New to Arizona? Come learn about wildlife, the outdoors and hunting

PHOENIX - Arizona is home to many amazing animals, from the iconic bighorn sheep to the majestic bull elk and all those animals in between. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting a variety of wildlife speaker seminars and informative how-to hunting clinics designed to teach residents about the diverse wildlife in Arizona. Upcoming events are:

Wildlife Speaker Series:

* Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m., Turkey Talk: Learn all about wild turkeys in Arizona. This is a great event for the public and for home school teachers. Speaker Brian Wakeling, big game management supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will give an informative and entertaining presentation, followed by an educational session with activities. The event qualifies for two hours of professional development credit. Free, register online at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pixviqYWWomW9RSALS-Hkbg

* Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. Chiricahua Leopard Frogs: Learn all about this rare and threatened frog. This is a great event for the public and for home school teachers. Speaker Mike Sredl, reptile and amphibian program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will give an informative and entertaining presentation, followed by an educational session with activities. The event qualifies for two hours of professional development credit. Free, register online at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pixviqYWWomW9RSALS-Hkbg

How-to Hunting Clinics:

* Friday, Nov. 7, 6-8 p.m., Waterfowl Hunting 101: Waterfowl hunting is mystic and exciting for beginners and seasoned hunters. This free informative clinic taught by waterfowl biologist and expert, Mike Rabe, and will consist of an open learning environment taught through a PowerPoint presentation. Discussions will include topics and tips about places to hunt, using decoys, calling techniques, blind placement, recipes, and much more. Audience participation is welcomed and highly encouraged.

* Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7-9 p.m., Small Game Clinic: Small game hunting is an American Tradition and a staple for learning about hunting regardless of age. This free informational clinic taught by small game expert Randy Babb, the information and education program manager for the Mesa region, will focus on how and where to hunt the most common small game of Arizona, including quail (Gambel's, Mearns' and scaled), rabbit, squirrel, dove and more. Audience participation is welcomed and highly encouraged.

All of the clinics and speaker seminars will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, in the Quail Auditorium. To get there, take I-17 to the Carefree Highway exit (exit 223) and go west 1.25 miles on Carefree Highway.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department Mission: To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations. To learn more, visit www.azgfd.gov.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.