Tracker Winter 2010

4 t h Q u a r t e r 2 0 10

The Arizona Elk Society Junior Elk Camp youth, family and AES mentor participants. Photo by George Andrejko, AZGFD.

Our idea of aweekend stroll.

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Cabela’s employees spend a lot of time in the fi eld evaluating a wide variety of products. This experience allows us to distinguish between good products and truly great ones.

Matt HighbyCabela’s Optics Manager

t r u s t o u r g e a r

cabelas.com | 800.588.7512

At Cabela’s, developing, testing and evaluating gear is a big part of what we do every day. It’s our job to make sure the products we sell live up to your expectations. For us, that’s business as usual.

Proud partner of

20218_AZ_ElkSociety_Fall.indd 1 8/24/10 4:10 PM

Arizona Elk Society 3

L i f e m e m b e r s Ken Alexander • Michael Anderson • John Anton • Ernest Apodaca, Jr • Pete Baldwin • James Ballard

Leo Balthazor • David Baril • Ron Batz • Randy Beck • F. K. Benbow • David Bennett • Keith Berger Janet Bowman • Tom Bowman • Dan Bradford • Tish Bradford • Richard Briskin

Stephen Brown, MD • Kurt Buckwald • Mike Burr • John Cadzow • Esther Cadzow • Harry Carlson Lupe Carlson • Kenneth Carney • Steve Casterton • Joe & Marisa Cerreta • Randy Cherington Pete Cimellaro • Steve Clark • DeAnne Clark • Bob Cockrill, Jr • Todd Coleman • Frank Cooper

Russell Coover • Lonnie Crabtree • William Cullins • Richard Currie • Patrick Curry • Don Davidson Kay Davidson • Bill Davis • William Davis • Larry Day • Jim DeVos • Steven Dodds

Sharon Eichelberger • Ron Eichelberger • Peter Ekholm • Daron Evans • Tim Evans • David Forbes Tom Franklin • Douglas Fritz • Will Garrison • Walt Godbehere • Richard Goettel • Carl Hargis

Dan Hellman • R. Todd Henderson • Terry Herndon • Ed Hightower • Paul Hodges III Mel Holsinger • Scott Horn • Michael Horstman • Timothy Hosford • Bryan House • Danny Howard

Wayne Jacobs • Brian Johnsen • James Johnson • Earl Johnson • Edward Johnson Gary Johnson • Richard Johnson • Mitchell Jones • Jim Jones** • Bruce Judson • Sandra Kauffman

Richard Kauffman, Sr • Jim Kavanaugh • Bill Kelley • Denise Kennedy • Chuck Kerr Bill Kiefer • Brian Kimball • David Kinman • Peter Klockiv • John Koleszar • Charles Koons

Joseph Krejci • Otto Kuczynski • James Lara • Michael Lechter • Jorge Leon • Ruben Lerma Tim Littleton • James Lynch, Jr • Bob Mallory • Don Martin • Karl Matchinsky • Gary Matchinsky

Russ McDowell • Steve McGaughey • Angela McHaney • Kelly McMillan • William Meredith James Mingus • Matt Minshall • James Mullins • Matt Mullins • James Mullins • Robert Murry DVM

Gregory Naff • Mark Nicholas • Fletcher Nichols • Logan Nichols • Brandon Nichols Anthony Nichols • Cookie Nicoson • Walt Nicoson** • Paige Nicoson • Kathi Nixon • Mark Nixon

David Nygaard • Donna Obert • Douglas Obert, Sr** • Bob Olds • Martin Paez • Sallie Page • Pete Page Duane Palmer • Marlin Parker • Don Parks Jr. • Shawn Patterson • Art Pearce • Paul Piker • Jan Purdy

Forrest Purdy • Jim Renkema • Keith Riefkohl • Mel Risch • Travis Roberts • Mike Sanders Rick Schmidt • Tom Schorr • Scott Schuff • Terry Schupp • Bill Shaffer • Steven Shaffer

Howard Shaffer • William Shaffer, Jr • Lonzo Shields • Terrence Simons • Charlene Sipe • Robert Spurny Gregory Stainton • Connor Stainton • Randy Stalcup • Douglas Stancill • Mark Stephenson

James Stewart • Shane Stewart • Vashti “Tice”Supplee • Debbie Swapp • Al Swapp • Dan Taylor Pete Thomas • John Toner • Corey Tunnell • Bill VenRooy • Rick Vincent, Sr • Don Walters, Jr Bill Wasbotten • Dale Watkins • Jerry Weiers • Dee White • Larry White • Richard Williams

Matt Windle • Mark Worischeck • Joseph Worischeck • Cory Worischeck • Robert Younger Chuck Youngker • Richard Youngker • Scott Ziebarth

** Deceased

Hunting and fishing in Arizona is under attack and will be impacted as the result of many issues and on many levels. The Arizona Elk Society and various other groups are trying to fend off the antis and all groups need more support from the hunting community. Representatives from the Arizona Elk Society have been and will continue to attend meetings and file comments about these issues. Please use our website (www.arizonaelksociety.org) and others (like www.arizonasportsmenforwildlife.org) to keep up-to-date on the issues affecting hunting in Arizona.

At the same time, we are working hard on preparations for the 10th Anniversary AES Banquet set for March 19, 2011. Funds raised at the Banquet will go towards habitat projects and youth programs. Please try to attend the Banquet and help raise funds for these two important topics. There are surprises in store for all attendees.

The AES Projects Committee is currently reviewing our list of projects to be funded in January 2011. Through the auctioning of the Commissioners’ Elk Tags and with funds raised at the 2010 Banquet, elk projects will receive over $300,000. This money will be used along with matching dollars to fund some great wildlife habitat projects across the state of Arizona.

I can’t write this column without thanking the volunteers, sponsors and donors for a great 2010. These people and businesses are the lifeblood that makes this organization run. Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors for your continued support!

Please take some time and visit our new and improved Arizona Elk Society website. We are working on getting more information to our members and the public. We have added a survey section that will present questions to you, our members, to help us prioritize issues that we tackle. The website will have up-to-date information on what we are working on and you will see requests for your help from time-to-time to write letters and send emails. Don’t forget to sign up on our Facebook page too.

The calendar for 2011 is rapidly filling up with AES work projects and youth camps. This is where we could really use some help. Look at the calendar on the website and see if there is a camp or project where you can help. The AES is currently working on the Banquet and if you have some time, we could also use help on the Banquet Committee. If you would like to get more involved, consider becoming a Committee leader or Board Member.

4 The Tracker - 4th Quarter 2010

presidents’ message by Steve Clark

executive boardPresident ...........................................Steve ClarkVice President ..................................Carl HargisTreasurer................................. Cookie Nicoson Secretary ........................................ Kathi NixonPast President ..............Sharon Eichelberger

You may send a message for any officers, board members or committee chairs to

[email protected]

board of directorsTom Schorr

Jim Mullins

Richard Kauffman

Matt Mullins

Greg Naff

Steve McGaughy

Gary Maschner

Mike Norburg

Rick Schmidt

Ken Alexander

committee chairsBanquet ........................... Sharon Eichelberger

& Cookie Nicoson

Grant Writer ................................Lin Maschner

Membership.........................................Dee Clark

Projects ............................................... Carl Hargis

Newsletter ............................ Maria DelVecchio

Website ..........................................Leo Balthazor

Wapiti Weekend.........................Shelly Hargis

Scholarship ..............................Wendy Norburg

buck springs work project page 10-12


In the Crosshairs: Political Reflections by John Koleszar ........... 7

July 2010 Buck Springs Work Project by Steve Clark ............8-10

Beware of the Kool-Aid by Chris Agnew ............................11-12

Join Us! ................................................................................. 13

Jake’s Hunt by Jakcob Halford ................................................ 14

My Elk Story by Jerod Van Buren ............................................ 15

Junior Elk Camp by Steve Clark .........................................16-17

Beating Bob by Chase Miller .............................................18-19

BB’s Column: Opportunity “BB” by John Koleszar .............20-21

From Banquet to Bounty by Tom Forsyth .........................22-23

Habitat Happenings ........................................................24-25

Why Did You Join? by Patrick Weise ..................................26-28

Braggin’ Board...................................................................... 29

Habitat Partners of Arizona .................................................. 30

Calendar of Events ................................................................ 32

in this issueaes mission statement

The Arizona Elk Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) wildlife

organization. Our mission is to raise funds to benefit

elk and other wildlife through habitat conservation

and restoration and to preserve our hunting heritage

for present and future generations.

aes website

www.arizonaelksociety.org

aZgfd website

www.azgfd.gov

nationaL forest websites

Tonto - www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

Apache/Sitgreaves - www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf

Kaibab - www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/

Coronado - http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado

aZ sportsmen for wiLdLife website

www.arizonasportsmenforwildlife.org

expose your product to thousands of outdoor

enthusiasts and hunters. place your ad in

For ad sizes and pricing, go to www.arizonaelksociety.org and click on “Links and Forms”. Or contact [email protected].

The Tracker is a quarterly publication for the members of the Arizona Elk Soci-ety. Letters, comments, news items, articles, pictures and stories are welcome and will be considered for publication. You may mail or email any such items. Materials mailed for publication will not be returned to the sender unless ac-

companied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Arizona Elk Society, P.O. Box 190, Peoria, AZ, 85380 [email protected], 602-885-0835

junior eLk hunt camp page 16-17


doug obert, sr.

On Monday December 13, Doug Obert, Sr. passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Doug will be forever remembered and missed.

Many of you who have been around since the beginning of the Arizona Elk Society knew

the kind of person Doug Obert was. Doug was a very nice guy who was happy to be part

of the AES and cared for the friends he had made through the AES and RMEF.

We know there are many people who knew and liked Doug and all of us hope that his

family gets through this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Obert family.


by John Koleszar

The year 2010 proved to be an interesting one to say the least. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission had more executive sessions than I can ever recall. Boy, what I wouldn’t give to have been a fly on the wall during those sessions! Commissioner Jennifer Martin served her last day as the chair of The Commission and it proved to be as intense as you could ask for. The day started with the aforementioned Commission meeting for two hours in executive session as the public sat and waited. The day ended well after 6:00 p.m. after some difficult testimony from Terry Johnson regarding those loveable wolves that have cost over $25,000,000.00. For those who have not paid attention, the wolf issue has been running hot and heavy for the past few years. Advocates from the “far side” have petitioned the United States Fish & Wildlife Services to re-introduce wolves across the country to their historic ranges. That may sound good to some folks, but I wonder how those folks east of the Mississippi would feel about having wolves in Central Park in New York.

The Arizona Game & Fish Commission voted 4-1 to support some current legislation that is making its way through Congress. That legislation would remove wolves from the Endangered Species Act and let the individual states manage them. From all indicators, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife has taken total control of the Mexican Gray Wolf situation here in Arizona and has excluded the various other groups that were participating in comments and guidelines. Oh, did I forget to mention that they still would like our money to manage them? I watched the vote from my home computer, since we can now all watch live streaming video from The Commission meetings. I saw 5 commissioners that were tired, frustrated and most of all puzzled by the actions of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is sad that the management of wildlife has come down to courts and bureaucrats. The legislation in Congress, while

unlikely to pass in 2010, may have some legs to it when the new members of Congress are sworn in come January. The fights between the federal government and the states are starting to get ugly. Does anyone else feel that we have way too much government?

The Governor’s office announced that Robert Mansell of Winslow, Arizona is the new Arizona Game & Fish Commissioner. He will be replacing Jennifer Martin on the Commission and will begin his 5 year term after approval from the Legislature. I have had a couple of opportunities to meet with Mr. Mansell and he is a life-long hunter and supporter of wildlife. His appointment came as a bit of a surprise, since he is not from Maricopa County. The process this year, for the first time, had over 70 applicants and the newly legislated committee gave the Governor 3 names to choose from. The names on the short list were Brian Pinney, Susan Bitter Smith and Mr. Mansell. Again, I would like to have been a fly on the wall when the determination to choose Mr. Mansell over the others was decided. Mr. Mansell does not have a biology degree, has not been involved in politics and has not been involved in any of the wildlife organizations that we all know about. On the plus side, he has no grudges, no agenda, and therefore is a bit of a clean slate. Stay tuned for more in the future about Mr. Mansell, as we will be interviewing him in the next issue.

I hope that 2011 brings heavy snows, a slow thaw and beautiful spring weather and early monsoons. Wildlife could really use two good years in a row in terms of Mother Nature. Remember, the draw is soon, so plot your units, examine your odds and drop off your applications early. Carry your lucky rabbit’s foot, look at the tea leaves and hope that luck is on your side. See you next issue.

in the crosshairs:

poLiticaL refLections


This is the second year that the Arizona Elk Society has held a work project on the Buck Springs Allotment. The Arizona Elk Society facilitated the retiring of the grazing permit for this allotment and added Buck Springs to our list of annual work projects to make sure good things were being done in the area to benefit the elk and other wildlife.

This year, after meeting with the Blue Ridge Ranger District personnel, we had identified over 6 miles of unneeded fencing to remove from the woods and 9 miles of allotment boundary fencing that needed repair and maintenance. Despite threatening weather that held off until were packing up at the end, 96 volunteers showed up and worked hard to complete all of the projects.

Volunteers hiked in and out of canyons and the woods to remove and transport the fencing material to the roads to be picked up. The AES had trailers ready to haul off the wire but it soon became apparent that there was a lot more material than we could haul. Volunteers went back up to the area after it dried out to get the leftover material. One of the goals every year for these types of projects, is to recycle the T-posts and good stays to surrounding ranchers. Jim Ohaco from the Ohaco Ranch stopped by and loaded 3 trailer loads of T-post and stays to be recycled while the Bar T Bar picked up some later. The ranchers were very appreciative to get the material and it saved them thousands of dollars. The rain held off just long enough to get the work done and then it

juLy 2010 buck springs work project by Steve Clark


unloaded on us while we were packing up. After the rain, there were 2-3 inches of standing water in camp as well as 2 inches of hail. With the hail and the fog it produced, you would of thought it was winter time at the camp.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers and cooperators in this project. It was a great success.

the arizona elk society is proving that sportsmen and women can accomplish a lot of great work when we all work together!


beware of the kooL-aid

Well maybe with this loss of protective legislation in AZ. all sportsmen will become aware of the forces opposing us. our opponent is a well-funded machine that clearly takes the gloves off and uses any tool in the box to promote their cause. While we had a Republican mandate throughout our state we managed to lose this battle even with their support! It’s time for all sportsmen to wake up and realize that this is a warning shot across our bow. It’s time to get up and get involved in order to preserve your right to hunt and fish. This initiative was on the ballot in 4 states and only in AZ did we manage to lose. We now have 13 states where the people actually were astute enough to understand how essential this piece of legislation has become.

In our battle to garner votes the opponents managed to out perform us based on deceit, censorship, and promoting their agenda, through a very biased press and media outlets with unlimited funding running deceptive articles and TV ads. Make no mistake about this boys they’re very savvy on how to use these vehicles to distort their message and trick the voters into thinking that they are stopping increased taxes, losing their vote and just stopping short of telling you that approval would legalize immigration in your state!

The thing that’s most difficult to accept in this matter is that we had many sportsmen that were opposed to this because they got tricked by actually believing their ads. We had people on sites telling other sportsmen that passage would put the legislature in control ( when they already were here), that they could steal our department’s revenues which legally they can’t ( already supported by courts because it’s not tax revenue) and the false idea that the States Game and Fish department wouldn’t manage nongame species which they have done forever. We even had examples of legislators running around the mountains

in high heels to manage our game because the legislature would have control.

Misinformation runs rampant on matters such as these and in many cases our posting misinformation actually contributed to our demise. We had sportsmen saying that approval would result in landowner tags, hunting and fishing licenses doubling! Wild assumptions fostered in the deep recesses of an uninformed mind because they don’t understand how the system works and clearly haven’t made an effort to learn. Suspicions about how government will rip you off thrown about as reasons, to further add fuel to the fire. Then we have the biggie…we don’t need to change our constitution to protect my right to hunt and fish!!

The thing that’s most frustrating in things like this is that some pretty informed organizations and individuals that have taken the time to obtain legal opinion, write the proposed change and made sure it would stand up to legal challenge . When you have the NRA, NSSF, the Governor, US & State Senators, US & State Representatives, former Attorney Generals, and more than 30 Sportsmen’s groups local and national supporting a cause they may actually know something. They aren’t doing this to write books, make money, improve their health, or garner political favor they’re doing so because they know all to well, just how much your right to do these things is diminished every single week. CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION MAKES IT HARDER TO CHANGE THINGS BOYS AND THAT WORKS FOR YOU NOT AGAINST YOU!! That’s why they opposed it so heavily! The ultimate form of protection would be federal legislation to protect hunting and fishing!

our rights are being compromised by those who don’t participate in these activities, yet are working hard to take these things away.

by Chris Agnew


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Robert Dunn, Yuma - 2008 Elk Tag Winner

When you’re involved in issues like these you learn that protecting them is essential to their survival. So while I realize that some out there feel compelled to question why and feel they know more than the individuals that deal with this every day, please take the time to educate yourself and understand that once you actually get involved in the issues only then will you fully understand how essential this is. Let’s not lose sight of the one fact that remains in all this, they’re actually working to PROTECT YOUR RIGHT to do these things so why in the hell would you oppose that? Stop drinking THEIR Koolaid boys and understand that the HSUS , Sierra Club, Animals Defense League are OPPOSED to you doing these things so why in the hell would you vote for them when they’re spending huge

sums of money to OPPOSE YOUR RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH! Every day nationally they work to eliminate hunting dogs, stop types of fishing, keep you off federal lands, fight any kind of predator control, fish stocking of nonnative species in our waters, eliminate hunting seasons, tear down dams that help fishing and power generation, and remove your kids and grandkids chances to participate in these activities…NOW THAT’S A POSITION THAT WE REALLY NEED TO PONDER…because they”re getting us to vote against what we Like to do. wake up boys – they puLLed the statue of Liberty pLay on us and we heLped them score by catching the baLL and running the wrong way for a touchdown!!


ARIZONA ELK SOCIETY NEW MEMBERSHIP OR RENEWALS

The Arizona Elk Society truly appreciates your support as we strive to improve the elk population, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. As a member of this great organization, you have been instrumental in helping us achieve our successes. None of this could have been accomplished without your membership. Please continue to help us in our quest.

In nine years, the Arizona Elk Society has funded 224 projects, helped restore 182,000 acres for wildlife and affected over 200,000 acres.

We need your membership to continue our mission. Please take the time and renew today. On-line renewal available at our website: www.arizonaelksociety.org I guarantee this is the best action you can take to ensure the future for AZ elk, their habitat and our hunting heritage.

Steve Clark - President

Host youth programs such as:

• Wapiti Weekend - a camp designed to introduce children to the outdoors, wildlife and hunting

• Junior Elk Camps - camps designed to assist the youth during junior elk hunts

• Elk Hunting Clinics - designed to teach elk hunting basics for successful hunts

Host work projects such as:

• Burro Creek - fence removal project

• Adopt-a-Ranch

• Buck Springs - fence removal project

Fund habitat improvement projects such as:

• Pinon/juniper thinning

• Water tank & pipe line constructions

• Controlled burns & Grass land restoration and more...

Retire grazing allotments to insure wildlife habitat such as:

• Burro Creek Allotment - over 26,000 acres

• Big Lake Allotment - 4,500 acres

• Buck Springs - 73,000 acres

Membership in the Arizona Elk Society has enabled us to:

join orrenew today!

jake’s huntby Jakcob Halford


I finally got drawn for the youth elk hunt this year. It was my first big game tag. My family and I made a lot of trips up to 6A before the hunt to scout. I didn’t think the actual hunt would ever get here! The day before the hunt we set up camp. I was so excited for the next day that I only had about two hours of sleep! We got up at 4:30 am opening morning. My Mom drove me, my Dad and my Uncle John to a water hole and dropped us off. We hiked from there. We heard some bugling but figured out it was coming from other hunters. My Mom picked us up three hours later and we headed to another spot. We stopped near a different water hole and ate some warmed up burritos off of the engine. After we ate, we took off hiking again. We found a lot of fresh tracks heading up the mountain. We didn’t run into anything though. Finally, we decided to head back to camp for a while. We hadn’t gone very far when my Uncle John says, “Elk!” and jumps out of the Jeep. “Let’s go Jake!” I jumped out too and dropped everything but my rifle but kept on going. They were on the run but I had a shot at the lead cow. I shot twice. By that time my Dad caught up to us and had all my bullets I had

dropped. He told me to reload because I only had one shot left. We started to reload and that cow jumped up not 15 yards from us and took off again. I shot her again. She went a few more yards and lay down. I couldn’t believe I had just got my first elk! My Mom and Dad and Uncle were all hugging me and high-fiving each other and I was so happy! Then the real work began. They taught me how to field dress her and then we loaded her on the rack on the back of the Jeep and headed to camp. We hung her up in a tree and they taught me how to skin her out. The whole time this was going on, I don’t think anyone stopped smiling! The next day we took her down to the processors and they even let me help with that! We also met the people from the Arizona Elk Society and listened to a seminar on game calling. It was great! I will never forget that weekend and everything I learned. I want my parents to know how thankful I am for all the time and energy they put into this hunt for me and for all they have taught me over the years. I am really looking forward to getting the meat back and I just hope I get drawn again soon!


my eLk storyby Jarod Van Buren

I am a ten year old fifth grader who has always been interested in the outdoors and hunting. I was lucky to get drawn for the youth cow elk hunt in Unit 6A & B this Fall. I was very excited and began making plans with my dad. I had been hunting before and shot squirrels, doves and even a spring gobbler during the youth turkey hunt in Unit 23 earlier this year. But this was an elk hunt and I had never hunted game this large before. So I went out and I got ready. My dad helped me pack and sight in the gun. We packed the car and I got out of school the day before at noon and we were off to Happy Jack! When we got there, we checked in to our cabin, unpacked, and went scouting again in an area we had checked out two weeks earlier. We decided to hunt off FR 81. We returned to the Youth Elk Camp located at Happy Jack Lodge. The Arizona Elk Society provided meals, elk hunting and outdoor lectures, and even tips on where to find elk. We ate dinner, did some final preparation of our gear, and went to bed early. The next morning we got up and got dressed in our camo clothes. We left around 4:30 am and it was cold – about 30 degrees! We got to our spot around 5:30 am and waited until it started to get light. I loaded my gun and we started to walk. We heard several gobblers and saw a white tail buck with two does, but no elk. We got back to the car around 10:30 am.We drove back to camp and got lunch. Then we went back out that afternoon and still had no luck, but found a good area to return to the next morning. The second day of the hunt we began in the good area we found the evening before. We immediately heard a bull elk bugle. My dad explained that where there is a bull in rut he probably had cow elk with him. We

stalked the bugling elk for what seemed to be forever, but it was exciting! He sounded so close! Finally we saw him with seven cows in some thick woods, but I could not get a shot and they ran off. Later that day, we saw three other cow elk, but they appeared to be spooked and were running too fast to shoot at. That evening, we hunted for several hours, but again had no luck and I began to get discouraged. On the third day, we returned to the same spot as the morning before and again followed a bugling bull elk, but he was moving too fast and we lost him in the timber. We headed down a long fence line and I was getting tired. My dad suggested we cross a small meadow, hike into the woods about one hundred yards, and sit on an outcropping of rocks to rest for a while and watch the meadow and surrounding woods. Just as I sat down, I saw a large group of elk on the edge of the meadow we had just crossed! And they were coming my way! I whispered to me dad and he asked if I had a shot. Even though I had to shoot through the trees I had a clear shot at the lead cow elk. My dad told me to take the shot and after locating the elk in my scope, and taking my safety off, I took a deep breath and fired! All the elk ran but the one I fired at. She fell and I knew I had taken my first elk. My dad was more excited than me! With the help of another father and son team we were able to field dress and transport the elk to cool storage near the camp. I feel very lucky to have been drawn for the hunt, and it was awesome to actually see all the wildlife and shoot my first elk. No matter how much fun I had, I think my dad had even more and I can’t wait until my next hunt!

This years’ Junior Elk Camp in Unit 6A at the Happy Jack Lodge and RV Park was a great success. This event is held on the opening weekend every year at the Happy Jack RV Park and is open to the public to bring their kids to rub shoulders with the young hunters and learn about hunting in Arizona. The volunteers had a blast helping and mentoring the youths. On Thursday, we fed 75 youths and their families before holding a seminar about many issues related to hunting elk in the area. AZGFD, USFS, area guide Pat Swaford and John Nevins from 4 Peaks Game Processing were on hand to give the kids some great tips on hunting, forest safety, gun safety, ATV safety, how to find elk, how to prepare the elk once it hits the ground and much more.

During lunch, we had seminars to let the kids learn about other hunting opportunities, like predator hunting, here in Arizona. After the seminars, we handed out donated items to all the youth hunters and other kids. The raffles and handouts were free for the kids. As always, the Arizona Elk Society fed the kids and their families some great meals throughout the weekend. We had our 3-D archery elk set up with all the archery equipment and kept the young hunters busy in the middle of the day.

It is always fun to see the kids and hear the stories from their perspective on how the hunting was going and what else they saw in the woods.

We had many emails and comments from the kids and



their parents on how great the camp was and I want the volunteers to know that their help in camp and in the field was greatly appreciated! Also, we’d like to thank the sponsors that help with prizes for all the kids and give-a-ways: Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, 4 Peaks Game Processing, Bass Pro Shops, Wes’s Taxidermy, Swafford Guide Service, and especially Happy Jack RV Park. I know that I missed a few but all of the volunteers and sponsors are what makes these camps possible.

On the cover of this issue and in this article you will see some great photos taken by George Andrejko from AZGFD, Thank you George!

by Steve Clark


“beating bob”by Chase Miller

It started in 2008 when my 10 year old brother, Casey, in his first year of applying, drew an Arizona early rifle bull elk tag. Needless to say I was jealous, but as luck would have it, I had drawn a New Mexico Ibex tag that would help to take my mind off of my brothers’ lucky draw and upcoming hunt. I had to suffer in school while my dad and Casey hunted for a big bull elk that my dad and uncle had found during scouting and my brother nicknamed “Spongebob”. Four days into their hunt, Casey harvested “Bob” and

what a huge bull he ended up being. My brother’s first bull elk gross scored 381"! My dad picked me up from school as soon as they got home and we went to New Mexico where I got a great Ibex billy.

My brother and I are very competitive, so I decided that more than anything else I wanted to get drawn for bull elk and hopefully get a bigger bull than his. I know that a lot of people put in for many years to draw a bull elk tag in Arizona, but after only 4 years I got an Arizona early bull tag!!

It seemed like forever until my hunt started and after 8 weeks of scouting, we had not found a bull that was as big as my brother’s. My dad kept telling me that “Beating Bob” would be very difficult, and that my focus should be on enjoying the hunt and the time that my family and I got to spend chasing bugling bulls in God’s great

outdoors. Man was he right. Opening day found us in the middle of a big herd of elk with at least 10 bulls that were screaming and fighting! The first two days of our hunt were the same and we ended up passing shots on seven different big bulls. On day two, we got some good information from one of my dad’s friends on a big bull (thanks S.C.) and we spent the next three days hunting for the bull we never saw, but heard almost every day. After the second day of the hunt it started getting hot and got hotter every day. It made the bulls bed earlier and get up later and the hunting tough. Even with the tough hunting, my dad gave me the choice to harvest an elk or keep passing

Chase’s Ibex Billy

10 year old Casey Miller and his First Bull Elk “Bob”, Gross 381”

bulls and hope that we could find a good one in the time that we had left. I chose to pass in hopes of getting a big bull and in five full days, passed up shots at over 20 bulls. Dad kept telling me that we needed to be persistent and that even if I didn’t end up with a bull, to enjoy the hunt, my family and friends and our time in the outdoors. We had a lot of help on my hunt and a couple of days earlier, my dad’s friend Bobby had found a good bull in a spot that we had scouted before the hunt. This bull would be our backup bull for the last two days.

Time went quick and on the second to last day of my hunt, we were after our backup bull. We had hunted hard and given it our best shot, but like my dad said ‚ “Beating Bob” was going to be tough. Bobby and my dad figured that the backup bull would score around 350" which is a huge bull and to be honest, it really didn’t matter if I beat my brother and his big bull any more. We had a blast and hunting bugling elk was awesome! We found our backup bull and his cows late in the morning on their way to bed and had to move fast in order to get close enough for a shot before they got out of our unit and on to the reservation. My dad always makes us practice shooting a bunch before any hunt and this one was no exception. I was using a .300 win. mag. and had practiced shooting out to 400 yards. After getting me settled on a pack for the shot, my Uncle Mark got the video rolling and my dad ranged the bull at 406 yards.The bull started moving up the bank, but when my dad cow called, he stopped quartered

away for a perfect shot. I felt solid and settled the crosshairs behind his shoulder and squeezed the trigger. It seemed like a full second before we heard the whop of the hit and the bull stumbled with a broken shoulder. I chambered another round and shot again, this time hitting just under the hard hit bull. The bull stopped again allowing me time to settle the crosshairs and this time at the hit, the bull went down for good. My dad, Uncle Mark, Bobby (sitting across the canyon watching through binocs) and I had just taken a great bull – my first elk that scored 355". It took us almost 30 minutes to get to my bull, and I couldn’t believe how big he was when we walked up to him. My dad and Uncle are crazy about taking pictures and after a 30 min. photo shoot, we were ready to start boning out the meat for the pack trip out.

This was one of my favorite hunting trips ever and we got it all on video. I want to thank my dad, my Uncle Mark, my Grandpa, Bobby and Dean for all of the energy, time and money they spent helping me out and above all God for allowing us the freedom and place to enjoy this great adventure.

On my way home, I texted a picture of my bull to my brother, but I didn't give him the score. He must have texted a dozen times wanting to know it, but I just ignored him. For at least the next three hours, I might have had the biggest bull in the family. Score wise, I know that Casey wins, but as far as I am concerned, the

memories we made on my hunt will always “Beat Bob”.


14 year old Chase Miller and his first bull elk, Gross 355”


As each season passes during the hunts, I always think of how my dear friend “BB” is doing. With his weird sense of elk humor and caustic comments, I dread thinking that some lucky hunter has finally taken my verbose buddy to a meat locker. Thankfully, I received a text from his hoofberry that he was alive, well and looking forward to a conversation with me. I packed up the Prius (gas conservation mind you) and headed for the meeting spot.

Since the Prius can’t hit the heavy gravel roads, we arranged for a meeting that allowed me to do a minimal amount of off-road driving. We arranged for a full-moon meeting at a place just outside of Show Low. I was surprised that “BB” had come so far down off the top from Big Lake, but hey, he was doing me the favor. I arrived at the spot just after 10:00 pm and then hiked in through some heavy thickets for about a half a mile. I noticed a glow as I approached the spot and almost fell over as I saw a big production taking place. “BB” had at least 20 bulls and cows lined up with sacks of something draped over their shoulders. “Greetings “BB” I said. He barely looked up

from the task at hand but managed to say, “Heard you from the time you left the pavement and smelled you since you locked that little gizmo you’re driving. What the hell is that thing?” I laughed and said, “Why “BB” I’ve gone green. I am now an environmentally conscious person.” “BB” snorted derisively and said, “Yeah, and I’m now a carnivore.” I explained that since I do so much city driving I felt that it was time to drive British Petroleum’s profits down. The fact that I spend about $700.00 per month less on gas was also a small factor. I finally had to ask what the hell he was doing. “Do I have to guess, or are you going to tell me what this big production is?” “BB” smiled and said, “This is what we call a hunter attitude improvement load.” That comment caught me by surprise and I felt a degree of sarcasm from my friend. “Seriously “BB”, what is all this stuff and what are you doing?”

“BB” sighed and pulled me off to the side of a thick Manzanita grove. “Okay, here’s the poop.” (He then started laughing at his own little elk pun.) “We know all about the Opportunity Hunts that some former commissioners were so enthralled with. So, in order to make those masses of hunters that are really camping with a rifle feel better, we have created a bonus for them.” Now my interest was piqued. “Okay, let me in on this feel-better bonus. What are you guys and gals up to?” “BB” looked over at a small table that had been set up and said, “Come here, this is the best way to explain it.” He had a device that looked like a GPS unit on the table. It had all the same type features, but it had a label that said “PPS”. “This PPS system allows us to make hunters all across the state feel good. Each of my friends here are taking loads of dried pellet droppings and heading out to those units that have very few elk, but lots of “opportunity”. The Pellet Positioning System, or PPS allows us to drop these dried pellets at certain spots in units across the state. When the hunters are hiking across some remote areas, it always makes them feel good that there are droppings on the ground. We leave the pellets, the hunters get excited and everyone goes home a bit happier.”

BB’s COLUMN:

OppOrtUNity “BB”by John Koleszar

PPS


To say I was stunned is an understatement. “You mean to tell me that you are basically sandbagging hunters all over by making them think there were or are elk here because of some droppings? How can you do that “BB”? Why would you do that?” “BB” looked at me and patiently explained, “Look, we know there are not enough of us around for everyone to shoot a good bull or cow. You told me years ago about that funny survey that said everyone just wanted an “opportunity” to hunt, didn’t matter if there were any elk or not. So we just heighten their senses by dropping pellets here and there to keep them on their toes. They get all excited and blow off some steam looking for the bull that dropped those pellets. It gives them more than they are getting now from camping with a rifle, so everyone wins.” I collapsed to the ground laughing. “Oh “BB”, that’ a good one. I can just see the commercial now: Hunting license $45.00. Elk tag $121.50. Tent, ammo, rifles and food $575.00. Hunting with optimism that has no basis in reality…Priceless.” “BB” snorted and said, “Hey, we’re just trying to help those poor guys out there. They need as much support as possible.” And with that, he startled chuckling, “That survey was probably a good idea at the time, and I’m sure that a lot of folks felt that they just wanted to be out there, but maybe it’s time to re-evaluate what hunters are thinking. You build a business model and hope it works, but periodically, you have to keep in touch with the hunting community and see what their feelings are. I hope these new commissioners put out a new survey. Until then, we’re just lending a helping hand.” Then “BB” gave each bull and cow a “PPS” system and they began filtering out under the moonlight for their drop locations. “BB” had a very satisfied look on his face and turned to watch the troops heading out. “Yep” he said “we make hunters feel better. And the important part is that no elk was hurt during this operation.” I simply shook my head and said, “Okay “BB”, I think that we have some work to do back in the Valley. Maybe it is time to re-evaluate the process and do a new

survey. I have heard from a lot of hunters and even some HPC committee members that the “opportunity hunts” are not what everyone thought they would be. I will pass on your words and deeds to the powers that be.”

As always, it was difficult to leave, but “BB” had his own load to drop and he was determined to finish before daylight. He stopped halfway through the thicket and gave me a short bark. “Stay out of Springerville this winter boy. I can’t go through another scare like last year. I need to have a little time to relax and not worry about you sneaking around.” I yelled back, “If I’m drawn again, you will be the second person to know. Keep your antlers down and hide your ugly mug out of the daylight.” The drive back in my little Prius seemed longer than the ride up. Thoughts of what the future of hunting is and how we will hunt kept me awake. I hope that we re-evaluate our “Opportunity Hunts”.

John Toner of Continental Divide Knives, has agreed to make a custom knife for every new member that joins as a Life Member or current member that upgrades their membership to Life Member! John is known world-wide for his custom knife making. The knife pictured here is the style of knife that you will receive. Life Memberships are very affordable at $750. There is a payment plan available. You will also receive a Life Member Jacket and an AES Hat. If you are interested in becoming a Life Member, please go to the website, at www.arizonaelksociety.org, to download the membership form or call Dee Clark at (623) 594-7074. You can also join through our new online store.

L i f e m e m b e r i n c e n t i v e


But the story really began over a year and a half ago. It was March 21st 2009, a pleasant spring evening. I was attending the Arizona Elk Society’s 8th Annual Banquet. I was at a table surrounded by friends and family. We had enjoyed our dinner and were in the process of enjoying some drinks even more. I was hoping to get a hunt on this night. I had considered a Colorado Elk Hunt and a Mexican Coues Deer Hunt, but it was the 3 day guided Wyoming Antelope Hunt that I decided to bid on and I was fortunate to be the winning bidder. I would soon discover that was just the beginning of my journey. I would spend the next 19 months preparing for this hunt in one way or another, and I will spend the rest of my life with the memories made during this hunt.

I contacted Ron Morrison of Thunder Ridge Outfitters in Casper Wyoming the week after I won the hunt that he had so kindly donated to AES. The more I spoke with Ron, the more excited I became. He was describing what the hunt would be like. He said we would likely look at several hundred antelope every day, that would be the easy part (in a state that has more antelope than people). The hard part would be in finding the antelope that I would consider a trophy and then putting a stalk on it to get an opportunity to take the shot. He told me that I should put in for a preference point as the 2009

big game draw had already happened and that I should plan on putting in for the draw in 2010. I spoke with Ron and his son Randy on and off over the next year and decided to make it a combo hunt for both antelope and mule deer. Ron and Randy picked my units to apply for and I got drawn for Unit 69 (just south of Casper) for antelope and a Region E tag for mule deer. Having the tags in my hand finally made it feel like my hunt was getting close. I began to spend more time at the range getting the rifle sited in with the load I wanted and then spending more time in the desert getting comfortable with field positions and long range shooting. I became satisfied that the rifle and scope combination was able to outperform my own abilities. I practiced by taping a paper plate to a desert scrub brush when it was windy and then taking shots at 300 yards and beyond. Hitting the target as it blew in the wind built my confidence even more. I was ready for my hunt.

I arrived in Casper Wyoming on a sunny October Thursday, the day before Mule Deer season opened. I was seeing hunters everywhere. Randy contacted me just as I was nearing town. He told me that he and his dad were heading up to Casper Mountain to set up a drop camp for 3 hunters coming in from Pennsylvania and asked if I would like to ride along. I met them at Ron’s home where

As I level the scope onto the vitals of the antelope, I ask Randy what our distance is. He replies quickly and quietly “he is out 565 yards, take the shot if you are comfortable”. As I ease the trigger, I can feel the rockets ignite behind the .257 Weatherby Magnum sending its ballistic tipped missile downrange…

from banquet to bounty by Tom Forsyth


they shared their lunch with me and I helped them load the camper and equipment. We took the self-guided hunters up the mountain and got their camp set, and then Randy took them around their unit and showed them some places he thought they should hunt. But it was my hunt that was occupying my mind and morning couldn’t come soon enough.

Well, actually it did. The 3:30 am alarm signaled the beginning of my hunt. Randy picked me up in his lifted 4x4 and we began our 2 hour drive out to my unit to find a 170 class mule deer that his dad had seen several weeks earlier while guiding another hunter. We arrived to the area to find another hunter already set up in the spot we were hoping for. So we did the best we could for the rest of the day, we walked washes and draws trying to “kick him up”. We did manage to see a nice tall 3x3, several spikes and a bunch of doe’s and fawns, but no shots were fired during the first day. Day 2 began in a different unit looking for my antelope as we had decided that the opening Saturday of deer season would be extremely busy and therefore difficult to hunt as the deer would be laying low from all of the pressure.

The unit I was hunting for antelope in was much closer to town, so I got an extra hour of beauty sleep. We were in the unit by sunrise and were seeing lots of antelope. We started the day in a particular area of the unit that Randy had seen a good buck in earlier in the season. We spent the morning driving and glassing the mountains, foothills and open prairies looking for a shooter. While we glassed over the animals, Randy was educating me on what to look for in a buck that would make a trophy. We glassed many, but never saw one that he was satisfied with. Having never watched these animals in their natural habitat before, I was amazed at the speed and grace they have. I fully understand why pronghorn are often referred to as “speed goats”. While these animals are curious, their natural defense mechanism is to run… and run they do. We would crest the top of a mountain to do some glassing to see a herd nearby. One of them would spot us and alarm the whole herd that would proceed to run until they reached what seemed like the next county. I was truly amazed as we would watch them run for miles. We stopped for lunch and decided to try another area that Randy had seen some good bucks in. I honestly would have been happy with many we had seen and passed on, but Randy wanted my first pronghorn to be just right. The afternoon was much the same, glassing herd after herd. We would drive over a ridge, glass the animals, I would say “that one looks pretty good” to which Randy’s reply was always “that one’s not big enough for you”. Until, as we came around the side of a small swell in the prairie, we saw a buck with 4 does. As usual, I said “he looks pretty good”, but Randy’s reply was different. This time he said “get your rifle, he is a shooter”. As my heart exploded with adrenaline and excitement the pronghorn did the predictable thing and hauled tail

across the prairie leaving us watching the dust trail. But the buck was concerned about keeping two of the does with him and kept trying to head them in the direction he wanted to go and as with most men, he ended up going where the women wanted to go which kept them in eyeshot of us.

As we set after them trying to close some distance, Randy dropped the bombshell on me, they had crossed onto private land, we would have to postpone pursuit and get the landowners permission. We drove several miles to the landowner’s house only to have my hopes crushed as there was no one home. I am sure Randy could see the dejection on my face as I feared we would have to give up pursuit of the biggest pronghorn we had seen. But, as an experienced guide, Randy showed no concern and told me that we would head back to the area and see if the buck was heading back onto public land. We hopped out of the truck on the back side of a knob where we had last seen the antelope and began our stalk. We crossed a small but deep creek and climbed up to the top of the knob. As we approached the ridge, Randy said he would peak over first. He came back down to my location and said that my buck was back on public land and was feeding down the other side heading away from our location. Randy told me to head around the side and to find a flat spot that we could crawl up on to see if a shot presented itself. As I crawled into my position, the buck was about 450 yards away and unaware of our presence. I set my rifle on its bipod and from a prone position settled in for a shot. Randy and I were discussing our options in case the animal didn’t present a shot opportunity. The pronghorn was feeding away from us and was about 550 yards away when he turned and showed me his broadside. I settled into the stock, checked my breathing and asked Randy the distance? As he quietly said “565 yards”, I set the Swarovski’s Ballistic Reticle at the appropriate hold and squeezed the trigger. The buck dropped and Randy gave me a high five. The practice and preparation had paid off; it was the longest shot I had ever taken on a hunt. The .257 Weatherby had performed just the way I had hoped it would.

We got up to the animal and I got to look at my trophy up close. The pronghorn antelope is a beautiful animal. The animal scored 77 7/8ths and no matter what it scored… This pronghorn is a true trophy to me.

I spent a couple more days with Randy in pursuit of a 150 or better mule deer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. I guess that is why they call it hunting. One thing I am sure of though is that, one day soon I will be back in this beautiful part of the United States with my rifle in hand. I have to thank Ron and Randy Morrison of Thunder Ridge Outfitters for their hospitality and effort in making my first Wyoming Antelope hunt such a memorable one and to thank the good folks at Arizona Elk Society for the work they do in the field and first class banquet they put on each year.


HABITAT HAPPENINGS Creating better water sources and grassland forage for wildlife.

Projects Funded by the Arizona Elk Society

Every year, the Projects Committee of the Arizona Elk Society reviews wildlife habitat

projects to fund with the money raised at our Banquet. In 2010, the Committee dis-

tributed over $330,000 for 17 projects in Arizona. The AES, other groups and agencies

cooperate to pool funds from all of the involved parties. This helps spread the money

to get the biggest bang for our wildlife habitat dollars. Below are a few of the projects

that have been recently completed.

Horton Creek Prescribed Burn This project was a 1,900 acre mosaic burn at Horton Creek in the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. By burning the undergrowth and grasses this project benefits wildlife by allowing regeneration of the grasses and forbs that are important to healthy habitat for Elk and other wildlife. The fire burns and kills the outer reaches of the larger browse plants and encourages new regrowth that is very nutritional and palatable for the elk.

In addition the fires have reduced the surface fuels by 70%, reducing

the threat of catastrophic fire in the future.Park Day Allotment Pipeline Many areas of the state that have good habitat for elk still are void of water. By having reliable water sources spread across the habitat it helps to disburse the elk so that they don’t congregate in small areas.

This pipeline in Unit 3A was extended into an area that previously had no water. In cooperation with the cattle rancher in the area, the AES funded this project while the rancher is resting the pasture for a couple of years to let the elk get a foothold. The expectation is to redistribute the elk and benefit all the wildlife with a new, permanent water source.Nagel Prescribed Burn Controlled burns are a great tool to improve wildlife habitat and reduce the threat of catastrophic fires. Many times if there is a fire in the area of a past prescribed burn it is easier to handle and actually does more good then harm.

Over the last three years 5, 809 acres were treated in the Black Mesa Ranger District with help of funding from the Arizona Elk Society. This burn was in Unit 4A. Again this project was designed to enhance browse and grasslands that are important winter range for elk.



I was driving north, to my favorite honey-hole in Flagstaff Arizona. I had been waiting all year for this Friday morning. The Rut, yeah baby, that’s what we call it. This is the best time of year to be in the woods. September 11, 2009-man, I was as high as a kite. There was nothing else on earth that could be more important to me today. My whole world revolves around this day, these animals, and this hunt. I should have been up here two days earlier, but as I drove through town, I was just thankful to be up here letting the bugles grace my ears again this year. I could hardly wait to get to my spot and hear a bugle. I was pumped. Pumped up full of ready-to-go. My hands were tapping on the steering wheel forming this rhythmic beat to some song I had long ago forgotten the words too. My truck was the lead vehicle in a small convoy of three. ‘Ole Betsy,’ is what I called her. A pick-up truck as faithful as my wife. She could probably drive up here without me touching the steering wheel, having made this trip so many times before. Betsy moved over into the left hand turn lane, coasting to the light on Humphreys Street, slowing, braking, and then stopping for the red light.

Zap!

Like a bolt of lightning, every nerve in me caught fire, then, went numb. My eyes lit up like light bulbs, my mouth formed a rabbit hole, and all the while, my lungs forgot to breathe. To my left was City Hall. I was staring at the rich beautiful rye grass. Spread out on the grass I saw flags, American flags. Hundreds, maybe thousands of them in perfectly straight lines. Like brothers in arms, they stood at attention. The flags burned a hole into my eyes and into my head. Short-circuiting my elk hunt jubilation. Burned so deep they reached my heart. I felt double-lunged, as though my blood was draining from my limbs as the impact of the flags settled into my soul.

The air was cool and the morning sun shown bright. Someone of importance was standing at a podium, out front by the rich green grass. They were speaking into a microphone, saying words I could not hear. Many people stood gathered round. Their faces somber and respectful, their hearts in-tune like mine. Soldiers dressed in dark blue uniforms with metals attached to their chest, stood at attention. With pure white hats and gloves, they held rifles to defend our country with honor. They stood motionless. Faces gazing far-off, expressionless like statues. I could feel the soldier’s strength radiating out into the crowd. Their pride spreading like wild fire to those gathered round.

Betsy pulled over and parked, as I got out and zombie-walked over to stare at the flags. Red, white, and blue; the flags hypnotized me. They moved effortlessly in the breeze as though someone was breathing life into them. Confusion controlled my thoughts. My body began to tremble in respect of the Holy ground I stood on. I envisioned a dead man or woman buried beneath each flag. Loose brown dirt covering the sickness and horror of that day. All the while beautiful fresh cut grass continued

why did you join? by Patrick Weise


to grow. I realized their souls were still alive in the breeze that pushed the flags around and the energy that grew the grass heavenward.

My cell phone rang. Waking me to the double meaning 9-11 had for me. My hunting comrades wanted to know what the hold up was. “Why had this convoy stopped,” they pestered. They were antsy to let an arrow fly. “The elk are waiting,” my ear heard through the phone, but my legs were filled with lead. My heart was in funeral mode, eyes unflinching. Un-willfully, I left the flags to continue their silent mission of stirring-up people’s hearts.

The rest of the drive was somber. My hands no longer tapped on the steering wheel. I thanked those who died for my freedom, soldier, firefighter, police officer, and New Yorkers. Betsy left the town behind as my thank you continued, and we moved deeper through the tree-lined road. Yes, I am thankful for this great United States. To hunt, fish, and drink milk straight from a plastic jug at will. To shoot an elk, slice its heart into steaks, and celebrate the natural process of living and dying. It is a haunting memory I drive away from. A burden I have the privilege of carrying. One my mind cannot and will not erase. A

picture of men and women who joined forces to become soldiers, fathers, and protectors of our peace. A brotherhood that fought for a cause they believed in, even die for. Bound together like siblings forming family ties sometimes stronger than those left back home.

There is a saying that many hands make light work. The essence of this statement is that more can be achieved as a collective than individually. I joined the AES to band with my fellow brothers

and sisters, to help keep my hunting freedom alive. To gain a greater understanding of elk and their habitat. To enrich the environment where wildlife lives. Doing my part to roll up unused barbwire fences keeps me outdoors and makes me feel good inside. I make friends with people who have the same love for the outdoors and wildlife as I do. Who want to keep their roots buried deep in the same dirt as the forest trees draw moisture. Not long ago all our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents worked the land to survive. The land blessed them and in return, they gave it respect. So much respect they fought and even died for it.

I sometimes wonder though what my purpose in life is. To eat, poop, and die. To earn a dollar only to spend it to buy a box to sleep in now, and another when my heart stops pumping these life-flowing elk-juices. When I am gone will my legacy live on? Will the purpose of my every breath provide nutrients to enrich something more sustainable than I am? I am thankful to all the men and women who uphold this passion. The passion to unite, to help preserve all wildlife and let their collective voices be heard.

I believe everyone in life can benefit from having a passion to fulfill. To have a goal that causes them to excel in a direction that builds up their abilities and the springboard of the collective group. As hunters and lovers of the wild, we often find ourselves one on one against our query during a hunt. Even professional athletes practice that shot, swing, or pitch alone to score the points. However, great athletes have come to realize that being a team player can magnify their own great abilities and take them to their desired goal faster than just working alone.

Maybe you joined the AES to serve wildlife as well. A believer in the conservation of land for elk. To build/fix water catchments, help create grass meadows, or just find a group of like-minded people to call friends. Maybe you joined to pass on a tradition to your children like you granddad did for you. After a warm meal and a hard days work, the AES might even feel like a second home, as you reflect on your day’s accomplishments and tell your new friends the ever-increasing story about the Big One.

There is a spirit in the air when you enter elk country. It comes from the elk, the mountains, the men who have gone before you, and the flames that flicker off the campfire on a dark starry night. Once you let this spirit in, it germinates into a feeling that is hard to ignore. Changed forever is how I drove home that first year, when sweat-shaking hands squeezed horn. Sometimes, when I stare into the fire at night, I wonder if the elk will always be here to hunt. Will my grandchildren and their children, hunt the wapiti in the same forest as I. And

will they sit out here in the open at night before a big hunt,

pouring their dreams into the flames of a campfire,

receiving the same peace as I do from

the stars above.

Two weeks have gone bye and my hunt

is over. My comrades

in trucks have already gone

home as I walked the deserted

campsite looking for anything

left behind. No paper or trash, only footprints where I once stood. The impressions will disappear with the next rain, and my presence will be void. I lift up the tailgate and secure Betsy’s load. I turn the key and ignite her engine. I walk around checking all four of her tires before we make the long journey home. She wants to leave no more than I do. I can tell. We think so much alike on these trips it is sometimes almost scary. I kick her driver’s side rear tire, like a child being told to clean his room, then, hop inside with spite.

The dust lifts off the back woods trail as Betsy moves. The weight of my foot on her accelerator moves more dirt than necessary. It erases the spot where we sat in chairs around the campfire telling stories, laughing, and recalling the days’ hunt and failed ambush attacks. Soon the tires kiss asphalt, leaving the dust cloud behind to settle down, lie, and wait. Town reappears all too fast. City Hall and the smell of fresh cut grass is all my mind can hold as I pass the sacred building. The flags were removed, the soldiers are all gone, but their spirit is still ever-present in my mind and in my heart. A slight hand tapping on the steering reappears from nowhere as I turn right and pass City Hall. This time a few words are summoned up from my mind or maybe my heart. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. The song feels good down in my gut as I drive out of town. Soon it is just blacktop and green trees. Then a smile cranks up on my face. I see one of those signs on the side of the highway with a big black bull elk on it. The sign reads Next 25 Miles. It makes me proud to have joined.


braggin’ board

“I got my javalina shoulder mount and

I thought you’d like to see some pics

of her. First I need to thank my Uncle

Randy and his good buddy Lavern for all

of their help. Secondly I need to thank

Mark’s Southwestern Taxidermy shop for

the work of art that hangs on my wall

now. He and his assistant Leslie are true

masters, thanks guys. Now all I gotta do

is get me a big muley this fall.”

Eric Bates

623-582-0536 • www.mcmi l l anusa .com

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MAC-692 Arizona Elk Society 7.5x4.75:MAC-692 Arizona Elk Society 6/12/09 11:18 AM Page 1

Logan Rothermel, AES Junior member from Pennsylvania,

was successful in taking his first ever e

lk here in Arizona.

Using a .270 Weatherby,

Logan harvested a g

reat bull in

Unit 7E at age 13 during the g

eneral hunt in Oct of 2010.

Logan had some help fro

m his dad Dan, and “u

ncle” Dave

Myrick & Garth Gendell. Show it off – send your submissions to Steve Clark at [email protected].


Walt and Cookie Nicoson Royal Partner

Steve and Dee Clark Sponsor Partner

Ron and Sharon Eichelberger Sponsor Partner

Bass Pro Shops Sponsor Partner

AES Habitat Partners

Cabela’s Sponsor Partner

Sharon and John Stuckey Supporting Partner

Sportsman’s Warehouse Sponsor Partner

Harry Carlson Imperial Partner

Pacific West Representatives Sponsor Partner

With the rapid loss of open space to development, wildlife habitat is being reduced at a rate of 7 square miles per day. Arizona’s elk herds are loosing traditional migration corridors, calving grounds, forage meadows and other important habitat. The new “Habitat Partners of Arizona” program is designed to help protect that land. The main focus of this program will be to preserve land and prevent the rapid decline of Arizona’s elk habitat.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: Become a Habitat Partner with your tax deductible donation starting at $2500 ($1000 for 17 and under).

Payment Plan Available: $500 minimum commitment per year. You will be recognized for a donation level once your payments reach that level for each level you attain.

All program participants that reach the $2500 level and above ($1000 for youth) will be recognized in literature and on the AES website and will receive a plaque at each level.

If you are interested in donating property or a conservation easement, the AES will work with you to designate the appropriate level based on the value of the donation.

DONATION LEVELS:Legacy Partner $500,000Habitat Guardian $250,000Monarch Partner $50,000Imperial Partner $25,000Royal Partner $10,000Supporting Partner $5,000Sponsor Partner $2,500Spike Partner (17 & under) $1,000

FOR MORE INFO AND TO DONATE:

You can find more details and the donation form at www.arizonaelksociety.org.

Habitat Partners of Arizona

Founding Associate MembersDouglas Sr & Donna ObertFounding Life Members

Ken Alexander+ Michael J Anderson Ernest Apodaca, Jr+

David Baril+ Randy BeckKeith Berger

Esther CadzowJohn CadzowHarry Carlson

Randy A Cherington+ Pete Cimellaro

Steve Clark Todd A Coleman

Richard CurrieDon DavidsonKay Davidson

Larry DaySharon Eichelberger

Ron EichelbergerPeter EkholmDaron Evans

Will & Fran Garrison*Ed Hightower

Michael Horstman+James JohnsonEarl C Johnson

Edward E Johnson Richard Johnson+

Mitchell JonesSandra G Kauffman

Richard E Kauffman, SrBill Kelley

Peter S Klocki+John Koleszar+

James LaraTim Littleton

James Lynch Jr+Don Martin

Russ McDowellWilliam D Meredith

Anthony NicholsCookie NicosonWalt Nicoson*

Mark NixonDonna Obert

Douglas Obert, Sr*Shawn Patterson

Jan PurdyForrest Purdy

Mark Raby Mel Risch+Tom Schorr

Gregory StaintonDouglas Stancill

Vashti “Tice” Supplee+Dan TaylorJohn Toner

Corey TunnellRick Vincent, SrDon Walters, Jr

Dee White

Larry White+Mark Worischeck

Joseph WorischeckChuck Youngker

Founding Sustaining Members Everett & Joyce Nicoson

Founding Couple MembersBridgid & Ron Anderson John & Patty AndersonDenny* & Paula Bailey

Robert F & Shirley J BanksJohn & Taina Beaty

Robin & Billie BechtelBrad & Shelley Borden

Philip* & Jamie Brogdon+ Mark & Shanna BrooksShawn & Lisa Carnahan

Kim & Lynn Carter, SrDanny R Cline & Pat Thompson

Tim & Patti GarvinW Hays & Suzanne Gilstrap

Don & Gwen Grady Steve & Bobi Hahn

Igor & Christy IvanoffDaniel & Danny Johnson

Glen & Tracey JonesRichard & Wendy Kauffman

Bill & Mary KeeblerMark & Lynda KesslerMel & Diane Kincaid

Richard & Christine KrantzDick & Nancy Krause

Eric & Wendy KruegerRon & Lisa Lopez+

Gary & Lin Maschner Shane & Tiffany May

Kevin & Donna McBeeRoger & Micaela Mellen

Denny & Pat MossRobert & Diana Noel

Richard Oberson & Bonnie McAuley* William & Vera Rezzonico

Clarence Rodriquez MDRichard & Anna Schmidt

David Scott & Rosemarie NelsonBruce & Lisa Snider

Macey & Becky StarlingEd & Ace Stevens

Tim & Ellena Tanner Craig & Susan ThatcherTom & Kristel Thatcher

Marvin & Margo Thompson+Keith & Lois Zimmerman

Founding General MembersKendall Adair

Gary R AndersonJim Andrysiak

Denny AshbaughRon Barclay

Cal BauerJohn F BauermeisterRobert BaughmanManny Bercovich

Dr Tom Boggess, III Tom BrownTom Carroll

Steve CheuvrontCarolyn Colangelo

Mike CupellJack Daggett

Kyle Daggett+Bob Davies

Gary A DavisNathan Day

John W Decker*Chris Denham

Neal E DialCraig Dunlap

Jennifer EvansBobby Fite

Chris FlandersLorenzo A Flores

Roger GibsonCourtney Gilstrap

Floyd Green Jon Hanna

Douglas HartzlerArt HathawayDean Hofman

David J HofmanNorma E Hook*

Russ HunterDavid Hussey Rick JohnsonMike JonesDoug JonesTodd Julian

Charlie KellyCharles A Kerns

John Krause Joseph M Lane

Robby LongAaron Lowry

Rick MacDonaldJoe Makaus

Daniel MartinMichael L MasonMike McCormickDonald Meakin

James O MeeksJason Mercier

Jim MercierTracey Miner

Ken MossRonald J Nadzieja

Mike N OliverCraig Pearson

Kenneth B Piggott Bethena PughCarlos QuihuisRobert L Read

Neal Reidhead*Kyle SanfordCraig SanfordTony Seddon

Arnold SheltonDennis Shipp

Tom SiscoBruce Sitko

M Scott SouthCarl Staley

Randy StoutKenneth K Stringer

John W Stuckey Dave Swayzee* Troy TartaglioGary TeBeest

Todd ThelanderCharles B Thompson

Stan ThompsonThom Tokash

Brian Van KilsdonkRick Vaughn

Kathy L VincentRick Vincent II Don R Walker

Douglas WatsonVince WattsTodd Weber

Donald D Weber Jr Tom Wooden

Douglas Woodward

Founding Junior MembersTyler GetzwillerKevin H Knight

Daniel RabyNathan RabyJames Rawls

Sheena SmithBlake Tartaglio

Alexandra TartaglioAlexis TartaglioTravis Thatcher

Clayton Thatcher Nathan ThatcherWayne ThatcherTaylor Thatcher

Alexandra Vincent Emma C Vincent Justin M Vincent

Prior to March 17, 2002, AES Founding Memberships were available. These individuals and couples came forth to show their support for the AES in it’s early stages of development. During the formation

of the AES, administrative funds were needed to pay for organizational costs that led up to the first fundraising banquet on March 16, 2002. Founding Members paid a premium membership fee to help make the first year a success. For their support and dedication, the following Founding Members will

receive permanent recognition by the AES.

+ Membership upgraded * Deceased

ariZona eLk society founding members

AES ANNUAL BANQUET

th

anniversaryanniversary

Arizona Elk Society P.O.Box 190, Peoria, AZ 85380

CHANGE SERVICES REQUESTED

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPhoenix, AZ

Permit No. 5572

Special Surprises for ALL!!

Mar. 19 atMesa Conv.

Center

Other Upcoming Events: February 19-20 Cabela’s Spring Great Outdoor Days February 24-27 ISE Show, University of Phoenix Stadium

Mar. 19, 2011 • Tickets at www.arizonaelksociety.org

Tracker Winter 2010

Documents

Transcript of Tracker Winter 2010