Arizona Spring Hunts Open for YOU Now!!!
The Spring hunts is Arizona are some of the greatest experiences with your family. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZG&F) has just opened the applications process. At the very end of the latest AZG&F news release is a great statement that involves AES.
“For those kids that are considering hunting, or are new to big game hunting, we are offering juniors-only hunting camps and outdoor skills workshops (see page 26 of the spring regs). These events are a perfect place to start learning about the excitement and traditions of hunting,” McMullen added.
The Arizona Elk Society has a great Spring program that involves the Spring Hunt season. The Youth Turkey Hunting Program give you and the youth in your life access to great information from the experts. This program is held in April, but now is the time to get prepared. Watch the AES website for information and applications for the Youth Turkey Hunting camp.
When the Midwest is cold and snowy, in Arizona the springtime is all about calling in a wild turkey in the pines, or stalking a javelina in the open desert.
The seasons for these two sought-after species are set and hunters can begin submitting applications for tags issued through the drawing process.
The 2012 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Buffalo and Bear Hunt Draw Information booklet and regulations are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website, and applications for applying are available at www.azgfd.gov/draw.
“Javelina and wild turkey offer hunters, beginners and experienced alike, a challenge and a unique outdoor experience in the springtime,” said Wildlife Recreation Chief, Craig McMullen. “There’s nothing like stalking a javelina in the open desert or calling in a wild turkey when his tail-feathers are fully displayed. It’s sure beats watching television.”
Many of the spring hunts have a limited number of tags and are issued through a draw/lottery process. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 by 7 p.m. (MST). Postmarks do not count.
The Wallow Fire Update from AZ Game & Fish Department
We continue to hear and see concern about the Wallow Fire area and what is access situation for the area. Arizona Game and Fish department has provided another great update with maps. Remember this area has had a lot of damage so use caution as you move through the area.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Arizona Game and Fish Department Update:
Here is some updated information (posted Aug. 15, 2011) for hunters and other outdoor recreationists regarding public access to areas within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter, including a Frequently Asked Questions section (below) and a link to an updated map.Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) personnel in Region I have been coordinating with Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (Forest) staff to finalize the Forest’s decisions related to public access to those areas within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter. With fall hunting seasons rapidly approaching, this is a process of significant priority for the Department.
The following information encompasses the key elements and framework the Forest has announced and will utilize in opening the area of the Forest (those portions of Game Management Units 1 and 27) impacted by the Wallow Fire. In reviewing this information, please be advised of the following key points:
- Many areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter continue to present significant public safety hazards, primarily associated with dead (falling) trees and flash flood impacts. The amount and level of public access provided is largely dictated by these public safety concerns and liabilities.
- A prerequisite to reopening the Forest within the Wallow Fire burn perimeter has been clearing and preparing designated, priority roadways for safe public travel. Roads are being evaluated in an ongoing process for consideration of opening, with open roads for motorized travel being designated with white arrows. Roads and trails not having white arrows are closed to all motorized travel. As a result, vehicular access will be limited to white-arrow roads for a certain time, but foot and nonmotorized access will be available to all areas that are not designated as closed by the Forest.
- Forest users are responsible for their own safety and are encouraged to use caution as they utilize their Forest, and to do so in a responsible manner to ensure the protection of life, property and natural resources. Be aware of your surroundings – “Look up, look down and look around.”
The entire report from Arizona Game and Fish Department
Forest Service Roads that are Open in Wallow Fire perimeter
MAPS of access to the Wallow Fire area that are open to the public.
AES sponsors Arizona Outdoor Adventure’s Casino Night to help Save the Season for Kids
On Saturday August 6, AES is sponsoring Arizona Outdoor Adventure’s Save the Season Casino Night. It will be held at Arrowhead Country Club at 7pm.
Arizona Outdoor Adventures (AOA) is a non-profit working with established youth organizations around the state of Arizona, several groups of children have the privilege of enjoying the beauty, fresh air, and fun of the White Mountains for a few days each summer.
Early this summer Arizona’s largest wildfire in history, the Wallow Fire, struck. AOA had just set up camp before being evacuated. Without time to pack everything, they had to leave behind all the supplies bought with years and years of hard work and fundraising efforts. Several days after the Wallow Fire burned through the area, they were escorted by the sheriff back to the campsite and were very saddened to discover that it was totally incinerated. AOA had hoped that maybe some items would be salvageable, but no; everything, except for two dutch ovens and a grill, was completely destroyed.
This event is to help AOA take on the very difficult task of obtaining all new supplies and equipment as soon as possible, or else be faced with canceling all camps scheduled for the entire season, which ends in October. Many, many underprivileged children of Arizona were so looking forward to their camping trip—for most of them, it is their only chance to escape the boredom and idleness of summer that can sometimes lead to destructive choices, and have a truly positive and enriching outdoor adventure.
So if you have the time and resources this is a great event to support. Visit their ticket site
Check out the Video from KPHO 5 for more details.
