fishing, as there will be tons of experienced fly anglers who are willing to help. For more information, check out the FishAZ Network at the link below. The FishAZ... Full story
Seven of the passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees. The eighth pass is honored within the Coronado National Forest only. All types of passes admit the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. The Coronado National Forest does not have any per-person fee for visitors walking or bicycling... Full story
With more people getting outdoors to take advantage of the state's warm spring weather, it's important to keep in mind that 13 species of rattlesnakes also call Arizona home and become active as temperatures rise. The species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes. In warm desert areas, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. During the spring, it's not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight... Full story
The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2024, according to the results of the annual census. The 2024 population survey revealed a minimum of 286 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the ninth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began. The 2024 minimum count represents an 11% increase from the minimum of 257 wolves counted in 2023. Survey results show the population is... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has partnered with the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) to host virtual wildlife lectures. • Wild About Arizona: Deep Dive into the Natural History of Wolves and Coyotes — 6:30 p.m. April 24 (AZGFD). Description: Learn about the highly adaptable coyote, an extraordinarily intelligent and opportunistic species. That will be followed by a deeper look into the history of Arizona’s wolves. Find out what caused them to become extinct and h... Full story
On Monday, March 3, 2025, it was announced that the latest (end-of-year 2024) population census of Mexican wolves had increased for the ninth straight year, to a record 286 wolves in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. To get a glimpse of the numerous activities that take place during the wolf count, including counting techniques, affixing radio collars, processing/health check, and release, see this video by David Majure of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s video production section: h... Full story
Payson Wildlife Fair this Saturday, May 3 Free outdoor fun (including fishing - no license needed!) for all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Valley Park PAYSON, Ariz. - Whether it's catching a rainbow trout, taking aim with a bow and arrow, or getting up close and personal with live critters, the family-friendly Payson Wildlife Fair will offer a variety of outdoor fun Saturday, May 3, at Green Valley Park.... 
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Please Note - Articles and information will be added throughout the month. We welcome readers input on each article. Thank you. - Publisher It's All About Fish As the weather warms, a young man's (and woman's) fancy turns to thoughts of - fish. And, although there are many fantastic angling destinations in Arizona, Margie Anderson says to keep in mind the community waters that make fishing possible in waters near you. For some, this is the first opportunity to enjoy casting a line and a good... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's (AZGFD) 2025 Outdoor Expo will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30, 2025. The event will take place at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. What to expect • Wildlife exhibits: See wildlife mounts, taxidermy, and artwork • Fishing: Try fishing in family-friendly tanks • Firearms: Try out firearms in a safe environment • Animal ambassadors: Meet the AZGFD's animal ambassadors, including a female great horned owl and a female rosy b... Full story
Nominations Open ForArizona Outdoor Hall Of Fame Deadline to submit nominations is April 7. Wildlife for Tomorrow is now accepting nominations for the 27th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. Established in 1998 through a partnership between Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to wildlife conservation, natural resource preservation, and... Full story
This month is probably your last chance for a great low country outdoor adventure before it gets too darn hot and you only want to head for the forests. With that in mind, I've gathered up four of my favorite drives that John and I have done in the month of March. The best part is that each of these drives has great stuff to see even if you don't have a 4WD vehicle, with an added attraction for those of you who DO have a 4x4. Fairly Easy: Agua Fria Petroglyphs Take Bloody Basin Road east (I... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has partnered with the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) to host virtual wildlife lectures. Coming up: • Wild About Arizona: Learn the Truth About Rattlesnakes (Beyond the Bad Rap) - 6:30 p.m. March 20 (AZGFD). Description: Snakes have received a lot of bad press over the centuries, and most of that criticism - and even fear - has been directed at rattlesnakes more than any other species. Truth: Snakes serve an important ecological n... Full story
Willcox Playa Wildlife Area is best known for its wintering population of sandhill cranes that annually migrate to the playa in large numbers. It's not unusual to see several thousands of the winter visitors from the viewing area at the power-plant ponds, located on the southwest side of the playa, or at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 600-acre wildlife area on the southeast side. The cranes feed and court, but will begin their migration to their summer breeding grounds in the northern... Full story
A different type of hunt takes place for wildlife enthusiasts in the late winter and into spring - the hunt for antlers. Deer and elk shed their antlers each winter, providing an opportunity for people to search for them and further their connection with and understanding of wildlife. Elk antlers start dropping in mid-February, deer start dropping in March, and the season progresses through the end of April. Arizona doesn't regulate shed antler hunting, but if you set out in search of a set,... Full story
