Flagstaff Banquet Recap

Another successful banquet is in the books, officially wrapping up our 2025 banquet season with a celebration to remember. On Saturday, July 12th, we gathered at the beautiful Little America Hotel in Flagstaff for the 7th Annual Northern Arizona Peaks Chapter Banquet.

From the moment our team arrived Friday afternoon, the energy was high and the dedication was clear. Volunteers showed up at noon to unload the trailer and begin transforming the space. Thanks to their enthusiasm and the behind-the-scenes planning of our organized office staff, what typically takes two days to complete was finished in record time. By 4:00 p.m. on Friday, setup was complete—giving everyone a chance to rest up and recharge for the big event. That extra rest paid off when doors opened at 4:30 p.m. Saturday evening, and our volunteers were ready to roll!

The game room was buzzing all night, alive with laughter and friendly competition. Guests browsed the impressive bucket raffle tables and tried their luck at fan-favorite games like blackjack, the wheel of fortune, and the always-popular Henry rifle raffle. There was a joyful buzz in the air—everyone hoping this would be their lucky night, all while supporting a great cause.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during our live auction. The Jacot family made a heartfelt and incredibly generous donation: a stunning 6x6 bull elk mount harvested by Robert Charles “Bob” Jacot in 1997 in Wyoming. The mount was donated in Bob’s memory, with 100% of the proceeds going to our Heroes Rising Outdoors (HRO) program. For those unfamiliar, HRO is our veteran outreach program that provides hunting experiences to disabled and wounded veterans at no cost to them. From tags and gear to food and lodging, everything is taken care of—because our veterans deserve it.

Bob Jacot, a proud Army veteran who served during the Korean War, was deeply passionate about both the outdoors and honoring those who served. His family’s donation of his elk mount was a powerful tribute to his legacy, and we are proud to share that it raised $1,800 during the live auction. Every dollar will directly support veterans in future HRO hunts. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you to the Jacot family for your moving contribution.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible people who help us make these events happen. From volunteers and donors to sponsors and attendees, this night was a win for wildlife, veterans, youth, and—of course—elk. Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Flagstaff Banquet such a success.

If you’re inspired by the evening and would like to support Arizona Elk Society through a donation—whether it’s an item, a service, or your time—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’re making a real difference for conservation and community.

 Annual Elk Clinic

Elk Clinic 2025: A Day of Education, Insight, and Community

On July 19th, the Arizona Elk Society hosted our 14th Annual Elk Clinic at the El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix—and what an incredible day it was. Nearly 400 elk hunting enthusiasts joined us for this highly anticipated event, eager to sharpen their skills, gain new insights, and connect with fellow hunters and conservationists.

This year’s featured speaker was none other than Dan Adler, owner and operator of Diamond Outfitters, one of the largest and most respected guide services in the Southwest. Dan brought a wealth of experience to the stage, and his presentation truly delivered something for everyone—whether attendees were brand-new to elk hunting or seasoned veterans of the field.

Dan covered a wide range of topics throughout the day, breaking down the differences between early and late season hunts, effective calling strategies, gear selection, and detailed elk behavior tactics. He shared his expert insight on choosing the right optics, why certain scouting methods work better than others, and even dove into overlooked mistakes hunters often make. His thoughtful, engaging style and deep understanding of elk behavior kept the audience locked in from start to finish.

Throughout the clinic, it was clear that attendees were soaking up every bit of knowledge Dan offered. The feedback we received during and after the event was overwhelmingly positive—many participants remarked that the information they learned would not only help them in the field but also boost their overall confidence as hunters.

During the lunch break, our amazing AES volunteers stepped in to serve up a delicious lunch and connect personally with attendees. They answered questions, explained how to get involved with AES, and encouraged participants to explore the many ways they can support our mission—whether by becoming a member, volunteering at events, or helping with youth and veteran programs.

We also had AES merchandise available, giving supporters a chance to proudly represent their favorite conservation organization, and sold raffle tickets to raise additional funds for our ongoing programs.

The Elk Clinic continues to be one of our most impactful outreach events—educating hunters while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for Arizona’s wildlife and wild places. We’re incredibly proud of how this year’s event came together, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to Dan Adler, our dedicated volunteers, and every attendee who made it such a success.

If you missed this year’s clinic, don’t worry—we’ll be back in 2026 with more expert advice, great gear, and new ways to connect. Until then, happy hunting and thank you for supporting the Arizona Elk Society.