event_title: 8th Annual Family Squirrel Camp

event_time_zone: America/Denver

event_start: October 04, 2024 06:00

event_duration: 3240

event_end: October 06, 2024 12:00

event_address:

event_description: Brought to you by the Arizona Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Arizona Wildlife Federation Friday October, 4th through Sunday, October 6th.Whether you’re an experienced hunter or you’re brand new, this is the camp for you. Come out and celebrate this amazing game animal on our public lands in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Learn all about Arizona’s huntable squirrel species, get hunting tips and techniques, and even processing and cooking tips. Most importantly, get out and enjoy hunting squirrels in the beautiful ponderosa pine forests of Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. The camp will be held in the forests at the base of Mormon Mountain near Flagstaff Friday October, 4th through Sunday, October 6th but feel free to come camp Thursday night too.Come prepared to camp in a primitive setting with no amenities (water, shelter, etc.) available. Porta potties and community camp kitchen will be provided.Friday night look forward to presentations on small game hunting.Saturday night we will be holding a wild game potluck so feel free to bring a dish (wild game or not) to share. Don’t hesitate! The camp is limited to 50 people and attendees must register through the Arizona GFD Outdoor Skills NetworkCLICK HERE TO REGISTER More About the EventEvery year around the start of October, the Arizona Wildlife Federation and the Arizona Backcountry Hunters & Anglers host an Annual Family Squirrel Camp. Hunters, conservationists, wildlife professionals, and families from across Arizona gathered on our public lands near Flagstaff to camp, hunt, eat, tell stories, and celebrate our wildlife and wild places in an inclusive atmosphere.Some come simply to hunt and enjoy the camaraderie around the evening campfire while others come for the opportunity to hunt for the first time under the guidance of a patient mentor. Other opportunities include presentations and discussions about small game hunting in Arizona, safety, and processing and cooking your harvest. Guests are also invited to participate in a wild game potluck dinner that puts on full display just how good wild game can be. Past dishes have included: pronghorn pozole, mule deer tacos, black bear chili, frog leg gumbo, and of course fried squirrel.“Why squirrel hunting?” one might ask. Squirrel hunting is overlooked by many and dearly loved by others. Squirrels span the gap from the beginner hunter to the most experienced. Their abundance promises opportunity to the novice while, at the same time, their sharp hearing and exquisite eyesight, combined with the ability to disappear like a magician, can outwit the most seasoned hunter. Regardless of your level of experience, squirrels are a tasty way to put meat – that you harvested yourself – on the table.So, whether you’re new to squirrel hunting or you’re a seasoned pro, this abundant and accessible animal has something to offer everyone. Come find out! We hope you’ll join us for our 2024 Annual Family Squirrel Camp!