Outdoor Writer

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 16, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests seek comment on revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for motorized travel Comment period ends Oct. 29, 2019 SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. – The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) have released a revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for ASNFs Public Motorized Travel Management Plan. The purpose of the plan is to comply with the federal Travel Management Rule by providing a system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use while protecting biological, physical, and cultural resources. According to the comment period cover letter on the ASNFs’ website, the revised DEIS analyzed three alternatives. The preferred alternative is Alternative 2 – The Proposed Action, which would designate a system of roads, trails, and areas for motorized use as well as limited motorized access for dispersed camping and limited motorized access for big game retrieval. The proposed action is detailed in the DEIS, which can be found along with other project documents under the “analysis” tab at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22692. “This document will address public issues raised during the formal objection process of the EIS,” said Forest Supervisor Steve Best in an ASNFs news release. Hunters, campers, OHV enthusiasts, wildlife watchers and all other outdoor enthusiasts who utilize the forest are encouraged to read the revised DEIS to review the issues and the revised alternatives. A 60-day public comment period opened Aug. 31 and will run through Oct. 29, 2019. Comments may be submitted electronically on a web form at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/TMPWrittenComments, or they can either be: sent by mail to Travel Management Plan Comments, P.O. Box 640, Springerville, AZ 85938; sent by fax to 928-333-5966 (please mark “Attention: Travel Management Plan Comments”); or hand delivered to Supervisor’s Office, 30 S. Chiricahua Dr., Springerville, AZ 85938 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Comments must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required. A scanned signature may serve as verification on electronic comments. The Forest Service has one remaining open house scheduled for Sept. 19, 5-7 p.m., at Show Low Police Department, Darrin Reed Community Room, 411 E. Deuce of Clubs, in Show Low. It will be a self-guided setting where people can browse through information and ask questions. For more information about the travel management plan, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5200750.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 16, 2019 AZGFD seeks input on proposed pricing adjustments for BASF Public comment period runs through Oct. 15 PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages the public to provide its input on proposed pricing adjustments for the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF). A web form has been posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/basfsurvey. All public input will be accepted through Oct. 15. BASF range manager Christopher Dean said the proposed pricing adjustments are necessary to keep pace with the rising costs of maintaining the world-class facility, located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix. “All of the fees collected — 100 percent — go back into the operations, maintenance and expansion of opportunities that are made available to the public at BASF,” Dean said. Founded in 1957, BASF is one of the nation’s largest publicly operated shooting facilities. The world-class range is a City of Phoenix Point of Pride. It has received a five-star rating from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. BASF is funded by the revenues generated by user fees and federal dollars appropriated through the Pittman-Robertson Act.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 16, 2019 Video makes hunt recommendations process easier to understand PHOENIX — For those hunters who might find the hunt recommendations process a bit daunting, help has arrived in the form of a short, easy-to-understand video produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/MXN3VdFpsw8. AZGFD is entrusted to conserve and protect more than 800 native wildlife species, which includes a science-based hunt recommendation process designed to ensure sustainable populations of wildlife for future generations to enjoy. AZGFD makes recommendations regarding the management of game species every two years to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The hunt recommendations establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the Commission. All questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt are welcome by emailing at AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by calling any of the department’s regional offices statewide and asking to speak to a game management biologist

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 4, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Space still available for Robbins Butte Youth-Only Dove Hunt, Sept. 7 Learn from experienced mentors; Free event, but preregistration is required BUCKEYE, Ariz. – Want to learn how to hunt doves? Come join us Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, for the Robbins Butte Youth-Only Dove Hunt near Buckeye. The event runs from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. This is an organized dove hunt just for youth, with a focus on beginners. Recommended age is 10-17. Mentors will provide hunting and shooting instruction in a safe, structured environment, and biologists will be on hand for participants to learn more about dove. The event is sponsored by Youth Outdoors Unlimited, the Arizona Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Arizona Outdoor Sports, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Space is limited, so sign up now. The event is free and lunch is provided to youth participants, but preregistration is required at https://youthoutdoorsunlimited.com/2018-robbins-butte-mentored-dove-hunt/.

Now that all those who stunk up the place missing doves over the past two weeks have a chance to practice a bit before quail season starts. This is what you need to do it right.

top

SOLD!

THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD This Midwest Ultima crate sold for $159 when I bought it new. It is stainless steel, has three doors and a removable divider so it can house two dogs. The bottom tray is leak-proof ABS plastic. Each door has two latches. It also folds up for easy transport even though it weighs close to 60 lbs. Size is 49"L x 30.5"W x 34.25"H -- plenty big enough for my deceased 125 lb. Lab. NOTE: The current Midwest Ultima this size has only two doors and is painted steel. Cheapest I could find it was $118 plus tax, of course. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Must be picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback in Glendale.

FISHING REPORT Sept. 12, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department TIP OF THE WEEK Channel catfish return to Community Fishing Program waters next week: See the stocking schedule. The first hints of fall means fishing is about to improve. Nights are getting noticeably cooler, putting bass in a better mood to chase reaction baits, and also triggering some of the best high country trout fishing of the year. By most accounts, the typical summer fishing pattern has been delayed due in part to increased waters levels and a cooler-than-average spring. The night bite never really picked up for many bass anglers. This dip in nighttime temperatures will help fishing, but remember that in Arizona, the transition to fall fishing conditions is slower compared to much of the U.S. Water temperatures in many desert impoundments are in the mid-80s. By the way, the fall fishing forecast is coming out soon. Stay tuned. Catch of the Week Send your fishing reports and photos to BFishing@azgfd.gov -- one will be selected for Catch of the Week Lower Lake Mary Santiago Alaniz and his dad caught this 18-inch rainbow trout at Lower Lake Mary the morning of Sept. 3 fly fishing prince nymphs. They said a limit was caught in 2 hours. What's been stocked this week (Water temp in parenthesis if available) Rainbow trout: Bear Canyon Lake (62), Lynx Lake (74), Willow Springs Lake (73), Woods Canyon Lake (70), Oak Creek (65-71), Frances Short Pond (70), Colorado River. See the stocking schedules 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

Any idea what brand that pack is??

It's burro (donkey in Sp.) and cola blanca (white tail in Sp.) Venado is any deer.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 13, 2019 AZGFD asks hunters to report any harvest anomalies When in doubt, let AZGFD check it out PHOENIX — Nature isn’t perfect. If a hunter spends enough time in the field, there’s a chance he or she, at some point, might harvest an animal that appears to be sick or deformed, or looks suspect during the field-dressing process. While oddities are few and far between, and rarely present any cause for concern — especially when it comes to turning that harvest into delicious table fare — hunters are being encouraged to let a wildlife health specialist at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) take a look. That would require hunters to save the internal organs (and keep them cold in a sealable plastic bag), then call any of the department’s regional offices to schedule an analysis. Another option? Take several photos of the anomaly and email them to AZGFD veterinarian Anne Justice-Allen at ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov. “Harvested wildlife can be the most ‘organic’ food out there, but occasionally they get sick and this sometimes results in a food safety issue,” Justice-Allen said. “The department has the resources to test animals with signs of disease for our customers.”

Not sure about creel surveys but if you click on the SEE MORE REPORTS link, you'll find a lot more info.

Thanks.

deleted

GAME AND FISH NEWS Sept. 11, 2019 Applications for 2020 spring hunts now being accepted — but only online Days of filling out hard copies are over PHOENIX — There’s no more putting pen to paper when applying for hunt permit-tags issued through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s random draw process. Beginning with the 2020 spring draw — which opened today — applications must be submitted online at www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw. The deadline to apply for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear hunts is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019. The “2020 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklet has been posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw. The printed version of the booklet soon will be available at department offices and license dealers statewide. Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Oct. 8, 2019). Need a license? Then consider buying more than just an individual hunting license. Go online and purchase a combo hunt and fish license that will be valid for the next 365 days – and for only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. Visit www.azgfd.gov/license. For more information about how to apply for a hunt permit-tag, visit the web page to view a short video tutorial, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by hunters. Meanwhile, the department encourages applicants to consider purchasing PointGuard when applying for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. Applicants first must sign up for a free portal account to purchase PointGuard. It’s easy to create a portal account — simply visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete all fields (both the Social Security and Department ID fields must be completed). If your Social Security number also is your Department ID number, your Social Security number must appear in both fields. For more information about PointGuard, visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

Great buck Ernesto!!! Congrats.

Nice buck. A big well done to your boy!

The last time I hunted 36B, my oldest son borrowed his boss's tent trailer and we set up in the RV park. It was nice to have running water, electricity, wi-fi and a restroom/shower facility. Plus, you're somewhat isolated from the illegal traffic. Not sure if it is still the same, but they also had a small restaurant where you could grab a quick burger, etc. Be sure to call for reservations if you decide to stay there.

Superb story, even if you might be disappointed with the ending. Well done. 👍

Glad to see at least a couple members were perceptive enough to realize the reason for what I did. I will provide the why for the reason that video makes me tear up when the time is more appropriate.

Be sure to watch those big ocotillo stands. Deer love to eat the leaves. The last buck I killed in that unit was doing just that. Good luck. Can't wait to see the photos of your buck!

Go get 'em Jim. Is the tripod I sold you working out OK?

Stanley had nothing to do with it. I edited MY post since it was obvious it would wind up in the cesspool. Have fun.

Well that didn't take long...….😠