Beware of bears
Yuma vacationers heading for the cool country for a summer break or residents returning home in Eager, Springerville, Nutrioso or Alpine as well as other communities affected by the Wallow wildfires need to be aware that displaced bears may be encountered in their search for food, water and shelter, the key ingredient for possible human-wildlife conflicts.
Game and Fish urges us all to “Be Bear Aware” and discard spoiled foods including dry goods to local refuse/transfer stations immediately rather than leaving attractants at their property for pickup services.
Anyone witnessing a sustained or out-of-the-ordinary presence of bear are asked to contact game and fish at: Pinetop (928) 367-4281 or the radio dispatch center at (623) 236-7201.
When Alpine residents are allowed to return home, the same concerns apply — dispose of unwanted food items at the Alpine Transfer Station or contact the Blue Hills Environmental Association at (928) 333-1728.
For related information for the White Mountain areas, check out the Pinetop’s Facebook page by searching “Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop Region” and hit the “take” button.
Hunt happenings
• 2011 Dove Hunts: When the Game and Fish Commission met last weekend they considered the effects of Senate Bill 1334 that had been passed by our legislature that includes permitting the discharge of a firearm within or into the limits of any municipalities while lawfully taking wildlife during an open season established by the commission. This new law takes effect July 20.
Game and Fish officials pointed out that this new allows people to once again hunt on those large tracts of open, uninhabited and undeveloped public land and State Trust Land within municipal boundaries, and on open, undeveloped and unposted agricultural lands as well.
“It’s been confusing and frustrating for lots of small game hunters the past couple of decades, and has been getting more confusing all the time. Thanks to SB 1334, determining where to legitimately hunt will become significantly easier,” said Game and Fish Deputy Director Gary Hovatter.
The commission also made another change to the Dove Regulations: While Eurasian dove remain the same with no limit year-round, the limit of only 6 whitewings within the 10 total is gone, instead it’s 10 total of any combination of whitewing and mourning dove and you’re done for the day. These changes and any others will be well covered in this year’s Dove Regulations.
• The Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Award: The commission has approved this new award as recommended by the Game and Fish Department. Those of us who knew Buck are very glad that this was approved.
• Hunt Guidelines: If you missed the recent meeting in Yuma on this, there’s still the opportunity to read through the information online at azgfd.gov/huntguidelines, then comment on your concerns and take the survey online to be reviewed and processed for a final draft to present to the Game and Fish Commission at its Aug. 26-27 meeting in Phoenix.
Shooting sports
• Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers are most welcome to shoot the trail of 3D animals at 7 a.m. (earlier times due to the heat) Sundays at the Foothills Archery Range. Shoot fees is $5 adult with youngsters always free of charge. Call me with questions anytime at 247-4450.
• Southwest Bowhunters: Archery shoots at 8 a.m. Sundays at Adair Park with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.
• Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Congratulations to match winners Jerry Booker shooting a Gerand at Vintage Matches and to Ron Foster shooting High Power Matches. Shooting will resume in September at the Adair Park big bore range. The club is working on updating the training for shooters to get interested youngsters going as well as adults who would like to begin. They also have adopted a portion of Hwy 95 to pick up trash with work parties scheduled throughout the year. Call Paul Lerma at 783-6766.
Fishing clubs
• Slim Evans Catfish Derby: 45 anglers fished the latest tournament with John Nicewander placing first overall with his 28.66 pound flathead catfish followed by Sheri Appleby in second place with her 24.66 flathead. Paul Hester placed third with 16.96 with Ken Filman following in fourth place with 14.40. Taking fifth place was Ed Hester Sr. with 13.94. The next Slim Evans event is July 23-24 with sign-up at Fisher’s Landing Gas Dock, Sportsmen’s Hideaway or Fisher’s bar and grill. Call Jimmy Phipps at 782-2207.
• Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Interested outdoors men, women and families are invited to attend Wednesday’s 6:30 p.m. dinner/meeting at the American Legion Hall, 2575 Virginia Drive, for an update on current outdoors activities with the Combo Bass/Catfish Derby following on July 9 for club members launching out of Fisher’s Landing. Call Billy Morgan at 210-2478.
• Desert Bass Anglers: July 9 will find the anglers busy fishing as well with the launch also out of Fisher’s. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.
• Yuma Pro Am: Sign up July 18-23 at Sportsmen’s Hideaway to fish July 24 with the launch out of Fisher’s as well. Call Bob La Londe at 580-1270.
• Bass Class on the Water: To learn the hows, whens and wheres of catching bass just like the pros at Yuma-area waters in all seasons and conditions, call Dave Willhide of Goin’ Fishin’ Productions at 782-2621.
