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 aide them with their outdoor experiences in Arizona.
We recognize the fact that it will be todays youth that will become tomorrows leaders in wildlife and habitat conservation. To this end we have several youth events each year.
Youth Turkey hunting Camp.
Friday to Sunday morning, April 16-18
based at Sharp Creek Campground
(23 miles East of Payson on HWY 260)
The camp will serve Units 23, 3C & 4A, and Arizona Elk Society, NWTF, AZGFD and the NSSF to sponsor this event.
Youth tags are available over the counter. Youths 10-13 must have Hunter Education and all youths 14-17 are encouraged to have hunter education.
The camp will offer:
- Advice from wildlife managers on where to focus your hunting efforts.
- Seminars Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. on how to call and hunt turkeys.
- Calls and giveaways to youth hunters (while supplies last).
- Free afternoon and evening food, snacks and drinks.
- Campfire entertainment Saturday evening.
Always need experienced hunters to provide one-on-one coaching or even assist you in the field - those desiring field assistance should contact camp coordinator Gene Hays to work out logistics prior to the actual camp.
To help plan for food, hunt mentors and giveaways, interested participants are asked to pre-register for the camp by calling Rich Williams at 602-881-6815 or email Rich at rich@saselectric.com.
Other camps are available in Units 1&27, 6A, 6B. If you need info on the other camps feel free to email Steve Clark and we will get you in touch with the persons running the other camps.
WAPITI WEEKEND 2010
June 18-20, Fathers Day Weekend
Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
Springerville, Arizona
We are Full, BUT Get A Wapiti Waiting List Application Here
Registration is first come-first serve.
Wapiti Weekend is a two-day educational camp presented by the Arizona Elk Society and sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for children and teens ages 8-16.
ACTIVITY EXAMPLES:
- Archery*: Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use a bow in a correct and safe manner.
- 22 Shoot*: Participants will have the opportunity to live fire a .22 rifle and learn gun safety.
- Muzzle Loader*: Participants 12 years and older will have the opportunity to live fire a muzzle loader and to watch the loading process.
*All shooting events are taught and supervised by Certified Safety Instructors. - Hunter Ethics Simulator: AZGFD teachers go over situations that the young outdoor sportsmen will encounter while hunting in Arizona. Participants will be presented with real life situations where ethical decisions need to be made.
- Game Calling: Participants will receive an elk call and learn how to use various other game calls too.
- Wildlife Identification: Participants will learn about the many types of wildlife in Arizona. They will also learn what to look for when trying to identify wildlife.
- Tracking: Participants will learn the importance of wildlife tracking and receive tracking tips.
- Make-’n’-Take: Each participant will get to make and take home a model of a wild animal track.
- Predator Hunting Demonstration: Participants get to learn different techniques to attract predators in hunting situations. The campers learn how recognize different Arizona predators and their habits.
Youth camp volunteers help provide a fun, safe experience for participants as they learn about and experience issues related to Hunting and Wildlife Conservation. We can always use volunteers to help at Wapiti. If you have questions or can volunteer please email Shelly Hargis.