Fall 2005 big game draw changes

Applying for a hunt permit-tag in this fall's draw? Significant changes have been made to the process this year:

The online application process has been suspended. For the fall 2005 draw, a manual system with paper applications is the only way to apply. 

To apply:
1) fill out a paper application.
2) include a check, cashier's check or money order payable to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for all applicable license, hunt permit-tag and application fees.
3) mail or deliver to any department office by 7 p.m. (MST), June 14.
Note: The department must receive completed paper applications by the deadline; postmarks don't count.

Inside tip: On deadline day all Arizona Game and Fish offices will be inundated with people who waited until the last minute. Save time: apply early. If you apply by May 27, the department will review your application and attempt to contact you if any errors are found. 

Pick up the new regulations and hunt draw permit applications at department offices, at license dealers or download them from the department's Web site. Regulations and applications will be available first from azgfd.gov in downloadable PDF format on May 2. Hard copies will be available at all department offices and license dealers around May 20. Throw away any old applications. Due to process changes they are no good. The new applications are yellow; the old ones are white.

All applicants must buy a hunting license. In the past, applicants could ask that a license be issued only if they were drawn. This year, all applicants must have a hunting license to be eligible for the draw. Hunters who don't already have a license can apply for one on the hunt permit application form. If you choose to apply for a license at the time of application, you must include the license fee with each application you make. However, only one license will be issued and the other license fees will be refunded.

Buying a license to enter the draw? For twice the fun, buy a combination hunting-fishing license. Take advantage of Arizona's wettest winter in a decade - fish Arizona!

Hunt permit-tag fees must be paid up front.  All application fees, hunt permit-tag fees, and license fees (if applying for a license at time of application) must be included with the application. Hunt permit-tag fees will be refunded if the applicant is unsuccessful in the draw. A bonus point may be purchased for the cost of the license (if needed) and for the application fee only, instead of paying the entire tag fee.

A loyalty bonus point has been created. A single loyalty bonus point will be awarded for people who buy a license and apply for big game hunts for five consecutive years. The point is genus specific and will be retained as long as the hunter continues to apply each calendar year for that genus. The starting year for record keeping purposes is 2001. So, anyone who applies for a genus, and has applied for that same genus every year beginning in 2001, will earn a loyalty bonus point for that genus in this drawing. A proposed conservation bonus point that hunters can earn for volunteer effort is in the rulemaking process and will not be in place for the fall 2005 draw.

The bonus point pass percentage is higher. The bonus point pass percentage has increased from 10 to 20 percent, meaning that 20 percent of tags will be set aside for applicants with the highest number of bonus points.

A set-aside percentage of bighorn sheep hunt permits for nonresidents has been created. Fifteen percent of the total available bighorn sheep hunt permit-tags in any calendar year will be set aside for nonresidents.

Eager to hear draw results? By July 29, customers will be able to get draw results through azgfd.gov and by telephone at (602) 942-3000.  Permits will be mailed to successful applicants in late July.

Public meetings set for live wildlife rule review

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is proposing to change its rules regulating the use and possession of live wildlife in the state. These rules regulate such activities as wildlife rehabilitation, the sale of live aquatic animals for bait, sport falconry, and possession of live wildlife captured under a hunting license. As part of the rulemaking process, the department is inviting the public to comment on the proposed amendments at public meetings to be held across the state.

The department will hold public meetings at the following times and locations:

Monday, April 4, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona State Fairgrounds, Wildlife Building, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Ariz. 85007.
Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001.
Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St., Yuma, Ariz. 85365.
Monday, April 11, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson, Ariz. 85745.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop, Ariz. 85935.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 6 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman Regional Office, 5325 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, Ariz. 86401

If you have any questions, additional comments, or would like information on the specific revisions being proposed, please contact Carlos Ramirez, department rulewriter, by phone at (602) 789-3288 or by e-mail. The department will also post the proposed revisions on its Web site late this week.

Fish Arizona! Catfish reached urban lakes on March 24
 
This is the perfect time to go fishing with family and friends in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, as the Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted its first spring stockings of channel catfish in 17 Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes on March 24.

The lakes were stocked with 2-pound catfish---more than 13,000 pounds total. Watching the fish splashing into the lake from a huge tube coming out of the holding truck was exciting, but fishing for them is even more fun. The department's Urban Fishing Program offers an opportunity for people who love to fish, but just don't have the time to drive out of the city for this activity. A $16 urban fishing license is required to fish designated urban lakes. To find the closest Urban Fishing Program lake, visit the Urban Fishing page.

Excitement is also building for fishing at other lakes in Arizona. Our wet winter brought much-needed water to lakes throughout the state, setting the stage for some great fishing for the next several years. This is a great time to buy a license at any department office, many sporting goods stores, Wal-Marts, and online. You can also buy a license by calling toll-free (866) 462-0433.

Kingman regional office to hold wildlife fair on April 7

Live critters, wildlife education, and free materials will highlight the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 2005 Region III Wildlife Fair, from 6-9 p.m., April 7 at the Kingman Academy of Learning High School.

Free to the public, the fair will feature live wildlife, wildlife displays, hands-on activities, and free giveaways such as posters, booklets, and brochures. Local department staff will be on hand to talk about Arizona wildlife and department programs. Contact the Kingman regional office at (928) 692-7700 for more information.

Department's Water Development Program honored for excellence

Arizona is receiving national recognition for a groundbreaking program that helps keep our wildlife from going thirsty, even during a drought. The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Water Development Program was presented with the prestigious Presidents Award from the Wildlife Management Institute at a special ceremony on March 18. The award recognizes this exceptional program for improving natural resources management.

"Our program would not succeed without the support of numerous sportsmen's groups and land management agencies," says Michael Demlong, the department's water development program manager. "Their contributions have been invaluable." more

Wildlife For Tomorrow Foundation seeks nominees for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame

Do you know someone who has made a significant and lasting contribution to benefit Arizona's wildlife and the welfare of its natural resources? Anyone can nominate an individual, corporation, organization or other group to the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. Successful nominees will be inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame at the annual banquet of the Wildlife For Tomorrow Foundation, scheduled for August 19, 2005, in Scottsdale. Nominations are being accepted through April 29, 2005.

Wildlife-friendly Easter ideas: Instead of adopting a baby rabbit or chick, give back to nature

Every Easter, many parents adopt a baby rabbit, chick, or duck for their children, only to find the animals aren't the ideal family pet. Instead of adding to the number of these animals that wind up in shelters each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is suggesting some wonderful, wildlife-friendly and family-friendly ideas for this Easter.