Robert 'Chase' Hamm - Tagged his Bull Elk on the very first evening of his hunt!
A special thank-you to Rusty's Meat Processing in Springerville who is processing Chases' Elk and Jim Hartsock at Southwest Taxidermy who is prepping the cape and crating the cape and antlers for shipping to a taxidermist located closer to the Hamm's home.
James Sledzinski of Lake Ariel, PA hunted Bull Elk and Buffalo in New Mexico.
December 21, 1994 - December 10, 2008
Our deepest sympathies go out to Ians' family and loved ones.
"What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget"
Ian Uhl Jump - Ian hunted Bear guided by Bryan Waitman. Although Ian didn't put his tag on a bear it was a hunt to remember for all involved.
Bridger Card hunted Bull Elk Guided by Shane Tunnel, Ken Swayze, Matt Minshall, Jon Busman and Outfitted by Nate Medcalf.
"The hunt was incredible, despite the bad weather, we all had a lot of fun. Meeting the Card's was an absolute pleasure. Bridger is an outstanding hunter who I would hunt with any day. His drive, attitude, and ambition is something to be reckoned. We all were proud to guide him and would do it again in a heartbeat." - Nate Medcalf
A lot of people came together to make this hunt happen. First off, God who led us down this path and Brent Waage for getting the ball rolling. Special thanks to everyone that pitched in to put Bridgers hunt together:
Laurie Chebultz, Nicole Medcalf, Sherry O'Hara - Camp Cooks
Charlie Denton - The Arizona Forest Service
Triple D Feeds, Buckeye AZ - Supplied Hay and Engraving Services
Mike O'Hara - For his work behind the scenes
Les and Liz Beaman - For the Saddle Donation
DeWitt Stables
Bobby Dunn of Dunn's Arena
Darren Choate
Nicole Medcalf
Christine Swayze
Christi Minshall
Robyn Wales
Uptight Carpet of Avondale
Pete and Deb Albico
Thomas Frasier put his tag on a 5x5 Bull Elk, guided by Corky Richardson.
David Gilbert from Michigan hunted Bull Elk in Luna, New Mexico and tagged a 1100 pound, 350 class, 6 x 6. (The weekend of Sept 30)
David was guided by Moon Valley Outfitters.
Cody Malone hunted Bull Elk. They saw lots of Elk and Cody had a good hunt, but didn't harvest his trophy.
Codys' hunt was coordinated by Chris Denham - HOAL Arizona Field Editor (Western Hunter Magazine/Chief Editor) and outfitted by Gary 'Goose' Howell of Howell Wildlife Outfitters / Obregon Outfitters. Guiding on the hunt were: Lee Hop, Justin Scarbrough and Davie Pierce. Eddy Corona along with many members of the Chandler Rod & Gun Club handled the cooking for the camp as well as camp support and hunt help. (See the list below) Thank you to Bruce Johnson of Phoenix, owner of the "Bar D Ranch" for allowing Hunt Of A Lifetime the use of his private ranch land.
A special Thank You to the Arizona Elk Society whose donation helped feed the Malone-Widenhofer camp and paid for a large portion of the gas/diesel costs for the guides.
Additional Camp Support and Help:
Carla Denham - HOAL Arizona Medical Liaison - Medical Support and desserts
Courtney Denham and camp guard dog 'Chimichanga'
Mark Denham - Helped with camp setup & hunts
Sue Howell - Helped with food and desserts
Marilyn Hop - Helped with cooking and desserts
The Chandler Rod & Gun Club Members:
Ray Brooks, Scott & Shane Fritz, Bill & Nancy Haug and Randy Krecklow
Samantha McDonald - from Tracy, California was our second hunter in the field this season. Sammy took a 15 1/2 inch Buck Antelope on September 8, 2007 guided by Don Martin of Arizona Wildlife Outfitters. (Don is also one of our HOAL Team Members.) Taxidermy donation from Henry Aguilar - "Henry's Artistic Wildlife" in Kingman, Arizona.
Sam is the first person to use a transferred antelope tag in Arizona through the Hunt Of A Lifetime program.
Don said, "Sam doesn't have the word "disabled" in her vocabulary. We had a great hunt. I had field help from Scott Snay. Page McDonald managed our camp and did the cooking. Sam's dad John, was a great help and really took to spotting antelope."
Mike Mowery Jr from Arizona took a 85 yard shot and placed his tag on a nice 4x4 Kaibab Mule Deer on Monday, November 26th, guided by Melvin Schotman from Timberland Outfitters.
Meat Processing was done by Casey's Processing in Flagstaff. Mike's trophy mount will be done by Signature Taxidermy in Flagstaff.
A letter of Thanks from Michael Mowery Sr: Dated 12/3/07
Terry, It seems like such a long time ago when we first talked last spring. Already Michaels hunt is over. What a great hunt and what a really memorable time we had. Melvin Schotman and his family, they opened up their ranch house to use and we felt right at home -- "nice people".
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the effort and everything you did to put this together for my son. We will never forget it. The look on Michaels face after he shot his deer then tracked the blood trail and then saw his deer laying there was priceless -- he was so proud. Me too!
I wish you and Hunt Of A Lifetime success in your future endeavors. What you do for these kids is really a great thing.
Michael survived his illness and bone marrow transplant. I thank God everyday we have him to do things with.
If I can ever be of service to you, please ask.
Thank you so much,
Mike Mowery, Sr
Justin Reed - from Benton, Illinois put his tag on a 6x6 Bull Elk August 29th,2007 on the Navajo Reservation guided by Ron and Tom Yellowhorse. Meat processing was done by Rusty's Meat Processing in Springerville, AZ.
Justin Richardson hunted coues whitetail deer using a special auction commissioners tag purchased by Art Pearce at the Arizona Deer Associations Fundraiser Banquet.
Although Justin failed to fill the tag, his father, Gary, said it wasn't the optimum time to be hunting deer. "We saw some shooters (deer worth taking), but they weren't big," Gary said.
Laureen Sanchez from Mentmore, NM put her tag on a 3 x 3 mule deer the weekend of October 27th, Guided by Mike Cobb of Arizona Wildlife Outfitters (Full Donation). Laureen's family will process the meat themselves. Taxidermy (Partial Donation) by Craig Sanchez of Straight Arrow Taxidermy in Grants, NM.
A special THANK YOU to The Arizona Deer Association for sponsoring Laureen's hunt and for covering all additional expenses.
We would also like to thank Eric Capranica for his donation in support of this hunt.
Brent Swanson put his tag on a 5 point Bull Elk on Tuesday, November 27th, guided by Lance Crowther of Timberland Outfitters. Meat processing is being done by Casey's Processing in Flagstaff. Signature Taxidermy in Flagstaff prepaired Brent's Elk for shipping to Minnesota. Michael Pendzimas from Andover, MN will be doing Brents Trophy Mount.
"Once again the pleasures were all ours as these wonderful people, Brent and his dad Steve, spent quality hunting time with our friends and family! This program is truly a blessing to us all.
Brent was a trooper and really hung in there! The crew was able to get him on bulls every day and it finally all came together when Brent pulled the trigger on a 350 yard shot on a great late season bull!
His smile says it all and will truly melt your heart!
Those who participated in this hunt were.... Ryan and Carol Sandall and family, Sam Allan, Dan Allan, Brent Morrison, Mel Raney, Stu Sandall, Jay Sergent, Bobby Reiter, Jake Lindsey, Russ Jacoby and Carrie and Lance Crowther.
This fine young man truly provided us all with a hunt of a lifetime!
Thank you!" - Lance Crowther, Timberland Outfitters
Ryan Urie from Colorado hunted Archery Bull Elk. This hunt was Coordinated by Randy Stalcup, guided by Norvin & Craig DeSpain (Mogollon Outdoor Adventures) with assistance from John Koleszar, Gary Holland, Gary Barcom (MSA), and Val Nitzsche.
Special Thanks to the following for their help on Ryan's hunt:
Evan Lautzenheiser - Arizona Game & Fish Dept-Unit 1 Wildlife Manager
Ignacio Beltram - Camp Cook
Leia Florez - Camp Cook
Wally Smith - Firewood Supply
Stephanie Rainey - Photographer/Videographer & HOAL Arizona Team Member
Red Onion Resturant-Overgaard - Hosted the entire hunting party for an evening meal
MSA-The Mogollon Sporting Association - for funding Ryan's hunt
"I didn't get a bull, but it was a great experience, a lot of fun and a hunt I'll always remember," Ryan said. "Hopefully, there will be another one (in the future)."
Thomas Widenhofer put his tag on a nice 6 x 6 Bull Elk.
"This past week I had the pleasure to assist and guide a special young man by the name of Thomas Widenhofer, age 15 from Florida! We operated this hunt for the "HUNT OF A LIFETIME" organization.
Thomas was able to take this nice 6 point bull on (Thursday Nov. 29th) the last day of the hunt at 236 yards, on video, with his father Walter and best friend Isaiah present during his hunt! It also happens that this was the one year anniversary date of Thomas's 1st brain surgery, he has had two.
This remarkable young man had trained and practiced shooting even though he was in for his CHEMO TREATMENTS! He and his father are truly an inspiration and it was a PLEASURE TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HUNT WITH THEM!!!!!"
- Gary "Goose" Howell - Howell Wildlife Outfitters / Obregon OutfittersThomas' hunt was coordinated by Chris Denham - HOAL Arizona Field Editor (Western Hunter Magazine/Chief Editor) and outfitted by Gary 'Goose' Howell of Howell Wildlife Outfitters / Obregon Outfitters. Guiding on the hunt were: Lee Hop, Justin Scarbrough and Davie Pierce. Eddy Corona along with many members of the Chandler Rod & Gun Club handled the cooking for the camp as well as camp support and hunt help. (See the list below)
Casey's Processing in Flagstaff processed Thomas's Elk. The Taxidermy for Thomas's Elk was setup through the Hunt Of A Lifetime (National) East Coast Taxidermy Coordinator and we're working on getting the name of the Taxidermist that is doing Thomas's Trophy Mount.
We'd like to thank Bruce Johnson of Phoenix, owner of the "Bar D Ranch" for allowing Hunt Of A Lifetime the use of his private ranch land.
A special Thank You to the Arizona Elk Society whose donation helped feed the Malone-Widenhofer camp and paid for a large portion of the gas/diesel costs for the guides.
Additional Camp Support and Help:
Carla Denham - HOAL Arizona Medical Liaison - Medical Support and desserts
Courtney Denham and camp guard dog 'Chimichanga'
Mark Denham - Helped with camp setup & hunts
Sue Howell - Helped with food and desserts
Marilyn Hop - Helped with cooking and desserts
The Chandler Rod & Gun Club Members:
Ray Brooks, Scott & Shane Fritz, Bill & Nancy Haug and Randy Krecklow
June 30, 1988 - September 25, 2007
The Idaho Ambassador for Hunt Of A Lifetime has informed us that Karl was killed in a car wreck and ensuing fire on Tuesday Morning, September 25th.
Please pray for Karl and his family.
We can only imagine how hard it is for them to have seen their son winning his battle with cancer only to be taken from them in this terrible accident.
"Gods Blessings and our deepest sympathies to Karls Family and Loved Ones"
Karl Hoidal from Idaho hunted Elk in unit 22 and harvested a 330 class Bull, with guides Randy and Josh Epperson of Rimrock Outfitters (full donation). Lodging and Meals donated by Robert Depugh of Payson AZ. Meat Processing (full donation) Hotshot Meat Processors Payson AZ. Taxidermy will be done by Todd Sanders at Sacred Bear Specialties-Taxidermy Division - Bellevue, Idaho.
October 6, 1989 - August 4, 2007
"Our Superman has lost his battle with leukemia and other diseases. He passed away at his home in Arkansas on Saturday August 4th, 2007."
Please join me in praying for him and his family.
I know Christopher and Norm Pint are sharing a campfire right now and smiling down on us..... Godspeed and God bless Christopher... Terry
Christopher Reeves hunted Bighorn Sheep and harvested a 162 class Ram with the help of Arizona Wildlife Outfitters and many members of the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society donating their time and efforts glassing and scouting, Taxidermy (full donation) Henry Aguilar of Kingman AZ.
Christophers' Story - written by: Terry Petko
Supermans' Ram Goes Home - written by: Don Martin
My Tribute to Superman - written by: Don Martin
Justin Richardson of Payson AZ Hunted Early Muzzleloader at Camp Navajo Depot with Arizona Wildlife Outfitters Don Martin (full donation). They saw Some Elk but no harvest. Additional donation by Sportsman’s Warehouse Mesa AZ.
Justin went on a second Elk Hunt in Unit 9 with Arizona Wildlife Outfitters (full donation), They saw some nice bulls but no harvest.
Laureen Sanchez hunted Mule Deer on the Navajo Reservation and harvested a Mule deer Buck. Guided by Jeffery Cole
Brandon Setterholm of Minnesota hunted Elk on the Navajo Reservation ( tag donated by the tribe) with guide Ron Yellowhorse (full donation) and harvested a 340 class Bull. Meat Processing (full donation) by Rusty in Springerville, Taxidermy (full donation ) Richard Bates in Springerville.
Ryan Urie of Colorado Hunted Elk in unit 7 East with guide Lance Crowther of Timberland Outfitters(full donation) and harvested a 6x5 Bull. Meat Processing was donated by Casey Hayes - Casey's Meat Processing - Flagstaff, Arizona.
Marcus Williams of Payson, AZ Hunted Elk in Unit 10 with Arizona Wildlife Outfitters’ Don Martin and Derek Taylor of Coues Crazy Outfitters, guiding (full donation). Marcus harvested a 340 class Bull. Taxidermy (full donation) Jim Hartsock Southwest Taxidermy.
Jacob Grunewald of Michigan Hunted Bull Elk in Unit 1 with a muzzleloader. Lolo Hernandez provided guide services and Jacob Harvested a nice 6X6 Bull early in the hunt . He and his dad spent time touring the state after the hunt. Hotel Rooms were provided by Rode Inn of Springerville. Stephanie Rainey provided photography and videography services. Rusty’s meat Processing of Springerville donated meat processing services. Richard Bates of Springerville provided Taxidermy services. Knight Rifles donated the muzzleloader and special thanks goes out to Travis Wilda of Bodiak hitches who provided invaluable assistance on this hunt.
Dustin Hantz hunted Bull Elk in New Mexico guided by Jack Roper using a tag issued by the New Mexico Game & Fish Department. Assisting Jack was Harvey Villaraele (the Ranch Foreman).
Meat Processing was donated by Rodney with H & H Processing. Taxidermy donation from Vince and Paul at Imperial Taxidermy.
Hayden Knister of Cottonwood, Arizona hunted Bull Elk in Unit 6A guided by CZ Ballard and Rob Love.
It was a great hunt. The sun came up at 7am and Hayden took his 6x6 Bull by 8am. It was a 150 yard shot through the shoulder and lung.
Meat Processing donation by Shaun, Scot and Liz Richey at Honeydew Ranch in Cornville, AZ.
Taxidermy donation by Jim Hartsock of Southwest Wildlife.
Hayden Knister of Cottonwood, Arizona hunted Turkey in Unit 6A guided by his Dad Justin. Although Hayden didn't tag a turkey, he really enjoyed his hunt.
Special Thanks to the ADA - Arizona Deer Association for their matching contribution on the Sportsmans Warehouse Package for Hayden
"A Special THANK YOU from the Knister Family"
David McShaw of Pennsylvania Hunted Bull Elk with a rifle in units 18B,19B,20A and 20C. Chad Smith of Vaquero Outfitters provided both lodging and guide services on this hunt and was assisted by Chris Denham and his son Mark. David harvested a nice 6x6 Bull. Savage Arms donated a youth model muzzlebreak 30.06. Perkinsville Meat donated the processing services.
After David harvested his bull the family took some time to visit the Grand Canyon and Out Of Africa. David especially enjoyed his Out Of Africa experience.
For the full story and more pictures of Davids Elk Hunt, please check out the Western Hunter Magazine article:
Divine Intervention written by: Chris Denham
Aaron Rhode of Wisconsin Hunted Bull Elk in unit 4B with a muzzleloader with Arizona Trophy Hunters’ RL Gray. Knight Rifles donated the muzzleloader. Aaron hunted hard and saw several Bulls. Meat processing services were offered by Mike Miller of Southwest Processors. Taxidermy services were offered by Greg McBride of Trails End Taxidermy.
Ryan Urie of Colorado went on an Archery Bull Elk Hunt. He spent all week chasing a big bull, but he didn't fill his tag this year. He said he still had an amazing time chasing him and learned a ton about archery that will help him in the future.
