Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

This pontoon boat at Lake Pleasant displays a great combination: freedom to enjoy the outdoors and our waterways in particular. In the middle of June we celebrated Flag Day (June 14) and the birth of... Full story

Just now, in this transition season before it gets too hot, is the perfect outdoor time. Hiking, enjoying water activities, or experiencing the grand glory of Arizona's world-famous canyon: All these... Full story

Early June Through Early December: NRA-Certified Firearm Training Spring is finally here and to celebrate we've added more NRA Certified Training Courses to meet increased demand. Whether you're a...  Website

Dive In! The "merry, merry month of May" brings us both the lighter side of taking selfies with mermaids and the more serious side of remembering our moms on Mothers' Day and loved ones lost on... Full story

This is worth celebrating: The Arizona Game & Fish Department's Outdoor Expo is back! After a two-year hiatus, the popular family friendly event returns. I am taking this as a sign that our past c... Full story

First, we offer a big thank-you to Margie Anderson for guiding us on a very interesting trip to/through the Belmont Mountains and for this intriguing photo. Her and John's road trip story starts on... Full story

In A Word: Huzzah! Once again (and after a covid interruption in 2021) the Arizona Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace is back. It features a 16-stage theater, an outdoor whimsical village,... Full story

February Is A Month To Both Pause And Reflect - And To Act February 5 Downstream Events Calendar February 2022Celebration Of Life Austin Deuel Saturday, Feb. 5 VFW Post 3513 7220 E. Wilshire Drive...  Website

We save most of our desert drives for winter because although our Jeep would make it through snow and mud, many northern Arizona off-highway trails are closed in winter, and we also don't like to... Full story

Magnificent, but shy: These are the sandhill cranes that are in focus on a photography tour at the end of the month. The wildlife viewing and photography tour will be conducted by AZGFD photographer... Full story

January 1 All Arizona hunting, fishing license sales are going online Jan. 1.License dealers will no longer sell traditional paper licenses, but many will offer an online purchase option; customers...  Website

Dixie Belle, the official "hostess" for Lake Havasu City, would be happy to have you aboard during the holidays. In fact, a ticket to get a tour on the lady would make an excellent Christmas gift, or... Full story

Now through January 15, 2022 (Select Nights) The wonder of wandering through the Phoenix Zoo Lights is a magical part of the Christmas season. From 5:30-10:30 p.m. experience the thrill of incredible...  Website

Oh, the views: spectacular! Thank you, Margie Anderson, for some fantastic photos of vistas here in Arizona, and on our "Western Wildlife" page, we salute another incredible photographer, George... Full story

Boating, Auctions, Yard Sales, And Brunch Are All Just Ahead Now: A Special Offer From Bartlett Lake Marina Enjoy Bartlett Lake with your whole family! The weather is gorgeous, and Bartlett Lake has...  Website

Arizona Autumns Are Awesome! Especially this fall that is full of celebration and color! First, we thank Lake Havasu City Tourism and Convention Bureau, Jeff Blumenfeld, and Jason Castellucci for... Full story

Let's Talk About Catfish By Andy Clark - AZGFD Statewide Sportfish Program Supervisor I've come to the conclusion that there are few things better as an angler than feeling "tap-tap-tap" on your line... Full story

Kelsee Haws shows the fish that she caught in Luna Lake; it later became part of a delicious meal. Her outdoors experience is typical of many throughout the state and one of those that we can... Full story

September 8: Commission Nominations The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2021 Commission Awards. The awards recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to...  Website

Water Is The Driving Force Of All Nature Leonardo da Vinci Although we fish in it, boat on it, swim in it, we sometimes take water for granted - not, of course, for our recreational needs but for its... Full story

In addition to the thrill of having our Outdoors Editor inducted into the arizona outdoor hall of fame, we feel honored to have both Margie and John Anderson as loyal and valuable contributors to our... Full story

July 9-21: Win The Hunt Of A Lifetime; enter the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle. If you win, you can hunt AZ big game species for 365 days (August 15, 2021-August 14, 2022). Get raffle tickets for...  Website

As I began to gather material for this June issue, I was noticing that there is some optimism about scheduling and re-scheduling events. Is our long wait over? Can we really recreate again? So many... Full story

June 3 State Bats Bats of Arizona - 6:30-8 p.m. June 3 (AZGFD). Description: Bats are completely misunderstood creatures. These flying mammals are an incredible species that fill a special niche....  Website

Compiled By Doug Burt AZGFD Hunting/Shooting Sports Manager Are you interested in going hunting, but not sure where to start? Look no further. The Arizona Game and Fish Department along with an... Full story