Huachuca Gould’s Chapter
Assists with 2024 Spring Turkey Surveys
In early April, 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. Results will determine population trends, recruitment rates, and future hunt permit numbers for Gould’s Turkeys in Department Units 35A and 35B. Several water developments were inspected during surveys, also.
Base camp was set up near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. The camp offered a covered dining area and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the participants. Information on Gould’s Turkey conservation and hunting techniques was presented as well. A fund-raising raffle highlighted the festivities on Saturday evening.
Preliminary survey results for 20-plus routes noted that 160 birds were seen of which 89 were gobblers. Brittany Oleson of the Arizona Game and Fish Department will compile a final count once survey routes are completed.
There were around 35 surveyors and support volunteers participating. Assisting with camp chores were Dave Kemintz and grandson, Wayne Kaiser, Jeff Snavely, Carole Peters, Christa Manuska, Ray Zoratti, Matt Erlmeier, John Millican, Tom Deecken, and Jim Littlejohn (SAQF member). Hannah McKinney (Writer) and Roy Crain (President of Arizona State Chapter) of the National Wild Turkey Federation were in attendance, also.
These surveys are just one of many conservation, community service, and education programs that Huachuca Gould’s Chapter supports throughout the year.
Base camp was set up near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. The camp offered a covered dining area and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the participants. Information on Gould’s Turkey conservation and hunting techniques was presented as well. A fund-raising raffle highlighted the festivities on Saturday evening.
Preliminary survey results for 20-plus routes noted that 160 birds were seen of which 89 were gobblers. Brittany Oleson of the Arizona Game and Fish Department will compile a final count once survey routes are completed.
There were around 35 surveyors and support volunteers participating. Assisting with camp chores were Dave Kemintz and grandson, Wayne Kaiser, Jeff Snavely, Carole Peters, Christa Manuska, Ray Zoratti, Matt Erlmeier, John Millican, Tom Deecken, and Jim Littlejohn (SAQF member). Hannah McKinney (Writer) and Roy Crain (President of Arizona State Chapter) of the National Wild Turkey Federation were in attendance, also.
These surveys are just one of many conservation, community service, and education programs that Huachuca Gould’s Chapter supports throughout the year.
001 Gould's Turkey were focus of survey
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02 Base Camp setup
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003 Assigning survey routes
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004 Parker Lake survey route
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005 Hints on where the birds could be for surveyors
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006 Look for tracks, too!
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007 Grab and go breakfast burritos early Saturday morning
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008 Hannah McKinney (l), NWTF Writer, interviews AGF Wildlife Manager for upcoming come article
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009 Gould's Turkey conservation and hunting techniques information presented Saturday afternoon
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010 John Millican of the Huachuca Gould's Chapter demonstrates calling methods
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011 Some early results
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012 Dinner is served Saturday evening
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013 Special National recognition for the Huachuca Gould's Chapter
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014 See you next year and Thanks to Tom Deeken for putting the photos and story together. Catch you next year Tom!
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Huachuca Gould’s Chapter Assists
with 2024 Spring Turkey Surveys
in Southeastern Arizona
The Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will 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 will be completed between April 12th, 13th, and 14th. Results will assist in determining population trends, recruitment rates, and future hunt permit numbers for Gould’s Turkeys in the Department Units 35A and 35B.
email below was sent by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD)
Wildlife Manager III, GMU 35A/35B
March 14, 2024
Re: Spring 2024 Gould’s Turkey Surveys
Dear Gould’s Turkey Volunteer:
It’s that time of year again! Each spring, the Arizona Game and Fish Department conducts Gould’s turkey surveys throughout the region to estimate the Gould’s turkey population and recruitment of poults. These surveys are primarily conducted by volunteers completing a number of standardized routes over a two-day period. As the Wildlife Manager for the 35A and 35B Game Management Units (GMUs), I would like to invite you to participate in this year’s survey. The survey falls just before the spring hunt and will give everyone an opportunity to get to know the area, learn where turkeys are located, and chat with turkey hunters and local turkey enthusiasts.
This year’s annual Gould’s turkey survey for GMUs 35A and 35B will be held April 12-14, 2024. As in past years, a camp will be set up in the Huachuca Mountains (GMU 35A) east of Highway 83 at milepost 5.9 (see map below message). Camp will be set up on the afternoon of Friday, April 12, in anticipation of surveys early Saturday morning. The Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will provide delicious meals to all attendees Friday evening through Sunday morning. Saturday night’s big dinner will feature some fun raffle items (cash only) to benefit the Chapter. Additionally, on Saturday afternoon there will be a turkey calling and hunting seminar.
Several standardized routes need to be completed during these two days. Therefore, any and all assistance is welcome no matter your experience level. If you plan on attending this year’s survey, please try to e-mail me by April 8. Let me know if you have preferences for a specific route, or have limitations on the length or topographic difficulty of routes. Route reservations will be done on a first-come basis. Also indicate if you will be available for both days of surveys and if you prefer to complete survey routes with another specific individual. Finally, let me know how many folks will accompany you to the camp so we can estimate food needs.
Currently, campfires are allowed in the Coronado National Forest, however this may change due to dry or windy conditions. Those planning on camping should have access to self-contained equipment for cooking, if necessary, in case fire restrictions are imposed by the survey weekend.
For those planning on traveling through Fort Huachuca, each person will need an official photo ID. If you do not have a Fort Huachuca access ID, you will be subject to a brief background check so be prepared to wait 10-30 minutes. No firearms are allowed on Fort Huachuca unless prior registration has been obtained through Fort Huachuca.
Thank you for your support of Arizona’s wildlife and our hunting heritage, and I hope to see you at this year’s Gould’s turkey survey camp.
Sincerely,
Officer Brittany Oleson
Wildlife Manager III, GMU 35A/35B
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Region V – Tucson
555 N. Greasewood Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85745
480-216-4488 (cell)
[email protected]
Re: Spring 2024 Gould’s Turkey Surveys
Dear Gould’s Turkey Volunteer:
It’s that time of year again! Each spring, the Arizona Game and Fish Department conducts Gould’s turkey surveys throughout the region to estimate the Gould’s turkey population and recruitment of poults. These surveys are primarily conducted by volunteers completing a number of standardized routes over a two-day period. As the Wildlife Manager for the 35A and 35B Game Management Units (GMUs), I would like to invite you to participate in this year’s survey. The survey falls just before the spring hunt and will give everyone an opportunity to get to know the area, learn where turkeys are located, and chat with turkey hunters and local turkey enthusiasts.
This year’s annual Gould’s turkey survey for GMUs 35A and 35B will be held April 12-14, 2024. As in past years, a camp will be set up in the Huachuca Mountains (GMU 35A) east of Highway 83 at milepost 5.9 (see map below message). Camp will be set up on the afternoon of Friday, April 12, in anticipation of surveys early Saturday morning. The Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will provide delicious meals to all attendees Friday evening through Sunday morning. Saturday night’s big dinner will feature some fun raffle items (cash only) to benefit the Chapter. Additionally, on Saturday afternoon there will be a turkey calling and hunting seminar.
Several standardized routes need to be completed during these two days. Therefore, any and all assistance is welcome no matter your experience level. If you plan on attending this year’s survey, please try to e-mail me by April 8. Let me know if you have preferences for a specific route, or have limitations on the length or topographic difficulty of routes. Route reservations will be done on a first-come basis. Also indicate if you will be available for both days of surveys and if you prefer to complete survey routes with another specific individual. Finally, let me know how many folks will accompany you to the camp so we can estimate food needs.
Currently, campfires are allowed in the Coronado National Forest, however this may change due to dry or windy conditions. Those planning on camping should have access to self-contained equipment for cooking, if necessary, in case fire restrictions are imposed by the survey weekend.
For those planning on traveling through Fort Huachuca, each person will need an official photo ID. If you do not have a Fort Huachuca access ID, you will be subject to a brief background check so be prepared to wait 10-30 minutes. No firearms are allowed on Fort Huachuca unless prior registration has been obtained through Fort Huachuca.
Thank you for your support of Arizona’s wildlife and our hunting heritage, and I hope to see you at this year’s Gould’s turkey survey camp.
Sincerely,
Officer Brittany Oleson
Wildlife Manager III, GMU 35A/35B
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Region V – Tucson
555 N. Greasewood Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85745
480-216-4488 (cell)
[email protected]
Turkey Survey Direction
Map Traveling on I-10 through Tucson or Benson, turn south on Highway 83, exit 281. Upon arriving at the Highway 82/83 in Sonoita, continue south on Highway 83 to Milepost 5.9. Camp is located on the east side of Highway 83. Look for Huachuca Gould’s Chapter signage and flagging.
Camp Coordinates: Decimal Degrees 31.454938 -110.450215
UTM 552232.80E 3480153.05N
Map Traveling on I-10 through Tucson or Benson, turn south on Highway 83, exit 281. Upon arriving at the Highway 82/83 in Sonoita, continue south on Highway 83 to Milepost 5.9. Camp is located on the east side of Highway 83. Look for Huachuca Gould’s Chapter signage and flagging.
Camp Coordinates: Decimal Degrees 31.454938 -110.450215
UTM 552232.80E 3480153.05N
