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White Mountain Apache Tribe WILDLIFE & OUTDOOR RECREATION DIVISION TROPHY ELK HUNT |
WHAT TO BRING:
q Weapon of choice and ammo (300 Win. Mag. minimum recommended). Tribal Regulations now prohibit the use of any type of mechanical broad head by archery hunters (due to experience of high failure/wounding rates).
q Hunting optics and binoculars; and calls, if you plan to do some calling.
q Camo hunting clothing that can be LAYERED for warmth – heavily insulated, single-layer clothing is NOT recommended as a substitute for layers of lighter weight clothing.
q Camo rain-gear of ‘quiet’ material (i.e. saddlecloth, fleece, etc.)
q Good quality Hunting Boots that will sustain both wet and rocky conditions.
q Camera and film.
q Personal items and gear (toiletries, comfortable camp-clothing, medication, sunscreen, booze, etc.) – Towels, washcloths & bedding linen will be provided in camp.
q WARM SLEEPING BAG & PILLOW (except for Sunrise hunters).
SUGGESTIONS FOR A MORE ENJOYABLE HUNT
v BE IN SHAPE. Be in good physical condition to maximize your chances of taking trophy game and otherwise increasing the enjoyment of your hunt. Elevations generally range between 6,000 to nearly 10,000 feet at the Sunrise and Maverick camps, and between 4,500 and 8,000 feet at the West End Camp. Terrain will vary between relatively flat areas to very rocky and steep. Guides will typically pursue bugling bulls through whatever terrain they move – your chances of seeing as many bulls as possible directly depends on your ability to approach and keep up with moving bulls.
v ARRIVE FULLY PREPARED TO HUNT. Bring all appropriate gear, clothing and footwear (checklist above). Temperatures during the fall hunts can range from cold (25F) to hot (80+F), depending on the camp and weather conditions. Again, layered clothing is ideal to maintaining comfort through these potential extremes. Quiet camo outer-wear is recommended, though dark clothing can act as a less desirable substitute. PLEASE be prepared for wet hunting conditions.
v SIGHT IN YOUR WEAPON & PRACTICE SHOOTING. Nothing ruins a hunt or discourages a hunter more than a missed shot at a trophy animal. As a general rule, most RIFLE shots are under 300 yards, often not exceeding 100 yards in distance. Archers are expected to shoot within their own range of accuracy/comfort, which should be coordinated with the Guide in advance of entering the field. We highly recommend you consider bringing a back-up just in case of damage or failure to your primary weapon.
v COMMUNICATE WITH US. A list of Guides will made available before your hunt. From that point on, you and your guide will be working as a team and we strongly encourage that you share whatever thoughts, concerns or questions you may have with your guide throughout the hunt - including the type of trophy you are looking for. Though we make no guarantees as to the outcome of your hunt, it is important that your and your guide fully communicate expectations and desires. In addition, each camp is supervised by a ‘Camp Boss’ who is there to assist with any questions or problems you may encounter during your hunt (guide/hunt, lodging, food, etc.). It is critical that clients inform both your Guide and the Camp Boss of any medical conditions/concerns before entering the field so that appropriate safety steps can be taken. You will be asked to complete a hunt evaluation form at the conclusion of the hunt, which we rely upon to make necessary improvements.
v MAXIMIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITY. Naturally, cutting hunts short will significantly reduce your chances of bagging a trophy animal. To maximize hunter success, we attempt to design our hunt seasons around the areas and the rutting activity and game patterns within those areas. As with any hunt, some days are better than others, with many of our clients taking their bulls near the end of their hunts. In the event of unavoidable conflicts, please communicate those immediately to your Guide and the Camp Boss so that can adjust the hunt plan accordingly.
HUNT PACKAGES, GRATUITIES, ETC.
· YOUR HUNT PACKAGE includes all applicable licenses, permits and tags, which will typically be provided at camp. Your Guide and the Camp Boss should make arrangements to ensure that your game is properly tagged and processed before leaving camp.
· FIELD PREPARATION & CARE of your trophy is the responsibility of your Guide, and typically consists of retrieving and transporting your game to camp. Once in camp, a camp “skinner” will prepare your cape and antlers to your specifications (which should also be clearly communicated to your Guide in advance to ensure proper preparation). Your Guide can arrange transport of capes/antlers to a local taxidermy shop, or will otherwise assist you in preparing your trophy for your own transportation from camp.
· MEAT PROCESSING is NOT included in the hunt package, however, your game will be quartered in camp and arrangements can be made with your Guide for delivery of meat to a local processor. It is the client’s responsibility to make appropriate product arrangements with the processors.
TIPPING is customary for certain camp personnel whose overall compensation is partially dependent upon client gratuities. Any and all tipping is expected to be ‘performance-based’ and is ultimately offered at the client’s discretion. All of our camp personnel are paid daily wages, but tips are greatly appreciated. Please contact the Director if you have any questions.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
v Black Bear Hunting is generally available to interested clients during your trophy hunt. Unless otherwise stated, bear tags are offered at $500.00 under a “no-shoot-no-pay” policy. See Camp Boss for details.
v Fishing on the Reservation is also excellent during the fall, with lakes being stocked with rainbow, brown, book and Apache Trout. Fishing is complimentary to hunting clients and permits can be obtained (in advance of fishing) from the Camp Boss. Access and travel distances to fishing areas will vary from camp to camp – so call ahead for details. (Fishing gear is not provided in camp).
v Transportation directions to hunt camp can be obtained/coordinated through our Whiteriver office (928-338-4385). The nearest international airports are located in Phoenix, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with rental-car services available at both airports. New clients are encouraged, but not required, to drive to our Whiteriver office, at which point, we will arrange an escort to camp.