Sept. 11, 2025
PAYSON — Come enjoy the first weekend of October in the tall pine country of central Arizona learning skills to enhance your time outdoors. Wildlife Managers and staff from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), along with Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) Dream Chasers and the Mogollon Sporting Association, will be teaming up to teach the inexperienced how to get the most out of their time in Arizona’s beautiful wild lands.
“The fall is a great time to be outdoors,” says area Biologist Natalie Scheigert. “It is one of my favorite times of the year; the elk are bugling, the fall colors are starting to show and the mornings are crisp and days are cool…it’s perfect!”
The camp is intended to enhance people’s time outdoors by teaching them new skills and how to be good stewards. It is geared for the inexperienced outdoors person or family – people who want to learn the basics but don’t have someone to teach them – and people who are new to hunting, fishing, and camping. It is the hope that by learning a little about the many plants and animals we share our state with, a person can get a lot more out of their limited time in the field.
Grab your spot for this FREE event!
Activities that will be offered during the weekend workshop are;
- Fishing in Rim Country streams – learn how to fish for trout with experienced fishermen.
- Archery basics- Learn from trained instructors and shoot a bow and arrow.
- Wildlife/birding/nature hikes – spend time in the field with biologists learning about the plants and animals of the area.
- Basic Outdoor skills – learn about setting up a safe camp, what gear is needed, how to read a map.
- Try a squirrel hunt – learn techniques for hunting squirrel and how to properly care for bagged animals in the field. We may even cook one up at camp!
The workshop will run from Friday, October 3rd at 3pm through noon Sunday, October 5th at the Colcord Ridge Campground about 35 miles east of Payson.
Campers must bring their own camping gear, a tent, sleeping bag, chair, flash light and cooler for your catch! Other things to consider bringing are binoculars and/or a small caliber rifle such as a .22 for small game hunting. There will be a limited number of firearms to borrow, loaner fishing poles and bait will be available, and meals will be provided.
Colcord Ridge Campground is located 3 miles south of highway 260 on Forest Road 512/Young Road. There is plenty of tent camping at this location. There is room for RV’s and camp trailers on location and overflow nearby. There are no RV hookups. Again, this event is FREE and space is limited to 50 participants, so don’t hesitate – CLICK HERE for more info and to register!