Snapshot

I use Advantage Timber most of the time. It blends well with Oak, Juniper, Ponderosa, etc, a lighter desert camo pattern for lower elevations.

Is that Grammer ranch the one at Turkey Creek?

Some of you may have seen this before, but here is a pic of my unit 27 bear taken in September of 2007.

I don't get that either. I just can't fathom someone accidentally shooting someone else, unless an animal was directly between the hunter and shooter and the shooter did not know he was there? Another thing is why did his friend send him to the hospital by himself, was it a minor wound?

You never seem to amaze me Lark Lark has a good perspective on things!

The G&F has posted the new Fall hunting regs for anyone that is interested.

On the first day of turkey season, an overzealous hunter shot his partner multiple times in the side and face. Brian Hedger and Stephen Katich were hunting turkey on Friday, the opening day for their unit, on a ridge near Forest Road 109, which is south of Highway 260 and Valentine Ridge, said Gila County Sheriff’s Lt. Tim Scott. Katich reportedly took aim and shot what he thought was a turkey, striking Hedger numerous times with shotgun pellets on the left side of his body and face, Scott said. None of the wounds are life threatening, he said. “Hedger called out that he had been shot and Katich immediately went over to render aid,” Scott said. “Katich assisted Hedger out to his vehicle where Hedger called 911 to report what happened and started driving himself toward Payson for medical treatment.” The Gila County Sheriff’s Office received the call from Hedger and called the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Game and Fish for assistance locating Hedger. Hedger drove himself out and met Forest Lakes Fire at the intersection of Forest Road 512 and Highway 260. Gila County deputies along with Forest Service Law Enforcement and Game and Fish arrived a few minutes after Hedger arrived at the highway. Hedger was transported to Payson Regional Medical Center for treatment while deputies waited for Katich to arrive. Authorities interviewed Katich, who explained what happened. Katich’s story matched with Hedger’s, Scott said. Katich then drove to Payson to check on the condition of Hedger. An investigation is continuing, but no decision has been made if charges will be filed.

I spent 2 days in 27 last week. Saw about 20 mule deer, 10 whitetails, a handful of turkey, but no bears or elk. I was alot further south and east in the unit than I normally go. I was just checking out some areas that I wanted to see, and was not really hunting.

Nice pics Brian! Glad you guys got a bird and had a good time.

Unit 27 does have alot of rough country, but mostly below the rim. The majority of the bulls are migratory and live up top where the terrain is much easier to hunt until after the rut is over when they will move into the canyon country and be solitary. No doubt there is still alot of thick timber and bush up top to deal with. If there is alot of monsoon acitivity that helps produce good feed and water the elk will be more dispersed, if the hunt is warm and dry they can be concentrated closer to year round water sources and cooler bedding areas. I have the November archery bull tag in unit 27 this year, and have my work cut out for me during that hunt, but it should a fun and challenging hunt. Good luck!

The only negative problem you will have in unit 27 is the timing of the rut. Just like any unit in Arizona, you need cool weather, and preferably moisture to really heat up the rut. My experience up there has been that warm, dry weather, affects the rut and the general hunt as well. You just have to change tactics to compensate for it, it just makes for a tougher hunt. There are plenty of bulls in that unit and some big ones as well. If the rut kicks in later than usual, the muzzleloader and,or, early rifle hunter can expect outstanding opportunity.

Those are great birds, pics and story. Sounds like you all had an excellent time. Thanks for sharing!

Hey Mike, Thats a sweet looking gun. You can cut down on the sheen by rubbing down the laquer finish with very fine scotch brite pads and then buff it with a wood finish wax.

I was just curious, because soemtime they shut down campfires in the forest but not at the camgrounds. They seem to close it down every year when we go over to Greer.

Does that include designated campgrounds also?

Nice birds! That Gila forest is an awesome place.

Very nice! You just can't beat a good "Cast and Blast" opportunity. Sounds like a great time!

Its not a cheap trip for sure, but after a day of reeling in all those billfish, and your forearms and shoulders are throbbing, just head down to the ole Cabo Wabo and line up those shots of that Blue Tequila, Sammy style!

Nice birds! I did not get to hunt turkey this year, but its nice to see alot of people gettin some good action.

Cabo Fishing Click on the above link and it will take you to the promise land!

Pics added.

I just got back tonight. Should have some pictures posted tommorrow. I camped down at Juan Miller, and the turkeys were hanging out and gobbling down in the creek bottoms,early and late in the day. Had a turkey gobbling good about 75 yards from camp. Put about 90 miles on the quad, went up for some R&R and came back tired. Gotta love it!

Excellent! Nice bird for the young man. 17 degrees? Bbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I'll be back on Wednsday. Are you going to be up in the high country? Good Luck!

Naughty boy!