Archery hunters to face new requirements

Archery deer hunters, Be aware of new permit requirements. Certain popular Arizona archery deer hunting units are no longer open to over-the-counter tag holders, now requiring a permit issued through the big game draw application process for the 2008-09 hunting season.

Pursuant to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission hunt orders approved on April 19, archery deer hunts in the following units are now allocated through the big game draw: *1 - White Mountains/Big Lake area; *3A and 3C - Heber-Overgaard, Sow Low, Snowflake and Holbrook areas; *7 - Areas north and west of Flagstaff; *12A, 12B and 12B West - North Kaibab; *13A and 13B - Arizona Strip.

Archery hunters interested in hunting deer in these units will need to apply through the big game draw application process with the deadline to apply June 10 at 7 p.m. (MST). Postmarks do not count. Applications will be accepted by mail or may be hand delivered to a department office - there is no online application process.

"The reason for this significant first-ever change is to allocate the harvest among deer hunters that is proportionate to the demand for that weapon choice. In some management units, the harvest proportion for certain weapon types exceeded the demand," states Brian Wakeling, big game management supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

"Under the new formula, in game management units where there is a single archery season and if the archery harvest exceeds 20-percent of the combined total harvest by both firearms and archery hunters, the commission established the need to allocate archery tags through the big game draw process to keep harvest by weapon type proportionate with demand," Wakeling added.

Hunters who purchased a 2008 archery season nonpermit-tag in the fall of 2007 are reminded that you are now required to adhere to the new 2008-09 hunting regulations, which now eliminate these units from your available hunting areas (although these tags are valid in many other open units). Hunters are also advised that some season structures (dates) have changed, which includes the lengthening of seasons in some units.

To download a copy of the 2008-09 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations and to learn how to apply through the draw process, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. If  you have additional questions, call your local department office (342-0091 in Yuma).

Nonpermit-tag holders: Mandatory harvest reporting is still required by archery deer hunters with an over-the-counter nonpermit-tag. Call (866) 903-3337. Permit-tag holders: Archery deer hunters with hunt permits obtained through the draw process are NOT required to call the harvest hotline. However, you will receive a hunter questionnaire in the mail - please return your questionnaire.
Fish findings

- Free fishing days: Celebrating the June 1-8 National Fishing and Boating Week, and in order to introduce your youngsters to fishing as well as to encourage family fishing opportunities, the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge will offer free fishing at Meers Point and along the Colorado River at refuge areas. Be sure to call 783-3371 for details.

- Fish tip: When looking for a place to catch bass that's usually off the radar for most pleasure boats this time of year, either target the really skinny water in the backs of coves or head for the riprap. Though skiers might not enjoy running wide open across the jagged rocks, these areas are home to quality fish just about any time of year, and if you don't have a boat - or if the ramp is too crowded to launch - you can fish these areas from the bank too. Check next week's column for some "how to fish riprap" tips. For good fishing tips and great learning experiences, get together with local fishing clubs, always ready to welcome interested anglers (see below).
Fishing clubs

- Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: Congratulations to member Kathy Gibbs on weighing in her 5.23-pound largemouth bass caught at Colorado River waters to take the #1 spot on the club bass board. Elaine Yates is now in second place with her 4.5 pounder. Members are encouraged to fish the June 6-8 All Member Catfish Derby and report catches to me - call 726-0953 -  after 5 p.m. that June 8. Ladies and their young gals are always welcome to join the club with dues $20 adult, $10 youngsters. Check next week's column for winners of the latest Fund-raiser Raffle.

- Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: The June 7 Team Tournament is open to all anglers with tournament approved boats having a livewell, remote steering and kill switch. Anglers may fish one tournament as a non-member. However, membership is $15 a year, $10 each additional family member - a good opportunity to get in on some great fishing fun. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

- Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Members will fish the June 7-8 Combo Bass/Catfish Derby at Colorado River waters. Call Ed Foster at 726-7735 for details.

- Yuma Bassmasters: Check next week's column for May 24 tournament results or call Curtis Cernik at 941-2993. Attend the June 3 meeting at 6 p.m. at River Marine for information on the June 14 and June 28 tournaments being planned.

- Yuma Pro/Am Series: For latest pro/am competition results, check next week's column or call Bob La Londe at 580-1270 or visit webmaster@Yumabassman.com.

- Guide service: Call Dave Willhide at 782-2621 and ask about his "Bass class on the water" where you can learn tips, techniques, tactics, locations and bait selection for successful fishing along Colorado River waters in the Yuma area.
 Check next week's column for changes in youth and other Arizona hunts as well as latest shooting sports news.

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Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@outdrs.net or call 726-0953.