http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:46:29 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195613-2-willcox-az-men-fined-illegal-taking-wildlife.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:38:28 GMT :chainsaw: 2 Willcox men fined for illegal taking of wildlife | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona... :chainsaw:

2 Willcox men fined for illegal taking of wildlife | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona ]]> Arizona Hunting spectr17 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195613-2-willcox-az-men-fined-illegal-taking-wildlife.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195443-kofa-nwr-2009-survey-results-show-decline-desert-bighorn-sheep.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:38:21 GMT YUMA,...]]> 2009 Survey Results Show Decline in Desert Bighorn Sheep

11/17/09

YUMA, Ariz. - The recently completed survey of the desert bighorn sheep population on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Arizona resulted in a population estimate of 410 sheep.

The survey estimate is down from the 2008 survey estimate of 436 sheep, but it is still slightly above the lowest recorded estimated level of the 2006 survey of 390.

Due to standardized survey methodology and scientific margin of accuracy, biologists' analysis of the past four surveys indicates no significant decline or improvement to the herd's population. Wildlife management agencies remain concerned about the low population levels on the refuge compared to the estimated 812 animals of the 2000 survey.

Seasonal rains were good, consequently habitat conditions are also favorable throughout the refuge. All of the sheep appeared healthy during the aerial surveys. Biologists observed lamb-to-ewe ratios of 26 lambs per 100 ewes, which is above the long-term average of approximately 20 lambs per 100 ewes for the refuge. However, a slightly higher lamb-to-ewe ratio has not yet translated into an increase in the population - it has only stabilized it.

Once a very robust population, the size of the herd on the refuge has dropped significantly since 2000. Wildlife experts attribute the decline to a variety of potential factors including drought, predation, water availability, disease and human disturbance. Due to the significance of this sheep population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) are conducting an ongoing, joint study to collect data on these and other suspected causes of the population's decline.

"We recognize the importance of Kofa's bighorn sheep and will continue to be proactive in managing this unique resource," said Mitch Ellis, manager of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. "We're also confident that effective and appropriate wildlife management within the wilderness context of Kofa will be achieved."

In November 2007, 30 ewes were captured and fitted with tracking devices in order to monitor nutrition, movements, and mortality to assist in making active management decisions to assist in restoring the herd's population. The project study is scheduled to run through the fall of 2010.

"Kofa's bighorn sheep population is critically important to numerous small vulnerable bighorn sheep populations throughout the Southwest," said John Hervert, Wildlife Program Manager for Arizona Game and Fish. "If we are unsuccessful in restoring the bighorn sheep population in the Kofas, many of these populations will go extinct. The Kofa population is essential to the translocation efforts of the bighorn."

An extensive Web site dedicated to the Kofa NWR bighorn sheep is available at www.azgfd.gov/kofa. The AGFD launched the site in November 2007. Everything from the latest updates, background information, frequently asked questions, past press releases, active management activities and more can be found at this one-stop resource center.

For the past 50 years, the Kofa has been an important source of desert bighorn sheep for the restoration and maintenance of bighorn populations across Arizona and throughout the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas.

Because of the findings of the 2006 survey, no new translocations from the Kofa herd are scheduled. The last translocation of sheep from the Kofa was in 2005. The USFWS and AGFD continue their combined research and active management strategy in the pursuit of a desert bighorn sheep herd that can once again sustain a translocation program.

The USFWS and AGFD have jointly conducted Kofa bighorn sheep surveys since 1981. Prior to 1992, surveys were conducted annually. However, in 1992 funding constraints reduced the survey schedule to once every three years. Because of the 2006 survey results, annual surveys were temporarily reinstated. The AGFD organized funding using sportsman-generated department dollars and USFWS monies beginning in 2007.

The size, location, and unfragmented nature of 1,038 square miles that make up the Kofa NWR, have long been recognized as a unique combination that has made its 435 square miles of sheep habitat especially productive. With the passage of the 1990 Arizona Desert Wilderness Act, 856 square miles of the refuge have been designated as wilderness.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.


Contact:
Jose Viramontes (505) 248-6404 USFWS
Guy Parker (928) 341-4045, AGFD ]]> Arizona Hunting spectr17 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195443-kofa-nwr-2009-survey-results-show-decline-desert-bighorn-sheep.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195437-arizona-officials-announce-drawing-results-spring-hunts.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:32:56 GMT Anybody get drawn? =============================================* Arizona Officials Announce Drawing Results for Spring Hunts* 11/17/09 ... Anybody get drawn?

=============================================

Arizona Officials Announce Drawing Results for Spring Hunts

11/17/09

PHOENIX - The more than 35,000 hunters who applied for a tag to hunt spring turkey, javelina, buffalo or bear in 2010 can find out if they were drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 (option 2).

Game and Fish officials said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Dec. 4. Unsuccessful or rejected applicants will have their refund mailed out by Nov. 27.

There are plenty of remaining tags available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those individuals who forgot to submit an application or were unsuccessful in the 2010 spring drawing. Remaining tags include more than 10,000 javelina tags (328 juniors-only), nearly 200 turkey tags, and just over 70 tags for archery-only bear hunts. For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702.

There are now two systems to obtain a leftover tag. Paper applications will be accepted by mail only starting on Monday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. (MST). However, beginning on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can also obtain a leftover tag in person (over-the-counter) from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available. For additional information on Camp Navajo, call (928) 773-3306 and Fort Huachuca call (520) 533-2549.

Juniors-only hunts
Youngsters interested in hunting have many choices and special seasons that are only open to kids. These hunts offer an outdoor family experience and a memory of a lifetime.

There are more than 300 juniors-only spring javelina tags remaining from the draw for $22.50 (by mail or from department offices only). Juniors-only spring turkey hunts (shotgun shooting shot) are available over-the-counter from any license dealer or department office for just $10. A unique December hunt for sandhill cranes still has several tags (good for three birds) available for $22.50 (by application sent via U.S. mail only).

Both javelina and turkey are big game animals and the minimum age to hunt them is 10 years old. Kids age 10 to 13 must complete an Arizona certified hunter education course to hunt big game which includes turkey and javelina.

The anticipated drawing deadline to apply for a 2010 pronghorn antelope and elk tag is the second Tuesday in February 2010. Winter drawing information and regulations should be available on the department's web site, www.azgfd.gov, by mid to late December 2009.

Note to media: Hunting and fishing continues to be the cornerstone and a primary source of funding for wildlife management and conservation in North America. In Arizona alone, more than 418,000 hunters and anglers spend $3.8 million a day, or $1.3 billion per year, participating in these activities to the benefit of local economies. Regardless of whether one chooses to actively participate in hunting or angling, people interested in wildlife and its future should understand the role sportsmen play in conservation.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.


Contact:
Doug Burt (623) 236-7215 ]]> Arizona Hunting spectr17 http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195437-arizona-officials-announce-drawing-results-spring-hunts.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195368-stay-camp-ben-avery-shooting-facility.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:10:13 GMT LONG-TERM STAYS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE SHOOTING PUBLICUTILITY SITESNON-UTILITY SITESDaily Rates$25$12Weekly Rates$100**$50**Monthly... LONG-TERM STAYS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE SHOOTING PUBLICUTILITY SITESNON-UTILITY SITESDaily Rates$25$12Weekly Rates$100**$50**Monthly Rates$300**$150****The monthly purchase of a BASF Main-Range (MR) 10-Day Shooting Pass for $70.00 is also required(Allows 11-Daily Range Entry Fees = $77.00 VALUE at any BASF public firearm or archery range)NEW BASF MAIN-RANGE SHOOTING OPPORTUNITIES:Your stay includes an introduction to [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/195368-stay-camp-ben-avery-shooting-facility.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194983-quail-hunters-washes-walking-water-key-season.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT Quail hunters: Washes, walking and water are key this season2009-10 season offers less crowds, exploration and mixed bagQuail check station results... Quail hunters: Washes, walking and water are key this season2009-10 season offers less crowds, exploration and mixed bagQuail check station results from the season opener weekend (Oct. 3-4) vary and suggest populations are below-average in central regions to well-below-average in southern regions of the state reported Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.Southern region check stations [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194983-quail-hunters-washes-walking-water-key-season.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194982-grants-available-public-shooting-ranges-arizona.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to continue to improve and expand public shooting ranges across the state by providing grant funding to... The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to continue to improve and expand public shooting ranges across the state by providing grant funding to qualified applicants involved in the development, improvement or maintenance of public shooting and archery ranges.The department is accepting grant applications now through Jan. 15 by 5 p.m. (MST). Shooting clubs, sportsmen’s [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194982-grants-available-public-shooting-ranges-arizona.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194435-ben-avery-shooting-facility-sets-winter-hours-new-late-arrival-check.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:00:03 GMT Recreational shooters are reminded that the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is operating on winter business hours as of Oct. 15. In addition, shooters... Recreational shooters are reminded that the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is operating on winter business hours as of Oct. 15. In addition, shooters arriving near closing time are required to check-in 30 minutes before closing time to allow shooters and archers ample range time. Arriving with less than 30 minutes [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194435-ben-avery-shooting-facility-sets-winter-hours-new-late-arrival-check.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194434-new-program-teaches-fun-sport-archery-families.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:00:03 GMT Looking for a great activity the whole family can learn and enjoy?The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a Family Archery Program at the... Looking for a great activity the whole family can learn and enjoy?The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a Family Archery Program at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix beginning Oct. 12. This introductory program is designed to give families a hands-on experience to learn more about archery and [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194434-new-program-teaches-fun-sport-archery-families.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194433-target-archery-shooters-bowhunters-expand-your-skills-try-3-d-targets.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:00:03 GMT Arizona Game and Fish offers fun shootsStep off the range and into the field and expand your archery skills in judging distances, terrain, and ... Arizona Game and Fish offers fun shootsStep off the range and into the field and expand your archery skills in judging distances, terrain, and identifying the target zone on a variety of life-sized 3-D targets in a natural desert setting.All ages and skill levels are welcome, so bring the entire family [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194433-target-archery-shooters-bowhunters-expand-your-skills-try-3-d-targets.html http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194254-2009-junior-elk-hunt-third-time-s-charm.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:50:04 GMT By Rick Wilson.My son, Rick II. struck out on his first two junior elk hunts, but each time learned some valuable lessons and came back wanting more.... By Rick Wilson.My son, Rick II. struck out on his first two junior elk hunts, but each time learned some valuable lessons and came back wanting more. We were excited when he was drawn again this year for Unit 6A. We put in with our good friends and neighbors, the Smiths, so our [...]

More... ]]> Arizona Hunting http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/arizona-hunting/194254-2009-junior-elk-hunt-third-time-s-charm.html