The Arizona Elk Society's White Mountain Chapter gathered once again for its 11th Annual Banquet on June 6th at the Show Low Elks Lodge. This long-standing event continues to bring together conservation-minded individuals, outdoor enthusiasts, and supporters from across the White Mountains for an evening of 
fellowship, fun, and fundraising in support of Arizona Elk Society's mission.
The weekend started a little earlier than expected with an unexpected challenge. As staff made the drive up the mountain on Friday with the banquet trailer in tow, something just didn't feel right. After a quick inspection, the problem became clear—a broken spring on the trailer.
What could have turned into a major setback quickly became a reminder of the incredible community support found in the White Mountains. The trailer was taken to All Mountain RV in Show Low, where their team immediately stepped in to help. Their customer service went above and beyond, quickly diagnosing the issue and making the necessary repairs to get the trailer back on the road and ready for the banquet.
A huge thank you goes out to All Mountain RV for their outstanding service and willingness to help on short notice. Their support ensured that the banquet preparations continued without missing a beat.
Saturday morning arrived early as volunteers gathered at the Show Low Elks Lodge to begin setting up for the evening's festivities. Thanks to an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers, the setup process went smoothly and efficiently. From organizing auction items and raffle tables to preparing games and displays, volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure everything was ready when guests arrived.
As the doors opened, the energy in the room quickly came alive. Guests eagerly visited the various games, raffles, and fundraising activities throughout the venue. One exciting addition this year was the introduction of Arizona Elk Society and Heroes Rising Outdoors challenge coins. These unique collectibles generated plenty of interest and added a new level of excitement for attendees looking to support conservation while taking home a special keepsake.
Throughout the evening, laughter, friendly competition, and conversations filled the lodge as supporters reconnected with old friends and made new ones. The games and raffles remained busy throughout the night, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere while helping raise critical funds for Arizona Elk Society's conservation, habitat, youth education, and outdoor heritage programs.
Following dinner, attendees settled in for one of the most anticipated portions of the evening—the blitz raffles and live auction. The excitement continued to build as auction items were presented and bidding became increasingly 
competitive. The generosity displayed by attendees throughout the evening was truly inspiring and demonstrated the strong commitment this community has to wildlife conservation and preserving Arizona's outdoor traditions.
Events like the White Mountain Chapter Banquet are only possible because of the dedication of volunteers, donors, sponsors, chapter members, and attendees who believe in the mission of Arizona Elk Society. Every ticket purchased, raffle entered, game played, and auction item bid on helps support projects and programs that benefit wildlife, habitat, youth education, outdoor recreation, and our hunting heritage across Arizona.
The Arizona Elk Society extends its sincere appreciation to the Show Low Elks Lodge for their hospitality and continued support, to All Mountain RV for coming to the rescue when it mattered most, and to the many volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make this year's banquet a success.
As the White Mountain Chapter celebrates eleven successful years, it is clear that the passion and commitment of this community continue to grow stronger. We look forward to building on that momentum and welcoming everyone back for another great banquet next year.
JUNE 26-28 HIIT SPRINGS
The Arizona Elk Society kicked off its largest habitat restoration project of the year during the weekend of June 26–28, with an incredible turnout of volunteers gathering just south of Williams to begin work at HIIT Springs.
This important restoration project is focused on protecting the springhead and improving the long-term health of this valuable water source. During the wet season, elk, deer, and other wildlife naturally congregate around the spring, but years of heavy use have compacted the soil surrounding the springhead. Excessive soil 
compaction can reduce the spring's ability to naturally recharge and flow. By constructing a protective fence around the spring, wildlife will still have access to water while allowing the springhead and surrounding wetlands an opportunity to recover.
The project will also restore critical aquatic vegetation that has been heavily grazed over time. As native grasses, sedges, and other wetland plants return, they will stabilize the soil, improve water quality, provide habitat for birds, amphibians, insects, and other wildlife, and increase the overall biodiversity of the area. Healthy springs like HIIT Springs play an essential role in Arizona's ecosystems, making their protection a conservation priority.
This ambitious project will ultimately include more than 1,000 linear feet of continuous rail fence surrounding the spring complex. Volunteers arrived Friday morning to establish camp before heading straight to the jobsite. With eight corner posts already installed during a previous workday, crews immediately began laying out the fence line, marking post locations, drilling holes, and setting posts in concrete.
The work proved challenging from the start. Rocky ground slowed progress as volunteers repeatedly encountered large rocks that required jackhammers before holes could reach the required depth. Despite the difficult conditions, volunteers remained determined, setting 13 posts before wrapping up the first day.
Saturday brought even more volunteers to the project. After a brief safety meeting, crews spread out across the site and tackled the remaining fence line. Thanks to outstanding teamwork and dedication, nearly every post was installed and concreted by late afternoon. It was a perfect example of how many hands truly do make light work.
The weekend concluded Sunday morning after volunteers packed up camp, despite strong winds and nearby wildfire activity throughout the weekend. Their hard work established a tremendous foundation for the remaining phases of the project and demonstrated the remarkable commitment of AES volunteers to conserving Arizona's wildlife habitat.
The work isn't finished yet. Two additional volunteer weekends are scheduled for July 17–19 and July 31–August 2, when crews will install the continuous rails, complete the fence, and finish protecting this important spring ecosystem. Whether you're a longtime volunteer or looking to join your first habitat project, we'd love to have you on the mountain helping make a lasting difference for Arizona's wildlife.
Together, we're protecting springs throughout Arizona—and ensuring it continues to provide clean water and healthy habitat for generations of wildlife to come.
Arizona Elk Society volunteers recently returned to the Mogollon Rim for a productive weekend focused on habitat stewardship and protecting one of the area's unique historical sites. Although small in size, this two-day project demonstrates how dedicated volunteers can make a lasting impact on Arizona's public lands.
The Buck Springs meadow complex is an area that AES volunteers have invested in for several years. Two summers ago, volunteers constructed a continuous rail 
fence to protect sensitive meadow habitat from unauthorized vehicle traffic. This year's project focused on maintaining that investment while expanding protection around the historic Buck Springs cabin site.
After arriving Friday and setting up camp, volunteers divided into two work crews. One team inspected the existing continuous rail fence, replacing missing screws and ensuring the structure remains secure and effective for years to come. Routine maintenance is a critical part of conservation work, helping preserve the time and resources already invested in habitat improvement projects.
Meanwhile, a second crew staged logs for Saturday's fence construction. Their objective was to establish campground boundaries around the historic Buck Springs cabins and block an unauthorized access road that had been created by dispersed recreationists. By directing vehicle travel away from sensitive areas, the project helps reduce habitat degradation, protects cultural resources, and encourages responsible public land use.
Once the staging work was complete, both crews joined forces to finish the remaining maintenance tasks before returning to camp. Volunteers enjoyed a well-earned dinner together and spent the evening sharing stories around camp. As a fitting reward for their hard work, the group was treated to the sight of several elk, including a few impressive bulls, feeding nearby.
Saturday morning began with a hearty breakfast before volunteers tackled the final phase of the project: constructing approximately 390 linear feet of log worm fence around the historic cabin area. Thanks to the team's efficiency and teamwork, the fence was completed in just a few hours. Rather than stopping for lunch, volunteers broke down camp and headed home knowing they had accomplished everything planned for the weekend.
While this was one of our smaller habitat projects, its impact is significant. Every fence built, every repair completed, and every hour donated by volunteers helps protect Arizona's wildlife habitat, preserve important historical resources, and ensure these public lands remain healthy and accessible for future generations. Projects like Buck Springs remind us that conservation is not always measured by the size of the crew, but by the dedication of the volunteers who continue to show up and make a difference.
Restore Habitat. Protect Wildlife. Volunteer Today.
PVCI Bootcamp - Calling all COOKS!
AES partners with PVCI by bringing the outdoor kitchen, seating, food and kitchen crew. We are looking for kitchen helpers for the weekend. The camp is near Woods Canyon Lake up on the rim. It's a great time of year to get out of the valley. Please click on the link below or reply to this email if you are interested.
AES is planning for sawyer projects this spring. We currently have a recertification class scheduled in February. We are working on scheduling a new sawyer program as well. Please fill out the form if you are interested. FYI - Sawyers are people who saw timbers. If you have already been in contact with me, you are on the list!
Your donation dollars at work! This picture is from August 19th in Northern Arizona. AES volunteers are the boots on the ground delivering water throughout Arizona. Please consider volunteering or donating today. We live in the desert. It's all about the water!
Water during the birthing season keep the mothers healthy and helps the mothers produce better quality milk and more of it for the newborns.
Water helps distribute the Elk herds and other wildlife for better utilization of the available forage. Insufficient water distribution causes wildlife to gather in specific areas, leading to excessive habitat use. This overutilization results in habitat degradation and a depletion of available food resources.
There are many areas with great habitat for wildlife but no water to sustain them. If we could increase water in areas of quality wildlife habitat and forage we can sustain more wildlife. Higher herd numbers equals more tags for hunters.
It doesn't get much prettier than this! Our water haulers have been busy keeping the catchments filled. OVER 225,000 gallons so far this year. How can you help?
Do you believe in leaving a long-lasting outdoor legacy for future generations? 
Arizona's conservation leader
