Small game camps a big success

By Tom Cadden, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department partnered with the Chandler Rod and Gun Club and American Fire Equipment to conduct two successful weekend camps introducing small game hunting skills to Arizona newcomers.

More than 25 campers attended the squirrel hunting camp at the Vincent Wildlife Area near Heber on Nov. 3-5, and nearly 50 people took part in the dove/quail/cottontail camp at the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area near Buckeye on Dec. 1-3.

Participants had the opportunity to experience three hunting sessions, archery lessons, survival demonstrations, hunting dog demonstrations, and great food. Basic shooting and hunting skills were taught to those who were first-time hunters. The participants all received tips to help make the transition to hunting in our state as easy as possible.

“These camps were good models for similar activities we’d like to offer to beginning and novice hunters in the future,” says Tristanna Bickford, hunter retention and recruiting coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “They offer great potential for introducing juniors and beginners to hunting and outdoor skills.”

Many of the participants were young people accompanied by a family member. Dodi Ely of Buckeye brought her 16-year-old niece, Natalie Wilder, to the Robbins Butte camp.

“Natalie was shopping for some outdoor gear and got excited when she saw the flyer in the store for the camp,” says Dodi. “She had done some squirrel hunting when she lived in California, so she called me at work and said, ‘Let’s go!’”

John Florentine of Pinetop brought his 11-year-old daughter, Hannah, to Robbins Butte. “I was the only one in my family who liked to hunt when growing up,” says John. “I’ve made an effort to focus more of my time with family, and this sounded like a great opportunity for me and Hannah to do something we’d both enjoy.”

John and Hannah were very enthusiastic about their experience at the camp. “The  expertise of the mentors was impressive; the staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful; and the campfires at night were great fun,” says John. “We are better ‘new’ hunters as a result of this experience, and we look forward to future programs the department offers.”

Game and Fish staff coordinated the camps, assisted the campers, and provided hunting mentors. American Fire Equipment provided hunting licenses, appropriate stamps and food for the participants. The Chandler Rod and Gun Club provided breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday for both camps, and also provided volunteers to assist the campers and serve as hunting mentors.

“We’re strong supporters of events that give people the opportunity to experience outdoor activities,” says Randy Krecklow, president of the Chandler Rod and Gun Club. “Our club is family-oriented, and a lot of our kids came out to help. This is a great concept.”

Information about future camps and other activities will be posted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s e-newsletters and Web site at azgfd.gov as details become available.