The talented winners of this year’s photo contest have left their mark on the 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar. From the cover image — an iconic photograph of a long-nosed leopard lizard in a slot canyon — to the 12 monthly winners inside, this beautiful calendar will make 2010 a memorable year for everyone who cares about Arizona Wildlife.

The calendar is now on sale at all offices of the Arizona Game and Fish Department for just $3. Along with gorgeous photographs, its handy wall-hanging format features timely reminders of important dates. To order, visit any office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department (visitwww.azgfd.gov/officesfor addresses), or go online towww.azgfd.gov/photocontestto print an order form you can send in at your convenience. Get yours today!

The Tonto National Forest is hosting a series of travel management planning open houses during the month of November to give the public an opportunity to share ideas about the forest’s system of roads, trails, and/or areas, review the proposed system, and submit comments about the proposal.

Two open houses have already been held in Tonto Basin and in Globe. Remaining open house locations and times in the various ranger districts are:

• Cave Creek Ranger District, Monday, Nov. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Black Mountain Elementary School, 33606 N. 60^th St., Scottsdale

• Pleasant Valley Ranger District, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Pleasant Valley Community Center, 47533 Highway 288, Young

• Mesa Ranger District, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Broadway Recreation Center, 59 E. Broadway Road, Mesa

• Payson Ranger District, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m., Julia Randall Elementary School, 601 S. Greenway Parkway, Payson

In a news release posted on the Tonto National Forest Web site, the Forest Service provides the following information:

In 2005, the Department of Agriculture enacted a new planning rule to manage motorized vehicle use on all national forests and grasslands. This rule requires the Tonto National Forest to designate those roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicle use. Designations will be made by class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The final rule will prohibit the use of motor vehicles off the designated system, as well as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas that are not consistent with the designations.

Tonto National Forest officials will be presenting a proposed system of roads, trails and areas. Based on public input, the alternatives will then be proposed in a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) which will be released to the public for comment. The final product will be a Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows which roads and trails will be open to motor vehicle use.

“Public involvement at this time is a critical component in developing a motorized travel system,” stated Delvin Lopez, Public Services Group leader for the Tonto National Forest. “By having these open houses in a variety of communities, we are hoping to get representative viewpoints and suggestions from a cross-section of forest visitors.

“The purpose of the Motor Vehicle Use Map is to comply with the requirements of the Travel Management Rule, to reduce problems caused by uncontrolled off-road travel, and to improve the current system of travel routes for public access and enjoyment,” said Lopez. “The development of a Motor Vehicle Use Map is an adaptive process in which future changes can be made in the public interest.”

For a copy of the forest travel management proposed action, visit the Tonto National Forest Web page atwww.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/travelmgt/index.shtml, or visit the Forest Supervisor’s Office at 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, or one of the forest’s district offices. For more information, contact Genevieve Johnson at (602) 225-5213.

Written comments regarding the proposed action may be submitted through December 4, 2009. Comments should be mailed to Travel Management Team Leader, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85006.

For more information about the program, please visit the Tonto National Forest Web page atwww.fs.fed.us/r3/tontoor call the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200.

The stars have aligned – rainbow trout are coming to a galaxy of waters close to home for millions of people, plus 2009 fishing licenses for state waters or the urban program lakes are now on sale for half price, say Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“It doesn’t get much better than this, especially during these tough economic times,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “Your family can get quality outdoor recreation and delicious trout for the table, all at half price.”

The 2009 annual state fishing license is now on sale for just $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents, but if you plan to catch trout in state waters, don’t forget your trout stamp.

The Urban Program Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for both residents and nonresidents alike.

“The month of November offers some of the best fishing available at Urban Program lakes,” said Eric Swanson, urban fishing program manager. “The lakes have been loaded with catfish all fall, stockings of bluegill sunfish took place in late October. and the first trout delivery begins November 16.”

This week (Wednesday, Nov. 4), the Lower Salt River near Phoenix is being stocked with feisty rainbow trout.

“This fishery is just minutes away from Tempe and Mesa and has become extremely popular with winter trout anglers. Where else can you catch trout in a scenic desert river adjacent to a major metropolitan area? The answer – only here,” Young said.

Trout are also being stocked this week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes in the Prescott area, Wet Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley, plus Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes in southern Arizona.

The following week, trout are being stocked in Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Francis Short Pond in Flagstaff, Oak Creek, the Verde River (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde), Cluff Pond and Roper Lake near Safford, and in Rose Canyon on Mount Lemon near Tucson.

The week of Nov. 16, trout will also be stocked in Canyon Lake and Tempe Town Lake. Be sure to mark Nov. 24 on your calendar – that is the Welcome Back the Trout Celebration at Tempe Town Lake with a fishing clinic starting at 3 p.m.

“This has become an annual tradition in Arizona to kick-off the holidays,” said Young. “So come fish with us and catch some holiday cheer.”

For the weekly fishing report, and to learn more about the great fishing opportunities in Arizona visit,www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

Do you want the latest news, updates, videos and photographs from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and even get the opportunity to chat with others who share your interests?

Then become a “fan” of the Arizona Game and Fish Department on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/azgafd. It’s interesting. It can be loads of fun. And you can connect up with others who share your same outdoor interests.

“Currently, there are 26,480 Arizonans on Facebook who have indicated they like fishing, hunting, shooting sports, boating and similar outdoor activities, so you’ll potentially have a lot of new friends out there who share your outdoor passions,” said Public Information Officer Rory Aikens, who himself is a recent Facebook convert.

The Game and Fish Department is also on another social network, Twitter. “We are using these communication outlets to provide outdoor enthusiasts with multiple ways to get timely information even while they are on the go,” Aikens said.

The department also has a robust Web presence at www.azgfd.gov and uses e-mail-based subscriptions to send news updates, fishing reports, hunter highlights and a number of other e-news products.

You can even go blogging at the Game and Fish Department, post photographs, and share such things as fishing or hunting experiences.

“These evolving social networking sites provide all of us another opportunity to get timely information, share ideas or experiences, and become involved in the outdoor world, even while sitting indoors dreaming about our next outing,” Aikens said.

The department has added a “Share or Bookmark” bar to our articles, blogs, outdoor calendar dates, and user photo sections. This makes it easier than ever to share news and photos with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, and 150+ other bookmarking and sharing services.

A lot of waterfowl hunters have already been taking advantage of the mountain zone waterfowl opportunities. Now the season has shifted to the lower elevations as well.

Randy Babb, an Arizona Game and Fish biologist and veteran duck hunter, said waterfowl reproduction estimates for this year are good in North America, with most species showing an increase in numbers. Summer surveys this year indicated nesting was generally up.

“A common problem we experience in Arizona, despite nesting success, is warm winter weather. Often warm winters in the western states will ‘short-stop’ much of the migrating waterfowl before they make it to the southern U.S. So while states north of us (Utah, Nevada, etc.) enjoy fantastic hunting, we experience sporadic shooting at best,” Babb pointed out.

On the other hand, he said, if warm weather keeps Arizona’s high country waters open, many ducks and geese will spend the winter there rather than migrating to lower elevations.

“Simply put, many migrating waterfowl species go no farther south than they have to. If we have a warm winter, our state’s high elevations will likely offer the best hunting,” Babb said.

The early part of the season offers the best opportunities for some of the early migrants like cinnamon and blue-wing teal. November is usually when waterfowl hunting in the desert areas really picks up.

”At this time free water at northern latitudes typically becomes scarce, forcing birds southward to seek feeding and resting areas. Mornings after big winter storms and severe cold snaps are often an excellent time to check desert stock ponds for ducks,” Babb said.

Decoys will prove useful on central Arizona lakes, rivers, and ponds. “If you are decoying, you’ll want to start early. Have your decoys set and your blind built before legal shooting time comes. Once again, a little scouting will be a big help in finding a productive shooting spot,” Babb said.

Ducks tend to congregate in backwaters, slow runs on rivers, and sheltered areas on lakes such as coves and the mouths of rivers and creeks.

“With some scouting you will discover that though there may be several spots that seem to look good and are used by ducks, there is one or a few spots that they prefer. Set out your decoys and build your blind while it is still dark so you will be situated at legal shooting time,” he advises.

Typically the best shooting is in the first couple of hours of the day, so it is important to be ready by legal shooting time. “On a typical duck hunt, shooting is usually over by 10 or 11 a.m. Geese generally fly a little later than ducks, but you’ll still want to be prepared by first light,” Babb said.

Ducks will tend to move more in inclement weather, so shooting often lasts longer on these days. “Ducks have excellent eyesight and color vision, so keep this in mind when hunting them. Camouflage is recommended. It is also very important to remain motionless while birds are working the decoys or coming in,” said the veteran waterfowler.

To retrieve downed birds from stock tanks, try using a fishing rod rigged with a topwater plug. Cast over dead birds and reel them in. The same rig fitted with a diving plug will retrieve decoys in deep water by snagging the anchor line. Remember, only non-toxic or steel shot may be used for ducks and geese.

It’s official! The winners of this year’s Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife calendar photo contest are:

Grand Prize Winner:

• Ted Hendy, long-nosed leopard lizard

Monthly Winners:

• Ann Beisser, javelina
• Bob McBride, Northern cardinal
• Bruce Taubert, regal horned lizard
• Bryan Hughes, Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
• Cathy Illg, Harris’ antelope squirrel
• Shirley Ramaley, cactus wren
• J.P. Bruce, redhead
• Michael Burm, bighorn sheep
• Pia Wyer, great horned owl
• Ron Watkins, chub
• Ted Hendy, wild turkey
• William Wells, Eastern collared lizard

To see the winning images, pick up a 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar for your very own. Calendars go on sale Nov. 1 at all offices of the Arizona Game and Fish Department for just $3. Or visit www.azgfd.gov/photocontest to print an order form you can send in at your convenience. The page also offers a gorgeous slideshow of honorable mention images.

Step off the range and into the field and expand your archery skills in judging distances, terrain, and identifying the target zone on a variety of life-sized 3-D targets in a natural desert setting.

All ages and skill levels are welcome, so bring the entire family out to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix to enjoy some cool fresh air and the Sonoran landscape. The 20-target course will add a new dimension to your archery skills.

“The course uses life-like animal targets (elk, turkey, bear, deer, etc.) set in the desert landscape and it makes for a fun and challenging shoot,” said Mike Raum, bowhunter education coordinator for Arizona Game and Fish. “On 3-D courses the distances are not marked. Targets could be on a hill or in a valley, and the scoring area varies on each target, much different from the target range. It’s a lot of fun.”

There are three shoots available this fall. No registration is required and the cost is minimal. For participants 17 and younger the course fee is only $3. The cost is $12 (includes $7 range fee) for shooters 18 and older. The scheduled shoots are:

• Saturday, Oct. 31, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 14, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec 19, open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additionally, the course is open to all Arizona Archery in the Schools shooters as part of the 3-D Regional Shoot. For Archery in the Schools 3-D information, please contact Tanja Washburn at (623) 236-7233 or twashburn@azgfd.gov

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway. Archers can enter the range at Archery Drive, which is the first light on Carefree Highway about 1.25 miles west of I-17. For a facility brochure and site map, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

To learn more about the outdoor programs like watchable wildlife, environmental education, fishing, shooting sports, hunting and others offered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, visit www.azgfd.gov/getoutside.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a Family Archery Program at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix beginning Oct. 12. This introductory program is designed to give families a hands-on experience to learn more about archery and possibly start a new family tradition.

The program focuses on three specific archery disciplines: target, field, and 3D archery. Each participant is taught range rules, bow and arrow safety and handling, correct form and stance, and scoring for the different discipline venues.

The three-session program will be held Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 (all Saturdays) from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The first session is mandatory and pre-registration is required. Participants must be 8 years of age or older.

The cost for the entire program is $40 for individuals, $45 for teams (at least one child and one adult), and $50 for families (at least one child and two adults). Equipment will be provided, however archers may bring their own equipment.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located along Carefree Highway just west of the I-17 in Phoenix.

To pre-register for this event, please contact Brett Moser at (623) 582-8313 or e-mail bmoser@azgfd.gov.

Under the agreement, announced Oct. 15, the agencies will collaborate on law enforcement patrols, signage, and investigation and prosecution of crimes that occur in the Tres Rios Project Area. The agencies will also participate in coordination of clean-up efforts in the area.

The Tres Rios Project Area encompasses portions of the Salt, Gila and Agua Fria rivers and includes the 200-acre Base and Meridian Wildlife Area located near Phoenix International Raceway about 15 miles west of Phoenix. The area includes unique riparian habitat but has been impacted in recent years by littering and various other illegal and inappropriate activities.

“We’re excited about this effort to enhance the Gila River corridor and its special riparian environment,” said Rod Lucas, supervisor for Game and Fish’s Mesa region, which covers much of central Arizona. “We hope our work together will make this area an enjoyable destination experience for the community, families and other visitors.”

The area also hosts the annual Tres Rios Nature Festival each March, which showcases the history and special ecology of the area. The upcoming festival will be held March 6-7, 2010 at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area.

In the latest report from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), only about 21 percent of all eligible OHVs and OHV owners are taking part in the new program.

“Twenty-one percent is well below the projected participation rate and is disappointing considering the value of this new program,” said Larry Voyles, director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “This user play, user pay program will provide the resources needed to promote safe and responsible OHV use, ultimately providing the tools to help ensure access.”

The benefits of the OHV Decal program include information and education efforts, facility development and maintenance, maps, signage and increased enforcement.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently hiring seven law enforcement officers that will focus their efforts on OHV-specific issues across the state.

“Revenue from the OHV Decal program is what is allowing the department to hire these seven new OHV officers,” said Joe Sacco, Arizona Game and Fish Department OHV program coordinator. “In just about every OHV-related public meeting held over the last four years building the legislation, law enforcement was one of the areas in which the OHV community asked for increased resources to help ensure access. The OHV Decal program was created to help provide these resources. Compliance is critical for this program to be successful and for the future of OHV use in Arizona.”

Other projects that are being funded through the OHV Decal program include the new OHV Laws and Places to Ride booklet that is an ongoing joint venture between Arizona State Parks and the Game and Fish Department. A continued grant program to help clean up and restore riding areas and new informational outreach items like riding area maps will be created in the future.

The OHV Decal costs $25 and is good for one year from the date of purchase. It can be obtained at any MVD office, MVD third-party service provider, or online at www.servicearizona.com.

For more information about the OHV Decal program or OHV use in Arizona, go online to www.azgfd.gov/ohv

The remaining meetings will be held at these Game and Fish regional offices:

• Monday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
• Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive

Previous meetings were held Oct. 12 in Pinetop and Oct. 20 in Kingman.

After the public forums have been completed, the final proposed draft hunt recommendations that will be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be made available for public review at six regional open houses. No formal presentation will be made; however, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations.

The open houses will be held on the following dates:

• Monday, Nov. 23, 3-5 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24, 3-5 p.m. – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road
• Tuesday, Nov. 24, 3-5 p.m. – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
• Friday, Nov. 27, 3-5 p.m. – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road
• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 3-5 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
• Wednesday, Dec. 2, 3-5 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive

A PDF version of the 2010 hunt recommendations for elk, pronghorn antelope, and population management hunts will be available for review at the Game and Fish Department’s Web site beginning Saturday, Nov. 21 at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Each year, the department makes recommendations to the commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas, and hunt permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years. These recommendations are in accordance with the recently revised hunt guideline package, which is effective for hunts starting in the fall of 2010 through the spring 2012.

The final recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration during its Dec. 4-5 meeting in Phoenix at the Game and Fish headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission under commission agenda.

To learn more about the hunt recommendation and hunt guidelines process, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has added a Share or Bookmark bar to our articles, blogs, outdoor calendar dates, and user photos sections. This makes it easier than ever to share news and photos with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, and 150+ other bookmarking and sharing services (just click on the More link).

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @azgfd, become a Facebook Fan, subscribe to our e-News service, our subscribe to our videos on YouTube.

Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Norm Freeman, as part of his annual Pumpkin Festival, will open his farm in Chino Valley to host a free Arizona Game and Fish Department educational day on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeman Farms, 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, Ariz. (north of Prescott). Families are invited to come and learn more about outdoor opportunities in Arizona and how you and your kids can get involved.

Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center will be providing an opportunity to get an up close look at wildlife native to Arizona and learn about their natural history.

The Hunter Education staff and volunteers will be there to answer questions about hunter education programs for the young and young at heart. They will also provide information about other learning opportunities that they present throughout the year.

Learn proper archery safety and shooting form while having fun shooting bulls eye’s and popping balloons along the way.  Certified instructors will be on hand to make sure future Robin Hoods of all shapes and sizes will have a great time.  Archers must be 8 years of age or older and registration is necessary for the 30 minute sessions.  You may sign up at the event with class sizes limited to 24 participants.  Accommodations will be made to keep family groups together.

See the off-highway vehicle (OHV) learning center trailer and learn about the new rules and regulations affecting all OHV use in Arizona.  Also learn about the new OHV online education program available through the Game and Fish Department Web site.

Head out to the ponds and learn about boating safety, and get some hands-on canoeing or kayaking experience.

Parking, pumpkin patch admission, horse presentations and the Game and Fish educational event are FREE!

There are other activities available for a fee. A hay ride, mini-corn maze, and petting zoo are available for $3 each for adults and children alike. Proceeds are used to offset operational costs associated with the event.

Directions to the farm: From I-40, go south on Highway 89 from Ash Fork to Chino Valley.  Continue through town to Road 3 South. Turn left on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.

From I-17, exit on Highway 69 to Prescott. Continue through Dewey. Turn right on Fain Road (will turn into 89A) and stay on it until you reach Highway 89. Turn right and continue into Chino Valley. Look for Road 3 South (and signs). Turn right on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.

For more information go to: www.azpumpkins.com/index.htm

Students, are you looking for fun, competition, and the chance to meet new friends and be part of a team?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009-10 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season is ready to get underway, and students interested in learning about and competing in skeet, trap and sporting clays shotgun shooting are encouraged to find a club in their community.

The program is open to boys and girls from age 9 through 12th grades.

“Our SCTP is one of the best in the nation and we continue to see students become great athletes of clay target shooting through this team-based youth development program,” said Statewide Shooting Sports Coordinator, Ashley Lynch. “The mentoring, instruction, safety, and teamwork instilled by our certified coaches are second to none.”

The program is run similar to other youth-based athletics. The season runs from Oct 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010. Athletes can join at anytime depending on club availability. All of the SCTP clubs in Arizona are run 100 percent by volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are committed to teaching today’s youth to carry on the American tradition of shooting sports recreation.

“Shooting sports are an activity that any person with the desire can participate in. The structure of this program allows kids to have fun, compete, and learn safety and discipline skills,” said Lynch.

Currently, there were 20 active clubs across the state; below is a list by region with contact information to get you started.

Central region:
• Chandler area – Arizona Dust Devils (480) 628-9977
• North Phoenix – Ben Avery Clay Crushers (602) 920-5465
• Buckeye – Buckeye Buckshots (623) 869-9050
• Phantom / West Valley – Phantom Sure Shots (623) 925-9549
• East Valley – Rio Salado Target Terminators (480) 510-5604

Northern region:
• Cottonwood / Verde Valley – American Heritage Academy (enrollment to AHA students only)
• Prescott – Prescott (928) 636-4709
• Williams/Flagstaff – Williams Bird Busters (928) 635-4330
• Wickenburg – Wickenburg (928) 231-7644

Northeastern region:
• St. Johns – Leading Edge Shooters (928) 337-4955
• Springerville / Round Valley – White Mountain Rod & Gun Club (928) 333-5692
• Show Low – White Mountain Clay Busters (928) 369-1155

Northwestern region:
• Kingman – Mohave Top Guns (928) 753-5274
• Lake Havasu – Havasu SCTP (928) 486-8607

Southern region:
• Casa Grande – Central Arizona Target Shooters (CATS) (520) 251-2024
• Tucson – Tucson Shooting Stars (520) 780-0715
• Globe –  Globe SCTP (602) 542-2785

Southeastern region:
• Double Adobe / McNeal – Double Adobe Young Guns (520) 364-4000
• Sierra Vista – Huachuca Hot Shots (520) 266-1078

Southwestern region:
• Yuma – Yuma Young Guns (928) 246-7157

To learn more about the department’s SCTP program, maps of participating teams, or how to get involved, visit www.azgfd.gov/sctp.

SCTP is a youth development program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays to students in grades 12 and under. The program uses a competitive, team-based format and has been called the “Little League” of shooting sports. More than 600 kids compete in Arizona’s SCTP. Nationally, about 10,000 youngsters compete in 40 states.

To learn more about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation national SCTP program, visit www.sssfonline.org.

For comments to be entered into the record, they must be submitted in writing by e-mail to KofaLionComments@fws.gov, or mailed to 9300 E. 28th St., Yuma, AZ 85365

The Draft EA is available for review and downloaded at www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/kofa.

To learn more about the history of the historic Kofa desert bighorn sheep herd, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/kofa.

Multi-partner reintroduction effort aims for species comeback

Nearly 50 years ago, they vanished from Arizona’s landscape, but thanks to a multi-partner reintroduction effort, black-tailed prairie dogs are making a comeback.

Biologists prepare to remove a black-tailed prairie dog from its holding container for placement in an acclimation cage at the release site.

Twenty-seven black-tailed prairie dogs captured in New Mexico were released Sept. 21 into the wild at the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita in southeastern Arizona.This release follows a release last October of 74 black-tailed prairie dogs on state land in the conservation area.

The reintroductions aim to repopulate these animals to where they once existed in Arizona.

“Black-tailed prairie dogs play a key ecological role by helping maintain grasslands for other animals to forage and serving as important prey for eagles and hawks,” said Eric Gardner, nongame branch chief with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Because of the far-reaching effect they have on other species, successful re-establishment would benefit the whole ecosystem by maintaining species diversity.”

The animals used to re-establish black-tailed prairie dogs in Arizona were chosen based on their similar genetics to the population that previously existed in the state.

Acclimation cages prevent the prairie dogs from dispersing too quickly upon release and allow them to adjust to their new surroundings. In time, they’ll burrow themselves out of the cages and begin establishing an underground network of tunnels.

Acclimation cages were used to prevent the animals from dispersing too quickly upon release and to allow them to adjust to their new environment. In time, the animals will burrow themselves out of the acclimation cages and be free to establish an underground network of tunnels.This reintroduction site and the first one will be used to evaluate and modify the methods employed to reintroduce prairie dogs. Once the population is stable, Game and Fish plans to re-establish the species in up to four additional sites in southern Arizona to contribute towards the national conservation effort and preclude the need for listing as part of the Endangered Species Act.

This black-tailed prairie dog release was a collaborative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Bureau of Land Management. Last October’s release teamed the efforts of Game and Fish, the State Land Department, and volunteer support for the site preparations by Sky Island Alliance, Animal Defense League and the Sierra Club.

“This is an exciting milestone for us,” said BLM Ecosystem Planner, Karen Simms.  “The partnership’s effort is one step closer to establishing a self-sustaining population of the native black-tailed prairie dogs and enhancing the unique ecosystem we have here in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.”

Black-tailed prairie dogs are one of Arizona’s two native prairie dog species. The other species, which is found in northern Arizona, is the Gunnison’s prairie dog.

The black-tailed prairie dog formerly inhabited the grasslands of southeastern Arizona. Population declines began in the late 1800s and continued into the mid-1900s, leading to the eventual extirpation of the species from the state. Historically, it was the most widely distributed of the five prairie dog species. Human-related factors, including poisoning and habitat fragmentation, greatly reduced their numbers range-wide over the last 150 years.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are approximately 15 inches long and weigh 2-3 pounds. These tan animals with black-tipped tails are highly social, living in coteries or family units. Family groups live close together to form larger colonies or towns for predator evasion.