May Offers A Variety Of Events
May-July 7
There Is A Bonus To Buying Raffle Tickets Early
Conservation First USA is not only offering $10 raffle tickets for a chance to hunt big game, but the group also is entering you into monthly drawings to win BONUS PRIZES. Yes, you read that right! Do not miss this opportunity. Visit the website to buy your raffle tickets and learn more about the monthly bonus prize drawings.
Raffle Details —
- Seven lucky individuals will win one of seven special big-game tags (bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bison and turkey) for the 2024–25 hunting season.
- Purchase the “All 7 Package” and receive one entry per species, PLUS a free entry for the Swarovski Optik Package.
- Raffle tickets are $10 each, per species. There is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase.
- The deadline to purchase tickets is 9 p.m. on July 7, 2024.
- The winner can hunt for 365 days (Aug. 15, 2024, to Aug. 14, 2025).
- Raffle tickets must be purchased online, and the buyer must be in Arizona at the time of purchase.
- The drawing will be conducted in July 2024.
Every dollar raised for each species through the raffle is returned to the Arizona Game and Fish Department and managed by the Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee. With input from local habitat partners across the state and sponsoring organizations involved in the fundraising, project priorities are determined that provide the most benefit to each species. In the 18-year history of the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, more than $11 million have been raised for wildlife and wildlife management in Arizona.
May-September 30
Annual Fire Ban Implemented
Maricopa County’s regional parks set May 1 as the start date for the annual fire ban. . The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s annual fire ban will go into effect the same day. The annual fire ban dates align with the Air Quality Department’s burn activity regulations. Under these regulations, outdoor recreational fires are prohibited within Area A’s boundaries between May 1 and September 30. This area encompasses all of Maricopa County’s regional parks.
“While this year’s wildflower season was rather low-key, our team has noticed a significant amount of new vegetation growth within the parks from the spring showers. As the temperatures rise, this vegetation will dry out and quickly become an ideal source for wildfire ignition. Implementing a fire ban limits the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause severe damage to park resources, threaten park visitor safety, and pose a danger to nearby homes,” added R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director.
It is also important to note that during this time of year, the National Weather Service often issues red flag warnings across central Arizona to alert land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition. Should this occur before the fire ban, park supervisors are authorized to issue temporary fire bans to ensure public safety and protect the park’s resources.
When temporary fire bans are issued, the information is posted on the website, and visitors are notified upon entry to the park. The parks also stop selling firewood during this time.
The fire ban does not allow campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills; however, using gas/propane grills in designated areas such as semi-developed and developed camping sites is still acceptable. Campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park are prohibited. Those who violate the fire ban may be fined under Rule 314, Section 312.
Smoking in the parks is also discouraged due to wildfire danger. Please be responsible and ensure that all cigarettes are properly extinguished and placed in trash receptacles.
While September 30 is the traditional fire ban lift date, an extension is possible. Park staff will monitor precipitation levels and vegetation conditions throughout the summer to determine if an extension is necessary.
Contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930, or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks for additional information.
May 4
Payson Wildlife Fair To Offer Outdoor Fun May 4
Whether it’s catching a rainbow trout, taking aim with a bow and arrow, or getting up close and personal with live critters, the family-friendly Payson Wildlife Fair will be offering a variety of outdoor fun Saturday, May 4, at Green Valley Park in Payson, Ariz.
The annual event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a cooperative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), U.S. Forest Service, and the Town of Payson Parks and Recreation Department. Admission is free.
The fair will feature live wildlife on display, booths from several local and state organizations, an archery range, and prizes for the kids, such as fishing rods and lures. A visit from Smokey Bear also is planned.
Green Valley Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout in advance of the fair. A fishing license is not required for fair attendees, and bait and loaner fishing rods will be provided. The Mogollon Sporting Association also will be offering a variety of fishing incentives.
The fair celebrates Arizona’s great outdoors and emphasizes the importance of conserving the state’s diverse wildlife species. AZGFD staff members will be on hand to share and discuss the department’s various programs, as well as provide some hands-on activities for fair attendees.
“People come from all over the state for this one-day outdoor event,” said Jarrod McFarlin, AZGFD field supervisor in Payson. “It’s a great day up in the cool, mountain air of Payson at a time when the Valley is just starting to heat up.”
2024 Ongoing
Are You Interested In Going Hunting, But Not Sure Where To Start?
Look no further. The Arizona Game and Fish Department along with an extensive network of partnering organizations host dozens of learn how to hunt, fish, shoot, trap and other outdoor skill development events throughout the year. Most of these events offer mentoring (not guides), hands-on activities, seminars, a hot meal and campfires for sharing your story. Event types and descriptions are merely guidelines to help you choose what is best for you — they are not prerequisites — most events offer activities that are suitable for all skill levels and interests. Further, hunting is just one portion of these events. Many of these events are also open to people wishing to learn more about wildlife, habitat, conservation, camping and the outdoors.
For a continually updated list of events and to register, visit: www.azgfd.gov/OutdoorSkills
