By Doug Burt, public information officer, AGFD

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