Voyles replaces Shroufe at Arizona Game and Fish

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has chosen Larry Voyles as the new director of the Department, effective this month, to replace Current director Duane Shroufe as he retires (check the Feb. 2008 issue of Hunting Highlights for the complete story).

For those who don't know, Voyles has been with Game and fish for nearly 35 years and has been supervisor for the Yuma Regional office of Game and Fish for a good number of years handling field operations in southwestern Arizona. He has done a tremendous job for us here in the Yuma area and will be sorely missed. We wish him well.
 
Voyles joined the department in 1974 as a wildlife manager (game ranger), serving over the next 10 years in the Wellton, Wickenburg and Prescott districts. He then served as the wildlife enforcement program coordinator and as the department's training coordinator before being promoted to supervisor in the Yuma region in 1988. Voyles holds a B.S. in wildlife biology from Arizona State University.
 
"You don't just replace a Duane Shroufe, " said Voyles. "He led the agency through an amazing period of growth, quality improvement and accomplishment. He set the bar high, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue that legacy."

Hunt happenings
 
*Hunter Education: Attend the "free" Hunter Education Course beginning Monday 6-9 p.m. at the Yuma Regional office of Game and Fish, open to anyone wishing to hunt - archery as well as firearms - in Arizona as either a first time learning session or a refresher - mandatory for any youngster 10-14 years of age who wants to hunt big game (great to have Mom or Dad along as well - a great learning experience). It's first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early. Call 342-0091.
 
*Arizona Elk Society: Tickets are now on sale for the March 22nd "7th Annual Banquet" being held at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. - do it quick before tickets are sold out. Visit <stevec@arizonaelksociety.org .
 
*Yuma Chapter of Ducks Unlimited: Anyone interested in assisting with DU in the Yuma area can call George Daniels at 726-4248.
 
*Concealed Carry: Want to take a class? Call Sprague's Sports Shop at 726-0022 or Foothills Firearms at 305-9800.

Fish findings

*Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Give Lanny Brock a call at 210-8128 as you read this so you don't miss today's Open Bass Derby. Catch club members at the April 1-6 Yuma County Fair. Call president Jim Ammons a 726-6841.

*Military Bass Tourney: Check in at Fisher's Landing Resort/Martinez Lake early Saturday to fish the Military Appreciation Benefit Bass Tournament, open to active duty military and veterans. Anyone who has a boat can enter as a front-seat boater with the back seat reserved for military personnel who want to enter - a great opportunity to share some good bass-fish'n know-how and get our servicemen out on the water. Call Marvin Copeland at 580-8820.

*Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: Our weather was fantastic Saturday for the latest Colorado River tournament with 44 boats competing. Results were fantastic as well with the team of Larry Locatis/Dave Mehalechko not only taking first place overall with their whopp'n total of 25.98 pounds of largemouth caught and released back to the water but the No. 1 Big Fish as well weighing 8.27. Second place was enjoyed by Bobbi and Mac McDermott with 21.34. McDermott's also took the No. 2 Big Bass weighing 7.72. Third: Scott Rust/Clay Wagar 21.12, Fourth: Dave Greaves/Lee Dunfee 17.54. Get together with the bass anglers for their April 5 Mittry Lake Tournament - call McDermotts at 726-1984.

*Yuma Bassmasters: There will be plenty of room for beginning fishermen at the March 22 Colorado River tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. Sign up by 5 p.m. March 21 at River Marine or the morning of the competition prior to the start. Call Curtis Cernik at 503-0511.

*Yuma Pro/Am: Be sure to sign up anytime March 24-29 at Sportsmen's Hideaway for the draw on the 29th to fish the Mittry Lake Team Bass Tournament on the 30th. Call Bob La Londe at 580-1270.

*Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: All ladies and their young gals interested in hunting and fishing as well as the shooting sports are welcome to attend the March 27 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion auxiliary room, 2575 Virginia Dr. with a review of club Constitution and Bi-laws and plans for the Fair Booth on the agenda. Call Jean Wilson at 726-0953. Any member catching a fish for the club boards should report weights to Judy Proksch at 305-1240.

*Bass class on the water: If you'd like to learn how to catch bass like the pro's, give Dave Willhide a call at 726-2621 and ask about his guide service and instruction on rigging, selection of gear and lures, when to fish and where in all seasons and conditions. Group seminars are also available at your RV Park or home.

Shooting sports

*Renegade Archers of Yuma: Want to learn to shoot archery? Get together with the club at 8 a.m. Sundays (Saturdays by request) at the Foothills Archery Range located east of the (south) Foothills at the base of the Gila Mountains. Great practice for bowhunters and Families are welcome with youngsters always shooting "free". Equipment is available (also free of charge) to anyone not having their own. Enjoy free practice at the range all week. Call Jean Wilson at 726-0953.

*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 Adair Park. Call Jaime Almazan at 246-8299.

*Yuma Territorial Longrifles: Open Black Powder Match at 9 a.m. (sign up by 8:30 a.m.) Saturday at Adair Park. Call James Ingram at 726-6632.

*Southwest Bowhunters: Shoot archery at 9 a.m. each Sunday at Adair Park with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.