Colorado River boat trip provides chance to connect with nature
Kingman, AZ -(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s regional office in Kingman has scheduled a one-day desert bighorn sheep viewing opportunity July 30 on the Colorado River, from Willow Beach to Hoover Dam.
The four-hour boat tour departs at 10 a.m. from Willow Beach Marina. This unique chance to view and photograph desert bighorn sheep that come down from the rugged Black Mountains to drink from the river is on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 20 participants.
“If you want to see desert bighorn sheep in the Black Mountains, the best time is during the heat of summer,” said Erin Butler, terrestrial wildlife specialist based in Kingman. “The animals don’t need to visit water often during the winter, but they do need to drink about every other day during the hot summer months.”
“This is a great opportunity for people to connect with nature. Education is critical for understanding nature and the actions taken by Game and Fish and other agencies to ensure wildlife continues to thrive.”
The registration fee is $50 per person (14 and older). Contact Joe Yarchin, wildlife viewing program coordinator, at (623) 236-7589, or e-mail jyarchin@azgfd.gov, to register. Be sure to include the number of participants, first and last names, ages of children, and your contact information (e-mail addresses, telephone numbers) in voicemails or e-mails.
Participants are encouraged to bring the following: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks and camera. No tripods will be allowed on the boat, but small coolers are permissible. Life jackets will be provided and must be worn by all participants. All participants will receive more details about the viewing opportunity through mail or e-mail.
“It’s going to be hot, but that’s when bighorn sheep come down for a drink,” Butler said. “There is limited shade on the boats, but the temperatures will be in the triple digits, so come prepared.”
About the Arizona Game and Fish Department:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is the state agency charged with conserving the entire range of wildlife within our borders, from big game such as elk and deer to smaller mammals, reptiles and fish. The Department is one of the nation’s leading proponents of the “North American Model of Wildlife Conservation,” which relies on sound science, public participation, active habitat management, strict regulation and active law enforcement to sustain wildlife populations.
For more information, visit: www.azgfdportal.az.gov.