A SONORAN LEGACY AND THE ORIGIN OF THE KENETREK DESERT GUIDE BOOTS
Our father, Javier Artee, has been a pioneer in hunting (Alcampo Hunting Adventures) in Sonora, Mexico since 1976. He founded this business as the first of its kind in northwest Mexico, to provide customized hunts and increase wildlife populations within an 80,000-acre conservation private land, name Sierra El Álamo. Today, this family business continues with the leadership and knowledge of our father and his four sons: Javier, Jorge, Jacobo and José.
Our properties in Sonora, Mexico, are expertly managed to obtain high-quality game animals: desert bighorn sheep, desert mule deer, Coues deer and doves. Although our hunters can boast a high success rate, we are most proud of the positive impact that our repopulation program has had on the endemic fauna in Sierra El Álamo.
The primary mission at Sierra El Álamo is to facilitate the recovery and growth of desert bighorn sheep in the Sonoran Desert. This remote area, located in northwest Mexico, is comprised of harsh mountains, and desert plains littered with sahuaros and other desert flora – a perfect ecosystem for the endemic species.
Our family’s passion for these majestic animals is demonstrated by our commitment to the conservation efforts in the region. A little over 30 years ago the population of desert bighorn sheep in Sonora was approximately 1,500. Today, the sheep population stands at more than 16,000, in large part due to the work of private initiatives in coordination with State and Federal wildlife agencies. In the State of Sonora, approximately 1,100 sheep have been released back into the wild since 2006. We are proud to say that since 2017, we have released more than 300 sheep at Sierra El Alamo. This not only required a lot of sweat equity, but support from organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation.
The return of a healthy, sustainable population of desert bighorn sheep to this region of the world speaks volumes about our family’s passion for conservation. Currently, projects to enhance the health and population of the herd include: 1) translocations; 2) baseline health assessments; 3) improving access to water; and 4) other habitat improvements.
A Need for a Better Desert Hiking Boot
A little over 18 years ago, we had the privilege of hosting Bob Sherer, one of the three
founding partners of Kenetrek, for a desert bighorn hunt. It was an experience that planted the seed of for a unique collaboration. After his memorable and successful hunt, Bob sent us a pair of Kenetrek boots as a thank-you gift. However, we didn’t realize then that those boots would mark the start of an evolution in specialized footwear for desert terrain.
Shortly after wearing the boots afield, we took note of how the boots could be improved to better adapt to the demands of the terrain and extreme weather we faced. Together with Bob Sherer and Jim Winjum, another founding partner of Kenetrek, we began to exchange ideas for a better boot. We suggested a sole with better durability and traction, a reduction in boot height for greater mobility, and eliminating water resistance and insulation that would allow for greater ventilation in sweltering desert conditions.
These recommendations were well received and were integrated into the design of the Kenetrek Desert Guide boots. We are proud to have been involved in their development and to have been the first to use them. Today, these boots have become a key tool for us. We wear them on our bighorn sheep hunts and in our daily work preserving bighorn sheep in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico.
The Use of Kenetrek Boots in Sonoran Desert Hunting and Conservation
The Sonoran Desert is an extreme and unforgiving environment. Scorching temperatures and rugged terrain challenge hunters and those dedicated to local wildlife conservation. Kenetrek “Desert Guide” boots have proven to be an essential tool in helping us carry out our work, offering durability and comfort in the arid and vast Sonoran Desert.
Desert bighorn sheep reside in difficult-to-access places. The ability of the Kenetrek Desert Guide boots to withstand high temperatures, rocky surfaces and prolonged wear is essential. In addition to their sturdiness they provide comfort that allows hunters to travel long distances without suffering foot fatigue, which is essential on rough desert terrain.
In the conservation work carried out by Sierra El Alamo, these boots also play an important role. Wildlife monitoring and protection efforts require access to remote areas and agile mobility, something the Kenetrek boots’ ergonomic design and superior traction facilitate. Their durability ensures that the boots can operate continuously in difficult conditions without compromising their safety.
Strategic Alliance: Kenetrek, Alcampo Hunting Adventures and Sierra El Alamo
The collaboration between Kenetrek and Alcampo Hunting Adventures and Sierra El Alamo has been key to the success of these organizations in the Sonoran Desert. Kenetrek, with its focus on manufacturing high-quality footwear for mountaineering and hunting activities, has provided the teams of both companies with the right equipment to overcome the challenges of the terrain.
At Alcampo Hunting Adventures, Kenetrek boots have been essential in hunting expeditions. The protection they provide and their ability to handle tough terrain has allowed hunters to focus on their objectives – particularly in pursuit of bighorn sheep. These boots guarantee stability and safety in an environment that demands the best from every piece of equipment.
Meanwhile, at Sierra El Alamo, Kenetrek boots have optimized conservation operations. Its use has facilitated the monitoring of endemic fauna, allowing conservationists to access hard-to-reach areas without compromising their physical integrity. The strength and durability of the boots ensure that the team can continue their work protecting wildlife without interruption.
In conclusion, the partnership between Kenetrek, Alcampo Hunting Adventures and Sierra El Alamo demonstrates that the right equipment is essential not only for hunting, but also for wildlife conservation in the Sonoran Desert. Kenetrek Desert Guide boots are much more than footwear – they are an indispensable tool for success in one of the most challenging ecosystems in the world.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the entire Kenetrek team, especially its founding partners, for the constant support and collaboration we have had over the years. Their willingness to listen to our suggestions and their commitment to improving the equipment we use daily in the harsh beauty of the Sonoran Desert has been invaluable. We are honored to have been part of the Desert Guide boot development process and witness how our relationship has evolved into something beyond a simple professional partnership: a true alliance based on mutual trust and respect.
Finally, we would like to thank all the Kenetrek staff for the support they have given us. From design to production, to customer service, their dedication and attention to detail have allowed us to have the right equipment on our conservation projects and hunting adventures. They have been invaluable companions in serving our mission, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the work and effort they have put in every step of the way.
