2022 fall hunt draw results available

Hunters should check their AZGFD portal account 

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2022 fall hunts.     

Customers must have an AZGFD portal account to view draw results and bonus points. Draw results no longer are made available through an automated phone system. 

A free AZGFD portal account (dependent account features are available) can be created by visiting accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register. A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. 

For questions about creating a portal account, call the department at 602-942-3000 and press “7.”                                                      

By the numbers:

• 45,666: The total number of hunt permit-tags issued.
• 191,074: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points.
• 150,813: The total number of applications submitted.

All hunt permit-tags are expected to be mailed by Aug. 5.     

Operation Dry Water initiative aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents, fatalities 

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will be patrolling Arizona’s waterways over the upcoming holiday weekend to provide heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol while boating. 

Once again, AZGFD will be participating in “Operation Dry Water,” a national boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The goal is to reduce the number of alcohol and/or drug-related fatalities and accidents by spreading this important message to the public: Drinking and boating is a potentially deadly combination. 

“Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone who is out enjoying Arizona’s waterways,” said Danny Rodriguez, AZGFD’s watercraft law administrator. “If alcohol is being consumed on your boat, always designate a sober operator.” 

During last year’s Operation Dry Water campaign, nationwide, more than 114,000 boats were stopped and 638 arrests were made for boating under the influence.

“It’s no different from driving a car on the highway; the operator is responsible for everyone on board the boat,” Rodriguez said. 

While the main focus of the campaign is geared toward those who operate a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, officers may also give warnings and write citations for other issues, including operation, fire extinguisher and life jacket violations. Arizona state law requires that children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway, and there must be one life jacket on board for every passenger. In addition, a throwable flotation device, usually a cushion with handles or a ring buoy, is required for all watercraft longer than 16 feet (except for canoes and kayaks).

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. The initiative is credited with removing more than 4,000 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways. 

AZGFD has been an Operation Dry Water partner since the beginning. “Anything that helps to prevent fatalities and injuries in Arizona is a valuable investment of our time and resources,” Rodriguez said. 

In 2019, the Coast Guard reported that alcohol was the top contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, and that sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion of the boat can intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.  

Prepare now to welcome home new pet 

PHOENIX — For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something truly unique to Arizona, say hello to your next family member: 

A Sonoran desert tortoise.

“Many people don’t even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets,” said Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise adoption program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). 

“It’s rewarding to hear stories from those who have adopted a captive tortoise and made them part of the family, because they’re a unique alternative to traditional family pets. They offer many of the same life lessons to children, and they can provide just as much companionship and personality as a dog or cat.”

Due primarily to illegal breeding, AZGFD has 200 tortoises of various ages and sizes available for adoption. Captive tortoises grow up to about 14 inches long and can live 80-100 years. They cannot be released back into the wild because they could spread diseases that harm wild populations. 

Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home should review the Tortoise Adoption Program page on the department’s website. Instructions on how to properly care for a desert tortoise and how to build an enclosure/burrow are included. 

Once the burrow is completed, potential adopters can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be contacted by the department. Adopters must have a securely enclosed yard or construct a separate enclosure/burrow to prevent the tortoise from potential hazards, such as a fire pit, unfenced pool or dogs. 

The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer heat and a place to brumate — a seasonal period of inactivity similar to hibernation — during winter. 

Watch a video on how to build a tortoise shelter

AZGFD allows for one tortoise to be adopted per person, per household, but an additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is placed in a completely separate enclosure, as these reptiles can be territorial. Federal law prohibits desert tortoises from being transported across state lines. 

While it is illegal to remove Sonoran desert tortoises from the wild, it’s also illegal to allow them to breed in captivity. AZGFD and its partners must spend valuable resources and time each year to find homes for hundreds of captive tortoises. 

“One female tortoise living to 80 years old can produce more than 800 babies in her lifetime,” Wolf said. “This is why it is crucial that we work together to ensure that tortoises are not only placed in proper homes, but with responsible owners.”  

For more information about AZGFD’s Tortoise Adoption Program, or to provide a donation to help the department cover costs for tortoise food, shelter and medical expenses, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. Or listen to the “Wild About Arizona” episode on desert tortoise adoption, the official podcast of AZGFD. 

If you suspect someone is illegally breeding Sonoran desert tortoises, contact the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline 24/7 at 800-352-0700. Those submitting a tip can remain anonymous. 

Grants available for development of new hunters, anglers 

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, mentored projects that are focused on the progressive development of new hunters and anglers.

The Local Sportsmen’s Group grants program places a high priority on projects that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project. 

Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications and instructions are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, July 12.  

“This grant program continues to provide much-needed funding for Arizona’s conservation organizations to connect with the public through quality, mentored projects at a time when there’s a huge demand for traditional outdoor and wildlife recreation like hunting and fishing,” said Doug Burt, AZGFD’s recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) manager.

“The projects from these funds, and the efforts of these community groups, return far more in value than the grant dollars would on their own by providing education about safe and ethical hunting and fishing, and how sportsmen play an important role in wildlife conservation.”     

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona. 

To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/wsfr/.

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that monsoon weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren’t prepared.

The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash flooding.

“Arizona is known for its often unbearable summer heat; it’s also known for great places to get outdoors, whether that’s on an OHV in the high country or one of our many lakes or rivers,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator. 

“However, it’s important that people keep the day’s weather in mind. If severe weather is likely, or storms are starting to build up around you, it’s a good time to safely get off the water or trails and head indoors.”

Paddlers who enjoy the water on a paddleboard should pay extra close attention to the weather, as they can be more vulnerable to dangerous monsoon weather. 

AZGFD offers the following advice to protect those recreating during a monsoon: 

When on a boat, personal watercraft or paddleboard 

• While life jackets are legally required for anyone under 12, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. Storms can create large waves that could knock a passenger from the boat. A life jacket does you no good if it’s stowed when you’re thrown. 
• Monitor the weather and use a weather radio or a weather app for updates from the National Weather Service. If storms are predicted, or are building, pull the boat out of the water or consider postponing the outing.
• Secure all gear above and below decks.
• Keep everyone aboard away from electrical and ungrounded components, and remain as low in the boat as possible. 
• If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay clear of metal objects as much as possible. 
• Slow down, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
• Turn on navigation lights.
• If possible, head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. It might be best to ride out the storm in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves. But never try to ride out a storm in a paddlecraft. 
• Boats should head the bow into waves at a 45-degree angle. Personal watercraft should head directly into the waves.

For more information on boating in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.com/Boating/.  

When on a shoreline or riding an OHV:

• Always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
• Seek shelter indoors if storms are developing or are nearby.
• Never cross running water. While it can look shallow, it might be deep enough that it could push the vehicle downstream or get it stuck in loose sediment.
• Drive slowly to not lose control on muddied trails.
• To avoid being struck by lightning, avoid open fields, high ground, trees, poles or other tall objects, and standing bodies of water.
• Be aware of, and avoid, flash flood zones.

For more information on riding an OHV in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.com/OHV/. 

AZGFD to provide after-hours assistance by telephone only

PHOENIX — The deadline to apply for 2022 hunt-permit tags for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane is only hours away. 

Applications must be received by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) tonight, Tuesday, June 14. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw. 

AZGFD is available to assist applicants. Customer service representatives can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today by calling 602-942-3000. In addition, customer service representatives will be available to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only — from 5 to 11:59 p.m. tonight.      

To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with the following before calling AZGFD:

• An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through today, June 14. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point only, must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/license/.
• Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Know where you want to hunt. It’s important to have your four-digit hunt number(s) pre-determined (not game management units). 

All applicants are encouraged to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. Printed versions are available at license dealers statewide. 

AZGFD to provide after-hours assistance beginning Monday

PHOENIX — The deadline to submit 2022 fall hunt applications is fast approaching.

Applications for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane must be received by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 14. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw.    

AZGFD is available to assist applicants with the application process. Customer service representatives can be reached by calling 602-942-3000. In addition, customer service representatives will be available to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only — from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, and 5 to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 14.    

To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with the following before calling AZGFD:

• An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through June 14. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point only, must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/license/.
• Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Know where you want to hunt. It’s important to have your four-digit hunt number(s) pre-determined (not game management units). 

In the meantime, hopeful hunters might want to view a couple of short videos before applying for a hunt. 

• Amber Munig, big game management supervisor, explains how the draw process works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpI0lLp5Adk.
• AZGFD provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a hunt permit-tag issued through the draw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgJGD4MuPXo. 

For more information, call 602-942-3000.

The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, June 10, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, in Payson, Ariz.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found here or at https://www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/meetingagenda/.

Make sure to get ducks in order before June 14 deadline

PHOENIX — This is the final week to apply for 2022 fall hunt permit-tags, which means hopeful hunters now fall into one of two camps:

Those who jumped on their computers and filled out an application the moment that the draw opened three weeks ago, and those who are chronic putter-offers, telling themselves that they have plenty of time before the June 14 deadline.

Whether a person has applied for the draw, or plans to do so in the coming days, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) offers the following tips:

For those who have applied:

• Check your AZGFD portal account. This is the perfect time to review your personal data, including your application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
• Make sure credit card and debit card account information is current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department does not call applicants to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards or debit cards have failed. Applicants who have been issued a new credit card or debit card, a new expiration date, or had a change to their card’s number should visit https://draw.azgfd.com/Payment/Update. 
• More about keeping credit card and debit card account information current. The last name and order number on the applicant’s draw receipt (sent by email after submission of the application) are required to update the credit card or debit card on file. For applicants who can’t locate their draw receipt, or might have deleted it from their email account, AZGFD is available to update card information by calling 602-942-3000, option “5,” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Note: It is important to update payment information for each species for which an application has been submitted. Also, if a credit card or debit card has been used for multiple applications, notify the appropriate banking institution that multiple charges from AZGFD could be processed simultaneously.

For those who have yet to apply: 

• Visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. All applications must be received by AZGFD no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 14.   
• Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license (or combination hunt and fish license) to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 14). Licenses are available online and at license dealers statewide. Note: When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
• Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Check your AZGFD portal account. This is the perfect time to review your personal data, including your application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• View “What You Need to Know,” a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), at https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. 

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2022-2023 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. Printed versions are available at license dealers statewide.