knothead

You just never know. My 10 year old daughter drew unit 5b back in 2004 and all she had was her hunter safety point. Only 5 tags issued and she drew tag #1. She shot a 79 inch buck on 3rd day There was a picture in the flagstaff office with her and her antelope for years but not sure if it is still there. She glassed and walked her tail off and never complained a single time. Definitely one of my best hunts to be a part of. She has not drawn since.

Where were you guys 27 years ago? I had more money in my pocket and had more action 30+ years ago when I worked P/T at Smitty's. Nice Truck though. I'm sure someone will be happy with it.

I'm so happy I only shoot small animals. This stuff kinda takes the fun out of hunting. Congratulations to you and your daughter.

I have been hunting elk since early 80's. Got my first archery elk tag my senior year in HS for fall 1980. In all that time I have never had a rifle elk tag or for that matter even applied for a rifle elk hunt. That being said, I have been on several rifle elk hunts and my wife even had an early unit 10 hunt back in 2003. So..... at the risk of getting persecuted here this is what I would do. Knowing what I know and what I have experienced, I would not even consider a rifle or muzzle loader hunt. Sure, the elk are still in rut mode and they are pretty easy to locate. Shooting one at 200, 300 + yards is definatley a possibility. However, there is just something about hunting elk in September with a bow that is so special. Being up close and in the comfort zone of an elk is crazy exciting and your heart feels like it is going pound right out of your chest. I never got that feeling on rifle hunts. Lots of times it's rush, rush and you're just trying to get within your effective rifle range. If your goal is to kill a big bull then rifle muzzy might be better but if your goal is to have the opportunity to chase huge bulls, then maybe even shoot a magnificant animal and have a much better hunting experience then go archery. If I had 18 points I would go unit 9 or 23 first and 2nd choice archery only. If you really want that unit 1 tag, go for it with a bow. Get drawn, have a great hunting experience and then start hunting easier units to draw with a bow. Life is too short to be sitting on the sidelines. Of course all of this is my opinion and I would take my age and health into consideration for what I would apply for. Good luck on whatever you decide and I hope you have a great experience.

Coues Assasin that is some good Karma there. Congratulations! This thread has been interesting and helpul to me. I am in the market for something similar but I have a 1.5 years to decide. I won the Versamax at the 2013 Bowhunter Happening. I bought one $20 ticket and won. So I call the gun a $20 gun. I kept it hidden and never took it out of the the case it came in until recently. My oldest son just turned 18 on July 17th and I gave him the gun as a gift. Now I'm in the market for another shotgun for my son who is currently 16. I would like to give him a semi-auto on his 18th b-day but don't think I will be able to afford a Versamax unless I find another for $20. I have already started setting money aside. I was thinking about the 11-87 until you guys mentioned the Stoeger M3500. We are a Turkey, quail, dove & varmint family. 3.5 inch is nice but not a deal breaker if it is 3". Realistically, I'd say I'm going to be in the $700-$800 range. Who ever said don't get a 3.5 in a pump is absolutley correct. I have one and had to dropped down to 3". I would literally see stars after shooting 3.5". Ugly sight for sure. Long story short........ The help is appreciated so keep on with the recommendations.

I saw a very pink rattle snake by cave creek dam many years ago on a dove hunt. It was the first and last one I saw until now. I hate snakes!!

Meeting tonight July 22nd at Cabela's from 7-9 pm. If you have something to say, now is the time.

I don't think there is a woman out there that is worth losing 5 years of hunting priviledges for. When I was young and dumb I may have thought so but I know better now. Just say'n

I'm kinda with GJMauro12 on this. Why don't they order the stuff online and pay for it but have it shipped to your address? If it is legit and you guys trust each other then you should be good to go. When they come to hunt give them all their stuff such as cameras, batteries and anthing else that is tangible in good working order. If there is no trust then why even put yourself in this position? Not worth losing hunting prviledges for five years and pay hefty fine. The very least I would do is call G&F (not front counter folks) and ask someone who knows. If they say it is ok, get it in writing with a name. Good Luck.

To the contrary. I find the draw and draw process fascinating and enjoy learning as much as I possibly can about it. My family thinks I'm odd though, because I stare at numbers and statistics for hours on end for enjoyment. I like looking for patterns, making predictions then waiting for results. Not always right but there are ways of improving your odds. IMO this is all part the hunt and preparing for it. I'm actually surprised by the number of people who are possionate about hunting but don't take the time to learn the draw process thus they don't truly understand the draw and how it works. Good luck to everyone who hunts this year.

Nice Plate. My plate says HNT4LIF