September Newsletter 2020
Overview
Arizona COVID case numbers are continuing to go down. Our board has reviewed member input from our survey to update our schedule. With the current guidelines we would be hard pressed to find speakers for our meetings. We have cancelled all our indoor events. We will continue with our outdoor events that can be conducted safely. Get outside as much as you can and take your dogs with you.
We are seeing quite a few Gambel’s. All indications promise better desert quail numbers this coming season. The monsoon which drives Mearns’ numbers has continued very poor. Our loose rock dams help during below average rainfall years by keeping more water in the soil longer.
We are looking to add a couple of dog training events at Empire Ranch in Oct and Nov. These will be relatively small events with 6-8 participants. We will work to have pen raised birds and a few knowledgable dog folks.
Many of the guides and outfitters that have supplied the chapter with hunts and trips for our banquet are struggling with their businesses. They have stepped up and helped the chapter in many ways. If you have trouble scheduling a banquet trip or hunt please have some patience and reach out to the chapter if you need help.
Habitat:We have already completed several Water for Wildlife well modification projects at BANWR to support quail and other wildlife. This has been particularly important based on our very poor monsoon rainfall.
We are planning significant habitat work including seeding in the Coronado National Forest along the border with Mexico. This is prime Mearns’ quail country. The work will involve volunteer labor and contract labor from Borderlands Restoration Network. We have received a $35,000 matching fund grant from National Forest Foundation which means any donation the chapter receives will be matched.
North American Model for Wildlife Conservation
North American Model for Wildlife Conservation:Here is an example of why it is important to keep wildlife management in the hands of our professionals in state wildlife agencies. https://sportingclassicsdaily.com/wolf-wars-move-to-the-ballot-box/
Sportsmen and Women Impact in Arizona–
Hunters and Anglers spend $1.3B per year-Pumps $3.8M a day into the state’s economy-This spending supports 21,000 jobs and generates $124M in taxes-Especially benefits rural communities.
Access to Public Lands:–
The agreement between the Crown C HOA and AZ G&F providing a sign in box and access to Hog Canyon was reconsidered by the HOA based on input from some landowners that wanted to close access. The HOA did a new vote where open access was passed – this will likely result in opening Adobe Canyon once an agreement is made with AZ G&F. Will keep you advised of progress. Be sure to use the sign in box or risk a trespassing citation.
-Meadow Valley road bypass is still moving forward slowly. The pacing factor is the environmental study required by NEPA. CNF road manager is working to have a road in place for the 21/22 season. We expect to see a letter requesting comment from the ranger district in October or November.
The conservation easement and public access easement on ranch land near Tombstone has been completed. This project is primarily funded by NRCS, AZ G&F and AZ Land and Water Trust It will open 2,100-acres of prime wildlife habitat to public recreation via a permanent conservation easement and public access easement. Both AZ QF Chapters provided funding plus we received a grant from AZSFWC.
Masked Bobwhite Quail (MBW) at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Masked Bobwhite Quail (MBW) at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR):From Rebecca Chester: By the end of next week, we will have released about 700 chicks in 50 broods, with more to come in a few weeks. A big thanks to SAQF members, who continue to assist with projects like pen repairs and installing small lines at wells to provide water to quail.
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Gundog History:
Project Upland has recently included several interesting podcasts on the history of hunting dog breeds. This particular edition covers the German and East European breeds but it will provide a link to the other editions also. https://projectupland.com/project-upland-listen/hunting-dog-confidential/east-of-the-rhine-pointing-dog-breed-origins-hdc-episode-4/#comment-94380
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Hunting dog to rehome?:
One of our members recently had to put down his 14 year old hunting buddy. He is willing to take on an experienced dog that someone else may not be able to care for during the COVID shutdown and take good care of it for the remainder of its life. If you have or know of a candidate let me know and I will connect you.
AZ Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) and Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF):
SAQF is part of AZSFWC. You can sign up for their enews at http://azsfwc.org. This allows us to better coordinate with other wildlife groups and better communicate with AZ G&F leadership. We are part of over 10,000 AZ sportsman represented by this organization. We are also an affiliate of AWF which allows us to pool volunteer help and communicate with other wildlife and conservation organizations.
Please consider purchasing a AZSFWC license plate to support wildlife when you renew your current AZ plate through Service Arizona. The fee for this license supports the conservation grants provided by AZSFWC. Our Family Day/Youth Hunt has received AZSFWC grant support the last two years.
AZSFWC is raffling a new Ford Raptor truck to help pay overhead in place of raffles and auctions at their summit. Info on the raffle and tickets are available at http://azsfwc.org.
Chapter Website and Facebook:
C If you see an error or have a recommendation for improvement, please let us know. We are always looking for pictures, stories or articles to add. We are working to add instagram to our social media offerings. If you see something that would be worthwhile to cross post, please send it to Dave Brown (browndave27@gmail.com) or Kerry Newberry (newberry.kerry@gmail.com). We hope all enjoyed the great dog pictures in our Facebook dog photo contest.
Future dates:
Future dates:
- 3-4 Oct Scaled Quail and Box Turtle count
- 16 Oct 2020 Desert Quail Opens
- Oct TBD Dog Training at Empire Ranch
- Nov TBD Dog Training Empire Ranch
- 1 Dec Road Cleanup
- 4 Dec 2020 Mearns Opens
- 7 Feb 2021 Quail Closes
- 9 Feb Road Cleanup
- 27/28 Feb 2021 Family Day Empire Ranch