Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Articles from the January 1, 2024 edition


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  • Western Outdoor Times January 2024 Issue

    On The Cover January 2024

    Carol L Allen, Editor

    • More revelry at the Renaissance Festival, • More safety for drivers and elk, • More awards for positive outdoor activities and supporters, • More trout in community waters, • More places to explore, and • More focus on the Second Amendment. This issue celebrates the "newsy New Year" that is ahead of us. This month the Arizona Game & Fish Commission honors those individuals who have excelled in their support for wildlife and outdoor concerns. In February, the annual chance to step back in tim... Full story

  • Carol L Allen, Editor

    January TBA Renovations at Roadrunner Pond in Phoenix should be finishing up and refilling is expected to occur sometime in January. Eldorado Pond in Scottsdale is still undergoing renovations with no specific completion date. Trout stocking has been underway since mid October for CFP waters in Prescott Valley, Payson, Show Low, and St. Johns. Jan. 6 POLAR BEAR DAY...  Website

  • BoatUS 3 Best Practices To Follow For Your Boat's Long Winter's Nap

    Boat US|Jan 1, 2024

    Across much of America, including parts of Arizona, millions of recreational boats have been laid up for winter storage. With the boating season officially over, some boat owners may think they are free and clear for the next six months. However, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers three best practices for winter storage to ensure the off-season goes smoothy and safely. 1. If you haven’t done so yet, read your marina, boat club or storage facility contract. Every page. W... Full story

  • Day Trip To Childs And The Verde River

    Margie Anderson, Outdoors Editor|Jan 1, 2024

    John and I have been wanting to visit Childs for several years now, but the road was closed for a long time. Now that it's open again, we took a day and drove out there. It was a fun ride with a lot of cool stuff to see, and it's one you can do in a passenger car – but let me tell you, it's seriously washboard-y all the way to the split where one road goes to Fossil Creek access and one goes to Childs. Getting There Starting at Camp Verde, take the 260 east to the Fossil Springs road, which i... Full story

  • Four Easy Ways To Become A Better Bass Angler

    Margie Anderson, Outdoors Editor|Jan 1, 2024

    The late Aaron Martens, Rick Clunn, Gary Dobyns, and Eddie Johns are four of the most consistently successful anglers I've ever known, but their prowess isn't due just to natural ability, although that does play a part. Aaron was known as a finesse fisherman. People used to say that Rick Clunn was the Zen master of fishing. Gary Dobyns is known as a power fisherman. You may not know Eddie Johns, but if you lived anywhere near him, you'd be familiar with his name. He dominates the tournaments in... Full story

  • AZGFD Confirms Three Coyote Bites

    AZGFD|Jan 1, 2024

    Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife officers have been actively searching for a coyote or coyotes that have bitten three people since Saturday in the area just east of Interstate 17 and Happy Valley Road in Phoenix. On Saturday, Dec.9 a 4-year-old child was bitten on the lower leg while walking with family members. Also on that Saturday, a man who was jogging in the same area was bitten by a coyote. On Monday, Dec. 11 , a man was bitten on the heel by a coyote south of Happy Valley Road ne... Full story

  • AZGFC Awards Banquet

    AZGFD

    PHOENIX - Mark your calendars! The Arizona Game and Fish Commission's annual awards banquet will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Grande Ballroom, 11111 N. 7th Street in Phoenix. 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. Sixteen award recipients chosen at the commission's Sept. 8 meeting in Greer,... Full story

  • BoatUS NWSA Seek Nominations For Leadership In Women's Sailing

    Boat US|Jan 1, 2024

    Annual lifetime achievement award recognizes sharing sailing. The National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) are seeking nominations for the 2024 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women's Sailing Award. Since 1999, the national award has sought to recognize an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing. Past recipients have included sailing instructors, writers, sailboat... Full story

  • "Celebrate And Protect The 2ND Amendment 2024"

    WOOT, Western Outdoor Other Times

    From Tim Rafferty [TimRafferty@cox.net] Did you know that in 2021 the bureaucrats at the CDC (Center for Disease Control) claimed that there were 21,000 firearms related fatalities in the US? After making this statement, the CDC soon thereafter declared that the fabricated term, "gun violence" (its people violence stupid) is now a health-related issue, thus justifying their position to jump into the anti-gun frenzy. Okay....so why is a government agency tasked with identifying and eradicating... Full story

  • Pump Makes Siphoning Effortless

    Martin Flory Group|Jan 1, 2024

    As northerners are winterizing their boats, southerners are well into the boating season. Both need the 109PC Siphon-Mate® Pump from Beckson Marine. The self-priming pump makes it easy to get a siphon started and simple to stop the process when the desired amount of liquid is moved-all without sucking on a dirty tube. Beckson's 109PC Siphon Pump is non-metallic, so it won't scratch surfaces and is safe to use around combustibles. Built from sturdy marine-grade plastic, it won't rust or becom... Full story

  • AZGFD Article 10 Rules Off-Highway Vehicles

    AZGFD|Jan 1, 2024

    Public comment accepted through Jan. 11, 2024. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is beginning review of its Article 10 rules (pertaining to off-highway vehicles). Under A.R.S. § 41-1056, every state agency shall review its rules at least once every five years to determine whether any rule should be amended or repealed. Each agency shall prepare a report summarizing its findings, its supporting reasons, and any proposed course of action, and obtain approval of the report from the Governor's... Full story

  • Beckson Marine Lil' Dolly Bucket

    Martin Flory Group|Jan 1, 2024

    Boats and buckets go hand in hand. Owners fill them with soapy water while boatyards, marinas, dealers, and manufacturers often use them for toting heavy parts and used lubricants. Either way, moving them can be back-breaking toil without the Lil' Dolly Bucket/Pail Dolly from Beckson Marine. It's the safe and easy way to move up to 75 lbs. in a full pail. With an 11" inner base, the rugged Lil' Dolly is sized to accommodate 5-, 6- and 7-gallon buckets. Manufactured from durable polypropylene,... Full story

  • Mobile Device Controller

    Jim Allen|Jan 1, 2024

    Whether on water, dirt, snow, pavement or the links, music and the outdoors are natural companions. But no one wants to expose a mobile device to rain, dirt, dust or the accidental drop. With the waterproof JBL Click Bluetooth® wireless controller from ProSpec Electronics, it's never been easier to add fingertip control to a tablet or smart phone that's safely stowed away. And with a low price, the JBL Click makes an ideal holiday gift for anyone who enjoys being outside. The JBL Click has... Full story

  • PacBak Cooler

    Martin Flory Group|Jan 1, 2024

    Whether after sockeye on the Columbia, teal in Louisiana or a quiet picnic near an Arizona lake, the PacBak P88-MK Cooler keeps adventures fresh. Built in Alaska, this 88 qt. cooler is unlike any other on the market. Every design aspect provides optimum functionality, including simultaneously keeping contents both hot and/or cold, an integrated cutting board, a removable table and the ability to withstand 24 hours with a 1,250-pound Alaskan Kodiak Brown Bear. The thick insulated walls of the thr... Full story

  • Round and Oval Lifting Eyes

    Martin Flory Group|Jan 1, 2024

    DANGER AND DAMAGE - Lifting a boat by its cleats or standard bow eye can damage the vessel and be downright dangerous. Accon Marine's Round and Oval Lifting Eyes were designed specifically for this purpose. They handle up to 4,000 lbs. when installed correctly. Contact local dealers or Accon Marine, 727-572-9202; Fax: 727-572-7621. www.acconmarine.com.... Full story

  • Watersports Tow

    Martin Flory Group|Jan 1, 2024

    For owners who want to use their boats for watersports but don't have a dedicated pylon, the 198 Ski Tow from Accon Marine is ideal. Flush-mounted on the transom, it provides a secure spot to attach a tow rope and is a far better solution than putting strain on a cleat or chock. The 198 Ski Tow is designed to accommodate all standard tow rope diameters, without having any part of the fitting protrude and create a snag point. Solidly constructed, the patented four-piece assembly includes the... Full story

  • Arizona Renaissance Festival 2024

    Arizona Renaissance Festival 2024

    AZBW

    The 36th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival Opens February 4 The Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast -- all rolled into a one non-stop, day-long adventure. You never know what you will find on or off the stage! This unique outdoor event combines entertainment and wares reminiscent of what may have been found in a 16th Century European village market celebrating the arrival of the King and Queen t... Full story

  • The Story Of Smokey

    AZBW

    In February 1944, an American soldier discovered a Yorkshire terrier dog in an abandoned trench in the jungles of New Guinea, which received the nickname "Smokey". It was owned by Ohio corporal William Wynn, who bought it from the soldiers for two Australian pounds. For the next two years, Smokey was with her master in the Pacific theater of operations. The dog participated in 12 air and sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions. During these operations, Smokey was often under fire in a... Full story

  • Opt Outside Photo Contest

    Arizona State Parks|Jan 1, 2024

    Instead of spending the winter months camped inside, explore some of Arizona's most beautiful spaces by visiting a state park and enjoying all the amazing wintertime activities available. Make memories and take pictures, and share your photos for a chance to win major prizes! Arizona State Parks and Trails encourages you to Opt Outside and submit photos between November 24, 2023, and January 15, 2024 at midnight. Each contestant may submit up to five entries and may be entered in multiple... Full story

  • Petrified Forest National Park And Talampaya National Park

    NPS|Jan 1, 2024

    PETRIFIED FOREST, Ariz. - Petrified Forest National Park and Talampaya National Park, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site in Argentina, recently became sister parks. The parks have similar geological, paleontological, biological, and archaeological resources. "These arrangements will continue to strengthen the preservation, protection, and scientific research of the parks as well as bringing public attention to the importance of these... Full story

  • Mount Graham Red Squirrel

    AZGFD|Jan 1, 2024

    The annual interagency survey of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel showed a decrease in the latest population estimate in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The annual survey, conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coronado National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, resulted in an estimate of 144 squirrels. This is an increase from the 109 squirrels estimated in 2021, but lower than the 156 squirrels estimated after a new survey... Full story

  • Wildlife Overpass Near Flagstaff

    AZGFD|Jan 1, 2024

    Award of $24 million comes from Federal Highway Administration. PHOENIX - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded Arizona a $24 million grant for a wildlife overpass and other improvements designed to reduce crashes involving wildlife and better connect habitats across Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), sought the grant through FHWA's Wildlife... Full story

  • Letter From A Feral Cat

    AZBW|Jan 1, 2024

    VFW 3513 Alley Cats Project - The 'VFW Alley Cat Project' Has Brought Kitties, Vets, And Community Together In Scottsdale,Ariz., just south of Thomas Road, there resides a community of cats tucked away in the back parking lot and alleyway of the VFW Post 3513. These cats live and lounge on three different three-and four-tiered cat houses brought in by caring members of the community. But when spooked, they disappear into their hiding places. It was just two years ago when VFW Post Auxiliary... Full story