Wild About Arizona

Discover new ways to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about the 800 species looked after by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. From wildlife watching and hunting and fishing, to off-road riding and boating safety we discuss what the great state of Arizona has to offer for you and everyone in your family.

Wildlife Viewing Update 11/12/2024

Wildlife Viewing Update Jeff Meyers and Cheyenne Towne back are back! They bring our wildlife viewing program to life here at the department. Find out our about wildlife experiences you can enjoy and how to sign up for events we hold online and in person! Visit our wildlife viewing page: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/33905887

Wildlife Veterinarian at AZGFD 10/10/2024

Wildlife Veterinarian at AZGFD Anne Justice-Allen is the agency's wildlife veterinarian and she joins us to discuss her role here at Arizona Game and Fish, and how the hunting community can help the department monitor the threat of chronic wasting the disease on wildlife populations in the state. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/33409752

Arizona's Black Bears 08/27/2024

Arizona's Black Bears There are an estimated 5,800 black bears in Arizona living in the higher elevations of the state, and today we are joined by April Howard, a predator, furbearer and large carnivore biologist with the department to discuss bear activity and how to avoid unwanted encounters with black bears. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/32766492

Small Game Hunts in Arizona 07/30/2024

Small Game Hunts in Arizona Have you ever thought about getting involved in hunting, but didn't know where to start? Small game hunting could be the perfect fit, and to find out why, we spoke with Small Game Biologist Nathan Fyffe to learn more about how to get started and what you should know before heading out into the wild. Check out the links below for more information on the Small Game Challenge and dove hunting opportunities in Yuma: Small Game Challenge Registration with Valley of the Sun Quail Forever (VOTSQF): AZGFD's Web Page for the Small Game Challenge: Dove Hunting in Yuma: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/32355417

Arizona Summer Fishing Opportunities 06/13/2024

Arizona Summer Fishing Opportunities Since 2020 the Arizona Game and Fish Department has sold over half a million fishing licenses, with hundreds of locations across the state to enjoy fishing. As our temperatures ramp up for the summer, host Michael Colaianni sits down with Chase Newlon, a Fishing Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Coordinator, to discuss summer fishing opportunities in northern Arizona and how to fish effectively after the sun goes down. Visit our fishing page: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/31737592

Snakes in the springtime across Arizona 04/26/2024

Snakes in the springtime across Arizona It is springtime in Arizona and it's great to go out and experience the outdoors as the days warm up, well, snakes, lizards and other reptiles are getting out in the warm temperatures as well! Host Michael Colaianni talks with Tom Jones, our Amphibians and Reptiles Program Manager about rattlesnakes and other critters you might encounter out on the trails. Learn more about on our web site! /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/31007558

AZGFD Outdoor Expo - Tortoise Adoption & OHV Safety 03/26/2024

AZGFD Outdoor Expo - Tortoise Adoption & OHV Safety The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo is the largest event that the department puts on each spring on the grounds of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The event gave host Michael Colaianni a chance to talk with Officer Micah White about off-roading and OHV riding safety, but first he talks about tortoises and our Desert Tortoise Adoption Program with Tegan Wolf. Learn more about and /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/30552543

Wildlife Connectivity Update for Arizona 02/08/2024

Wildlife Connectivity Update for Arizona All animals move across the landscape to varying extents in order to acquire the resources necessary for survival: food, water, protective cover, and mates and can roam over vast expanses that can encompass thousands of acres. Barriers such as roads, urban areas, and railroads can affect each of these movement patterns and may pose a threat to the long-term persistence of wildlife populations Maintaining a natural network of connected landscapes also benefits our human population, perhaps most obviously through increased public safety. Creating wildlife-friendly over- and underpasses can greatly reduce the likelihood of collisions. On this episode, we get an update from Jeff Gagnon on new projects in the works with AZGFD and partner organizations. Learn more about /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/29862318

Year-Round Wildlife Watching in 2024 12/15/2023

Year-Round Wildlife Watching in 2024 They're Back! Host Ben Avechuco welcomes Jeff Meyers and Cheyenne Towne back to the program. Find out about wildlife viewing events you can enjoy all year long. Starting with winter, we step through the seasons and talk about the wildlife you can see in Arizona throughout 2024. Visit our wildlife viewing page: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/29104208

Fall Fishing in Arizona 10/31/2023

Fall Fishing in Arizona Host Andy Clark talk trout and so much more with Chase Newlon, the fishing recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) coordinator at the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Alec Young, the R3 coordinator Arizona game and Fish and Trout Unlimited. This podcast features a fall fishing forecast for 2023! Visit our fishing page: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/28479527

Monarchs in Arizona 09/21/2023

Monarchs in Arizona The Sonoran desert is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and boasts some of the best butterfly watching in the country along with fascinating migration patterns that create a butterfly highway through the state. On this episode of Wild About Arizona we sit down and spread our wings with Cheri Boucher of the Arizona Game and Fish Department to learn about the importance of the Monarch Butterfly and how special it is. Visit our web site: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/28107911

Native Snails in Arizona 04/19/2023

Native Snails in Arizona Taluissnails, Mountainsnails, Woodlandsnails and Ambersnails are just a few of the over 200 native species of mollusks found across Arizona. On this episode, Jeff Sorensen, the Invertebrate Wildlife Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department helps us get to know more about our slimy neighbors. Visit our web site: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/26595330

AZGFD Outdoor EXPO 2023 03/16/2023

AZGFD Outdoor EXPO 2023 The largest hands-on outdoor expo in Arizona is set for March 25-26, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. March 25-26, Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission and parking are free! On this episode of Wild About Arizona we sit down with Scott Lavin from the Arizona Game and Fish Department to talk about everything from wildlife exhibits and family fishing tanks and trying out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the range at the expo. Find out more: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/26253054

Arizona E-Tag Mobile Hunting App 02/14/2023

Arizona E-Tag Mobile Hunting App In Arizona there's a new and modern way to tag your animal when hunting, all done from your smartphone. On this episode of Wild About Arizona we sit down with Luke Thompson, Habitat, Evaluation and Lands Branch Chief to talk about electronic tagging and the new Arizona e-tag mobile app. Find out more: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/25933596

Arizona's Bald Eagles 10/07/2022

Arizona's Bald Eagles The bald eagle in Arizona has experienced significant population increases since the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1978, when only 11 breeding pairs had been identified within the state. Today there are more than 90 known breeding territories in Arizona. On this episode of Wild About Arizona we sit down with Arizona Game and Fish Department Raptor Management Coordinator, Tuk Jacobson to discuss bald eagles and where you could catch a glimpse of one. Find out more on our website: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/24614361

Arizona's Wildlife Viewing Opportunities 08/11/2022

Arizona's Wildlife Viewing Opportunities Arizona provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the nation, with more than 800 animal species and 50 million public acres of natural land to explore. But what if you're not sure where to go or what to look for? On this episode of Wild About Arizona, Jeff Meyers and Cheyenne Dubiach of our wildlife viewing program sit down to give us some advice, knowledge and talk about various wildlife viewing opportunities you can take part in. Find out more on our website: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/24028965

Annual Events for the Whole Family 07/05/2022

Annual Events for the Whole Family From bat nettings to fishing demonstrations and wildlife viewing opportunities the Arizona Game and Fish Department annually hosts a number of events that benefit wildlife enthusiasts in Arizona. We welcome back Eric Proctor to discuss events throughout the year and how you can get involved. Find out more on our website: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/23640089

Endangered Mexican Wolf Recovery in Arizona 06/01/2022

Endangered Mexican Wolf Recovery in Arizona In 1976, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Mexican wolf as an endangered species. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been actively involved in reintroducing Mexican wolves to portions of their historical range since before the first release of wolves in 1998. On this episode of Wild About Arizona we welcome Jim Heffelfinger, Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Science Coordinator and Jim deVos our Mexican Wolf Coordinator to discuss ongoing management and recovery activities along with challenges and successes of Mexican Wolf recovery efforts. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web Site: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/23296454

A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona 04/30/2022

A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona Out with their second edition, Authors Andrew Holycross, Thomas Brennan and Randall Babb have published A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona, we discuss this informative book with two of the three authors and learn what it took to create this field guide and how it can benefit the average to the experienced in the field. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web Site: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/22960034

Fishing in Arizona 03/21/2022

Fishing in Arizona Arizona is full of diverse fishing opportunities, from the large reservoirs to the trout lakes in the mountains, low-elevation fishing holes and five major rivers. We welcome Andy Clark, Statewide Sportfish Program Manager to discuss all the ways you can fish in Arizona and have fun while doing it. Get your license and get started fishing by visiting our web site: /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/22520303

Becoming a Wildlife Manager at Arizona Game and Fish 02/01/2022

Becoming a Wildlife Manager at Arizona Game and Fish Experience one of Arizona's most unique and adventurous careers that enables you to enjoy the great outdoors all while protecting Arizona's wildlife and helping keep sportsmen and recreationists safe across the state of Arizona. On this episode we sit down with Lainie Antolik, law enforcement training coordinator to talk about the position of an Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Manager. Visit our to learn about employment opportunities at the Arizona Game and Fish Department /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/21990047

Volunteers at Arizona Game and Fish 01/19/2022

Volunteers at Arizona Game and Fish Volunteers play a critical role in the Arizona Game and Fish Department's mission to conserve and protect the state’s more than 800 species of wildlife. Annually volunteers donate over 100,000 hours to support Arizona’s wildlife and wild places. On this episode Arizona Game and Fish Volunteer Coordinator, Beth Keune joins us to discuss our diverse volunteers and how they support events, projects, programs, shooting ranges and regional offices. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/21824036

Christmas Bird Count 12/16/2021

Christmas Bird Count This will be the 122nd year for the Christmas Bird Count, a winter bird population survey that has been coordinated annually by the National Audubon Society for over a century. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/21501761

The Heritage Fund - Our Partnership with The Arizona Lottery 11/29/2021

The Heritage Fund - Our Partnership with The Arizona Lottery Providing up to $10 million each year from Arizona lottery proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/21313385

Bats in Arizona 10/29/2021

Bats in Arizona The only true flying mammals and valuable human allies, Arizona is home to 28 species of bats, second only behind Texas. We welcome Arizona Game and Fish bat biologist, Angie McIntire as we discuss common myths and misconceptions to interesting facts you probably never knew and discover the various bats that call Arizona home /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/20987231

Wildlife Crossings in Arizona 09/16/2021

Wildlife Crossings in Arizona We're familiar with crosswalks and overpasses but did you know those exist for Arizona wildlife too. Wildlife crossings are an important part of keeping motorists along with our wild animals safe. Chances are you've probably driven through or under one and didn't even know it. Jeff Gagnon, statewide connectivity biologist for Arizona Game and Fish explains the critical role our wildlife crossings play and just how exactly they work. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/20502932

Send Water! 08/06/2021

Send Water! Since 1946 Arizona Game and Fish has been delivering water to the wildlife who reside in Arizona. Managing and maintaining 3,000 water catchments across the state is a full time job. Joe Currie, Habitat Planning Program Manager explains how his team works to ensure Arizona's wildlife stays hydrated to survive the hot dry summers and how you can help. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/20053505

Rattlesnakes in Arizona 06/25/2021

Rattlesnakes in Arizona With 13 species of rattlesnake, Arizona is home to more species of the reptile than any other state. From common myths and misconceptions to interesting facts you probably never knew, we sit down with Tom Jones, Amphibians and Reptiles Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and dive into the world of the Arizona rattlesnake. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/19600949

Boating in Arizona 05/06/2021

Boating in Arizona Arizona is home to 128 lakes and five major rivers, on this episode of Wild About Arizona we discuss the amazing boating opportunities the Grand Canyon state has to offer. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/18997580

Off Highway Vehicles in Arizona 04/02/2021

Off Highway Vehicles in Arizona On this episode of Wild About Arizona we go off road with one the fastest growing outdoor activities, off highway vehicles. Kim Jackson, Boating and OHV Education Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, discusses the places to go and things to see all while riding and operating safely. /episode/index/show/wildaboutarizona/id/18585422

Wild About Arizona

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