Far beyond a game-centric organization, AES operates holistically to address wildlife conservation—from providing boots-on-the-ground restoration work to delivering educational programming to our future wildlife stewards.
As a supporter of AES, you are making a transformational impact on Arizona’s wildlife, habitat, youth, and veterans. Our focus is Arizona; no funds are passed on to national organizations. The tireless efforts of organizations like AES helped restore Arizona’s elk population from 0 to nearly 50,000 strong since their reintroduction to Arizona in 1913.
Your support of AES is used to address our four focus areas:
The first AES meeting was held on June 25, 2001. The group present discussed the desire to develop an Arizona Elk organization. Among the many ideas and concerns addressed were; youth programs, educational programs, direct involvement with herd management and the capability to bring more funds raised directly to the elk herds in Arizona. Since our first meeting the number of individuals and families attending has grown. We have worked diligently in developing a modern, focused organization. The Arizona Elk Society is a registered Arizona non-profit organization. Our AES Officers and Board of Directors have really helped make ours a strong organization that takes care of Arizona wildlife and habitat.
• Conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat in Arizona. • Protecting and promoting our hunting heritage. • Promoting sound wildlife management and habitat through partnering with government agencies and other organizations. • Implementing special programs for youth education regarding conservation, hunting and outdoor activities. • Informing the general public about issues concerning wildlife conservation, as well as scientific and biological wildlife and habitat management.
Accordingly, we take an active role in working with youngsters that show an interest in outdoor activities. We use that initial interest as a gateway to teach the youngsters weapon safety, habitat conservation and restoration, respect for wildlife and a menu of other matters that will aid them with their outdoor experiences in Arizona. We recognize the fact that it will be today's youth that will become tomorrows leaders in wildlife and habitat conservation. To this end we have several Arizona youth programs each year. The various links you see on this page will take you to a page with some background on each of these programs.
Arizona's conservation leader