Outdoor Fair is fun for the whole family

Game and Fish, in one of their latest reports, wrote about a unique opportunity being offered to enjoy an old-fashioned campout in the Prescott cool pines. The department, the Arizona Bowhunters Association and the Outdoor Experience 4 are combining efforts to offer this super event that includes a Javelina Hunt and Outdoor Fair as well as learning to truly enjoy the outdoors on Feb. 24-26, a great event for the whole family.

For those who might be interested in hunting for javelina that weekend, the dates mark the opening weekend of the general javelina hunt season. Game and Fish will have javelina tags available on site while the supply of leftovers last with experts on hand to help individuals get started on their hunt.

A limited number of volunteers will be available for youth hunters under 18 years old. Those interested in a mentor must pre-register for the mentored hunt program. All youths must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times. Youngsters 10-13 must first pass an Arizona Game and Fish hunter education class. The class is strongly recommended for those 14 and over, but not required.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/huntereducation.

Participants in the hunt must purchase their hunt license and javelina tag and are responsible for their own transportation to the hunt area.

The camp is free, open to the general public who would like to spend time outdoors.

“If you have ever thought about hunting, but aren't sure how to get started, this is a perfect opportunity,” said Darren Tucker, wildlife manager for Game and Fish. “And there's more than hunting. Getting out from behind the computer or away from the TV provides an opportunity for parents to spend some great time with their children.”

Everyone must bring their own camping equipment, hunt equipment and food. The location is approximately 4,900 feet in elevation, so dress appropriately (with our congenial weather in the Yuma area, we can easily fool ourselves at times into thinking our Yuma clothing can be warm enough at higher elevations — best to take cold country “warm” clothing including jackets and gloves).

It's important for us all to understand the critical role hunters play in modern wildlife management, that hunting and fishing dollars are the primary funding for wildlife management in Arizona with no burden on the taxpayer and that new hunters are needed to help in this.

We also need to understand not everyone is interested in hunting. This event will not only focus on the “hunt” but really about getting outside and spending time with family and friends. It's a great opportunity for everyone — a great opportunity to slow down and connect with nature.

Activities during this event will include shooting archery and air guns with how-to demonstrations covering wildlife viewing, predator calling, javelina natural history and hunting, glassing and use of binoculars, wild game care and basic camping skills along with exhibitor areas to explore local sportsmen's groups as well as manufacturers of outdoor equipment and retailers of outdoor equipment on site.

For more information or to register, visit www.huntingfair.com. Questions maybe directed to dtucker@azgfd.gov.

Hunt happenings

• Phoenix Suns: Are you a professional basketball fan? Do you have an Arizona hunting or fishing license? The Phoenix Suns are offering discounted ticket prices for two games in February to people who have current Arizona hunting or fishing licenses.

Discounted tickets will be available for Feb. 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks at the 100 level baseline (regularly $79.95) for only $50; at the 200 level sideline (regularly $29.95) for $25. For Feb. 19 vs. L.A. Lakers at the 100 level baseline (regularly $194.75) for only $175; at the 200 level sideline (regularly $115.75) for $112. This unique group package includes a discounted Suns' ticket, a free Suns' drawstring backpack with each ticket purchase and a special group welcome on the Jumbotron.

Tickets can be ordered online at http://tinyurl.com/azgfdtix (use Promo Code: AZGFD) or by filling out the order form on the flyer and faxing to (602) 379-7873. Questions? Contact Kyle Pottinger at the Phoenix Suns at kpottinger@suns.com or call (602) 379-7506.

• Hunt Application Deadline: 7 p.m. Tuesday is the deadline to apply for 2012 elk or antelope hunts. Postmarks don't count so at this time, hand delivering to any Game and Fish office is your best bet.

• Arizona Legislation Updates: Visit azgfd.gov/legislation for updates on issues affecting hunting and fishing.

Fishing clubs

• Youth Fishing Clinic at Fortuna Pond: The free fishing day at Fortuna Pond on Saturday was a huge success with lots of kids, accompanied by their parents, participating. Many thanks to the snowbirds from Sands End RV Park on cooking up all the delicious hot dogs with all the trimmings, the homemade root beer and lemonade as well as providing each youngster with fishing equipment of all kinds to take home with them when the event ended.

Much thanks to all the other Yuma volunteers for coming out to help the kids. A big thank you to Bob La Londe and Yuma Pro Am for donating armfuls of handy tackle kits for the kids. Thanks as well to the Game and Fish Department for planting a good supply of rainbow trout at the pond for the kids to try for and for being there to assist the SW Arizona Habitat Partnership Committee in providing this event for the youngsters. We definitely need to do this again — and soon. Everyone who attended had a great day.

The next Youth Fishing Derby will be hosted on April 29 by Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club — I'll have more information on this later or call Debbie Power at 783-5924.

• Round Table Angler Meeting: All Yuma-area anglers are invited to the open forum meeting set up from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Yuma Regional Office of Game and Fish, in the conference room, to discuss any and all issues local fishermen and women would like to approach.

It's a very good opportunity to bring up ideas, requests, current and future management goals and methods, possible problems or topics needing assistance in the fishing community. So mark your calendar and don't miss this meeting. Be sure to spread the invitation around to all who may be interested.

• Desert Bass Anglers: 35 boats took to the water for the latest Colorado River Tournament with Tim and Kelley Price doing well once again, taking the top spot with 16.71 pounds of bass caught as well as second place Big Fish with a 4.88 bass.

The team of Ken Howden and Gary Understiller took first place Big Fish with a 5.01 bass and second place as well with 16.63. Robert Murray and Scott Nigh took third place with 13.22 followed in fourth place by Jimmy Phipps and Craig Johnson with 12.50. The Junk Fish Option was won by Manuel Garcia and Bill Coley with a 1.52 striper.

Information on the March 3rd tournament will be forthcoming or call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

• US Anglers Choice: Feb. 18 tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing, open to all Yuma teams and anglers. For information, visit www.usanglerschoice.net or call Jim Sleight at (619) 447-0244.

• Wednesday Jackpot Fishing: Sign up with your $5 entry at 8 a.m. at the Fisher's Landing gas dock with weigh-in at approximately 1 p.m. If you sign in before 8 a.m. at Fisher's Bar, you can go ahead and start fishing. Winner takes all for one big fish. Call Jimmy Phipps at 782-2207.

Ask Jimmy about the Swede Ferguson's Monthly Big Bass Fish Off. Sign up with $10 anytime during each month at Fisher's gas dock, with 100 percent payback for the biggest fish determined the last day each month.

• Yuma Pro Am: Visit yumaproam.com for February Tournament information or call Bob La Londe at 580-1270.

• Bass Class on the Water: Want to learn how, when and where to catch bass like the pros in all seasons and conditions? Call Dave Willhide at 782-2621.

Shooting sports

• Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers are welcome to shoot the trail of 3D animals at 9 a.m. Sundays at the Foothills Archery Range with reasonable fees for adults, and youngsters always free of charge with free use of Archery equipment available upon request. Call Jean Wilson at 247-4450.

• Southwest Bowhunters: Shoot archery at Adair Park at 9 a.m. each Sunday — call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140. Call Uschi House at 345-3770 for details on the Feb. 18-19 Walk the Trail Invitational Archery Shoot at the Adair Park range.

• Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Adair Park Range. Sporting Clay Target Practice is held at 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays with the exception of the President's Day Buckle Shoot at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20. Call Gary Knight at 210-0805.

• Yuma Territorial Longrifles: Open black powder matches at 8:30 a.m. first and third Saturdays at the Adair Park range. Call Dennis Hansel at 342-7573.

• Cholla Gun Club: All matches at the Adair Park metallic silhouette range are at 8:30 a.m. and are NRA approved. NRA membership is not required. Tuesday — Schutezen .22 Rifle Matches at the Black Powder Range. Friday — .22 Rifle and Pistol silhouette Fun Match. Call Glenda or Rick at 502-0736.

• Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Feb. 18 — High Power Match, open to civilian, service, women, men and junior shooters who sign up by 7:30 a.m. at the Adair Park big bore range. Call Paul Lerma at 783-6766 or Gerald Brooker at 305-9681.

• Yuma Matchmasters: Open IPSC Combat Match today at the Adair Park small bore range with sign-up at 7:30 a.m. Call Ron Gissendaner at 726-0022.