First-ever captive-bred Sonoran pronghorns released into the wild
The endangered Sonoran pronghorn received a historic helping hand on Nov. 19 when the first-ever captive-bred bucks of this nomadic desert breed were released on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona near Ajo.

Two yearling males, which were born in captivity last year in a 640-acre breeding facility at the refuge, were released into the wild.

“This release from the captive-breeding enclosure on the refuge marks a historic moment in the recovery of this important cross-border species. With this first-ever release we move one step closer to restoring a free-roaming U.S. population,” said Larry Voyles, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Yuma regional supervisor.

The U.S. population of Sonoran pronghorn was nearly lost in 2003, plunging to only 21 animals, following unusually dry years in which few fawns were born and fawn survival was low. Adult mortality was estimated at 80 percent in 2002, and only one fawn was known to survive that devastating drought year. The wild U.S. population is estimated to be 100.

In response to dwindling Sonoran pronghorn numbers, a captive breeding program was initiated in 2002 on the Cabeza Prieta Refuge. This past spring, 10 Sonoran pronghorn were born in captivity. Habitat improvements, predator control and careful monitoring of the animals in the breeding facility enhanced pronghorn survival.

Sonoran pronghorn were listed as endangered in 1967. The U.S. population has been affected by habitat fragmentation, lost of perennial rivers, and extreme drought, among other factors.

North American pronghorn are the fastest land animal in North America, with speeds recorded up to 60 mph. They have extremely keen eyesight, with an eye size comparable to elephants. Their eyes are set high on the sides of their head, giving them a field of view of almost 300 degrees. Their speed and eyesight are their main defenses against predators.

Sonoran pronghorn, which are a subspecies of North American pronghorn, are nomadic desert animals that are typical of desert-dwelling mammals, such as the Oryx of the Serengeti Desert or the Dorcas gazelle of the Sahara Desert. A typical Sonoran pronghorn may range over 1,000 square miles in a single year.

The continuing recovery of these nomadic desert animals is the result of a hands-across-the-border cooperative conservation effort involving federal, state and Mexican agencies, organizations and volunteers.

Wildlife-friendly gift ideas for those on your holiday list
Every year many people face the same holiday season challenge: what to buy for that family member or friend who seems to have it all?

This year, make it easy and rewarding by considering one of the many unique and environmentally friendly gift ideas the Arizona Game and Fish Department has to offer.

"This holiday season give a gift the recipient is sure to remember and one that gives the rewarding feeling of helping Arizona's wildlife conservation efforts," says Dana Yost, assistant director of information and education for the Game and Fish Department. "Many of us today are overwhelmed by the intense consumer marketing at holiday time and would realize a sense of satisfaction to give or receive a gift that benefited more worthy causes like wildlife."

Buyers are sure to find something for everyone with a variety of gift ideas and prices, including:  

* Sponsor desert tortoise conservation - Desert tortoises are considered a threatened species in California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Arizona. Help biologists ensure these creatures' survival in Arizona for generations to come by sponsoring tortoises in the name of your family member or friend. Sponsorship revenue will help support desert tortoise conservation and research. Learn more about the program by contacting Game and Fish at (602) 789-3767.

*  "Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas" - After more than a decade in the making, this comprehensive book is the first of its kind dedicated to Arizona's birds and is perfect for the bird-watching enthusiast. The 656-page, high-quality hardcover book costs $45. The book can be purchased at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's seven offices statewide and through the department's Web site at azgfd.gov/publications. It can also be purchased at amazon.com, at various bookstores in Arizona, and through some Arizona Audubon Societies.

* "A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona" - This newly published guide includes 150 pages full of color photos and tips for finding and identifying different amphibians and reptiles in the wild. The book contains details on all 141 species of Arizona reptiles and amphibians, including all 13 rattlesnakes found in this state, for only $12. Order at any Game and Fish office or at azgfd.gov/publications.

* Arizona Wildlife Views magazine - Published bimonthly by the Game and Fish Department, the magazine offers a variety of articles on hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and conservation in Arizona, as well as "Focus Wild" children's articles. Subscriptions are $8.50 per year. Order at azgfd.gov/magazine.

* 2007 Arizona Wildlife calendar - With spectacular photos of Arizona's wildlife, the calendar will provide daily enjoyment, as well as note key wildlife events and hunting season dates. The photos this year were chosen from more than 300 images submitted by customers to the Game and Fish Department's calendar contest. Calendars make perfect stocking stuffers at only $3 each. Order at any Game and Fish office or at azgfd.gov/magazine.

* Fishing licenses – A super gift for the holidays is a newly created 2007 Super Fishing License that includes a Class A fishing license with an urban fishing license and a trout stamp, all for $53 for residents and $63 for nonresidents. It’s literally a gift for all seasons. The department also offers family fishing licenses. For more details, visit azgfd.gov.

* Donation to Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center - The Arizona Game and Fish Department's rehabilitation center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually and provides wildlife education to local schools. For more information on making tax-deductible donations to support wildlife rehabilitation, visit azwildlifecenter.org or call (623) 587-0139. 

For more information on purchasing these gifts that are sure to please and make the recipient feel good, visit the department's Web site at azgfd.gov.

Tempe Town Lake gets a holiday bonus: thousands of extra trout
Tempe Town Lake anglers are getting an early holiday bonus: This popular fishery tucked between inflatable dams in the Salt River bed near Arizona State University is getting about 3,800 more trout than usual over the next several weeks.

“Anglers should be quite happy that Town Lake will be swimmingly good for trout fishing this holiday season!” says Jim Warnecke, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Mesa regional fisheries program manager.

Warnecke explained that Tempe Town Lake was already scheduled to receive around 4,000 trout during the next couple of weeks, but those routine stockings will be augmented with two additional stockings of around 2,000 and 1,800 each, and the trout will be slightly larger than normal.

“Tempe Town Lake could be providing some of the state’s best trout fishing during the holiday season, so throw a fishing pole in the vehicle when you are going out shopping. Stop on by and get rid of built-up holiday stress by catching a nice trout dinner,” Warnecke suggests.

Don’t forget that Arizona has some new licenses for 2007 that make great holiday gifts, including a new super fishing license that includes at Class A fishing license, a trout stamp and an urban fishing license, all in one super-savings package.  Various family licenses are also available. Visit azgfd.gov for more information.

First-come javelina hunt tags are still available
Looking for a great holiday gift idea for the hunter in your family? Some javelina hunt-permit tags are still available for the spring 2007 hunts on a first-come, first-served basis by U.S. mail only from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

To find out what hunts have javelina tags available, visit azgfd.gov/draw or call (602) 789-3702. Keep in mind that each workday, the number of permits remaining can dwindle as applications are received and processed.

Department officials stress that those who apply for the leftover tags need to pay attention to the new increased fees for licenses and tags for 2007 on page two of the spring hunt regulation supplement.

Those applying for the first-come, first-served process might also keep in mind there are super new license deals available for 2007, including a new family license, a super conservation hunting license (includes various tags and stamps), and a super conservation combination hunt/fish license, which are available at department offices.

As a side note, don’t forget there is a change in the timing to apply for elk and antelope during the upcoming year: 2007 will be the first year the department conducts a winter draw, or lottery, for elk and antelope tags. The application deadline for elk and antelope is Feb. 13. Hunt permit-tags and refund warrants will be mailed out by April 27.

The department will begin accepting applications for elk and antelope as soon as the regulations are posted on the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov. That posting should occur by the end of December. The printed regulations should be available at hunting license dealers by Jan. 12.

Free small game hunting seminar offered on Dec. 14
Hunters who have puzzled over the right shot size for ducks, where to find Mearns’ quail, or whether a flashlight and gunnysack are really needed to hunt snipe can find the answers to these and other questions an upcoming seminar hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The two-hour seminar is free to the public and will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 7 p.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive. Pre-registration is not required.

“This seminar is designed for the beginner and novice hunter who would like to learn the techniques for putting more game on the table,” says Randy Babb, information and education program manager for the Game and Fish Mesa region. “We’ll provide tips to help ensure a more successful hunt.”

Topics include how and where to hunt a variety of small game species (including quail, doves, ducks and rabbits), firearms, ammunition, regulations and miscellaneous equipment. For more information, call (480) 324-3546.

Youth clay target, archery programs are in full stride
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Scholastic Clay Target and Archery in the Schools programs are now ramped up for busy and successful seasons.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), a club-based program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays shooting to youths 9-19, entered its third year this fall. It is under the leadership of a new coordinator, Ashley Lynch, who took over when Anthony Chavez was promoted to statewide shooting ranges administrator.

Lynch is an experienced competitive shooter, who is proficient in virtually all the shotgun sports. She was a member of two world championship collegiate trap teams and one national championship collegiate “overall” team while at Purdue University. While a senior in high school, her SCTP team won the California state championships and took third nationally in its division. She has a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and management.

Arizona’s SCTP is expected to attract 1,000 youths in the coming year, making it one of the largest state programs in the country. More than 15 clubs participate throughout Arizona, including new clubs this year based out of Yuma, Cottonwood, Prescott and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

The first fun shoot of the season for young shooters is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club. Participants can compete in trap, skeet or five-stand. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.; shooting begins at 9 a.m. Cost is $10 for each discipline. Competitors can register by filling out a form (click here to download a form) and submitting it to their coaches. Coaches must forward the forms to Ashley Lynch, Arizona Game and Fish Department – IEED, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023, by Dec. 8.

Other fun shoots are scheduled for Jan. 27, 2007, at the Red Mountain Trap and Skeet Club in Scottsdale, and Feb. 17, 2007, at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix. To download forms for those events, or to obtain more information on the Scholastic Clay Target Program, visit azgfd.gov/shooting sports or contact Ashley Lynch at (602) 789-3305.

The Archery in the Schools Program is also moving into high gear. The school-based program teaches Olympic-style target archery to students in grades four through 12 as part of the physical education curriculum.

The archery program is under the leadership of new coordinator Denise Raum, an experienced bow hunter and competitive archer who helped coordinate Pennsylvania’s Archery in the Schools Program. Raum served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Pennsylvania Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Advisory Council and has been a freelance outdoor writer and motivational speaker. She also was a co-host for the “Women Hunters Outdoor Television” show.

Arizona’s Archery in the Schools Program had been limited to about 40 schools the past two years due to limited availability of “loaner” archery kits, and more than 40 schools were on the waiting list. Additional funding this year has enabled most of those wait-listed schools to obtain loaner kits and implement the program. Game and Fish has been training and certifying teachers from those schools as archery instructors. Thanks to assistance from the archery industry, schools can also purchase their own equipment at half-price (about $2,400).

The Game and Fish Department will be conducting a three-segment archery fundamentals class for young people ages 8-18 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The 90-minute segments will be held Feb. 10, 17 and 24. Equipment will be provided. Limit is 24 students per class. To register, contact Denise Raum at (602) 789-3567.

For more information on the Archery in the Schools Program, visit azgfd.gov/education or contact Denise Raum at (602) 789-3567.

Bald eagle closure areas go into effect
Please help us to protect Arizona’s bald eagles
At this time every year, wildlife officials ask for your help in protecting Arizona’s bald eagles by honoring the closure of 19 eagle breeding areas in different parts of the state, some near popular recreation areas.

Our state currently has 43 breeding pairs of bald eagles, and various land and wildlife management agencies close the breeding areas for part of the year, starting in December, in an effort to protect their breeding attempts.

“We want to give these birds every chance to thrive,” says James Driscoll, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Bald Eagle Management Program. “Human activity near active bald eagle nests can cause a breeding pair to leave its eggs uncovered, leading to a failed breeding attempt. It can take only 30 minutes for a breeding attempt to fail.”

The bald eagle was federally listed as an endangered species in 1978. The birds have now recovered enough to be considered a threatened species. Part of the reason for the comeback in our state is the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program, which contracts with volunteers to monitor breeding areas, educate the public about breeding area closures and identify situations where intervention might be needed to save an eagle’s life.

In December, Arizona bald eagles begin rebuilding nests in preparation for laying eggs. During this time, land and wildlife management agencies enact the seasonal breeding area closures. Bald eagles nest, forage and roost at the rivers and lakes that are some of Arizona’s most popular recreation spots, and this time of year, that can be difficult for the birds.

For a list of seasonal closures throughout the state, as well as tips if you visit bald eagle areas, please click here.

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.

Information needed to solve deer poaching
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a poacher that killed a mature mule deer buck and a fawn near Willcox on Nov. 11 or 12.

The two deer were shot in Game Management Unit 32 in a hay field near Willcox. According to Wildlife Manager John Bacorn, both deer were found on Monday morning, Nov. 13, where they were left in the field to waste.

“We need help from the public in catching the poachers," said Bacorn. "If you were in the area recently, please think back about anything you might have seen or heard or any conversations you might have had. Maybe someone doesn’t realize he or she has the key to solving this case.”

The poaching of these animals is considered a major loss for the residents of Arizona and our wildlife resources.

Anyone with information about this poaching can call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. Callers may be eligible for a reward, and all calls can remain confidential upon request.

Arizona Game and Fish offers shooting range development grants
Shooting clubs, sportsmen's groups and government agencies involved in the development, improvement or maintenance of public shooting ranges, including archery ranges, have an opportunity to apply for grant funds from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Grants are available through a competitive application process each year. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission determines how much money is available, but generally the total is about $100,000. The maximum grant award is $50,000 per project. Privately owned and for-profit ranges are not eligible for this program. The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2007.

"The grant program offers a number of benefits," says Anthony Chavez, the department's statewide shooting ranges administrator. "It helps provide shooting enthusiasts with safe public shooting areas, supports the department's hunter education and youth programs, and supports law enforcement training."

Examples of projects that could be eligible for funds include shooting range development and redevelopment, construction of noise abatement structures and safety berms, installation of shooting pads and stations, and construction or improvement of access roads and parking lots.

Grant funds are used to reimburse eligible project expenditures up to 50 percent of the total cost. Grants can be matched with cash, with donated labor and materials, or with land. The range must have a history of operation of at least five years to be eligible for a grant, unless owned or managed by a government agency.

Grant applications will be judged by a panel of department employees on various criteria, including how the project will increase public usefulness, improve range safety, and support firearms safety, the shooting sports, hunter education and law enforcement training. Final awards will be determined by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission at its June 2007 meeting.

To download an application packet, visit azgfd.gov/shootingsports, scroll down the page and click on the "Shooting Range Development Grant Program" link. Packets can also be requested by contacting Anthony Chavez, statewide shooting ranges administrator, at (602) 789-3395 or aechavez@azgfd.gov.

Arizona Game and Fish officer receives leadership award
An Arizona Game and Fish officer in the Pinetop region, Jim Hinkle, is being recognized with the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Hinkle is a law enforcement supervisor in the department’s Pinetop regional office. He was selected for the award by his staff and classmates at a recent 10-week school of police staff and command, a demanding management program designed to provide police officers with high-quality training while accommodating their time and financial constraints.

Through management and supervision, specialized instruction in technical subjects, and presentation of current issues and new techniques in the field, the program prepares police management personnel for senior-level positions in their agencies.

A 22-year department veteran, Hinkle has served 18 years as a wildlife manager. He has also held the positions of watercraft enforcement officer, regional investigator, and most recently,  law enforcement program manager