New hunt application deadline is rapidly approaching

The new, earlier deadline for hunters to submit their elk and antelope hunt applications is rapidly approaching. It is Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m., and postmarks will not be considered.

The seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices across the state will be open until 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 to take applications and assist hunters in filling out their applications, if necessary. Hunters also can apply online at azgfd.gov.

The intent of the rescheduled draw is to let hunters know early enough whether they have been drawn for these two popular big game animals, prior to their applying for fall deer, turkey, javelina, bear and buffalo hunts during the traditional application process in the early summer.

A copy of the elk and antelope hunting supplement can be found online at azgfd.gov and at license dealers throughout the state.

Don't forget that hunt-tag fees have increased for 2007. New fee information can be found in the draw publication for antelope and elk (pages 4 and 5) or in the 2006-2007 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations - new 2007 fees table (pages 9 and 10).

Invasive mussels found at CAP intakes on Lake Havasu
Boaters and anglers asked to help fight this invasion

Divers have found quagga mussels at Hoover Dam and at the Central Arizona Project (CAP) intakes at Lake Havasu, and officials are seeking help from anglers and boaters to fight this mollusk invasion.

"Once they become well established, quagga mussels can substantially alter an aquatic ecosystem, significantly lower a lake's productivity, cause damage to boat motors and negatively impact fishing," says Larry Riley, the fisheries chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Before you leave the lake:
* Drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine.

* Inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

Note: On your way home from a lake, try stopping at a do-it-yourself car wash with a high pressure washer (most usually have soap), where you can quickly, efficiently and inexpensively wash down your boat and trailer.

When you get home:
* Flush the motor and bilges with hot water or a 5-percent solution of household bleach.

* Wash the hull, equipment, bilge and any other exposed surface with hot, soapy water or a 5-percent solution of household bleach.

* Clean and wash your trailer, truck or any other equipment that comes in contact with lake water. Mussels can live in small pockets anywhere water collects.

* Air-dry the boat and other equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway. This time can be shorter when the weather is hot. For details, visit 100thmeridian.org.  

* Remove any mud or vegetation from your boat or trailer - mussels can hide and hitchhike in this material.

* Do not reuse bait once it has been in the water. Remember: Don't dump your bait bucket in the lake.

* Clean sensitive gear (diving and fishing gear) with hot water or a soak in warm saltwater (1/2 cup of iodized salt per gallon of water) and air-dry before use elsewhere.

"We need everyone's help. These prolific invaders pose a significant, multimillion-dollar threat to our lakes, rivers, streams and water systems. We all have to work together to fight these invaders," says Riley.Riley pointed out that although the CAP canal is one pathway for these mussels to spread into central Arizona, these aquatic invaders could hitchhike on boats coming from the Colorado River lakes that have already become infested.

The CAP canal provides water to the interior of Arizona and stretches into the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Lake Pleasant on the northern edge of Phoenix is filled each year with Central Arizona Project water. Efforts are underway to examine this long canal stretching across the state to determine if these mussels have established themselves.

Bob Barrett, a spokesperson for the Central Arizona Project, emphasized that quagga mussels do not pose a threat to the public health or to the water supply. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep the water flowing. If they begin to build up, we'll scrape them off."

The quagga infestation also has spread to Hoover Dam. Bureau of Reclamation divers discovered live quagga mussels while inspecting an intake tower upstream of Hoover Dam on the Nevada side of Lake Mead and at a spillway outlet structure on the Nevada side of the Colorado River, about one-quarter mile downstream of the dam. The dam's water delivery and power generating functions have not been affected by the mussels.   

What are these invaders?
The invading quagga mussel is a close cousin to the zebra mussel. Quagga mussels have been characterized as "zebra mussels on steroids." Quagga prefer deeper, cooler water and can attach to soft and hard surfaces. These invaders are so prolific that they cover the bottom of a lake and underwater structures with live shellfish. They can even attach to slow-moving animals like crayfish. Moored boats can become encrusted with mussels.

These shellfish eat by siphoning water through the shell. Lake productivity is soon impacted as the plankton is siphoned off by shellfish before other fish, especially juvenile ones, can eat it. Plankton is the bottom tier of the food chain. Fish populations are then restructured, and fishing is impacted.

Since their discovery at Lake Mead on Jan. 6, quagga mussels have been confirmed at lakes Mohave and Havasu, including adjacent to the structures that pump water from Havasu to parts of southern California.

For additional information on this aquatic invader and others, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at azgfd.gov, protectyourwaters.net, 100thMeridian.org, and the U.S. Geological Survey Web site.

Now's the time to enjoy some great winter fishing

Spring is on its way; the days are warming up, and there is no better time to get outside and reel in some fishing fun under the comfortable desert sun.

Our state's mild winter days and scenic fishing spots offer anglers lots of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are tips on a few places to try:

In central Arizona, head to Lake Pleasant, about an hour northwest of Phoenix, for some outstanding striped bass and white bass fishing. The action will continue to pick up as the weather warms. Whites and stripers are staging for the spawn in the northern coves that have creeks. The Agua Fria Arm, Castle Creek and Humbug Creek can all be good places for aggressive stripers and whites. Live shad, live minnows and anchovies are baits that work well. Anglers can also try white curly-tail jigs, white inline spinners, KastMasters and crankbaits.

Roosevelt Lake, about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, is a scenic lake and the largest of the Salt River reservoirs. Largemouth bass there are still in their winter patterns, which has meant fishing deep the last several weeks. Warming weather could turn on the bass and crappie fishing any day. Once the crappie fishing picks up, try trolling in the Tonto or Salt arms of the lake. Many anglers do, and the annual spring "crappie flotilla" is a sight to see. Use John Deere grubs or BBC grubs on a 1/16-ounce jighead in about 25 feet of water. Many nice-size bluegills also can be caught this way.

Over in the western part of the state, try the Colorado River and its lakes and reservoirs. Good-size stripers are being caught at Lake Havasu in the early morning before sunrise and after evening. The Havasu area has a number of good shore and dock-fishing opportunities.

A good crappie bite has been reported at Topock Marsh. Largemouth bass, crappie and catfish populations looked good in sampling surveys done in January. Anglers can access the marsh by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing, too.

Down near Yuma, give Martinez Lake and the Colorado River a try. This area has been fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) and largemouth bass (in the backwaters). Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2- to 5-pound range, with an occasional fish over 30 pounds. The best time for fishing for both species of catfish is evening to midnight.

The cost of a fishing license is very reasonable. For nonresidents, a four-month license only costs $39.75 and includes the cost of the trout stamp. Residents can purchase an annual fishing license (good for all of 2007) for $23.50, plus $15.75 for the trout stamp. Licenses can be purchased at any of the more than 300 authorized license dealers statewide, at Game and Fish Department offices, online at azgfd.gov, or by calling (800) 705-4165.

Don't forget about the lakes in our Urban Fishing Program. If you are an urban resident or visitor and don't want to travel far, these lakes may be just the ticket. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks rainbow trout every two weeks in more than 20 urban lakes this time of year. Fifteen of these lakes are in the Phoenix area, four are in the Tucson area, and one (Green Valley) is in Payson. The lakes are currently being stocked with larger-than-average fish, with most of the trout over 11 inches and many fish in the 13- to 15-inch range. Top baits for catching the fish continue to be Power Bait or other scented dough baits and worms.

To fish the Urban Fishing Program lakes, you need a separate urban fishing license, which costs $18.50 and is good for the entire year. In March, the stockings at the urban lakes switch over to catfish through mid-summer.

Take advantage of Arizona's weather, scenery and great fishing. Buy your license and head out today!

New bill would generate millions of dollars for OHV management

A bill that would raise more money for law enforcement, trail development, mitigating for damage and other costs associated with the management of off-highway vehicles in Arizona has passed its first hurdle at the state Legislature. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission commends the Arizona House of Representatives Natural Resources and Public Safety Committee for this week's passage of House Bill 2443. If passed by the Legislature, this bill would not only increase funding for OHV programs, but it would also cut registration fees for thousands of people who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation in the state.

The off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation bill, sponsored by Dist. 12 Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, was introduced to address the expanding popularity of OHV activities in the state. OHV recreational use has increased by roughly 350 percent since 1998.  During this time, funding for off-highway vehicle recreation has grown by an average of only about 4 percent, not keeping pace with the dramatic increase in OHV recreation in Arizona.

House Bill 2443 provisions include:

* Additional funding to bolster resources for OHV management in key areas, including off-highway vehicle facilities, access, law enforcement, education and safety.

* New laws that will better protect Arizona's natural resources from inappropriate use of OHVs.

* Improved safety standards, including a requirement for individuals younger than 18 to wear appropriate headgear.

* An annual flat fee that replaces the Vehicle License Tax for the registration of all-terrain vehicles. This would:

o Reduce costs to consumers.
o Allow for "street legal" registration at no extra cost.
o Include all-terrain vehicles (ATV), all-terrain cycles (ATC) and utility vehicles (UTVs).

* A dedicated funding source for OHV enthusiasts to protect opportunities to ride in Arizona for generations to come.

"The commission applauds the Arizona Legislature Natural Resources Committee for its commitment to protect Arizona's natural resources," said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Michael Golightly. "The expansion of the state's OHV fund would provide much-needed financial support for state agencies, user groups and local governments to protect wildlife habitat, while providing safe OHV recreation opportunities. Many OHV enthusiasts, sportsmen and wildlife conservationists appreciate this opportunity for Arizona to benefit from House Bill 2443."

Members of the Off-highway Vehicle Legislative Workgroup, comprised of OHV recreationists and outdoor user groups, land management agencies, county and local governments, and Arizona Game and Fish, worked together with Rep. Weiers to develop House Bill 2443.

"As a sportsman, I am very happy there is a piece of legislation that addresses the OHV issue," said John Koleszar, a member of several conservation groups. "It addresses habitat preservation and law enforcement, as well as funding for trail development."

Apache County ATV Roughriders President Hank Rogers added, "This bill is an excellent opportunity to elevate the issue of dedicated funding for OHV management, and to point out the need to fund proactive trail development and educational opportunities and outreach."

To read the full text of House Bill 2443, visit the Arizona State Legislature Web site at azleg.gov. Also, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site, azgfd.gov, for more information on the bill and to sign up for OHV updates.

Safety tips you should know for boating in cold water this season

Do not let the temperature outside fool you. Cold water immersion and hypothermia can occur in water as cool as 70 degrees at any time of the year, even on a warm and sunny day.

Arizona winters are mild, and recreational boating is popular year-round, but an unexpected immersion into cold water can cause hypothermia and even lead to a life-threatening situation. Entering extremely cold water causes an immediate gasp reflex that can fill the lungs with water.

"With the paralyzing effects of cold water, wearing a life jacket is the only precaution that will bring a person to the water's surface and help keep the head above water preventing immediate drowning and minimizing heat loss," says Kevin Bergersen, boating law administrator for the state of Arizona.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to provide everyone with safety tips about cold water immersion and hypothermia:

* When entering the water, it is important to wear a life jacket, move slowly and stay calm.

* Wearing a life jacket at other times also will help keep your head above water. This is especially important after falling overboard, when a life jacket can help bring your body to the surface.

* If your boat capsizes, stay with it. More than likely, it will not sink. It can be used as a platform to maneuver, so stay on top of it as much as possible, getting yourself out of the water and maintaining stability.

* Don't try to take off clothing in the water. A common misconception is that heavy clothing or waders weigh down your body, when in fact, they can trap air and help keep the body afloat.

"Don't try and remove clothing. It will only make you tired, and you'll lose more body heat," Bergersen says. "Assume the fetal position, float on your back and slowly paddle to safety, if necessary."

Of course, alcohol consumption results in irrational behavior, only complicating matters for your survival. Bergersen says it is important not to drink alcohol near cold water or while operating motorized vehicles, including boats.

For more boating safety facts, visit azgfd.gov.

Outdoor show gets a new domed home in 2007

Don't miss the 7th Annual Sportsmen's Expo on March 9 -11 in its new domed home at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale just off the Loop 101. The event even features free parking this year!

With this fishing, hunting and adventure travel show being protected from the weather this year, visitors will be able to see and do more fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation activities than ever before.

The show times are Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12. Children 12 years and under receive free admission. Get your tickets online now! All tickets are valid for one-day admission.

This year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is gearing up to provide even more fun with interesting attractions and activities at the outdoor show. Bring the youngsters to catch-and-release a feisty catfish at the kids fishing pond.

Visitors can even try their hand at virtual shooting or use one of the modern air-guns with the department's popular air-gun trailer from the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Plus, the department is working closely with the Arizona Bowhunter Association so people can try shooting some of the latest archery equipment.

As usual, visitors can expect to see live wildlife up close and personal from the department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center and a live display featuring Arizona's many venomous critters.

The event will offer special show prices on fishing and hunting gear, and everything one needs for adventure travel.

Experience the great outdoors at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo

Want to try your hand at target archery? View live wildlife and learn about wildlife conservation? Find out about off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities? Try out the latest firearms on the shooting range? Visit with representatives from commercial exhibitors, conservation groups and government agencies?

If your answer is yes, then you won't want to miss this year's Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix.

The Expo offers hands-on activities, demonstrations and exhibits on a wide range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, archery, off-highway vehicle recreation, boating safety, recreational shooting, camping, wildlife conservation and more. Here are some of them:

* Try out the latest firearms on the shooting range from manufacturers, such as Smith and Wesson, Glock, and Sturm, Ruger & Company.

* See live wildlife, such as birds and reptiles, and attend wildlife workshops by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

* Attend the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Commissioner's Cup sporting clays state championships, the Archery in Schools (AIS) state championships and Arizona State University collegiate archery competitions.

* Participate in hunter education field courses.

* Interact with outdoor, conservation and sportsman's organizations.

Some of the commercial exhibitors, conservation organizations and government agencies that will be exhibiting include:

Arizona Bowhunters Association
Paha Que Wilderness, Inc.
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition
Sturm, Ruger and Company
Tonto National Forest
Glock
Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron
The Hook-Up
Arizona State Parks
Camping World
Good Gun Foundation
Arizona Elk Society
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ross Outdoors
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Outdoor Expo is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. The Expo entrance at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located off Carefree Highway, 1/2 mile west of I-17. For more information, visit azgfd.gov/expo.

Last chance to sign up for free "First Shots" seminars

People interested in learning more about firearm safety and target-shooting fundamentals still can sign up for one of several "First Shots" classes being offered at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility from Feb. 9-11.

The class covers the rules and regulations of handgun ownership, instruction in firearm safety, and information on shooting sports opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to try target shooting in a safe environment on the Ben Avery range, supervised by qualified instructors.

Classes are offered on the following dates:

* Friday, Feb. 9 - 5 to 9 p.m.
* Saturday, Feb. 10 - 8 a.m. to noon
* Saturday, Feb. 10 - 1 to 5 p.m.
* Sunday, Feb. 11 - 8 a.m. to noon
* Sunday, Feb. 11 - 1 to 5 p.m.

The class is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, please e-mail tbickford@azgfd.gov or call (602) 789-3241. Please provide your name and contact information, and indicate the class date and time for which you would like to register.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located at 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. in Phoenix. To get there, take I-17 to the Carefree Highway exit. The shooting facility entrance is off Carefree Highway, about 1/2 mile west of the exit.

For more information about the "First Shots" program, visit the program Web site at firstshots.org.

Annual bald eagle workshop in Flagstaff

Did you know that Arizona is visited by more than 200 bald eagles during the winter? Eagles migrate through Arizona every year, providing great opportunities to view our national symbol. To learn more interesting facts about bald eagles and where to see them in northern Arizona, attend the Arizona Game and Fish Department's annual bald eagle workshop on Feb. 17 or 24. The workshop is part of a free ongoing speaker series on Arizona's wonderful wild creatures.

"We are excited to continue the speaker series for several more months," says Arizona Game and Fish Department Public Information Officer Shelly Shepherd. "So far, the public seems very excited to learn about Arizona's wildlife, and we hope that continues." 

The workshop will be hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Coconino National Forest. The event will be held four times: on Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m., and on Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Each event will include a lecture followed by a field trip to view eagles.

The lectures will be held on the Northern Arizona University campus in the Southwest Forest Science Complex, Building #82. That building is located on the south end of campus at 2500 S. Pine Knoll Drive. The field trip will include a drive down Lake Mary Road.

The guest speakers are James Driscoll, Arizona Game and Fish Department bald eagle management coordinator, and Cecelia Overby, a USDA Forest Service biologist. They will talk about wintering bald eagles, Arizona's resident eagle population, and the state's eagle management program.

Anyone interested in attending will need to register with the Game and Fish Flagstaff office by calling (928) 774-5045. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately and to bring binoculars, bird field guidebooks, snacks and water.

Future topics in the yearlong Flagstaff-area speaker series will include boating safety, venomous reptiles, fishing in the high country, and urban wildlife. For more information on upcoming speaker series events, visit azgfd.gov. 

Volunteers needed for cleanups to restore wildlife, hunting and fishing areas

Now is a great time to give back to your community by helping to restore the state's scenic landscapes to beautiful and pristine places that both wildlife and people can enjoy. Several prime areas throughout Arizona are greatly in need of cleanups to provide ideal habitat for wildlife, and hunting and fishing opportunities for outdoor recreationists. 

The litter and debris left by visitors at these areas poses risks to wildlife and creates unpleasant views for anglers, hunters, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Individuals and groups are needed for a variety of activities, including litter removal, riverbank restoration and nature trail improvement.

Volunteer opportunities include:

 
* A river cleanup at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area on the Gila River in Avondale. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation, a nonprofit group associated with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information on this event, contact Heidi Vasiloff at (623) 204-2130 or e-mail wildlifefortomorrow@cox.net.  

* Ranch cleanups at three ranches in Game Units 36A, B and C, southwest of Tucson. The sites include Marley Ranch, Rancho Seco and Sopori Ranch, although volunteers are encouraged to clean up any site in the area they feel needs improvement. The event will be held on Saturday, March 3, beginning at 7 a.m., with lunch provided to participants. The cleanup is cosponsored by Hunters Who Care, a coalition of hunting groups dedicated to improving and maintaining hunting areas in the state, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information or to sign up, contact Lance Altherr of Hunters Who Care at azhunterswhocare@hotmail.com, or Arizona Game and Fish Department Officer Gabriel Paz at (520) 883-0487 or gpaz@azgfd.gov.

* An annual Alamo Lake cleanup on Saturday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alamo Lake is one of the state's premier bass and crappie lakes, located west of Wickenburg. Arizona State Parks will waive the camping and boat launch fees for those participating in the cleanup, and dinner will be provided to volunteers. For more information on the cleanup, contact Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Stewart Kohnke at (928) 684-3763 or (928) 342-0091.

Help sick and injured wildlife by taking a ride

What better way to spend a Sunday than on the back of a motorcycle enjoying Arizona's landscape, all while benefiting sick and injured wildlife? Riders are invited to participate in the family-friendly "Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run" on Feb. 18. The fundraiser helps with the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, and is hosted by the Wildlife Center's Auxiliary.

"This ride is a wonderful way to enjoy a day with your family in Arizona's great outdoors and help raise money for wildlife rehabilitation," says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. "The whole family is sure to have fun with a variety of activities, including the poker run, plus wildlife exhibits, a live band and a raffle for prizes."

Riders will enjoy 120 miles of scenic Arizona, beginning at Hal-O-Penos Mexican Café at 3575 W. Northern Ave. in Phoenix and ending at Pioneer Living History Village at 3901 W. Pioneer Road in Phoenix.  Pioneer Living History Village is a reproduction of an old Western town from the 1800s. Throughout the route, riders will stop at designated locations to collect a playing card, with the best hand of five cards winning a prize at the end of the ride. Even the non-riders in the family can partake by joining riders after 1 p.m. to enjoy the free activities at the final destination.

The tax-deductible cost to participate is $20 per rider or $30 per rider and passenger, with a ride pin and lunch provided to all registered riders. The first 500 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt. For more information or to pre-register, visit the Wildlife Center's volunteer auxiliary Web site at azwildlifecenter.org or call (623) 587-0139. Registration on the day of the event begins at 8 a.m.

Founded in May 1983, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. The center's mission is carried out with a small budget from the state's Heritage Fund, making fundraising an important contributor to the care of the animals.

Kaibab Plateau to undergo habitat improvement for mule deer

Recently the North Kaibab Ranger District of the USDA Forest Service approved a project to increase the amount and diversity of mule deer forage on approximately 30,000 acres of winter range west of the Kaibab Plateau.

Several alternatives were considered by the Forest Service, and one was selected with the objective of improving habitat for mule deer near the Kaibab Plateau. The chosen alternative includes planting shrub seeds to reestablish forage on burned uplands and drainage bottoms, using a combination of methods to prepare seed sites. The plan also calls for removing certain trees and seeding grass and shrub species on pinyon-juniper woodlands and old pushes. The project also specifies extensive treatments to remove weeds and restore native species around Slide Tank. Work could begin as early as this spring.

The Kaibab mule deer herd is considered one of the premier herds in Arizona. Concern and controversy has increased in the last decade over the relationship between the herd's size and available winter range forage, which is now considered the herd's limiting resource.

"Wildland fires, harmful weed invasions and the increasing takeover of grasslands by pinyon and juniper woodlands have reduced the west side's ability to support a large, healthy mule deer herd," said Ron Sieg, regional supervisor of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Flagstaff office.

The West Side Habitat Improvement Project area is located west of Forest Roads 423 and 427, between Snake Gulch to the north and Ranger Pass to the south.