“HUNT OF A LIFETIME” - Arizona Elk Society Documents/Trackerpg14_28winter.pdf · “Hunt Of A...

14 The Tracker - Winter 2008

“HUNT OF

A LIFETIME”by Eddie Corona, Chandler Rod and Gun Club

The first hunter is Cody Malone (age 12) accompanied by his father Craig and his

cousin Kyler Hoffman (age 6). They drove in from Denver Colorado; they had been on

the road for 2 days and arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Cody is mobile by the use of a motorized wheel chair. He zipped around

camp and always was looking for ways to help. He never said “NO” and his great attitude was off the page. The challenging part was trying to find

ways to get elk to come to him. Cody can not hold a gun up so the staff attached a worm drive arm controlled by a joy stick that Cody would use

to move his weapon into position, find his target through the scope and pull the trigger. We had a blind that would cover Cody, the wheel chair,

the gun and support along with Chris Denham his guide. Chris set up at water holes in the evening and during the day we spent many hours

glassing and moving into position.

This went on for seven days until the very last day when Chris and Craig (Cody’s father) spotted some elk on a hill side. Cody finally had a shot.

This shot was long and Cody connected wounding the elk in the shoulder. Cody has a CHAMP permit and

this permit allows an assigned person to track and put down any game that is

wounded. Chris was assigned this duty. Chris circled around the top of the hill, but

the brush was so thick and the elk on the move that a shot never presented it self.

We continued to track the elk and could not catch up. Chris, Craig and Lee Hop

(Howell Wildlife Outfitters Guide) tracked the elk into the next day trying to find

the wounded elk and put him down. Lee was holding nothing back and brought

out his horse. The weather turned and rain started coming down very hard but

they didn’t give up. The wounded elk kept a few moves ahead and day turned into

night. Even though Cody didn’t bag his elk he did manage to win the hearts of

everyone at camp. I really hope that he comes back next year so that we can pick

up where we left off.

Our second hunter is Thomas Widenhofer (age 15) accompanied by his father

Walter and his best friend Isaiah (age 15). The Widenhofer’s flew into Phoenix

on Friday and met Isaiah who flew in from Pittsburgh. Thomas is going through

chemotherapy and could only walk for

about half a mile and

needed to rest. Thomas, like

Cody, was also hunting water holes in the evening and spent

many days glassing during the day. Lee Hop was the assigned guide for Thomas and

spent every minute trying to do his best to get him an elk. Thomas took a few shots at elk

and missed. He connected on the last day of the hunt when he bagged a 6X6 bull elk.

Both young men have made an impact in every person they met during our hunt. I can

speak for everyone by saying that today we are better people and appreciate life more

than ever. Emotionally and spiritually I have been touched by Cody and Thomas. Our hats

go off to their family and friends because it is not easy and can not imagine what they

go through everyday. Cody and Thomas have needs that you and I take for granted. I am

grateful for everything, even my aches and pains. God works in mysterious ways when he

brings a 12 and 15 year old into our lives. I cried when I had to say good bye and those

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Hunt of a Lifetime is supposed to be for the hunter, so I thought. It was a hunt of a lifetime for me. I had the

pleasure of spending time with a whole lot of great people and two great young men. When I volunteered to help I had no idea what to expect. I set my expectations high and what I got back was higher than I could have ever imagined. We

camped out at the “Bar D Ranch” (owned by Bruce Johnson) just East of Sedona and I-17.

Arizona Elk Society 15

tears were of sadness and joy.

I have new friends for life.

Many people are to thank

for making this a “Hunt

of a Lifetime” for all who

participated. I know that

we will all do it again when

the time comes. They are

as follows: Terry Petko

(Hunt of a Lifetime Arizona

Ambassador), Gary “Goose”

Howell and Sue Howell (Howell Wildlife

Outfitters and Obregon Outfitter), Lee Hop, Marilyn Hop, Bryce Hop

and Luke Hop (Howell Wildlife Outfitters), Justin Scarbrough (Howell

Wildlife Outfitters), Chris Denham, Carla Denham, Mark Denham,

Courtney Denham (Western Hunter Magazine) (Guide) and their dog

Chimichanga who guarded the camp. Bruce Johnson (Owner of the

Bar D Ranch). Randy Krecklow, Scott Fritz, Shane Fritz, Ray Brooks and

out two new members Bill and Nancy Haug all from Chandler Rod

and Gun Club. Special thanks go to Craig and Cody Malone and Kyler

Hoffman, Walter and Thomas Widenhofer and Isaiah.

If you wish to visit Thomas Widenhofer’s website it’s

tommywidenhofer.com

Cabelas supplied the hunting clothes; Savage Arms supplied each

hunter with a rifle for them to keep (Cody 308 and Thomas 30-06), the

processing and taxidermy were also donated and I need to apologize

because I do not have that information but will give credit when I

find out. Trust me when I say that to volunteer for a hunt like this

you will not forget and will welcome with open arms a life changing

experience. Thank You all for your help and support.

THANK YOU FROM THE WIDENHOFERS

To All:

It is hard to express my gratitude in words to everyone involved in making Thomas’ hunt of a lifetime a reality. This was truly a first class operation in every aspect. The professionalism, courtesy, and genuine caring expressed towards my son was remarkable. The Hunt of a Lifetime support staff understood the importance of the simple joys in life that are associated with kind gestures in an unexpected nature that lift a persons spirits. Tom grew up with hunting all around him on a regular basis and it made sense to everyone when he

became interested in a Hunt of a Lifetime. Only other outdoors men can truly appreciate what was said through the selfless acts of compassion and love which were put in the form of hunting, tracking and guiding.

The ability of the Hunt of a Lifetime support staff to transpose their compassion and love for my son into hunting, tracking, and harvesting his elk was awe-inspiring. I was truly moved watching his pride and achievement during the hunt. I never thought a single gun shot could touch my heart so deeply but when Thomas’ elk finally fell, there was an overwhelming feeling of joy in my heart. My emotions have ran high throughout Tom’s illness and overflowed once Tom harvested his elk. As the song states “with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye” I admired with glowing pride my son’s achievement.

Thomas harvested his elk on November 29, 2007 at around 10:30 am. This date is forever etched in our minds because exactly one year earlier November 29, 2006 at 10:30 AM, Thomas was lying in surgery having his first of two major brain surgeries to remove a tumor. Now, this date shall also be etched in our hearts. We could have never envisioned, only one year later, being in the Coconino National Forest harvesting a trophy elk. What an awesome accomplishment!

Everyone involved in the Hunt of a Lifetime should take pride in everything they did to make this possible for Thomas. Without HOAL, Thomas would not have been able to experience this wonderful journey. This hunt educated Tom in so many ways, he has displayed caring and concern for the other HOAL hunter as he openly cheered for him to harvest an elk. That in itself also gave me pride to see that he truly understood why we there.

The guidance and friendship obtained while on this excursion not only broadened my son as an outdoors men but enriched h is entire life. He and I are both better people today by the genuine love and compassion from Hunt of a Lifetime. Although this may have been a small undertaking in the big picture it has made an immeasurable impact on my son’s life and his journey with cancer.

Once again be extremely proud of what you do for these kids because it transcends well past the Hunt of a Lifetime and brings a great enrichment to each child’s Life. You have touched our hearts, enriched our lives, made us better people and enhanced our journey with Tom’s battle with cancer. Take strong pride in your accomplishment as Tom harvested much more than a trophy elk on this HUNT OF A LIFETIME. Thank You.

With The Most Sincere Thanks,

Walter and Arlene Widenhofer

Wildlife

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The Arizona Elk Society is a proud sponsor of Hunt of a Lifetime.

AES provided a major portion of the funding and the food for the

hunt. We are thankful that there are organizations like “Hunt of

a Lifetime” who continue to make kids’ hunting dreams come

true.

“Hunt Of A Lifetime” is a nonprofit organization whose mission

is to grant hunting and fishing adventures and dreams to

children age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with

life-threatening illnesses. To help a child live their dream or for

more information about Hunt of a Lifetime, contact Terry Petko

at (602) 689-9524 or visit www.hoal.arizona.org.


The Arizona Elk Society is a 501.C.3 non-profit

organization. For more information, please visit

our website at www.arizonaelksociety.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Date:

Name:

Email: Address:

City: State: Zip:

Day Phone: Evening Phone:

Membership Category (select one):

❍ General $40 ❍ Junior $20 (17 & under) ❍ Couple $65 ❍ Sustaining $250 ❍ Life $750 (Jacket size:_______)

Method of Payment:

❍ Cash ❍ Check ❍ Visa ❍ MasterCard ❍ American Express

Card#: Expires:

Signature:

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

or call: 623-594-7074

Memberships expired December 31st. The renewal notices were mailed in November. It would be very helpful if everyone

renewed their memberships on the first notice. Every year we send out at least two renewal notices. If you wait until the

second notice to renew, it costs the AES additional postage and mailing expenses. If you have not renewed your membership

and can not find your notice, feel free to use the form below.

The Arizona Elk Society always welcomes new members. After you have read The Tracker, pass it on to your friends and family

members who may not be aware of our organization. I take my copy to work and leave it in the lobby. This at least allows my

clients to read about what we are accomplishing.

It is that time of year again...

MEMBERSHIP

RENEWAL TIME!by Dee Clark

In Memory Of:

dBy making a donation to AES in memory of a loved one or friend, your donation will ensure that their memory lives on to help Arizona’s

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage. In memoriam donations will be recorded in our Tracker newsletter and on the AES website. In memoriam

donations can be made as a special tribute for a birthday, anniversary or in memory of a friend or relative.

This event is one that makes many of our volunteers happy that we

take the time to share our knowledge and experience with young

elk hunters and their families. Seeing hundreds of young hunters

spending time outdoors with their parents, aunts, uncles and

grandparents passing on the hunting heritage is very rewarding.

The AES 2007 Junior Elk Hunt Camp took

place at the Happy Jack Lodge starting

on Thursday night before the hunt until

Sunday afternoon. We fed well over

330 youth hunters and family members

throughout the weekend.

Thursday night was the kick-off dinner

with a short seminar about hunting

safety, Arizona Game & Fish rules and

Forest Service regulations. All the young

attendees received safety orange hats

and other gear to aid them outdoors.

AES volunteers were on hand for the first

3 days of the hunt to assist the hunters

in locating elk, finding and retrieving

downed elk and in one case locating

a hunter’s vehicle. Dan Caputo, AZGFD

Unit 6A Wildlife Manager, stopped by

throughout the weekend and had noted

that violations were down this year.

This year the AES, along with the AZGFD, tried something new by

having an archery course for the hunters and visiting youth to try

their hand at shooting bows. For the youth hunters with down time

during midday, the archery course was a big hit.

The AES thanks all the youth hunters and their families for stopping

by. A big thank you also goes out to all

of the volunteers and sponsors for this

event. We had many sponsors for the

giveaways. Special thanks to Bass Pro

Shops, Cabelas, Sportsmans Warehouse,

4 Peaks Processing, Miller Southwest

Processing, Happy Jack Lodge, AZGFD,

Coconino Forest Service, Swafford Guide

Service and John Toner of Continental

Divide Knives.

For 2008 the AES has a chance to expand

the Junior Elk Hunt Camp with more

events and also start a second camp in

another unit of the State. If you would

like to volunteer to help at this event or

at any of the AES events throughout the

year, please go to our website at www.

arizonaelksociety.org and email any of the

board members. We would be happy to

keep you informed of events and to see

some new faces.


JUNIOR ELK HUNT CAMP 2007by Steve Clark


I hunted the early October through November bull elk hunt just north

of Willcox. While tracking and searching for fresh sign, my friend and

I came out of a mesquite ravine and found enough fresh elk sign to

lead us to the decision of returning later that evening to set up and

do some calling. However, while getting ready to leave the area, this

beautiful bull walked out right behind us and trotted off. When he

was at about 450 yards, my friend chirped on his cow call a couple

of times. The bull came to a stop behind a huge Shotts Yucca giving

me a chance to put my scope on for a shot – and then he started off

again. I was able to squeeze one off as he stepped out from the cover

and the pictures tell the rest of the story. I am 68 years old and have

been hunting in Arizona since I was about 12. Growing up in Williams

and Flagstaff, I have taken many elk and deer in my thankful days of

hunting. This is by far the record I never looked for, as I always hunted

for the challenge and the enjoyment of being in the great outdoors

that we have the privilege to use.

I will have this one mounted because of his size. I haven’t been

interested in mounting animals, but I did take an antelope years ago

that was just too pretty to not mount.

The elk is at Weller’s Wildlife Studio in Tucson. They did a preliminary

measurement of it and scored him at 401.6 inches.

GRAHAM COUNTY BULL by Jon Smith


The hunt started on Friday Sept 21 with my son Dave and hunting

partner Dennis. We began our hunt just before sunrise in Unit 6A. I

had the only tag so my son and Dennis were assisting with extra eyes

and outstanding calls. We slowly worked our way toward a canyon,

which has never failed to produce 300+ bulls in the past. Everything

was quiet. We saw nothing nor heard any answers to our calls – not

even in the distance. This surprised us because the day before, we saw

some nice bulls with cows. After a long non-eventful day, we went

back to camp.

The next day was a little more productive. Saturday Sept 22, on my

son’s birthday, we returned to the same area. In the predawn darkness

while getting ready for our early morning walk, we heard numerous

bugles. This was exactly what we expected so we began walking

toward the closest bugle sound. As we came up a slight hill in thick

ponderosa pine, we found that we were in the middle of 3 bulls and

their harems. I proceeded on about 50 yards. Dave and Dennis split

up moving about 50 yards apart and began their bugling and cow

calling.

I continued stalking a very large bull, which was quite active with his

bugling. This was cut short when I peered out from behind a large

pine tree and was spotted by one of his herd cows. Away they went

over the hill. I turned back toward other bugling and immediately

saw another bull trotting in the direction that my son was bugling

from. The woods were very thick and I could only see the legs and

every once in a while, a small part of his rack. It looked big. After

closing to about 50 yards, the bull turned to his left and started

walking on a path that would pass in front of me.

One major problem was that there was no place for a clear shot. As

he continued walking, I quickly lined up in an area that would be a

little more open. I could see the early morning sun, shining on a small

opening between the trees and I knew that this would be my best

chance for a shot. The shooting lane between the 2 trees was just 3

feet wide and 50 yards to the open area.

As he continued on in the same favorable direction, he passed behind

a shorter group of pines, and I finally got a look at his rack. He was

moving too quick to make a count, but it was huge. I pulled back,

lined up my 50-yard pin in my peep sight and held. It seemed like

forever. The bull walked into my shooting lane and I pulled the trigger.

The bull leapt into the air, came down to his left and crashed right into

a large dead log. I thought he was down, but then I heard more noise

from up the hill. I slowly walked into the clearing and saw my arrow

lying on the ground, just about 10 feet from where I hit him. The shaft

was covered with red blood and yellowish foam all the way to the

fletching and was severed clean 22 inches from the nock. Due to the

density of trees, Dave and Dennis had no idea where I was. They were

continuing with their calls as they had another bull closing on them.

Finally they saw me standing in the clearing with my GPS, marking

the location.

After congratulations and a 20 minute delay, we began the task

of following the blood trail. There was very little blood sign, with

approximately one drop about every 20 feet. We tagged the drops

for alignment and could see the general direction was toward the

canyon. Dennis went to the canyon edge and spotted him lying on a

rock shelf. He signaled us that it was a 6x6 and still alive. We sat for a

while trying not to spook him, but up he jumped and down a canyon

trail he went.

Once again we followed the blood sign that led us deeper into the

canyon. We finally located him sitting upright beside a well-traveled

trail, but not moving. We watched him for about 5 minutes and then

heard quads coming down the trail toward my untagged elk. We

quickly jumped up, ran down the hill waving them away. The elk rose

to his feet, crossed the trail and fell dead one foot from the trail.

After a final celebration and many photos, the real work began.

MY ARCHERY

ELK HUNT

2006by Carl Ford

NEWS RELEASE

Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service White Mountain Apache Tribe, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division

For immediate release, Dec. 12, 2007

Multi-agency sting nabs bear poachers, uncovers alleged killing of stray horses

PINETOP, Ariz. – An extensive multi-agency undercover operation led by Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers has resulted in 16 suspects being charged with more than 60 wildlife violations and one suspect facing six felony charges involving killing of stray horses on U.S. Forest Service lands near Show Low.

Game and Fish Department officers expended more than 2,000 hours in the operation, ultimately charging multiple suspects with the unlawful take of nine bears, two elk, five mule deer and one Coues white-tailed deer. To date, 11 individuals have been convicted of 18 offenses. Most of the wildlife violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, each punishable by up to four months in jail and a $750 fine, if convicted.

Eleven of these suspects now also face potential hunting, fishing and trapping license revocation and/or civil assessments by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Civil assessments reimburse the state of Arizona for the loss of wildlife resources. The minimum assessment value set by statute is $1,500 for each bear or deer and $2,500 for each elk.

During fall 2006, covert officers from the Game and Fish Department’s Special Operations Unit partnered with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent in an undercover project named Operation Bear Bones to target illegal bear hunting activities in the White Mountains. As the number of suspects and scope of illegal activities grew, department officers enlisted the assistance of additional agencies having appropriate jurisdiction and expertise, including the Arizona Department of Agriculture, USDA Forest Service, and Wildlife and Recreation Division of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

During the course of the investigations, Game and Fish Department officers also identified one of the suspects as allegedly being involved in the unlawful killing of livestock (six horses).

“Stray horses located in southern Navajo County on lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service¬†likely originated from the adjacent Fort Apache Indian Reservation during the Rodeo-Chediski Fire of 2002,” says Zeke Austin, special investigator for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. “When the boundary fence burned during the fire, horses had unrestricted access to Forest Service lands. Unlawful killing of livestock in Arizona is a serious crime, whether ownership is known or unknown, punishable as a Class 5 felony.”

Jim Hinkle, law enforcement program manager in the Game and Fish Pinetop office, says, “The motivation for shooting the horses appears to be to use them as bait sites to attract and illegally kill bears. Several of the bears unlawfully taken were pursued off of horse carcasses.”

Hinkle commends the investigators and officers involved with Operation Bear Bones. “They worked long hours gathering, organizing and examining huge amounts of evidence, conducted extensive interviews and worked in close coordination with other agencies and prosecutors to ensure that these violators of Arizona’s wildlife resources were brought to justice,” he says. “The results of this project speak for themselves and demonstrate the value of covert operations and agency cooperation in apprehending game thieves.”

To report information on poaching or any other wildlife violation, please call the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Caller identities may remain confidential upon request and are eligible to receive a reward upon the arrest of the violator.

To report abuse, cruelty or unlawful killing of livestock, please call the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Animal Crimes Hotline at 1-800-294-0305.

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


OPERATION BEAR BONES

Corban M. DAVIS

Snowflake Justice Court, Navajo County

17-309.A.14 – Take bear by unlawful method.

Disposition: Deferred prosecution. $400.00 fine paid to Wildlife Theft

Prevention Fund.

Jefer D. FARR


17-309A14, R12-4-308, CO # 9; Take (chase) wildlife (bear) by an unlawful

method (use dogs during spring hunt.

Disposition: Guilty, Fined $750.00.

17-309A11, CO #9; Take (chase) wildlife (bear) during a closed season.

Disposition: Dismissed per plea agreement.

Ryan R. WATSON

Round Valley Justice Court, Apache County

17-309A1, R12-4-302 I; Failure to tag Big Game (bear) immediately after

being killed.

Disposition: Dismissed per plea agreement

17-301A; Take (shoot) wildlife (bear) with artificial light


17-331, R12-4-302A, CO 9; Take (shoot) big game (bear) without a valid

tag.


17-309.A15, CO 9; Exceed bag limit (bear).


17-309 A14, CO 9; Take (shoot) wildlife (bear) with unlawful method

(shoot with firearm in archery season).

Disposition: Guilty Plea, Fined $863.00.

17-309 A17, CO 9; Possess wildlife (bear) that was unlawfully taken.

Disposition: Guilty Plea, Fined $863.00.

13-2907.01; False Reporting to Law Enforcement Agency.Disposition:

Dismissed per plea agreement

Commission Action: 5 year revocation Hunt/Fish/Trap/Guide and

$1,500.00 civil assessment.

Grover D. LEDBETTER


17-301A; Take (shoot) wildlife (bear) with artificial light.


17-309 A17, CO 9; Possess wildlife (bear) that was unlawfully taken.

Disposition: Guilty Plea. Fined $25.00.

17-309 A1, R12-4-302 I; Failure to tag big game (bear) immediately after

being killed.


13-2907.01; False Reporting to Law Enforcement Agency.


17-331, R12-4-302A, CO 9; Take (shoot) big game (bear) with out a valid

tag.


17-309 A15, CO 9; Exceed bag limit (bear).


Commission Action: 5 year revocation Hunt/Fish/Trap/Guide and

$1,500.00 civil assessment.

Bryan K. LEDBETTER


17-309 A17, CO 9; Possess wildlife (bear) that was unlawfully taken


17-309 A1, R12-4-302 I; Failure to tag big game (bear) immediately after

being killed.

Disposition: Dismissed per plea agreement.

Bradley J. SEARS

Pinetop Justice Court, Navajo County

17-331, CO # 9; Take (shoot) wildlife (bear) without a valid permit/tag


Commission Action: PENDING

Phillip M. WILLIAMS

Pinetop Justice Court, Navajo County

17-309 A.1, R12-4-308.B.4, CO 9; Failure to check out bear within 48 hours

of the harvest.


Chad L. WILLIAMS


17-331, CO # 9: Take (chase) wildlife (bear) without a valid permit tag.

Disposition: Guilty Plea. Fined $266.00. Plus $250.00 to Wildlife Theft

Prevention Fund

17-309 A14, R12-4-304 A2.i, CO # 9: Take (chase) wildlife (bear) by

unlawful method (use of dogs).


17-309 A11, CO #9: Take (chase) wildlife (bear) during a closed season.



17-309A14, R12-4-303 B, CO # 9; Take (pursue) wildlife (bear) by unlawful

method (bait).


17-362: Guide without a valid license.

Disposition: Guilty Plea. Fined $233.00. Plus $3,000.00 restitution to

Arizona Game and Fish Department.

OPERATION BEAR BONES

Adjudicated Document


I met a gentleman at the San Antonio Sport Show. For the next three days, he came back to

buy knives and to visit with me. His son said, “I’m James, and this is my dad who owns part

of Kings Ranch in Texas.” I knew that there was an animal on the ranch called the blue bull

or blue devil, also known as a nilgai (it’s in the antelope family). At a Safari Club show a

few years back, I had seen a mounted nilgai and wondered what the strange-looking

animal was.

I told James that if he would let me come down and hunt one, I would make him some

knives as payment. He was so nice and said not to worry about that. We set a date for us

to hunt.

I went to the ranch and we hunted in a different way than I had hunted before. There was

a platform on the front of the suburban with swivel chairs and a gun rest. Each pasture

we hunted was around 11,000 acres. I saw lots of hogs, a water buck and many whitetail

buck and does. Every once in a while we would see one of these strange nilgais. You have

to be real quick on the trigger. When they come up, they stop and look for 3-5 seconds and

then take off running and do not stop. They run like a giraffe. They weigh up to 900 pounds.

Mine weighed 432 pounds field dressed. The meat is the best-eating wild meat there is.

They cannot jump – they go under fences like antelope by raising the fence wire.

There was one thing about this hunt that was real funny. When we came in at night, James

Jr. saw a mouse in the suburban. We set a trap and caught a mouse. We reset the trap and

30 minutes later, we caught another one. We reset the trap and 10 minutes later, we caught

another one. So the next day we were teasing James Sr. that we would start the Boone

and Crockett Mouse club, the Pope and Young Mouse Club and the Mouseketeers Club.

James and I have become friends and I have invited him to come out to Arizona and to our

banquet.

I gave up the Thanksgiving turkey to go on this hunt, but it was an opportunity I did not

want to miss.

Good hunting, good fishing and may the good Lord take a liking to you.

HELP PREVENT

POACHING

Antlers/Mounts Wanted

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting donations of big game mounts, antlers and other wildlife related decorative items. Each year the Department hosts a public auction to sell donated items and other assets obtain through law enforcement seizures, pick-ups and vehicle collisions. Fund raised support the Department’s Law Enforcement Program. Such funding enhances the Department’s ability to purchase field equipment and make training available to our officers, which helps them apprehend and convict wildlife violators.

Please contact the Arizona

Game and Fish Department’s

Law Enforcement Branch for

more details, (602) 942-3000.

t wildlife violators.

tact the Ari

ON

TARGETby John Toner


The Tracker is a quarterly publication for the members of the Ari-zona 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 publi-cation 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

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of Arizona outdoor enthusiasts and hunters by placing

your full-color ad in The Tracker.

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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].

BRAGGIN’

BOARD

My dad and I hunted hard for three days and I was

able to tag this guy on Sunday at about 3:30 p.m.

My dad spotted him, we put him to bed and made

our way to 190 yards. We waited seven hours for

him to get out of his bed! I rough scored the buck

right at 80 inches.

– Christian Wolff

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. I took

this deer on the last day of my hunt after missing a

much smaller deer. My deer is seven years old and

scored 95 inches. – John Krause

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than gogood I

this deer on the last day of mmuch smaller


I got the first shot at 30 yards then my dad got his first archery animal on

the first morning at 20 yards. Cody got on the herd again a few minutes

later and got his at 10 yards. It was a fun day with family and friends.

– Cody, Randy Wolff, Christian Wolff

it went motionless again. We watched for another five minutes before

deciding to move in. With myself leading the way, arrow knocked, we

crept closer. At ten yards we had a clear view of the animal and knew

it was dead. We hollered and tossed a rock – no movement. Shaking

nearly uncontrollably, I went up to the bull, touched his eye with a

stick and let out the first above whispers of the day. “We got him!” I

announced. Ty and my father moved in and we stood in shock of the

animal. He was massive with 61 inch main beams. I still can see the

look on my dad’s face – that look of flawless happiness has happened

only once in my life.

He was a great bull – a monster in my book – and I couldn’t have

been happier than to tag him. As I look back and reminisce on the

experience, I am more and more humbled by it. It just went so perfect

and there was not one bit I could have asked to have been different.

I can memorize every textbook and work 40 hours a week but

I will never learn more than I do on hunting trips such as these.

It’s a primitive yet advanced chance to prove yourself as a tough,

disciplined individual in a way most can’t. I love everything about

hunting and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. And, once

(continued on next page)


Be sure to visit the AES booth

#L1211C at the show!

MarkYour

Calendar!

SportsExpos.comFor Information on Exhibiting with ISE, Please Call 800-545-6100

Cardinals Stadium - Glendale

March 7-9, 2008University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale

March 7-9, 2008

FREE Parking!

8th Annual ISE

®

• Fishing Tackle

• Fly-fishing Gear

• Shooting Sports

& Accessories

• Boats & Motors

• RVs, Campers,

ATVs SUVs &

4x4s

• Sporting Dogs

• Decoys & Calls

• Guides &

Outfitters

• Lodges & Resorts

• Camping Gear

• Outdoor Apparel

• Electronics

• Sports Optics

• Wildlife Art

• Books & Maps

• Home Furnishings

America’sPremier

Hunting, Fishing &Travel Show

Arizona’sPremier

Hunting, Fishing &Travel Show

SportsExpos.com

My name is Tammy and I have lived in Arizona for 15

years. I have always been an avid hunter in my home

state of New York. 2007 was my first year for elk

hunting. I was lucky to have friends who are native

to Arizona to hunt with me in Unit 7W. This was a

tremendous learning experience for me. Elk are

not like white tails in any way, shape or form. Their

travel habits and feeding habits are much different

and more challenging. Although I took the entire 10

days off for my November hunt, I came up with no

elk, but a ton of knowledge for the upcoming years.

This was a great experience for me and will forever

remember that every day I was on the hunt I saw

elk, but never brought one home. I was honored

to have great friends showing me the ropes and

assisting in my hunting efforts. I was lucky to have

also been drawn for deer in the same area right after

elk season. While hunting for deer, I also saw many

elk. The thing I will never forget is how majestic the

Big Bull Elk look and move in the forest. It was one of

the most beautiful sights. I am very fortunate to live

in a state who takes care of the wild game preserves

and allows hunters continue to use the land to

enjoy now and for future generations.

I can’t thank the Arizona Elk Society enough

for the opportunity to enjoy my first elk hunt

in Arizona.

THANKS

FROM A

MEMBER

Much More Than Just A Hunt by Cory Worischeck continued from page 8


again, my father proved to be right when he said I wouldn’t ever

hunt elk with a rifle again. After that hunt I could not think of such a

thing. I would be missing that connection with the bull that comes

only from the close encounters and relationships you make with the

animal. There is something to be said about killing an animal of this

size with your own forces and not relying on the noisy combustion of

gunpowder to take it down.

The beauty of hunting is not in the killing but everything prior and

aft. All the good times around the campfire and swapping stories in

the moonlight are what make hunting so much of a lifestyle to me.

I am a hunter for life, not because I take a particular liking to killing

things as many outsiders conclude, but because of the memories

made with those whom are closest to me. For this reason and many

others, hunting is still so prevalent in the day of having unlimited

supplies of meat at any grocery store. It is the addiction, the rush, the

anticipation that will continue to captivate me for years to come. My

first archery experience was the most powerful experience of my life

and I owe it entirely to my father.

www.ArizonaBigGameSuperRaffle.com


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.

HOW WILL MONEY

BE USED?

Conservation Easements: An agreement between land-owners and a qualified conser-vation organization in which the owner of the land agrees to place restrictions on the type and amount of development that can take place on the property.

Land Donations: A gift of land or real estate from a corporation or private landowner.

Bargain Sale Purchase: The purchase of property with a portion of the price being discounted as a property donation.

Possible Land Use Changes:By partnering with ranchers, landowners and govern-ment agencies the Habitat Partners of Arizona program will be able to maintain forage-rich grasslands, critical elk winter and summer ranges, migration corridors, calving grounds, natural water sources such as riparian areas and increase wildlife habitat. After the land has been

designated saved, the AES can then plan projects to restore and improve the 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 pay-ments 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

Habitat Partners of Arizona

TO DONATE:

Complete the Habitat

Program donation form on

the AES website and mail to:

Arizona Elk Society P.O.Box

190,

Peoria, AZ 85380

Walt and Cookie Nicoson Supporting Partner Level

Steve and Dee Clark Sponsor Partner Level

Ron and Sharon Eichelberger Sponsor Partner Level

AES Habitat Partners

Cabela’s Sponsor Partner Level

Sharon and John Stuckey Sponsor 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

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAID

Phoenix, AZ

Permit No. 5572

7th Annual

Banquet

Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the

Mesa Convention Center Downtown Mesa, Arizona

Happy Hour 4:00 p.m. – Dinner 5:30 p.m.

• Full evening of exciting auctions and raffles.

• Auctioning of the Arizona Game & Fish Commissions’ Special ELK TAG

and Special ANTELOPE TAG

Last year’s banquet sold out weeks prior to the early bird deadline so

don’t delay. You don’t want to miss this special event. We’re looking

forward to an evening of fun and fundraising for the Elk of Arizona.

Our goal is to raise $500,000 so join in the fun and together we

can make this goal a reality!

Banquet and raffle ticket applications - AVAILABLE JANUARY

No tickets will be available at the door!

Questions? Contact

Kathi Thompson, Ticket Chairman at 480-882-9477 or

Sharon Eichelberger, Banquet Chairman 928-339-4203

More info at www.arizonaelksociety.org

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