PhxDT

You guys see this? wow. AZ Republic Story On a hot day in August 1901, The Phoenix Gazette reported “the remains of John McCarty, the Fish and Game Commissioner, arrived from Flagstaff yesterday morning and were taken to the undertaking parlors of Merryman & Holley, where they were carefully examined by physicians for some of the insurance companies and by physicians, attorneys and other witnesses for the widow. The funeral took place at 5’clock from the undertaking parlors, and was conducted by the Masons. It was largely attended by the members of several fraternal organizations to which he belonged and his numerous friends in this city, where he has been a familiar figure for many years.” Wait. What is the rest of the story? What happened? Fearless hunter, Fish and Game commissioner? Insurance companies, attorneys, money, widow? It was because of his extensive knowledge of the Territory and wildlife that McCarty was appointed Fish and Game commissioner as there was little or no salary attached to the office. His continuous travels from one place to another allowed McCarty to look after the duties of the office as no other man could. Back in 1901, McCarty was known all over Colorado and Arizona as a collector of mountain lions, lynx, leopards, cats and many other kinds of wild animals for various Eastern institutions. His long time friend and partner was J.K. Day. Earlier in the year they received orders for a number of rare squirrels only found in the Mogollon Mountains and a party of men left at the end of May for the area. MORE LOCAL HISTORY How 36 Phoenix streets got their names Our historical photo collection Phoenix historical neighborhoods 7 historic Phoenix murders 17 historic schools in metro Phoenix See more Arizona history McCarty was last seen alive on June 6 when he left camp to hunt alone, and never returned. Before leaving Phoenix, McCarty had taken out a $10,000 life policy in the Manhattan Company, Fraternal Brotherhood, $2,000; Forresters, $5,000; A.O.U.W., $2,000; Woodmen, $3,000; and an accident insurance company $5,000, for a total of $27,000. Mrs. McCarty claimed her husband was dead and the insurance men cried fraud. After investigation, payment was refused on all policies and a suit begun on the part of the widow. McCarty’s friend, J.K. Day, vowed not to give up the search until the mystery of his friend’s disappearance was solved. On Aug, 19, in a box canyon, McCarty’s shotgun was found lying near the body with one-barrel burst. He had extracted nitro powder from six rifle shells and loaded two shotgun shells. It is probable one of these shells exploded when fired. The double-barreled shotgun was on exhibition at the Flagstaff city hall. For years after his burial in the Masonic Cemetery, there were rumors that John McCarty was still alive. Then came the constant retelling of a haunting story describing the decomposed, headless skeleton, exploded shotgun, horrific fight with a bear, long search for the body, coroner’s inquest, hasty funeral and burial — before the widow arrived from Dudleyville, and a court battle finally settled by the insurance companies with $27,000 paid to his widow. Is John McCarty really buried in an unmarked grave in Phoenix? Quite a story from a little town in the desert.

I saw one while I was hunting in unit 22. Saw him twice, actually. No collar. Shocking to see so close to payson. We are talking within 3 miles of city limits.

I dunno. I like the electronic application. You have a record of your submittal. New school vs. old school?

sorry- not sure what you mean. Do you have a link?

very helpful, thanks.

That is incredible.

Is it worth getting a subscription to Hunter's Trailhead when you only have 2 points for elk? I know it is customed tailored for those of you with double digit points, but if it would benefit me, I'd like to give it a try.

I had put my dad, brother, and brother-in-law onto my card this year and we got drawn for 22S. None of them had gotten a bull elk before, so it was my goal to change that for as many as we could. We were glassing up a valley and saw a nice 5x5 about 1/4 mile from where he was. Alas, we couldn't raise him on a radio or cell phone, so I was pretty bummed about that. The next morning, we got my brother in law on a spike that he took. We had it quartered, packed out and at processing before noon. We continued to glass all day, and I asked my dad where he wanted to go for the evening hunt. He just wanted something that didn't require too much walking. We had hiked quite a bit in the prior few days, and needed a low key evening. We tried out a spot I had seen while scounting and setup to glass. We spied up a 9 cows, but no bull about one hour before sunset. Se kept on it and shifted down the ridge to get a different look. Nothing. About 10 minutes before shooting light was out, I was a couple of minutes from packing up my gear and hiking out. We spy this good looking raghorn a mile away. I laughed about it, because it was too late. Rough terrain, through 2 decent draws before we could get into position. We are talking rough going (those who know this area know what I am talking about). He gets fired up and says he wanted to give it a go. I smirked and told him he's gotta fly. He and a hunting buddy of mine race down the ridge to get into position. My brother and I pushed farther down the ridge to see if there were any bulls moving at the bottom. Sure enough, about 10 minutes later (we had packed up our gear), we hear this shot that could have only come from him. I looked at my brother and we laughed out loud. Did my Dad, who had a knee replaced 3 years ago, just fly over those ridges to take that shot?? As they left initially, I told my brother he had a 5% chance of getting to, and then making the shot. Now, we are smiling and laughing the whole way over to check on him. It takes us a lot longer, because it is pitch black by now. We get to his shooting position, and he is still camped out there. He was pretty sure he hit the elk, but it had gone behind a bush, and didn't want to spook it if still alive. It was a 248 yard shot, so I was feeling good that he got him. We wait another 10 minutes or so, and then make the trip down this ridge to other side. About 15 minutes later, we are walking around and get the strong smell of elk. Then we found this guy laying on his side. he had shot him just below the heart and went about 20 yards. Great moment, because of his first elk AND the fact he took it out like someone half his age. This story is going to last a while in my family. Great memories, and this is why I love to hunt.

so very cool. Love this.

congrats.

Hey guys- We have filled our tags, but have my brother (rookie) looking for his first kill. Any of you guys passing on a spike that we could take down? Last hunt is tomorrow AM. Thx guys!

Got it free. Thanks guys. Was looking for a 4x4 for months as a hunting truck, but couldn't find one at the right price. Thank you guys.

Woody- Would you mind giving me a call? Stuck on that road looking for a winch service. Is there a towing service I can call? It's only 1/10 mile off of lion springs. I have two wheel drive. Not too bad stuck at all. Lovely end to a hunt, haha.

Last time I tagged out, we took the elk to Von Hansen's in Chandler. They did a great job, but who should I take my meat to in Payson?

Great. He'll shoot straight. Thx!

Thx guys- how deep into lion springs road? Spent all my time west of the 87 scouting and hunting- tried to be in harder to get locations with less hunting pressure. Just want to fill a tag. Fine with a PM, or, no need to say more if asking too much. I have just the AM. Thx again.

Hey guys- need quick help! I called Noah, Sundae, Ron in Payson. All full. Any other ideas? I have a quartered elk in my party and nowhere in Payson to take it. I am at my campsite: six02-568-7988

I'll start. I forget to get tactical gloves for those cold morning hunts (I don't hunt in the snow pack units). Bought them on amazon this week, so should be ready to go. What do you forget?

Great looking bulls. Congrats.

I hunted that area about 10 years ago. If I recall, there aren't many places to glass. I believe there is a bull hunt right before yours. Meet up with those guys as they leave and see what they may say. Good luck

I will be in 22S. I have an old silver 4runner. Hoping to fill a few tags, as I have my dad, brother, and bro-in-law on my card.

Know what a shooter is, and is not. Plus, everyone in your party that has a tag. Don't waste time with a target in sight and a discussion about what to do.

I'd rather have too much than not enough. Thx for sharing.

This would be awesome. Like legitimately awesome.

Back to back interceptions taken back to house is too much for the kitties.