Huachuca Gould’s Chapter Assists
with 2023 Spring Turkey Surveys
in Southeastern Arizona
For another year, the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation assisted the Arizona Game and Fish Department with turkey surveys in the Huachuca Mountains and Canelo Hills of southeastern Arizona. The majority of the over 20 routes were completed on April 14th, 15th, and 16th. Results will determine population trends, recruitment rates, and future hunt permit numbers for Gould’s Turkeys in Department Units 35A and 35B.
The Chapter established Base Camp near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. A full-service camp offered a covered dining area and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the surveyors and volunteers. A fund-raising raffle was held Saturday evening.
The weather was mostly cooperative. Temperatures were mild during the day and brisk at night. Skies were mostly clear with noticeable winds early in the count.
Kirby Bristow of the Arizona Game and Fish Department tabulated the survey routes and highlighted Gould’s Turkey management in southeastern Arizona. Kirby also acknowledged the important contribution by those present in making the survey this year a success.
John Millican, President of the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter, on Saturday afternoon led a session on Gould’s Turkey biology, habitat requirements, and hunting techniques. Various calls were available for field use.
There were around 35 participants counting both surveyors and support volunteers. Many were representatives from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and members of the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter. A contingent from the University of Arizona assisted, also, along with other interested individuals. Several permit holders for the upcoming Gould’s hunt learned more about the locations of birds as well.
Results from 15 routes noted 15 adult gobblers, 35 jakes, and 57 hens. Information from the remaining 8 or so routes will be added when available.
Additionally, surveyors checked on several habitat improvement projects installed by Huachuca Gould’s Chapter. Any needed repairs were noted.
Habitat conditions were much wetter than last year at this time. Water was available in most springs, creeks, and stock ponds. The green-up was just starting. A peak in turkey courting is still to come.
Thanks go to Brittany Oleson and Kirby Bristow (Arizona Game and Fish Department) and John Millican (Huachuca Gould’s Chapter) for organizing the survey.
Special thanks go to Dave Kemnitz and grandson, Roy Crain, Wayne Kaiser, Toni Sterner, Chris Sterner, Joey Fuller, Tom Fuller, Rob Bridges, John Millican, and Tom Deecken for assembling and tearing down base camp and preparing the meals. Helping with kitchen duties were Tony Valentino, Zack May, and Steve Hopkins from Southern Arizona Quail Forever.
Good luck in the upcoming turkey hunts!
The Chapter established Base Camp near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. A full-service camp offered a covered dining area and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the surveyors and volunteers. A fund-raising raffle was held Saturday evening.
The weather was mostly cooperative. Temperatures were mild during the day and brisk at night. Skies were mostly clear with noticeable winds early in the count.
Kirby Bristow of the Arizona Game and Fish Department tabulated the survey routes and highlighted Gould’s Turkey management in southeastern Arizona. Kirby also acknowledged the important contribution by those present in making the survey this year a success.
John Millican, President of the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter, on Saturday afternoon led a session on Gould’s Turkey biology, habitat requirements, and hunting techniques. Various calls were available for field use.
There were around 35 participants counting both surveyors and support volunteers. Many were representatives from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and members of the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter. A contingent from the University of Arizona assisted, also, along with other interested individuals. Several permit holders for the upcoming Gould’s hunt learned more about the locations of birds as well.
Results from 15 routes noted 15 adult gobblers, 35 jakes, and 57 hens. Information from the remaining 8 or so routes will be added when available.
Additionally, surveyors checked on several habitat improvement projects installed by Huachuca Gould’s Chapter. Any needed repairs were noted.
Habitat conditions were much wetter than last year at this time. Water was available in most springs, creeks, and stock ponds. The green-up was just starting. A peak in turkey courting is still to come.
Thanks go to Brittany Oleson and Kirby Bristow (Arizona Game and Fish Department) and John Millican (Huachuca Gould’s Chapter) for organizing the survey.
Special thanks go to Dave Kemnitz and grandson, Roy Crain, Wayne Kaiser, Toni Sterner, Chris Sterner, Joey Fuller, Tom Fuller, Rob Bridges, John Millican, and Tom Deecken for assembling and tearing down base camp and preparing the meals. Helping with kitchen duties were Tony Valentino, Zack May, and Steve Hopkins from Southern Arizona Quail Forever.
Good luck in the upcoming turkey hunts!
001 Base Camp was in upper Parker Canyon off State Route 83
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002 Home Sweet Home
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003 John Millican (Huachuca Gould's Chapter) discusses routes with participants
004 Surveyors recorded the location of tracks observed in their chosen route
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005 As well as droppings
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006 And of course, any turkeys seen were noted by sex and age
007 Kirby Bristow (Arizona Game and Fish Dept.) reviews survey results at mid-day on Saturday
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008 John Millican presents Gould's Turkey biology and hunting strategies later in the afternoon
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009 Waiting for the bell to ring for the evening meal
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010 Dinner is served
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011 Enjoying a hearty meal after a full day of surveying
012 See you next year!