Volunteer opportunities for hunters
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s volunteer program provides many 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, and gain knowledge about Arizona wildlife and wildlife management. We recognize your time is important and worthwhile, and will strive to provide a variety of rewarding and educational volunteer experiences.

We’ve listed some opportunities below that we think you might find interesting. For more opportunities or to submit information about a project that would benefit from volunteers, check our volunteer page for more opportunities or e-mail our volunteer coordinator. Recent project: volunteers clear the way for antelope
More than 40 volunteers recently got together to clear invasive piñon pine and juniper encroaching on antelope habitat in the Coconino National Forest near Kinnikinick Lake. It was not all work and no play for volunteers, who enjoyed a top sirloin dinner with all the trimmings after a day in the field. The June 25 event involved volunteers from the Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Trust and Arizona ATV Riders.

Upcoming projects

Aug. 20 and Sept. 24, 2005
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Habitat restoration
Take part in a habitat restoration for antelope and grasslands birds. Contact Rick Keller at 928-214-1258.

Oct. 22, 2005
8 a.m.
Altar Valley Ranch Cleanup
Help landowners overwhelmed by trash left by undocumented aliens. Drop off full trash bags at base camp and be treated to lunch, drinks and door prizes. For more information, e-mail Gabriel Paz, call the Tucson Game and Fish office at 520-628-5376, or visit the Web site for Arizona Hunters Who Care.

Sport Fishing Education Program
Volunteer to help promote fishing and fishing skills to people of all ages, especially beginning anglers. Nothing beats helping someone catch their first fish and seeing their smile. Please contact Doug Thornburg, Aquatic Education Coordinator at 623-236-7240.

Ben Avery Line Safety Officers
Line Safety Officer volunteers help provide for the safe operation of the public shooting range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix, checking the safe condition of customer firearms, observing participants while they are shooting on the range, and maintaining safe operation of the shooting line. Training is provided at no cost. For more information, contact Larry Collins at 623-582-8313.