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 hunting party consisted of Parker 13 and Kaler 12 (the Smith kids), Rick 14 and the dads (Brian Smith and me) as chief cooks, bottle washers and guides (probably in that order).

Brian and I put in some long hours on two consecutive weekends scouting before the hunt. The sign looked pretty good in the area, so we felt fairly confident someone would get a shot. Opening morning turned out to be unproductive, so to keep the kids’ spirits up, we went squirrel hunting midday. That was a good decision, because they harvested and had a great time doing it. The opportunity to shoot something small also gave young Kaler a needed confidence boost.

Friday evening, Parker, Kaler and Brian sat on a water tank. At about 5:30 P.M. several cow elk came in and Kaler dropped one at the water’s edge! The kids were naturally excited, but Brian held them quiet and had them wait. Sure enough, not five minutes later another cow walked in and Parker dropped it with a double-lung shot, right next to his sister’s elk! We had no luck at the tank we chose, so Rick and I helped the Smith’s load and transport their two elks to the processor.

We had no luck again on Saturday morning or afternoon, and by then I was starting to get worried that Rick might get his “third strike” on this hunt. Even though it seemed unlikely, we hoped maybe the elk hadn’t been spooked at the “Smith’s tank,” and so we finally decided to sit there. For good luck, the Smiths joined us in the homemade blind Brian had built. Like clockwork, a little before 5:30 P.M. two cows silently walked in. They were wary, and before Rick could take aim, they bolted and ran. That was a big disappointment, thinking it might have been our only chance. But, about 20 minutes later, Rick spotted a small herd of cows, feeding about 100 yards off. They milled around for a while, and then low and behold, they starting coming in single file! Rick waited until he had a good-sized cow broadside at 30 yards, and then took the shot. Bingo! Three-for-three, and for Rick, the third time was a charm after all!

Don’t forget to gobble up the over-the-counter youth turkey tags – the fall season is Oct. 2-8.

Those youth who obtained turkey tags in the spring but did not harvest an animal during that hunt can use their turkey tag to hunt during the fall season – the bag limit is only one turkey per year.

Youth are eligible to participate up and throughout the calendar year of their 17th birthday, provided that those between the ages of 10 and 13 have satisfactorily completed an approved Arizona hunter education course.

Keep in mind, legal harvest for the fall season is any turkey (male or female) but is limited to shotguns shooting shot only.

Courtesy photo: Successful junior spring turkey hunters

COLCORD RIDGE, Mogollon Rim – The mountains, mentors, wildlife officers, volunteer instructors, gobblers, guides and even the wind had a lot to teach 180 or so camo-clad youngsters during the opening weekend of the spring turkey season.

With a lot of able assistance from sportsmen’s organizations, the Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted two youth turkey hunting camps, one along the Mogollon Rim and the other in the White Mountains. Kids and parents flocked to both.

It was a momentous weekend of learning in the pine-scented woods with shotguns in hand at first light or during the afternoon in-camp workshops while gripping steaming mugs of hot chocolate or frosty cold sodas.

Even though youngsters and turkey hunting have long been mainstays on the hunting learning curve for generations, there is something new this year putting big smiles on the faces of kids and parents – this is the first spring hunt ever with over-the-counter youth turkey tags available.

In past years, youth and adults had to enter the big game drawing for the available tags. Now any youth between the age of 10 and 17 can get a turkey tag over the counter that is good for both the spring and fall hunts, although only one turkey can be harvested each year by an individual.

One smiling dad, Mark Arnold of Phoenix, said it is tremendous to have over-the-counter tags for kids, especially since they can use the tags again this fall if they don’t harvest a bird this spring. “It really gives them something to look forward too even if they don’t get one now.”

Arnold and plenty of other dads pointed out that it isn’t always about harvesting a turkey, but learning and even sharing experiences in the wild with family and friends.

Dylan Stewart, age 15, from Yuma said it was pretty exciting when a bearded gobbler came running up at full speed as they were setting up their decoy. “It took one look at us and took off flying. That was our only chance that day.”

Not getting that gobbler didn’t affect the excitement in his voice or the gleam in his eyes while relating the tale of the one that flew away.

For 20-year-old Jason Arnold, it was an opportunity to put his turkey-calling skills to use to try and call in a gobbler for his younger brother. For the Arnolds and most others as well, hunting is a cooperative family endeavor. But youth hunts are even more special – it’s family mentoring time.

Plenty of other youngsters had even more to cluck about. With a note of confident pride in his voice,13-year-old Nick McMullen related the tale of how he harvested his gobbler, which he pointed out, was his third one in four years.

“My dad pre-scouted and knew where the roost was, but on opening morning, it was so windy that we couldn’t even find them,” Nick said.

But the next day dawned on a near-perfect day in the woods with no wind. “We set up the blind and started calling across the drainage from the roost. We could see one large gobbler strutting around, and finally it flew 300 yards across the drainage straight to us in just a few seconds. I shot it seven yards away,” Nick said excitedly.

Nick quickly added that the gobbler had a seven-inch beard.

What a tale. By the way, Nick is the son of Wildlife Manager Craig McMullen, who helped coordinate the youth camp on the Rim. “Every kid seemed to have an exciting tale to tell. This is what it’s all about, why we do what we do,” the veteran wildlife officer said.

Michael Godwin, the Game and Fish wildlife manager supervisor who helped organize the youth camp for Game Management Units 1 and 27, said it was a huge success. “Every kid and parent I talked to had great things to say about the camp and all of the people that were there to help.”

Godwin added that all the parents were very complimentary of the Game and Fish Department establishing over-the-counter junior turkey tags.

Sitting side by side in a turkey blind is a perfect mentoring situation for youngsters.

Both Godwin and McMullen pointed out that lots of organizations stepped forward to help with the camps, and for working with the parents and kids in the field as well.

Groups involved included the Arizona Deer Association, the Arizona Elk Society, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Chandler Rod and Gun Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Outdoor Experience 4 All.

The universal opinion of everyone involved from kids and dads to wildlife managers and sportsmen was – “Let’s do this again!”

In late January, Game and Fish’s Tucson regional office hosted its first annual Junior Jackrabbit Camp in southern Arizona, and it was hit.

The camp consisted of just that, a good ole-fashioned campout with the department providing hot meals – including a jackrabbit stew, refreshments, snacks, campfires, safety instruction and of course – guided rabbit hunting.

Recent graduates of the hunter education program in the Tucson area (nearly 300) were notified of the event. The interest level far exceeded the maximum number of kids the camp could support, and registration filled up quickly. For all of those that missed the cut-off, keep your calendars marked for next year’s event.

The National Wild Turkey Federation provided all the funding to cover the food costs and it is a good thing, because those young kids eat a lot of food. The Sportsman’s Warehouse in Tucson provided each participant with a gift bag consisting of a $10 gift card, targets, and other items. It is only through the support of sponsors like these that the department can host these events at no charge to participants.

To say each kid had a good time is an understatement. Every kid harvested at least one antelope jack, and some shot three, four, even five rabbits. Some kids went home with more meat than they would after a successful javelina hunt – and some would argue better meat!

In the end, the final harvest was 29 lagomorphs in 36 hours (25 antelope jacks, 2 black-tailed jacks, and 2 cottontails). Nearly all of the jacks were weighed, with the two blacktails weighing more than 4 pounds and the antelope jacks averaging 8.0 pounds (range: 6.97 to 9.175 pounds).

But don’t take our word for it, here is what a father of one of the participants had to say.

“In all my years of participating in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts events, the family and I have a lot of good memories, but none of them can compare to the memories made last weekend,” said Lennie Lockhart.

Lockhart added, “My son Zack has not stopped talking about the event. I believe he has told his hunting and rabbit cleaning stories to every one of his friends and family members over the past several days, and I certainly know what he wants to do this coming weekend – hunt jacks. Thanks so much for making such a big difference in Zack’s life.”

Each year, the department conducts a number of regional small game hunting camps throughout the season to increase hunter appreciation, recruitment and retention. These events are very self-rewarding. The goal of the Hunter Heritage Work Group is to increase these efforts with the assistance of sportsman’s groups, conservation organizations and other outdoor groups.

Event organizer Jim Heffelfinger, Tucson regional game specialist, had this to say about the success of the event.

“I heard almost every family say that they are definitely going to be doing this [rabbit hunting] again on their own. I felt like the kids/parents left with the knowledge they needed to know how to hunt jacks, where to hunt them, how to clean them, and how to cook them.”

Mission accomplished – rewind and repeat.

To learn more about small game camps or just hunting in Arizona, visit:

www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

Hunters younger than 14 are required to complete a certified
hunter education course prior to the hunt.

The season for bearded turkey only runs from April 17 – May 21, opening a week earlier than the general season.

Open areas include Units 1, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (except Camp Navajo), 7, 8, 10, 12A, 23 and 27.

To assist new hunters, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be hosting a turkey hunting camp to offer tips, a warm drink or just a place to brag about their hunt.

Additionally, a how-to hunt turkey will be hosted at a department office for all those that are interested.

Dates, times and locations will be announced on the department Web site at www.azgfd.gov/otc.

Did you know Arizona has three subspecies of wild turkey?

1. Merriam’s

2. Gould’s

3. Rio Grande’s

Good luck young hunters!

Can you do the Kee Kee Run? How about the Cluck or the Putt?

Nope, they are neither a 10K run in Kingman nor a miniature golf park in Peoria. They are all part of turkey calling. If you aren’t familiar with the gratifying art of calling turkeys and you have a youngster under 17 years old, then it is time to learn.

Why you ask?

Simple – this is the first spring turkey season in Arizona where youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 can get over-the-counter turkey tags. Yes, that means no drawing – just get and go.

If you have never called in a wild turkey and have it strut its stuff or prance around doing a tail-fan dance in front of your blind, then you are in for one of the greatest wildlife experiences on this planet. There is nothing quite like it. If you are lucky enough, you might just get to witness two huge toms fanning their tail feathers and doing one-upmanship in front of a flock of hens. It’s hilarious and thrilling at the same time.

Watching huge toms in full display is one of the grandest and most colorful courting displays in the wildlife kingdom.

It usually takes a short time to learn the basics of calling turkeys, but it takes a lifetime to truly refine this seasonal art form – you never stop learning. For tips on calling wild turkeys and for clinics, visit the National Wild Turkey Federation at www.nwtf.org/calling_tips.html.

You can even help your youngster construct simple squawk boxes and then go practice on amorous spring gobblers. This is not just a macho man deal, it’s something for the whole family. In my family, my wife Cindy has the calling talent. What’s more, it’s also something to pass down or up from generation to generation.

If you want some hands-on tips, come to the Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Expo on March 28-29. We’ll have a number of mini-clinics for you.

So go learn to Cluck and Putt and get your family into a Kee Kee Run state of mind this spring.

Hey kids, are you looking to hone your hunting skills even further? There are still some fall hunting permits available for deer, javelina and sandhill crane.

All of the tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis by mail only using a hunt permit application form. For a list of remaining hunting permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. For sandhill crane, use hunt number 9006.

• Deer: General deer hunts are available during early and late November. All the deer tags are for the antlered Coues’ whitetail, which is considered one of Arizona’s most revered big game animals. They are challenging to hunt and inhabit the beautiful topography of southern Arizona. A success is considered one of a lifetime.

• Javelina: Javelina hunts are during the last week of November. Javelina are unique to the Southwest, with a wide distribution in Arizona. Javelina offer an excellent introduction to the skills needed for other big game hunting like deer and elk. As for edibility, they make very good chorizo breakfast sausage, Italian and bratwurst sausages, as well as roasts and stews.

• Sandhill Crane: The sandhill crane hunt is the second week of December. Sandhill cranes are large (5-foot wingspan), spectacular birds, which closely resemble a terradactyl. They migrate to the state and winter in wetland areas. They are very wary birds and are challenging to decoy within shooting range, making for an amazing hunting experience. Most surprising is they provide incredible table fare, often referred to as “the flying rib-eye steak.” The department will have check stations with mentors and guides to offer help.

For instructions on applying for javelina or sandhill crane tags, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and find the hunt number of the area you wish to hunt from the list of left-over fall hunts and/or the left-over list for sandhill cranes. Fill out the “Hunt Permit/Tag Application Form” per the instructions and mail it to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 52002, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2002.

Young hunters ages 10-13 are required to have completed a certified hunter education course to hunt big game (javelina and turkey only). All youth hunting big game are also required to have a general hunting license.

There is no hunter education requirement to hunt sandhill cranes, although it is encouraged. Additionally, youth hunters 10-13 do not need a general hunting license when accompanied by a licensed adult when hunting sandhill cranes.

Are you interested in hunting, but don’t know how to get started?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is continuing to provide new outlets for beginners interested to find their way into the field.

During this hunting season the department is hosting a number of introductory programs, including mentor-assisted hunting camps, informative hunting clinics, and general outdoor recreation programs:

Hunting Clinic Seminars

Waterfowl Hunting 101: Learn the basics of waterfowl hunting and identification in Arizona. Friday, Nov. 7 from 6-8 p.m. Free, no registration required.

Small Game Hunting Clinic: Learn about hunting quail, rabbit, squirrel, dove and more. Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 7-9 p.m. Free, no registration required.

Wildlife Speaker Series

Turkey Talk: Learn all about wild turkeys in Arizona. This is a great event for the public and for homeschool teachers. The first hour is informative with fun activities, followed by an educational session. The event qualifies for two hours of professional development credit. Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6-8 p.m. Free, click here to register online.

Chiricahua Leopard Frogs: Learn all about this rare and threatened frog. This is a great event for the public and for homeschool teachers. The first hour is informative with fun activities, followed by an educational session. The event qualifies for two hours of professional development credit. Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. Free, click here to register online.

*Unless otherwise noted, all speaker events are at the Game & Fish headquarters at: 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (1.25 miles west of I-17).

Hands-on Mentored Hunting Camps

Small Game Camp (Region 3): Learn to handle firearms safely, go hunting for quail and rabbit and enjoy your harvest. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 15-16, near Wickenburg. This free event requires a $20 refundable deposit per person or $30 per family. Signup deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 31, call (928) 692-7700.

Dove Hunt (Region 6): Learn about dove hunting and firearm safety. Event date to be announced soon. Location is just west of Mesa.

Juniors-only Dove Hunt (Region 4): Learn about dove hunting, firearm safety and the Quigley Wildlife Area. Dec. 6, near Yuma. Free, to register, contact Debbie, (928) 210-7304, deltadeb@gmail.com.

Small Game Camp (Region 5/6): Learn about hunting dove, rabbit, quail and camping out. Dec. 13-14, between Florence and Tucson. Registration information coming soon.

Juniors-only Duck Hunt (Region 4): Learn about duck hunting from experienced waterfowlers at one of the best wetland areas in the state. Dec. 12-13, Cibola NWR near Blythe, CA.

Small Game Camp (Region 4): Learn about hunting dove, rabbit and quail at the Texas Hill Farms annual event. Jan. 17-18, near Yuma.

For a list of frequently asked questions about small game camps, visit
www.azgfd.gov/h_f/sgc_faq.shtml

Abundant snow and rainfall has occurred since the end of 2007. Much of the precipitation fell at the right times and in the right areas. In short, plenty of water, ground cover and food made for good reproduction. The outlook for small game hunting statewide looks very good.

• Quail: Although Gambel’s quail populations were low last year, the amount of rain this spring and summer will increase their populations and should offer some fair to very good hunting depending on where you hunt. Scaled quail populations overall should be fair. Rainfall in southeastern Arizona was not as abundant as the central portions of the state. However, there are reports that some areas have favorable populations of scalies. Mearns’ quail season doesn’t open until Nov. 28. Last year proved to be a great year and this year should prove to be just as good for these high country birds.

• Rabbit: Every hunter should be able to put a rabbit in their bag this year as populations are good to excellent throughout the state. Although the season is all year long, many consider opening day the same as quail season. Hunting washes, edge cover and glassing from ridges can be very productive. Bag limits are liberal and the meat is excellent.

• Squirrel: Mark this as the year to be excited about squirrels. The season runs until the end of December now. If you’re finding young birds when quail hunting opening weekend, mark your spot for later and head north for some exciting tree squirrel hunting action. Adults are reminded that this hunt isn’t just for the kids. Try taking one with a .22 handgun for a challenging shot. Hunters should enjoy hunting conditions that rate from fair to good, and some spots will be excellent.

• Waterfowl: The waterfowl season is liberal, opening in the mountain zone the same day (Oct. 3) and running until the end of January 2009. However, canvasback ducks are not allowed for harvest due to declining numbers, and there is a shorter / restricted season for scaup ducks (see regulations for all season dates [link: http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/regulations/07-08/Waterfowl.pdf]). Depending on the timing of the migration, Arizona has plenty of water to hold waterfowl during the season and this year has the potential to be a very good duck season.

While all this news is exciting, the best thing about small game season is – no draw. Hunters can pick up a general hunting license, buy some shotgun shells and hit the road. By the way, don’t forget kids 13 and under can hunt for free with no license (two max) when accompanied by a licensed adult 18 and older. And for hunters ages 14-20, the youth combination hunting and fishing license is only $26.50.
For complete details on the small game outlook, and where to hunt visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Small Game, Big Fun Web page at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml.

See Arizona’s unique wildlife and reconnect with nature

PHOENIX —  Javelina, turkey and sandhill cranes – oh my! It may not be exactly like the famous Wizard of Oz quote, “lions and tigers and bears” – but to many it still invokes a sense of mystery and adventure.

In an effort to get kids into a natural environment and to increase their awareness of the importance of hunting as a wildlife management tool, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has created a number of youth programs to introduce kids to the outdoors. Participating in hunting and fishing is America’s original outdoor challenge.

Starting this fall there are three hunts available to young hunters ages 10-17, including:

• Juniors-only fall javelina big game hunt. There are two hunts to choose from, Oct. 10-16 and Nov. 21-30. There are a number of hunting areas to choose from. However, tags are limited and must be obtained by submitting an application by mail; for details, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. Javelina are unique to the Southwest, with a wide distribution in Arizona. Javelina offer an excellent introduction to the skills needed for other big game hunting like deer and elk. As for edibility, they make very good chorizo breakfast sausage, Italian and bratwurst sausages, as well as roasts and stews.
• Juniors-only fall turkey big game hunt. There is one hunt Oct. 3-9. Tags are unlimited and can be purchased over-the-counter for $10 at any department office. There are a number of open hunting areas, including some areas around Flagstaff, the White Mountains and the North Kaibab. Wild turkeys inhabit the forested highlands of our state. Wild turkeys are similar to domestic birds, but leaner, so don’t overcook, and you’ll be treated to a Thanksgiving family feast to be proud of.
• Juniors-only sandhill crane hunt. There is one hunt Dec. 12-14 in the southeastern part of the state. Tags are limited and must be obtained by submitting an application by mail; for details, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. Sandhill cranes are large (5-foot wingspan), spectacular birds, which closely resemble a terradactyl. They migrate to the state and winter in wetland areas. They are very wary birds and are challenging to decoy within shooting range, making for an amazing hunting experience. Most surprising is they provide incredible table fare, often referred to as “the flying rib-eye steak.” The department will have check stations with mentors and guides to offer help.

For instructions on applying for javelina or sandhill crane tags, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and find the hunt number of the area you wish to hunt from the list of left-over fall hunts and/or the left-over list for sandhill cranes. Fill out the “Hunt Permit/Tag Application Form” per the instructions and mail it to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 52002, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2002.

Young hunters ages 10-13 are required to have completed a certified hunter education course to hunt big game (javelina and turkey). All youth hunting big game are also required to have a general hunting license.

There is no hunter education requirement to hunt sandhill cranes, although it is encouraged. Additionally, youth hunters 10-13 do not need a general hunting license when accompanied by a licensed adult when hunting sandhill cranes.

Many families that have relocated to Arizona came from rural families who used to hunt. But now in Arizona, they are in unfamiliar country and not sure how to – nor do they have the network of friends and other family members they did in their hometowns. To change that, the department is reaching out to the public to introduce them to hunting in the Southwest through workshops, clinics, check stations and online information.

For more information about hunter education, licenses and hunting in Arizona, visit the Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov

These informative workshops are taught by knowledgeable wildlife biologists and fellow javelina hunters. Their goal is to teach new and youth hunters how to get started and increase their odds for success. Those interested are encouraged to attend one of the following free workshops:

• Tucson, Sept. 10 from 6:30-8 p.m., International Wildlife Museum, 4800 Gates Pass Road, (520) 628-5376.
• Mesa, Sept. 26 from 7-9 p.m., Mesa Regional Game and Fish office, 7200 E. University Drive, (480) 981-9400.
• Phoenix, Sept. 26 from 7-9 p.m., Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, (602) 942-3000.

Each workshop will include a PowerPoint presentation and discussions about the biology and management of the animals, to the nuts and bolts about how to hunt them. Other key areas to be covered include identifying the signs of where they eat and sleep, and how to use binoculars to locate animals.

To hunt javelina, youth must be at least 10 years old and have passed a certified hunter education course. Youth over 14 are encouraged to take a hunter safety course, but it is not mandatory. Regardless of age, a general hunting license is required, as well as a javelina hunt permit-tag.

Currently, there are plenty of juniors-only fall javelina hunt permit-tags available on a first-come, first-serve basis by submitting an application via U.S. Mail. The majority of the hunts are in beautiful southern Arizona. The season dates are either Oct. 10-16 or Nov. 21-27, depending on choice of hunting area. For details on applying for a tag and a list of hunting area choices, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Javelina resource links:

• History, hunting and behavior of javelina
  
• Video of javelina
• Urban javelina

Note: Javelina occupy habitats from the Sonoran desert to ponderosa pine, ranging from Nogales to Flagstaff and Kingman to Safford.  Javelina are common in remote areas and are often also found in urban settings. Adult javelina generally weigh 35-60 pounds, and are also known as the collared peccary, named for the white band or collar which runs across the shoulders. They are classified as a big game species and there are two regulated hunting seasons available. Hunting and harvest are managed to maintain healthy and sustainable populations.

Doug Burt, Public Information Officer, AGFD, dburt(remove)@azgfd.gov.

-30-

Looking for a fun activity to unglue your son or daughter from the TV or computer?

Small game camp orientation - photo AGFD.

Want to learn how to hunt tree squirrels?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will conduct a free small game hunting camp on Oct. 10 and 11 in the White Mountains to provide Arizona youth and others with the basic skills they need to successfully pursue tree squirrels. The program will also provide an overview of hunting opportunities for other small game species in our state. Youth need to be at least 8 years old to participate.

“This intensive camp is designed to provide youth and those new to hunting with an opportunity to enhance their hunting knowledge and skills here in Arizona, while also teaching them the values of stewardship and wildlife conservation,” says Wildlife Manager Supervisor Mike Godwin. “The workshop is all about hands-on learning, asking questions and being with others who are also interested in hunting in our state.”

The camp will be held at the Los Burros Campground, located on Forest Road 224 that runs between Vernon and McNary. The program will cover hunting opportunities, firearm safety and game care. Other activities include archery instruction and 3-D shooting, survival basics, first aid and more. Instructional sessions begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, and participants will hunt in the field with mentors Saturday.

The workshop, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, includes meals, instruction and field time with hunting mentors. The program is aimed at developing responsible and successful hunters who recognize the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation. The White Mountain Rod and Gun Club will also be assisting with the event.

For more information or to sign up, contact or call the department’s Pinetop office at (928) 367-4281. The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.

By Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager, AGFD Pinetop regional office

Successful junior javelina hunter - photo from azgfd.net/photos.

Do you know a young hunter that would like to go big game hunting? Here is the perfect hunting trip for a youngster fresh out of hunter education class.

There are almost 2,000 fall javelina tags available for junior hunters. The permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The majority of the hunts are in units in beautiful southern Arizona. The season dates are either Oct. 10-16 or Nov. 21-27, depending on hunt choice. For details on applying for a tag, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Note: The harvest limit is one javelina per calendar year. If you harvested a javelina this past spring of 2008, you cannot hunt javelina this fall.

Javelina hunting is fun, exciting, challenging and a great way to test your skills of locating game, glassing, stalking, shooting and hopefully, processing your harvest.

Hunting javelina during the fall, as opposed to the spring, is fairly new. However, temperate fall weather and mixed bag opportunities for rabbit and quail, makes this a desirable hunt. The department is hosting a couple of javelina hunting workshops in September. These informative workshops are taught by knowledgeable wildlife biologists and fellow javelina hunters. Their goal is to teach new hunters how to get started and increase their odds for success. For locations and times of the javelina workshops, visit www.azgfd.gov under the “what’s new” section.

In the meantime, while you are waiting for your tag to come in the mail, the following tips will provide you with plenty to learn about how to find, hunt and harvest a javelina this fall.

Stereotyped for their lack of intelligence, the javelina is not any less intelligent than our other native wildlife. Their eyesight is very poor at distances greater than 100 yards. This is understandable for an animal that evolved in the thick brush where food, water, shelter, and predators could only be seen at very short distances. Their sense of smell and hearing abilities, however, are very well developed.

Javelina travel in large groups, or herds; on average there are 8-12 animals in a herd. These herds occupy a territory of about 1-2 square miles that is defended from other adjacent herds. In good javelina habitat, each territorial boundary abuts the boundary of adjacent herds. This makes it somewhat difficult to answer the question, “Where are the javelina in this area?” Answer: Find good habitat, you’ll likely find javelina.

Although javelina are “everywhere,” they never seem to be where you are (even when you’ve seemingly been everywhere). Knowing how javelina feed and what signs they leave behind is the key to successful javelina hunting.

Javelina eating prickly-pear cactus. Photo AGFD

Feeding javelina concentrate heavily on succulents such as prickly pear, hedgehog, barrel cactus, lechuguilla, and cholla. The fruits and fleshy parts provide not only nutritious feed, but water as well. When javelina feed on prickly pear pads they grasp the pad and pull, which shreds the pad and leaves the stringy interior fibers visible.

Hedgehog cactus after javelina feeding. Photo AGFD

Small cacti such as hedgehogs are knocked over with a front hoof and the insides are eaten out so that only the tough outer skin and spines remain. Lechuguilla leaves are pulled apart and left scattered as the javelina eats the fleshy heart out of the plant. Roots and tubers are also dug or “rooted” up by javelina in search of nutrition. All of which give indication if there are javelina in the area.

Typical javelina bedding ground area - photo AGFD.

Javelina spend their time resting and feeding. Resting occurs primarily in traditional bedding grounds which are located in low areas of thick brush or caves throughout their territory. Bedding grounds offer soft soil to lie on and protection from predators and the weather.

Javelina meat is considered, by some, to be less than palatable. However, if properly cared for in the field, javelina provide good eating. The key is to field dress the animal immediately and skin it at your first opportunity. Don’t worry about the scent gland above the tail; it is attached to the skin and will come off when you skin the animal. The hairs of the javelina are covered with this scent; make sure you do not touch the meat with the hand that has been holding the hide.

Tips for finding pigs:
Hunting is 100-percent luck, and the other half is hard work, but there are things you can do to greatly improve your chance of being in the right place at the right time. Here are our “Lucky 7” tips for finding game.

1. Be prepared: Spend a significant amount of time scouting/researching before the season. You can locate herds of javelina and start to understand their distribution and movement patterns.
   

   Javelina under typical cover - photo AGFD.

2. Take your game sitting down: The old adage that a good hunter wears out the seat of his or her pants before the soles of their boots describes perfectly what glassing is all about. At least 90 percent of your time should be sitting down behind your optics.
3. Look on the bright side: You always want to have the sun to your back. Not only does this prevent you from looking into the sun, but more importantly, you will be looking at canyons and hillsides illuminated brightly.
4. Get high and lay low: When glassing you should climb as high as possible to get the best view and set up in the shade of a tree, bush or other structure. It is always tempting to stop short, but for every 50 feet in elevation, more and more country down below opens up for your inspection.
5. Concentrate on the details: Natural-colored big game animals are not going to be standing out like a neon sign on the other side of the canyon. If you are not concentrating, you will miss javelina right in the middle of your field of view.
6. No room for random: Glassing does not entail looking around willy-nilly hoping to spot something. Glassing efficiently and effectively means you search your visible area in a systematic way. A tripod is a must if you are serious.
7. Come early, stay late: If you want to be successful you have to make sure you are active during the same time periods as your game. Take advantage of the “Golden Hours” — the first hour after the sun up and the last hour of sun in the evening. Pack a lunch and stay afield all day.

By Jim Heffelfinger, Tucson regional game specialist, and Doug Burt, public information officer, AGFD

Jim Heffelfinger has worked with the department for more than 16 years. He is well known in the wildlife community, is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Arizona, and is the author of “Deer of the Southwest, A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer.”

Sam Wrasse with spring gobbler harvest. Author submitted photo.

Thirteen-year-old Sam Wrasse has always shown an interest for hunting, which is unusual, since he comes from a non-hunting family. My brother Grant, and Sam’s father, Clayton, have been business partners for a long time, so Sam was always around to hear our hunting adventures. With his dad’s blessing, Sam started going with us on our hunting scouting trips.

Every story and scouting trip just fueled a fire inside him. So, finally it was agreed between Sam, his dad, and my brother that if Sam would continue to get good grades in school and stay out of trouble, that when he turned 10, he would be able to take the hunter education course. Grant took Sam to every class and made sure he understood everything the instructor was teaching. Needless to say, Sam passed with flying colors and was now able to apply for upcoming hunts.

After two unsuccessful years of trying to draw a spring turkey tag, Sam finally was drawn for a juniors-only spring turkey hunt.

On opening morning we picked Sam up at 4 a.m., and he was already up and ready to go. Grant asked him what time he got up, and Sam replied that he didn’t want to oversleep so he got up at 2:45 a.m.

We arrived at our spot at 4:30 a.m. We eased out of the truck closing doors as quietly as we could, when all of a sudden, my brother locked the truck and accidentally set off the truck alarm, and two loud alarm noises echoed through the woods! The response we got was six gobblers announcing their presence with thundering gobbles in the darkness.

We quietly eased into our calling location and set up the decoys. As daylight approached I started calling. With every yelp and cluck the six toms would gobble, but there were hens calling everywhere. I was doing my best to compete with the hens when all the gobblers flew down.

Five of them headed up the creek away from us towards the hens, while one stayed on the point where he roosted. As I continued my impression of a love-sick hen, the tom came to our direction. As the tom approached, Sam finally got to see him at 40 yards just to his right. At that point, the gobbler puffed up and ran right at our decoys. As he passed behind a big tree Sam raised his gun into position. The gobbler began to spur and beat one of our jake decoys.

Sam, being as calm as he could be (I could see his knees shaking from 10 yards behind him) tightened down on his gun, I clucked one time to raise the tom’s head, and at 20 yards Sam laid the hammer down on him! Immediately Sam was hooting and hollering!

This hunt only lasted for one hour as it was over at 5:30 a.m., but the experience and memories will last a lifetime. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing the smile on a young man’s face when his dreams come true.

By Brian Fish, friend and hunting mentor

White-winged dove on saguaro cactus. Photo Rory Aikens

Did you know that increased gasohol demand and the bountiful dove hunting opportunities in central Arizona this year for the Sept. 1-15 early season have something in common?

They do.

According to an article published by the Arizona Farm Bureau written by George Frisvold, a professor of agriculture at the University of Arizona, for the first time since 1976 the number of acres planted in wheat in Arizona exceeds the number of acres planted in cotton. Cotton has little value for doves and other wildlife. Wheat fields provide high-value wildlife real estate.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists said that these changing agricultural practices bode well for dove populations, and many other wildlife species as well. But grain crops aren’t the only factors for what biologists believe should be a good dove year.

“Superb winter and spring rains, coupled with decent summer rains, have also created favorable dove habitats in central Arizona,” said Migratory Bird Specialist Mike Rabe.

Once again this year, dove hunters can expect the birds, especially white-winged doves, to be concentrated in agricultural areas, just like in the past. But also this year, expect to find mourning doves dispersed into the desert as well.

“Right now, there are plentiful seed crops in the desert areas and abundant water sources. This creates plenty of opportunities for dispersed hunting, rather than hunting the more congested areas,” Rabe said.

Rabe also said scouting takes on added importance this year. “You’ll want to get out and identify those fields with grain that are attracting doves. Plus, increased urban encroachment means the fields you hunted last year might be within a quarter-mile of occupied structures – especially new subdivisions – this year.”

Scout first.

The early dove season from Sept. 1-15 this year is once again half-day hunting for adults in the southern zone (all day for adults in the northern zone), but youth can hunt all day in either zone.

The Game and Fish Department is once again offering a juniors-only dove hunt at the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area on Sept. 6-7 (the first weekend of the dove hunt). The Chandler Rod and Gun Club will also be providing young dove hunters and their mentors a scrumptious pancake and sausage breakfast following the morning hunt.

One young girl who outshot her older brothers during one of the past youth dove hunts had commented, “It was more fun than Disneyland!”

For more information on the Robbins Butte juniors dove hunt, contact Phil Smith at (602) 290-2237.

All hunters should keep in mind that Arizona is experiencing a cottontail rabbit bonanza this year. “A passel of dove breasts can feed a family, but add in some cottontails and you can create a feast for your favorite neighbors as well,” Rabe said.

The late season dove hunt is Nov. 21, 2008 through Jan. 4, 2009. “White-winged doves will have migrated south long before the late season, but especially this year, there are plenty of mourning doves. In fact, each year the late dove season seems to increase in popularity as more and more hunters experience the terrific wing-shooting opportunities in the mild early winter weather,” Rabe said.

Hunters should obtain a copy of the 2008-09 Arizona Dove Regulations prior to going afield. A general hunting license is required for youth 14 years and older, and a migratory bird stamp is required for all hunters 16 years and older. Kids 13 and younger can hunt without a license when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years or older.

Regulations are available at more than 300 license dealers statewide or can be downloaded from the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunt.

Story and photos by Rory Aikens, public information officer, AGFD

Okay, this issue is not all about doves, but that’s where we’ll start.

The season opener kicks off Sept. 1 and coincides with Labor Day this year. This year should prove to be one to be remembered, for two significant reasons: rain and grain. Don’t miss the dove hunting outlook article by Rory Aikens to find out where the birds are. However, before you get there – check out the recipe for dove kabobs. If you thought the fast pace of shooting doves was the best part of the season, wait until you try this recipe.

You’ll also find a variety of other articles in this newsletter.

We received a great spring turkey success story. Read how this young hunter found his way into the outdoors – by the sounds of the story, he’s hooked. This is a shining example of how important mentors and juniors-only programs are for the future of hunting and wildlife management.

The good news is, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission just made some significant changes to the 2009 spring hunt regulations. Junior hunters can now purchase over-the-counter spring and fall turkey tags. There are many other improvements, too; be sure to check out the “Commission takes steps…” article.

For hunters who use OHVs, you should be aware that new rules and regulatrions will take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. See Jim Harken’s article for the latest OHV developments.

Getting back to the kids, there are some great juniors’ opportunities to take to the field this fall. Right now, there are plenty of juniors-only fall javelina tags left over. The department is going to host a few javelina workshops in mid-September to help these young hunters get started in the right direction. Be sure to read game specialist Jim Heffelfinger’s tips for hunting fall javelina – this guy knows his stuff.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Oct. 10-11 for a trip to the pine trees for a hands-on hunting workshop. The Pinetop regional office is hosting the event to teach youngsters and new hunters how to hunt tree squirrels. This event always proves to be a fun and exciting weekend. Find out all the details and how to register in Bruce Sitko’s article “Workshop teaches introduction to hunting.”

As you can see, there are a ton of options for getting into the outdoors. For more dates and events, check out the Sportsman’s Planning Calendar and the many other sidebar topics.

Until next time, happy hunting and be safe.

By Doug Burt, public information officer, AGFD

Hunting is a tradition in my family. Everyone in my family and step family hunts, except my mom. I’m a 14-year-old female and have been hunting for three years. In 2007, I killed a very big Coues buck. Bigger than any my dad has killed, and he has been hunting for almost 30 years now. Here’s my story.

It was in mid-October, I think, and I got drawn for Coues deer in Payson. My dad, my uncle and I drove to some friends who live in Payson. They are cool people. They all hunt too, and they have a 14-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. We spent the night at their cabin. The next morning, they woke me up at three o’clock in the morning! On our way out, we met up with more friends who all wanted to see me hunt a deer. We had a total of 10 people on this hunt.

We had to take quads to our destination and it was freezing! We must have gone to 10 different spots until we saw a buck. He was small – but still good sized. I was too far away to shoot him so we tried to get closer, and then we saw a buck twice as big! We got as close as we could but it was still pretty far. I ended up taking a shot at him from 540 yards away – and nailed him. He went down in one shot. It was getting dark, so my dad and Cameron (our friend) took off down the hill, and when they got to the buck, all I heard was Cameron yell, “He’s a toad.”

Everyone congratulated me. When my dad got back with the deer, it was pitch black outside. The next morning I woke up late and walked outside to find my deer already skinned. They measured his antler size to be 102 and 3/8th. Amazing, huh? He was only a 4×5. Everyone was amazed that a teenage girl killed that large a deer.

If you have a “Junior Hunters” story you would like to share, please email a picture, story, name and city with subject title “Junior Hunters” to:
HuntingHighlights@azgfd.gov

This is just a quick update to a story you printed last summer about my son Jeremy. My oldest son Jacob collected his first elk during the juniors’ hunt last fall. Like Jeremy’s hunt, there is always a story involved, and Jacob’s first elk was no exception.

We hunted long and hard the first couple of days without any real opportunity for success. We tried both calling and still-hunting, but were unable to visibly locate any elk. Sunday morning turned both very cold and windy. Having moved into a new area, we heard countless shots in almost every direction from us seemingly regardless of where we went. We knew we had just missed seeing animals several times and this was starting to take its toll on Jacob’s spirits. That evening while driving back in, we bumped two cows that headed back in the direction of a vehicle we had passed several minutes before.

After hearing shots again a short while later, he became visibly discouraged. We talked about ethics, providence, and the real gift of even having the opportunity to take part in this hunt. I told him that perhaps we had helped provide an opportunity for another junior hunter that might not have otherwise had one and we should be glad for them. He agreed.

A mile down the road, we set up near what appeared to be an active watering hole and began calling. While we talked some more, he knew that things don’t always turn out like you might hope. A short while later and without warning, two cows seemed to appear from out of nowhere, seemingly answering our call. After calming him down some, Jacob proceeded to collect his first elk.

I’m sure he’ll remember the scouting, hard work, cold weather, hearing other shots being fired, and ultimately the animal he collected. The time we spent together hunting on this trip is also something I’ll also always treasure. In addition, this turned out to be the only animal our family harvested this year, and it is still providing for us.

This year we were blessed with tags again! Not only did Jacob draw another juniors’ hunt cow tag, but Jeremy (now 14 who collected his first cow two seasons ago) drew one of the coveted September rifle bull tags in 5BN, and ironically both my brother Don and I also drew September archery bull tags in 5BN to go along with the 5BN September archery cow tags that three of Don’s children (Candra, Jonathan, and Margo) drew. We feel as though we won the lottery, big time. We can hardly wait!

I might note that it’s been 15 years since Don has drawn a bull tag, so he’s very pleased. Personally, I’ve drawn two bull tags (both archery) in the past 14 years (including this year) and share his enthusiasm.

If you have a “Junior hunter’s” story you would like to share, please email a picture, story, name and city with subject title “Junior Hunters” to:
HuntingHighlights@azgfd.gov