The forecast – sunny and hot
By Doug Burt, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Spring has come to a screeching halt and the blistering heat of summer is upon us. Anyone who has lived in Arizona for more than a couple of years is well aware that for the sportsmen, this is a slow time.

The fall draw application deadline is over and hunters are anxiously awaiting the results to be posted. Officially, tags will be mailed out by Aug. 22. Hunters can check for results at www.azgfd.gov/draw to see when results will be available.

Speaking of July, while most hunters are waiting for the fall to go deer hunting, believe it or not, this month marks the season opener for two family favorites. Cottontail rabbit season began July 1 and runs all year through June 30, 2009. New this year, in Game Management Unit 31 only, is squirrel season, which also runs year-long from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. This is for tasseled-ear squirrel only. This new hunt is established to control populations of tasseled-eared squirrels to relieve some of the forage competition off of the Mount Graham red squirrel. If you take to the field for this new hunt, please send your comments about the hunt to HuntingHighlights@azgfd.gov.

Other hunting possibilities include predator hunting, jackrabbit hunting, and Eurasian collared-doves. Most are year-long seasons and can be very challenging and rewarding. Hunting in elevations above 5,000 feet can offer cooler morning temperatures and a retreat from the valley heat. One word of caution: If hunting collared-doves, be certain of their identification, as there are tons of other doves flying this time of year that are not in season. Also, leave a featured wing on all harvested collared-doves for legal identification.

If staying inside during the summer is more your speed and you have children, here’s a tip. The Arizona State Duck Stamp went on sale July 1 and is a great introduction to stamp collecting for kids. It can also spin off into duck identification games, wildlife watching at parks, and learning about wetlands. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. One way to learn more is to take a visit to one of the National Wildlife Refuges. Arizona is host to eight refuges. To learn more, visit www.fws.gov/refuges.

This issue of Hunting Highlights is loaded with fall planning information. Fishing Report Editor Rory Aikens provides an early forecast for dove (which is looking outstanding), quail and of course, some great fishing tips. Deer and elk hunters will be happy to hear that the results of last year’s CWD testing are in and show there is still no presence of the disease in Arizona. More good news includes the passing of the OHV Senate Bill 1167, which will create a user plate to help provide funding for the management and education of proper and safe OHV use. And if you missed the June Commission meeting, there is a full report to bring you up to speed – with a couple of key issues for hunters.

In the right column you will find a planning calendar for the next couple of months, questions and answers from our wildlife managers, the latest department news, hunter education information, and two of our newest tools for our customers – a calendar and a photo gallery.

Enjoy.