Sports News Southwest

Experience the great outdoors and learn tips about hunting, fishing and wildlife at several free events held around the state Sept. 17-22. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is conducting these events in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is Sept 22.

Activities include: a “Get Outdoors” outdoor expo from 7-11 a.m. at Tempe Town Lake on Sept. 22; a mini-expo at the Tucson Sportsman’s Warehouse store on Sept. 22, and various seminars or booths in the Phoenix, Tucson and Kingman areas from Sept. 17-21.

“The events provide the opportunity for people of all experience levels to learn about or enhance their knowledge of the great outdoors and outdoor recreation pursuits,” says Tristanna Bickford, hunting recruitment and retention coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by Congress in 1971 to recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife conservation. Their efforts more than 100 years ago ended unregulated market hunting and helped pave the way for today’s science-based systems of wildlife management, where regulated hunting/fishing and habitat management programs have restored and maintained sustainable wildlife populations for all to enjoy.

Today’s wildlife conservation efforts are funded primarily by the more than $1 billion annually that hunters and anglers spend on license fees and excise taxes on sporting equipment. These monies support wildlife conservation programs, habitat acquisition and outdoor recreation opportunities in Arizona and throughout the country.

Phoenix-area events

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7-9 p.m. – Biologist Randy Babb presents a free seminar on “Small game of Arizona: hunting techniques and where to go,” Bass Pro Shops, 1133 N. Dobson Road, Mesa.

Thursday, Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m. – Biologist Jim Heffelfinger presents a free seminar on “Deer of the Southwest,” Bass Pro Shops, 1133 N. Dobson Road, Mesa.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 7-11 a.m. – Free “Get Outside” outdoor recreation expo at Tempe Town Lake, including a fishing clinic, introduction to archery, live wildlife displays, canoeing/kayaking, nature hikes, and information on hunting, fishing, camping and wildlife conservation.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Game and Fish information booth offering free materials on hunting, fishing, wildlife and outdoor recreation, Cabela's, 9380 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale.

Tucson-area events

Free seminars at Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3945 W. Costco Drive, Tucson:

• Monday, Sept. 17, 7-8 p.m. – Program on "Fishing in Arizona."
  
  
• Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7-8 p.m. – Biologist Jim Heffelfinger presents on "Deer of the Southwest."
  
  
• Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7-8 p.m. – Biologist Hans Koenig presents on "Reptiles of Arizona."
  
  
• Thursday, Sept. 20, 7-8 p.m. – Learn tips from a women’s roundtable discussion on "Women in the Outdoors."
  
  
• Friday, Sept. 21, 7-8 p.m. – "Kids Night Out." Kids can make their own lures and learn firearm safety and test their aim in the BB gun trailer.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Free mini-expo with informative booths and displays geared toward hunters and anglers. Held in the parking lot of Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3945 W. Costco Dr., Tucson. Free food will be provided.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 1:30 p.m. - Free introduction to trap, skeet and sporting clays shooting for youth ages 9-18 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, 7800 Old Ajo Highway, Tucson. All equipment, shells and targets are provided. Parents must accompany all shooters. Preregistration is required by contacting Rob Larson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (520) 578-9297.

Kingman-area events

Free information booths on hunting, fishing, wildlife, outdoor recreation:

• Thursday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kingman Wal-Mart, 3396 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman. The booth will be located next to the sporting goods area.
  
  
• Friday, Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m., Kingman Kmart, 3340 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. The booth will be located inside the main entrance.

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