Projects – AZ Mule Deer Organization Region 5 South

Papago Springs Brush Cut Project

After the completion of our 12th project last March at Papago Springs, I discussed with the property owner and others, the potential loss of habitat from future fires. Over six years ago a fire ripped through that area and left a lot of dead trees and shrubs. With 12 volunteers, we were able to cut and stack a considerable amount of dried brush. With this confinement of brush, future fire damage in this area has been minimized. We have several more acres to protect and another phases will be scheduled with cooler weather approaching. Special thanks to our 12 volunteers. Bill Miller you are “THE CUT MAN!”

Jeff Hannum Region 5 Project Manager.

Pancamodo Water Expansion Project and Yearly Recap

With summer approaching and temps rising, we have begun planning our projects for the upcoming year. I have scheduled meetings with a rancher in Patagonia and Rio Rico to discuss future needs.

Upcoming Pancamodo water expansion project.

On May 16th, 2024, I met with Cody Hatfeild of Arizona State Land Department, Pat Willock of the Agua Dulce Ranch, and his Ranch hand Clare Rask. Mr. Willock is applying for funding from NRCS, with the approval from AZLD. When approved, AMDO volunteers will assist this project by installing one tire tank drinker, eliminating a steel storage tank, and replacing it with a 10,000 gallon vinyl tank. The current well pump will be replaced with a solar well pump and solar panels. This project should be approved toward the end of this year or the beginning of 2025. This water expansion project will serve as a good hydration source for livestock, big horn sheep, various other wildlife, and most importantly, our muley.

Yearly recap

In the last 14 months, AMDO Region 5 has completed 12 projects to include 7 catchments.

In a recent discussion with our state chairman,Terry Herndon, I was informed that region 5 has completed more projects than any chapter by 3 fold! I would like to thank the 40 or more volunteers who have worked with us throughout the past 14 months. Without you, this would not be possible.

Jeff Hannum Region 5 project manager

Papago Springs Tank Project April 6th, 2024

Saturday April 6, 2024 Nine AMDO volunteers assembled near the Sonoita area with almost perfect work conditions for yet another successful project. A few hundred feet of pipe was trenched in to provide water to one of our tire tanks. The tank was plumbed in and set with mortar. Special thanks to Matt O’Hara of Spinkler World for donating the pipe and fittings. Tom Klevish of Sunland Rentals for providing the trencher and fuel. This tank will provide water the entire year for wildlife . This tank placement is just 55 yards from National forest and set on private land free of livestock use. Thank you volunteers; Dan and TJ Hendrickson, Angel Marrrietta, Manda Miller, Bill Miller, Pablo Lujan, and good friend Gabe. Thank you very much Mike Spies for welcoming our crew into his dinning room and for an excellent lunch, MUDDY BOOTS AND ALL!

Jeff Hannum

Region 5 AMDO project Manager

Dragoon Mountains March 16th 2024

7 AMDO volunteers along with workers from SCI and AZGF took to Southern Arizona to restore 3 separate water catchments. The catchment AMDO assisted with was located in the Dragoon Mountains, North West of Tombstone. Thanks to everyone who worked on this project we have several more in the works and look forward to seeing you there!

Jeff Hannum

Southern Arizona project manager

Agua Dulce Ranch Project Part 2 November 4th 2023

We completed part 2 of the Agua Dulce pipeline project November 4th 2023! I had my doubts about the volunteers that would be available, due to all the hunting trips everyone has planned. To my astonishment, we had a great turnout!

With over a dozen workers we managed to tie down over 3 miles of pipe. It’s remarkable to see the wildlife activity that is evident from this major expansion of water.

Thank you Everyone who put in the efforts on Saturday. We recruited some new workers and got reacquainted with some of our workers from the past.

Stay posted ,we have had a great year for projects this year and we have many more to come!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Jeff Hannum

AMDO Region 5 South Project Manager

Results of the Agua Dulce ranch project!

Picture taken September 2023

Empire Ranch Project September 23, 2023

The AMDO Empire Ranch project was successfully completed Saturday September 23rd, 2023. With the help of 11 volunteers we removed an extensive amount of brush and sealed two overgrown concrete water shed aprons. This was a labor intense job that occupied 11 hours of the day!

We were thankful to partner with four SCI , three AZGF, and four AMDO members on this very important task. We want to extend a special thanks to Project Manager, Tiffany of SCI, and Dan Bradford of Arizona Wildlife Water Works for all their leadership, expertise, and continued support on catchments in southern Arizona.

Thank you to all who participated, we look forward to seeing you on the next project.

High Haven Ranch Tank Clean Out August 12, 2023

It was a beautiful morning Saturday August 12^th 2023 in Gardner Canyon; cooler temperatures than we have experienced in months! Eight members of AMDO took on the task of cleaning out a holding tank for the High Haven Ranch. This tank had not been cleaned in over 20 years. The ranch owners, Tim & Barbara Jackson, explained to us that their pumps where not being used to the full potential because of the vegetation growth in this tank. It was a labor intense job that required a 3 inch grinder pump for draining and the removal of 16 inches of sediment. Special thanks to Sunbelt rental, for the pump use, and the Sonoita Fire Department, for providing the use of high rubber boots for working in the tank. Thanks to all who participated: Tim, TJ, and Daniel Hendrickson, Angel Marietta, Dave and Joshua Woods, and Mike Spies. Everyone including ranch hands, Javier & Todd, were a pleasure to work with and will be a great asset to AMDO in the future. Stay tuned for more water expansion to come in that area!

Jeff Hannum

AMDO Region 5 South Project Manager

Agua Dulce Ranch Project June 24th 2023

On Saturday June 24th 10 volunteers went to the Agua Dulce Ranch. This project has been on hold and tied up through archaeological restrictions for 4 years, so this was a tremendous achievement for AMDO. Over 9,000 FT of pipe was run out of the 5 mi stretch that needs to be completed.

Eight members of AMDO , and two from SCI tied down 9,000 FT of pipe. When completed this 5 Mile stretch will include two wells and five 10,000 gallon storage tanks, which will feed numerous drinkers! Eight drinkers in the 5-mile stretch are projected for completion in the future. Other drinkers can also be run off the piping that was laid. The next stage is to set the tire tanks and get them filled with water we will need many volunteers for this project, that’s You! This will be happening within the next few months, more details and dates to come.

Special thanks to Reg Munoz for his mastery in culinary skills as usual, Reggie excellent lunch! Thank you to all who participated and stuck it out in the hot heat!

Jeff Hannum

AMDO Region 5 South Project Manager