Rocky Prairie Fence Modification (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

ARIZONA ANTELOPE FOUNDATION

Big Lake Rocky Prairie Fence Modification

May 16, 2026

Project Location: We will be working on the Apache National Forest about 12 miles south of Big Lake in the White Mountains.

Project Begins: Saturday May 16th at 7:30AM. Meet at camp for specific work instructions. The campsite is located within two mile of the project site.

Project Activity: We will be modifying approximately 2 miles of existing low hanging four and five strand fence by removing the bottom strand(s) of barbed wire and replacing with a single strand of smooth wire at a height of 18 inches.

Pronghorn Benefits: The project is located in a rather isolated grassland that is key summer range for approximately 35 pronghorn. This grassland supports a good number of summering does who give birth in this localized habitat. Modifying these fences will allow easier mobility for these animals. These pronghorn are associated with the population that summers in the Big Lake area. This project is our seventh project to enhance habitat for these migratory pronghorn.

Volunteer Benefits: All volunteer work hours and mileage will be use as in-kind match for federally funded wildlife enhancement projects including the Arizona Game and Fish Habitat Partnership program.

What to Bring: Work gloves (The AAF will have a limited supply), snacks, water , sunscreen, personal gear.

Meals: Please provide your own lunches to eat in the field on the Saturday work day. The AAF will be providing dinners on Friday and Saturday nights and continental breakfasts with coffee and juice on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Contact: Please register online by Monday May 11th so that we have enough food and tools for everyone. Sign up online at https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1243166 or, info@azantelope.org or, 480.702.1045.

If you have any specific questions pertaining to the campsite location or other local questions, please contact Dave Cagle at (928) 242-9871.

Directions to Camp: AAF camp site will be located at Horse Springs Group camping site, located on the East Fork of the Black River. This site is located about 13 miles South of Big Lake.

-Travel 26 miles east of Pinetop towards Springerville on Highway 260;

-Turn right (south) on State Highway 273 at the Sunrise turnoff

-Go about 19.5 miles South/East on Highway 273 to the 249E turnoff and turn right (south). The 249E turnoff is approximately .5 miles after you pass Big Lake.

-Drive .6 miles on 249E and turn left on F.S. 24 road. Drive East on F.S. 24 road for 9.9 miles, until you reach a 4-way junction.

-Turn left at junction onto F.S. 276 (North) for approximately 2 miles. Horse Springs Campground will be on the right hand side. Please note this is a semi-public camping area, but efforts will be made to “reserve” a specific AAF camping area. The campground will have limited water and restrooms to use. There is great fishing behind the campsite as well.

Download the flyer here.

34th Annual Hunter Clinic (June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

34th Annual Hunter Clinic

JUNE 20, 2026

CLINIC:

12:00 noon - 4:00 pm

WHERE:

Arizona Game and Fish Department at

Ben Avery Clay Target Center Pavilion

5060 W Skeet St.

Phoenix, AZ 85086

Our program begins at noon - please eat lunch before you arrive, we will be providing bottled water only.

Schedule:

11:00 am -12:00 pm Clinic Registration

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Clinic

Clinic Agenda:

11:00 Registration/Check In

12:00 Introductions and Welcome Dave Cagle, President

12:15 Trophy Evaluation (30 minutes) Glen Dickens

12:45 Rifle Hunting and Optics (45 minutes) Jim McCasland

1:45 Introduction of AZGFD Representatives and Break Out/Discussions with AZGFD Regional Representatives (60 Minutes)

2:45 Archery Hunting Tactics (30 minutes) Corky Richardson

3:15 Field Care, Taxidermy (15 minutes) Roy Ruiz

3:30 Photography (15 minutes) Betty Dickens

3:45 50/50 Cash and Canyon Cooler Raffle, Door Prizes, Pronghorn Scoring Contest Results and wrap-up

Some of the topics you will learn:

• How to field judge your antelope

• Archery & rifle hunting tactics

• How to use optics (A MUST)

• Proper field care

• Spot and stalk tactics in open areas

• How to distinguish buck or doe

(both can have horns!)

• How to photo document your hunt

• Where to hunt – G&F reps on hand

to discuss units

Registration Fees:

AAF Members - FREE
Non-Members - $20
Youth (15 & younger) - $10
New Member (Join Now & Attend Clinic) - $40

Arizona Antelope Foundation upcoming events

Rocky Prairie Fence Modification (May 16, 2026)

34th Annual Hunter Clinic (June 20, 2026)