Every year many people face the same holiday season challenge: what to buy for that family member or friend who seems to have it all?

This year, make it affordable and rewarding by considering one of the many unique gift ideas the Arizona Game and Fish Department has to offer.

“If you’re looking for an outdoors-oriented gift for family and friends, we have a number of reasonably priced items that they’ll enjoy,” said Information Branch Chief Bob Miles. “Purchase of these gifts will benefit wildlife as well.”

Buyers are sure to find something for everyone with a variety of gift ideas and prices, including:

• Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide – Arizona provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the nation, with more than 900 animal species and 50 million public acres of natural land to explore. This guide takes you on a magnificent journey through 128 unique sites and the wildlife found at them, accompanied by beautiful photographs of the sites and animals. Readers will enjoy tips for wildlife watching, a tiered rating system that highlights “can’t miss” locations, site features and driving directions. The book can be purchased for $14.95 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s seven offices statewide and through the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/publications.
• Arizona Wildlife Views magazine – Published bimonthly by the Game and Fish Department, the magazine offers a variety of articles on hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and conservation in Arizona, as well as “Focus Wild” children’s articles. Subscriptions are $8.50 per year. Order at www.azgfd.gov/magazine.
• 2009 Arizona Wildlife Calendar – With spectacular photos of Arizona’s wildlife, the calendar will provide daily enjoyment, as well as note key wildlife events and approved hunting and fishing season dates. The photos this year were chosen from more than 1,200 images submitted by customers to the Game and Fish Department’s calendar contest. Calendars make perfect stocking stuffers at only $3 each. Purchase at any Game and Fish office or at www.azgfd.gov/artman/publish/article_978.shtml.
• Fishing licenses – Get outdoors and enjoy time off at the holidays with a half-price fishing license that will last you through the end of the year. 2008 general state fishing licenses may be purchased at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office for only $11.75. Or, get a jump on the 2009 season by buying a 2009 license now. Individual licenses cost $23.50 for Arizona residents or $70.25 for nonresidents. Trout stamps are $15.75 for residents or $57.75 for nonresidents. Urban fishing licenses are $18.50 for residents and nonresidents. There are many other license products available; visit http://www.azgfd.gov/eservices/licenses.shtml.
• Discount pass at Ben Avery Shooting Facility and gift certificates at Ben Avery Clay Target Center – The Ben Avery Shooting Facility offers an 11-visit “shooter’s pass” for $70 (normal fee for an all-day visit to the range is $7, so you get one day for free). The Ben Avery Clay Target Center offers gift certificates in any amount for trap, skeet and sporting clays shooting. Remember, an excise tax on the purchase of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment helps fund federal assistance to state wildlife agencies for wildlife conservation.
• Donation to Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center – The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s rehabilitation center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually and provides wildlife education to local schools. For more information on making tax-deductible donations to support wildlife rehabilitation, visit www.azwildlifecenter.org or call (623) 587-0139.