Let the planning begin. The drawing results for Arizona’s 2011 fall big game hunting permits are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000 by selecting option two.

The more than 107,000 applicants, an increase of 3 percent from last year, can find out if they were issued a permit-tag for deer, fall turkey, fall juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, or pheasant by providing their sportsman’s ID and date of birth.

Game and Fish officials report that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 12 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful and rejected applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Aug. 23 (less application fees).

For those individuals who missed the drawing application deadline or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 5,767 hunt permit-tags remaining. These remaining tags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and include more than 4,600 deer tags, more than 700 fall turkey tags, and nearly 400 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.

There are two methods to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will first only be accepted by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 1. Starting on Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits which includes hunt number, number of permits available and unit number, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and click on the “Leftover Permits for 2011 Fall Hunts” link under the “2011-12 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations, season dates and drawing information” section.

Hopi hunts with leftover tags are available to everyone, tribal and non-tribal members. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-8763 for additional information.

For those that applied for a fall turkey permit in unit 1 (hunt number 4501) or unit 27 (hunt number 4518), there was a reduction in permitted tags issued through the draw compared to what was listed in the regulations. On July 8, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to reduce the number of permit-tags by 1,075 permits due to the Wallow Fire. The commission action was taken after the application deadline, but before the draw was processed.

Hunter clinics and seminars

Getting prepared and planning for an upcoming hunt is almost as fun as the hunt itself. It’s also the most important. Many of the local hunter conservation groups are hosting hunting clinics to teach the basics, all the way up to how to score a trophy. Many of these clinics offer biology and ecology of the species; hunting tips and techniques; knowledgeable guest speakers, and other great information from experienced hunters. The popular hunting clinics are open to all, not just tag holders, and include:

July 30: Arizona Elk Society Elk Hunting Clinic
Aug. 13: Arizona Deer Association Hunting Clinic
Sept. 24: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Clinic

For more details on these clinics, upcoming hunting camps for first-time hunters, and events hosted for families and juniors-only hunts, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Joe Melton. Mr. Melton’s dedication to the wildlife conservation community is evident from the leadership roles he has held within that community. He was a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for five years after his appointment in 2002 by then-Governor Jane Hull. He served two years as president of the Arizona Trappers Association and ten years as the state director for the National Trappers Association. He also served several terms as president of the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club and was on the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Council.

Roger “Buck” Appleby (posthumously). Mr. Appleby was a legendary hunter education instructor in the Yuma area who participated in the program for more than 20 years. He led or took part in more than 150 classes, teaching well over 1,000 students about hunting, wildlife conservation, outdoor ethics and firearm safety. He became the chief hunter education instructor for the Yuma area in 1997. He also served on the board of directors of the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club. Since his passing in January of 2011, his spirit continues to inspire the hunting and conservation community.

Antonio “Tony” Perri (posthumously). Mr. Perry was a strong supporter of outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation and was affiliated with Ducks Unlimited, Anglers United, and the Arizona Wildlife Federation. He played an instrumental role in the Saguaro Lake Habitat Improvement Projects in 1989 and 1993 and in the Lake Havasu Project in 1992. He received numerous awards, including the Ducks Unlimited Sportsman of the Year in 1986, the Arizona Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award for Fisheries and Water Conservation in 1992, and the dedication of the Perri Marsh in Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in 2001.

The Arizona Antelope Foundation. The AAF was established in 1992 and is dedicated to the welfare of pronghorn antelope populations through habitat improvements, habitat acquisition, the translocation of animals to historic range and public comment on activities affecting pronghorn and their habitat. AAF volunteers work actively to educate the public and assist in the conservation of this species. The group has worked on numerous projects to benefit pronghorn and other wildlife, including collaborative efforts to restore grasslands and the Cienega wetlands on Anderson Mesa, and collaborative work in support of the department’s acquisition of Horseshoe Ranch.

The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers. The Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center was established by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1983. It was the first state-operated wildlife treatment and education center in the country. Although managed by one full-time employee and one part-time student intern from the department’s Wildlife Education Program, the center relies almost entirely upon volunteers to operate. These dedicated volunteers provide emergency treatment to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, and present educational and public outreach programs to schools and events statewide. Last year their outreach efforts reached more than 109,000 children and adults in Arizona.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

Recognition is given to individuals and organizations that have worked consistently over many years through political and individual leadership, volunteer service, the mass media, conservation efforts, or educational activities on behalf of Arizona’s natural and wildlife resources. Prior inductees include Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Mo Udall, Larry Toschik, Tom Woods and many conservation and sportsmen’s groups active in the state, as well as conservation-minded companies such as Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Selections for induction are made each year by the board of directors of the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation. Selections are made from a list of nominations that are submitted, including those submitted by members of the public.

“This year’s class of inductees is as diverse and well qualified as the classes we’ve honored in the past several years,” said WFT Foundation President Steve Hirsch. “The Foundation strives to honor those who have meant a lot to our Arizona outdoor and wildlife heritage, but who generally don’t always receive the spotlight and accolades. The annual Hall of Fame banquet is a great social occasion where our supporters from birdwatchers to bird hunters come together to celebrate these deserving inductees and help the Foundation raise funds toward our mission of enhancing the productive management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources.”

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Induction Banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $70 and may be purchased through Ticket Chairman Duane Wellnitz, 14203 S. Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, or by telephone at (480) 747-0611. To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml and scroll to the link toward the bottom of the page. The Chaparral Suites is located at 5001 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

More information about the banquet is available at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/ArizonaOutdoorHallofFame.shtml and at www.wildlifefortomorrow.org/Halloffame.html.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

Welcome to the Big Game Super Raffle, where your dreams can come true.

A consortium of nonprofit conservation groups partner together to raffle off one each of the 10 special big game tags (issued by the commission) to raise funds for wildlife conservation projects that directly benefit those species (and many others indirectly) in Arizona.

Winners will be able to hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state of Arizona during a special 2011-12 hunting season.

To cover the administrative costs of the raffle there are two bonus items: an incredible Swarovski optic package valued at $7,000, ticket cost of only $10; and, a guided trophy elk hunt in New Mexico valued at $6,500, ticket cost of only $20.

For $150, you get one ticket for each of the 12 items up for raffle, that’s only $12.50 a ticket.

Now that you’re excited, here is the icing on the cake. While there will obviously be 12 very happy winners, the real winners are Arizona’s wildlife and habitats. The money raised from the Super Raffle goes right back on the ground to wildlife conservation in Arizona. So buy a ticket, support wildlife and we all win.

Tickets can be purchased by mail or online. The deadline for mail orders is July 15. Online orders are available until July 17. The public drawing will be held July 21.

For more details, order form, and deadlines, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.

To learn how funds raised through the raffle are benefiting wildlife, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee webpage at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/hpc.shtml.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the backbone of wildlife conservation in North America.

Comments may be submitted through the end of May electronically to azgamebranch@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

“This is your opportunity to get involved in the nuts and bolts of this bi-annual process,” said Chief of Game Management, Brian Wakeling. “We are seeking your ideas, comments, concerns, or observations on how to meet the many demands by our varied hunting public, as well as fostering new opportunities for continuing our hunting heritage for future generations.”

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters that make up the “recipes” used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.) and results in the hunts in which sportsmen, women and children participate.

However, wildlife biologists note that while wildlife is held in the public’s trust, and hunting opportunity is important, using science-based principles in shaping the guideline process remains paramount to assure healthy, sustainable, and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

After all the comments are received, reviewed, and processed, the department will host 11 public meetings across the state to present the proposed revisions, answer questions, and to collect any further public input. A final draft will then be prepared and posted at the department’s website prior to being presented to the Game and Fish Commission at its Aug. 26-27 meeting in Phoenix.

The public meetings run from 6-8 p.m. per the following schedule (see link below for meeting addresses):

June 6, Flagstaff
June 7, Page
June 9, Phoenix
June 13, Pinetop
June 14, Payson
June 15, Mesa
June 16, Yuma
June 20, Prescott
June 21, Tucson
June 22, Sierra Vista
June 23, Kingman

For a copy of the current hunt guidelines, details about the guideline review process, and meeting addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona. The conservation and management of the state’s game animals is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, tags, and matching funds from the Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax that hunters and manufacturers pay on guns, ammunition and other hunting/shooting-related equipment.

For those hunters with hopes of getting one of the few remaining hunting permits for elk and pronghorn antelope, the first-come, first-served process, issued through application by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) only, begins on Monday, April 25 after 8 a.m.

To apply for these permits remaining after the drawing process, a valid hunt application must be sent via U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) to:

Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attention: Draw/First Come
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ, 85086

Game and Fish officials caution applicants not to use the standard envelope provided with the hunt application form. The PO Box address listed on that preprinted envelope is for the draw process only and should not be used for the first-come, first-served leftover process.

Applications received by any other delivery method, at any other address, or prior to 8 a.m. Monday, April 25, will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.

Absent an electronic service, the most equitable way to achieve a first-come, first-served process is by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) only. The U.S. mail-only process allows applicants the same chance at being first in line regardless if they are from the far reaches of the state, from out-of-state (resident or nonresident), or from the Phoenix metro area.

A detailed listing of the leftover permits remaining and their associated hunt numbers is posted at the Game and Fish website at www.azgfd.gov/draw under the link “Leftover Permits for 2011 Elk and Pronghorn Antelope Hunts.”

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available at Camp Navajo. For more information, contact Camp Navajo at (928) 773-3158 or at www.campnavajo.com.

There are three archery-only antelope permits. For general elk, there are seven bull elk permits remaining and six antlerless tags remaining. For archery-only hunts, there are eight bull elk permits and five permits for antlerless elk hunts.

Also available are 335 limited opportunity general antlerless elk tags, two limited opportunity general any elk tags, and 199 limited opportunity archery-only antlerless elk tags.

Applicants should note that hunt numbers in the 3800 series shown on the leftover permit list are not listed in the 2011 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet. These hunts were Hopi hunts only during the draw process and did not carry a public hunt number in the regulations. However, for the first-come process these hunts are now open to all hunters (tribal and non-tribal members).

Therefore, to match the 3800 series numbers in the regulations, applicants will have to carefully match the hunt type (general, limited opportunity), the season dates, the open areas, and the legal wildlife gender (bull, antlerless) to find any other notes applicable to that hunt of interest.

If any tags remain following the first-come, first-served by U.S. mail (Postal Service) only process, these tags will become available for purchase in person over-the-counter at any of the seven Game and Fish offices across the state after 8 a.m. on May 2.

However, leftover tags for these coveted hunts go very quickly, considering the demand for these hunts far outweighs the available resource by more than 4 to 1. During the draw process, more than 121,000 people applied for the approximately 26,000 total permits allocated for the 2011 elk and pronghorn seasons.

To learn more about leftover tags, hunting regulations, drawing process, bonus points, future drawing cycles and more, please visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

An individual called Game and Fish this morning to report that while he was working in his yard in the Huachuca Mountains, his dogs began barking at a cat-like animal which quickly climbed a tree. The individual drew closer and suspected that the small spotted cat might be an ocelot. An ocelot is a rare and endangered species of cat.

The man called Game and Fish and an officer responded to the site and confirmed that it was, in fact, an ocelot. The officer did a non-intrusive, visual inspection of the animal from the ground near the tree, and the animal appeared to be healthy. There was no indication that there had been any dog-to-cat direct interaction, as no wounds were visible on any animal.

As with all wildlife-human interaction cases, photos were taken of the animal (attached). The officer was also able to retrieve some scat samples from the scene.

Once the final confirmation was determined, the officer directed that all humans and dogs retreat from the area, and the ocelot, apparently unharmed, was allowed to go on his way.

Ocelots are small to medium-sized spotted cats with a long tail. These cats have been listed as endangered since 1982 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Since being listed, ocelots have only rarely been seen in Arizona. Only one other ocelot, an animal run over near Globe in April 2010, has been confirmed in Arizona since the mid 1960s. One other ocelot was reportedly captured on film by the Sky Island Alliance in November of 2009; however, it has not been possible to fully verify the species or the animal’s origin based on that photo.

Ocelots tend to be smaller in size in the more northerly portions of their habitat range than those individuals in the central or southern habitat areas. The upper body coloring is highly variable, ranging from grayish to cinnamon or tawny to reddish brown. Dark markings form chainlike streaks down the sides of the ocelot’s body. They have a long, curling, ringed tail that wraps around limbs for stability and is very indicative of the species.

The present range for ocelots is in the eastern and western lowlands of Mexico, from southern Mexico through Central America and in the lowland areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. On the fringes of their range, they occupy a very limited region in both the United States (a remnant population exists in Southern Texas) and Argentina. And now Arizona can be included in that range. Other animals such as bobcats and young mountain lions are sometimes misidentified as ocelots, which is why verification is so very important.

Arizona Game and Fish will work together with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review materials from the site and the photos to attempt to determine whether or not this was a naturally occurring ocelot. Some ocelots are known to be kept as pets, and occasionally, individual animals escape or are released into the wild.

Ocelots are protected by the Endangered Species Act and should be left alone. If anyone encounters a cat believed to be an ocelot, we would request that all sightings and photos along with observation information be reported immediately to the department. More information and additional photos will be made available Wednesday, visit www.azgfd.gov for details.

Media note: For a high resolution version of the included photo, visit www.azgfd.gov/nrm/images/110208_ocelet_newsreleasephoto.jpg using photo credit Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Elk and pronghorn antelope hunters, if you haven’t yet submitted your application it is recommended you hand deliver it to one of the seven Game and Fish offices across the state before the deadline of 7 p.m. (MST) this Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011.

Remember, postmarks don’t count and applications must be received by the department by the deadline. There is no online application service available.

To apply hunters will need a copy of the 2011 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet and a hunt application form. For drawing and harvest odds, refer to the Hunt Arizona 2010: Survey, Harvest and Draw Data.

All these materials can be found at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Additionally, regulations, application forms and envelopes are at more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Please note: department offices will be open until 7 p.m. on deadline day (Feb. to receive dropped off applications; however, front counter customer service of regular transactions, including buying licenses, still closes at 5 p.m.

Payment methods permitted through the application process include check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash or credit cards are not accepted through the drawing process.

Game and Fish offices are located in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix. For office addresses, contact information and driving directions, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Items on the agenda include consideration of amending Commission Order 40 to establish an open season, and a one-fish bag and possession limit for Gila trout, at Frye Mesa Reservoir for 2011 and 2012. Commission Order 40 establishes open areas, season dates, and bag and possession limits for fish.

In addition, the commission will: discuss the 2011 director’s goals and objectives; be presented with a “commission rules of practice” approach to consider for possible adoption as a guidance document for future commissions; consider approval of a Notice of Emergency Rulemaking for the adoption of a new Article 11 to address issues associated with aquatic invasive species; consider approval of the Article 5 Five-year Review Report (regarding boating and water sports) for submission to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council; and, consider approval of the Article 7 Five-year Review Report (regarding Heritage Grants) for submission to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council.

The commission will also hear license revocation cases involving violations of the Game and Fish codes, consider several consent agenda items, and receive updates on the department’s activities related to state and federal legislation, shooting sports and ranges (including the Northern Arizona Shooting Range), lands issues/habitat program, law enforcement program, enterprise architecture, and information/education and wildlife recreation activities.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at any of six Game and Fish regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at any of the regional Game and Fish offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa). For office addresses and contact information, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

The Game and Fish Commission is comprised of five members (serving staggered five-year terms) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party.

The commission is the policy-setting board overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since its inception in 1929, this organizational structure has served as a buffer for the best interests of science-driven wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change.

For a complete meeting agenda or to learn more about the Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. The cost is $55 for an individual, or $500 for a table of 10 (a $50 savings over the cost of the seats if purchased individually).

To download a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/documents/CommissionAwardsbanquetreservationform2011.pdf.

Table sponsorships for organizations are available, as are other sponsorship opportunities; contact Marty Fabritz at (623) 236-7281 or mfabritz@azgfd.gov for more information.

The Commission Awards are given annually to recognize Arizonans that have contributed to the welfare of Arizona’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The honorees at the banquet will be:

Award of Excellence – Wink Crigler
Youth Environmentalist of the Year – Brad Garr
Outdoor Writer of the Year – Jean Wilson
Media of the Year – Steve Bodinet
Conservation Organization of the Year – Department of Defense
Conservationist of the Year – Brian Dolan
Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Melanie Culver
Volunteer of the Year – Mark Adkins
Mentor of the Year – Eddy Corona
Advocate of the Year – George Reiners
Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award – Duane Coleman

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/commission_awards.shtml.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is looking for photographers who have what it takes to make wow-worthy wildlife images. The department’s annual wildlife calendar photo contest is accepting entries through July 9. A top prize of $400 will be awarded to the photographer whose work is selected as “best in show.” Twelve more first-place winners (one for each month of the year) will win $250. Winning entries will be published in a 2011 calendar showing off the diversity of Arizona’s wildlife. Prize money is funded through calendar sales.

As always, the contest is free to enter. And this year, for the first time, only digital photos are being accepted. Slide transparencies will not be accepted, and prints are no longer required.

Wildlife photography is a good test of skill, and Arizona abounds with opportunities to practice. Swift pronghorns running across the grasslands, brilliant cardinals flitting through the palo verdes, and bold lizards scuttling between rocks will test the reaction time of any photographer. Being ready to capture opportunity when it comes is the key. By staying alert for that special wildlife encounter, anybody can capture an image that may be worth $400 in prize money.

Knowing where to find wildlife also is important. Along with their gear, many of the state’s top wildlife photographers keep a copy of the “Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide” in their camera bags. The viewing guide gives detailed directions to 128 of the state’s best wildlife-viewing areas and information about the wildlife found at each one. The book is sold at all Game and Fish Department offices for $14.95.

Those who have captured one of Arizona’s amazing wild animals in a photograph are invited to try their luck at turning that image into cash. The deadline for entering the 2011 Arizona wildlife calendar photo contest is July 9 at 5 p.m. MST. Entries must be received by the department by that time; postmarks don’t count.

Contest rules and an entry form are posted at www.azgfd.gov/photocontest.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Contact:
Lynda Lambert
(623) 236-7203