Spring 2025 Gould’s Turkey Surveys
February 11, 2025
Re: Spring 2025 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 several standardized routes over a two-day period. Game and Fish and the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter invites 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 11-13, 2025. As in past years, a camp will be set up on Forest Service lands in the Huachuca Mountains (GMU 35A) east of Highway 83 at milepost 5.9 (see map below). Camp will be set up on the afternoon of Friday, April 11, 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 short presentation on the history of Gould’s turkey and 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 7. 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.
Feel free to contact me for further information.
Sincerely,
John Millican, President
Huachuca Gould’s Chapter
520-508-4272
[email protected]
February 11, 2025
Re: Spring 2025 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 several standardized routes over a two-day period. Game and Fish and the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter invites 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 11-13, 2025. As in past years, a camp will be set up on Forest Service lands in the Huachuca Mountains (GMU 35A) east of Highway 83 at milepost 5.9 (see map below). Camp will be set up on the afternoon of Friday, April 11, 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 short presentation on the history of Gould’s turkey and 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 7. 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.
Feel free to contact me for further information.
Sincerely,
John Millican, President
Huachuca Gould’s Chapter
520-508-4272
[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
