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Our city slicker norm faded into the Old West as we turned off the primitive road into the The Flying Diamond Ranch. Dennis introduced us to our transportation for the weekend, which consisted of 3 sure-footed mules named Banjo, Red and Annie- not to be confused with Dennis’ wife (you are on your own to find out the “naming of the mule” story from Dennis). But, remember what happens in Klondyke stays in Klondyke.
After settling into the Ranch House, we saddled up the mules and took off into the foothills. As a novice on horseback, Heidi was a little nervous at first, but Red’s kind eyes, gentle nature, and Dennis’ assuring words put her at ease right away. Dennis led us on a 5-hour trail ride through finger canyons and high atop ridges covered in beautiful spring cactus blossoms.
Whitetail bounced out of cover all around us. With the wind in our faces and hawks soaring above our heads, a herd of 20 javelina scampered across the ridge right next to us. Normally, this private rocky desert terrain would be used by DC Outfitters to guide hunters for Mule and Coues deer in the fall.
D.C. Outfitters offer various hunting packages for antelope, coues whitetail, mule deer, elk, javelina, quail and sheep. Seasonal cattle drives and trail rides are also available into Southeastern Arizona's wild and rugged San Francisco River area and the Aravaipa Klondyke area which is where we got our tour into.
Upon returning to camp, getting the mules unsaddled and fed, we relaxed under a shady cottonwood tree sipping the cool breeze and sharing stories of our adventures and mishaps.
With appetites ravenous, dinner was served up from the fragrant coals of a Mesquite campfire. Thick rib eye steaks, homemade dinner rolls, coal fired baked potatoes, and a crisp salad filled our bellies. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, we finished the meal with a slice of angel food cake topped with fresh strawberries and cream.
As the sun trailed off over the rolling foothills and the cool desert night crept up on us, we threw a few more logs on the fire. Dennis kept our attention with the latest Cowboy lure and tales of magnificent elk.
After a full nights rest, a hearty breakfast, and one last pat of Red’s nose, we said our goodbyes and reluctantly headed back on the road back to Phoenix.
Thank you Dennis & Anne(wife) and also Red, Banjo & Annie(mule) for a lovely weekend we won’t soon forget.
For more information regarding guided hunts and trail rides with DC Outfitters, please check out their premium listing on this site.
DC Outfitters Info:
DC Outfitters Listing
Dennis Jacob 928-428-7979
Story by:
Brad Jannenga
CEO - Chief Executive Outdoorsman
www.GameandFishGuides.com
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