October 6, 2005

Dear Junior Deer Hunter,

In a few days you will be taking part in what may be your first big game hunt. It is the intent of the Arizona Game and Fish Department to offer you the best hunting experience within our control. Unit 23’s wildlife populations have faired better in these times of drought than many of the other surrounding hunt units. While deer numbers in Unit 23 are below the long term average, there are still enough deer to provide for a quality hunt experience.

The Department, in conjunction with the Arizona Deer Association (ADA), will be hosting a Junior Hunter Camp during the hunt in Unit 23. The camp will be open from 5 p.m. October 20th to noon on October 23rd. I will be present at the camp on Thursday evening with deer hunting tips for unit 23. If you are successful in harvesting a buck, we’d like to check your animal to determine its age and condition. Please don’t hesitate to stop by the camp if we can provide any other help during your hunt. The Junior’s Camp is not mandatory, but we would love to have you camp with us or just drop by and say hello. The ADA will be happy to cook you a hot dog or hamburger and provide a soda pop for hunters and their families.

This year’s camp will be located at Indian Point camp/launch site at Roosevelt Lake. To get to Indian point, take Hwy 188 to mile post 255, where it intersects with A+ road (this is marked as forest road 60 on the Tonto National Forest map). Take A+ road east to the intersection with Cline Blvd. Turn right on Cline Blvd. and stay on the pavement toward Roosevelt Lake until you reach Indian Point camp/launch site. When you arrive at the camp location, you will see a fee pay station with instructions to pay for use of the facilities. The U.S. Forest Service has waived any fee requirements for the purposes of this junior deer hunt, so if you come to join us to participate in the junior deer hunt, you will not have to pay any day use or camping fees.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Randy Babb at the Region VI Office in Mesa at (480) 324-3546 or by e-mail at rbabb@gf.state.az.us.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department extends our best wishes for a safe and rewarding hunt experience.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Simmons

Region VI Wildlife Manager-Tonto Basin