Wildlife News bi-weekly issue

Wildlife New, July 28, 2011

Big Lake, the trout fishing hot spot in the state Drawing results now available for Arizona's fall big game hunts Dove hunting season should be just like the good old days Application deadline approaching for grants for hunting, fishing, shooting and trapping outreach Help iconic desert tortoises during monsoon season Online OHV Decal renewal notices now being offered by Game and Fish Don't miss the latest edition of Arizona Wildlife Views TV Unit 10 hunting access on private ranch preserved during wind farm construction Arizona Game and Fish brings home conservation awards for communication products Looking to try something new? Nominations sought for conservation-related awards recognition Game and Fish Commission to set waterfowl and spring hunts Fish consumption advisory issued for specific fish species on Tonto Creek Attend the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame to celebrate induction of five new members

Big Lake, the trout fishing hot spot in the state
Photo from Big Lake Arizona's Facebook page
www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Lake-Arizona/311381966002

It not only survived the Wallow Fire, there was only a small area of grassland burned near Big Lake. The store, campgrounds, and other facilities came through unscathed.

Right now, fishing is good to excellent for trout, with lots of anglers easily catching limits of rainbow trout. Some larger cutthroat trout are also being hauled in as well.

Because it wasn't fished for such a long time during the forest closure, the trout grew up fat, healthy and without any fishing pressure at Big Lake. Plus, the fishing pressure since the forest reopened has been pretty light as well.

The fishing is best from a boat, but you can catch trout from shore as well, especially off rocky points (like the one near the store). The store is open and boat rentals are available. Plus, the typical summer crowds aren't there right now. You'll want to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

Right now, it's monsoon time in the high country; afternoon thundershowers can help desert dwellers shed those triple-digit fidgets.

Last week we stocked Apache trout into Sheep's Crossing along the Little Colorado River (on the way to Big Lake from Sunrise). You can't fish below the bridge, but there is plenty of great fishing above it. We also stocked Apache trout into the Little Colorado in Greer, which is another fire survivor.

Another piece of good news is that Rose Canyon Lake in the mountains above Tucson is now open -- it was stocked during the forest closure period, so is now full of trout that have not had any fishing pressure. This is a good time to reel in some memories there.

Another one of the fishing hot spots in the state is Lake Pleasant. Anglers are catching lots of striped bass there on frozen anchovies. There is also a decent daytime topwater bite for striped bass and largemouth bass -- fishing the points, islands, and reefs in the main lake basin.

There is also some hot topwater action during the day at Alamo Lake -- can you say buzzbait without smiling? It's sure worth braving the heat for some Alamo topwater action. Zara Puppies can work superbly here. This is also Zara Spook land. Although the Cholla Ramp is closed for the summer, the main ramp now has a neat new dock, courtesy our boating access program. They do great work.

For other great fishing hot spots and the full fishing report, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

Drawing results now available for Arizona's fall big game hunts
Many prime Coues deer tags and others remain; offered first-come, first-served

Let the planning begin. The drawing results for Arizona's 2011 fall big game hunting permits are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's website at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000 by selecting option two.

The more than 107,000 applicants, an increase of 3 percent from last year, can find out if they were issued a permit-tag for deer, fall turkey, fall juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, or pheasant by providing their sportsman's ID and date of birth.

Game and Fish officials report that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 12 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful and rejected applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Aug. 23 (less application fees).

For those individuals who missed the drawing application deadline or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 5,767 hunt permit-tags remaining. These remaining tags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and include more than 4,600 deer tags, more than 700 fall turkey tags, and nearly 400 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.

There are two methods to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will first only be accepted by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 1. Starting on Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits which includes hunt number, number of permits available and unit number, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and click on the “Leftover Permits for 2011 Fall Hunts” link under the “2011-12 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations, season dates and drawing information” section.

Hopi hunts with leftover tags are available to everyone, tribal and non-tribal members. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-8763 for additional information.

Dove hunting season should be just like the good old days
1 million acres opened to hunting; 10 white-winged dove limits; all day hunts

Arizona Game and Fish has turned back the hands-of-time for dove hunters, with the launching of the new 2011-12 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon regulations that are now available online at www.azgfd.gov/dove.

“For those of us with a little gray hair, the upcoming September 1st dove season will feel like a hunt from the olden' days, now that we can once again hunt on much of the open, undeveloped public lands within municipalities, such as Phoenix,” said Rory Aikens, a public information officer with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

A number of changes have been made to the dove regulations that have removed many barriers to this Arizona hunting tradition, most notably:

Hunting access re-opened to approximately a million acres of open uninhabited lands within municipalities Daily bag limit increased for white-winged dove to 10 birds Hunting hours extended until sunset statewide

The increased access is a result of two recently revised state laws. Those changes transferred the authority to regulate the use of firearms for the take of wildlife within municipal boundaries to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Because of these changes, dove hunters will no longer have to drive long distances to partake in this Arizona hunting tradition.

However, Game and Fish has taken a prudent approach in its deployment of these shifted authorities and has closed hunting in many well-defined, densely populated metro areas. The flip side of this for dove hunters, especially those in the Phoenix metro area, is you will now be able to easily determine where you can and cannot hunt doves.

The closed to hunting boundaries are well defined in the notes section of the 2011-12 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed pigeon regulations. For the Phoenix metropolitan area, there is a map showing where you can and cannot hunt. The area is bounded by readily discernable roadways or waterways, such as the Gila River, and is available at www.azgfd.gov/dove.

At first glance, these regulations may seem more complicated than in years past. However, with this one-stop resource comes some complexities. Hunters need to thoroughly understand the notes section before they go hunting.

“A perfect example are the lands along the Carefree Highway corridor, between I-17 and US Route 60. These lands are primarily wide-open desert, but they fall within the city limits of Phoenix and Peoria. Before the law change, it was illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits, making hunting in these safe, open, unpopulated fringe areas also illegal – that is no longer the case,” said Aikens.

In addition to the closed area descriptions, hunters are reminded of the quarter-mile law, and while that is a minimum, responsible, ethical hunters will find an area where there is plenty of open space in all directions to hunt, in order to prevent any conflicts with other recreationists or homeowners, and to have an enjoyable hunting experience.

The early dove season opens on a Thursday this year, and runs from Sept. 1-15, statewide, with a 10-bird daily bag limit of mourning or white-winged dove. Printed copies of the dove regulations are anticipated to be available the first week of August statewide at license dealers and Game and Fish offices.

Dove hunters are reminded they will need a general hunting license and an Arizona migratory bird stamp. Both are available online, at Game and Fish offices and licensed dealers.

Overall, dove populations are doing well in Arizona. Many farms are growing grains, including corn, which are excellent dove attractants. Working a corridor in these areas will bode well for many hunters.

In addition, monsoonal rains have been adequate throughout the state bringing much needed new growth to desert flora, another excellent dove attractant. Finding a lone water tank in these newly opened desert areas could also provide some fast wing shooting action.

In either case, success will come to those that scout their areas the weekend before they go hunting, as much can happen between now and that 3 a.m. wake up on opening day.

For more information about the recent law changes, the Phoenix metro no hunting map, a PDF copy of the dove regulations, or to buy your hunting license and dove stamp visit www.azgfd.gov/dove.

Application deadline approaching for grants for hunting, fishing, shooting and trapping outreach

Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 by 5 p.m. (MST) is the deadline to apply for grant funding for local sportsmen's groups to promote or facilitate hunter, angler, shooter and trapper recruitment and retention programs through their events or activities. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is making $75,000 available this cycle.

Examples of eligible projects include mentored, hands-on hunting camps for big or small game animals; fishing clinics or camps; trapping seminars; target shooting clinics or programs; and educational outreach promoting hunting, fishing, shooting or trapping.

“This grant is perfect for organizations that are looking to startup or expand their introductory programs for their communities, but are lacking funding needed to make it happen,” said Craig McMullen, the department's chief of wildlife recreation. “This grant program is an investment in the local organizations that, day-in and day-out, are teaching people how to be safe, ethical, and responsible participants of these important American traditions.”

Funds will be awarded through a competitive application process. Multiple awards may be made. To be eligible, a group must: (1) be a local Arizona-based sportsmen's group with a focus on hunting, fishing, shooting or trapping, (2) propose a project that fits the eligibility criteria, and (3) complete the project by June 30, 2012.

McMullen added, “There is plenty of public interest in hunting and fishing, but many are from families that did not grow up with this type of recreation and need an experienced mentor to show them the way – local sportsmen's organizations are the perfect solution.”

To apply, download an application packet from www.azgfd.gov/i_e/local_sportsmens.shtml. Packets can also be obtained by calling Grant Coordinator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. The deadline to submit applications for Local Sportsmen's Group grants is Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 by 5 p.m. (MST). Three copies of the application and any supporting documents must be submitted.

Note: There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state's general funds, and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model through the products and services. The Local Sportsmen's grant is an investment into the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and participation for the state of Arizona. To learn more, visit www.azgfd.gov and click the “INSIDE AZGFD” link.

Help iconic desert tortoises during monsoon season

Monsoon season brings one of the most iconic creatures of the Southwest out of their burrows and out-and-about across the desert. Desert tortoises are now in their most active season, and Arizona's increased human population creates more risks for these slow-moving symbols of the Sonoran desert.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department asks the public to follow these important guidelines if they encounter a desert tortoise:

Do not remove a tortoise from its habitat. Taking a wild tortoise home is illegal in Arizona. Additionally, most tortoises stay in the same small area their entire lives, so if you move a tortoise to a new location it will not know where to find food and shelter and will likely die. Do not release a captive tortoise into the wild. Captive desert tortoises cannot be released into the wild as they can pass diseases to wild populations and displace wild tortoises. It is also illegal to release captive animals into the wild. Keep dogs away from both captive and wild desert tortoises. Even the most gentle dog can pose a serious threat to a tortoise.

There are a few circumstances when it is all right to handle a turtle. If a desert tortoise or ornate box turtle is found on an open road, then it is acceptable to move the creature out of harm's way. Additionally, if a turtle is located in a neighborhood, it could potentially be an escaped or unlawfully released captive turtle. To be sure of the type of species, take a photo, and use the location in conjunction with the department's Turtle ID web page, www.azgfd.gov/turtleID, to properly indentify it.

This website will also provide information on what you can do if you find a turtle. In the case of a box turtle discovery, please report the observation to the Department's Ornate Box Turtle Watch program at www.azgfd.gov/boxturtlewatch. Please keep in mind that it is unlawful to collect desert tortoises or ornate box turtles from the wild.

If you are an Arizona resident interested in sharing you yard with a native turtle, desert tortoises are available for adoption in Tucson, Kingman, Yuma, Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Bullhead City. For more information, please visit the Department's web page dedicated to caring for captive tortoises at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Online OHV Decal renewal notices now being offered by Game and Fish

Earlier this year the Game and Fish Department began sending out OHV Decal renewal reminders. Due to a technical issue, MVD was unable to send out reminders for the OHV Decal and Game and Fish felt that this was a good usage of OHV Decal funds to remind residents of the law.

As another arm of the renewal process, The Arizona Game and Fish Department has developed an electronic renewal reminder system. Simply by signing up, you can be reminded to get your OHV Decal through an e-mail notice. For most riders the OHV Decal renewal and the registration renewal happen at different times.

You can easily sign up for the electronic renewal reminder at http://azgfdeservices.com/ohvlogin.aspx

Reminder - Don't confuse the OHV Decal with registration. Renewals for the OHV Decal and registration, in most cases, happen at different times. This electronic renewal notice simply reminds you to purchase your OHV Decal. In the case of registration, a valid OHV Decal will get you free registration and a reduced vehicle license tax.

Tip – If you choose to renew your OHV Decal at www.servicearizona.com the OHV Decal link has been moved to the bottom of that page in the All Services section. Remember to always renew your OHV Decal first, then do business associated with registration.

Dollars from the OHV Decal fund have been used to create a grant program that has helped rehab more than 100 miles of trails, purchase equipment for the OHV Ambassador program and several law enforcement agencies, create the OHV Laws and Places to ride booklet, helped to create an Arizona specific online OHV education course at www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/ohv_education.shtml, helped put nine new OHV officers through the officer training academy, outfit them with the needed equipment and get them in the field.

For more information on places to ride and OHV laws in Arizona go to www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Don't miss the latest edition of Arizona Wildlife Views TV

The next episode of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Arizona Wildlife Views TV show is due to hit the airwaves Tuesday Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m. on KAET-TV.

This weeks' show includes the following topics:

Nuisance Bears – In the White Mountains efforts are underway to help ensure that Arizona's black bears remain wild. This story examines how people can reduce the potential conflict between bears and humans, helping to keep them both safe. Fossil Creek - Fossil Creek has been closed to fishing since 2005 to allow the native chub population to recover, but now this beautifully restored stream is once again open for catch and release angling. Arizona Seasons - Arizona's diverse landscapes and weather patterns make for some beautiful images, as seen through the eyes of our Arizona Wildlife Views photojournalists.

Arizona Wildlife Views is an Emmy-winning TV show produced by the Information and Education branch of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. We produce 13 half-hour shows each year that air on PBS and city cable channels statewide. Our show takes you across Arizona to give you a look at all the great recreational and wildlife opportunities the Grand Canyon state has to offer.

Unit 10 hunting access on private ranch preserved during wind farm construction
For worker safety, new access agreement limits all hunting on ranch to archery-only

All hunters, including those firearm permit-tag holders that wish to hunt on the private lands on the Perrin Ranch within Game Management Unit 10 will be restricted to using archery-only equipment for all hunts for the 2011 season. This is for the safety of construction workers during the installation of a wind farm on the ranch, and in an effort to preserve the privilege to hunt these private lands.

“We are very happy that we were able to work cooperatively with the owners of the Perrin Ranch, and the renewable energy company to preserve the privilege to hunt on the ranch during the construction and new use of their lands,” said Ron Sieg, Flagstaff regional supervisor with Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Because of the safety concern for workers, restricting hunters to archery-only is a winning compromise compared to completely losing the privilege to hunt on these private lands.”

For those rifle tag holders and general hunters who do not want to hunt with a bow and arrow, the 64,000-acre ranch makes up a very small portion of the vast 770,000 acres in Game Management Unit 10. The rest of Unit 10 is open for the use of the appropriate legal weapon permitted for that hunt.

The rifle, firearm, muzzleloader hunts in Unit 10 during the fall 2011 season include:

Antelope, pronghorn – Sept. 2-11 Deer – Oct. 21-30 Elk, bull – Sept. 23-29 Elk, cow – Oct. 14-20 Elk, bull – Nov. 25-Dec. 1 Elk, cow – Dec 2-11 Coyote, prairie dog, small game, etc. – seasons vary

General hunters and those with rifle permit-tags can still use a firearm in Unit 10, just not on the Perrin Ranch. To be permitted to hunt on the ranch's private lands, sportsmen will need to keep their firearm in their vehicles and hunt with a bow and arrow.

“Given the many renewable energy projects coming to Arizona, we see this agreement as an accomplishment to maintain hunter access, albeit limited to archery, and a milestone for handing these multiple land use projects in the future,” added Sieg.

Early discussions with the ranch owner and the wind farm operator indicate that hunter access with the use of firearms will be allowed next season; however, there will remain a quarter-mile restrictions relative to any new and existing occupied structures on the ranch.

As more renewable energy projects come to Arizona's landscape, it is imperative that all parties: landowners, energy developers, and Game and Fish, come to the table early in the process to address everyone's interests and needs. In cases of development on private lands, hunting access is a privilege; however, loss of access, as was the case in another project, can be detrimental to wildlife management and to the public's enjoyment of their wildlife resources. The Department will work diligently to preserve access to wildlife recreation opportunities in the future.

Perrin Ranch
The Perrin Ranch is located north of Williams, Ariz., west of Highway 64, in the southeast corner of Game Management Unit 10. The southeast corner of the ranch starts near the intersection of Espee Road and Highway 64. The ranch consists of approximately 64,000 acres of the 770,000 acres of Unit 10.

About the wind farm
The wind farm will include 62 wind turbines, several buildings, and 35 miles of roads.The initial construction is underway. NextEra has a power agreement with APS to deliver power by the end of December 2011, therefore the construction is expected to be completed by the close of 2011.

About Game Management Unit 10
Unit 10 is a mix of flat to rolling grassland prairie and rolling to mountainous pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine-Gambel oak habitat types. The Grand Canyon and Cataract Canyon form a truly spectacular northern and northeastern boundaries. At the unit's north end, elevations range from less than 2,000 feet along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon National Park to more than 7,600' on the Three Sisters just northwest of Williams in the southeastern part of the unit. Elevations run from approximately 5,500' to 7,000' across most of the unit, which is well known for its trophy-class elk and pronghorn antelope.

Arizona Game and Fish brings home conservation awards for communication products

The Arizona Game and Fish Department received national recognition for its conservation communication efforts by taking three second-place awards, and one third-place award at the annual Association for Conservation Information (ACI) conference in Cincinnati, Ohio July 18-21.

In the category of “Magazine: General Interest Article,” the “Get Outside, Arizona,” by Julie Hammonds with photos by George Andrejko took second place. Earning another second-place award was “The Native Solution to Mosquito Control,” also by Julie Hammonds in the category of “Magazine: Fisheries Article.”

The “Education and Outreach” category gave its second-place prize to “America's Wildlife: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” by The Arizona Game and Fish Department North American Model Curriculum Development Team.

The department's Arizona fish bookmark, designed by Bill Persons, won third place for design and information in the “One-time Publication- Other” category.

ACI is a nonprofit association of information and education professionals representing state, federal and Canadian agencies, and private conservation organizations. It provides a forum for communication professionals to exchange new ideas, concepts, and practices that promote wildlife conservation.

Looking to try something new?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has teamed up with local sportsmen-conservation organization to offer “how-to dove hunt” events that are designed for kids and for first-time hunters. These events are a great way to get a “hands-on” experience hunting doves, one of the nation's most prolific and popular game bird, in a safe and controlled environment.

Sept. 4-5, Juniors Dove Hunt - Robbins Butte Wildlife Area near Buckeye - Game and Fish actively manages the land, and due to the water corridor, it is rich with mesquite trees, wildlife food crops, and nesting habitat that attracts an abundance of dove (white-winged and mourning) and other wildlife. Pancake breakfast provided, hosted by the Chandler Rod and Gun Club, for details visit www.azgfd.gov/dove. Sept. 10, First-time Hunters Dove Seminar and Hunt - East Valley (Phoenix/Mesa/Chandler) - This is for first-time hunters for kids and adults. A safety seminar will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. and the hunt will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 5 a.m. Some loaner shotguns and ammunition are available. Hosted by the Chandler Rod and Gun Club, contact David Carson at dcarson@azgfd.gov.

For a listing of other outdoor skills camps and hunting and fishing events for youth and new hunters throughout the season, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

Nominations sought for conservation-related awards recognition

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for the 2011 Commission Awards to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state's wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Categories for nomination include Award of Excellence, Youth Environmentalist of the Year, Outdoor Writer of the Year, Media of the Year, Conservation Organization of the Year, Conservationist of the Year, Natural Resource Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Educator of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and License Dealer of the Year. Descriptions of each category are on the nomination form.

In addition to the original categories, The Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Award has been added to the Commission Awards. 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 can be nominated.

Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

To download a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission awards” link.

Return the nomination form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, DOHQ-Commission Awards, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Forms can also be faxed to (623) 236-7299 or e-mailed to LRoe@azgfd.gov.

The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2011.

Winners of the 2011 awards will be honored at the Commission banquet at the Carefree Resort in Carefree, Arizona on Jan. 14, 2012.

Game and Fish Commission to set waterfowl and spring hunts
Existing commission hunt orders expected to be modified due to SB 1334

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will set the waterfowl hunts for 2011-12 and the spring hunts for 2012 during its Aug. 6 meeting.

The commission will also be considering modifications to other existing commission hunt orders already approved prior to the Senate Bill 1334 law changes. Regulations will be revised for animals like elk, pronghorn, deer, quail, rabbit, and others to fully deploy and bring them into alliance with the department's recommended strategies for implementing the new law by focusing hunting in open, undeveloped, unpopulated areas within municipalities (click here for frequently asked questions on this new law).

Other agenda items to be discussed at the one-day meeting include:

Briefing of state and federal legislative issues; Request to approve a Notice of Docket Opening for proposed rulemaking to R12-4-422 (federal sport falconry regulations).

The commission meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's headquarters located at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. For those who cannot attend in person, you can view the commission meeting's live video feed at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. The meeting will also be video teleconferenced to the department's six regional offices in the state, allowing you to submit comments on agenda items telephonically from those locations.

A detailed agenda can be found at the Game and Fish website, at www.azgfd.gov/commission under the “Meeting Agenda” link.

About SB 1334

A law passed this last legislative session, SB 1334, that prohibits municipalities and counties from enacting any ordinance, rule or regulation limiting the take of wildlife during an open season established by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

SB1334 also amends state law (Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3107) by permitting the discharge of a firearm within the limits of any municipality while lawfully taking wildlife during an open season established by the Game and Fish Commission.

The commission also realized that to retain these authorities in the future, it is necessary to minimize potential conflicts while it is doing its best to safely maximize available hunting opportunities. This will be accomplished by restricting the types of guns that can be used in certain areas, in some cases to bow and arrow only or shotguns shooting birdshot, closing areas to hunting, and other strategies.

For example, in the Phoenix metropolitan area, there is a densely populated core area where the commission is being asked to exclude hunting as it did with the dove regulations. This is a well defined congested core area bounded mostly by major roadways (see map on the department's dove pages).

Furthermore, nothing in SB1334 prohibits municipalities from regulating the discharge of firearms within a quarter mile of occupied structures or passing ordinances that are not more restrictive than state laws and rules governing hunting

To date, the commission order on the dove hunt is the only one to be modified in light of SB 1334 (see online Dove Hunting Pages). The proposed changes to the other commission orders will also follow the basic strategies or approaches incorporated into the dove hunt.

The combination of restrictions on where people can hunt, restrictions on gun types, and restrictions by state law are reflective of the Department's efforts to implement these new laws to maximize hunting opportunity but in harmony with other outdoor-recreational uses, and public safety.

Fish consumption advisory issued for specific fish species on Tonto Creek
Advisory is from near Bear Flat Campground to Roosevelt Lake

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona Department of Health Services, has issued a fish consumption advisory recommending that people not eat certain species of fish caught from a 51-mile stretch of Tonto Creek in Gila County between Hellsgate Wilderness, located one mile downstream of Bear Flat Campground, and Roosevelt Lake.

This advisory does not apply to fish caught from Tonto Creek from Bear Flat Campground and upstream.

This advisory does not limit the consumption of trout taken from Tonto Creek or the use of this waterbody for fishing, bird watching, swimming or other recreational uses.

Tissue samples of fish caught from Tonto Creek recently, and analyzed by ADEQ, contain elevated levels of mercury. The consumption advisory recommends the public not eat smallmouth and largemouth bass, green sunfish and black bullhead catfish caught from this stretch of Tonto Creek. The advisory recommends that common carp caught from this section should not be consumed by children under 6 years and be limited to one eight ounce (uncooked weight) fish serving per month for those between 6 and 16 years and two eight ounce (uncooked weight) fish servings per month for all those over 16 years.

Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet. Because mercury has been detected in some fish from Tonto Creek, it is prudent to advise the public and offer this consumption advisory.

“Consuming fish contaminated with mercury is the most common method of human exposure to mercury,” said ADEQ Director Henry Darwin. “While we continue to work to reduce mercury pollution in Arizona's waterbodies, these fish consumption advisories are an important part of our effort to protect public health.”

Mercury in the environment can come from various sources and can cause numerous health problems when ingested, most notably its toxicity to the central nervous system. Infants and pregnant or nursing mothers are considered most at risk to possible health effects. Mercury is quickly absorbed by bacteria in sediments and passed along via the food chain to living organisms. Fish can accumulate elevated levels of mercury when larger fish consume smaller fish and insects which have become contaminated, a process called bioaccumulation.

For more information, see ADEQ's fish consumption advisory fact sheet at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/download/fish-0711.pdf, frequently asked questions about Tonto Creek at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/download/fish_tontofaq.pdf, the EPA's consumption advisories www.epa.gov/mercury/advisories.htm, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department's consumption advisory page at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/fish_consumption.shtml.

ADEQ officials are continuing to test Tonto Creek to identify the source of contamination. The advisories will remain in effect until further notice.

Attend the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame to celebrate induction of five new members

The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, the charitable arm of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will induct five new Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame members at its 14th Annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale.

The three individuals and two groups that will be inducted into the Hall are:

Joe Melton Roger “Buck” Appleby (posthumously) Antonio “Tony” Perri (posthumously) The Arizona Antelope Foundation The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers

For brief profiles of the inductees, click here.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Induction Banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $70 and may be purchased through Ticket Chairman Duane Wellnitz, 14203 S. Second Street, Phoenix, AZ 85048, or by telephone at (480) 747-0611. To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml and scroll to the link toward the bottom of the page. The Chaparral Suites is located at 5001 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona's wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state's outdoor heritage.

Recognition is given to individuals and organizations that have worked consistently over many years through political and individual leadership, volunteer service, the mass media, conservation efforts, or educational activities on behalf of Arizona's natural and wildlife resources. Prior inductees include Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Mo Udall, Larry Toschik, Tom Woods and many conservation and sportsmen's groups active in the state, as well as conservation-minded companies such as Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Selections for induction are made each year by the board of directors of the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation. Selections are made from a list of nominations that are submitted, including those submitted by members of the public.

“This year's class of inductees is as diverse and well qualified as the classes we've honored in the past several years,” said WFT Foundation President Steve Hirsch. “The Foundation strives to honor those who have meant a lot to our Arizona outdoor and wildlife heritage, but who generally don't always receive the spotlight and accolades. The annual Hall of Fame banquet is a great social occasion where our supporters from birdwatchers to bird hunters come together to celebrate these deserving inductees and help the Foundation raise funds toward our mission of enhancing the productive management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona's fish and wildlife resources.”

More information about the banquet is available at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml, and at www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/Halloffame.html.

source from : azgfd.net