Arizona Lion Hunter

[cessna152]

I came across this photo in a stack of photos in my office. This hunt would be about 1968 or so in the Matazal Wilderness area. This was my guide, although a few days into the hunt we teamed up with Bill Workman and his dogs. We took a really large lion. My question is I did not note this man's name on the back of the photo. Can anyone help? I also understand that Bill is living in Mesa and is pushing ninety now. I don't know, just trying to put things together for the kids when I'm no longer here.

[Workman]

Hey there Cessna,

I came across this thread yesterday while looking up some other stuff online. Bill Workman is my grandad. He is 85 now and living in Mesa but still spends a bunch of his time in Tonto Basin, AZ. I talked to him yesterday and asked about this, he didn't have a answer without seeing the picture. He's in Tonto basin right now so I have no way of showing him this, he's too old school to do anything that involves modern technology. He will be back in the valley tomorrow And I plan on stopping by his place after work to see him. I'll show this picture to him and see if I can get a answer for you.

[cessna152]

Thanks for the reply. That hunt is still one of my fondest memories. The photo of that lion hide stretched out at camp has been on my den wall for years. We were hunting the Hughes Ranch area in the Matazals just northwest of Sunflower. I was a youngster then, but remember it like it was yesterday. Anyway, my name is Don Snell. I'm sure he won't remember me. But your grandad made a lifelong impression on me. For that I am grateful. Anyway I don't remember the man's name in the photo. Your grandad knew him. I'm in my 70's now and just putting my hunting albums in order for my grandkids.

[cessna152]

I'm posting this photo of the cat for your grandpa to see. It was a little over nine feet and very heavy. If he does not remember, he might enjoy seeing one of his cats from forty years ago.

[Grzyadms4x4]

Could it possibly be Johnathon Kibler. I looked at the cover of his book today and he does bear some resemblance to your picture.

[cessna152]

I pulled my Kibler book from my library. On the back inside flap of the dust cover it says he was born in 1947. This hunt took place around 1968 or so. That would make him about 21 or so. I guess that's possible. I see what you are talking about. I think this gentleman was older than that. Good eye though. I have Mr. Kibler's e-mail address, I think I'll have him take a look and see what he thinks. Anyway thanks for your observation.

[cessna152]

I guess I don't have his address. Maybe someone who knows him will have him look.

[Grzyadms4x4]

You might just want to try and do a google search for him or make a seperate topic on the forum asking for his contact info. I heard he is out of hounds now and possibly out of the state too. I don't really know. I talked to him quite a few years back and he was still in AZ but I nbo longer have that contact information. Good luck. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

[Big N' Blue]

Did anyone ever find out who it is?

[cessna152]

Not yet. The hunt still goes on.

[Benny G]

Workman,
Check with your Grandad and come see some of us in Sept. I would enjoy meeting you.

[cessna152]

[Benny G]

A small get together to visit Bill Workman.

[Mike Leonard]

cessna152,

I know you sent this photo to me several years ago but for the life of me I can't find it now and I can't get this one to open on my computer. I am sure Bill will remember that hunt but it likley could have been Georgie Goswick or possibly Dean Warren.

Benny I bet Smithy will recognize the photo.....

[cessna152]

Mike, thanks for the reply. I did'nt remember sending it to you (getting really old). One thing about old photos, they sure bring up old, good memories.