tracker first quarter 2011

1 s t Q u a r t e r 2 0 11

Arizona Elk Society 2010 Buck Springs Work Project participants. Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game & Fish Department.

Our idea of aweekend stroll.

© 2

010

Cabe

la’s

Inc.

CA

S-01

2

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

While the 10th Anniversary Banquet is featured in this edition of the Tracker, I wanted to thank all the Banquet attendees, donors, corporate table sponsors and hard-working volunteers for a great Banquet. The hard work and dedication showed and paid off. The AES was able to raise over $250,000 for wildlife habitat in 2011.

Many times we are asked about what else the AES does. The AES Board works very hard to choose the issues that we feel the AES should be tackling. We talk to members at different functions to gauge what our membership is worried about. Here is a listing of some of the issues that the AES is working on and commenting on for the betterment of elk, their habitat and sportsmen here in Arizona.

HuNT GuIDELINES Every two years, the AZGFD reviews the Hunt Guidelines and then melds it with the Elk Management Plan. Throughout the year, AES Board members spend countless hours in elk country and observe situations that require attention as they relate to elk management. The AES is working with wildlife biologists to create a series of comments about issues relating to the Hunt Guidelines that will be looked at by AZGFD to see if there are situations that need to be addressed.

MEXICAN WOLF ISSuES The AES has taken the lead here in Arizona to make sure that sportsmen are represented at meetings regarding the reintroduction of the Mexican Wolf. One issue we are looking into is research to determine the impact of the wolves to our elk herds where the wolf has been reintroduced. The AES supported the AZGFD Commissioners’ decision to support the delisting of wolves nationwide and still would like to see the wolf reintroduction handled by the individual states. We feel that AZGFD, as the managers of the elk, would do a better job of balancing the needs of our state and our

hunters with the affects of the wolf on elk populations. The AES refuses to sit by and allow the loss of elk like other northern states have had to deal with.

FOREST PLANNING There are many changes happening in our forests here in Arizona that needs sportsmen’s input. With the Travel Management Planning and the new 4-Forest Restoration Initiative, the AES felt we needed to stay involved and have a seat at the table. Our mission is to protect and enhance elk and wildlife habitat and we plan on representing our membership to make sure that wildlife, their habitat and access are an important part of any plan.

uSE OF GRANT DOLLARS Every year there are millions of dollars funneled into the State of Arizona to be used as matching grant money for wildlife habitat. This money can be accessed for many of the projects that we fund throughout the year. Many times, some of this money does not get used and goes back to the general fund. The AES is working on grant proposals to access these dollars and use the money we raise as match to get more bang for your buck. We can use the federal and NGO grant funds for Arizona wildlife habitat improvements, water developments, riparian restoration and many other conservation-minded activities. The AES currently has received a $10,000 matching grant to remove silt from dirt tanks in the Buck Springs allotment for wildlife.

On an almost daily basis, somewhere a new action is proposed that affects wildlife conservation. The AES Board felt that it was time to make sure that we were focused on those activities that directly affect elk and their habitat. This optimizes the return on your invested dollars that we raise while keeping the sportsmen’s interests in front of the action agencies.

4 The Tracker - 1st Quarter 2011

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


Life Members ....................................................................... 3

President’s Letter ................................................................. 4

Board & Committee Members ............................................... 5

In the Crosshairs: The Wolf Fiasco by John Koleszar .............. 7, 9

My Hard-Earned Javelina by Aaryn Waitman ................... 10-14

10th Anniversary AES Banquet by Steve Clark .................. 16-19

“BB”s Candlelight Vigil by John Koleszar ...........................20-21

The History of “BB” by John Koleszar...................................... 28

Montana on My Mind by Patrick Weise .............................23-27

Braggin’ Board...................................................................... 28

Habitat Partners of Arizona .................................................. 29

AES Founding Members ........................................................ 30

Upcoming 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


by John Koleszar

For anyone who has listened, watched, read or heard by word of mouth, the “Wolf Issue” across the united States had drawn an incredible amount of interest. The last word as of this writing, was that the united States Federal Government, under the passage of the temporary budget, had included in that bill a portion that dealt with wolves. Sadly, it only dealt with the issues that Idaho and Montana were facing. In those two states, the federal government is finally handing the management of wolves back to the states. The biggest problem that still exists is where do we go in the future? Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona were left out in no man’s land. Wyoming, under a court verdict, can go ahead with some lawful hunts. What does the future hold? If you were to talk to residents of Montana and Idaho, they would tell you that their elk and moose herds have been decimated. If you talk to Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, they will tell you that their deer herds are under incredible stress. What about our home state of Arizona?

I took a few nights that I would rather have been out playing or doing something fun and read the reports that the united States Fish and Wildlife Department filed under the Environmental Impact Statement from 1996 regarding the Mexican Gray Wolf. I had filed a FOIA request in December of last year and attempted to gather some information regarding the agreements and financial considerations that had been given for re-establishing wolves in Arizona. The results of the

readings and documents are, in a word…stunning.

The uSFWS is required by law to file an environmental Impact Statement when they are proceeding on a course of action. The placement of Mexican Gray Wolves back into Arizona required that an EIS be prepared. Those documents are online and available to be read through the uSFWS web site. If you can stomach reading the legal jargon, the biological morass and the comments of all the folks who took the time, you get an idea of how mundane the reading can be. There were however, a few jewels of comments and an overall impression that can be gleaned from the time spent. In reading the EIS, I noted that the timing of the EIS could not have been worse. If you go back in time to 1994, there was an election that had one item in particular that held sportsmen’s interest. It banned the use of leg hold traps on public lands. Prior to that time, more than a few rural residents supplemented their incomes by trapping coyotes, fox, bobcats and other animals across the state. I know of one former commissioner of the Arizona Game and Fish Department who is considered to be an outstanding trapper, and to this day he traps, but only on private lands. The numbers have been talked about since I can remember, but basically, that is the date that sportsmen, and particularly the conservation groups for deer and elk, can look to when they see the boom in coyote populations in Arizona. At the same time, the uSFWS was creating their EIS and they failed miserably when they were

in the crosshairs:

theWoLf fiasco

Win an

arizona hunt of a lifetime

or a

SWarovSki opticS package valued at over $9700!visit website for more information or to buy tickets for this and other raffles.

m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s a t

arizonabiggameSuperraffle.com

Robert Dunn, Yuma - 2008 Elk Tag Winner

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



estimating prey/ predator numbers of wildlife in Arizona. The estimates that the uSFWS utilized in determining elk numbers in the BRWA (Blue Ridge Wildlife Area) were from studies done prior to 1993. Those numbers stated that the BRWA held an estimated 18,000 elk. Consider that less than a decade later, the estimates of elk in ALL of Arizona was 18,000 according to the Arizona Game & Fish Department, and it gives you a reason to suspect that the uSFWS numbers were inflated. Combine the fact that the uSFWS wanted to add another predator into a mix that would be virtually exploding and you have a combination that is decidedly deadly for wildlife. No one from the uSFWS took into consideration the fact that usually 20,000 coyotes, bobcats, fox and mountain lions were culled annually from Arizona lands. Their reports on the EIS were flawed and should never have been used in determining an appropriate release area for Mexican Gray wolves.

At the same time that the predator/prey situation was being worked on, the EIS also took into consideration recreational days in the BRWA. The report indicated that sportsmen (hunters) hikers, horseback riders and campers utilized the BRWA and were the sole source of recreation. In 1996, there were no recreational vehicles as we know them today. Quads, ATV’s, call them what you want, but the industry did not exist. Since that time, aerial maps have shown a tremendous explosion of roads and trails that did not exist prior to 1994. The uSFWS was looking for remote areas that could hold wolves and their prey base without incursions from humans. What existed in 1994 bears no resemblance to what exists today. While I can not blame the uSFWS for not having the foresight to predict the explosion of recreational vehicles, the end result is that their EIS in

the real world of today is fatally flawed.

Finally, we come to the financial issues. The EIS indicated rather proudly that the whole endeavor for a period from 1996 until 2010 would require a grand total of $7,500,000.00. That sum, while a substantial amount, pales in comparison to what has actually been spent. According to numbers that the Arizona Game & Fish Department uses, the figure as of 2010 reached $25,000,000.00. A staggering amount

of money and one that is clearly out of line in today’s economic reality. Again, the EIS was fatally flawed.

I have read other comments in the document, where the uSFWS uses the Yellowstone elk herd as an example of the financial and social rewards that the Canadian wolves brought to Yellowstone. They claimed at that time that the Yellowstone elk herd which was at roughly 19,000 head, would be reduced by 5 - 30 %. They stated that the wolves would only prey on the weak and the old animals that needed to be culled from the herd. They stated that tourism was up over the re-introduction of wolves and that the Yellowstone example was one that should be used in determining how successful the Mexican Gray Wolf could be. In hind sight, the guesstimate by the uSFWS is pathetic. The Yellowstone elk herd has been decimated by wolves. Rural economies are suffering because recreational monies from outfitting, hunting etc. are drying up at an alarming rate. Once again, the EIS proved to be a worthless document…fatally flawed.

The time has come for a new EIS in Arizona. Anyone care to get involved in the mix this time? If there is now onslaught of public comment this time, we only have ourselves to blame.

theWoLf fiasco


It was Thursday, the day before opening day. I only had to make it to lunch time before I left for my hunt. That whole week was one of the slowest weeks, all I could think and dream about was my upcoming hunt. Finally the lunch bell rang, I couldn’t wait to go on my second pig hunt.

I ran to the truck with my little sister to meet my Mom. My Mom was dropping us off at Scott’s house since my Dad was already there setting up camp. We got to Scott’s house and I hurried and loaded our stuff into Scott’s truck. I said bye to my Mom and then we were finally on the road. I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to get to camp. We wanted to make it before dark and about halfway there, the truck caught on fire. Scott jumped out and put the fire out and we waited on the side of the road. He was able to fix it good enough to make it home to switch trucks. It was back to his house we went. After a few phone calls between Scott, uncle Bryan and Dad, uncle Bryan said we could take his truck since he wouldn’t be up till the next

day and he had another truck. We repacked everything, there was no reason to hurry now since it was already getting dark. We finally got on the road again and after a few hours we were there. Camp was already set up and everyone was around the fire. I was getting excited by the minute, I could not wait for tomorrow. We unloaded our stuff and then ate dinner. Everyone visited around the campfire a little while then off to bed for an early morning of hunting.

Opening morning was finally here, I got up and got dressed as fast as I could. We ate breakfast and made our plans for the day. We decided Dad, Papa Dennis and I

would go glass an area where my cousin Kaycee shot her pig last year. Scott, Jerrod, and Denton would go glass other areas. When we got to the place we were going to hunt, Dad and I went on one side of the mountain and Papa Dennis went on the other. We sat and glassed for

my hard-earned javeLina by Aaryn Waitman

DAy 1


awhile and saw nothing. Dad and I went to another spot with Denton while Papa Dennis stayed there in case any pigs showed up. Denton took us to a spot where he sees pigs every time he goes there. Once we got there and out of the truck we walked down the hill a little bit and got all set up for glassing. Literally 5 seconds after I sat down, my Dad says, “I got pigs!” My Dad and I ran to the truck to get his pack and my gun. We hurried back down to Denton and made a plan to go after the pigs. We got to the spot we decided to shoot from and got set up. I found the pig in my scope and lined him up in my cross hairs. I didn’t shoot, I told my Dad I can’t cause something didn’t feel right. We gathered up our stuff and walked back to the truck. We just left the pigs there. As we got back to the truck to go back to camp. I started feeling depressed. Once we got to camp we ate lunch and hung out for awhile and made plans for the evening hunt. Just before 3 p.m. my uncle Bryan, Ryan and Steve showed up. We got our stuff, loaded up and headed back out. This time the plan was my Dad, Papa Dennis, Steve (who helped me shoot my first pig last year with Dad and uncle Bryan), Denton and I would go to one area while uncle Bryan, Ryan, Jerrod, and Scott would all split up in other areas. We all went on a mountain and everyone took a side of

the mountain, about 30 minutes later Papa Dennis said he glassed up some pigs. I got all excited as my Dad and I went over to him. We talked about where they were and the way we should go after them. When we got that all planned out my Dad and I went after them in this huge, deep, nasty canyon. I knew it was gonna be hard but I still wanted to go after them. It took us a good 30 minutes to get around the pigs to the spot that would be easy for me to shoot from but we couldn’t find them. So we decided to get up higher to get a better view. We walked through a wash where there was like thousands of knocked over trees and a bunch of big boulders. It sounds easy but it wasn’t. As we were walking, the pigs were starting to get spooked but we didn’t know it. We finally got over to the second place we thought we would be able to see them from. We stood there a few minutes and looked for the pigs, we knew we were close to them and should be able to see them. All of the sudden the pigs started running up the mountain that we were on. I tried to hurry and get ready for the shot but they were running too fast for me to even find them in my scope. By the time I did find them, they were already too far away for me to shoot. The whole plan got messed up. Since it was getting dark we started heading up to the road above us where Steve

would pick us up and take us back to camp. My Dad and I were so tired and I had cuts all over my hands, arms, and face from the brush that my Dad calls, “come an get you bushes” but I didn’t care, I was having a blast. When we got back to camp everyone was there standing around the camp fire. We all started talking about my close calls of the day. By now it’s getting late, we decided to make dinner and go to bed. Day 1 Was over, I kept telling myself, “Don’t worry, I have 2 more days.”

Day 2, we got up early and ate breakfast. As we got packed up to leave, I

noticed everyone in camp was going with us to help me today. We decided everyone would

DAy 2


split up on a couple different mountains to glass. Once my Dad and I got to our spot to glass, a little later we got a call from Jerrod, he said he glassed up some pigs. I was excited as we drove over to him. He showed us where they were and my Dad and I got ready to hike after the pigs. This time all 9 of my Dad’s friends were there. I was thinking I’d better not mess this up, there are too many witnesses. I couldn’t wait to see the pigs once we started after them. Once we got to our spot the pigs, were in a wash a little bit below us. I got all set up to take the shot but the pigs fed into a tree near them where I couldn’t see them. We waited a good 5 minutes before 1 finally came out. I hurried to get set up again and by this time I was nervous. That pig disappeared but another pig came out and another and another. They were walking too fast and I just needed one to stop so I could take the shot. After about another 5 minutes no more pigs came out. By this time all my dads friends surrounded the area so my dad was on the radio seeing if anyone had the pigs but the area was so thick we had lost them. Rather than spooking them we decided to pull out. Once back to the truck I was feeling bummed out that I really didn’t even get a chance. My Dad and uncle Bryan glassed that area for a good 30 minutes with no luck. I was upset but got over it quickly. By this time it was afternoon so we went back to camp to eat lunch. After lunch we headed back out. This time my Dad, Mark, Dale and I would go to one place. Steve, uncle Bryan, and Ryan would go to another and Jerrod, Scott and some other guys would go to another place. We all got set up to start glassing and about 20 minutes later uncle Bryan called my dad and said he’s got pigs. He told us they were a long ways away and since the sun was going down we figured we didn’t have enough time and we would use them for a back up plan for tomorrow. While we were glassing there was a constant smell of pigs, it was really strong. About 10 minutes after uncle Bryan called, Jerrod call and said he had pigs that we had time to get on. We all rushed to the trucks and drove to Jerrod real fast. I was excited again, more pigs. Once we got to Jerrod, he told us where they were. My Dad, Mark and I hiked over to them and the rest of my Dad’s friends stayed there to spot for us. When we finally got to the pigs, they were all over the little hill just grazing and getting ready to bed down. I got situated and comfortable and ready to take the shot. I had a feeling I was going to miss but I kept my hopes up. I lined my cross hairs up on one of the pigs and I counted to 3 and shot. The pigs all ran and scattered. The pig I shot at did his little buck and run. My Dad thought I may have hit it, Mark

and I said I missed. Being unsure, my Dad called some of his friends down to help look. Soon after, my uncle Bryan, Ryan, Jerrod, and Steve showed up to help my dad to make sure I missed the pig. It was getting dark so Mark and I decided to head back to the truck while they looked. The sun was below the mountain to the right of us, the sky was a pinkish color, the breeze was slightly blowing, it was nice out. Walking back to the truck I was a little upset that I missed but hey, it had to happen sooner or later. Mark and I finally got to the truck, we sat on the ground and enjoyed the weather and talked for awhile. I taught him how to text using T9 word on his cell phone while we waited. We watched all the flashlights wandering around the hill. Once the guys returned to the truck they told me, “No blood.” I was so relieved it was a clean miss but I felt sick inside that I missed. On the way back to camp my Dad and Mark were telling me that they’ve all been there and at least the animal was not wounded and thats why they call it hunting, to have a successful hunt you don’t always have to kill. I was still shocked that I had missed but I didn’t feel as sick inside anymore. When we got to camp we ate dinner then sat around the campfire talking about what happened and telling hunting stories. Steve told me, “You gotta work hard and earn this one.” I had a good time around the campfire that night. It was getting late by now so we all went to bed. We had a big day tomorrow because it was the last day of my hunt that we could go on.

Day 3 I woke up and laid there for awhile, Scott hollered at my dad to get up, he said ok. I figured I should get up and get dressed. I went outside and headed straight to the fire to get warmed up.

I couldn’t wait to leave to go hunting again. Everyone ate breakfast and got the trucks packed up. We were all ready to head out for the final time. We all jumped in the trucks and went to the spot where the day before, my uncle had glassed up pigs that were way too far away since it was going to be getting dark soon. We got out of the truck and everyone went to different areas to glass. It was extremely windy, my Dad told me I’m probably not going to have much luck today because of the wind. That bummed me out. Dad and uncle Bryan talked on the phone for a little bit. My Dad told me uncle Bryan found the pigs that were too far away. I said, “Oh” and walked back to the truck and sat inside because the wind was so strong I couldn’t stand it anymore. A couple minutes later my Dad came over to the truck. He said those pigs are my

DAy 3


only option because of how windy it was. I really didn’t want to walk that far in the wind so my dad gave me the option of going after the pigs or going back to camp and packing up to go home. I didn’t want to do either and I sat there and thought for a long time deciding what to do. After 10 minutes I said, “Okay let’s go get those pigs.

My Dad called Jerrod, Steve, uncle Bryan, and Ryan to tell them we are going after the pigs. We jumped in the truck and headed a little closer to the pigs on a road that was bumpy and rocky. We finally parked and made a game plan with everyone. We decided that Steve, uncle Bryan, my Dad, and I were going to hike the mountains while Ryan and Jarrod would stayed at the trucks to guide us. After we made sure we had everything, we started hiking. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I kept telling myself I have to shoot a pig this time, it would be my last chance. I was getting tired of hiking straight uphill at the pace we were on but we had a long way to go which I

found out later was over a mile and a half one way. About half way we stopped and talked about the next plan. It was decided that we would stop just under where the pigs were and my dad would stay back and spot us. Meanwhile Steve, uncle Bryan and I would go up and over the next hill to get above them since we had a bad wind so I could get a good shot. My Dad told uncle Bryan to get me within 110 yards and uncle Bryan said, “Don’t worry, we will get her pretty close.” We started walking again and the closer we got, the more nervous I was. Finally, we got close enough to where we could see the pigs with our eyes. We had to be even more quiet now because we were under 150 yards. The wind died down a bit but it was still pretty windy, we had to use the powder stuff you blow out of a bottle to tell what direction the wind was blowing. Every step I took, I got more and more excited. I could see the pigs feeding, there were a lot of them that we hadn’t seen until now. uncle Bryan ranged us 100 yards away, we knew we could get closer without


spooking them. Since it was so rocky with a lot of trees, it was going to take some time. It was really hard to not make any noise, we literally had to tip toe the whole way. We reached the spot to get a good shot, we were about 85 to 90 yards away. The pigs were feeding up the opposite hill, they never heard us or got spooked while we were walking closer to them. I sat down and got set up to take the shot. I put a bullet in my gun and lined up a pig in my cross hairs, held my breath, counted to 3, and pulled the trigger. I shot the pig.

All he did was stand there, it almost seemed like he was trying to stretch. All the other pigs ran up the hill, there were a lot of lines of pigs running. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many pigs before. We waited to see what was going to happen next. While we waited, I had my hand over my mouth trying not to cry with excitement. A few seconds later Steve handed me another bullet to put in my gun, I put it in and cocked it, I looked in my scope, lined up the pig in my cross hairs and shot. This time I missed, I was a couple of inched too high. My uncle loaded my gun again and I lined the cross hairs up again and shot, now he was laying on his stomach. We loaded my gun one more time just in case I might need to shoot again. I took a deep breath as I looked at Steve and uncle Bryan, they both had a big smile. I have been waiting all week and all weekend for this moment and it finally came. I was so happy and excited. We all gave big hugs and high fives, after we calmed down Steve walked over to make sure the pig was dead. While Steve walked over there I was replaying what happened and how fast it happened in my mind.

Steve gave us the thumbs up he was dead. When we got to my pig I was excited, we got him out of the bush to set him up to take pictures. While uncle Bryan called my Dad to tell him to come over to us I just sat there staring at the pig. About 10 minutes later my Dad got to us. As soon as he did, he gave me a big hug almost knocking me over. He had a big smile and said congratulations. We starting taking pictures, everyone was switching back and forth taking turns taking pictures with me and my pig and I was having a great time. After about the 30 minute photo session, my Dad and I started cleaning my pig. Once we were done, we tied my pig to my uncle’s pack and headed back to the truck. Steve gave me a big hug and said, “You sure did earn this one”. I smiled and hugged him back. I was so tired, out of breath, and didn’t want to hike any more but unfortunately I had to. I was very happy that I shot my second pig. After a hour hike we were back to

the truck. I was so glad that hike was over. We put everything in the trucks and headed back to camp. While we were driving everyone was saying how proud they were of me and how hard I worked for this pig, I felt really proud of myself. When we got to camp everyone wanted a picture all together, so we posed my pig and everyone got behind me and Jody (my stepmom) took the picture. I think everyone had a lot of fun that weekend. I had the most amazing experience ever. Like Steve said, I think I earned this one. I want to thank Steve, uncle Bryan, Ryan, Mark, Jerrod, Papa Dennis, Scott, Dale, Jody, my little sister Alyssa, and my Dad for helping me out.

I couldn’t have done it without you.


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!


AES ANNUAL BANQUET

th

anniversaryanniversary

This Banquet was an extra special one as the Arizona Elk Society celebrated our 10th Anniversary. The event was a

great success with over 600 guests in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the sale of the Arizona Commissioners Elk Tag for $94,000!

Altogether, we were able to raise over $250,000 for the benefit of wildlife habitat in Arizona.

Captain Kyle Maschner brough emotions to the surface as he recounted his story about an American Flag that hung in his aircraft. The flag was auctioned off, bringing in lots of money for wildlife habitat and it will now hang forever in memory of our fallen soldiers. Captain Maschner was part another special moment by the Color Guard which allowed all attendees to show our respect and honor for our troops who put their lives on the line each day.


As usual, we had some fierce bidding for fantastic Live Auction items including the 10th Anniversary Loren Yellowhair custom belt buckle that went for $6500 and a Tomcar from Sanderson Ford. Great deals were to be had on Guided Elk Hunts, incredible Fishing Trips and much more.

Thanks go out to all of our Corporate Tables, Sponsors, donors, attendees and volunteers. There were some new Blitzes for guns, Toner Knives and more.

The volunteers kept the party going and we raised a bunch of money for Elk and wildlife habitat here in Arizona where all of the money will stay. Check out our website at arizonaelksociety.org for more pictures from the Banquet.


AG TurfAlan KorwinAlpine Grill

American RVApollo Animal HospitalArchery Headquarters

Archery SouthwestArizona Cardinals

Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Shooting

SolutionsArizona Wildlife Outfitters

Baldwin HomesBales Farms

Banning Motor SportsBarbara Applebee

Bear Mountain SportsBill & Kathi Walp

Bill ManleyBob Barber

Bobbie BalthazorBonnie Williams

Brakes PlusBush Valley Café

Cabela’sCamo Collections

Cate MunozCharles Havronek

Cherry Creek LodgeChristian WolffChristine ShawChuck Decker

Continental Divide KnivesCookie Nicoson

Copperstate Tire Co.Corky RichardsonCorner ArcheryCowgirl Crusade

Crazy Trees and WeedsCrystal Clear Pools

D Maniatis Charitable Foundation

Danny HowardDavid Baril

Debbie SampsonDelaneys Auction & Furniture Liquidators

Denise Manley

Dianne DavisDillon Precision

Double Buck TaxidermyDrake Commercial

MaintenanceErnest Apodoca

Excudilla Mountain Cabins

Fort Bowie Vineyard & Orchard

Fraser Safaris New Zealand

Freddie CampbellFull Draw Guides

& OutfittersGary & Lin Maschner

Gary WilliamsGeorge Lockwood Studios

Gone Fishing LodgeGrand Canyon AirlinesGreg & Annette NaffHannigan Meadows

LodgeHanson Aggregates

Harry CarlsonHay Hook Adventures

Hays Cooling & HeatingHeritage Metalworks

High Desert Communications

Horstman’s Kodiak Guide Service

Hubbard’s Yellowstone Outfitters

Hunt Tek LLCIron & AntlersJanet LeRoy

Jim & Laila WoodJim & Suzy Carney

Jim ShellyJohn & Esther Cadzow

John FeuerherdJohn Tuter

Joseph KrejciJoseph Wulfkuhle

Kauffman Enterprises LLCKeepsake Trophy

& Engraving

Keith BergerKen AlexanderKenetrek Boots

KNIXKolsrud Enterprises LLC

Landmark Valuation Service

Layke, IncorporatedLong Valley Service

Macayo’s RestaurantsMark & Kathi NixonMcFall Tire & Auto

McMillan Group InternationalMile Marker

Mount Carmel SafarisMountain Hi Lodge

My Gun ProNolin Fire Sprinklers Inc.

Outdoorsman’s WarehousePacific West

RepresentativesPatrick SwaffordPaul Bunyan’s Firewood, Inc.

Performance CartridgesPerformance Suspension

Peter EkholmPonderosa Outfitters

Prime Time Thermographics

PrimosPSE Archery

Purdy in the PinesPure Elements SalonPursuit Taxidermy Inc

Racks HuntingRainshower Apiaries, Inc

Ray EvridgeRealty Executives

Regional Pavement Maintenance

Rockin H OutfittersRonning Landscaping IncRoosevelt Rough Riders

Ruffs Sporting GoodsSafari Club International

Salome Auto PartsSami Fine Jewelry

Sanderson FordScott Horn

Silver Creek Golf ClubSKB

Southwest Urologic Specialists

Southwestideas.comSportsman’s Concrete

Sportsman’s WarehouseStep Daddy Ladder

Steve & Lori McGaugheySteve Clark

Steve LewellanStraight Arrow Outfitters

Strictly DieselSun Country Lawn

ServiceSunrise Resorts @

Clint WellsSwan Mountain Outfitters

Swarovski OpticsTal-Wi-Wi SaloonTerramar Sports

The Arizona Fishing Guides LLC.

The Best of the WestThe McGaughey Boys

The Pork ShopThomason Family

InsuranceTimber Creek Art WorksTom & Janet Bowman

Tucker Tire & AutoUni-Daptor

Von Hanson’s Wild Game Processing

Walt GodbehereWeatherby

Wilderness Beach LodgeWindmill Ranch Photography & Cowboy FotosYe Old Tavern

Yellowhair Buckles

many thanks 2011 banquet donors!AES ANNUAL BANQUET

th

anniversaryanniversary


Many thanks to all of the volunteers that made our Arizona Elk Society 10th Anniversary Banquet a Success. Almost four months of hard work and one long night ended up raising lots of money to go towards Arizona elk herds and their habitat. The Banquet volunteers deserve a great “atta-boy” for putting it all together. You all did a great job!

This year, the Arizona Elk Society gave out three scholarships to very deserving students. These students are very involved in their community and two of them have volunteered for many wildlife habitat projects and other events for groups that give back to our hunting heritage and the outdoors.

For the high school seniors going on to college, the $1000 Scholarship went to Megan Naff (pictured). If you have been to any of the AES events and projects you have seen Megan helping out any where she is needed. The $750 College

Scholarship went to Jim Herrero from Kingman, Arizona. Jim is very involved with the Mohave Sportsman Club. The continuing College Scholarship went to Hillary Hibbard. Hillary is continuing her college education in a outdoor-related field dealing with Animal Science at uofA...Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!

Arizona Elk Society President Steve Clark presented Sharon Eichelberger with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AES. Sharon is the current Past President of the Arizona Elk Society after serving the first 5 years of our existence. Besides spending numerous hours as the President and still residing on the Executive Board, Sharon has been the Banquet Chairwomen for all Ten Years that the AES has been in existence. Wapiti Weekend is another one of Sharon’s passions – you can find Sharon running the kitchen at the event every year. For many years, Sharon has cooked and served the meals at most of the work Projects. To say that Sharon has been and continues to be an important part of the Arizona Elk Society would be a huge understatement...Thank You Sharon for all you do!

arizona’s #1 volunteers

banquet moments


I am totally thrilled with the new technology that’s out there. Recently, “BB” has also moved up the technological list. For our past few meetings, he had been using his Hoofberry to contact me. Well, he finally upgraded and is now using a tInephone . The tInephone has a fairly elaborate set of applications that “BB” has become enamored with. I was somewhat surprised to get a text message from him requesting our quarterly meeting. He had an attachment that utilized the GPS coordinates and all I had to do was follow the pin that kept getting closer and closer as I drove out to meet him. I have to admit, I was fascinated by how well “BB” was adjusting to our new world. As I got closer however, I was treated to something that I never thought I would see in a million years. The whole hillside was covered with flickering candles. Mind you, I was miles from anything, and seeing a shimmering hillside really blew me away. I pulled off the road and parked under a stand of Ponderosa trees.

As soon as I got out of the truck, I could hear “BB” calling my name. “Get up here boy” he said, “I want you to take a video of this.” I walked up to “BB” and calmly asked “Okay “BB”, just what the heck is going on here? “ I could plainly see that there were hundreds of elk and all had candles that were lit and mounted in small rock piles all across the hill. The elk were swaying to some kind of rhythmic beat and I could tell they were pretty emotional about what was going on. “BB” just gave me that loopy grin of his and started with the explanation. “I saw a video clip on my tInephone about a recent meeting that was held at the Sheraton downtown. There were a bunch of people that were holding this candle light vigil for those damn horses. Seems that they don’t want a single horse to be injured or removed from the landscape of the west along with their runty half brothers that are called burros. I decided that if humans could do

something that dumb, then maybe we could get a clip sent down to the Valley to show how mean and cruel it is to us elk that you very effectively remove us each year but are showing all this preferential treatment for an animal that was never on this continent until 500 years ago. We deserve the same treatment that those other animals get. We have our rights too!”

I have to admit, I was stumped. I remember getting a phone call from Ron Eichelberger asking me if I was planning on attending the candlelight vigil that was being held by the wild horse groups. We both knew that there was no way in hell I would go to the vigil. Science and logic have all pointed to the fact that sooner or later some wild horses and burros had to be culled off the land. You simply cannot keep a herd growing and growing year after year without bad results. The results have been landscapes that can no longer sustain massive amounts of animals. The BLM has done all that they could and have held round ups to remove some of the excessive amounts of animals. Arizona Game & Fish Director Larry Voyles testified in Washington D.C. that wild horses and burros have a tremendous impact on habitat and that they have to be removed from the areas that will not sustain any herd growth. BuT!!! The horse advocates don’t see it that way and they want more room and more animals on the ranges across the southwest. I was proud of “BB” for standing up for all the other animals that use the habitat. How could I explain to “BB” that elk can be hunted and horses cannot?

“Well “BB”, we live in the united States. This country does not serve horse meat in any restaurants. Wild horses are viewed as a symbol of the old west and people attach a tremendous amount of emotion to wild horses. Logic and science do not have any meaning to those folks. Anyone

“bb”s candLeLight vigiLby John Koleszar


who really lives out here knows that we have to have a balance and that balance gets harder to maintain every year.” “BB” shook his huge head (he had a nice new growth of antlers starting by the way) and said, “Humans manage to screws things up all the time. If you served up a well-done horse steak and a well done elk steak, I don’t think you could tell the difference. I want there to be horse hunts each fall. Why not get a trophy stallion hunt?” I knew that his simple logic was right on the mark. Again, I had no answers. He pulled out his tInephone and showed me where he had Googled up the new pledge of allegiance to horses. The writer is an individual named R.T. Fitch and it goes like this: I pledge allegiance to the wild equines of the United States of America and to the icon for which they stand, one symbol, understood undeniable with liberty and freedom for all.

“I want you to take this pledge and make everyone put the word “Elk” in place of “Equines”. Then I want you to have everyone in the AES take this pledge.” “BB” was on a roll and I felt more than a little uncomfortable. I looked over the pledge and said,” “BB”, this stuff is a little too over the top for us to take to the public. We would be seen as just as loony as the horse folks are. I think a better way is to let folks know how wrong it is to love something to death like they are doing now. We know what they are trying to do and I don’t think it will ever get to the point where horses overrun an elk herd.” “BB” gave me a deep growl and said “Have you seen all the feral horses that now live all across the Rim? Don’t give me any feel-good stories right now. This could be big trouble.” I had to agree, horses are now totally

unafraid of humans all across the units that “BB” and I travel. Given a 20 year period, I could see where the habitat could be so damaged that a great elk habitat will be degraded much like unit 4B is after the sheep drives. Finally, “BB” showed me some numbers that really hit home. “Here are some statistics that I also Googled up. China goes through over 400,000 tons of horse meat each year. Japan loves to eat them, Frenchmen swear by them and even Canadians like to eat them. Hello! Why not send them over to those countries. We don’t have to eat them, but if we can feed that many across other nations why not do it?” I stared at “BB” and could not defeat his logic. I know that his theory is right on. I also know that litigation would prevent any of his ideas from being fulfilled.

I knew I had to get back to the Valley and I walked with “BB” over to the truck. The impact of all the elk holding a vigil was profound and I felt more than a little sad. I turned to “BB” and said, “I know that sooner or later we will have to remove horses. Maybe we will have to file lawsuits, maybe we will have to try and battle with your emotions. But you have to know that we care deeply about all the wildlife and you in particular. We won’t let you down “BB”.”

The ride home let me have time to think more clearly. I often wonder what the future holds when I read something like the Equine Pledge of Allegiance. I wonder how all the wildlife professionals can have no impact on emotion. Then I truly get scared.


The excitement of going pig hunting can only be captured by a phone call from my grandson Jeffery telling me that unit 18B had left over tags and we can just go buy them! This was a primitive weapons hunt.

I could not turn down that excitement, so I called my brother and got him to bring his son Eric and my son Mike, Jeff and I went pig hunting with our pistols.

We hunted just north of the Santa Marie River. This is rough country, lots of boulders, steep canyons and cactus all over the place. We had hunted this area before so we had a good idea where to find the pig.

Jeffery, Mike and I were working a small canyon when we heard that distinctive sound of feeding pigs. Jeffery sits down get his binos out and is watching six or seven pigs at 30 yards. Mike hands me some shooting sticks and my Colt Python 357 mag barks. The dumb pig takes off which I can’t quite believe and I fire a couple more shots as he moves up the canyon.

As soon as the dust settles, our little guy Jeff, runs over

to where the pig was and yells, there is blood, you got him. We were off on the blood trail and a short distance later our pig was piled up. Jeff helped with the gutting and dragging of this pig back to the road where the truck picks us up and pictures are taken.

The next afternoon we are back in the same area. Mike and Jeff were going to work an area where we felt there were more pigs. My knee was bothering me so I decided to not work that rough ol’ canyon. Jeff and his Dad worked into the pigs and I got a call on the radio giving me a blow by blow description of everything right up until the shot.

Even though Jeff didn’t shoot the pig, he was in on all aspects of the hunt. He had heard his dad and I talking about last years’ pig hunt, how much fun it is to hunt with primitive weapons, how much fun hunting pigs is. Letting them participate and getting them involved is how we retain and keep these young hunters.

On the way back home to watch the Super Bowl, I heard Jeff ask his Dad when is it that he can take his hunter safety course? Touchdown!

“BB” first appeared in the early fall of 2005. Since that time I have included him in each issue of the “Tracker” newsletter. When I first started writing about my mythical bull friend, there was no master plan regarding where he would go, or what he would say. The response from the readers of the newsletters has been gratifying. On more than one occasion, I have been asked where the thoughts about “BB” come from and how did I develop a particular story. The truth of the matter is that over time, “BB” has expressed the thoughts of what I perceive wildlife would have if they had the ability to think and speak. The beauty of “BB” is that he has no political background, no developed social awareness and therefore no worries about anything other than wildlife and habitat. Certainly I have let him voice opinions on everything from OHV’s to commissioners, to technology and so forth. There have been instances where he has made comments that could be construed as being a bit edgy, but if one were to look

through the eyes of a magnificent bull elk who is simply trying to survive from one season to the next, then perhaps we could give him the benefit of the doubt. Many times I

have talked with the Arizona Game & Fish Department personnel regarding issues that would affect our elk herd. From those conversations, I have added my mythical friend as the source of sometimes preachy, sometimes grumpy, but always unique outlooks. I would like to thank the Board of Directors from the Arizona Elk Society and specifically Sharon Eichelberger and Steve Clark, who always got a first read and who over the years have borne the brunt of anyone getting their nose out of joint when “BB” has made

a caustic comment or two. I have had remarkably limited amount of intervention, editing, or oversight and therefore have been free to wheel and deal with “BB” wherever my limited creative juices would flow. Thank you to all and I hope that “BB” and I can continue to try and entertain those who choose to read about my close mythical friend.

T H E history o f “b b” b y J o h n K o l e s z a r

retaining neW huntersby Doug Stancill

I left Arizona just yesterday morning and now I am in Montana. Weary from driving, bugles still rotate in my mind like cloths in a drier. Four days ago I shot a 6x6 bull with my bow, now another chance. Luck blessed me this year, drawn twice, in two different states. I am now only a few hours away from my new elk camp where I will meet up with Arizona friends.

If you drive through Yellowstone Montana and still think that God didn’t create this country, then we better sit down and have

a talk. Taking pictures is pointless. The lens can not capture the beauty that abounds around each and every corner. If I get lost

along the trail here, don’t come looking for me. I’m right where I want to be; lost in the Big Sky and endless land a roll of film could never hold. It is here where the grass grows thick, golden wheat in color, squeezing the rivers edge that I fell in love. Its canvas a back drop for elk trails carved deep in its flattened paths. I don’t see them now, but there presences still remain in the meandering trails that come and go to the rivers edge. It is at this bend in the road where I stop my truck, to suck in icy September air and breathe out the warm mist of a hunter’s passion as I stretch my legs and gaze.

I arrive at elk camp later this afternoon. My first thought is “This isn’t Kansas anymore Toto.” The Absorka wilderness is one of many reasons why Montana is called Big Sky country. It is also home to elk. In the dense mountain slopes, granite plates slice skyward. Pushed up from molten forces down below, exposing mother natures inside. Trees, as close as my hand and far away as Heaven, cover the granite creating the mystique of this wild land which has given birth to a spiritual breeze now swirling my scent. The forest floor is covered with yellow and green moss, grasses, and ferns. Lichen grow old with the passing of each season. Howling winds have blown over trees, exposing stumps of bunched toothpicks. Creeks appear from nowhere, cut into the ground with the grace

Montana on My Mind

by Patrick Weise


of a master painter. The wind titters the tree tops, making eyes dizzy if you gaze for too long. They rub and creak like wooden stairs full of life as they talk among themselves. Moisture everywhere brings life. Mosses grow on granite rocks. Doug fir trees drop seeds that germinate nestled amongst the moss. Seedlings grow with tender thread-like roots, burrowing deep into the hair-line cracks the granite rock hides. Season after season, the seedling grows taller, stronger, and wider. Soon the granite rock cracks, splintering flakes from its inside to the ground. The root as soft as an onion bulb pushes relentlessly against the granite walls till it reaches soil and creates a two inch opening at the base of the splitting rock. Flakes of granite slowly decompose, enriching the soil only to be consumed by the young sapling. Such is the way in Big Sky country. Where men and elk grow strong and wise before they succumb to forces greater than the granite. Where rooted memories take hold of ones soul, and blow-down trees lye on the ground, saw-dusting away in their sleep.

It is here in this place that I make camp with friends, cooking them tenderloin tonight from my Arizona bull. The taste of grilled meat awakens our taste buds, creating a desire for bloody arrows with more warrior stories to tell.

The next morning we group together setting up in a triangle patterns with one shooter


and two callers behind. We move from spot to spot. Set up to set up. I am a caller this time and move into position. I lay my bow down and pull from my pocket five cow calls. I drop to my knees sitting on the heels of my feet. I lay the calls in front of me. I pick up one and blow a seductive sweet something through the air followed by a hyper-lipped desire over my right shoulder. I keep changing calls sounding like multiple cows, and then quickly grab my bugle and blow. From inside of me a scream erupts to cut through the forest air. The forest replies, an elk bugles back. Its call echoes through the trees, into the ravines then gets absorbed into my soul. This bold out of nowhere reply sends electricity from head to toe in me, disrupting peace in Eden.

I wait a minute then continue the subtleness of love whispers from my five cow calls. Before I finish the fourth call I’m interrupted. An angry herd voice beckons from the darkness of the thick forest behind me. I spin around, grabbing my bow and nock an arrow. In the distance, branches are being broke. The distinct sound of hardened bone battling a defenseless brittle pine tree fills the air. The sound stops as a moment of silence deadens the air before a hell-bent bugle belittles my own. I grab my bugle and cut off his trumpeting call, defying his presence and authority. I curse him back realizing I have just picked a fight. Again in front of me a thrashing sound. A terrorizing multitude of branches being broke and thrown with anger.

Jumping to my feet I walk over to a dead tree. Two can play at this game. I begin to kick off its lower branches with the heel of my boot. The snap of crackling branches fills the air like echoes in a canyon. Adrenalin fills my veins as I begin to shake. The bull replies back as if to say, “How dare you. In my bedroom?” I cut him off again by grabbing an old tree limb lying on the ground. Holding the limb as if


it were an ax, I chop away. Right side then left side. I beat a firm tree into submission till I am out of breath.

I raise my head to see movement coming toward me. I let go of the branch and drop back to my knees, retrieving my bow. His head is down as he approaches, like a hound dog on a scent trail. With each step his massive rack of antlers swaggers right, and then left, in a no-hurry boast. With his eyes facing down, and his neck hairs raised up, I can not believe he is walking directly at me. When I think the moment is right I come to full draw. Still he struts toward me. At twenty-five yards he turns to his right giving me a moving broadside shot.

Slender naked pine trees stand like sentinels only feet apart, blocking all shots. The bull is about to step into an opening three feet wide and I decide to shoot there. He steps into view and the arrow leaves me in haste. Startled and stung, the bull jerks and jumps as the arrow sinks deep into his chest. He starts to run as I blow my mouth call. Without any spit, I expire the remaining air my lungs hold. The sound that emerges is horrific. It sounds nothing like a cow elk, but its intense hyper-lip pitch stops the bull at eighty yards. He stands broadside, his chest heaving. With blood dripping, he looks for what has stung him, and then walks off.

Regrouping, we give him an hour to lay up. With friends help, we quickly locate blood and



start to follow. Evening starts to press us, but flashlights and willpower keep us moving us from one blood splatter to another. His path leads us to a hidden mountain lake. Was he liver shot? Was he thirsty? Our flashlights scan the lake. No antlers protruding, no bull at the waters edge. After hours of looking we leave to continue our search in the morning.

On a golden pond the twinkling of sunlight reflects deep into our eyes as we scan the surface. For hours again we search to no avail. For me, hours turn into days and then into a week. No crows circling the sky, no rejoicing wolfs singing song, just tired feet and legs my mind drags back to camp each day after circling the lake once again. There is an inward value inside of me that has propelled these outward legs to search for so long each day. Not all is lost though. There are wonderful experiences we all encounter, friendships are strengthened, and before we leave camp someone’s arrow does bring a bull down quickly. Though packing the meat out of the forest is a bitter sweet reminder for me.

I drive home with no meat in the cooler, no antlers strapped to my pickup. My trophy resides within. Inside of me a thread-like root has found a crack to pierce. The root is swelling to take on the shape of an onion bulb. I can feel the strength of Sampson within as granite forces give way.

in memoriamIn memoriam donation made to honor

Walt Nicoson

braggin’ board

“I am a member of the Arizona Elk

Society, and this past December I shot

my first Bull Elk. The Elk was taken in the

Escudilla region of Unit 1. He gross scored

287 inches, and weighed 620 lbs. It was

an awesome experience”

John Candito

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

The new McMillan CustomCollection of premium hunting rifles offers the discriminatingsportsman the finest infirearms engineering.

Aerospace tolerances, benchrest accuracy, military ruggedness … all sculpted with the lines of a sleek sports car. Choose from seven different models, many available for immediate delivery. Visit our website to view the complete line.

AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE, YOUDESERVE TO OWN THE FINEST RIFLETHAT TECHNOLOGY CAN CREATE.

AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE, YOUDESERVE TO OWN THE FINEST RIFLETHAT TECHNOLOGY CAN CREATE.

Scope optional, 2009©

Dynasty™

7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, 338 Win Mag

Dynasty™

270 WSM, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 WSM,300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag

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

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

Arizona ELk Society Habitat Partners

Cabela’s Sponsor Partner

Sharon and John Stuckey Royal Partner

Sportsman’s Warehouse Sponsor Partner

Tom & Janet BowmanSponsor Partner

Harry Carlson Imperial Partner

Pacific West Representatives Supporting 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+

Rick Schmidt+Tom Schorr

Gregory StaintonDouglas Stancill

Vashti “Tice” Supplee+Dan TaylorJohn Toner

Corey TunnellRick Vincent, SrDon Walters, Jr

Dee White Larry White+

Mark WorischeckJoseph Worischeck

Chuck 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


P.O.Box 190 Peoria, AZ 85380

CHANGE SERVICES REQUESTED

NON-PROFITuS POSTAGE

PAIDPhoenix, AZ

Permit No. 5572

upcoming events

juLy 16-17 juLy 30 sept 2-5

may 14-15 june 11-12 june 18-19

buck springs Work project

unit 5a, se of clints Wells

slate Lakes Work project

unit 7e, northwest of flagstaff hwy 180

aes elk clinicphx, fop Lodge #2

burro creek annual Work project

unit 1, big Lake area

coconino county fairflagstaff, aZ

aes Wapiti Weekend

sipe White mountain Wildlife area, springerville

tracker first quarter 2011

Documents

r t e r

jr bill wasbo

sr don walters

s t q u

cabelas employees

good products

pmarizona elk society

wide variety of products