The start of a new year can be enough of a milestone for some of us to mark the moment by resolving to make some positive changes. In keeping with our appreciation for all things Outdoors Southwest, we offer some resolution ideas that may interest readers. What follows is such a diverse list that it couldn't be suggestions for any one person.  

But maybe it's time to break out of your well worn shell, shed that tattered summer pelt, and molt into your new migratory plumage to try something new. We've all been forced into doing new things we're not all that comfortable with here lately, so maybe it's time to have a say in what we get to do next? This is obviously just a partial list of a few of the things that you can easily refine or change for your situation.  

Just in case your social activities director is taking some well deserved time off, grab one of those Outdoors Southwest or Arizona Game and Fish Calendars so you can jot down some of these ideas for later, maybe even on some special days like Birthdays or Anniversaries? 

Outdoor Resolutions!

1. Spend more time outdoors, of course, properly dressed

• Use more sunblock and always use UV coated sunglasses
• Make sure some one knows where you're going and you are prepared
• Join or donate to a local “outdoor” group – TRACKS, 
• Enjoy the wonderful new paved trail around Woodland Lake in Pinetop / Lakeside
• Drive the Maverick ATV trail of roughly 60 miles 
• Hike and bike more of the wonderful White Mountain Trail System
• Learn to maintain your bike and when to get help from Cycle Mania
• Learn to use map and compass
• Keep track of outdoor accomplishments with phone apps or your smartwatch
• Learn one new bird on each hike

2. Buy a Duck Stamp and Combo Hunting / Fishing License 

• Become a Wildlife Hero – azwildlifehero.com
• All proceeds help buy and protect habitat and wildlife

3. Learn to use tracking apps on phone or GPS

• Try Onx – Backcountry, Hunt, Offroad, Maps – or Gaia, Topo Maps, Google Earth
• Explore expansive trail system using app maps
• Plan and follow routes on device or map
• Share your accomplishments with friends through social media

4. Get on the water more

• Try fly fishing, kayak on flat and fast water, shoreline or ice fishing 
• Save some time for a lakeshore clean-up to collect monofilament line and other garbage
• Report bald eagles and nests during the summer
• Learn to identify waterfowl since they are plentiful and usually visible
• Wait for the sunsets

5. Hunt more

• Check out the more available “over-the-counter” tags for other species like grouse, quail, doves, ducks
• Become proficient with archery to open up more hunts and another tool to practice with
• Try the 3-D archery shoots sponsored by local archery clubs (whitemountainbowhunters.com)
• Learn to shoot muzzleloaders to open up more hunting opportunities at the 2^nd Knoll Shooting Range operated by the White Mountain Shooters Association (wmsainc.org)

6. Feed birds using different types of feeders and seeds or suet 

• Be “Bear Aware” in the spring 
• Set up a camera on a tripod to take easy photos
• Don't feed javelina or deer or bears

7. Camp more

• Get out before fire safety closures
• Listen for turkey, other birds in the spring, elk in the fall, coyotes and wolves all year
• Make the experience more comfortable with a cot, pads, blankets and pillows! 
• Celebrate with a toilet seat on a stool or tall pail  
• Rig up a hot (warm) water shower

8. Get the next generation outdoors

• The younger generations have nature deprivation syndrome these days
• Volunteer at the Nature Center or local Schools or Hunter Education Classes
• Short hikes make it easier to teach observation skills

9. Geocache more

• Using a GPS or phone navigation to find hidden “caches” throughout the area
• Great way to become confident with your GPS
• Makes a great multi-generational activity

10. Play disc golf more

• The four public courses in the area offer plenty of variety
• Inexpensive to start playing and a great family activity
• No where near as frustrating as real golf

11. Take more outdoor photos

• Set up a bird feeder setup for best exposure and composition
• Get a longer, more powerful lens
• Use a waterproof camera so storm and underwater photos are possible
• Try a trail camera to capture those mysterious middle of the night creatures in the backyard, which is still legal if not used for hunting or scouting
• For something new try a time-lapse exposure of rolling clouds or sunrises and sunsets
• Try a new “Phone Scope” accessory to take phone photos from a spotting scope or binoculars

12. Check out our naturally dark skies.

• The International Space Station, meteor showers or other celestial celebrations are easy to observe due to the lack of big city light interference.  
• Pick up a telescope at one of the local hobby stores and you could be occupied for light years exploring all of the visible telescopic targets.
• Even inexpensive phone apps can show constellations, planets and orbiting space stations that can be observed  

So what is your “go to” resolution for 2022? Outdoors Southwest readers are probably the best source of inspiration to recover from the past couple years of craziness!!! Submit your 2022 Outdoors Southwest Resolution for a chance to win a custom t-shirt! Email all entries to the publisher and we may anonymously publish your great ideas!