PHOENIX — It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2025, and as we reflect on the changes that we want — or need — to make in the new year, how about adding an outdoors resolution to the list?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) offers some simple resolutions, any one of which should be easy for an outdoors enthusiast to stick to:
- Fish local. Make it a point to wet a line this year at one (or more) of the state’s 50-plus waters in the Community Fishing Program that are seasonally stocked with channel catfish, bluegill and rainbow trout. This also is a great way to introduce a youngster to a fun, lifelong sport. Buy a general fishing license, or combination hunt and fish license, at www.azgfd.gov (youth under age 10 do not need a license).
- Support wildlife. Volunteers play a critical role in AZGFD’s mission to conserve and protect more than 800 native wildlife species. Learn about volunteer opportunities at www.azgfd.gov/volunteer. Another way to make a difference? Consider making a donation here, or on your state income tax form (check the “Arizona Wildlife Fund” box on your tax form), to help ensure a wildlife legacy for the future.
- Take a youngster outdoors. Look for animal tracks together and identify the critter that made them. Armed with only a bird identification guide, embark on a “hunting” expedition and see how many species you can find. A day in the field will create memories that last a lifetime — for both of you.
- Be a wildlife viewer. Arizona provides some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the nation, with more than 800 species of native wildlife. It’s a fun, inexpensive activity that the entire family can enjoy.
- Explore Expo. Save the dates — March 28-29 — and experience the great outdoors at the department’s 2026 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. This popular event will feature everything from wildlife exhibits and family fishing tanks, to trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range. Admission and parking are free.
- Be a conservationist. It’s difficult to imagine what our wildlife populations might be like today without the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. For a presentation from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, produced by AZGFD, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE4L9KicSeU.
- Get hunting. Don’t let the odds of being selected in the big game draws keep you from applying for what could be the hunt of a lifetime. If you’ve always dreamed of hunting bison, pronghorn or bull elk, then get in the game and submit an application. Also, don’t overlook small game or other species that can be hunted year-round. Buy a license online today at www.azgfd.com/license/.
- Enter AZGFD’s portal. The portal lets you create a secure account where you can view and manage your licenses, draw results and bonus points in your own personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. Just click on the “Account Login” button at the bottom of the www.azgfd.gov home page, then select the “Register” option in the upper right corner.