Huachuca Gould’s Chapter Hosts
2025 Spring Turkey Survey
On April 11th through the 13th, the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter (HGC) of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted the 2025 edition of Gould’s Turkey surveys in the Huachuca and Patagonia Mountains and Canelo Hills of southeastern Arizona. This annual survey is a joint venture between the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and HGC. The AZGFD uses information gathered to determine population trends, recruitment rates, and future hunt permit numbers for Gould’s Turkeys in Units 35A and 35B. Several water developments were inspected during surveys, which helps our Chapter identify any maintenance needs.
Base camp was set up near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. The camp offered a covered dining area with breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the participants. Information on Gould’s Turkey conservation was presented on Saturday. Surveyors could review results for planning upcoming hunts as well.
Additionally, Jeff Buchanan, Department Commissioner, was a welcome guest on Saturday afternoon. He discussed with the group the proposed change to over-the-counter archery hunts, muzzle loader hunt regulations, and any other concerns with wildlife management in Arizona.
Preliminary survey results for 20 standardized routes in Wildlife Management Unit 35A recorded 236 birds of which 88 were gobblers, 131 were hens, and 17 were jakes. Results for Unit 35B were 95 total birds observed that included 13 gobblers, 68 hens, and 14 jakes.
Additional routes on the east side of the Huachuca Mountains will be run during the week following the primary survey. Kirby Bristow of the AZGFD will compile a final count once survey routes are completed.
Southeastern Arizona is currently experiencing a severe drought. Its effect on turkey reproduction success and juvenile recruitment is yet to be determined but could be pronounced.
There were around 25 surveyors and support volunteers participating. Assisting with camp chores were Dave Kemintz and grandson, Wayne Kaiser, John Millican, and Tom Deecken (all with HGC). Steve Hopkins (Southern Arizona Quail Foundation member), Roy Crain (President of Arizona State Chapter) of the National Wild Turkey Federation along with AZGFD personnel Kirby Bristow and A.J. Lander provided additional support.
Base camp was set up near Parker Canyon Lake for the 3-day survey. The camp offered a covered dining area with breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the participants. Information on Gould’s Turkey conservation was presented on Saturday. Surveyors could review results for planning upcoming hunts as well.
Additionally, Jeff Buchanan, Department Commissioner, was a welcome guest on Saturday afternoon. He discussed with the group the proposed change to over-the-counter archery hunts, muzzle loader hunt regulations, and any other concerns with wildlife management in Arizona.
Preliminary survey results for 20 standardized routes in Wildlife Management Unit 35A recorded 236 birds of which 88 were gobblers, 131 were hens, and 17 were jakes. Results for Unit 35B were 95 total birds observed that included 13 gobblers, 68 hens, and 14 jakes.
Additional routes on the east side of the Huachuca Mountains will be run during the week following the primary survey. Kirby Bristow of the AZGFD will compile a final count once survey routes are completed.
Southeastern Arizona is currently experiencing a severe drought. Its effect on turkey reproduction success and juvenile recruitment is yet to be determined but could be pronounced.
There were around 25 surveyors and support volunteers participating. Assisting with camp chores were Dave Kemintz and grandson, Wayne Kaiser, John Millican, and Tom Deecken (all with HGC). Steve Hopkins (Southern Arizona Quail Foundation member), Roy Crain (President of Arizona State Chapter) of the National Wild Turkey Federation along with AZGFD personnel Kirby Bristow and A.J. Lander provided additional support.
001 The Object of the Survey
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002 Base Camp Open for Business
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003 Camp Offerings
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004 Survey Route Assignments
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005 Grab-and-Go for Early Morning Surveys
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006 Lunch Is Served on Saturday
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007 Dinner on Saturday Night
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008 And Eat They Did
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009 Alternative Menu For Those with a More Organic Palate
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010 Packing Up and Heading for Home on Sunday
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011 Did you count me?