Arizona Game & Fish Department
WILDLIFE NEWS
Dec. 23, 2002 Vol. 50 No. 50
Public Information Officers: Rory Aikens at (602) 789-3214, raikens@gf.state.az.us, Marijke Van Fleet at (602) 789-3377, mvanfleet@gf.state.az.us, Eric Boardley at (602) 789-3223, eboardley@gf.state.az.us, or Tom McMahon (602) 789-3216, tmcmahon@gf.state.az.us.
THIS WEEK'S STORIES
Come Chat About Lions & Bears
Make A New Holiday Tradition
Getting (or giving) An ATV? Be Prepared
Try a Wild Holiday Excursion
Food Donations Reach New Department Record
Want to chat about Arizona’s lions and bears with professional wildlife research biologists?
Interested in the latest fisheries research at Lake Pleasant?
Do you have concerns about the possibility of chronic wasting disease coming to Arizona?
If you have any of these questions or any other concerns, you should join the “Wednesday Night Wildlife Chats” with Arizona Game and Fish Department research biologists on the Internet. Join us on most Wednesday nights during January at azgfd.com and look for the chat-room link at the top of the page.
Chat with us on the following topics from 6-8 p.m.:
AG&F On-line Chat: Jan. 8 – Black Bears & Mountain Lions In Arizona
Bears and lions can evoke a lot of emotion – both positive and negative. Although some people may think bears and lions are rare, they are actually numerous in certain parts of the state. However, it is rare to see one.
Stan Cunningham, a research biologist for the Game and Fish Department, will be available to chat about these two interesting species. Stan has been with the department for almost 20 years and has studied bears and lions for more than 10 years now.
For instance, what do you do when you find yourself face-to-face with a lion or bear? How are bears and lions affected by fire – like this past summer’s Rodeo-Chediski Fire? Why were so many black bears coming into Phoenix a few years ago? Chat with Stan for the answers.
AG&F On-line Chat: Jan. 22 – How has the increased lake size affected the Lake Pleasant fishery?
Research biologists working on the bass fishery at Lake Pleasant and the walleye fishery on the Salt River chain of lakes are hosting an on-line chat to answer your questions and discuss issues pertaining to those fisheries.
At Lake Pleasant, enlarging the reservoir 10 years ago has caused substantial changes in the fishery. Catch rates of largemouth bass have decreased. However, size structure and abundance remains relatively unchanged since construction of the new dam began in 1989.
The white bass population is as large and healthy as ever, but the invasion of striped bass may threaten the status of the other sport fish species.
Also, drastic fluctuations in water levels may be detrimental to the sunfish population as well as some other species.
The walleye fishery in the Salt River lakes has been somewhat of a mystery to anglers since stockings began over 25 years ago. Questions surrounding abundance, distribution, growth rates, food habits, reproduction and stocking success were addressed with a three- year research project. Preliminary results indicate that the walleye population in all three lakes is abundant and in very good condition, primarily feeding on threadfin shad. Reproduction, however, has not been detected and the population will have to rely on stockings of fry to persist.
AG&F On-line Chat: Jan. 29 – Wildlife diseases (including chronic wasting disease).
Shelli Dubay will be available in the chat room to answer disease-related questions. This research biologist has studied wildlife health issues for nearly a decade. Her studies include disease of moose and deer and nutritional ecology of small mammals.
Shelli is also a department expert on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This disease – caused by an infectious protein called a prion – affects deer and elk. Thus far, it has not been detected in wild populations in Arizona.
Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists collected more than 500 blood samples from bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn and elk this year. Those samples are being tested for exposure to hemorrhagic disease viruses. Hemorrhagic disease is caused by two viruses that affect deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and elk. Significant population effects have been documented after outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease in these species, so research has been initiated to investigate the disease in Arizona.
Make Trout Fishing Near Home A Fun Holiday Tradition
The thought of avoiding shopping malls packed with holiday shoppers brought a sigh of relief. Listening to the disc jockey warn about traffic jams brought smiles to our faces while pulling into the Phon D. Sutton area of the Lower Salt River.
Fishing for delectable winter rainbow trout close to home can easily push aside thoughts of sugar plums. Besides, it’s great to have a gourmet holiday meal that doesn’t go off the caloric Richter Scale. A little fun exercise catching that meal doesn’t hurt either.
You might want to make trout fishing near home a holiday tradition.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has an exhaustive winter trout-stocking program in lots of low to mid-elevation waters and in the urban lakes. Much of the fishing is close to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, but there are even trout opportunities along the Colorado River.
Saguaro and Canyon lakes near Phoenix are both stocked with rainbows and offer plenty of shoreline or small boat fishing opportunities. The Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake is another popular winter trout fishery for both spin and fly anglers.
Further afield, the Verde River between Cottonwood and Camp Verde is stocked with trout. A scenic place to fish is Oak Creek in Oak Creek Canyon. Rainbow trout are stocked in Oak Creek; many anglers also go after the elusive brown trout there.
If you are looking for a classic blue ribbon trout fishing experience, head north for Lee’s Ferry between Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon. This is the leading edge of the spawn. There are plenty of hike-in opportunities (check with any of the local guide or tackle shops) and a bevy of available guides.
Or you can gamble on catching fish from the Colorado River near Bullhead along what is called “Casino Row.”
The Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes are stocked with trout during the winter from November through March.
Don’t forget the Tempe Town Lake (a state fishing license is required, not an urban one).
Winter trout fishing techniques are similar to those for spring, fall and summer. Light line in the two to six-pound range is a must. Trout are what is called “line sensitive,” although it is less of a problem in lower elevation lakes than it is in crystal clear mountain ones. A lightweight or ultra-light rod is preferable. Fishing techniques and baits can be as variable as the fisherman.
Night crawlers, corn, salmon eggs, marshmallows and mealworms are all good baits to use for trout. Night crawlers and mealworms can also get you other fish species like sunfish, catfish and bass. Many anglers prefer prepared trout baits, such as Berkley Power Bait.
The secret to using Power Bait is keeping in mind that it will float if you let it. Trout often feed a foot or so above the lake bottom. The idea is to get your bait as close as possible to their feeding zone. I like setting up my line with a 14 to 18-inch long leader of two-pound test line, with a small split shot just above the leader and a Number 8 or Number 10 hook. Then I mold the Power Bait around the hook in a small ball so none of the hook is exposed.
If trout are actively feeding near the surface, using a bobber can be effective no matter what bait you are using. A good idea is using a slip bobber, which can be set for greater depths without being cumbersome to cast.
Winter trout fishing is also a good time to experiment with lures like small spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers and small crankbaits. In winter, I like using small Mepps spinners or Yellow Jackets because it is possible to catch other species – such as sunfish and bass – too. For trout, smaller is usually better.
A good idea: get a $4 two-pole stamp and set one pole up with something like Power Bait to fish the bottom. Then use the other pole with a small spinner for casting and retrieving a spinner.
Another favorite with many is using a rainbow trout colored crankbait, such as a Rapala. Trout are cannibalistic. The trout-looking lure can also get you larger predators such as largemouth bass. If you are fishing in Saguaro or Canyon lakes, a Rapala might even land you a delectable walleye or, possibly, a hard-fighting smallmouth bass.
Fishing tail-water rivers, such as the Lower Salt, means adjusting your techniques slightly.
If you are using bait, cast upstream then let the current take the bait downstream. Using a small weight on the line is necessary so that the bait can bounce along the bottom in the current while still looking as natural as possible.
Whatever your technique, location or fishing strategy, winter trout fishing in Arizona can be a blast. So don’t let your trout fishing gear sit in the closet this winter.
Getting or Giving an ATV for the holidays? Don’t Forget about Safety Classes
An all-terrain vehicle is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors. However, they can also be dangerous. So, if you are giving or getting an ATV this holiday season, here is some important information.
“ATVs are not toys. There are lots of things to keep in mind to safely ride an ATV,” says Leo Drumm, the off-highway vehicle coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Drumm stresses that riders need to know both the vehicle and the terrain when riding in the desert because ATVs do not handle like other vehicles. The rough terrain they are often used in adds an extra challenge. “Whether it is an ATV or another type of off-highway vehicle, it is important to know the terrain and how your vehicle will handle it. If you aren’t sure, it is probably best not to try,” he warns.
It is also important to know and abide by state laws and the manufacturer’s guidelines for the vehicle you are operating. “This could save you or your loved ones from serious injury or possibly death,” says Drumm. He says it is also a good idea to wear a helmet and eye protection.
There are classes available that teach safe ATV operation. They are conducted by the ATV Safety Institute and are free with the purchase of most new ATVs. Information on ATV classes can be found on the Internet (atvsafety.org) or by calling 1-800-877-2887.
Looking For A Wild Holiday Experience?
Are you looking for a wild holiday experience in the outdoors that is fun for the entire family? Try a fun expedition to the following Heritage Program funded wildlife areas operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Robins Butte Wildlife Area
Directions: Located near Buckeye in Maricopa County. From Phoenix, go west on I-10 about thirty miles. At Exit 112 (Arizona 85), go south eight miles to the entrance.
Watchable Wildlife: Mourning and white-winged doves, Gambel’s quail and a variety of raptors (mostly harriers). In the summer months the area is home to Gila monsters and rattlesnakes in abundance – so be careful.
Arlington Wildlife Area
Directions: Located along the west bank of the Gila River, 15 miles southwest of Buckeye in Maricopa County. From Phoenix, take I-10 west towards Los Angeles. Go to I-8 (Exit 112). Stay straight to go onto AZ-85 south. Turn right onto West Old US-80 (Palo Verde Road). Stay on Palo Verde Road about five miles.
Watchable Wildlife: The open water ponds attract numerous waterfowl and shorebirds. Observe Yuma clapper rails (nest on site), snowy egret, red-winged blackbirds, doves, quail, herons and geese. Foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, reptiles and an assortment of amphibians also call the area home.
Picacho Reservoir
Directions: Located in south-central Arizona, approximately eight miles southeast of Coolidge and three miles northeast of Eloy. From Phoenix, Take I-10 east towards Tucson. Take the Sunshine Blvd. exit (exit 208.) Turn left on South Sunshine Blvd.
Watchable Wildlife: Mammals: mule deer, bobcat, coyote, cactus mouse, Merriam’s kangaroo rat. Reptiles/amphibians: Sonoran desert toad, great plains toad, Couch’s spadefoot; red eared slider turtle; western whiptail, western banded gecko, desert spiny lizard, tree lizard, side botched lizard. Avian species: quail, white-winged and mourning dove, black chinned hummingbird, western wood-pewee, ash-throated flycatcher, northern cardinal. Aquatic species: largemouth bass, threadfin shiner, golden shiner, mosquito fish, green sunfish, carp and feathered minnow.
Quigley Wildlife Area
Directions: Located in Yuma County along the south side of the Gila River, approximately 1½-miles north of Tacna. From Yuma, travel east on I-8 or, from Gila Bend, go west, exit I-8 at the Tacna exit (Ave 40E). Drive north approximately six miles. As the road drops off of the mesa, Quigley Wildlife Area is visible to your left. If you stay on the mesa you have a good view of the ponds through a spotting scope. Notice, however, that these roads are farm roads and they are private property. Take care to be respectful of the landowner and do not hinder or disrupt the agricultural operations.
Watchable Wildlife: Avian species: waterfowl and shorebirds abound. You may see American wigeon, Canada geese, osprey, green-winged teals, ring-necked ducks, red-tailed hawks and great blue herons. Mammals: beaver, bobcat and plentiful desert cottontail. Aquatic species: largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and sailfin molly.
Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
Directions: Located in the shadow of Escudilla Mountain in eastern Arizona, approximately seven miles southeast of the towns of Eagar and Springerville. From Springerville and/or Eagar, take Hwy 180/191 heading toward Alpine. From the rodeo grounds on the outskirts of Eagar, proceed two miles to the top of a mesa where you will see signs designating the turnoff to the south (to the wildlife area). Proceed five miles down a maintained, graded dirt road to the wildlife area headquarters buildings.
Watchable Wildlife: Avian species: a variety of raptors, including bald eagles (in winter), peregrine falcons and prairie falcons; variety of waterfowl, migrating songbirds and warblers, white faced ibis, great blue herons, western mountain bluebirds, pinyon jays, pygmy nuthatches and yellow headed blackbirds. Mammals: mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, rock squirrels, chipmunks, beavers and coyotes.
Facilities: A small visitor center is open to the public free-of-charge from May through October. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The visitor center is ADA accessible, as are two of the five hiking trails located on the 1,365-acre property. Visitors are encouraged to look through the center, then explore further on the grounds to enhance their wildlife viewing experience. There are several wildlife-viewing points located on the trails, a day-use picnic area, restroom facilities and a permanently mounted 20X spotting scope for locating wildlife situated on the bluff trail overlook. Visitors can also view several historic homesteads and a small, prehistoric cultural ruin site.
Wenima Wildlife Area
Directions: Located in eastern Arizona, about three miles northwest of the towns of Springerville and Eagar. From Springerville, proceed west on Hwy. 60 toward Show Low. One mile west of the turnoff into the Becker Lake Wildlife area, turn north on Hwy. 180/191 toward St. Johns. One-quarter mile north of the intersection of Hwys 60 and 180/191, turn right onto a graded dirt road that goes in a northeasterly direction. After approximately one mile, the dirt road will drop a short distance into the Little Colorado River canyon corridor.
Watchable Wildlife: The cliff areas provide roosting or perch sites for various birds including raptors like the peregrine falcon, prairie falcon and the golden eagle. In addition, there are American kestrels, belt kingfishers, blue grosbeaks, yellow-breasted chats, black phoebes, gray catbirds and a variety of migrating warblers and songbirds.
Aquatic species: rainbow and brown trout, speckled dace and fathead minnow swim the waters of the Little Colorado River.
Facilities: There is a restroom and a day-use picnic area as well as a hiking trail with interpretive signage. The hiking trail begins on the east side of the bridge over the river, running south for about a half mile, following the river and ending at the remnants of an old, small powerhouse.
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
Directions: From Tucson, Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is located at the southern end of the Sulphur Springs Valley. Take I-10E to Benson. Take the first exit into the town of Benson. Stay on that road as it makes a rounding turn southward onto HWY 80. Take Hwy. 80 southeast through Tombstone. About four miles south of Tombstone turn left on Davis Road. Continue east on Davis Road to Coffman Road (mile post 21), turn right. Coffman Road is a maintained dirt road. Drive south on Coffman Road for two miles. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is on your right.
Watchable Wildlife:Whitewater Draw is one of the three major winter roosting sites for sandhill cranes in the Sulphur Springs Valley. The region is also important for migrating ducks and provides some nesting habitat for Mexican ducks and pied-billed grebes. One or more bald eagles commonly winter on this spectacular site. Plains leopard frogs find the stable habitat ideal as well.
Donations Top 1,000 Pounds: Benefit St. Vincent De Paul
Arizona Game and Fish Department employees raised over 1,150 pounds of non-perishable food with their annual holiday “Boat Load of Food” drive. The donations will go to St. Vincent De Paul to help feed Phoenix families this holiday season.
“We’re excited because our employees continue to be more generous. This year’s donations of 1,150 pounds tops last year’s donation of 950 pounds,” says Arizona Game and Fish Employee Association President Tom McMahon. “Each branch of the department – from non-game to funds planning to education – had a collection point. Employees had about two weeks to bring in items for their branch’s collection container,” says McMahon.
The department’s good will applied to more than just food items. Donations included everything from toilet paper and paper towels to soups, canned fruits and vegetables and even cookies. “We’re just hoping to make the holidays a little brighter for some folks in need,” says McMahon.
Note: The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes they have been discriminated against in any Game and Fish program or activity, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Game and Fish Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phx., AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the Game and Fish Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800 367-8939.