ARIZONA DEER ASSOCIATION

Board of Directors Meeting

April 21, 2004

Present:                                                                          Guests:

John Brishky, Secretary and presiding officer                  Steve Cheuvront
Craig Dunlap, Treasurer                                                 Tracey Martin
Kevin Harris, Director                                                    Steve Fairaizl
Pete Cimellaro, Director                      
Domenick Lopano, Director                
Mike Bool, Director                            
Joe Bill Pickrell, Director
Amanda Moors, Director
Chris Denham  
Blaine Bickford, Director, via phone

The meeting was called to order by the presiding officer at 6:45 pm. 

I.  Minutes of the March Meeting

The following amendments were made:  Under Committee Reports, Steve Cheuvront also met, along with Pete Cimellaro, with the other outdoor organizations discussing waterhole projects.

Domenick Lopano moved, Joe Bill Pickrell seconded, to approve the minutes as amended.  Motion carried.

II.  Treasurer's Report

The treasurer distributed a written report and reviewed the set-up of the endowment account.  The javelina tag sold for $1300.  When the banquet figures are in, we expect it to net approximately $72,000.  Craig will call Floyd Green about the exact cost that ADA owes on the storage area.  Domenick Lopano moved, Joe Bill Pickrell seconded, to approve the treasurer’s report as presented.  Motion carried.

III.  Guest Speakers

Steve Fairaizl, of Logan Simpson Design Inc. (LSD), reported about the April Commission meeting.  He discussed the field trip that LSD prepared for some of the commissioners on the Kaibab.  The end result of the commission meeting was that the recommended 1500 doe permits on the Kaibab were reduced to 500.  The G&F department also agreed to look at the model for population determination and work with ADA to devise suitable methods for gathering information so this situation does not happen in future years. 

The department would like from ADA both a short-term and long-term plan for restoring the deer population in the Kaibab.  Steve discussed the various components of a successful plan, which would address: 1) valid survey methods, 2) forage/habitat, 3) fire restoration.  The board discussed with Steve the timeline for the development and implementation of this plan.  The final product delivered from LSD would be a total plan addressing all needs and would take at least 60 days to develop.  LSD would develop the plan in tandem with G&F and the proposal will include cost estimates for all phases.  The department will also look at funding as well, and Steve believes that the cost of the plan will be split 75/25.  The costs will be determined by how much volunteer effort is put into the browse transects phase of the plan.  The proposal will address NEPA, and the Forest Service will be pressed for funding, 

To date, approximately $12,000 of the previously allocated $14,000 has been spent by LSD.  Board consensus was to authorize LSD to devise a proposal to bring back to the Board.  The communication between LSD and the board will be through the Habitat Committee.  It was also decided to see if representatives from the Buckskin Chapter can attend the May 8^th Annual Meeting to discuss these issues.  Once all are in agreement, Steve Fairaizl will meet with the Forest Service and other professionals.

IV. Old Business

A.                 Predator Hunt – The hunt is scheduled for May 1-2, near Heber.  ADA sponsored the hunt for $1000, $300 of which is for food.  After discussion, it became apparent that with previously scheduled events, most of the board members would be unable to attend the predator hunt for the duration, or work in the cook trailer.  It was decided not to take the trailer, but Joe Bill Pickrell and Mark Bool will take a smaller set-up and ensure that our commitment regarding providing the food was met.

B.                  Bylaws – The Board stressed that we need to have the proposed changes to the bylaws in a format ready to vote upon at the upcoming Annual Meeting.  It was decided that the Bylaws Committee would meet prior to the annual meeting, and Pete Cimellaro and Craig Dunlap volunteered to see that this project would be completed.  Tracey Martin volunteered to serve on the committee to assist.

C.                 Annual Meeting and Election of Officers – The Board briefly discussed the election of officers, and the position of Youth Director.  It was decided to meet with Bill Hill during the Bylaws Committee meeting.

D.                 Deer Head Collection – At this point, we have four muley and two Coues’ mounts; total expenditures to date have been $600.  Kevin Harris outlined expected future acquisitions.  The board discussed the storage of the heads, and Kevin volunteered to keep track of this.  Mark Bool moved, Joe Bill seconded, that the Board approve up to $2500 additional funds to finish this project completely.  Motion carried.

V.  Committee Reports

A.  Membership – no report.

B.  Projects – There will be a habitat improvement project in 5BNorth, Anderson Mesa on May 22, and the board discussed the details of the project.   Joe Bill Pickrell moved, Domenick Lopano seconded, that the ADA fund up to $4000 for the Anderson Canyon Rim Mule Deer Habitat Improvement Project.  Motion carried.  The committee will also be meeting to review proposals from the HPC process and make recommendations.  The Hacks Rim Project, in conjunction with the ADBSS, went very well and was completed despite poor weather. 

C.  Game and Fish – 1.  Commission Meeting- The animal rights factions were unable to generate any public participation, despite a concerted public relations effort in the Phoenix area.  Pete feels that this has put a damper on their efforts to institute a referendum on lion hunting in the future.  Apparently, Lori Faeth, the Governor’s aide on outdoor related matters, has been fired and replaced.  Pete met with Jim deVos regarding lions and the department’s research is very supportive of lethal lion removal.  One area of vulnerability, however, is a valid mountain lion population number.  Jim is working on an education program and further research in this area.    2.  Transplant – Department personnel will meet and be back to us with a final proposal on the transplant.  The one sticking point is CWD, which has been found in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.  If CWD is found in Arizona, there will be no transplants.  The board discussed funding for the transplant, which can come from tag funds.  We can expect the proposal from G&F in approximately two weeks.

D.  Newsletter – The final version will be sent to Joe Bill for printing this week.  The clinic, which has been confirmed for August 19^th will be announced in this newsletter.  An order form for the WCC license plate will be included in the newsletter as well.

E.  Youth Committee – The Board reviewed Blaine Bickford’s proposal regarding supporting the 4-H Shooting Event planned for May 22-23 and Ben Avery Ranges.  Chris Denham moved, Domenick Lopano seconded, that the ADA allocate up to $800 to support the 4-H Shooting Sports State Invitational.  Motion failed.  Craig Dunlap moved, Amanda Moors seconded, that the ADA provide nine hats and nine paid memberships for the first three place winners in the three muzzleloading events.  Motion carried.  The board discussed Eager Daze, however no action was taken.

F.  WCC – Trash pick up Day is April 24^th.  The board discussed the details.  Steve Cheuvront will bring the banner.  WCC is now accumulating funds for projects and will have a grants-in-aid program shortly.

G.  Banquet – Several board members visited Rawhide and met with their employees.  Rawhide will supply all tables, chairs, etc and we would have 52,000 square feet of space in which to operate.  We would need to supply our own audio.  The menu is comprehensive and all steaks are cooked right there.  The board reviewed the dates that Rawhide has open.  Joe Bill Pickrell moved, Pete Cimellaro seconded, that the ADA confirm the 2005 banquet for April 16 at Rawhide, to include a $500 deposit so that we do not lose the space.  Motion carried.  Mark Bool volunteered to communicate the board’s action to the Banquet chair, who can still investigate other options if he so desires. 

H.  Website – Information about the deer heads, the bronzes and the knives has been posted on the website.  A sample newsletter, in PDF format, will also be posted shortly.  The current information about the annual meeting, the predator hunt and the trash pick-up is also posted.

VI.  New Business

A.                 Boquillas Ranch Clean-up – this event is scheduled for June 26^th and it will be important to have a good showing.  The ranch is now closed to all ATV traffic and the Navajos are being pressured to close the ranch to hunting entirely.  If we provide the trailer, Mohave Sportsmen’s Club will provide the food.  Pete also discussed a request from Mohave Sportsmen’s Club that we sponsor their Kids Fishing Day, which shows between 250-300 kids how to fish.  Pete Cimellaro moved, Domenick Lopano seconded, that the ADA sponsor the Kids Fishing Day for $250, and send the trailer to the Boquillas Ranch Clean-up.  Motion carried.

B.                  Board Members Attendance at meetings – Kevin Harris spoke briefly about the tone of recent emails.  It is important to limit controversial or sensitive emails to the Board only.

C.                 Board Retreat/Planning Seminar – The board decided to table this discussion until the new Board is voted into office.

All board members were encouraged personally to support the Arizona Antelope Foundation’s first annual fundraiser on August 7^th. 

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

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