Small game hunting camps offered for new residents

By Tristanna Bickford, hunter retention and recruitment coordinator,
and Mark Zornes, small game biologist, Arizona Game and Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering two special opportunities for new residents to learn about Arizona’s diverse wildlife and small game hunting opportunities. Individuals and families who have lived in Arizona five years or less are invited to attend one of two small game camps this fall and winter.

The camps will cover a variety of topics:

• Safe and effective hunting methods for a variety of Arizona small game animals
• Field care of game meat
• Cooking tips
• Biology of species
• Hunting ethics

Hunts will occur during morning and afternoon hours, and camp participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of mid-day activities, from 3-D archery, to tracking and trailing, to wildlife identification, and more.

Evenings will be spent around the campfire sharing good food, good times, and of course, tales of the day’s hunt and hunts from the past. Participants will be exposed to the camaraderie that develops at hunting camps and will be introduced to local members of Arizona’s hunting community. Those attending can expect to come away with lasting relationships and the knowledge that they are active participants in nature and natural processes.

Two camps are being offered:

• Squirrel Camp – Nov. 3-5, 2006 at Vincent Ranch near Heber. Participants will have the opportunity to hunt squirrels and learn about wildlife and habitats of Arizona’s higher elevations.
  
• Dove/Quail/Cottontail Camp – Dec. 1-3, 2006 at Robbins Butte west of Phoenix. Campers will have the opportunity to hunt dove, quail and rabbits while learning about other small game animals.

Meals will be provided for participants, as will firearms and ammunition (you’re welcome to bring your own firearms if you are so equipped).

For more information on the small game camps, contact Tristanna Bickford at (623) 236-7241 or tbickford@azgfd.gov, or check the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov this fall.