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Most of the permit-tag holders were 1st time antelope hunters in Arizona that attended the Arizona Antelope Foundation’s 17th Annual Hunter Clinic.
They, as well as more seasoned antelope hunters, were ready to learn about the tactics and strategies used by experts in stalking the “prairie runner”.
As in recent years, the training seminar was held at the Sportsman’s Warehouse in north Phoenix, this time on June 16. Registration
and discussions with regional representatives from Arizona Game and Fish Department started at 4pm, but some eager hunters were there even before, wanting to learn about the areas they were drawn for.
Volunteers from the Foundation were there even earlier, to help the staff of Sportsman’s Warehouse set up the seminar area. Store Manager Bruce Gibson and Asst. Manager Mark Russell deserve the
gratitude of all AAF members and hunter attendees for their wonderful support of this training opportunity. Please, be sure to consider Sportsman’s when you need outdoor gear and supplies. They
have been a fabulous partner in AAF’s ongoing effort to educate sportsmen about pronghorn antelope.
By the 5:15 Welcome and Introduction from MC Jim Mehen, the current President of the Foundation, the area was set up with a number of fine
heads on display, including a replica of the world’s record. The raffle rifle—a 7mm 08 in camo, with scope and bi-pod, and raffle optics that the Foundation have for fundraising were also on
display and tickets ready to sell. The Foundation’s book, Arizona’s Pronghorn Antelope A Conservation Legacy, was also on display and for sale. Hardworking volunteers Mary Keebler and
Tracy Unmacht had registered 28 new members to the Foundation, 30 non-members, and 21 prior members, as well as few who slipped in through the cracks. Along with the volunteers present, nearly 90 people
were at the seminar.
The attendees soon started learning “tricks of the trade” from the experts, starting with a session on the basics of optics by
Chris Denham, from Western Hunter Magazine. Chris had on display some of the best optics available for sportsmen. Most of us had our eyes glaze over, our hearts missing beats, and sweat starting
just being close to such fine equipment. Optics are the heart and soul of antelope hunting, so the basic tactics of their use is critical to a successful hunt, and Chris delivered outstanding
advice. The next session on rifle hunting tactics by Jim McCasland, Yellowhorn Outfitters (and a past-president and current board member of AAF) continued the outstanding advice that all types of hunters could use, not just the rifle hunters. With the attendees a mix of rifle, muzzleloader, and archery tag-holders, sound advice and strategies were presented for all even though the speakers were put into categories.
A short discussion on how each hunter, if successful in their upcoming hunt, could assist the Foundation in one of its research endeavors was then presented by
Arizona State University’s David E. Brown (another past president and current board member, and like Jim McCasland, a founding member of the Foundation). Dave is conducting a long-term study on the
growth pattern of pronghorn horns by studying tooth rings—a way to accurately age many mammals—and horn length. He asked for tooth specimens to be mailed in by successful hunters to help in
the effort to better understand why Arizona produces so many fine trophies.
Following a break, Greg McBride from Trail’s End Wildlife Artistry, gave a great Powerpoint show on the field care and
photography of taken pronghorn. Since few hunters in Arizona get the opportunity to harvest more than one antelope in their hunting career, and many of the tag-holders had applied for years or even
decades, the care of the animal in the field is critical, particularly issues dealing with Arizona’s world-famous heat during a typical antelope hunting season. Since many successful hunters will
desire to have a head-mount of their hard-to-come-by trophy, Greg also provided great tips on preparing the hide for future taxidermy work. And, getting that lifetime photograph of the taken animal
should be easier for the tag-holders if they follow even a few of the wonderful tips that Greg presented.
The final session was another outstanding Powerpoint show, this time on the tactics of archery hunting pronghorn. One of the world’s
recognized experts on archery hunting pronghorn, Corky Richardson, gave the attendees almost endless ideas to help in their upcoming hunt. And, as in the rifle session, many of the tips were valuable for
any category of hunting or wildlife viewing, and for many species, not just for pronghorn. If fact, the almost overwhelming amount of tactics and strategies must have numbed the brains of attendees, for
the question and answer period wasn’t even needed. This was my 16th hunter clinic attended (missed last year’s clinic because of a summer in Alaska), and the clinic has continued to improve, evolve, and morph into a wonderful learning opportunity for sportsmen. And, each year, fewer questions are answered at the end, as the presenters too learn what the attendees need for their upcoming hunts.
As with any event, nothing would occur without the many fantastic volunteers putting the event together. This clinic was put together by
past-president Dave Laird. He was helped by Tice Supplee, Jerry Guevin, Warran Leek, Jim Unmacht, Jim McCasland, Dave Brown—all past-presidents of the Arizona Antelope Foundation, who continue to
demonstrate their strong commitment to the conservation of Arizona’s pronghorn. Current board member Todd Hulm and President Jim Mehen also joined in on the effort, as did Treasurer Mary Keebler
and Administrative Assistant Tracy Unmacht. And, I guess I helped out too. Truly an outstanding volunteer corps of people. Join them in future AAF endeavors, your help is always appreciated and needed.
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