Beat the heat with a retreat to the pine trees. The Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) outdoor skills workshop is scheduled for Aug. 14-16 at the Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. It will begin at noon on Friday and end at noon on Sunday.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a nationally recognized program designed to introduce women to the great outdoors taught by expert instructors, in an enjoyable, non-intimidating environment.

“These weekends are always a lot of fun,” says Linda Dightmon, BOW coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “The only thing the participant needs to bring is her personal items, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn.”

The weekend-long workshop will offer 32 different classes with three themed categories – shooting and hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive sports like camping, canoeing and rappelling. There is something for everyone. One new class is a falconry class where participants will get an opportunity to handle raptors. Another recent addition is an advanced fly-fishing class using float tubes. After daily classes the evenings are filled with fun and entertainment like night hikes, musicians and storytellers.

Participants stay in rustic cabins, but there are showers and bathrooms in each cabin. There is a central dining hall for meals. Equipment, materials, food and lodging are all included. However, participants will need to bring a camera for the outdoor photography class.

Dightmon added, “I love to see the women interact and watch the camaraderie grow.”

Registration is $240 and enrollment is open to all women over 18.

For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, contact the Arizona Wildlife Federation at (480) 644-0077 or email awf@azwildlife.org.

1. Quagga Mussel

Origin – Eastern Europe and Ukraine

Prolific populator; Removes food/nutrients from water column, clogs pipes and water conveyance infrastructure, damages boat motors and marinas; Management/eradication costs can be enormous for power and water supply agencies. Dispersal by boats and equipment, pipes, canals, live wells.

2. Buffelgrass

Origin – Africa

Pervasive grass introduced for soil stabilization and livestock feed; Potential to severely alter Arizona’s desert landscape due to fire-carrying capability; Regrows quickly and outcompetes to replace native plants in disturbed areas. Dispersal by windblown seeds and rapid spread along roadways into the desert and rangelands/pastures.

3.  New Zealand Mudsnail

Origin – New Zealand

Out-competes native Arizona snails for available food resources/territory; Very prolific and spreads quickly by floating and attaching to vegetation to rapidly increase its range. Dispersal by boaters and anglers (waders, boating gear, fishing equipment, etc.)

4. Red Imported Fire Ants

Origin – South America

Caused severe, irreparable damages to economy/ecology in southeastern states and parts of New Mexico and California; Damages include total crop losses, nursery infestations, livestock depletion and harm to human health (stings/allergic reactions). Dispersal by plant trade and vehicular travel.

5. Asian tiger mosquito

Origin – Asia

Widely established in southeast and
midwest U.S.; Aggressive biter carries diseases harmful to humans, e.g., West Nile virus, yellow fever and dengue fever; Detected in Arizona in 2000 and 2006 on imported, non-native plants. Dispersal by exotic plant trade (egg dispersal), back-yard containers, and transporting old tires.

6. Northern Crayfish

Origin – Canada, south to Texas,
west to Utah, north to Montana.
Popularly used as bait and for aquatic weed control; Populations have exploded in Arizona due to no natural predators; Arizona has no native crayfish; Voracious appetite for larval fish, plants, and insects can severely harm ecosystems. Dispersal by bait buckets and aquarium discard.

7. Yellow Starthistle

Origin – Eurasia, southern Europe

Displaces native and agricultural plants
in rangelands/pastures; Grows and spreads in dense, impenetrable stands; Toxic to horses; Introduced to southwest as contaminant in grain seed. Dispersal by livestock, roadways, contaminated seed, and vehicular travel.

8. Red Bromegrass

Origin – Eurasia, Mediterranean region

Weedy annual now common throughout southwest U.S.; Grows prolifically with winter rainfall; Substantially increases fine fuels on rangelands; Increases occurance and severity of wildfires. Dispersal by seeds spreading to disturbed areas along
roadways, rangelands, agricultural
fields and urban landscapes.

9. Silver carp

Origin – China

Introduced into U.S. for algae control and as a food fish; Currently well established in the Mississippi drainage; Can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 60 pounds; Adults outcompete juvenile sportfish (e.g., bass, bluegill) for planktonic food. Dispersal by bait buckets and illegal commercial transport.

10. Giant Salvinia

Origin – South America

Pervasive aquatic fern that can greatly alter aquatic ecosystems; Forms very thick surface mats and completely blocks light and oxygen penetration; Impedes water flow, clogs water conveyance, and eliminates all other plant/fish species. Dispersal by boats, equipment, and natural downstream flow.

You can help stop these invasions!

Hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists can do their part.

• STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS by cleaning, draining, and drying
  your watercraft and fishing equipment.
• DON’T RELEASE PETS into the wild.
• DON’T TRANSPORT LIVE FISH or other aquatic species for
  release elsewhere.
• DON’T PLANT A PEST: clean your vehicle and hunting equipment
  of plant parts/seeds and use native plants for landscaping.

All presentations, which will be held from May through August, run from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Powerhouse Visitor’s Center Event Room. Personnel will remain afterward to answer questions. Admission is free.

“Urban wildlife seems like a timely subject,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Kingman office. “And, as the population continues to grow, people will have increased encounters with wildlife.”

Mocarski said the upcoming presentation will include information on Game and Fish response, decision-making, capture methods, dangers, and past issues.

“Recent examples of human-wildlife encounters provide an opportunity to educate the public,” Mocarski said. “There are just too many myths out there and few people truly understand the dangers and potential problems associated with encounters and captures.”

Mocarski added that he has finalized the entire Summer Wildlife Series season. Upcoming topics are:

• June 11 – Hunting Arizona
• June 25 – Fishing: Largemouth Bass
• July 9 – Northern Arizona Predators
• July 23 – Bats of Arizona
• Aug. 6 – Fishing: Catfish
• Aug. 20 – Desert Bighorn Sheep

The series kicked off the season on May 14 with a presentation on venomous critters.

“I think this series provides a fantastic opportunity for the public,” Mocarski said. “We had 35 at the first presentation and I’m hoping these crowds will grow as we continue through the summer. I believe people always walk away having learned something new.”

The Powerhouse Visitor’s Center is located at 120 W. Andy Devine (across from Locomotive Park). For more information, please contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, Ext. 2301.

PHOENIX — Green Valley Park in Payson, Ariz., will undergo an amazing transformation on Saturday, May 9, when its sprawling grassy expanses turn into a carnival full of wildlife and fun outdoor activities. The 15th annual Payson Wildlife Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, and organizers have been working hard to make it the best yet. Admission to the public is free.

“This is a great way for the family to spend a Saturday,” says Craig McMullen, Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife manager in the Payson District. “Parents and kids can fish, play games and get a close-up look at lots of amazing animals. The wildlife featured is magnificent.”

Live animals on display will include raptors, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, prairie dogs and alligators. Fair visitors can also test their skills at one of the casting booths or pellet gun and archery ranges, and they can visit booths from a variety of conservation groups, including the Arizona Antelope Foundation, Phoenix Herpetological Society, and Arizona State Parks, to name a few.

Green Valley Lake will receive more than double its normal stocking of trout in preparation for this event. The park typically receives about 300 pounds of trout per stocking. For this event, 800 pounds of fish will be released into the lake prior to the fair. No fishing license is required for fair attendees, and equipment and bait can be borrowed from the free fishing booth at the fair.

The Payson Wildlife Fair is a cooperative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department, USDA Forest Service, Mogollon Sporting Association, and Payson Parks and Recreation Department.

Green Valley Park is located at 1000 W. Country Club Drive, Payson (take State Route 87 to Main Street and go about one mile west).

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Outdoor Expo drew a record 35,000 people over the March 28-29 weekend, breaking last year’s attendance of 26,000.

The event was held at the 1,650-acre Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, a world-renowned five-star range that is listed as a Phoenix Point of Pride.

“We host the Expo each year to give the public a chance to learn about Arizona’s amazing wildlife resources and recreational opportunities,” said Assistant Director Ty Gray. “The family event gives outdoor enthusiasts and novices a hands-on chance to discover or experience activities like wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, archery, camping, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating recreation.”

Expo activities were held in four different locations throughout the Ben Avery range. An expanded family area included live wildlife displays (hawks, owls, small mammals, snakes and lizards), catch-and-release fishing for kids, casting demos and fishing tips for adults, archery classes, and outdoor workshops.

Other areas provided the chance to learn about specialty shooting sports or try out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, view off-highway vehicle demonstrations and learn about responsible OHV riding, see boating displays and learn about boating recreation and safety, observe hunting dog demonstrations, and view exciting cowboy mounted shooting competition.

Visitors were also able to visit with about 150 exhibitors, including sportsmen’s/ conservation organizations, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

In addition to the weekend Expo, the department’s second annual pre-Expo “Youth Day’ was held on Friday, March 27. The event focused on wildlife and conservation education and was attended by 1,400 pre-registered public, private, charter and home school children accompanied by 400 adult chaperones.

Gold sponsors of the 2009 Outdoor Expo were PIERCE Bullet Seal Target Systems and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.

Next year’s Outdoor Expo will be held March 27-28, 2010, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. More information will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/expo as it becomes available.

These workshops introduce women to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment. Expert instructors teach women skills such as canoeing, camping, using a compass, fly fishing, Dutch oven cooking, archery, and many more.

For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, go to www.azwildlife.org or call the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077 or email us at awf@azwildlife.org.

The information, giveaway items, and hands-on instruction in hunting and casting is all free of charge as Game and Fish personnel continue efforts to educate and inform.

“The event is designed around youth, but it’s fun for everyone,” said Zen Mocarski, information and education program manager for the Game and Fish Kingman office. “Last time we were in Kingman we had approximately 2,000 come through the doors. It was unreal.”

Mocarski said there will be live birds, mammals, several species of rattlesnake, and other wildlife. Game and Fish will also have interactive hunting and fishing games. In addition, there will be free information and giveaway items such as posters and key chains.

There will be some photographic opportunities at the fair, and participants are encouraged to bring a camera.

“People shouldn’t miss an opportunity to grab a snapshot of some of the birds or get a photo of their children learning to cast,” Mocarski said.

The fair is not limited to Game and Fish. Also slated to participate are: Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Falconers Association, Audubon Society, Bureau of Land Management, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mohave Sportsman Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

“Obviously this is a great event for everyone,” Mocarski said. “It’s critical for adults and youth to have an understanding of wildlife: the behavior of animals, their value, and potential risks of specific human behaviors. This is the event to attend if you have any questions, or just want to look around.”

Kingman Academy High School is located at 3420 Burbank, which is located off Airway. For more information about the wildlife fair, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, ext. 2301.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) introduces women to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment. At $240 per person, this program may be one of the best bargains around.

Expert instructors teach women skills such as canoeing, camping, using a compass, fly fishing, Dutch oven cooking, archery, and many more. Classes are held during the day, and evenings are filled with fun and entertainment like night hikes, music, and storytellers.

Scheduled for April 3-5, 2009 and again August 14-16, 2009, the program is held at Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Meals are provided, and participants sleep in cabins. The event starts at noon on Friday and ends at noon on Sunday.

“Even though this workshop is geared toward novices, there is still plenty to learn and do for women with a little more outdoor savvy,” says Linda Dightmon, the BOW coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF). “BOW is a great venue to network with like-minded women and maybe find a new fishing buddy.”

AWF sponsors the program in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Enrollment is open to all women 18 and older.

For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, visit www.azwildlife.org, call the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077, or e-mail awf@azwildlife.org.

Then come on out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s FREE Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

This crowd-pleasing event offers lots of exciting, hands-on outdoor recreational activities, demonstrations and exhibit booths:

• Test your skill at archery
• Take your kids to the huge catch-and-release fishing tank
• See live wildlife demonstrations (hawks, owls, snakes, more)
• Watch amazing horse-mounted shooting competition from the cowboy mounted shooters
• Hike a nature trail/field course
• Try target shooting with different firearms on the range
• Watch custom off-road vehicles called “rock crawlers” nimbly walk over huge boulders and other obstacles
• Watch casting demonstrations and pick up fishing tips from local experts
• View exciting shooting demonstrations by the cowboy action shooters, including quick-draw demos by the world-famous “Evil Roy”
• Attend informative workshops on fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation
• See boating exhibits and learn about boating recreation and safety
• Visit with more than 100 exhibitors—sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services

So you don’t miss a thing, there is trolley transportation available throughout the 1,600-acre Ben Avery grounds.

To get to the Expo, take I-17 to Carefree Highway (Exit 223). Go west a ½ mile on Carefree Highway and follow the signs. Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee if you want to try out firearms on the range.

Gold sponsors for this year’s Outdoor Expo are Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems, the Weatherby Foundation, and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.

Contributing sponsors are Fisherman’s Choice, Winchester Ammunition, White Flyer Targets, Morrell Targets, Lincoln Property Company, Sundt and Facilitec.

For more information on the Outdoor Expo, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo is Arizona’s largest ‘outdoor’ public event, intended on exposing people of all ages to our state’s magnificent outdoor recreational opportunities. The entire family can explore numerous activities and demonstrations that include camping, hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, off-highway vehicle riding and boating.

Held at Ben Avery Shooting facility, one the largest public shooting facilities in North America, this two-day event will be held Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s loads of activities—test your skill at target archery, see live wildlife, observe bass fishing demonstrations, try out firearms on the shooting range, see off-highway vehicles such as rock crawlers and learn about responsible OHV recreation, view boats on display, and watch the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Archery in the Schools competitions.

Children will get a chance to catch a fish, try rock climbing, archery and youth air gun shooting, view live wildlife such as birds of prey and reptiles, and see exciting demonstrations by groups such as the Cowboy Action Shooters.

Visit with more than 100 ‘outdoor’ vendors and exhibitors that include sportsmen’s/wildlife conservation groups, firearms manufacturers, government agencies, outdoor product retailers, specialty shooting organizations, and more.

There’s something for everyone, and the event and parking are FREE!

So you don’t miss a thing, trolley transportation is available throughout the 1,700-acre shooting facility, which is located on Carefree Highway, ½ mile west of Interstate 17. Plan on an all-day event. Although the event is free, you might want to bring some cash for food and beverages at the food court, or for purchasing ammunition (nominal fee) if you want to try out firearms on the range.

This year’s Gold Sponsors are Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter. To learn more about our sponsors, visit www.pbsts.com or www.arizonaredcross.org.

There’s still time for “outdoor-related” vendors and sponsors to participate. Information about the event and vendor/sponsor registration forms can be obtained at www.azgfd.gov/expo or by calling (602) 942-3000.

Getting outdoors and experiencing outdoor recreation is a great way to spend time with friends and family. More than 26,000 people attended last year’s Expo. Come on out – it’s fun and it’s free, and that’s a tough combination to beat!

The Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival is fast approaching! The 2009 family-friendly festival will be held on March 7-8 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Base and Meridian Wildlife Area (B&M Wildlife Area) in Avondale, Ariz.

Held near the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers, the festival is held in cooperation with the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and local communities, and celebrates the rivers, wildlife, outdoors, history and heritage of the area and Arizona.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Admission is free.

Event highlights include:

• Fishing clinics
• Bird watching
• Wildlife displays
• Canoe trips
• Hiking tours
• ‘Green’, historical and nature education displays
• Children’s nature and fun zone
• Entertainment from local entertainers such as the renowned ‘Back Porch Bandits’
• Food and craft items for sale

The event at Base and Meridian Wildlife Area is located adjacent to the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, five miles south of I-10 on Avondale Boulevard (7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, AZ 85323).

For more information, visit www.tresriosnaturefestival.com or call (623) 204-2130.

Arizona State Parks is waiving the camping and boat launch fees for those registered for this effort.

Participants are staying at the Cholla Campground, and those using boats will launch from the Cholla Launch Ramp as well. Please feel free to come and camp out on Friday night to save having to get up before the crack of dawn. The cleanup will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

There will also be a dinner and door prizes on Saturday evening following the cleanup. Once the cleanup is done, there might just be some time to fish – and there will be lots of anglers there who know the lake well.

Game and Fish will operate a pontoon boat for collecting shoreline litter and will also have a dump truck to haul away the trash. Be sure to wear gloves.

For more information, contact Wildlife Manager Stewart Kohnke at (928) 684-3763 or (928) 342-0091.

This two-day event will be held Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ben Avery Shooting facility, one the largest public shooting facilities in the country.

You and your family can see live wildlife such as hawks, owls and reptiles, observe bass fishing demonstrations, try out target archery, see off-highway vehicles such as rock crawlers while learning about responsible OHV use, try out shooting sports on the range, view boats on display, and watch the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Archery in the Schools competitions.

Children will get a chance to catch a fish, try rock climbing, archery and youth air gun shooting, learn about wildlife conservation, and see exciting demonstrations by the Cowboy Action Shooters.

Visit with more than 100 ‘outdoor’ vendors and exhibitors, including sportsmen’s and conservation groups, outdoor retailers, firearm manufacturers, shooting organizations and government agencies.

There’s something for everyone, and admission and parking are FREE!

So you don’t miss a thing, trolley transportation is available throughout the 1,650-acre shooting facility, which is located on Carefree Highway, 1/4 mile west of I-17. However, bring a little cash for snacks and drinks at the food court and to take part in the specialty target-shooting activities.

This year’s Gold Sponsor is Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems, a world-renowned target and frame supplier that will debut its new and unique state-of-the-art “Best Shot” barbecue grill, shaped in the form of a large pistol, at the event. To learn more about Pierce’s pistol grill, and “all weather proof” and “fully recyclable” targets and frames, visit www.pbsts.com.

There’s still time for “outdoor-related” vendors and sponsors to participate. Information about the event and vendor/sponsor registration forms can be obtained at www.azgfd.gov/expo or by calling (602) 236-7222. More than 26,000 visitors attended last year’s Expo.

In tough economic times, it’s important for everyone to focus on what is really important, including spending time with family and friends. Outdoor pursuits are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Come out to the Expo and learn how to re-invest in that valuable outdoor connection.

Once again, Game and Fish is operating the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair at ISE, with a kids fishing tank, live wildlife, wildlife assets auction, BB-gun trailer, plus many other interesting booths and activities for the whole family.

“In a way, we are kind of overflowing to outside the stadium this year,” said Ty Gray, the department’s assistant director for information and education. “We’ll have some indoor exhibits, but are moving our increasingly popular introductory archery classes outside the stadium but near the Youth Outdoors area so we can handle even more participants. In that same outdoor area, we will also have our boating and off-highway vehicle experts available.”

In addition to the Youth Outdoor Fair, this year’s 9th annual ISE will once again fill the University of Phoenix Stadium with fishing, hunting and outdoor products and destination experts.

You can also increase the show’s value even more by attending seminars, getting personal lessons from expert instructors, entering a contest, and bringing the kids to the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to celebrate the outdoors with family and friends, capture show-priced bargains, and meet face-to-face with guides and lodge owners from nearby and around the world. ISE Phoenix has it all, including:

• Freshwater and saltwater rods, reels and gear.
• ATVs, Sport-fishing boats and kayaks.
• Fly-fishing equipment, try-out areas and instruction.
• Weekend getaway adventures and dream vacations to fishing and hunting destinations.
• Fishing guides and hunting outfitters.

Take out your new 2009 calendar and make sure you save the dates for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix. The event is free and will be held Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The purpose of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo is to introduce or reconnect people with the outdoors through fun activities and educational demonstrations and exhibits.

The Expo offers participants the opportunity to view live wildlife demonstrations, try out target archery, catch fish from the huge kids’ fishing tank, attend workshops on hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation, try out firearms on the range, learn about off-highway vehicle and boating recreation, and more! Numerous outdoor organizations and vendors will be on-hand to provide information on outdoor recreation and demonstrate or sell new products.

If you are looking for inexpensive recreational alternatives this year that can accommodate and entertain the entire family, learn more about the Expo at www.azgfd.gov/expo.

Held near the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers, this annual family event is conducted in cooperation with the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and the local communities. The event celebrates the rivers, wildlife, outdoors, history and heritage of the area and Arizona.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Admission is free.

Event highlights include:

• Fishing clinics
• Bird watching
• Wildlife displays
• Canoe trips
• Hiking tours
• ‘Green’, historical and nature education displays
• Children’s nature and fun zone
• Entertainment from local entertainers such as the renowned ‘Back Porch Bandits’
• Food and craft items for sale.

The event at Base and Meridian Wildlife Area is located adjacent to the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, five miles south of I-10 on Avondale Boulevard (7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, AZ 85323)

For more information, visit www.tresriosnaturefestival.com on the Internet or call (623) 204-2130.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is expanding its presence at the ever-popular International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE) Feb. 27-March 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

“This terrific outdoor show just gets better and better each year, which challenges us in a good way to enhance the department’s participation,” said Ty Gray, an assistant director with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Once again this year, the Game and Fish Department is operating the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair at ISE, with a kids fishing tank, live wildlife, wildlife assets auction, BB-gun trailer plus many other interesting booths and activities for the whole family.

“In a way, we are kind of overflowing to outside the stadium. For this year’s outdoor show we are moving our increasingly popular introductory archery classes outside the stadium but near the Youth Outdoors area so we can handle even more participants. In that same outdoor area, we will also have our boating and off-highway vehicle experts available,” Gray said.

Gray said that even though economic times are tough, or possibly because of it, it appears that more and more families are looking to enhance their quality of life by re-connecting with the outdoors.

“It could be that tough economic times make us re-think what is really most important, such as family, friends and outdoor pursuits,” Gray said. “With our lakes almost full and our diverse habitats in the state responding to abundant winter precipitation so far, there is no better time for families to re-invest in that valuable outdoor connection.”

In addition to the Youth Outdoor Fair, this year’s 9th annual ISE will once again fill the University of Phoenix Stadium with fishing, hunting and outdoor products and destination experts.

You can also increase the show’s value even more by attending seminars, getting personal lessons from expert instructors, entering a contest, and bringing the kids to the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to celebrate the outdoors with family and friends, capture show-priced bargains, and meet face-to-face with guides and lodge owners from nearby and around the world. ISE Phoenix has it all, including:

• Freshwater and saltwater rods, reels and gear.
• ATVs, Sport-fishing boats and kayaks.
• Fly-fishing equipment, try-out areas and instruction.
• Weekend getaway adventures and dream vacations to fishing and hunting destinations.
• Fishing guides and hunting outfitters.

The place is Saguaro Lake Ranch, which is a historical resort-style retreat located in the Tonto National Forest in the heart of the Arizona Sonoran desert. The banks of the Salt River are a fly rod cast away, and Stewart Mountain Dam, which backs up Saguaro Lake, is a short walk. This unique venue provides both trout fishing and bass fishing opportunities for BOW participants.

Details of class descriptions can be found at www.azwildlife.org or by calling (480) 644-0077.  You can also e-mail Linda at gettingwildnaz@yahoo.com.