PHOENIX — Hunters hibernating during the sizzling summer can now go online and get the 2009-10 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations, as well as the 2009 Arizona Sandhill Crane Regulations, at www.azgfd.gov. Printed copies should be in Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and license dealers statewide by Aug 1.

For those interested in the limited permits available for a sandhill crane hunt, applications must be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, by mail only, starting Aug. 3 and no later than Sept. 1 – postmarks do not count.

This is the second year for a special juniors-only crane season, and the department anticipates hosting a youth hunt camp to mentor kids to hunting these amazing prehistoric-looking creatures. There are 25 juniors-only permits this year, available only by the application process.

Successful sandhill crane applicants will receive three hunt permit-tags this year, compared to two in years past. Applicants can choose from a general, archery-only, or, for those ages 17 and younger, the juniors-only hunt. Forms and mailing information needed to apply are available at department offices, license dealers and at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Dove outlook
It may be over 100 degrees, but it is not too early to start preparing for the early dove season.

“With good dove numbers carrying over from last season and above-average winter and spring precipitation this year, we should see another very good dove season in September,” said Mike Rabe, migratory game bird supervisor. “However, the recent drying trend and sputtering monsoons could have birds focused more around agricultural areas and dependable water sources.”

The dove opener wings in on a Tuesday this year, which should reduce some of the opening day demand. Nevertheless, look for that to push over to Saturday and Sunday going into the Labor Day weekend. Dove hunting is an Arizona tradition with more than 35,000 hunters participating each year.

There are a couple of things to consider this year. First, don’t wait until the last minute to get your shotgun shells. Demand for ammunition continues to outpace supply and you don’t want to find yourself with only a few boxes on opening day. Another reminder is, now is a good time to submit that vacation request if you plan on taking  the day off for opening day.

The early dove season runs from Sept. 1-15 with half-day hunts in the south zone and full-day hunts in the north zone and statewide for youth hunters 17 and under. The late season offers all-day hunting statewide from Nov. 20, 2009 through Jan. 3, 2010.

“Those who go scouting a few days before their hunt will have the best success. Mourning doves are very mobile, strong flyers, and even if they were recently using a sorghum field, it doesn’t mean they will be there a week later,” said Rabe. “Of course a windy and rainy monsoon storm the week before the opener, like we had last year, could disperse birds throughout the desert range and have flight numbers dispersed and sporadic.”

Included within the dove regulations are the season dates and bag limits for band-tailed pigeons and Eurasian collared-doves. Band-tailed pigeon season starts Sept. 11 (north zone) or Sept. 18 (south zone) and runs through Oct. 4. The season for collared-doves is open now and runs yearlong. Hunters are reminded to keep one feathered wing attached to all harvested birds, including collared-doves, until they reach their final destination.

Where to go
If you are a novice hunter, or just new to the state, there are a number of organized hunts offering mentoring to help you get started. To get the latest details on dove events visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting. Here are a few to get you started:

• Sept. 1-3: Habitat fundraiser dove hunt (fee required), Texas Hill Farms, Roll (east of Yuma)
• Sept. 5-6: Juniors-only dove hunt, Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, near Buckeye (pancake and sausage breakfast provided by Chandler Rod and Gun Club)
• Sept. 5: Juniors-only dove hunt, Texas Hill Farms, Roll (east of Yuma)
• Sept. 12: New hunters only dove hunt, East Valley location to be determined

“Dove hunting is a deep-rooted family tradition, and these organized events are a great way to teach the next generation about hunting and firearms,” says Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Denise Raum. “When done properly, dove hunting is very safe, provides plenty of action, a good meal, and instills how to be a safe and ethical hunter.”

Furthermore, the department is teaming up with local sportsmen’s organizations with a grant program to host mentored hunting camps throughout the 2009-10 season to teach new hunters how to hunt dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and other game animals, to learn more visit www.azgfd.gov/hhwg.

Start planning
While there is nothing like the excitement of the hunt, getting geared for dove season is half the fun. Here are some basic tips to get you going in the right direction.

• Arizona hunting license – required for ages 14 and up (two hunters maximum under 14 may hunt without a license, when accompanied by a licensed adult)
• Arizona migratory bird stamp – required for ages 16 and older
• Shotgun shells – No. 7 ½ or No. 8 upland bird shot, low brass (national average is 5-7 shots for each bird harvested, Arizona’s limit is 10 birds)
• Hunter education – although it’s not mandatory, if you’re new to hunting, reading the chapters on “Safe Hunting,” “Hunting Skills,” and “Be a Safe Hunter” from the department’s online program will cover a range of topics critically important for all dove hunters, including T.A.B. +1, hunting with others, safe zone-of-fire, shotgun firing, hunter ethics, and more.
• Practice shooting – take a trip to your local clay target range and work out some of the kinks in your swing and target leading to improve your success in the field.
• Start scouting – first eliminate those areas that are now within city limits due to growth; try city and municipality Web sites to identify their boundaries. Once you have rule areas, use Google Earth to locate water tanks and natural corridors that dove may move along.

Did you know, mourning doves are the most numerous, widespread game bird in North America? They are prolific breeders with an average life span of 1-2 years. Controlled hunting seasons maintain them as a sustainable wildlife resource. Dove hunters are a valuable conservation tool. There is an excise tax on ammunition that is contributed to the Pitman-Robertson Fund, which in turn is returned to state wildlife agencies for the management of wildlife, which benefits all citizens. Additionally, hunters provide hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy, by purchasing ammunition, gas, food and lodging while engaging in this American tradition. To learn more about dove in Arizona, visitwww.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_mourning_dove.shtml.

Deer and elk hunters: Your assistance is needed again this season to continue the monitoring efforts in Arizona for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a wildlife disease that is fatal to deer and elk. Currently, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans.

Although CWD has not yet been found in Arizona through testing since 1998, it is present in three neighboring states: Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.

“To remain vigilant, we will increase our sampling efforts in the Game Management Units (GMUs) closest to these bordering states,” says Clint Luedtke, department research specialist on CWD. “Assistance from elk and deer hunters in GMU 12B, which borders Utah, as well as GMUs 1 and 27 which border New Mexico, are crucial in assuring CWD is not in Arizona in these potential corridors. However, samples from all regions of the state are still needed.”

A check station at Jacob Lake in the Kaibab Plateau will be operational from Oct. 31-Nov. 9, Nov. 14-17 and Nov. 21-30. The department will conduct sampling on the weekends of Oct. 31-Nov. 3, Nov. 8-10, and Nov. 14-17. Additional sampling will be available throughout the week.

A check station will be in place in Unit 27 on Nov. 7-9 in Alpine at the at the U.S.F.S. Alpine Ranger District Office, just south of the intersection of Highways 180 and 191. The voluntary check station will be operated between the hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hunters can assist the monitoring effort by bringing in the head of their recently harvested deer or elk to any Game and Fish Department office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Place the head in a heavy plastic garbage bag for delivery, and keep it cool and out of the sun. If the weather is warm, it is best to either bring in the head within a day of harvest or keep it on ice in a cooler before delivery.

To better assist the surveillance efforts, people will be asked to fill out a form with their drop-off. Please include the following information: county, game management unit in which the animal was harvested, hunt and permit number, and a contact address and phone number. If this information is not provided, the department will be unable to test the head.

Test results will be sent by postcard within six to eight weeks. There is no charge for the testing and notification.

CWD is a neurodegenerative wildlife disease that is fatal to cervids, which include deer, elk and moose. Clinical symptoms include loss of body weight or emaciation, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, stumbling, trembling, and behavioral changes such as listlessness, lowering of the head, and repetitive walking in set patterns.

No evidence has been found to indicate that CWD affects humans, according to both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

The department also has had rules in place since 2002 restricting the movement of captive deer and elk into or within the state, and subjecting those animals to marking and reporting requirements.

Here are some guidelines for hunters when out in the field:

• Don’t harvest any animal that appears to be sick or behaves oddly. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 1-800-352-0700 if you see an animal that is very thin, has a rough coat, drooping ears and is unafraid of humans.

• When field-dressing game, wear rubber gloves and minimize the use of a bone saw to cut through the brain or spinal cord (backbone). Bone out the meat. Minimize contact with and do not consume brain or spinal cord tissues, eyes, spleen, or lymph nodes.

• Always wash hands thoroughly after dressing and processing game meat.

• If you hunt in another state, don’t bring back the brain, intact skull or spinal column. It’s OK to bring back hides and skull plates that have been cleaned of all tissue and washed in bleach. Taxidermied heads, sawed-off antlers and ivory teeth are also OK to bring home.

• If you intend to hunt out of state, contact the wildlife agency in the area you intend to hunt. Several states have regulations on carcass movement.

For more information about chronic wasting disease, visit:

www.azgfd.gov/cwd or www.cwd-info.org

I got with one the Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Specialist to find out.

Q: Do monsoon storms effect dove?
A: Typically, normal monsoon storms happen in the evening when dove are already at the roost, and they will hunker down and weather the storm. However, early September is when white-winged doves start to migrate south. This causes the belief that the storms blew them out, when they [white-wings] were already in their migration cycle.

Q: What about that storm last week?
A: That certainly was not a typical monsoon. The East Valley particularly felt like it was under attack. There’s certainly a great possibility when you have extremely high winds like we had last Thursday and Friday that even roosting birds are going to get dispersed. And when that happens, you will see there a few days before the return to their normal patterns. Which would explain your hunt – or lack of.

Q: What are the early reports that you are hear?
A: I was out all day Monday and found the reports to be similar to what you have described. Some places were experiencing very slow flights while there are some reports of very good dove numbers. Even Yuma, which is considered the dove capital, had a less than favorable opener.

Q; You said dispersed, does this mean the dove are gone?
A: Yes and no. The white-wings might be ahead of their normal migration due to the past couple of storms, and that is very common. However, the mourning dove are still here, but dispersed and out of their normal routine. The weather forecast for this week is for a continued warming and drying trend. This should get birds back to their normal patterns and we should see this weekend provide some good dove hunting – like most were counting on for the opener.

Long-awaited legislation that will help better manage off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation and protect wildlife habitat passed the Arizona Senate on June 23 and has been signed by the Governor.

Senate Bill 1167, also known as the “Off-Highway Vehicle Bill,” passed the Senate by a vote of 16-7, with 7 members not voting.

SB 1167 will provide long-overdue resources to better manage issues created by the dramatic increase in OHV use in Arizona (347 percent in the last decade). Irresponsible riding has damaged habitat and created the potential for closures of some areas.

With the passage of SB 1167, revenue raised through an estimated $20 annual user fee on off-highway vehicles will help provide funding for additional law enforcement, trail/facility maintenance and reconstruction, rider education and information (including identification of lawful places for operators to ride), and mitigation of resource damage from OHVs.

This “user play, user pay” approach is similar to that used by hunters and anglers, where sportsmen pay license fees to support their hunting and fishing opportunities and benefits. In this case, OHV users will pay the annual user fee to support the sustainable management of their recreational opportunities and resource protection.

“We’re thrilled to see this legislation pass,” said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Bill McLean. “Balancing the protection of wildlife habitat with opportunities for responsible OHV recreation has been a priority of the Game and Fish Commission. We worked hard on this bill with sponsor Rep. Jerry Weiers and the coalition of supporters, and we’re looking forward to its implementation.”

“This was drastically needed to keep up with the explosive growth of OHV use in our state,” said Mike Senn, assistant director for field operations for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “It provides beefed-up tools—information/education efforts on responsible riding, trail development and habitat mitigation, new laws to address irresponsible riding, and seven new OHV law enforcement officers—to better manage OHV recreation and protect wildlife habitat.”

The bill passed through the Arizona House of Representatives in April by a vote of 42-13.

Key supporters in the Legislature were Rep. Jerry Weiers (R-District 12) and Sen. Linda Gray (R-District 10).

The bill was supported by a diverse coalition of organizations, including the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, Responsible Trails America (Arizona Chapter), Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife, Arizona Power Sports Industry Association, Wildlife Conservation Council, Apache County ATV Roughriders, Sierra Club (Grand Canyon Chapter), Arizona Motor Sports Association, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Drew and the Crew Motor Sports, National Rifle Association, Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Sonoran Institute, Arizona State Parks, and Arizona State Land Department, among others.

The OHV bill becomes law on Jan. 1, 2009.

NATURE RULES
Stay on Roads and Trails!

Arizona Game and Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all hunters to be cautious and courteous when using off-highway vehicles out on a hunt.

The best advice for OHV users is simply:

“Walk while you stalk.”

Get out to your location early and walk so that you don’t interrupt other hunters or scare away game with machine noise.

Many hunters have complained that after a long hike to their favorite hunting spot and a good stalk on their game, their animal is scared away at the last minute by someone crashing through the area on a loud OHV.

Be sensitive by trying to only use your OHV to retrieve your harvested game. Here are some good rules of thumb to follow when out on the hunt:

• Minimize impact to wildlife and other hunters by staying on roads and trails.

• Always make sure that the area you go into is open for OHV use. There are many seasonal closings of areas, so make sure they are open before you leave.

• Keep the noise level down by making sure your muffler is in good working order.

• Use extra caution when fording wash areas or streams. Use the 90 degree approach, and cross at the approved trail crossing only.

• Watch for hunters on foot and respect their right to be in the same area.

• Carry out everything that you carry in, don’t litter and keep Arizona beautiful.

• Only use your ATV for recovery of harvested game or to get to your location.

The department wants this to be a very successful hunting season for all hunters. Safe and considerate OHV usage is a step in the right direction.

NATURE RULES

Stay on Roads and Trails!

By Larry Parrish, father

The following is yet another great success story sent by a proud father. Larry Parrish wanted to thank Samanatha’s hunter education instructor, Cliff Saylor, for teaching her how to be a true steward of the land. Cliff, you are doing an outstanding job with these young hunters.

Cliff here is a picture of Samanthas first big game animal!

She did very well and I was surprised at how calm she stayed during the whole thing.

We made a stalk onto this cow and had to crawl about 60 yards to get a good clean shot on it.

It took 2 shots to get it, but she placed both shots perfectly.

Thanks to you for teaching her good ethics and sharing your stories because it was the hunt of a lifetime for her and me!

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s volunteer program provides opportunities for volunteers to participate firsthand in managing Arizona’s wildlife resources. Our goal is to provide you with a congenial and cooperative atmosphere where you can build relationships with staff and other volunteers, as well as gain knowledge about Arizona wildlife and wildlife management. We recognize that your time is important and strive to provide rewarding and educational volunteer experiences.

We’ve listed some opportunities in which you may have an interest. To learn about other opportunities or to submit information about a project that would benefit from our volunteers, check our volunteer page at www.azgfd.gov/volunteer.

Volunteer shotgun instructors and range safety officers for women’s shotgun shooting program
Volunteers will instruct women of all ages in the shotgun shooting sports as prescribed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Coaches will assist beginners in shotgun shooting form and skill. Range safety officers will watch over the range and ensure safety among all participants. Instructors will teach, and assist in teaching, or proctor the hour-long introductory class. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and participate in a free-of-charge Shotgun Instructor Certification process (two-day class). It is desirable, but not necessary, that instructors have shooting experience, basic knowledge of firearms and firearms safety, and some teaching/public speaking experience. Benefits to volunteers include free shooting at the main range and discounts at local sporting goods locations. The women’s shotgun shooting program will be held the first and third Thursday of each month from approximately 7-9:30 p.m. The program is held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (range time is held at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center). Entrance is just west of I-17 (Exit 223) on Carefree Highway. For more information, contact (623) 582-8313.

Range safety officers needed at Ben Avery Shooting Facility
Responsibilities include checking the safe condition of customer firearms, observing participants while they are shooting on the range, maintaining safe operation of the shooting line, and providing superior customer service by answering customer questions about firearms. Volunteers shoot for free at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located just west of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. Contact Arizona Game and Fish Department Volunteer Coordinator Les Bell at (623) 236-7680.

There were several winners at the July 7 drawing of the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle in Flagstaff, and biggest among them was Arizona’s wildlife.

Sportsmen once again stepped up to the plate and raised more than a half-million dollars that will go toward enhancing wildlife and habitat in our state.

The Arizona Big Game Super Raffle is a collaborative effort between several sportsmen’s groups and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department to raise money to benefit this state’s big game species. The commission set aside one tag per big game species this year for the super raffle. Volunteers from the groups organized and staged the raffle. All proceeds raised from raffling each tag will be used to benefit that particular species.

The following proceeds were raised in this year’s raffle:

The individual winners of this year’s special hunt tags are:

• Antelope – Chad Corbin, Sanger, Texas
• Bear – Mark Stephenson, Peoria, Ariz.
• Buffalo – Mark German, Encampment, Wyo.
• Coues Deer – Ramon Lamelas, Downey, Calif.
• Elk – Clark E. Guy, San Diego, Calif.
• Javelina – George V. Thrappas, Morgan Hill, Calif.
• Mule Deer – Charles M. Wilmer, Phoenix, Ariz.
• Bighorn Sheep – Eric Hunt, Surprise, Ariz.
• Turkey – Shaun Pfund, Tucson, Ariz.

In addition to the special tags, Swarovski Optics donated an optics package valued at $8,000, and Sportsman’s Warehouse donated a Caribou Hunt Package valued at more than $6,500. Raymond Cool of North Las Vegas, Nev., won the Swarovski package, and Michael Jukich of Phoenix won the caribou hunt.

All the super raffle tags were for special season dates, and each hunt is 365 days, starting Aug. 1, with very few limitations on hunting areas.

Many thanks go to all those who purchased a ticket, the volunteers who administered the raffle, and to the sponsoring organizations who made this vision a reality:

• Arizona Antelope Foundation
• Arizona Bowhunters Association
• Arizona Deer Association
• Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society
• Arizona Elk Society
• Arizona Game and Fish Department
• Arizona Wildlife Federation
• Foundation for North American Wild Sheep
• Mule Deer Foundation
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
• Safari Club International, Arizona Chapter
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Swarovski Optics

For more information, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.