What Is Southern Arizona Wildlife Callers Inc? (S.A.W.C.)

The sport of varmint calling was little known to most sportsmen in the 1950’s. Texas, with it’s large hunting areas and equally large number of predators developed an early interest, with the Burnham brothers of Marble Falls, Texas, generally credited with originating the sport mouth blown calls, along with instructional records, tapes and movies soon followed.

In the spring of 1958, A. L. Lindsey of the Pied Piper Varmint Callers met with the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club, which resulted in The Arizona Varmint Callers Association being born, the name was later changed to Phoenix Varmint Callers, Inc.

Several clubs soon formed: the Estrella Club around 1959, the Tucson Varmint Callers, (now the Southern Arizona Wildlife Callers, Inc.) in 1962, and the Mesa Varmint Callers in 1963.

The Arizona Varmint Callers Association was formed in 1963 and had a membership of over 500 before disbanding in the mid 1970’s. Other clubs in the association were Superior, Yuma, Baghdad, and Kingman. Many statewide competitions were held, including some inter-state contests with California.

That is a brief history of varmint calling in Arizona. What about the Southern Arizona Wildlife Callers Inc.?

What Does Our Club Do?

In 1976 the Tucson Varmint Callers changed their name to the Southern Arizona Wildlife Callers, Inc. to more correctly reflect what we do. While all big game can be (and frequently is) called in using various calls and methods, our primary emphasis continues to be on predator calling.

Nearly all members are hunters for all sorts of game - from predators, small game, birds, and furbearers to big game. "Hunting" can be with firearms, archery, and often, photography.

While hunting in it’s many forms is the main focus of our club, that cause is advanced in many ways...

I. General Monthly Meetings:
The coming together of our members and interested members of the general public on a monthly basis is a great place to keep up on the latest calling techniques, see old friends, make new ones, and be entertained - and educated by our...

II. Monthly Programs/Speakers:
Each month a speaker versed and experienced in some aspect of general interest to the club gives a talk augmented by demonstrations, films, slides, and etc. Throughout the years topics have included: Predator calling * Deer * Equipment * Archery * Big Horn Sheep * Camping * Gunsmithing * Elk * Trapping * Javelina * Dept. of Game and Fish presentations * Fishing * and numerous others.

III. Club-wide Activities:
To further our aims of increasing hunting and outdoor activities, we promote many related functions.
- Monthly friendly competition shoots: Steel Prairie Dog, Military Rifle (open sights) or balloon shoots. Held at the Tucson Rifle Club (3 Points), Other clubs welcome, contact our Rifle Match Director, Andy Williams @ matchdirector@soazwildlifecallers.org.                                                                                     - During the fall and winter months we feature: Monthly club hunts giving newer members the chance to hunt with the more experienced callers.
- Monthly (in season) in-club competition hunts with 1,2, or 3 person teams competing in one of 4 classes based upon experience and points earned by taking various predators, fur bearers, lion, and bear. You always compete against others of similar experience and skill.
- Calling/Hunting competitions with other state clubs (tri-club hunt).
- A yearly club bear hunt and camp-out in the White Mountains near Morenci, AZ.
- A display in a local mall on National Hunting and Fishing Day in September...a great opportunity to meet the public and promote hunting and club membership.
- A 3-day club camp-out normally held in Happy Valley east of Tucson (or near Tucson) that attracts many members and their families yearly,
- We sponsor D. C. M. qualifying matches (currently M1 Garand) and high power rifle matches.

IV. Affiliations:
National Rifle Association, Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Wildlife Conservation Council and Arizona Wildlife Federation. (See "links" page for additional information.)
The S.A.W.C., Inc. is affiliated with the above organizations, as we believe deeply in maintaining a strong and united front in the ever-expanding battle to maintain our basic freedoms. A reduction in N.R.A. dues and membership in the CMP, WCC, and the AWF are added benefits of the club.

V. Recognition for Club Involvement and Achievement:
Success in club activities, dedication, and service are rewarded in many ways. Awards for big game trophies, calling success based on the division in which you compete - "Novice", "Expert", "Master", and "Champion" - along with shotgun, rifle, handgun, archery, silhouette, and youth .22 competitions are but a few of the areas in which yearly awards may be given.

There are many avenues to serve the club for those interested: program chairman, hunt master, officer, board member, range help, adopt a ranch, equipment sales, fund raising, to name a few.

Where and When Can You Meet the S. A. W. C., Inc.?

Our meetings are held at 7:00 pm every second Thursday of each month at: The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge (F.O.P.), 3445 N. Dodge Blvd. Tucson, AZ. Click for map.

The S.A.W.C., Inc. monthly newsletter gives full details about upcoming meetings, shoots & hunts.

How is S.A.W.C., Inc. Funded?

Membership dues, both individual and family, are part of our main source of income. Other sources are twice yearly raffles, monthly shoots and other fund raising events also help support our activities.

The whole family is welcome. Children are welcome at most all club activities that are old enough to participate.

O.K. You Convinced Me!
How Do I Join?

Complete and return the attached membership application along with your check to:

Southern Arizona Wildlife Callers, Inc.
   P.O. Box 78273
   Tucson, AZ 85703-8273

If you have been searching for a full service sportsman’s club with activities for the entire family you need look no further. Contact us or attend one of our meetings. They’re always free! We don’t sell our knowledge of wildlife calling, big game, and small game hunting - we share it!

The S.A.W.C. is a non-profit organization.