​Turkey Creek Drinker Rehabed in Early 2024 

     During February and March of 2024 volunteers from the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation installed a new drinker at the Turkey Creek Catchment in the Canelo Hills of southeastern Arizona.

     This drinker historically was developed as part of the FS grazing allotment which was removed from livestock utilization.  In 2008 a new metal apron was constructed through AZGFD Habitat Partnership funding.  Construction was completed by AZGFD and Huachuca Gould’s Chapter board members.

     The old trough, fed by the nearby metal apron and 2 storage tanks, had badly deteriorated. It was replaced by a new 250-gallon polyethylene unit, donated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and manufactured by Rainmaker Wildlife. The old trough served as an outer wall and sturdy base for the replacement. An existing water line was modified as part of the installation as well.
With bedding and plumbing complete, water is available once more for wildlife in the upper Turkey Creek drainage.
Work days were February 6th and March 5th and 19th. All project activities were coordinated with the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest.

     The Turkey Creek Catchment is one of several habitat improvement projects supported by the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter. Projects are designed to benefit many species, including Gould’s Turkey.

​     Volunteers assisting in the project were Carole Peters, Christa Manuska, Matt Erlmeier, Rob Bridges, Dave Kemnitz, Wayne Kaiser, John Millican, and Tom Deecken.

001 Old plumbing not working

002 The old and the new

003 Off-loading fill material

004 Leveling base pad

005 Installing new trough

006 Adjusting water level

007 Installation complete

008 The 'Crew'