Hualapai Department of Natural Resources

10/24/2026

🐂🐮 Close the Gate 🐮🐂
On the reservation, please keep gates closed to help prevent livestock from roaming.
✅ If you see an open gate, close it.
✅ If you open a gate, close it behind you after passing through.
✅ If you’re coming back, close it after you pass, then reopen and close it again.
Let’s all work together to keep each other—and our animals—safe. 🫶🫶🫶🫶

10/23/2026

🦌 A Legacy of Rocky Mountain Elk on Hualapai Lands!

Did you know that Rocky Mountain elk were reintroduced to Hualapai lands over 60 years ago?

In 1963, Rocky Mountain elk were introduced to Hualapai lands, establishing a population for 63 years. While Merriam's elk historically inhabited other parts of Arizona before their extinction, today's Hualapai elk population traces its origins to the Rocky Mountain elk brought from Yellowstone National Park.

🌲 1963: Following negotiations with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and habitat evaluations, elk were transported from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the Hualapai Reservation. 36 Rocky Mountain elk became the foundation of our elk population.

🏹 1971: The Hualapai Tribe held its first public elk hunt, offering 10 hunting tags at $100 each.

📖 1986: The first Elk Management Plan was developed by George Welsh, formerly of AZGFD, helping guide the management of this important species.

Through the Hualapai Department of Natural Resources, we remain committed to protecting wildlife, maintaining healthy habitats, and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from these magnificent animals.

From 36 elk to a thriving population — a conservation story more than 60 years in the making! 🦌

10/22/2026

Thank you for the invite KWLP Walapai 100.9

Another radio club and more great questions today! Thank you Fabiola for sharing all about Hualapai Department of Natural Resources!
We learned so much today.

10/21/2026

🌎 Explore Careers in Conservation with AZCC!🌿

The Hualapai Department of Natural Resources (HDNR) is excited to participate in the 2026 Conservation Expo & Career Fair, hosted by Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC)!

Join us in Flagstaff to learn more about careers in natural resource management, wildlife conservation, water resources, habitat restoration, and the important work being done to protect Hualapai lands and natural resources. 🦌🌊🌱

Whether you're a student, young professional, or simply interested in pursuing a career in conservation, this is a great opportunity to connect with organizations, explore career pathways, and learn how you can make a difference!

📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 2500 N. Rose St., Flagstaff, AZ
🚗 Parking at Cal Ranch (5-minute walk)

🎤 Guest Speakers
🎟️ Raffle Drawings
🥨 Refreshments & Snacks

Stop by and meet the HDNR team! We'd love to share our work, answer your questions, and inspire the next generation of conservation professionals.

10/20/2026

🐂🐎 Close the Gate 🐎🐂

On or off the reservation, please keep gates closed to help prevent livestock from roaming.

✅ If you see an open gate, close it.
✅ If you open a gate, close it behind you after passing through.
✅ If you’re coming back, close it after you pass, then reopen and close it again.

Let’s all work together to keep each other—and our animals—safe. 🫶🫶🫶🫶

10/20/2026

🌲🪚 Building Skills, Strengthening Our Team!

Our Hualapai Department of Natural Resources (HDNR) staff recently participated in chainsaw training led by the Hualapai Forestry Department!

This hands-on training helps our team develop the skills and safety practices needed for vegetation management, creating fences, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and other conservation projects across Hualapai lands. 🌿

A big thank you to the Hualapai Forestry Department for sharing their knowledge and expertise! We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen our efforts to protect and manage our natural resources. 💚

10/19/2026

REMINDER: THIS WEDNESDAY

Archery club🏹 meeting will be October 21,2026 at 5pm
Please come and join us as we discuss the future for the Hualapai Community.
We would love to hear your questions, comments, and concerns.

10/18/2026

🐦🌲 A little bird with a big appetite!

Spotted on Hualapai lands! The Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is a small, energetic songbird known for its streaky brown feathers, flashes of yellow on its wings, and love for seeds. These little birds can often be seen foraging in flocks among trees and shrubs.

💡 Fun Fact: Pine Siskins are surprisingly tough! During cold weather, they can increase their metabolic rate to help stay warm and survive freezing temperatures. ❄️

🌿 Every bird, big or small, plays a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Protecting native habitats helps ensure species like the Pine Siskin continue to thrive on Hualapai lands.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Siskin/overview

Video: FTorres/HDNR

10/16/2026

🍄These little mushrooms were spotted growing on cow p**p 💩 among the pine needles! 🌲

While they may be small, fungi play an important role in our ecosystems. Many species help break down organic matter, recycle nutrients into the soil, and support the natural processes that keep our forests healthy.

A reminder that even the smallest organisms have an important role in nature! 🌿

Photo: KJackson/HDNR

10/15/2026

Another great wildlife sighting from our Range & Water Program—a black-tailed jackrabbit (Hualapai name: Gula) enjoying the desert landscape! 🐇🌵

Jackrabbits are an important part of the desert ecosystem. They help disperse seeds through their feeding habits and serve as a vital food source for predators such as coyotes, bobcats, hawks, eagles, and other native wildlife. Their presence is a sign of a functioning and connected ecosystem.

Fun fact: Black-tailed jackrabbits aren’t actually rabbits—they’re hares! Unlike rabbits, hares are born fully furred with their eyes open and are ready to move shortly after birth.

Every wildlife observation helps us better appreciate and protect the diverse species that call the Hualapai Reservation home.

Photo by: JCook/HDNR