Tracker 2nd Quarter 2023

HUNTS FOR HEROES

A Hunt to Remember: How I Found My Passion for Elk Hunting 10-11

YOUTH

Last Camp Standing 12-13

2nd Quarter 2023

HABITAT RESTORATION

Garden Tank 23

Michael Johnson

Pete 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 Lawhorn

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

Megan Lobst

Karen Longo

Jamie Lyons

James Lynch, Jr.

Bob Mallory

John Marriott

Eric Martin

David Martin

Don Martin

Robert Martin

Joseph Masseur

Karl Matchinsky

Gary Matchinsky

Russ McDowell

Steve McGaughey

Brian McGrew

Angela McHaney

Kelly McMillan

James Mehen*

William Meredith

James Mingus

Matt Minshall

Daniel Moore

Richard Moraca

James H. Mullins

James K. 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

Edward Nolte

Nick Novak

David Nygaard

Donna Obert

Douglas Obert, Sr.*

Mark Ogden

James Oldham

Bob Olds

Raul M. Ortiz

Ray Ouellette

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

Bryan Pedersen

Mike Pellegatti

Allen Perez

Guy Phillips

Paul Piker

Jack

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PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE

At last, the summer monsoon is showing up. A bit spotty this year. Water hauling has been a thing in the high country, even after the wet winter. I had a fun adventure in June with my friends Linda Dightmon and Mark Hullinger. We explored the full Horseshoe Reservoir in Mark’s power boat. I felt like we were on an African Queen adventure as we poked through the willow and cottonwood forest way upstream. Linda wrote a great piece about our day in the Payson Roundup.

Our summer banquets are behind us and so is Wapiti Weekend and the Hunter Clinic. A pile-up on Interstate 17 made for some challenges for Wapiti Weekend. All said, it was a great restart for our signature youth event. The hunter clinic was very well attended. I know with the gaps between getting a tag, this clinic is invaluable to refresh myself on tips and good information. Thank you to the Arizona Game and Fish biologists and Wildlife Managers that spent the day sharing their knowledge. Both banquets in Show Low and Flagstaff were a huge success. Many thanks to the banquet committees and the hours of volunteer time to make these evenings such a success.

I spent a relaxing weekend at the Diablo Trust annual meeting and campout. I enjoyed seeing the Proser’s of BarTBar and Kit Metzger of Flying M ranch. The featured speakers spoke about regenerative ranching. The Diablo Trust ranches have been leaders in this concept for decades, the bottom line is leaving the land in better shape than how you found it. I liked the summation of the talks- “Principles Few-Methods Many-Place Based”. There is no cookie cutter recipe for good land stewardship.

I am so pleased the Arizona Elk Society is hiring a project manager in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The plan is to keep grassland and forest meadow restoration projects going. Opportunities for our volunteers will be a part of the effort-so look for sawyer and work project weekends in the future. The AES strategy is to plan landscape scale work so each weekend project contributes to a bigger outcome at scale.

Here is hoping that although the rain is late that the elk are fat and growing nice antlers. One thing is for sure, there are a lot of elk calves this year. Nice to see after multiple years of low birth rates. To those who have an elk tag this fall—keep your powder dry and Good Luck!

Yours in Conservation, Tice Supplee, AES Board President

OFFICERS

President - Tice Supplee

Vice President - Steve Schaefer

Treasurer - Christopher K. Lutzel

Secretary - Greg Godbehere

Executive Director - Steve Clark

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wayne Bouton

Randy Burton

Joe Di Vito

Ron Huddleston

Glen Jones

Richard Moraca

Jim Norton

PAST PRESIDENT

Rich Williams

You may send a message for any officers, board members or committee chairs to stevec@arizonaelksociety.org

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

To learn about volunteer opportunites with Arizona Elk Society, visit our website at www.arizonaelksociety.org

20 - 22 Big Bull and His Inquiring Mind byJohnKoleszar

27 AES Founding Members

14 -16 White Mountain Chapter Banquet Delights Attendees and Raises Funds for Wildlife Conservation byBeckyBouquot

12 -13 Last Camp Standing byRichWilliams

10 -11 A Hunt to Remember: How I Found My Passion for Elk Hunting byWarrenGriffith,USMC(ret.)

23 Garden Tank byRussJohnson

26 AES Habitat Partners

ON THE COVER

Elk, majestic creatures of the wild, undergo a fascinating process known as shedding their velvet. The annual shedding of velvet in elk is a mesmerizing spectacle of nature. During the velvet shedding, elk undergo significant physical changes as they prepare for the mating season.

Elk antlers are one of the fastest-growing tissues in the animal kingdom. The velvet serves as a protective layer for growing antlers, providing nourishment and blood supply. The velvet is rich in nutrients that elk absorb during the shedding process. Shedding velvet is a sign of a healthy and well-nourished elk. As the days of the year grow longer, elk begin to exhibit signs of impending velvet shedding.

Elk start rubbing their antlers against trees and bushes to facilitate velvet shedding. The rubbing action aids in removing the itchy velvet from their antlers. As velvet shedding progresses, elk might become more irritable and less social. During shedding, elk might be more susceptible to predators due to temporary discomfort. The velvet contains nerves and blood vessels, making the process sensitive for the elk.

The shedding process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Velvet shedding provides a valuable source of nutrients for scavengers in the ecosystem. Observing elk during their velvet shedding can be a thrilling wildlife photography opportunity. Once velvet shedding is complete, elk sport their fully developed antlers. Elk antlers, free from velvet, become more prominent and impressive.

The shedding of velvet is a true indicator of the natural rhythms and cycles in elk populations. Understanding the velvet shedding process helps conservationists monitor elk populations. Conservation efforts aim to protect elk habitats during crucial times like velvet shedding. Velvet shedding is a delicate process that requires a calm environment for elk.

A HUNT TO REMEMBER: HOW I FOUND MY PASSION FOR ELK HUNTING

by Warren Griffith, USMC (ret.)

As a corporal in the United States Marine Corps, I fought in the opening invasion of Iraq in 2003 as an Aviation Ordnance Technician on Cobra and Huey attack helicopters. My core and foundation as a person will always be who I am. That said, I came back from war a different person. Between injuries and PTSD, I found myself struggling for a while to find myself and a purpose in life that was both meaningful and challenging.

I have always had a love for camping and fishing since I was a kid, but hunting was not something that I had experience, knowledge, or a passion for. Little did I know, that was about to change.

A few months after applying to Arizona Elk Society’s Heroes Rising Outdoors (a program that reaches out to Arizona veterans with military related disabilities), I received a phone call from Tom Wagner, the program’s coordinator. My application info had been reviewed and I had been selected to participate in an archery bull elk hunt in Unit 8 near Williams, Arizona. What a blessing that was going to be!

The hunt was to be guided by Kurt Shultz of Shultz Outfitters, assisted by SO guide Justin. They taught me the basics of elk hunting—the patterns of animals, calling, tracking, setting up ground blinds, and what angles to take a shot at. If I had a question, they didn’t hold back from sharing their wealth of knowledge.

I was nervous before the hunt, especially about taking my

first archery shot in front of a guide. We spent five days trying to get the perfect shot at an elk, but the weather and the animals were not cooperating. It rained and thundered almost every day, making it hard to spot and stalk elk.

I decided to take a two-day break from the hunt and come back later with my family in tow as support. I hoped that the weather would improve and that I would have better luck getting to within that 40-yard maximum I had set for myself. My luck was about to change dramatically!

The first morning after my return, I got to the hunting area before the guides did. I decided to do a solo hunt that morning, anticipating my guides’ help in the afternoon. I followed my instincts and the skills I had learned from Kurt and Justin. It was still dark and as I was about to head to the top of a hill, I heard two bulls fighting nearby. I’ll never forget the sound of those antlers rattling and crashing together! I rushed to close the gap while they were preoccupied, then found I still needed to wait until legal shooting light. Hiding behind a tree, I started trying to mimic the elk calls that I had learned earlier from my guides. My first call attempt probably sounded more like a goose—go figure! After that, though, I started to get the hang of it.

With a few short cow calls, I was able to get the bulls to stop fighting and come towards me. I saw them emerge from the trees—a rag horn and a 5x5 were both walking straight towards me! I stepped out from behind a tree and

took a 20-yard shot at what I now know was the 5x5 bull. At the time, I was so immersed in not screwing up that I didn’t remotely care to count the number of points on the bull’s antlers. My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched the arrow fly and hit its mark. The elk exploded out of there so fast I thought I never would see it again!

After waiting a short while, I followed the blood trail and found my bull lying dead about 80 yards away. I was overcome with emotion as I realized what I had just achieved—it felt like graduation day! I was able to achieve a successful hunt putting to use the knowledge my guides had taught me. There I was, standing alone in the forest. I had taken my first elk, and it was an amazing experience!

I called my guides and told them what had happened. They were thrilled for me, arriving in a few minutes to help both field dress my bull and pack out the meat and antlers. I also called my wife, and my family soon arrived to share in my joy and excitement.

This hunt was one of the best experiences of my life— absolutely surreal! My time away from civilization pursuing elk gave me a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and appreciation that I had been missing since my military service. It also ignited my passion for elk hunting, which has become one of my favorite hobbies.

Since then, I have been blessed to guide my two kids

on several successful elk hunts. Nothing creates more memorable experiences than seeing them enjoy the outdoors and harvest their own animals. Those hunts helped build their self-esteem and taught them much about self-reliance. I have also been able to use my knowledge and skills gained from Heroes Rising Outdoors in mentoring other veterans on several elk hunts organized by the Arizona Elk Society. Thankfully, we’ve had success on several hunts.

I am very grateful to the Arizona Elk Society and their Heroes Rising Outdoors program for giving me this opportunity. They provided me with everything I needed for a successful hunt—food, a tent to sleep in, plus other equipment I didn’t yet own. Most importantly they gave me something much more valuable—a new purpose and passion in life! I also want to give huge props to Kurt Shultz and guide Justin of Shultz Outfitters—you changed my life forever!

I encourage other veterans who are looking for a way to reconnect with nature, themselves, and their fellow warriors to apply for this program. You will not regret it! Most likely you will leave with everlasting memories and (hopefully) a freezer full of meat.

I am now an avid elk hunter. With my military background and love of the outdoors, hunting (and HRO) was a natural fit!

LAST CAMP STANDING

by Rich Williams

This year was the 13th Marvin Robbins Memorial Youth Turkey Hunt Camp. The first camp was in 2010 and there would have been 14 camps if it were not for COVID interrupting our consecutive string in 2020. This year marked another successful camp thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers. Volunteers came from multiple organizations, and all pitched in to make the camp a great time for all attendees. A special thanks to the AES cook crew for another round of great cooking that kept the camp fueled for all the activities.

In 2010 the first camp was moved from Colcord Ridge Campground to the Sharp Creek Campground because of late winter snow that closed Colcord Ridge Group Campground. This year was almost a repeat of 2010. Late winter snows had many forest roads and campgrounds closed well into April. The Colcord Ridge Campground still had large snow drifts in certain areas of the camp as late as two weeks before camp. We were greatly relieved as warmer weather and windy conditions dried the camp before we arrived. The other two youth turkey hunt camps held in the state were not so lucky, their camps were cancelled due to closed roads.

A special thanks goes out to the AES Sawyer Team. During an early visit to the campground, it was discovered that there were trees that had fallen and were not likely to be removed by the Forest Service before Camp began. One tree was down right in the middle of the group meeting area. A sawyer crew went up the weekend before camp and removed the fallen tree as well as doing some clean up at other spots in camp. Great work Sawyers!

Despite some early challenges the Camp went off as they have for each of the previous years. There was a Friday morning seminar given by National Wildlife Turkey Federation volunteers for beginners and novices that was well attended. NWTF volunteers handled teaching in camp and in the field each morning and again each afternoon. Hunters had different challenges this year. A good section of our hunting territory was inaccessible due to closed

roads and the turkeys were not as vocal possibly due to late winter conditions. Our volunteers and hunters worked hard and turkeys were brought back to camp. There is nothing better than a young hunter carrying a harvested turkey with that giant smile on their face.

This camp was funded by the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation through a Stinson Grant that supports hunter recruitment. Donations and volunteers were provided by the Arizona Elk Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, Christian Hunters of America and the Phoenix Varmint Callers. A special thanks to Jerry Ostwinkle and the Arizona Raptor Center for bringing their raptors into camp. The birds are always a treat allowing the kids to get up close to such beautiful creatures.

See you in the Spring!

WHITE MOUNTAIN CHAPTER BANQUET DELIGHTS ATTENDEES AND RAISES FUNDS FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

by Becky Bouquot

On June 10th, the White Mountain Chapter of Arizona Elk Society hosted its highly anticipated 8th Annual Banquet, transforming the evening into a celebration of wildlife conservation, community camaraderie and commitment to conservation in the White Mountains.

The highlight of the evening was the numerous exciting auctions and raffles, offering a wide array of unique items and experiences eagerly bid

on by attendees. From hunting gear and artwork to outdoor expeditions and exclusive getaways, the auction items ignited the enthusiasm of all present.

The Banquet would not have been a success without the dedicated volunteers who graciously contributed their time, skills, and passion to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. Thank you also to all those who attended and supported the event. Your unwavering support and dedicated participation made a tangible impact on wildlife conservation efforts in the White Mountains.

AES is committed to wildlife conservation efforts throughout the state of Arizona. Through our events, such as banquets and raffles, we raise crucial funds that are used to support and implement various conservation initiatives, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Arizona’s wildlife populations.

Funding raised during the banquet, through ticket sales, auctions, and raffles, directly benefits conservation initiatives aimed at conserving the rich biodiversity of the White Mountain region!

The AES recognizes the invaluable support of our sponsors in helping offset event costs, which allows a larger portion of the net proceeds to directly benefit wildlife conservation efforts. These generous sponsors demonstrate their commitment to wildlife conservation and make it possible for the AES to allocate more funds towards our core programs: Habitat Restoration, Youth Education, Water for Arizona’s Wildlife, and Heroes Rising Outdoors.

We encourage individuals who are passionate about wildlife conservation

to explore the various sponsorship opportunities available for AES banquets. By becoming a sponsor, individuals and businesses not only gain exposure and recognition but also contribute to AES’s mission of preserving Arizona’s wildlife heritage.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for upcoming AES banquets and events, interested parties are encouraged to visit www. arizonaelksociety.org or contact us by phone at 623-444-4147. Together, we can conserve the natural treasures that make Arizona such a remarkable place.

EVENT CALENDAR

FALL 2023

SEPTEMBER 19 & 26 > HEROES RISING OUTDOORS FLYFISHING CLASS (AT AES OFFICE), (623) 444-4147

SEPTEMBER 22-24 > HOUSTON DRAW RESTORATION PROJECT

OCTOBER 6-8 > BIG SPRINGS FENCING PROJECT; WILD IN THE CITY (PHOENIX)

OCTOBER 13-15 > JUNIOR ELK HUNT CAMP

OCTOBER 20-22 > BIG SPRINGS FENCING PROJECT

OCTOBER 27-29 > HEROES RISING OUTDOORS FLYFISHING TRIP

I made the trip up to the Mogollon Rim fully intent on spending a great day hunting sheds. I did have a commitment though from Big Bull (BB) that we were meeting early in the morning to have our regular get together. To be honest, I was not happy with his choice of locations. I used my OnX mapping to figure out exactly where he was and damn if he didn’t choose a spot that was as remote as you can get. For those who inquire, let’s just say I was in Unit 23 north and eventually hugging the western boundary of the White Mountain Apache tribal lands. The roads were muddy, but passable. I had to park, and then hike about a half a mile to the fence. Of course I was looking for antlers all along the way—but no luck.

I saw the body of a big elk and assumed it was BB. As I got closer, he moved into a more open view. I couldn’t help myself and started laughing. BB casually looked over and demanded, “What’s so funny old man?” I was able to stop laughing and started in on him, “BB it is so darn funny to see you with a bald head.” He had obviously just shed his antlers and had

BIG BULL AND HIS INQUIRING MIND

by John Koleszar

little blood spots at the end of his pedicles.

His annual loss of that beautiful rack was both sad and encouraging. I knew that with the amount of water and snow we had gotten food would be plentiful and water available. The coming year promised to have excellent antler growth. He ambled over to the fence and was obviously content to walk, talk, and chew food along the way. “Well old man, if you had been here yesterday, I could have dropped them in your lap, but both sides came off at the same time. They fell off right over there.” I looked over and sure enough, about 100 yards away there they lay—a little bleached from the winter but so glorious to see.

“Damn it BB, I can’t pick them up. They’re on tribal lands.” BB smirked and said, “Sucks to be you huh?” I have to admit, oh was I tempted—to be able to have BBs antlers in my home. Trust me they were only 100 yards away, but it might as well have been 100 miles. I knew I was not climbing the fence and snagging his headgear.

I snapped back to reality and put thoughts of the antlers away, “Okay BB, what’s on the agenda this time?” BB shuffled his hooves and began what appeared to be a practiced question, “I know that the Arizona Elk Society raises a ton of money on the elk tags that are auctioned off. My brethren and I would like to know what happens to all that money.” I calmly

Mogollon Rim photo courtesy NPS.

looked at him and considered my response. This was critical for BB to know and I had to phrase it just right. “Okay BB, we take the money that we raise each year and turn every penny over to the Arizona Game & Fish Department for their HPC program. Before you get crazy with the questions, let me explain. The HPC stands for Habitat Partnership Committee. The head of the committee is a guy by the name of Andrew Calvacant. I refer to him as Andrew CalvaCAN because he gets stuff done. Anyhow, each year folks from all across the state submit proposals for worthwhile projects in their area. Those projects are all submitted to headquarters in Phoenix and scored. The best of those get funded and the following year all the work gets done.” BB had apparently listened, yeah, that surprised me, and then asked “How do we make sure that the elk tags money get spent on elk?” I replied fairly easily. “Those dollars are required by state statute to be spent on the species that the money is raised for, so elk tag money gets spent on elk tag projects. BB was bobbing his massive head in acknowledging what I was saying. For once it appeared that I had answered all of his questions without some witty remark back. His next question was pretty smart… for an elk. “Okay… if your guys are working on a drinker with elk tag money, how do all the other critters know that its elk tags that paid for it and it should be us that use it.” I just laughed. BB, its not that simple. Yeah we have discussions about deer tag money in elk country and some elk drinking deer waters, but generally, we all agree and apportion off as close as possible to what dollars are spent where and what percentages come from what tags. Besides, there are over 800 critters that the Arizona Game and Fish Department is responsible for. They call it Water for Wildlife. You could be a raccoon, a fox, a coyote, a bobcat, a mouse, a javelina, a turkey, a robin, a sparrow, a turkey vulture or a snake….they all need water.” My bald headed buddy had followed along and of course could not resist the last zinger. “That does NOT include horses does it?” I raised my eyes to the heavens and counted to 10. BB, don’t even try to go there. Horses are NOT wildlife… they are livestock.We have been over that a hundred times.”

From the distance I suddenly could hear approaching vehicles. They were OHV riders seemingly intent on finding antler sheds. They

were crisscrossing the adjacent meadows scanning for antlers along the way. BB got a big smile on his mug and started braying. “Hah!….. can’t come over here you guys! This is another country. Go ahead and ruin all that fresh spring growth you dummies!” Trying to calm BB down when he gets on a roll can be a chore at times. This time however, I agreed with him. The riders were more intent on finding those $13 per pound fresh sheds than caring for habitat. Educating every person who owns an OHV is a task that is rapidly becoming near impossible. Some don’t know, some don’t care and some… well, you can’t cure stupid. The OHV riders kept going parallel to us and never even saw BB or me. We watched for a while and as they gradually rode further away we started walking down the fence line towards a small depression that “BB had come from. The thick line of jack pines had hidden BB well for the past couple of months. Water was nearby and food was only a matter of a couple of hundred yards. Aside from a patchy coat that would soon give way to his sleek summer coat, he appeared to be putting weight back on. Overall he had weathered the winter really well. He

finally said to me “Hey… take a picture why don’t ya, it’ll last longer”. I had to laugh. BB, we all care about you elk. We want you all to be healthy, have a great life and make whole lot of other elk. It’s just good to see you looking so strong after a long winter. BB nodded. Just wait until our next meeting. I can just feel some really impressive antlers taking shape. Come see me in June and I’ll show off for ya.” With that he strolled off into the pines, content with the information I had given him and busy munching food.

Finding elk sheds the “old fashioned” way is not easy. The days when I could pick up 5-7 shed per 6 hour hike are long gone. With the coming of OHV’s, and the blatant misuse of them came fewer and fewer sheds. When I find matching pairs these days I know I’ve earned them… the “old fashioned” way. As I rode back down the roads heading for wintering grounds for old bulls that are NOT on the Tribal lands I felt good for BB… and a little sad for those of us who keep trying to do the right thing in a world that is more intent on the easy, more profitable way.

GARDEN TANK

by Russ Johnson

In the evening on Friday June 2, myself along with two volunteers, a father and son team, arrived at the project location thirty-eight miles northwest of Flagstaff and set up a base camp. We were there to install a fence to protect a meadow since motorcycles had torn up the meadow north of the tank leaving deep tracks in it. After setting up camp, we got to work hauling about 40 logs from our location at Dickenson Flat Tank, approximately 3 miles to Garden Tank. When we finished hauling these first logs, we loaded up another 30 logs in preparation for the next morning.

The next day 2 more volunteers joined us to help. After a brief safety meeting, we headed down to Garden Tank. We laid out the logs beforehand to help with ease of the job, and then started building the fence. The volunteers caught on to the process very quickly. After 5 hours of hard and laborious work, we installed 138 yards of fencing around the north side of the tank.

After a quick lunch, we headed down to Long Valley, 8 miles from our base camp. Here we repaired 2 sections of fence that had fallen over or had been moved. Also at Long Valley, at a willow enclosure by the old Forest Ranger camp, we pulled the fence away from the willows. Elk had pushed the fence in so that they could eat the ends of the willow branches. Hopefully this will deter the elk from further foraging of the willows inside the enclosure. We also walked an area of Long Valley meadow to clean up some previous work that had been done there. Check the event calendar at arizona elkscociety.org for future volunteer event opportunities. We’d love for you to join us!

Michelle: 623.521.6096

$1,000.00 Donated to “HEROES RISING

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!

“Your Arizona Elk Society Realtor!”

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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.

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.

David Baril

Sponsor Partner

Tom & Janet Bowman

Sponsor Partner

Harry Carlson

Imperial Partner

Stephen Clark

Sponsor Partner

Ron & Sharon Eichelberger

Sponsor Partner

Walt and Cookie Nicoson

Royal Partner

Sallie Page

Pete Page

Sponsor Partner

Sharon & John Stuckey

Imperial Partner

Bass Pro Shops

Sponsor Partner

Cabela’s Sponsor Partner

Pacific West Representatives

Royal Partner

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Sponsor Partner

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