Wapiti Weekend Brings Families Together Outdoors

Another unforgettable Wapiti Weekend is in the books, and what a weekend it was. Hosted at beautiful Camp Raymond, this year’s event welcomed 115 kids, nearly 100 parents, and 60 dedicated volunteers for a weekend packed with outdoor adventure, learning, and family fun.

One of the things that makes Wapiti Weekend so special is the opportunity to completely unplug from everyday life and reconnect with nature and family. Camp Raymond continues to be the perfect setting for this event, allowing Arizona Elk Society to offer a wide variety of hands-on outdoor activities in a safe and welcoming environment. We are incredibly grateful to have access to such a wonderful facility.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our major sponsors, West Valley Mavericks and AZSFWC. Their continued support helps us create meaningful outdoor experiences for the next generation.

Throughout the weekend, kids and parents had the chance to experience activities including archery, .22 rifles, pellet guns, shotguns, wildlife identification, gold panning, metal detecting, owl pellet dissection, kayaking, nature walks, fly fishing, fire starting, and making survival bracelets. Every station offered something new to learn, whether it was building outdoor skills, discovering wildlife, or simply trying something for the very first time.

Each registered child received a Wapiti Weekend backpack filled with goodies, a Wapiti Weekend t-shirt, and a refillable color-changing water bottle to use throughout the weekend. Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces as they explored camp with their new gear in hand was a reminder of just how impactful these experiences can be.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the muzzleloader demonstrations held Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Volunteers dressed in period clothing brought history to life while teaching participants about black powder firearms and frontier-era shooting. After learning the basics, kids and parents alike had the opportunity to shoot a real muzzleloader. It quickly became clear that the adults may have been having just as much fun as the kids.

 We’re already looking forward to next year.

Thank You SCHEELS for donating two $250 gift cards

Spring Fly Fishing Trip Creates Lasting Memories for Veterans

From May 1–3, veterans and volunteers gathered at the R Bar C Scout Camp for another memorable spring fly fishing trip filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and plenty of trout fishing along beautiful Christopher Creek.

Leading up to the trip, participating veterans spent four weeks learning the fundamentals of fly fishing, from casting techniques to fly selection and reading the water. By the time camp arrived, excitement was high as everyone looked forward to putting their new skills to the test on the creek.

This year’s trip welcomed a total of 21 veterans, spouses, parents, cooks, and guides, making it the largest attendance the program has ever had. Upon arriving Friday afternoon, veterans wasted no time preparing their gear, with several eager participants heading straight to the creek to begin fishing.

That evening, everyone gathered back at camp for a hearty dinner of country fried chicken, green bean casserole, potatoes, and Hawaiian rolls prepared by the amazing kitchen crew. After dinner, the group spent the evening gathered around the campfire sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations that are often just as important as the fishing itself.

Saturday morning began with a delicious breakfast buffet before the group spread out across Christopher Creek in search of rainbow trout. Fishing was productive throughout the morning, with several veterans landing beautiful trout in the early hours. Some participants explored different stretches of the creek while others ventured to the Box Canyon plunge pools to try their luck in deeper water.

The group returned to camp midday for lunch featuring brats and hotdogs along with a relaxing break from the water. During the afternoon downtime, participants enjoyed games of cornhole and even received hands-on fly tying instruction from one of the volunteer instructors.

As the evening fishing picked up, more veterans made their way to the Box Canyon area, where the excitement continued. One of the highlights of the trip came when a veteran’s spouse landed the biggest trout ever caught during one of the program’s Christopher Creek outings — a catch that quickly became the talk of camp.

Volunteers Complete Major Habitat Restoration Project at McFarland Springs

After a long break since last year, project season finally returned for Arizona Elk Society volunteers with an important habitat restoration project at McFarland Springs in Houston Draw.

Led by AES Project Manager Russ, a dedicated crew of 11 volunteers spent the weekend constructing protective fencing around a springhead to help restore and protect sensitive aquatic vegetation from overbrowsing and heavy compaction caused by large ungulates such as elk. With Russ included, a total of 12 hardworking individuals completed the project.

Projects like this simply would not be possible without volunteers. The amount of work completed over the weekend demonstrated just how vital AES volunteers are to the success of habitat restoration efforts across Arizona. What could have taken one person an overwhelming amount of time was accomplished efficiently through teamwork, dedication, and a shared passion for conservation.

This particular project began last fall when crews installed the 10-foot posts that would eventually support the fence perimeter. When volunteers arrived at camp Friday, they quickly set up a kitchen area and picnic tables before loading tools and supplies and heading down to the project site. The first task was moving all of the fencing panels and materials from the staging area down to the spring site. By mid-afternoon, every panel and tool was in place and crews immediately got to work hanging fence panels.

Volunteers divided into teams to keep the process moving efficiently. One team hoisted panels into place while others secured them using C-clamps and screws. The coordinated effort paid off as the fence quickly began taking shape. By the crew’s normal stopping time Friday evening, only a handful of panels remained unfinished. Rather than waiting until morning, the volunteers decided to push forward and complete every remaining panel before heading back to camp.

That evening, the crew enjoyed burgers, chips, and well-earned relaxation around the campfire after a productive first day.

Saturday morning started with breakfast burritos and hot coffee before volunteers returned to the project site to finish the remaining work. Once again, crews broke into specialized teams. One group installed the top rails, another measured for the bottom rails, while a third team cut pipe to the necessary lengths.

Thanks to the incredible teamwork and work ethic of the volunteers, the project moved quickly and efficiently. By late Saturday afternoon, all 480 feet of fencing had been fully completed. Once construction wrapped up, volunteers hauled remaining materials back to the staging area and returned tools to camp before enjoying a hearty dinner of alfredo and marinara pasta.

Sunday morning began with an English muffin, eggs, and hashbrown breakfast before camp was packed up and the crew headed home after a successful and rewarding weekend. The completion of the McFarland Springs fencing project represents another important step in protecting critical habitat and preserving valuable water sources for wildlife. Most importantly, it serves as another reminder that AES conservation projects succeed because of the volunteers who generously give their time and energy to make them happen.

If this article inspires you to get involved and make a difference for Arizona’s wildlife and wild places, please consider volunteering for one of our upcoming summer habitat restoration projects. Whether you are experienced or brand new to projects, we would love to have you join us. You can email Russ directly or sign up quickly and easily on our website at arizonaelksociety.org. Volunteers are what make these projects possible, and every helping hand truly makes a difference.

25 Years of AES - Did You Know?

Back in the day at the state banquet AES would auction off animal(s). Which one(s)?

A)  Puppy          B)  Pack Mule          C)  Iguana          D)  Puppy & Pack Mule

          

check back next month for the next trivia question.