Outdoor Writer

Actually the problem with social media are the trolls who engage their keyboards before their brains to post snarky comments. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Battle

I took the fighting elk photo below in Mammoth (YNP) while sitting in my truck using a window-pod to shoot a herd in the middle of the grassy meadow in front of the hotel. Some gal pulled her SUV up to the curb on the opposite side from where I was. A few minutes later the two big bulls got into it and wound up fighting their way right next to her SUV. I'm only guessing here, but it seemed like they slammed into it at least six times on one side, putting some quite hefty dings in it. Then they moved to the back end and wound up tearing off the spare tire dealie that was mounted to the rear door. She was sitting inside the entire time and too dumb to start the engine and move.

Great buck. Well done. 👍

FISHING REPORT Dec. 20, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department TIP OF THE WEEK Did you know Arizona fishing opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the Sport Fish Restoration Program? It was created through the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) and the Wallop-Breaux amendments of 1984. Through a federal excise tax paid by manufacturers on fishing gear and motorboat fuels, it provides grant funds for fishery conservation, boating access, and aquatic education. Although reports have slowed as Christmas creeps, the fishing likely has not slowed at certain low- to mid-elevation lakes. For one, trout fishing in Community waters is one of the best options in the state. See the stocking schedule below for confirmed stockings (8,200-plus ponds of trout were just stocked). This included Water Ranch Lake in Gilbert, pictured above. Also, the Lower Salt River -- one of the top winter spots for the winter -- and Saguaro Lake make a great one-two punch since they're located close to each other. Try nightcrawlers (on a dropshot rig if you're able) for largemouth bass, yellow bass, bluegill and even catfish. In fact, see our top-5 winter fishing spots (and check the honorable mentions for some sleepers.) Catch of the Week Send your fishing reports and photos to BFishing@azgfd.gov -- one will be selected for Catch of the Week Oak Creek Sam M. with a 14-inch brown trout caught on a Panther Martin spinner. What's been stocked this week ("Catchable" sizes only; water temp in parenthesis if available) Rainbow trout: Silverbell Lake, Kennedy Lake, Sahuarita Lake, Lakeside Lake, Dave White Pond, Pacana Pond, Copper Sky Lake, Mansel Carter Oasis Lake, Desert Breeze Lake, Kiwanis Park Lake, Chaparral Lake, Alvord Lake, Steele Indian School Pond, Encanto Lake, Cortez Lake, Green Valley Lakes, Red Mountain Lake, Riverview Lake, Evelyn Hallman Pond, Papago Ponds, Rio Vista Pond, Surprise Lake, Pioneer Lake, Desert West Lake, McQueen Lake, Freestone Pond, Water Ranch Lake-Gilbert, Eldorado Pond, Greenfield Pond, Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes, Goldwater Lake, Watson Lake. Save time, buy online Grab a license online (that helps conserve all species of wildlife, not to mention provides funding that goes back into fishing opportunities) and go "Fish AZ". SEE MORE REPORTS

WILDLIFE NEWS Dec. 20, 2019 Lake Pleasant bald eagles star on live-streaming camera The nest is primed, and the live-streaming camera is already broadcasting the day-to-day life of a pair of bald eagles hoping to raise a family inside their Lake Pleasant Regional Park nest. Nearly 400,000 viewers tuned in for the inaugural season to watch the unfiltered drama that transpired earlier this year. Read more Bald eagle breeding season kicks off, leads to restrictions Arizona’s bald eagles are back and they will soon be working on the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 89 eagle breeding areas. Read more Wildlife photo contest winners showcase diversity of Arizona's wildlife The Arizona Game and Fish Department is excited to announce the winners of the 2019 wildlife photo contest. Julie Curtis’s photo of Harris’s antelope squirrels was awarded best in show and is showcased on both the cover and in the calendar issue of Arizona Wildlife Views. More than 300 photographers entered this year’s wildlife photo contest. Read more Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population sees 4 percent growth Arizona’s embattled Mount Graham red squirrel population grew 4 percent in 2019, providing proof that the endangered squirrel continues its fight back two years after nearly being wiped out by a devastating wildfire. The stabilization of the population over the past year comes after much of the territorial squirrel’s habitat was severely damaged in 2017 by the Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Read more Sandhill cranes center stage on HD live-streaming camera Sandhill cranes have returned to southeastern Arizona, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s live-streaming camera is again trained on their wintering grounds at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. The live stream, which can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/sandhillcranes, offers viewers a glimpse into the wintering habits of up to 14,000 cranes roosting at the wildlife area. Read more AZGFD adjusts trout stockings due to operational issues at Page Springs Fish Hatchery The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species, in AZGFD’s Page Springs Fish Hatchery. As a result, stockings from Page Springs have been halted, yet AZGFD has been purchasing fish from out-of-state vendors to ensure most waters scheduled to be stocked do indeed receive trout. Read more Mule deer poaching investigated on Kaibab Plateau Wildlife officers are investigating the poaching of a mule deer buck between Oct. 27 and 29 on the Kaibab Plateau in Game Management Unit 12AW. The dead buck was left for waste at a wildlife water east of the road 235A, and the poacher made no attempt to hide the animal. Game camera photos from the area show three individuals at the scene on the day the incident likely occurred, and AZGFD is asking for any information that may identify these individuals. Read more AZGFD investigating poaching of black bear north of Woods Canyon Lake The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a female black bear that was killed between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6 north of Woods Canyon Lake in Game Management Unit 4A. The bear was killed and dumped off of Forest Road 169 east of Forest Road 300. The poacher attempted to hide the animal and left the meat to waste. Physical evidence was recovered from the scene. Read more Arizona boaters: prepare to clean, drain and dry Boaters are reminded to “clean, drain and dry” – and especially decontaminate — their watercraft and equipment before exiting listed waters containing aquatic invasive species (AIS). This reminder is particularly important for out-of-town visitors who moor their boats at AIS-affected waters and are preparing to head out of state. Read more Volunteers needed in January for Bartlett Lake Christmas tree habitat installments Start 2020 off right and help us drop Christmas trees into Bartlett Lake. We’re looking for volunteers on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 3-4, and Saturday Jan. 11 to install these used Christmas trees that will help ensure robust fish populations at this Tonto National Forest impoundment. We’ll be starting at 8:30 a.m. each day from the yellow cliffs boat ramp. Read more Nonresident OHV decal sales off to strong start The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds seasonal residents and visitors who brought an off-highway vehicle into the state that they must now purchase an OHV decal prior to heading out on trails. Since the nonresident OHV decal went on sale Sept. 1, nearly 4,500 have been purchased by residents in 36 states and Canada. Read more Deadline to apply for shooting range development grants is Jan. 15 AZGFD is accepting applications for up to $100,000 in annual grant funding from nonprofit organizations and government agencies that are committed to the development and improvement of public shooting ranges. Application packets can be downloaded at www.azgfd.com/Shooting/RangeGrants. All completed applications must be postmarked on or before Jan. 15, 2020. Online applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2020. Read more AZGFD delivers on promise to provide quicker draw results The Arizona Game and Fish Department continually strives to deliver online products and services that better serve its customers. A major goal was recently achieved when the department, using several process improvement tools within the Arizona Management System (AMS) that Gov. Doug Ducey has brought to state government, was able to reduce the amount of time and manpower required to process applications. Read more

During all my stays there, I can't recall ever seeing the ruins. So is that big open area with all the big trees right next to the Ruby road now shut off to vehicles or camping? The last time my son and I had permits in 36B, we went down the Ruby road about another 1/2 mile to a another two track on the right and camped about a 1/4 mile in right at a fence line. About twice a day, border patrol on ATVs came by camp and went thru the fence gate. I never saw them come back, so that road must have another exit.

I have camped right at the trailhead when I hunted deer and Mearns in 36B.

Sycamore Canyon or Aravaipa Canyon

Fixed a 2" hole in a top radiator hose by cutting up a soda can and wrapping it around the hose, using duct tape to hold it in place. Fortunately, the hose was a smooth one rather than one of those corrugated types. We were only 50 yards away from Pinto Creek for the water refill but had to use a couple more empty cans to do it. It took a while.

By request, we started a thread for all the old dudes here to reflect on the past. All the decades are long gone, but the memories last forever. I'll start it off with an article I wrote for the AZ Republic last year. Anyone else is free to join and share memories from long ago. -TONY Take Me Fishing The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has designated June 2-10 as National Fishing and Boating Week. Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and others involved within the fishing and boating industries will promote this week as a good time to introduce a youngster to the sport under the RBFF’s “Take Me Fishing” initiative. Although fishing provides a wealth of fun and pleasure for more than 34 million Americans annually, the most recent survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shows about a four percent drop in participants over the last decade. Kids undoubtedly make up a large portion of the 34 million, but regardless of how many youngsters already fish, thousands more likely want to. More than five decades have passed since I hooked my first fish when I was 10 years old, and over three decades have gone by since my three children, all adults now, caught their first. Nevertheless, the time gone by has failed to diminish the vivid reminders of fishing with my kids. Early in the summer many years ago, my youngest son Scott and I were attempting to entice a few trout from Big Lake in the White Mountains. The near-freezing temperature and stiff breeze whipping across the water typified the weather at that time of year. To make matters worse, the trout refused to cooperate for the three hours we had sat among the roily whitecaps. I glanced over at the 6-year-old sitting quietly as the chilly wind rustled the knap of his furry coat. From the dark hole created by the hood around his head, his eyes intently watched the rod tip for the faint peck of a trout. Even if a fish did nibble at the salmon egg, though, the boy probably would not have noticed it because of his shivering hands on the rod. Perhaps sensing me watching him, Scott turned and almost stuttering, spoke with quivering lips. "Daddy, how come we're fishing?" Puzzled for a proper answer, I stalled with my own question. "What do you mean, Scott?" He concentrated, possibly trying to figure out what he really did mean, then rephrased his question. "Well, how come we just don't buy fish at the store?" I considered my dilemma, wondering how to tell a cold little boy that fishing is actually fun when he had braved the chill and wind for three hours but got nary a bite. It certainly hadn’t been a fun morning for me either, so I explained as best as I could. "Having fish to eat is only part of it. It's like riding your bike; you do it because you enjoy it." Scott listened, but his confused look told me my feeble answer made little sense to him. Thinking back, it makes little sense to me now. Thankfully, the passage of time has helped me develop a more plausible explanation. Fishing allows one to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and to heal a weary spirit after a week of hard work. Best of all, grown-ups have the opportunity to teach children a wholesome, inexpensive and easy to learn sport --- one where scoreboards and peer pressure rarely come into play. And lastly, fishing provides a certain solitude only the great outdoors can produce. Now 43, my oldest boy joined me on a fly-fishing trip into the Weminuche Wilderness in western Colorado when he was 13 years old. One afternoon, Keith and I took a lunch break under the canopy of a large blue spruce tree. A cow elk and her recently born calf meandered into view about 25 yards away from our natural, umbrella-like blind. The cow wandered over to a young aspen tree and delicately snipped off the new, tender shoots of spring. The wobbly-legged calf, also hungry, began to suckle its mother. Mesmerized, without eating or speaking we watched the pair for 10 minutes. I would bet football, cars and girls never entered Keith's thoughts right then. Our fishing adventures with the children made my wife and me more aware of the outdoors, too. As the kids began to discover nature, things we usually took for granted --- little water spiders scooting across a mirror-like pool, tiny chipmunks scurrying across a rocky landscape or a redtail hawk turning lazy circles in the fading day --- meant more when the youngsters noticed them first. On the other hand, we also endured frustrations. From the standpoint of being able to answer them, the endless questions sometimes were bothersome. I never have figured out answers for a curious 5-year-old girl who asks, "Daddy, why can't you see a worm's eyes?" or "Why do fish eat corn?" Although my kids are on their own now, whenever the opportunities arise I still test my patience with other young people who want to learn how to fish. Sure, I go through the same frustrations and listen to the same questions, but conversely the same pleasures also exist. And that's where the satisfaction comes from. These youngsters are everywhere, maybe even next door to you. Some have parents with no interest in fishing, and others simply cannot afford even the most basic tackle. Youth groups around the state, especially those for the under-privileged or inner-city youths, offer yet another source. Maybe some of these kids are living in your own home? No matter where you find them, one thing is certain: Any one of them most likely will jump at the chance to join you on a trip to the lake or even a city pond. Many of them will think catching a 4-oz. bluegill is just great, especially if it's their fish. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has designated June 11 as Free Fishing Day. Any person in the state, resident or nonresident, may fish without a license but must abide by the same regulations and limits as licensed anglers. The only exceptions to the no-license dispensation are the Colorado River and any military post or tribal reservation. So do something worthwhile and take a kid fishing during National Fishing and Boating Week. Better still, take one every chance you get. As for me, I’m proud my kids can think about their childhood and now say, "My dad always found time to “Take Me Fishing" Copyright 2006 by Tony Mandile

No big deal but it's bugging me!! 🤬I've really only known one "Chuck" in my life, and he was the outfitter with the last name of Hester that I guided for in Colorado in the 1970s. The hunting grouse part is what has me scratching my head because I've never hunted them in AZ. I did have a cousin here in PHX with the same name as me who owned an ACE hardware store, but he wasn't a hunter. Now, the "Chuck" my son mentioned was actually a stranger that we met on the North Kaibab in the late 1960s. We were camped down by Crazy Jug Point and a guy came by one evening. He was alone and had never hunted on the 'Bab so I invited him to camp near us, which he did. I never got his last name, though, and as I said, we were hunting deer, not grouse or turkey. So I guess it will forever remain a mystery. 🤷‍♂️

GAME AND FISH NEWS Dec. 14, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Mule deer poaching investigated on Kaibab Plateau Reward offered for information leading to an arrest FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is investigating the poaching of a mule deer buck between Oct. 27 and 29 on the Kaibab Plateau in Game Management Unit 12AW. The dead buck was left for waste at a wildlife water east of the road 235A and the poacher made no attempt to hide the animal. Game camera photos from the area show three individuals at the scene on the day the incident likely occurred and AZGFD is asking for any information that may identify these individuals. “Someone may have seen these three individuals in the area,” AZGFD Wildlife Manager Todd Buck said. “We need assistance from the public to identify the individuals responsible. This is the action of a criminal — no true sportsman would leave game in the field to rot.” At the time the poaching occurred, there were active hunts and many hunters were actively scouting for upcoming hunts. It is also hoped that other outdoor recreationists were in the area and may have seen something or have valuable information about this crime. Anyone with information about this case can call AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.com/ogt and refer to case #19-003719. Callers may remain anonymous upon request and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,500 in this case upon arrest.

All super images, Doug. 👍

Lee, Resurrecting this thread because my son reminded me of something a while back. How old would Chuck have been in the 1960s, early 1970s? And he could have possibly hunted deer on the Kaibab rather than grouse or turkey?

If that's a solid wood top, that's an excellent price. The chairs alone, which normally run $50 ea. or more, are worth that.

Duwane Adams posted a short video to his FB page of three bucks they just tagged on the Kaibab. One looks to be 200+. https://www.facebook.com/103560010014568/videos/989489178053877/

That's a dandy. The front fork on the left is especially impressive.

Which one is you, Steve?

Bill Williams Mountain Men. For many years while my kids were growing up in the 1960-70s, we took them to the annual rodeo parade in Phx. the BWM would ride from Williams to Phx and participate in the parade. Always a big crowd favorite.

Don't recognize him, Lee. He must have confused me with someone else. 🤷‍♂️

Not that I can find. I imagine the best thing would be to call the OGT line and request a call-back for case #19-003719 .

Very nice buck. Way to get it done, Draysen. 👍 It sure seems worthy of a shoulder mount to me. But what do I know. 🤷‍♂️

Nice!! 👍

GAME AND FISH NEWS Dec. 13, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Bald eagle breeding season kicks off, leads to restrictions Outdoor recreationists, pilots and drone operators asked to avoid bald eagle nest areas Arizona’s bald eagles are back and they will soon be working on the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 89 eagle breeding areas. As such, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily closed to help protect these majestic animals to ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring. “Arizona’s bald eagles are busy preparing their nest for what’s hoped to be a productive breeding season,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. That’s why we must be vigilant to help protect the birds to ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during the breeding season.” During the 2019 breeding season, 71 young hatched and 63 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging. To further protect the eagles, various land and wildlife management agencies will also close areas around breeding locations, including near popular recreation sites. Pilots are reminded to maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, while drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely. Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure. AZGFD’s bald eagle management efforts are supported by the Heritage Fund, an initiative passed more than 20 years ago to provide for wildlife education and conservation through Arizona lottery ticket sales. AIRSPACE ADVISORY Statewide The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a 2000-foot above ground level (AGL) advisory along the Salt and Verde river drainages and lakes such as Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Alamo Lake. These areas are designated on the Phoenix Sectional Aeronautical map and also include Alamo Lake, Ashurst Lake, Greer Lakes, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake, Show Low Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Lake Mary, Dogtown Reservoir, White Horse Lake and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. Special brochures for pilots regarding this advisory can be obtained by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Terrestrial Wildlife branch at (623) 236-7506. SEASONAL CLOSURES Verde River A closure for the Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is not planned this year unless the eagle pair resumes nesting. Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness may be closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed, but contact the Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District office for more information at (928) 203-7500 or (928) 203-2900. Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121. Verde River near Cold Water Creek, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District at (928) 567-4121. Verde River upstream of the East Verde confluence is closed to vehicle and foot entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300. Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend allows watercraft to float through but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300. Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300. Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east and portions of the west side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the east side of the river is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300. Tonto Creek Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to vehicle, foot entry, and floating through from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (928) 467-3200. Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (602) 225-5395. Salt River Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200. Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger at District (602) 225-5395. Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300. Salt River near Goldfield-Kerr Fire Station is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300. Crescent Lake A portion of the west side is closed to all entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200. Greer Lakes (Tunnel and River) (not enacted unless pair moves nesting location) - Portions of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200. Horseshoe Lake Depending on the nesting location, a portion of the lake may be closed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7506. Lake Pleasant No vehicle, watercraft or foot entry is allowed into a portion of the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation at (928) 501-1710. Luna Lake The north side of Luna Lake is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact Apache National Forest Alpine Ranger District at (928) 339-5000. Lynx Lake A portion of the lake’s east side is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Ranger District at (928) 443-8000. Show Low Lake A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100. White Horse Lake A portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 to Aug. 31. Contact the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District at (928) 635-5600. Woods Canyon Lake A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline is closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300. TIPS FOR VISITING EAGLE AREAS If you are visiting bald eagle country, an advance call to the local land management agency, such as the local U.S. Forest Service district office, or the Arizona Game and Fish Department may help to plan your trip to avoid disturbing bald eagles. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that our living wildlife legacy will last for generations to come: Enjoy bald eagles from outside the closures, which are marked with signs and/or buoys. Watch from a distance using a spotting scope, binoculars or telephoto camera lens. Anyone approached by a nestwatcher and asked to cease an activity or leave a closed area should comply. A few good places to see bald eagles without disturbing them (during December and January) are at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake near Flagstaff, on the Verde Canyon Train in Clarkdale or Roosevelt Lake. Bald eagles protecting an active nest will let you know if you are too close. If a bald eagle is vocalizing and circling the area frantically, you are too close and need to leave the area quickly. Bald eagles incubating eggs or brooding small young should never be off the nest for more than 15 minutes. Help from anglers is especially needed. Fishing line and tackle have killed two nestlings and been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state. Every year biologists remove these lethal hazards from nests and/or entangled nestlings. Discard any fishing line properly in specially-marked recycling containers or at fishing stores. Also, use fresh line that isn’t old and brittle. Use the correct test line for the fish you are trying to catch. Also, do not cut the line when an undesirable fish is caught and return it to the water with the hook and line attached. Duck hunters should scout out their hunting area to ensure that bald eagles are not nesting nearby. You can help bald eagle research and recovery efforts by reporting any harassment or shooting of bald eagles. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement at (480) 967-7900.