4th Quar ter 2021
YOUTH: JUNIOR ELK CAMP
Page 6
HEROES RISING OUTDOORS
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
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Photo by Mike Pellagati, WildVisions, Inc.
AES LIFE MEMBERS Mike Abramovich Dan Adler Christopher Agnone Hector Albarran Ken Alexander John Anderson Michael Anderson Patti Anderson John Anton Ernest Apodaca, Jr. Steve Armstrong Tony Baca Pete Baldwin James Ballard Leo Balthazor Lee Banning David Baril Kenneth Barnes Philip Barrett Ron Batz Randy Beck F.K. Benbow Tony Benites David Bennett Joseph Berardi Danny Berg Keith Berger Robert Besst Bruce Bettis John Bingham Jeff Blalock Jason Bluhm Tom Bobo Jr. Tom Bowman Janet Bowman Tish Bradford Dan Bradford Richard Briskin Stephen Brown, MD Gary Bryans Jr Jeffrey Buchanan Kurt Buckwald Robert Bueche Mike Burr Carlton Buscemi Michael Bush Esther Cadzow John Cadzow* Daniel Capote Cindi Carlson Lupe Carlson Harry Carlson* Kenneth Carney Brandon Carr Terry Carson Chris Casper
Steve Casterton Marcus Castro Nick Celenza Joe & Marisa Cerreta Randy Cherington Pete Cimellaro Richard Clark Steve Clark Gerad Claseman McAllen Coalson Bob Cockrill, Jr. Donna Marie Coleman Todd Coleman Francisco Contreras Barbara Cook James Cook Frank Cooper Russell Coover Robert Copeland Mike Coppock Richard Cowen Lonnie Crabtree William Crary Philip Cushman William Cullins Richard Currie Patrick Curry B. Todd Curtis Kay Davidson Don Davidson William Davis Bill Davis Jamie Davis Larry Day Kurt Davis Brian Delgado Jim DeVos Mike Dirilo Joe Divito Steven Dodds William Dorsey Ray Dresslar Patrick Dugan Thomas Duncan Paul Durbin* Nick Edwards Ron Eichelberger Sharon Eichelberger Brian Eilers Peter Ekholm* Deborah Elliott Nathan Evans Tim Evans Daron Evans Shane Faulkner Scott Fisher
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Jeffrey Fleetham Randy Foote David Forbes Mark France Tom Franklin Douglas Fritz Will Garrison Mark Giebelhaus John Girvin Walt Godbehere Richard Goettel Joshua Grantham Charles Gray Edna Gray H. Alan Hallman, DVM John Hamett Carl Hargis Nate Harrel Charles Ray Harrison Sean Hatch Steve Havertine Merritt Haynes Keith Heimes Dan Hellman R. Todd Henderson Mario Hernandez Michael Hernandez Terry Herndon Charles Herner Joe Herrero Ed Hightower Mike Hobel Paul Hodges III Kevin Hogue Jim Holleran Mel Holsinger Scott Horn Michael Horstman Timothy Hosford Bryan House Danny Howard Ron Huddleston Bruce Hudson John Hull Todd Ingersoll Don Irwin Wayne Jacobs Kyle Jenkins Brian Johnsen Gary Johnson James C. Johnson James Johnson Earl Johnson Edward Johnson Lauren Johnson Richard Johnson
Rick Johnson Adam Jones Jim Jones Mitchell Jones Scott Jones Bruce Judson Andrew Kap Sandra Kauffman Richard Kauffman, Sr. Jim Kavanaugh Sandra Kearney Bill Kelley Denise Kennedy Chuck Kerr Roger Kesterson Bill Kiefer Brian Kimball Steve King David Kinman Donald Kinney Peter Klocki Peter Knadler John Koleszar Charles Koons Brian Koziol Joseph Krejci Otto Kuczynski Joseph LaJeunesse Joseph M. Lane James Lara Kevin Lawhor Randy Lay Dylan Lechter Michael Lechter Jeffrey C. Lehrer Justin Leitner Skylar Lempinen Jorge Leon Mike Leon Steve Leone Ruben Lerma Scott Lewis Kevin Libsack Bob Litchfield Tim Littleton Ryan Lloyd James Lynch, Jr. Bob Mallory John Marriott Eric Martin Don Martin Robert Martin Joseph Masseur Karl Matchinsky Gary Matchinsky Russ McDowell
Steve McGaughey Angela McHaney Kelly McMillan James Mehen* William Meredith James Mingus Matt Minshall Richard Moraca James Mullins James Mullins Matt Mullins Robert Murry, DVM Ronald Nadzieja Gregory Naff Annette Naff Megan Naff Keith Newlon Mark Nicholas Anthony Nichols Brandon Nichols Fletcher Nichols Lance Nichols Logan Nichols Cookie Nicoson Walt Nicoson* Paige Nicoson John Nightengale Kathi Nixon Mark Nixon Nick Novak David Nygaard Donna Obert Douglas Obert, Sr.* James Oldham Bob Olds Raul M. Ortiz Martin Paez Sallie Page Pete Page Danny Palmer Duane Palmer Everett Palmer Chris Parish Marlin Parker Don Parks Jr. Dale Parrish Billy Patterson Shawn Patterson Art Pearce Mike Pellegatti Allen Perez Guy Phillips Paul Piker Jack Poggendorf Forrest Purdy* Jan Purdy
Mark Raby* Kenneth Ramage Steve Remige Jim Renkema Robin Renowden Armon Rheaume Keith Riefkohl Mel Risch* Preston Riveras Travis Roberts Aaron Ruiz Roy Ruiz Todd Sabin Mike Sanders Kevin Sargent Michelle Schaefer Steven Schaefer Mark Schepers Rick Schmidt Barry Schmitz Tom Schorr Scott Schuff DeAnne Schuff Nathaneal Schulz Kurt Schulz Shannon Schulz Terry Schupp Peter Schwan Michael Schwindenhammer Bill Shaffer Steven Shaffer Howard Shaffer William Shaffer, Jr Lonzo Shields Mark Simon Terrence Simons Charlene Sipe Andrew Smigielski Michael Snyder Robert Spurny Connor Stainton Gregory Stainton Randy Stalcup Douglas Stancill Ray Steffen Jr Stan Stellwagen Mark Stephenson Arlen Stewart Shane Stewart James Stewart John Stuckey Vashti “Tice” Supplee Nick Swanson Al Swapp Debbie Swapp
Bob Swisher James Symonds Tim Talbott Dan Taylor Amos Terrell Jr. Todd Thelander Pete Thomas Kevin Thompson Nick Thompson Billy Thrash Donald Tirpak Bill Tocci Linda Tocci John Toner Corey Tunnell Lee Turner Sandra Turner Bill VenRooy Rick Vincent, Sr. John Wagner Carl Walker Kathleen Walp William Walp Peter Walters Don Walters, Jr. Caryn Walsh Thomas Walton Bill Wasbotten Dale Watkins David Watts Rick Watts Paul Weaver Jerry Weiers Dee White Larry White Kevin Widner Chris G. Williams Richard Williams Scott Wilt Matt Windle Glenn Wooden Cory Worischeck Mark Worischeck Joseph Worischeck Robert Younger Richard Youngker Chuck Youngker Dave Zibbon Scott Ziebarth Craig Zimmerman
* deceased
Shop Amazon Smile & Support Arizona Elk Society! As COVID-19 forces us to do our shopping online, please remember you can provide a free donation in support of Arizona Elk Society when you shop at smile.amazon.com.
It takes just three easy steps. 1. Go to smile.amazon.com If you already have an Amazon account, sign in. You will receive a prompt to select your charity. 2. Search for “Arizona Elk Society”. 3. Confirm your selection. That’s it. Every time you shop at smile.amazon.com you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as amazon.com, with the added benefit that Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Arizona Elk Society. Don’t forget to tell you friends and family too!
Scan to make AES your Amazon partner!
Arizona Elk Society 3
PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE I got my application in for the 2022 elk season and have my fingers and toes crossed for good luck and a tag. With snow falling in the high country we have a good start to the snowpack and rains that we need for spring and summer—here’s to hoping! I was invited to speak on a panel organized by the Arizona Wildlife Federation (Arizona Elk Society is a member organization) to speak about my observations over the decades of how the landscape has changed. I have noticed brush and juniper replacing oak and ponderosa pine; mesquite growing at higher elevations. Of course hauling water has become more important over the past few years as we grapple with what is being called a mega drought. Congressman O’Halloran was also on the panel and a Northern Arizona University scientists that advises the Four Forests Initiative. The most interesting panel presentation was from a Flagstaff National Weather Service meteorologist. He showed the long-term history of temperature and precipitation in northern Arizona. The data leaves no doubt it is getting hotter and drier. Our water-hauling volunteers can affirm that! The big message we all shared was the importance of the forest-thinning programs. I spoke about how AES’ Sawyer Program is making a difference with our meadow restoration work. I closed by saying the best way hunters can make a difference is to volunteer time on the habitat and water projects sponsored by AES and our partner
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conservation organizations. We are planning to have some bigger work projects this summer, so stay tuned! Read the latest Heroes Rising Outdoors hunt and our Volunteer Spotlight. The Wild in the City event was very successful–story in the next issue. Banquet season is around the corner with the Phoenix event in April. We plan to start up the White Mountains banquet in Show Low and of course the Flagstaff banquet brought to you by Randy Burton and his team of awesome volunteers. Check this issue for dates. In closing - Sign up to be a volunteer! There are all sorts of volunteer jobs for every interest here in the valley and in elk country.
Yours in Conservation, Tice Supplee
OFFICERS President - Tice Supplee Vice President - Greg Godbehere Treasurer - Christopher K. Lutzel Secretary - Richard Moraca Executive Director - Steve Clark
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wayne Bouton Randy Burton Joe Di Vito Ron Huddleston Andrew Kap
OUR MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Arizona Elk Society is to benefit elk and other wildlife by generating resources for habitat conservation and restoration, and to preserve our hunting heritage for present and future generations.
Glen Jones Steve Schaefer
The Arizona Elk Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) wildlife organization.
PAST PRESIDENT
Rich Williams You may send a message for any officers, board members or committee chairs to stevec@arizonaelksociety.org
Visit us online at
www.arizonaelksociety.org www.facebook.com/arizonaelksociety
Arizona Elk Society 5
—2021— JUNIOR ELK CAMP by Steve Clark
Every year the Arizona Elk Society hosts a Junior Elk Hunting Camp for youth that are drawn for Units 6A and 5BS. October 2021 found us at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp close to Mormon Lake in Unit 6A. Thursday night we hosted 50 young hunters and their families for dinner and an informative elk-hunting seminar. After the seminar we met with families that needed help reviewing maps and matching them with mentors for Friday morning’s hunt. During the days the families return for meals, seminars, elkcalling trailing and an archery course manned by Dave Gunn of 3G Archery (www.3garchery.org). Dave and his crew teach archery and have a great JOAD team for the kids. This year many youth hunters harvested elk during the weekend and our mentors lent their expertise helping all the kids. The kids got a chance to participate in skinning elk and going through the entire process of taking care of the hide and meat after the harvest. Thank you to all cooks, mentors and volunteers that took time out of their weekend to help these young hunters learn the ins and outs of elk hunting. Thank you also to the Knights of Columbus for allowing AES to use the St. Joseph’s Youth Camp. If you have a junior hunter that gets drawn this year we will be back at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp October 2022. 6 Tracker 4th Quarter 2021
Arizona Elk Society 7
MULEY MAGIC by Jessica Niebel (Corporal, US Marine Corps)
Who knew just what life would throw my way as I traveled around the world, finally ending up in the American Southwest. My name is Jessica Niebel and I served in the US Marine Corps as a postal clerk and military police officer from 2009-2013. I deployed overseas to Kabul, Afghanistan for 7 months from 2011- 2012. After completing my term of service, I went back to college for a year, then moved to Arizona where I have been living since 2015. As much as I loved Arizona, I’d never made many friends there. My college experience had its ups and downs as I was enrolled on and off for several years. I stressed over school finding myself looking for purpose. I found myself really depressed, missing the camaraderie within the Marine Corps. To cope with everything, I did some traveling within Arizona where I came to appreciate the solitude of the outdoors. I have been working as a caregiver for another disabled veteran for several years. This leaves little down time and
can be very difficult, both physically and mentally. What I needed was something that would light a passion within me, something I loved to do. I was led to my kitchen where my creative juices flowed, and I started baking all sorts of desserts. Things progressed and I now own a licensed home bakery business—Kreativ Delights. I did some research on the internet a little over a year ago, looking to reconnect with the outdoors and possibly other veterans. I didn’t think much about hunting until I found Arizona Elk Society’s Heroes Rising Outdoors® program. I connected with Tom Wagner, the program coordinator, to look into becoming a volunteer. After talking with Tom several times, I decided to submit my own disabled veteran application to HRO. COVID changed all our lives in 2021. My new business was presented with several challenges as the months passed by. To my surprise, Tom Wagner called me up in mid-October just three days before the opening of Arizona’s
Credit Kaibab National Forest
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deer season. Heroes Rising Outdoors® had just received a donated 12A West Kaibab antlered deer tag and Tom was offering it to me. I was told that hunters across the US waited many years hoping to get to hunt with one of these most-coveted mule deer tags. I couldn’t believe my ears—I was very shocked and excited at the same time! As short notice that it was, you’d better believe I had my things packed and ready to go in no time!
Gary Martin, Paula Pegues, Eric Hawkinberry, veteran Jared Kinnaman, and a few others.
It turned out that professional guide (and long-time HRO supporter) Don Martin had a family friend who had become very ill and wanted to donate his 12AW Kaibab deer tag to a disabled veteran. I was to be the lucky recipient and Don wanted to volunteer his time and expertise to help find me a big buck.
Opening morning found me in a truck with Gary Martin and Eric Hawkinberry as my guides. I couldn’t believe it when we spied two good-looking muley bucks only 300 yards from camp! I slowly exited the truck, getting ready for a shot. When I went to raise my rifle, the bucks had disappeared. What a disappointment! The wind was starting to kick up as Eric and I skirted a steep draw to see where the bucks might have gone, but the deer had given us the slip.
A few days later I was on my way to the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. After many hours behind the wheel my body was looking forward to getting out of the 4x4. Pulling into deer camp, Don Martin met us with a big smile and hearty welcome! He was joined by
Credit Kaibab National Forest
That night before opening day I sat with everyone in camp, taking in every detail of what was being said about what to expect on my hunt. There was a lot to take in, believe me! After turning in for the night, I found it hard to stop thinking about the next day. It was a short night.
Striking out on the two bucks, we made our way back to the truck. It was still very early in the morning, so off we went to another area to glass for deer. We didn’t see anything else for a while. We were driving about 25 mph down a
Photo by Jessica Niebel
Background photo by Spencer Plumb, National Forest Foundation. Credit Kaibab National Forest Arizona Elk Society 9
forest service road when I suddenly spotted a buck on the side of a hill. Unfortunately, it was only a narrow 2x3 with very small crabbed front tines. Not a buck I wanted to slip my deer tag onto. Eventually it was back to camp for lunch, followed by a welcome nap before heading back out later that afternoon. Unfortunately, the wind really started to pick up as the afternoon progressed, with the entire crew seeing only smaller young bucks and does the rest of the day. The second morning, Gary, Eric, my boyfriend Chris, and I left camp to go scout the area where the two bucks escaped to the day before. It wasn’t long before we found three muley bucks close to the opening morning’s location. As luck would have it, once again I wasn’t able to get a shot off as the bucks said adios. Déjà vu!
Photo by Jessica Niebel shoulder, but there was a large 2x2 buck standing directly behind him. I patiently waited for the 2x2 to move a little so I would have a clean shot. As soon as the 2x2 moseyed out of the way, I squeezed the trigger. The big-bodied buck didn’t go more than 20 yards before it dropped!
Eric and I decided to chance it and walked downwind into a draw, then swung back around to a second connecting draw. We were getting close to the area where we thought the bucks might have headed to. I readied my rifle as we put a sneak on up onto a ledge of the draw. With the wind blowing 15 mph, I happened to spot two bucks staring at me across the draw. Eric placed his shooting sticks beneath my rifle, and I leveled my rifle scope on an awesome 3x3 mule deer standing 150 yards away. I made sure my sights were centered right behind the deer’s
I turned to grab Eric by his jacket and whispered with excitement, “Buck down, he’s down!” I couldn’t believe that I had just taken my very first ever 3x3 mule deer buck! From a female veteran’s experience and point of view, this is something that I would love for all veterans, including our female veterans, to enjoy. There is nothing more exciting than getting to experience a hunt like the ones Heroes Rising Outdoors® provides for veterans! The Heroes Rising Outdoors® program has helped me a lot in dealing with my mental and physical disabilities, especially in a way where I’ve been able to get out and enjoy the outdoors again. It is such a stress reliever being out in the wild and away from the hassles of the world. The program also means a lot to me personally by helping me connect with other veterans, those who will always be family. Opportunities now exist for me to give back as well. I can’t adequately thank the Heroes Rising Outdoors® program, the Arizona Elk Society, the individuals who actually helped me on the hunt, and the individual who donated my deer tag! I am forever grateful for such an amazing program and great people.
HEROES
®
RISING
OUTDOORS
EMPOWERING ARIZONA VETERANS 10 Tracker 4th Quarter 2021
®
Watch for our new Heroes Rising Outdoors® experiences! FISHING | EQUINE THERAPY
Arizona Elk Society 11
DOCTOR BB: MY SHRINK by John Koleszar
The winter freeze was in full effect as I worked my way north through Payson and up to the Forest Lakes area. With the wind whipping at up to 35 mph, I felt the chill deep down into these old bones. Big Bull (BB) had arranged for this end-of-January meeting and frankly, I was surprised he wanted to meet. Usually we meet later in the winter, closer to March, but hey—when the king calls I listen. I drove off the edge of the Rim and worked my way down to the OW ranch. BB had specified a GPS point that was so specific even I could not miss it. I let the heater blast on full as I surveyed the bottom of the drainage and looked for my old buddy. After about 20 minutes of nothing but snow and wind, I sensed something behind the Rav4. I turned to see what had snuck up on me and initially I thought it was a huge cow elk. That thought evaporated quickly as I saw the massive body and humped shoulders. It was BB—and a bald BB at that. I shut down the Rav and stepped out of the vehicle. “Well BB” I said, “You look pretty darn funny like that. I don’t think I have ever seen you with just your pedicles showing.” BB shuffled his hooves in the snowbank and grunted his reply, “I wouldn’t talk too much old man. I see more chrome on your dome every time I see you too.” It was my turn to snap back, but for the life of me I could not think of a suitable zinger. BB had landed his punch and there was nothing I could say to top it. Besides, we both knew that his would regrow fairly quickly, and mine—well let’s just say that train has left the station. I finally got to the point with BB. “Okay BB, what is so important that you had to see me up here in this type of weather?” BB looked at me with a small smile. “Well old man, we do keep up with the news ya know. It seems like everything we hear up here has to do with you humans getting your panties in a bunch over everything. Up here we just worry about our next meal, or where the water is, or what wolf or coyote is trying to drag down a calf. You folks complain about everything.” I was a little indignant and shot back at him? “Really BB! What the heck are you talking about?” BB shook his massive head and laughed. “Ok
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smart guy. Did you get something called the Jab? Did you get a Booster? Are you something called a Red or a Blue? Do you hate cattle or love cattle? Do you love horses or hate advocates? Do you want more wolves or less wolves? Are you wearing a mask or not? Are you a right wing or left wing? I mean geez old man; where do you want me to stop?” Well BB had me on that one. I know of families in the Valley that have stopped seeing each other because of each individual’s belief. If one side didn’t agree with the other they started fighting. I thought about it from BB’s perspective and I kind of had to agree. His logic, as simple as it seemed, was a better perspective than maybe some humans I know. “I think that peoples’ opinions are like their butts BB; everyone has one, but ya really don’t want to hear about it or see it.” BB let loose with a long chuckle. “Oh, I gotta remember than old man—that’s funny. Of course ya know I am a bit serious about this stuff. I did some research and found that you folks are a lot like a study that was done in the 1950’s. It was called RATOPIA.” Now I was surprised. I asked him for an explanation and he got a little coy with me and said, “Look it up, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.” Perhaps it was because it had been so long since I had been up in the beautiful north country; or maybe it was because I was tired from long hours and lots of stress. I wanted to yell at my old friend and prove him wrong. He looked at me and sadly said, “Look at you old man, you’re wired so tight you look like your blood pressure is about to shoot through the roof.” Of course, BB was right. A lot of us are angry, confused and frustrated. BB started walking away. He turned and said, “Follow me old man.” I wanted to know where we were going or what he had in mind, but at that point I just didn’t care. I followed in his footsteps as he trudged up the ridge on the west side of the OW ranch. He went on a zigzag course up the hill. After about 45 minutes I was breathing pretty hard and I yelled at him, “Hey BB where are we going?”
BB turned around and said, “Only 50 more yards old man and we will be there. Keep on coming.” I trudged after him and almost started counting the steps. Finally he crested the top of the rise and stopped. I dragged myself those last yards and joined him. “Okay BB, what is it that’s so important up here?” BB snorted, “Look around old man.” I finally looked at the view and was pretty astounded. The greenery of all the Ponderosa pines was magnificent. The sun was just beginning to make its’ descent into the west and the clouds formed a spectacular view of so many different hues of pink and yellow and blue. I started to grab my phone for a picture but BB stopped me, “Just look at it old man. Experience it, feel it and enjoy it.” I shut up, started to relax and felt my heartbeat slow down. BB was right. I needed this more than anything I could think of. Getting away from all the junk that had me all turned inside out felt so good. We did nothing for a good 10 minutes. I could hear his breathing and I know he could hear mine. We watched the sunset and then started slowly down the hill. He said nothing and I was just as quiet.
mp d; pu e . m K l e n nect Joh ; overwh scon i d 1 2 d and . 20 tresse way a p Dec S ste es; k a br the
We reached the Rav just before dark. I felt relaxed in a way that I had not felt in months. It was then that I realized the last time I felt this good was sitting on a log calling in elk for Dick King on his elk hunt in 3A / 3C. I turned towards BB as I started to get into the Rav. “Thanks for today BB.” BB nodded and said, “Don’t take so long to take care of yourself again old man. I need someone to let humans know how we feel and how to take care of us. I’ll see you in a few months and we can chat about serious issues okay?” I nodded my consent and started the Rav. The ride back to Payson was slow and easy. Cars passed me and I just moved over to let them hurry on. I knew that the moment wouldn’t last, but I also knew that when the junk hits the fan there is a place I can go to let it all go.
Arizona Elk Society 13
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
MICHAEL BAIER by Jamie Lyons
archery season or down south in the desert for glassing and long-range rifles. In the mid 1990’s we all bought bows to improve our odds in the elk draw and have been avid bowhunters ever since.”
I had the privilege of meeting Michael Baier in 2021 at the Junior Turkey Camp. Being new to AES, I was on my first official AES project and boy was I nervous. Thoughts like ‘What if the volunteer cooks don’t show up?’ and ‘I hope everyone gets along’ were running through my head. Then Michael introduced himself and told me he was a volunteer for the cook team. He had a big smile on his face and was so eager to help. He began listening to Mike Herbert, an experienced cook, and lead by example. Soon after, everyone was working as a team, laughing, and having fun. I was suddenly relieved; his positive attitude was contagious. We all caught it. Who is this guy? Well, as a child, Michael Baier was immediately introduced to the outdoors as soon as he could walk. His father was a Forester, had a lifetime career in the Bureau of Land Management, and was in USMC Reserves. Mike and his brother Ron grew up in Virginia and Arizona and were immediately immersed in the ways and ethics of the old school outdoorsman through paper maps and compass navigation, hunting, fishing, and shooting. Both learned the utmost respect for the balance of nature, how the ecosystems are interdependent, to respect the land and laws, and cleanse the soul in the quiet outdoors to build your character. Michael says, “My father, brother, and I have hunted all over Arizona since the 1970’s for most species, specifically enjoying the annual ritual of long campouts for elk and deer among honey holes and repeat campsites. Our focus was above the Rim in the pines during the
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In search of the company of like-minded hunters and conservationists, Mike and his father joined AES to participate in activities outside of the hunt season and to contribute. “Keeping the balance of receiving and giving is important to me and I can accomplish that through AES activities. I’m able to leverage my experience to help others and maintain the connection to the outdoors which feeds my spiritual harmony. With minimal time for leisure pursuits and the passing of dad a few years ago, it’s important to me to keep the AES volunteer projects on my calendar and stay connected. It feels great on my drive home to know I’ve contributed and left a positive impact on a worthwhile activity and possibly made a difference in someone’s life.” Mike is married and lives with his lovely wife Luz Elena and her adult son Luis Carlos. The Baier family is all about working, playing, and resting hard. “Luz and I both have desk jobs and we’re looking to move the needle more into outdoor play time. I work at Intel Corporation as a keynote program manager, but I can’t fix your computer; while she works in accounting at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Luis Carlos is the smart one who chooses to work outside driving for Amazon.” When I asked Mike what his favorite volunteer experience with AES was, he reflected on that Junior Turkey Camp. He shared, “Supporting my first Junior Turkey Camp as a cook tent supporter was quite an impressive experience. The amount of wide-eyed and motivated junior hunters looking to learn and soak in the adventure reminded me of my youth. The kids were up early like zombies in the cold dark morning learning to make sacrifices and tough it out to earn the badge and bragging rights of a turkey hunter. Some would talk about a new piece of gear, the hunting spot that their dad or a volunteer guide showed them the night before, and some had no experience or clue what they were doing – it just felt good, and they were safe and supported 100% by good people. Equally as impressive was the AES team’s accomplishment to prepare, cook, and
serve food for hundreds of kids and volunteers. The cook volunteers and systems worked like clockwork, and it was fun with a sense of pride and professionalism to be their best in support of a very important cause.”
“Working with Mike on the cook crew at the Junior Turkey Hunt camp was a pleasure. He is a positive influence who is hardworking, motivated, and passionate about volunteering for the Arizona Elk Society.” —Mike Herbert, Volunteer
AES is fortunate to have passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Their tenacity, and commitment to AES pushes the organization to help more youth and veterans, and increase elk viability. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for AES, please visit arizonaelksociety.org. Arizona Elk Society 15
In Memoriam Peter Ekholm Harry Carlson UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 9: AES Banquet, Mesa Conv. Center | APRIL 15-16: AES/NWTF Youth Turkey Camp, Colcord Ridge | MAY 13-15: Habitat Project | JUNE 10-12: Habitat Project | JUNE 25: White Mountain Chapter Banquet, Show Low | JULY 16: Northern Arizona Peaks Chapter, Flagstaff | JULY 22, 23, 24: Wapiti Weekend, Camp Raymond | Check arizonaelksociety.org for details or to volunteer.
Celeeating 30 Years of Serving You!
Join us in the celebration!
Visit us at communitytirepros.com/30th-anniversary 16 Tracker 4th Quarter 2021
$30 Off Your First Visit!
“Your Arizona Elk Society Realtor!”
Michelle Borrelli
Michelle: 623.521.6096
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michelle@tomapartners.com michelleborrellirealtor.com
MB $1,000.00 Donated to “HEROES RISING OUTDOORS” Program Michelle Borrelli has Partnered up with Arizona Elk Society.... If you are passionate about assisting our Veterans, as I am, take a minute to visit this web site michelleborrellirealtor.com to learn how YOU can support our Veterans. This important program is specifically designed to benefit our Veterans, the Arizona Elk Society members base and their families. All you have to do is tell me” I want to assist a Veteran” or simply send a message. Together WE will make a difference! For each successful transaction greater than *$250,000, whether buying or selling, on residential or commercial, Michelle Borrelli will donate $1,000.00 of her personal proceeds to “Heroes Rising Outdoors” This program affords the opportunity for a veteran to experience nature through AZ Elk Society’s outdoor camps, taking part in Ecotherapy! Contact Michelle today 623.521.6096 Let’s give our Veterans the support they deserve! By the way... I am never too busy to assist good people in their new home journey and I appreciate your referrals.
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Arizona Elk Society 17
HABITAT PARTNERS OF ARIZONA 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.
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.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: Become a Habitat Partner with your tax deductible donation starting at $2500 ($1000 for 17 and under).
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
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.
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.
FOR MORE INFO AND TO DONATE: You can find more details and the donation form at www.arizonaelksociety.org.
David Baril Sponsor Partner
Bass Pro Shops Sponsor Partner
Tom & Janet Bowman Sponsor Partner
Cabela’s Sponsor Partner
Harry Carlson Imperial Partner
Walt and Cookie Nicoson Royal Partner
Stephen Clark Sponsor Partner
Sallie Page Pete Page Sponsor Partner
Ron & Sharon Eichelberger Sponsor Partner
Sharon & John Stuckey Imperial Partner
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Pacific West Representatives Royal Partner Sportsman’s Warehouse Sponsor Partner
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ARIZONA ELK SOCIETY FOUNDING MEMBERS Founding Associate Members Douglas Sr & Donna Obert Founding Life Members Ken Alexander+ John & Patti Anderson Michael J Anderson Ernest Apodaca, Jr+ David Baril+ Randy Beck Keith Berger Esther Cadzow John Cadzow* Harry Carlson* Randy A Cherington+ Pete Cimellaro Steve Clark Todd A Coleman Richard Currie Don Davidson Kay Davidson Larry Day Sharon Eichelberger Ron Eichelberger Peter Ekholm* Daron Evans Will & Fran Garrison* Ed Hightower Michael Horstman+ James Johnson Earl C Johnson Edward E Johnson Richard Johnson+ Mitchell Jones Sandra G Kauffman Richard E Kauffman, Sr Bill Kelley Peter S Klocki+ John Koleszar+ James Lara Tim Littleton James Lynch Jr+ Don Martin Russ McDowell William D Meredith Anthony Nichols Cookie Nicoson Walt Nicoson* Mark Nixon Donna Obert Douglas Obert, Sr*
Shawn Patterson Jan Purdy Forrest Purdy Mark Raby+ Mel Risch+ Rick Schmidt+ Tom Schorr Gregory Stainton Douglas Stancill Vashti “Tice” Supplee+ Dan Taylor John Toner Corey Tunnell Rick Vincent, Sr Don Walters, Jr Dee White Larry White+ Mark Worischeck Joseph Worischeck Chuck Youngker Founding Sustaining Members Everett & Joyce Nicoson Founding Couple Members Bridgid & Ron Anderson Denny* & Paula Bailey Robert F & Shirley J Banks John & Taina Beaty Robin & Billie Bechtel Brad & Shelley Borden Philip* & Jamie Brogdon+ Mark & Shanna Brooks Shawn & Lisa Carnahan Kim & Lynn Carter, Sr Danny R Cline & Pat Thompson Tim & Patti Garvin W Hays & Suzanne Gilstrap Don & Gwen Grady Steve & Bobi Hahn Igor & Christy Ivanoff Daniel & Danny Johnson Glen & Tracey Jones Richard & Wendy Kauffman Bill & Mary Keebler Mark & Lynda Kessler Mel & Diane Kincaid Richard & Christine Krantz Dick & Nancy Krause Eric & Wendy Krueger Ron & Lisa Lopez+ Gary & Lin Maschner
Shane & Tiffany May Kevin & Donna McBee Roger & Micaela Mellen Denny & Pat Moss Robert & Diana Noel Richard Oberson & Bonnie McAuley* William & Vera Rezzonico Clarence Rodriquez MD Richard & Anna Schmidt David Scott & Rosemarie Nelson Bruce & Lisa Snider Macey & Becky Starling Ed & Ace Stevens Tim & Ellena Tanner Craig & Susan Thatcher Tom & Kristel Thatcher Marvin & Margo Thompson+ Jim & Shellie Walker+ Keith & Lois Zimmerman Founding General Members Kendall Adair Gary Anderson* Jim Andrysiak Denny Ashbaugh Ron Barclay Cal Bauer John F Bauermeister Robert Baughman Manny Bercovich Dr Tom Boggess, III Tom Brown Tom Carroll Steve Cheuvront Carolyn Colangelo Mike Cupell Jack Daggett Kyle Daggett+ Bob Davies Gary A Davis Nathan Day John W Decker* Chris Denham Neal E Dial Craig Dunlap Jennifer Evans Bobby Fite Chris Flanders Lorenzo A Flores Roger Gibson Courtney Gilstrap
Floyd Green Jon Hanna Douglas Hartzler Art Hathaway Dean Hofman David J Hofman Norma E Hook* Russ Hunter David Hussey Rick Johnson Mike Jones Doug Jones Todd Julian Charlie Kelly Charles A Kerns John Krause Joseph M Lane+ Robby Long Aaron Lowry* Rick MacDonald Joe Makaus* Daniel Martin Michael L Mason Mike McCormick Donald Meakin James O Meeks Jason Mercier Jim Mercier Tracey Miner Ken Moss Ronald J Nadzieja Mike N Oliver Craig Pearson Kenneth B Piggott Bethena Pugh Carlos Quihuis Mark Raby* Robert L Read* Neal Reidhead* Kyle Sanford Craig Sanford Tony Seddon Arnold Shelton Dennis Shipp Tom Sisco Bruce Sitko M Scott South Carl Staley Randy Stout Kenneth K Stringer John W Stuckey Dave Swayzee*
Troy Tartaglio Gary TeBeest Todd Thelander Charles B Thompson Stan Thompson Thom Tokash Brian Van Kilsdonk Rick Vaughn Kathy L Vincent Rick Vincent II Don R Walker Douglas Watson Vince Watts Todd Weber Donald D Weber Jr Tom Wooden Douglas Woodward* Founding Junior Members Tyler Getzwiller Kevin H Knight Daniel Raby Nathan Raby James Rawls Sheena Smith Blake Tartaglio Alexandra Tartaglio Alexis Tartaglio Travis Thatcher Clayton Thatcher Nathan Thatcher Wayne Thatcher Taylor Thatcher Alexandra Vincent Emma C Vincent Justin M Vincent
Prior to March 17, 2002, AES Founding Memberships were available. These individuals and couples came forth to show their support for the AES in it’s early stages of development. During the formation of the AES, administrative funds were needed to pay for organizational costs that led up to the first fundraising banquet on March 16, 2002. Founding Members paid a premium membership fee to help make the first year a success. For their support and dedication, the following Founding Members will receive permanent recognition by the AES.
+ Membership upgraded
* Deceased Arizona Elk Society 19
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