Outdoor Heritage
Hirsch Conservation Education Area - Biscuit Tank
The Hirsch Conservation Education Area, situated at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, features a lake dedicated to outdoor education and Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Projects (R3) initiatives. This facility hosts public fishing events and boating safety training classes, promoting responsible outdoor recreation. As an artificial lake, it requires ongoing habitat and wildlife management to ensure the sustainability of healthy aquatic populations. The annual maintenance costs approximately $25,000. Funding is needed to enhance access for nonprofit partners, foster community engagement and exposure outdoor recreation to future generations.
Ben Avery Hunter Education Training Facility
The Ben Avery Hunter Education Training Facility features a spacious indoor classroom, office, and armory, complemented by multiple archery and small arms educational ranges, as well as walking trails for field training. This highly utilized facility annually graduates hundreds of Hunter Education students, playing a vital role in promoting safe and responsible hunting practices.
With annual maintenance costs averaging $20,000, sponsorshipis instrumentalin providing essential funding for building upkeep and landscaping. Financial support ensuresthefacility operatessafely andefficiently, enabling the Arizona Game and Fish Department to expand classroom opportunities and enhance the educational experience for students
Trout Unlimited Shared Fishing R3 Coordinator Position
The Trout Unlimited Shared Fishing R3 Coordinator position serves as a vital resource for the AZGFD's Fishing R3 Program. This innovative role contributes to the design, coordination, and execution of fishing events, significantly enhancing the scale and impact of AZGFD's R3 initiatives. Currently unique to the AZGFD, this position is attracting interest from several other state wildlife agencies.
With the support of this resource, AZGFD launched a collaborative fishing podcast, organized multiple regional R3 recruitment events, facilitated remote fish stocking efforts, and expanded constituent meetings to improve community engagement. Additionally, the coordinator has enhanced customer data collection and application processes. The annual funding requirement for this position is $75,000. Support will enable AZGFD to continue and expand these essential programs, fostering a greater appreciation for fishing and outdoor activities in the community.
National Wild Turkey Federation Shared Hunting R3 Coordinator Position
The National Wild Turkey Federation Shared Hunting R3 Coordinator position is a collaborative resource that supports the Department's Hunting R3 Program. This position has significantly expanded the scope and impact of AZGFD's hunting events, enhancing the engagement of new hunters in the community. AZGFD successfully hosted multiple regional R3 recruitment events, launched a podcast in collaboration with OnX Hunting, expanded R3 constituent meetings, and improved customer data collection and application processes. The annual funding requirement for this position is $75,000. Funding support will sustain these vital programs, promoting responsible hunting practices and fostering a love for the outdoors.
Shooting Range Program
AZGFD manages a robust shooting range program consisting of 10 Commission-owned facilities. The Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF), the largest of these, is operated by AZGFD staff and boasts a Five Star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges. Recognized statewide for its recreational and educational offerings, BASF has earned the City of Phoenix Point of Pride designation and attracts over 225,000 visitors from around the globe each year.
Recently, AZGFD assumed daily operations, maintenance, and management of the Silver Creek Archery Range near Show Low. The other eight Commission-owned ranges are spread across the state and are operated by non-profit organizations under license agreements with the Commission.
Support is needed at the following facilities:
Enhancements, improvements, maintenance, firearms safety programs, equipment purchases, or infrastructure projects at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
Operations, maintenance, and enhancement projects at the Silver Creek Archery Range.
Improvements or maintenance at any of the eight licensed Commission-owned ranges: 3-Points Shooting Range, 7 Mile Shooting Range, Northern Arizona Shooting Range, Second Knoll Target Range, Sierra Vista Shooting Range, St. Johns Shooting Range, Tri-State Shooting Park, and Usery Mountain Shooting Range.
