Tracker Summer 2008

S u m m e r 2 0 0 8

2 The Tracker - Summer 2008

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AES VOLUNTEERS!

On July 12th, the AWF awarded the Arizona Elk Society their

“Conservation Organization of the Year”.Great job to all the volunteers,

Steve Clark

FOr All YOu dO...

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Founding Associate MembersDouglas Sr & Donna Obert

Founding Life MembersKen Alexander+

Michael J Anderson Ernest Apodaca, Jr+

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, SrShawn Patterson

Jan PurdyForrest Purdy

Mel Risch+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 YoungkerFounding Sustaining Members

Everett & Joyce NicosonFounding Couple Members

Bridgid & 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 BarclayDavid BarilCal Bauer

John 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 Quihuis

Mark RabyRobert 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

Arizona Elk Society 3

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

Elk hunting season is just around the corner. Good luck to all the hunters that were lucky enough to draw tags this year.

Arizona hunters and sportsmen have been very quiet about the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf in Eastern Arizona. The AES and ADA have learned that the heads of the failing wolf program are trying to change their operating procedures in order to reintroduce the number of wolves specified in their plan. Having commented on the proposed changes, the AES and ADA, along with other wildlife organizations in Arizona, are keeping a close eye on the project. Many proponents are trying to get the project boundaries expanded to include much of the quality elk and deer habitat across Arizona. I can assure all the members of the AES that we will have representation at wolf meetings across the state. This issue is very important–we don’t want Arizona to end up like Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. In these states, 300 wolves were reintroduced and now there are over 1500 wolves and still no management plans in place. In the meantime, elk herds are being decimated across these states.

On a positive note please read the article on the setting aside of an additional 4500 acres of wildlife habitat in Eastern Arizona. The Big Lake Allotment project, completed in April, adds to the previous Burro Creek project and has

resulted in over 30,000 acres set aside near Big Lake. The AES removed another 6 miles of fence in the project areas, bringing the total length of fence taken down to over 25 miles. In addition, water tanks and fences surrounding a riparian area were repaired in May and June of this year. Having visited the Big Lake area for the last three years, I’m happy to report that the wildlife are doing great.

As usual ,Wapiti Weekend was a big success. Introducing youth to hunting and the outdoors over a two-day event at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is very rewarding for both participants and volunteers. This year all of the volunteers and donors stepped up to help make the event a huge success.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and donors that have helped at the work projects and Wapiti Weekend. Without the great support we get from all of you, these events would not have the impact that they do on wildlife habitat and our youth.

If you would like to volunteer for projects and events please let us know. The AES is always looking for more volunteers to help with our current events and with enough new volunteers we can continue to grow and expand. Go to www.arizonaelksociety.org and find our email addresses or phone numbers. While you are there, don’t forget to sign up for the AES email newsletter to stay up-to-date on events


pRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Steve Clark

ExECUTIVE BOARDPresident ......................................... Steve Clark

Vice President .................... Ron Eichelberger

Treasurer................................. Cookie Nicoson

Secretary ....................................Chuck Decker

Past President ..............Sharon Eichelberger

You may contact any officers,

board members or committee chairs at

[email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORSShawn Carnahan

Carl Hargis

Glen Jones

Steve McGaughey

Jim Mullins

Gary Maschner

Tom Schorr

Greg Stainton

John Toner

COMMITTEE CHAIRSBanquet .......................... Sharon Eichelberger

& Cookie Nicoson

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

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

Projects ..................................Ron Eichelberger

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

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

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

Scholarship ......................... Wendy Stressman

& Shelly Hargis


President’s Message by Steve Clark ........................................ 4

Upcoming Events .................................................................. 5

In the Crosshairs: Commission vs Sportsmen…Again by John Koleszar ................................................................. 6

AES Completes Big Lake Allotment Realignment by Steve Clark ..................................................................... 7

Are Mexican Wolves Hybrids? Plans for Expansion? by Karen Warnick............................................................. 8-9

The 2008 3rd Annual Burro Creek Fence Project by Karen Warnick......................................................... 10-11

OHV Bill Passes…Viet Cong in Senate? by John Koleszar ............................................................... 12

AES Donates Water Trailer by Steve Clark .............................. 12

Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest Pinyon Juniper Removal by Steve Clark ................................................................... 13

Wapiti Weekend Youth Camp by Karen Warnick ............... 14-18

Wolf Legends and Myths Exposed by Karen Warnick ......... 20-21

BB’s Column: Summer Time with “BB” by John Koleszar .......................................................... 22-23

Habitat Happenings by Steve Clark ................................. 24-25

On Target by John Toner ...................................................... 27

My First Arizona Big Game Hunt by Mitchell Jones ................. 28

Governor Appoints Norm Freeman to Arizona Game and Fish Commission reprinted from AZGFD E-news blast ................ 29

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

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

UpCOMING EVENTSAugust 9th, 6-9pm

AES Annual Meeting & Board Elections Cabela’s Glendale

October 10, 11 & 12th Unit 1 Champs Hunt Camp

October 16, 17, 18 & 19th Unit 6A Junior Elk Camp,

Happy Jack Lodge

October 16, 17, 18 & 19th Units 3A & 3C Junior Elk Camp

Bear Springs Ranch

IN THE CROSSHAIRS: COMMISSION VS SpORTSMEN…AGAIN by John Koleszar


Have you ever believed in something and found that someone you know feels the exact opposite? If you consider that person a true friend, you can spend hours dissecting the points of contention and eventually agree to disagree. In rare instances friendships have been broken over contentious issues. In most circumstances, the simple reality is that you feel differently based on your personal value system and swaying the other’s opinion is very difficult. How you treat others during that debate process is what defines the character of an individual and quite honestly is how I evaluate people. It is very easy to be on the same page with someone and have everything flow smoothly. It is totally different when there are divergent viewpoints.

For the past four years, the Arizona Game & Fish Commissioners and sportsmen have held divergent viewpoints. This difference of opinion has recently reached the stage where it is just plain nasty. For the past month, the varying conservation groups have been debating whether or not to support a petition to the Arizona Game & Fish Commission. The purpose of the petition is to get the Commissioners to tell the legislature to cease and desist from raiding any funds that are earmarked for the Arizona Game & Fish Department. We all recognize that these are very difficult times here in Arizona. The state is on the verge of financial ruin and the legislators are attempting to create a budget. The budget for this past year was woefully short of funding and the prognosis for next year is even worse. As legislators, they seldom care a whit about sportsmen and quite honestly, most do not even begin to understand that almost all of the bills for the Arizona Game & Fish Department are paid for by sportsmen and their taxes on sporting goods. I am continually amazed at how little these voter-approved leaders know about what we do. Consequently, Arizona Sportsmen For Wildlife created the petition that urged the Commissioners to tell the legislators “Hands Off”. Therein folks lies the rub.

Almost immediately after the petition began circulating among the conservation groups, Commissioners began a series of personal lobbying asking that the conservation groups NOT support the petition. Their logic was fairly simple. They felt it tied their hands when attempting to

negotiate with the legislators and prevented them from doing their job at the capitol. If they took a position of agreement with sportsmen, then they would in effect be bound to say, “We want you to take nothing and that is all we have to say.” Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife, however, feels that if we do not take a stand, then the legislature will feel that we are “easy pickings”. From my time spent at the capitol, I have encountered many injustices of a financial nature. Repeatedly, I have been told that if someone takes your money and you don’t scream, then be prepared to lose it again next year…and the year after…and the year after. Many of the conservation groups extended time at their board meetings and let one of the Commissioners explain their position. Then a member from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife took a turn and explained their side. After each side had presented and all questions were answered, the vote was taken. That would seem to me to be part of the democratic process that we all espouse to hold dear. Sadly, that is not what happened.

Over the past two weeks there have been presentations by the Commissioners that ranged from adversarial to communicative. While not going into the ugly details, suffice it to say that we have seen perhaps the best and worst in terms of behavior. The point is that there should be mutual respect from all parties to all parties. It often feels that when ideas conflict with the beliefs of some Commissioners it becomes a win/lose battle. These battles have split the sportsmen from the Commission because of the attitudes that have been presented. For the past four years, sportsmen have drifted away from the Arizona Game & Fish Commission. The reason is very simple. There was a lack of respect and perhaps a genuine dislike for many of the conservation groups by certain Commissioners. Many times issues became sources of conflict. Certainly, sportsmen have walked away from commission hearings feeling insulted, demeaned or treated like we were worthless. If we were paid to attend these meetings or if we were employees of the Commissioners, MAYBE, they could get away with that behavior. We however, are all volunteers. We attend these meetings out of concern for wildlife and our hunting heritage. We certainly have options on how to spend our free time. We donate thousands of hours of (continued on page 27)


On April 21, 2008 the Arizona Elk Society, ranchers/permitees Dan Heap and Charles Hancock and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to rest the three riparian sensitive pastures, Mandan, Blanca Cienaga, and Round Cienaga, for a period of 5 years. The SU pasture portion of the Big Lake Allotment will be put into rotation to provide for pasture resting of other large grassland pastures every year.

Ranchers Dan Heap and Charles Hancock saw the multiple use issue of the area changing from cattle grazing to recreation because of the close proximity to the Big Lake recreation area, and approached the AES about another Burro Creek style project. Other challenges to grazing were the presence of threatened and endangered species in the area, including the Apache trout, which made it difficult for cattle grazing operations and management from the Forest Service perspective.

During the 5 years of rest, the AES will be involved in monitoring the health of the pastures. If the pastures have improved to desired conditions and the trend of consistent drought and timber encroachment have abated, the pastures may be considered for cattle grazing. Next year according to the MOU, the AES will remove all of the unneeded fences in the allotment.

Having spent a week in the area during June of 2008, I observed that there are more elk than ever in the pastures conserved by the AES from this allotment purchase and the Burro Creek Allotment purchase from 2005. 2008 has been a great year for moisture which will benefit the elk herds as well as improve the riparian areas.

Recreation and outdoor activities are changing the way the forest is being utilized in this area. Moving the cattle to areas more conducive to grazing makes it easier on the recreationist as well as the ranchers as they can better manage their cattle grazing operations.

Elk and other wildlife are the beneficiaries of more forage and space to move about without pressure from the cattle. Ranchers benefit by moving the cattle to areas of high forage production and low maintenance issues, creating a more economically viable operation. The ability to restore the riparian areas and important headwaters to the Apache Trout and other aquatic species will be another benefit of this purchase.

The Arizona Elk Society would like to thank Dan Heap and Charles Hancock for their vision to work through this project. Thanks also to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, especially Dave Dorum and Chris Bagnoli from Region I. Last but not least, thanks to the employees of the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest including Jeff Rivera, Vicente Ordonez, Virginia, Mark, Bruce and Kathy. The AES values the working relationship and partnership with all the involved parties in the Burro Creek and Big Lake Allotment Projects.

The funds available for this project were made possible through the AES Habitat Partners of Arizona Program (see page 30 for the list of donors) and the sportsmen and women that attend and contribute at our annual banquets. The Arizona Elk Society Projects Committee and Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their generosity and their help in making this critical purchase possible.

AES COMpLETES BIG LAKE ALLOTMENT REALIGNMENT

by Steve Clark


The wolf reintroduction program in the US has been fraught with controversy from the beginning. While the federal government, wildlife groups and environmentalist organizations have done a great job of “educating” the public on why wolves need to be returned to the wild, they are biased in their zeal to promote the program and have the money and political power to back them. They have the ear of the media and put out countless articles, press releases and “facts” to tell their side of the story, even though their side of the story isn’t complete. Anyone in opposition is said to be anti-wolf, trying to protect their own interests and exaggerating any problems. Those in opposition don’t have the money or power to tell their side of the story nor the means to fight the government, but they are trying and it looks like more people are listening.

In April of this year, members of New Mexico Association of Counties recently banded together to oppose the reintroduction of Mexican gray wolves into New Mexico, according to an article in The Daily Times. Quoted in the article was Tony Atkinson, chairman of San Juan County Commission, “These wolves were kicked out of Arizona. They’re not wild.” Atkinson is vice president of the Association of Counties. The resolution they made stated, “The New Mexico Association of Counties shall oppose any rule or proposed rule related to the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf that does not provide the opportunity for continual involvement of New Mexico’s county elected officials in the decision-making process.”

Closer to home, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors passed ordinance number 01-08 that takes affect this month. The ordinance is titled “An Ordinance of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, Prohibiting the Importation for Release into the Wild, or the Release into the Wild, of Certain Predatory Animals of the Genera Canis, Ursus and Felis; and Specifying Criminal Penalties for Violations.” Under the section 1.4 Applicability, it states, “The Navajo County Board of Supervisors is authorized to ‘control and destroy predatory wildlife, noxious rodents and related animals as defined by section 3-2401.’” In article 2 of the ordinance the supervisors found, “The importation

for release into the wild, or the release into the wild, of certain Predatory Animals of the genera Canis, Ursus and Felis within the boundaries of Navajo County would have a negative impact on the livestock, recreation and tourism industries and the local economy due to the loss of livestock and domestic animals and threats to human safety.”

While these ordinances and resolutions have yet to be tested in court, it’s apparent that local governments are starting to listen to their citizens and realize that the wolf program has some serious issues that need to be addressed. One of these issues is the doubt about whether the Mexican gray wolves are hybrids or purebred. On the website of the Game and Fish Department, www.azgfd.gov/wolf, one of the questions in the FAQ section asks, are the animals present in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area true wolves or hybrids? The answer given is, “According to scientists, there are three known pure lineages of the Mexican wolf: McBride, Ghost Ranch and Aragon. Geneticists have verified that each of the three lineages consist of purebred Mexican wolves.”

However, in a letter sent in 1997 to David Parsons, Mexican Wolf Recovery Program, by Roy McBride, who trapped some of the original wolves in Mexico used in the program, Mr. McBride states, “I was shocked to see that the wolves from the Ghost Ranch lineage were being included in the captive breeding program. In the early days of Mexican Wolf Recovery, the origin and genetics of the Ghost Ranch animals were discussed and investigated…In fact, the conclusion by all members of the early recovery team was that the animals were wolf-dog hybrids. This was the primary factor behind the decision to seek and capture the remaining wild population, because it was the only pure genetic stock available…By including the Ghost Ranch hybrids in the breeding program, you are threatening the validity of genetics of the entire wolf reintroduction program, both North and South…When the first Mexican wolf is killed by some rancher or trapper, and it enters the courts as a legal matter, you will never be able to convict anyone of killing a true wolf. The early records of the

ARE MExICAN WOLVES HYBRIDS? pLANS FOR ExpANSION?

Counties in Arizona, New Mexico Oppose Wolf Programby Karen Warnick, The Pioneer Newspaper


recovery meetings, the credentials of the participants, and their conclusions will be contrary to your case, and they are a matter of public record.”

Of the three lineages used in the recovery program, the McBride lineage was the wolves captured in the wild by Mr. McBride. The public records of the Environmental Impact Study, “Pedigree Analogies of Captive Population of Mexican Wolf”, listed the following statements: “the Service’s own genetic researchers cannot eliminate the possibility that the Aragon lineage originated from other wolves or a dog; This lineage and the Ghost Ranch lineage are more closely related to each other than either is to the Certified lineage based on the results of genetic analysis; Management of this lineage has been haphazard, poorly documented and characterized by extensive full sibling and parent/progeny mating; neither the founders of this lineage nor any of the animals produced by the first three generations of captive breeding were examined for purposes of establishing the alleged purity of this lineage.”

While the reports and summary made by the first team of researchers have pages of documentation that point to the very real possibility that the wolves released are hybrid, David Parson’s replied to Mr. McBride’s letter stating, “The Service rejected the first recommendation made in 1987…We believed the scientific evidence was inconclusive at that time.” Under the Endangered Species Act, hybrid wolves are not protected and this issue has left many wondering

about the validity of the entire program.

Laura Schneberger is fed up with the whole mess. She is a rancher in New Mexico, a member of the Gila County Livestock Growers and on the board of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. She also is the administrator of the website wolfcrossing.org. “Everything works against us. There is not anything that is not dirty, corrupt or underhanded about this program. We have tried to work with Fish and Wildlife and have been treated like garbage. The counties are trying to become involved and are being stonewalled.” Laura also reports that ranchers are being put out of business, many are barely hanging on and very few are getting any compensation for the numerous depredations of their livestock. The Cattle Growers have tried to sue over the hybrid issue and Laura says there is no control over the hybrids. “They don’t follow their own rules and manipulate data. They are not doing the monitoring they said they would.”

Another issue that is not being openly discussed is the plan to open up the recovery area to most of Arizona and all the way to California. According to the recovery program map approved in 1997, plans call for wolves to be introduced from I-10 to I-40 all across the state. Laura says that they have bred an extra 300 wolves starting a year ago, just in case. Calls to the Game and Fish about this issue were not returned as of this writing.

photo by George Andrejko

Volunteers Help to Restore Wildlife Habitat in Big Lake Area – AZ Elk Society, Game & Fish and Forest Service Work Together

Close to 60 volunteers from around the state, the youngest 9 and the oldest 75, spent the weekend camping and working in the forest around Big Lake. The Arizona Elk Society organized the event and brought equipment, supplies and food to feed everyone for the whole weekend. Most of the volunteers are members of the AES, and this weekend was one of many that they set up around the state every year.

Working in cooperation with the Forest Service and the Game & Fish Department, the group is clearing out old barbed wire fencing and posts to open up the area to more freedom of movement for the wildlife. The Forest Service has many challenges grazing these allotments, so the AES makes agreements to buy back the grazing permits from the ranchers and returns them to the Forest Service to rest the grazing conflict areas. They then go into the areas and remove all the unneeded pasture fencing and any other projects that need to be done. Restoring riparian areas, tearing down old corrals and fixing stock tanks and wildlife trick tanks are just some of the projects they work on besides the fence removal. The area they are working in will open up over 30,000 acres for wildlife exclusively.

Steve Clark, President of the Arizona Elk Society, says that the benefits of their projects help all wildlife as well as recreational users of the forest, ranchers and government agencies that manage the areas. “Our number one priority is to help all wildlife and restore habitat and riparian areas.” It’s not an easy job. The terrain is rough with few roads that are not in the best of shape, rocky hills, deadfall, and miles and miles of solitude. The goal for this weekend, says Steve, was to clear 8 miles of fencing. He and a small crew come in a few days early, go over the maps with Forest Service personnel and map out the areas for the work crews. The Forest Service also goes in early and clears debris from the fences and removes fallen trees so the work crews can get to the fences. Members of both the Forest Service and the Game & Fish work with the groups during the weekend. Eight or nine work areas are planned and spread out over many hundreds of acres. Everyone has radios, and Steve Clark travels back and forth checking

THE 2008 3rd ANNUAL BURRO CREEK FENCE pROjECT

by Karen Warnick, The Pioneer Newspaper



on all the crews, helping when needed and basically keeps things running smoothly.

Fence posts must be pulled, the wire taken off the poles and rolled up into bundles and all of it needs to be hauled out to the roads where a truck and dump trailer from the Game & Fish come by and pick everything up. Vincente Ordonez is a wildlife biologist with the Springerville Forest Service Ranger District and has nothing but praise for the AES volunteers. “The Elk Society volunteers are phenomenal partners to work with and they are much appreciated. They aren’t afraid of rolling up their sleeves and working hard and partnering with them has been very successful. We hope more groups jump on board like they do.”

Gary Schafer works for the Game & Fish and along with his wife Cyndi, came up from Phoenix to film the event. A video will be created for Arizona Wildlife Views TV, which will be broadcast on several local channels, including PBS. Mr. Ordonez was interviewed for the film and said the area is too difficult for grazing anymore.

The Arizona Elk Society is an all volunteer 501C3 nonprofit organization that raises money for elk habitat and youth programs. Besides member dues of $40 a year, the group does an annual fundraiser, a raffle, and applies for grants. Corporate sponsors help with supplies and equipment. Besides post pullers and wire bailers, the group has an equipment trailer and a kitchen setup. Currently there are about 1500 members statewide. Volunteers from other organizations also help on the AES projects.

Stan Bembenek is a retired professional engineer from Oracle and spends a lot of time helping out wildlife groups. He said that all the various organizations help each other out. Some of those organizations include the AZ Big Horn Sheep Society, the AZ Antelope Foundation, Arizona Deer Association, AZ Wildlife Federation and more. Stan doesn’t hunt anymore but he enjoys helping for the sake of all wildlife.

Also present this year were 5 members of Boy Scout troop 411 from St. David, Arizona, between Benson and Tombstone. The boys were working on their merit badges for Community involvement. The boys researched various nonprofit groups and picked this one to help. They earned 8 hours of back-braking credits and seemed to enjoy the whole experience. Saturday was the longest work day of the weekend and everyone was treated to a rib-eye steak dinner when they came back to camp.


On June 23, 2008 the Arizona State Senate passed SB1167, more commonly known as the OHV Bill. The way that it happened and the ensuing anger that was exhibited by Senator Ron Gould (R) from Lake Havasu made the 4-year wait worthwhile.

First and foremost, the OHV Bill has finally passed. There had been some cause for concern as the bill languished week after week in the Senate. With this appearing to be the last week of the legislature a lot of folks were prepared to face yet another year with no OHV monies, laws or guidance. Fortunately, Senator Linda Gray , the sponsor of the bill, made a bold move on Monday. With Senator Ron Gould being absent, Senator Gray made a motion to bring the bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote. Senator Huppenthal quickly seconded the motion and the voting began. As it turns out, Senator Bee (R) Tucson, the President of the Senate, cast the last and deciding vote. The measure passed with the barely required minimum of 16 votes. The cause for concern regarding Senator Gould was that he had made statements that he would personally filibuster if the bill made it to the floor. That threat was not taken lightly and the waiting for an “appropriate time” began. When Senator Gould was absent on Monday, the backers of the bill quickly

made sure it passed and was then sent to the Governor’s office.

On Tuesday, I decided to take a seat in the gallery of the Senate as the call to session was begun. I felt that Senator Gould would not miss an opportunity to grandstand and I was not disappointed. Senator Gould was there and visibly angered. At the first opportunity, he requested a personal privilege, wherein he could have a few moments to speak. Senator Gould started out by explaining that he had family matters to attend to and that he was very sorry that he had missed the session on Monday. He stated that he was disappointed by the fact that the OHV Bill, which he had promised his constituents he would fight against, had been passed. He said that he felt the whole day had been “orchestrated” and that he was very angry at what had transpired.

Then Senator Gould took a trip down memory lane, and said that yesterday reminded him of the old movie starring John Wayne…The Green Berets. He said that in the movie John Wayne goes to the front lines in Viet Nam and asks the South Vietnamese Commander if there were any “Cong” in the area. The Commander replied, ” Sir, I have Cong in my own unit.” Senator Gould paused a second and said,“I have Cong in my party.” With that, he sat down and the next personal privilege speaker began. I was personally amazed that a Senator of the state of Arizona would dare to compare his Republican brethren to Viet Cong. Perhaps style and grace and common courtesy are not required to be elected in Lake Havasu. I found it very disturbing that someone who is required to work with other members of the Republican Party would stoop to insulting these other elected members in such a crass fashion. I remember last year when Senator Gould compared OHV riding to the “Last great American freedom”. His lack of habitat knowledge and utter disregard for wildlife and safety aside, Senator Gould stated that he had left another state because of these types of regulations. The intimation was that he would leave Arizona if the bill passed…Can we forward his e-mail address at the Senate to U-Haul?

OHV BILL pASSES… VIET CONG IN SENATE?

by John Koleszar

In March, the Arizona Elk Society donated a new water trailer to be used in Region II. This trailer will be used to provide water to wildlife catchments during times of drought and low rainfall to get much needed water to the animals. The heavy duty water trailers haul 525 gallons of water. Game & Fish Wildlife Managers will be able to keep up with some of the water hauling chores with the water trailers in use during the summer months.

AES DONATES WATER TRAILER

Juniper encroachment is a major problem in grasslands and meadows in Northern Arizona. Apache and Navajo county wildlife habitat is made up of plains and basin grasslands. Encroachment of junipers affects the productivity of grasslands and can reduce the ability of water to percolate into the water table, increasing the amount of run off and sedimentation into local watersheds.

Arizona Game & Fish has placed grasslands as a high priority for wildlife. Currently, the Department is working to maintain grassland habitats and to restore these habitats by partnering with private landowners, USFS and groups including the

Arizona Elk Society.

This project is part of an overall landscape restoration project that is occurring in the National Forest along with the Ohaco and Hopi 3 Canyon Ranches. The limiting factor in the past for this part of 4A was addressed in water distribution and availability. The most noted cooperative project that addressed this issue was the High Point Well Project. The Arizona Elk Society was a partner in this project also and continues to provide funds for fuel and maintenance of the pipeline. To date there are over 40 miles of under-ground pipe feeding 26 drinkers that provide water for wildlife over 45,000 acres.


ApACHE/SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST pINYON jUNIpER REMOVAL

by Steve Clark

Thank You

To th

e Corporate Sponsors

who donate to us year-round.

Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is the perfect setting for the annual Wapiti Weekend presented by the Arizona Elk Society and sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish

Department. The two day event, held on June 20 and 21, brought in 116 kids, 8 to 16 years of age, from all over the state. The fee for the weekend was only $30 and included all activities and meals. The event sold out in four days and had a waiting list of children wanting to attend. Including family members, kids and volunteers, over 300 people

showed up to camp out and share in this unique experience.

Wapiti Weekend is an educational camp, completely run by volunteers, that provides a fun, safe place for kids to learn about and participate in activities related to hunting, wildlife, hunting safety and wildlife conservation. After the 7 am check in on Saturday, breakfast and the camp meeting, the kids were put into groups according to age, assigned a group leader and headed off

to the numerous activities on their schedules. Although this was the first time many of the kids had come to the camp, most had come before and look forward to this weekend all year long. One 15 year girl has been coming for 6 years and is sad that next year is the last year she will be eligible.

Each activity lasted for an hour and 20 minutes and a trailer loaded with hay bales hauled everyone from the farthest activity to the main area. Activities included: fly-fishing, field dressing, muzzleloader shooting, shotgun, .22 shooting, archery, first

aid, hunting and hunting ethics simulator, micro-worlds, GPS navigating, air rifles, backyard bass fishing, predator/prey, track identification and making, and hiking. The favorite activities of most kids were the shooting events. Each activity was run by trained volunteers and stressed safety and personal responsibility.

On Saturday night, after dinner, the raffle was held and each youth received an item which included guns, tents, bows, fishing equipment and various other outdoor items. The AZ Game and Fish Department donates money through the Sportsman’s Grant program, as does Charlene Sipe, previous owner of the ranch. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and other sponsors donated many of the items given out or gave discounts for anything bought. Basha’s donates money and food every year to help with the food expenses. The Arizona Elk Society funds the rest. It is estimated that the event cost between $8000 and $10,000. When the kids check out on Sunday, they are given “checkout bags” that hold: coupons, bracelets, a “critter” book, pocket guide of Arizona, a t-shirt, a poster and other small items. Bass Pro donated disposable cameras for each kid and the AES provided lip balm.

For over 10 years, Shelly Hargis has been putting together youth camps. She has been with the AES since 2001 and organizes and directs the application process, sets up the activities,

WApITI WEEKEND YOUTH CAMp HELD AT SIpE

WHITE MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE AREA

By Karen Warnick , The Pioneer Newspaper

WA

P I T I

W

E E K

EN

D

Fly Fishing class.

Pellet Rifle class.

The hayride to class.Dressing class.

Micro-Worlds class.


Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is the perfect setting for the annual Wapiti Weekend presented by the Arizona Elk Society and sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish

Department. The two day event, held on June 20 and 21, brought in 116 kids, 8 to 16 years of age, from all over the state. The fee for the weekend was only $30 and included all activities and meals. The event sold out in four days and had a waiting list of children wanting to attend. Including family members, kids and volunteers, over 300 people

showed up to camp out and share in this unique experience.

Wapiti Weekend is an educational camp, completely run by volunteers, that provides a fun, safe place for kids to learn about and participate in activities related to hunting, wildlife, hunting safety and wildlife conservation. After the 7 am check in on Saturday, breakfast and the camp meeting, the kids were put into groups according to age, assigned a group leader and headed off

to the numerous activities on their schedules. Although this was the first time many of the kids had come to the camp, most had come before and look forward to this weekend all year long. One 15 year girl has been coming for 6 years and is sad that next year is the last year she will be eligible.

Each activity lasted for an hour and 20 minutes and a trailer loaded with hay bales hauled everyone from the farthest activity to the main area. Activities included: fly-fishing, field dressing, muzzleloader shooting, shotgun, .22 shooting, archery, first

aid, hunting and hunting ethics simulator, micro-worlds, GPS navigating, air rifles, backyard bass fishing, predator/prey, track identification and making, and hiking. The favorite activities of most kids were the shooting events. Each activity was run by trained volunteers and stressed safety and personal responsibility.

On Saturday night, after dinner, the raffle was held and each youth received an item which included guns, tents, bows, fishing equipment and various other outdoor items. The AZ Game and Fish Department donates money through the Sportsman’s Grant program, as does Charlene Sipe, previous owner of the ranch. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and other sponsors donated many of the items given out or gave discounts for anything bought. Basha’s donates money and food every year to help with the food expenses. The Arizona Elk Society funds the rest. It is estimated that the event cost between $8000 and $10,000. When the kids check out on Sunday, they are given “checkout bags” that hold: coupons, bracelets, a “critter” book, pocket guide of Arizona, a t-shirt, a poster and other small items. Bass Pro donated disposable cameras for each kid and the AES provided lip balm.

For over 10 years, Shelly Hargis has been putting together youth camps. She has been with the AES since 2001 and organizes and directs the application process, sets up the activities,

Archery Shooting class. Blaine Bickford at the Muzzleloader area.

Finding the geocache in GPS class.

Predator-Prey class.Sporting Clay Shot Gun shooters.First Aid class.

Backyard Bass Fishing class.

finds volunteers to run the activities, and generally helps out where she can. “There is nothing out there for kids to do outdoors”, she says. “I have a lot of help. I couldn’t do it alone.” Shelly said that the first few years were harder as the camp was out in the woods and tents were used for everything. Since the camp has been held at Sipe Wildlife Area, barns and buildings are available for the main functions.

Brian Crawford has been the resident manager of the ranch for 12 years and supervises and manages four wildlife areas for the Game and Fish outside of Springerville; Sipe, Becker Lake, Wenima and Grasslands Wildlife Areas. The Sipe Wildlife Area is 1,362 acres of beautiful hills, riparian areas, creeks and grassland. His responsibilities include maintaining the properties, fencing and trails, farming of wild grasses and alfalfa, maintaining the buildings and equipment and whatever else comes his way. “The goal of the Game and Fish Department is to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and to provide outdoor education and recreation opportunities”, says Brian. “The best part of this job is that I’m a country boy at heart and I get to spend my time in this beautiful land.” Although the Sipe Wildlife Area hosts other smaller groups, the AES Wapiti Weekend is the biggest event held there, says Brian.

Sharon Eichelberger runs the camp kitchen and provides plenty of good food for all. She and her force of volunteers are up at the crack of dawn to get breakfast ready and make sure that no one goes hungry. It’s not an easy task providing three meals a day and snacks for 300 people in a camp setting, but everyone agrees that Sharon does a great job. The site has sinks, cabinets, stoves and a refrigerator set up in a barn, but everything else is brought in, including 7 gas grills and barbeques. The AES has a kitchen trailer that houses most of the equipment and goes to all of their outdoor events. Her husband Ron is Vice President of the AES and helped found the organization. He is an outfitter and guide and said the best thing about this is that “kids get introduced to the real outdoors and get hands-on experience.”

Steve Clark is the President of AES and oversees every event they do. He is proud of what the Arizona Elk Society has accomplished and praised everyone involved in making this weekend a fun experience for kids. He is passionate about what he does and believes that providing kids with the opportunity to experience and learn about the outdoors and wildlife, will help them grow up to appreciate the land and animals that inhabit it. There has been so much demand for the youth camps that they have been asked to do more. Steve says that he would love to, but because everyone is a volunteer and has other responsibilities, it’s hard to find the time and enough people willing to do so much. What is clear is that there is a definite need for more of these kinds of opportunities for kids.

On a personal note, I have to say that I was highly impressed with everyone and everything involved with this weekend. My daughter and I camped out with the group and marveled at the efficiency, friendliness and dedication of all those who volunteered. The kids were fun and well-behaved, the activities were interesting and educational, the food was great, the weather was cooperative (except for a brief shower on Saturday), and the scenery was some of the most gorgeous in the state. In fact, I encourage anyone interested to become involved, by either volunteering or donating for this wonderful event. More information can be found at www.arizonaelksociety.org, or the Game and Fish Department website at www.azgfd.gov.



Anton Sport

Arizona Game & Fish Department

AZ Desert Star Automotive, Inc.

Bashas’

Bass Pro Shop

Broken Wheel Enterprises, LLC

Burke’s Towing & Recovery

Cabela’s

CAM Repair

Charlene Sipe

Continental Divide Knives

Desert Bow Hunters

Four Peaks Landscape Management

Jim and Laila Wood

Mark Nixon and Kathi Thompson

Original Metal Art (Walt Nicoson)

Pacific West Representatives

Performance Suspension Components

Ponderosa Outfitters

Round Valley Shooting Sports

Southern Apache County Shooters

Sportsman’s Warehouse

US Forest Service

Wildlife Conservation Council

THANK YOU 2008 WApITI WEEKEND

DONORS & VOLUNTEERS!DONORS:

WA

P I T I

W

E E K

EN

D


Shelly,

I wanted to write to you and The Arizona Elk Society on my wonderful experience with my son at Wapiti Weekend. It was a fun and educational weekend for both of us–I was very impressed that you could keep 125 kids busy and entertained for a day and a half. With the attention span that kids have these days, that was a task in itself. I was very happy with the volunteers that were manning all your activities, they were very personal and good with the kids–the chemistry was great. More importantly, I enjoyed interacting with the other kids and watching their faces light up as the activities happened. It seemed that all different type of kids participated. Whether the kids were there with a mom, dad or uncle, they had somebody who cared enough to bring them all the way to the White Mountains for what I think is an experience they will not forget. The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is a amazing piece of property that the Arizona Game & Fish acquired. It a was beautiful and tranquil place riddled with history. I want to thank The Arizona Elk Society and the Arizona Game and Fish Department for a great weekend. I also would like to extend the thanks to all the volunteers and corporate sponsors who contributed. My only regret is that I was signed up to attend the last two years prior to this weekend and failed to show up due to my work schedule. I will not let that get in the way in the future years to come. Once again, Thank You for everything. I am proud to be one of many founding members who had the foresight to be part of such a good cause, and I can only hope that I can volunteer or contribute more to The Arizona Elk Society in the future years to come.

Mike Oliver and son Justin Stapp

Steve,

I just wanted to thank you and your organization for doing a GREAT job at the 2008 Wapiti Weekend. I have volunteered before and appreciated the hard work of your volunteers and members. I was also amazed at how organized the event was. My son (Jarod) couldn’t stop talking about the weekend–more evidence of what a great job you all did. I look forward to attending next year and would be willing to volunteer (if you need a doctor at the site just let me know–I’m willing to help wherever you need it).

Best Regards, Dr. Dave Van Buren & Jarod Van Buren

Shelly,

You and the group did an awesome job on Wapiti this past weekend! My son thought it was better than Disneyland–that says a lot :-) Thank you very much for all of your hard work on this event. It is an incredible value and makes for some really happy kids. Count us in for sure next year.

Steve Thompson

WApITI WEEKEND FEEDBACK

WA

P I T I

W

E E K

EN

D



The following was from an email from an Alpine resident: “The funniest story was when the wolves were first released. The ‘wolf people’ came to the Alpine School and did a program for the kids. They said that the wolves were so reclusive that probably no one would ever see them. The next day the whole school was on the bus for a field trip. About five miles up the road, a wolf was trotting along the highway with a pink collar on. It just looked up at the busload of kids and resumed trotting down the highway. Later a wolf was chasing cattle right in the center of town. So much for the credibility of the ‘wolf people’.”

The wolf reintroduction program throughout the US is a highly controversial subject and many people on both sides of the issue use myths, legends and misconceptions to state their cases. The truth often can be found somewhere in the middle. Because of the growing numbers of reports of wolf depredations and sightings in Arizona, it is important to educate those who live and play in the rural areas of our state. Hiding the truth and the facts does no one any good. Hysteria and emotion cloud the real issues.

Wildlife management is an art science, not a specific science. A specific science is conclusive and can be tested and retested, with the same results. Chemistry is an example. An art science, such as wildlife management, has so many variables that two biologists can look at the same studies and come up with different conclusions. As often happens in inexact science studies, scientists will often disagree with each other after doing the exact same studies. Such is the case with the wolf. One doesn’t need to be a scientist to study the wolf issue and come to a valid opinion. What is needed is a clear, unemotional look at the history of wolves and the reintroduction program being done in this country.

One of the major problems in studying wolves and wolf attacks is the requirement by the government and biologists of “documented” cases. It doesn’t count if it’s not documented according to their standards. In order to

be documented as a wolf attack, an official must be called in to do a report. With the number of attacks on livestock and pets escalating, there is a growing concern that there aren’t enough officials to do the job. According to T.R. Mader, research director of the Abundant Wildlife Society of North America, and independent research organization, “As with rabid wolves, the biologist can say, ‘there are no documented cases of wild healthy wolves attacking humans.’ “In order to be documented these unreasonable criteria must be met: 1. the wolf has to be killed, examined and found to be healthy; 2. It must be proven that the wolf was never kept in captivity in its entire life; 3. There must be eyewitnesses to the attack; 4. The person must die from their wounds (bites are generally not considered attacks).” The unreasonable requirements for documenting a wolf attack have actually lowered the actual number of attacks and are misleading and dishonest.

Mr. Mader has researched wolf history for more than 15 years and has traveled over 30,000 miles conducting research and interviews on environmental and wolf issues. He has written many published articles on wolves, including two that are used in this article. His documentation, research and list of references are impressive and his work is credible. In his report on the myths and misconceptions on wolves, Mr. Mader lists 12 misconceptions and has thoroughly researched each one. The 20 page report is too long to reprint here, but the highlights of his study are listed below.

1. Wolves are not biologically in danger of extinction and should be removed from the Endangered Species Act. There are over 2,000 wolves in Minnesota, 6,000 to 10,000 in Alaska and 50,000 in Canada. (Other research indicates that there are over 70,000 wolves in Canada.)

2. Wolf reintroduction in any part of the US would reduce wildlife populations in those areas.

3. Wolves will affect hunting of wildlife populations in and surrounding recovery areas. Wolf depredation has caused

WOLF LEGENDS

AND MYTHS ExpOSEDby Karen Warnick, The Pioneer Newspaper


the total destruction of some wild game herds in certain areas. As one wildlife biologist put it, “Really there isn’t any room for harvest by man if you have a healthy wolf population.”

4. Wolves will not stay in recovery areas. Wolves have been documented traveling hundreds of miles.

5. Wolf depredation of domestic animals will occur. Compensation of livestock loss would have to be allowed. But such compensation would not cover total losses incurred due to difficulties in confirmation of wolf kills.

6. Wolves often kill more than they eat.

7. Death, destruction and suffering follow the wolf. The wolf is a predator and therefore has to take life in order to maintain its own life.

8. There will NOT always be a desirable balance between prey and predator especially if harvest by man (hunting) is allowed. The prey populations decline drastically when harvested by man and wolf. Wolf predation directly curtails hunting. Wolf predation alone often keeps wildlife populations low for extended periods of time.

9. States must consider economic factors of wolf reintroduction. Limited game would mean limited allowable licenses for that game. For example, federal officials estimated that 10 wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park would eat more than 1000 elk annually. The state of Wyoming figures that income per elk hunter is as follows: Resident = $367.93-Out of state = $1221.00. If those 1000 elk were harvested equally by resident and out of state hunters, income to the state would be $794,469.00 annually. Thus wolf reintroduction could mean serious loss of income for wildlife management to states with wolves.

10. Wolves, at times, do pose a threat to man himself. There are enough current documented accounts to attest to wolf attacks on man.

Some of the important questions that Mr. Mader asked in his report are questions that citizens should be asking of their officials and those involved in the wolf recovery program. Is there a guarantee of success in eradicating “problem wolves”? Will the federal government compensate the states for economic losses due to reduction of hunting because of wolf depredation on big game herds? What steps will be taken to assure that deer and elk herds will not be exterminated due to wolf depredation as has happened in several areas of the Western hemisphere? Would the wolf enhance the public safety in or near recovery areas? Should tax dollars be used to fund wolf recovery or should the special interest groups promoting wolf recovery be required to fund their own agenda without handouts from US taxpayers?

Should officials and/or advocates of wolf recovery be held personally liable if a pet was attacked or injured by wolves? In the event of wolf attack on a human, who will be liable? Due to the difficulty in “confirming” wolf kills, will compensation be given to “probable” kills? Does wolf recovery really benefit wolves? Is forcing such recovery creating ‘hatred” as seen in years past? Why have the 3 “S’s” (shoot, shovel and shut-up) become so common in the West where wolf recovery was forced upon the people of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho?

However one feels about wolves, the fact that they have and do attack livestock and humans has been well documented, maybe not to standards of the officials, but there are numerous cases throughout the world. One has to only spend a few hours reading to find this information. It is also relevant to ask the question, why were wolves killed off in this country when there was even less human population then there is now? The wolf’s habitat of old is not the same as it is now. No matter how we look at it, there is no way to reintroduce wolves to an ecosystem that existed before millions of humans took over that habitat. The question needs to be asked, if we are so gung ho on helping the wolves make a come back, are we willing to live with the consequences? Are we willing to give up the land we now live on in order to let the wolves have it back?

Another important question that will be covered in another article is, are the Mexican grey wolves reintroduced into Arizona and New Mexico pure-bred or are they hybrids as many have suggested? Regardless of the answers to these questions, wolves are here and they are becoming a problem. Everyone who lives in rural areas in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, and hunts, hikes, and camps those areas, needs to be aware that they are around and take precautions. We will also take a look at the new Navajo county ordinance recently passed by the Board of Supervisors.

Send us your story and we’ll include it in a future issue of

The Tracker. Email your story and email or mail your photos.

If you send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with mailed

materials, they will be returned.

GOT A STORY?

Send to Steve Clark at:

[email protected]

Arizona Elk Society, P.O. Box 190,

Peoria, AZ, 85380


BB’S COLUMN SUMMER

TIME WITH “BB”

by John Koleszar

“BB” had written again that we should meet and I agreed. With the price of gasoline we decided to arrange a meeting during the Big Lake work project. That way I would not need to make two trips to the high country and “BB” and I could get together for our quarterly interview. So, while most of the crew from Big Lake was settling in after a hard days work, I ducked out and met “BB” just beyond the Big Lake campground. I was a bit surprised that he agreed to meet me there since it was so far from his usual haunts. I met him just north of the lake and he looked absolutely splendid. His new growth of massive tines showed that he would again be a bull that most would not want to mess with. He was grazing at the edge of a clearing and he strolled over when I parked the truck.

“Hey old man…what the heck happened to you?” I looked at my arms and noticed that my forearms were covered with scratches from rolling barb wire. “BB” stared at me and started that chuckle that he likes to use. “Good thing you aren’t an elk” he said. “You wouldn’t make it through one season. I think you were supposed to just roll the barb wire, not roll in it.” I knew he was just teasing me, but after a hard day of snipping wire and starting countless loops to roll the wire I was not in the mood to take any grief. “You ought to be grateful BB” I said. “We removed over 7,000 pounds of barb wire that won’t cause any cows, calves or nearsighted bulls any potential danger. As a matter of fact I happen to have a question for you. When we remove the wire do elk still jump at the spot where the wire used to be? Do they walk down an imaginary line until they get to the spot where they used to jump?” “BB” paused and then responded “To be honest with you, I have no clue. I know that we see really well, including great night vision, but I can’t tell you whether or not we still react as if there were wire there.” “BB” scratched his neck against a small sapling and seemed to ponder the question some more. “I think that we kind of notice that stuff right off, but over in the Heber area the fences are still pretty much intact, so I really don’t have much experience with that.” That brought me to my next question… “What are you doing so far from your home

turf?” “BB” got that sly look in his eyes and said,“Notice the price of gas lately?…I figured that the further I got from the big cities, the healthier I stay and the less likely some of your friends will be to put in for units that are 4 hours from Phoenix. Then you add in all the work that you boys have done up here and it turned into a no-brainer. So this spring me, Julius and Caesar all started a mini migration to this beautiful country. Took over 4 weeks, but the traveling was fun and we got to see some great country. The water supplies were plentiful, the grass was green and I certainly saw some very attractive cows along the way.”

I asked about how his progeny was doing and he motioned towards the far side of the meadow. “Look just inside that tree line, you can see them grazing”. I strained my eyes and could indeed make out portions of two bulls chomping on some lush vegetation. “They seem to have picked up on staying in the trees “BB”, last year they were kind of slow to pick up on that bit of safety. ““BB” snorted and said, “Another season of getting shot at and chased makes you either smart or some hunter’s trophy. Those boys are real smart about early to bed and late to rise. I suspect we will have some fine times here in the future.” I mulled over the fact that “BB” and I would not be meeting any longer at the Bugle Inn and I asked him where we could meet for our usual fall drinks. “Hell boy, we can just meet at the marina at Big Lake. The have some of the usual snacks that we like, and you can bring your own darn wine. Besides, once the Labor Day is gone, most folks will be steering clear of this territory. That’s why we chose to come up here.” I looked at the vast area, the few fences that remained and the lush vegetation and water. I knew that “BB” had indeed thought this all through. The area was perfect, the encroachment of humanity was nowhere near as difficult as Heber and Forest Lakes and the terrain posed some serious challenges to all but the most dedicated hunters. We both watched as the sun set. Issues that we would normally discuss, like Travel Management, OHV bills, State Trust Land reform and other topics all seemed to fade as the sun set. This time we laughed and joked and talked about nothing. Just two friends spending


some time together. He teased me about not being drawn and I teased him about some gray around his muzzle. We both agreed to chat again during the fall hunt or before and I agreed to keep the exact location of his grazing a secret. With no moon, there was no hurry and we settled

in to watch the stars under that magnificent northern sky. Somehow we both knew that for once we just needed to enjoy the moment. I wish we had more times like that, I wish issues would not keep jumping up to the forefront. I wish times were simpler. We would both like that.

The Tracker is a quarterly publication for the members

of the Arizona Elk Society. 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 accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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

[email protected], 602-885-0835

ADVERTISING IN THE TRACKER

Get your product information in front of thousands of Arizona outdoor

enthusiasts and hunters by placing your ad in The Tracker!

Ad Rates for interior pages:

Quarter page: $100; Half page: $175; Full page: $350

Ad rates for inside back or inside front cover:

Full page: $500

Discounts for 1 year+ contracts. Accepted format is high resolution PDF.

For more information, email [email protected].


In the last 10 years, a large quantity of water has been hauled to Unit 7E. Much of the water was transported in 500 gallon increments by the Wildlife Manger for the Unit. Years ago, WM Bob Barsch identified three water catchments with a capacity of only 1000 gallons each that were also the most important catchments for Elk. More recently WM, Carl Lutch presented the Habitat Partnership Committee with an all-inclusive project plan to completely rebuild the three catchments. Rebuilding the catchments increasing the capacity to 20,000 gallons each should eliminate the need

to haul water to them in the future and decrease the amount of time spent checking on the water levels. Funding was provided by the Arizona Elk Society and the RMEF through the money raised by the auctioning of the Commissioners Elk Tag at our banquets.

Carl Lutch, Wildlife Manager for Unit 7E of northern Arizona, brought the Slate Mountain Pronghorn Restoration Project to the Williams/Flagstaff Habitat Partnership Program for funding. At the annual funding meeting, Carl pitched the benefit to other species of wildlife including elk. Together with the Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona Elk Society, RMEF, Coconino National Forest, AZGFD and the Babbitt Ranches, the funding was secured. This

project was accomplished with the Coconino Rural Conservation Corps hand-cutting encroaching juniper trees in the northern meadows around Slate Lakes. Increased visibility for the antelope and increased forb production from the lopped and scattered junipers for elk and deer are the biggest benefits. Treating the meadows before the juniper trees fully encroach is an important step in restoring the habitat for wildlife.

HABITATHAppENINGS

p

On these two pages are some of the more current projects funded by the AES and other organizations to create better water sources and grassland forage for wildlife.

Before and after a juniper tree thinning operation in Unit 4A.

Before and after a juniper tree thinning operation in Unit 4A.

New drum grinder in action removing a

juniper tree in minutes.




ON TARGET

by John Toner

I worked building a new trailer for the Arizona Elk Society for hauling tools and machines around. I really enjoyed being a part of this project. I built the trailer so that it dumps and can be pulled behind a quad. It has a solid steel bed so it won’t be damaged when items are taken in and out. We got our other new 16 ft. box trailer to put all of our tools in. Having purchased a lot of new tools, this allows us to be self-sufficient when we go out to work on a project.

We are always inviting more people to come out and give us a hand. We encourage car pooling to help everyone with the cost of transportation. And remember, your mileage on a volunteer project is tax deductible.

We had a successful work project at Big Lake with beautiful weather, a lot of fun and great food. People came from all over the state to help us: from Show Low, St. David, Sierra Vista and Oracle. They were there from the Boy Scouts, the Sheep Society, AZ Deer Association and of course, AES. It was great to see all these organizations working together for the betterment of wildlife. For anyone who hasn’t been on a work project, you should come and enjoy the beautiful scenery and get involved with improving our wildlife habitat.

Hope you got drawn for elk (I did) and that you got your deer application in on time. Good hunting, good fishing and may the Good Lord take a liking to you.

Photo by George Andrejko

time each year as well as our money and energy. Being told that as board members we represent no one but ourselves certainly is not a method to increase communication.

The die was cast four years ago with the c

ommissioners. Each year there has been a greater chasm between all of us. As each commissioner’s term expires, I think it behooves ALL of us to try and establish better working relationships with each new commissioner and for each new commissioner to get to know our organizations and how we function. The present situation is both sad and depressing for all of Arizona’s sportsmen and women. Faced with numerous problems and financial shortfalls it is critical that we get past these dark times. Egos need to be checked at the door…wildlife and habitat need our time, energy and passion.

Sportsmen vs. Commission by John Koleszar continued from page 6


Having a birthday in November and trying to get a Hunters Ed class in was a tough job. My dad finally got me signed up in Fountain Hills (we live in Glendale). Tuesday and Thursday for three weeks kept us going for about a five hour job. It was fun and I was able to put in for the junior javelina and turkey hunts and drew both tags the first time I applied! My dad set me up with a 243 Winchester and I shot about 100 shots so I could check out the gun. The day finally arrived–opening day of my first Big Game Hunt in Arizona! 1/26/07

I had drawn a junior javelina hunt in units 22 and 23. My dad had a friend named Doug Martin who lived by where we were going to hunt. We got up at 6 a.m., had breakfast and went to Doug’s. When we got to Doug’s, we unhooked the

quads and followed Doug to the canyon where the javelina hang out.

Finally, my dad, Doug and I arrived. We walked about 200 yards, sat down and started glassing for pigs. After about 10 minutes we spotted a herd of 18 pigs! I searched for the biggest one and there he was. He was the pack leader. So I shouldered my gun and shot my 1st shot but I missed by a foot. I took another shot and I got him right in the back. Then I took my 3rd shot and got him in the lungs. He ran and my Dad and Doug didn’t see where he went. My dad and I went into the canyon to search for my pig as Doug continued looking. Doug still didn’t see him so he came down and helped us look for my pig. Still no luck in finding the pig so we sat down and ate lunch. While we were eating we heard some dogs barking away up the canyon where I had shot at the pig. Searching the area, we finally found the pig under some cat claw and a big bush. It was a nice boar, about 25 lbs., my first pig.

Cleaning then started, it sure smells bad. After finishing the job, we headed back for the quads. It took about 10 to 15 minutes to get back to the quads. After a few pictures and tying the pig onto the front of my quad, we headed back to Doug’s. When we got back to the house, there were more pictures and skinning the pig. My dad watched me and showed me just what to do. After finishing, we went into the house,

had something to drink and eat and talked a little. Then me and my dad loaded our quads and headed back to our trailer. The next day we went and sat in our blind to hunt for deer since the archery deer season was not over yet. No luck so we headed back to the truck. When we got there, a Game and Fish ranger saw us and came back to where we were. He asked if we were hunting for pigs. I told him I had shot one. He was happy for me and asked to see any pictures. We had our camera so we showed him my pictures that my dad had taken. He liked them. He then asked to see my license, I showed him and he said goodbye and left. Later, we picked up my pig and quads and headed home. It was a fun time for my first hunt in Arizona.

MY FIRST AZ BIG GAME HUNTby Mitchell Jones


Gov. Janet Napolitano appointed Norman W. Freeman of Chino Valley to serve on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Michael Golightly, whose term expired this year.

The governor nominated Freeman on Feb. 20, and his nomination was transmitted to the Arizona Senate for confirmation. The Senate took no formal action during the legislative session, so in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-211 (B), the governor made the appointment.

Freeman’s nomination will be transmitted to the Senate again for consideration during the 2009 legislative session. He will remain a commissioner for one year and must be confirmed by the Senate on or before July 2, 2009.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Game and Fish Commission,” says Freeman. “As an Arizona native, the outdoors has always been a passion of mine. Wildlife is one of our state’s most valuable natural resources, and it is facing challenges from our exponential growth. I’m looking forward to giving back to our community and helping to meet those challenges.”

Freeman brings a diverse background to the commission, with experience in technology development, broadcast and land use issues.

His work with wildlife has been extensive. Among other business ventures, he is the founder of Elemental Technology, a firm that developed wildlife tracking software for wildlife biologists and regulatory bodies. In 1994, he founded “Wildflight,” a privately funded operation to relocate wildlife, using corporate and private aircraft to move many species, including black bears, owls, hawks,

eagles, osprey, and California condors.

Freeman has been extensively involved with California condor conservation, participating in the California Condor Recovery Team – a multi-agency team including the Arizona Game and Fish Department – which defined the federal protocol for moving this endangered species. He also co-authored a successful behavior modification program to reduce the juvenile predation of young California condors by coyotes.

Freeman’s technology experience includes the development of telemetry and control systems for high-efficiency irrigation and municipal water systems. He also developed software and tracking technology that helped market loyalty-building programs for major league baseball teams.

Freeman grew up in the family radio business and worked in television as a director and engineer.

Among his other activities, Freeman currently serves as a board member of the Chino Valley Irrigation District and is a former vice chair of the Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission.

He is currently the president of the Carousel Charity Horse Show, past president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Arizona, is a licensed instrument pilot, and is a member of the National Rifle Association and the Farm Bureau.

“We welcome Norm Freeman to the commission and look forward to working with him,” said Commission Chair Bill McLean.

GOVERNOR AppOINTS NORM FREEMAN TO ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

reprinted from AZ Game & Fish Department E-news blast


Habitat Partners of Arizona

Walt and Cookie Nicoson Supporting Partner Level

Steve and Dee Clark Sponsor Partner Level

Ron and Sharon Eichelberger Sponsor Partner Level

Bass Pro Shops Sponsor Partner Level

AES

Habitat PartnersCabela’s

Sponsor Partner Level

Sharon and John Stuckey Supporting Partner Level

Harry Carlson Royal Partner Level with goal of

Imperial Partner Level

Sportsman’s Warehouse Sponsor Partner Level

Pacific West Representatives Sponsor Partner Level

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

FOR MORE INFO AND TO DONATE:

You can find more details and the donation form at www.arizonaelksociety.org. Click the link on the left side of the home page.

With more than 200,000 outdoor products in our store, you’re sure to fi nd exactly what you need to turn your next hunting trip into a success. You’ll fi nd only the best in quality products to make your time outdoors more productive.

CATALOG - Call 800.588.7512 for a FREE CatalogINTERNET - Visit cabelas.comRETAIL - Call 623.872.6700 for store information

©20

07 C

abel

a’s,

Inc

. CA

S-7

04

Like no other retail store on earth!™

14508_Arizona_Elk.indd 1 3/1/07 2:17:26 PM

a

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

CHANGE SERVICES REQUESTED

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDPhoenix, AZ

Permit No. 5572

aAES Annual Meeting & Board Elections

August 9th, 6-9 pm Cabela’s Glendale

Unit 1 Champs Hunt Camp

October 10, 11 & 12

aaMARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Unit 6A Junior Elk Camp

October 16, 17, 18 & 19th Happy Jack Lodge

Units 3A & 3C Junior Elk Camp

October 16, 17, 18 & 19th Bear Springs Ranch

Check arizonaelksociety.org for more project information.

Documents

Tracker Summer 2008