Make sure you put in for our youth elk hunt. It's in unit 6A and 5BS. This is a great opportunity for youth to meet other youth hunters. This is my favorite event of the year! The huntnumber is 3067 and the dates are 10/10-10/16. Get registered today!
You may notice we have no concrete dates in June and July and that is because those projects are still a work in progress. Stay tuned!
Project season is wrapped up and we're already planning for next summer. Stay tuned for updates about upcoming volunteer opportunities. To get on the list early click below to email Russ.
The vast landscapes of the American West are home to thousands of wildlife water catchments designed to sustain diverse animal populations. In Arizona alone, approximately 850 of these water sources have been constructed (Rosenstock et al. 1999). However, many of these structures were built decades ago and require significant repairs and upgrades to meet the demands of increasingly dry conditions. Addressing this need, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) implemented a comprehensive review in 2003 to assess and recommend improvements to Arizona’s wildlife water program (AZGFD 2003). These recommendations became the foundation for the Arizona Elk Society’s (AES) Water for Wildlife Program.
The importance of maintaining wildlife waters cannot be overstated. These catchments are vital for Arizona’s elk and other species, especially during prolonged dry periods. Arizona’s arid climate presents unique challenges, and this winter has been no exception. Despite it being the season when snow typically replenishes water supplies, precipitation has been alarmingly sparse. Wildlife water catchments, which usually sustain herds through the colder months, are running dry. This leaves wildlife vulnerable and in urgent need of human intervention.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, AES has mobilized teams to haul hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to critical catchments in Flagstaff, the White Mountains, and other 
regions. While this work is typically reserved for the hotter summer months, the dry winter has created an unprecedented need. Volunteers have been braving freezing temperatures to ensure that elk and other wildlife have access to the life-sustaining water they need to survive.
A recent post on AES’s Facebook page highlights the dedication of these efforts:
"It is supposed to be winter, with snow, but not this year. AES Water for Arizona's Wildlife is busy hauling thousands of gallons of water for elk and other wildlife. Check out the Arizona Elk Society and donate or join today to help us keep improving the habitat for Arizona's elk herds. Don't forget you can volunteer on the website to help wildlife! Thank you to all the volunteers, especially those braving the freezing temperatures in the high country while hauling life-giving water."
AES’s Water for Wildlife Program relies heavily on community support. Whether you’re interested in donating, becoming a member, or volunteering your time, your contributions can make a meaningful impact. Volunteers play a critical role in hauling water, repairing catchments, and ensuring that Arizona’s wildlife thrives even during the most challenging conditions.
This year AES is gearing up to haul water in the White Mountains, we are calling for more volunteers to join their mission. If you’re interested in lending a hand, visit the Arizona Elk Society website for more information on how to get involved.
The Arizona Elk Society extends heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who make the Water for Wildlife Program possible. These individuals embody the spirit of conservation, braving harsh conditions to safeguard Arizona’s iconic wildlife. Their efforts not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of Arizona’s ecosystems.
Join the Arizona Elk Society today and become part of a community dedicated to protecting Arizona’s wildlife for generations to come.
Registration is open for our spring VORTEX equine therapy program. This is not a riding program, yet it teaches such things as reading/matching your energy level to a horses energy level, grooming techniques, leading with rope, leading through applied pressure, round pen work, leading horses through obstacle courses, and team building exercises. This program is ran in cooperation with the EmpoweRanch in south Phoenix at 308 W Siesta Way and runs for 8 weeks each Thursday from 2-4 PM. We have 7 openings for this VORTEX program. Please pass this information along to anyone you think would be interested or benefit from this program.
The dates are February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 6, 13, 20, 27
Bass Class - This is a beginner fishing class learning all the ins and outs of bass fishing
When: Four classes at our office in Peoria 1/23, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 followed by our fishing trip 2/21-2/23
We have some new guidelines for all of our HRO programs. Please email Russ for details and registration. Hope to see you there!
On December 5
Thursday, December 5, the Heroes Rising Outdoors along with EmpoweRanch held its 7th of 8 VORTEX sessions. At check-in this week, we answered our normal weekly question of how we were feeling, and the question of the day was what is something that was a thorn in the past couple of weeks for you, and what was something that was a rose for you in the past couple of weeks. This helped the participants to understand that even though there are thorns in life, there are also roses amidst them.
After check-in everyone got to go out and say hello to the horses, getting a chance to groom them if they wished. It was time for the day's activity when the grooming was finished. This is one of the most challenging activities for the participants to go through in the whole VORTEX session. We set out a line of logs, and then through nonverbal and silent communication, have to work as a team to see how many times they can lead Dancer across the logs. This really focuses on honing in on communication through hand signals and applied pressure to lead Dancer where they want her to
go. There were several different times they tried this with different time increments. They were successful every time leading Dancer across the logs. The last time they were asked to set a goal of how many times they could lead Dancer across, and they ended up beating their goal! Their teamwork was awesome to watch.
December 17
Thursday, December 12, the Heroes Rising Outdoors along with EmpoweRanch held its final VORTEX session for the fall class. We had our end of the program potluck BBQ, so before check-in we were able to stuff ourselves with some amazing food. We had a special guest with us as one of our volunteer’s dad, Mr. Mike, played the banjo and sang for us as we ate.
At check-in, we had our weekly question of how we were feeling, and the question of the week was what will you take away from this VORTEX session and what will you leave behind from this VORTEX session. It was really cool to hear some of the answers that followed. Although a smaller group for our fall session, this has been a really good one.
Our final activity we had the veterans and volunteers set up an obstacle course together. Then each participant got a chance to lead horses through it. Each person was able to get the horses through the obstacle course perfectly. We then presented each participant with a certificate of completion for the course. We would like to thank the volunteers for this program and participants alike for being able to commit to the entire 8-week program. Lasting friendships were strengthened and formed, and new members of the AES/EmpoweRanch family were added.
We have a spring VORTEX session starting in February and running through March. If you are interested, please contact me at russj@arizonaelksociety.org for more information.
We’re thrilled to share another successful Wild in the City event, held at the Ben Avery Shooting Range on March 1st. This one-day outdoor skills camp, organized for kids aged 6-16, brought together families and volunteers for a memorable day filled with learning, fun, and connection to nature.
This time, we had a younger group of participants, with only two teenagers among the crowd. It was heartwarming to see how well-mannered and engaged the kids were throughout the day. One particularly unforgettable moment was during our group photo session. We always aim to include the horses in the picture, but it’s not always easy to manage. This group of kids impressed everyone by staying so quiet and patient that you could’ve heard a pin drop as the horses were led into position. Even the parents were amazed by their cooperation!
The day was packed with a variety of hands-on activities designed to teach outdoor skills and spark curiosity. The kids rotated through stations that included:
During our lunch break, we enjoyed pizza while Nancy, the Wildlife Education Outreach Coordinator from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), captivated everyone with an incredible presentation. She brought owls, falcons, and other wildlife, giving the kids an up-close and personal experience with these amazing animals. Her dedication and enthusiasm madethe presentation a standout highlight of the day.
As the event wound down, we handed out a special gift to each child: a brand-new sleeping bag courtesy of the Arizona Elk Society. This has becomeone of my favorite traditions, as it’s also a chance to hear what the kids enjoyed most. While archery and shooting were the most popular activities, there were plenty of votes for fire starting, owl pellets, survival bracelet making, and fishing.
The joy and smiles on the faces of kids, parents, and volunteers were a testament to the success of the day. Our mission is to equip these young adventurers with new skills and inspire them to explore the incredible natural beauty of Arizona.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, parents, and partners. A huge thank you to Nancy and the AZGFD for enriching our program with their wildlife presentation and EmpoweRanch for bringing the horses. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the Arizona Elk Society team for making Wild in the City an event to remember.
We’re already looking forward to the next Wild in the City and the opportunity to continue fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this wonderful experience!
Our Scholarship Application is open. APPLY NOW! Arizona Elk Society gives 2 scholarships to high school seniors and 1 to a college student. Please pass this information to a student if your life. Click above for the application.
AES partners with NWTF to put on this learn to hunt camp for our youth. The dates are April 17th-20th. Come out and see if you can find this elusive bird! The hunt units are 23, 4A,4B & 3C. If you weren't lucky enough to be drawn no worries! Units 4A, 4B & 3C are over the counter youth tags. AES is in charge of set up and cooking. Please consider volunteering for this event.
February 28th HRO Golf Outing
March 1st Wild in the City
April 5th Mesa Banquet
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