stanley

What a train wreck...... Near disaster as far as the VAST majority of hunters in this state, as far as the majority is concerned. BPJ, I'm hoping the ADA can recover from this. I was a part of the organization, served on the board and led the Youth Camp program for several years. I ended-up leaving because my career and obligations to my kids would not allow me the time to devote. I know there are good folks that are involved with the ADA, but my observation was that the general membership was distant. There was hardly any participation from the general membership at the meetings, and it seemed like most of the members only joined to go to the banquet once a year and to get the quarterly magazine. The 'average joe' out there just wants to go hunting with his buddies, IMO. Even this sight is stacked with 'trophy' hunters, but the vast majority of average hacks out there will never even cruise this message board. They just want to hunt, camp, drink beer, cook marshmallows, and watch their kids try to shoot a little buck. IMO, the average joe doesn't really care about land access down in southern AZ. I don't discount how important it may be to a relative few, but the majority will take advantage of the vast public land we have in this great state. Good luck pushing this kind of thing in the future, but I think ADA, SFW, etc. will get much more support if they started to cater more to the average dude, as opposed to 'boutique' types of interest. I hope the organization can turn around and get more involvement from the general membership. The club really needs it! All of the above is ONLY my opinion, and we all know what that is worth. I absolutely aplaud you, Amanda, Chris, Mark, Kevin, Pete, etc.. (too many to mention) for being the few to volunteer, but it seems like the club has evolved to just that; A club. Not a voice for the members, but a voice for the board. Tough stuff. S. PS: Be careful calling Lance out. He has done MUCH for wildlife, and Amanda and I have been there by his side on occasion!

Really an awesome opportunity! My three have already killed their first big game animal, else I would be all over this! Great opportunity provided by SCI! Forward this link to any friend that have youngsters who might quailify and want to participate! S.

That's a great looking buck! Love the character of his rack. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing with the site!!! S.

Saw your facebook post, Christian! AWESOME for your dad!!!!!! Also, maybe one of the shortest lion chases ever! I went on my first (hopefully not my last) lion chase last Spring/Winter. We chased the dogs for close to 9 miles ONE WAY through some of the nastiest desert/rocks/canyons/mountains I've seen, and we never caught the cat! Was one of the most intense and best days of hunting that I have ever had though. I hope to do it again someday, and I plan on trying to be in better shape! S.

That is VERY awesome!!!! Good for Garrett!! S.

AWESOME!!!!! Thanks for the nice write-up and thanks for sharing with the site!! S.

Awesome Keven! Glad you had a good hunt down there! I'll look forward to some more stories from Hector when he returns! S.

Not sure if this has been posted here yet, but I saw this story today. Sucks for him! Need to be respectful and safe, and pick-up all casings, bullets, shells, etc.... Not only is it litter, but apparently it's dangerous too! Be safe all! S. http://www.azfamily.com/news/Bullet-buried-in-desert-blinds-Arizona-man-137021548.html

+1 on the Gila and San Pedro river valleys. The washes draining into either of these rivers from the 37B mountains/hills that border the rivers are a great place to look for tracks/sign. S.

Mexico is clearly dangerous if you're in the drug trade or associate with anyone in the drug trade, or are an official or report on the drug trade. Maybe even if you're an innocent citizen. Haven't heard too many stories of truly innocent touristas being harmed/killed though... Does truly suck that so many of the Mexican people are losing their lives! S.

Used electronics are tough to sell...... If you haven't already, maybe try ebay and/or craigslist. Lots more visibility on those sites. Sincere good luck selling! S.

Thanks for posting the links Oak. Very interesting information. elkaholic, there are actually two returns for two different entities. Both for 2009. I'm no expert, but I can read..... Looks like Suzanne got more like $94,000. Again, thanks for posting the public info, Oak. Craziest thread on cw.com in a LONG time! S.

Ugh..... Mi vida loca! Unfortunately, I have a father/daughter weekend event with my little sweetie at Camp Tontozona on Feb 25th. (Though, I'm greatly looking forward to the weekend with my daughter.....) Seems like I've been tied-up for the past several ADA banquets now! I truly wish the ADA good luck on this year's banquet. I think it's a great idea to do it in partnership with the ISE! Maybe will result in great attendance!! Good luck all and spend lots of money!!! S.

I think a lot of guys are shy about posting location, even the unit in a public forum. Unfortunately, in today's world it seems like the concerns are often warranted....... I would suggest that the next time you see a post of a deer that looks familiar, maybe send the hunter a private message. He or she might be a bit more willing to share that information privately. S.

+1 We are not too far removed to remember the Fiesta Bowl and their "administrative" costs. Different arena same corruption The AZSFW board is strictly volunteers initially, each of the beginning few who started the organization back several years ago were required to pony up some significant cash to be a board member. The only person who does get paid is Capitol Consulting, who acts as our lobbyist at the state legislature. I know of absolutely no lobbyist who would ever do the political infighting that has been necessary to carry the water for us who would do it as low as Suzanne and company have done. Thanks for the reply, John. I have a question regarding the wording in your statement though. You mention; "..... strickly volunteers initially". Is that referring to the fact that 'initially' the beginning few ponied-up money? Or is it indicating that it is 'initially' volunteers, but there could or might be paid positions in the future? Or will it always remain strickly volunteer? Again, I only ask because this seems to be a big bone of contention with SFW in other states, at least in Utah. Lark, your point regarding no outfitter response is very insighful. No doubt that local outfitters would LOVE to have more big money tag holders to guide.... S. Wow! So much traffic on this topic!!!! John; I might have missed it, but I don't think I saw a response to my question above. Will all SFW members/associates (Board members, or otherwise....) remain volunteers in the future? Or will there be administrative or executive positions created that are paid/salaried? Again, I only ask this because it seems that the Utah guys have a big problem with this in their state. Also, you mention a meeting being scheduled next week. Will that meeting be open to the public? Or members of ALL organizations that are apparently behind SFW? Or just board members of those organizations or SFW board members only? Thanks for your continued replies to this VERY hot topic! S.

+1 We are not too far removed to remember the Fiesta Bowl and their "administrative" costs. Different arena same corruption The AZSFW board is strictly volunteers initially, each of the beginning few who started the organization back several years ago were required to pony up some significant cash to be a board member. The only person who does get paid is Capitol Consulting, who acts as our lobbyist at the state legislature. I know of absolutely no lobbyist who would ever do the political infighting that has been necessary to carry the water for us who would do it as low as Suzanne and company have done. Thanks for the reply, John. I have a question regarding the wording in your statement though. You mention; "..... strickly volunteers initially". Is that referring to the fact that 'initially' the beginning few ponied-up money? Or is it indicating that it is 'initially' volunteers, but there could or might be paid positions in the future? Or will it always remain strickly volunteer? Again, I only ask because this seems to be a big bone of contention with SFW in other states, at least in Utah. Lark, your point regarding no outfitter response is very insighful. No doubt that local outfitters would LOVE to have more big money tag holders to guide.... S. Stanly and Lark, i am an outfitter and guide and i want nothing to do with this. Besides guys we get hunters every year no matter what so to say we have a lot to do with it is probably wrong--or at least with me and my crew it is. We literally turn people away each year. Just saw this reply..... Point taken, Terry! I guess that I just figured that if there are more 'big spenders' that get tags, that it would be good in general for the outfitting business. You know; supply/demand. Might mean more guys getting into the outfitting business, and the 'top notch' outfitters raising their prices. Just a thought. S. PS: I'm a complete Capitalist, and have NO problem with supply vs. demand! Just making a point.....

VERY cool!!!!!! Thanks for sharing with the site! S.

Awesome, Jim!!! I was stuck here in my office working, so it sounds like a great day of hunting to me either way..... Glad you get to get out there and chase some for yourself every now and then! S.

+1 We are not too far removed to remember the Fiesta Bowl and their "administrative" costs. Different arena same corruption The AZSFW board is strictly volunteers initially, each of the beginning few who started the organization back several years ago were required to pony up some significant cash to be a board member. The only person who does get paid is Capitol Consulting, who acts as our lobbyist at the state legislature. I know of absolutely no lobbyist who would ever do the political infighting that has been necessary to carry the water for us who would do it as low as Suzanne and company have done. Thanks for the reply, John. I have a question regarding the wording in your statement though. You mention; "..... strickly volunteers initially". Is that referring to the fact that 'initially' the beginning few ponied-up money? Or is it indicating that it is 'initially' volunteers, but there could or might be paid positions in the future? Or will it always remain strickly volunteer? Again, I only ask because this seems to be a big bone of contention with SFW in other states, at least in Utah. Lark, your point regarding no outfitter response is very insighful. No doubt that local outfitters would LOVE to have more big money tag holders to guide.... S.

Are the administrators and/or board members for AZSFW paid or volunteers? If so, would the salaries be paid out of the funds generated by these tag sales? Is that part of the 'administrative' costs? Seems like some of the riff in Utah is partly because of the whole 'auction tag' thing, but also due to the fact that some of the admins/board members were making large salaries. I know that the ADA board is not paid, and is volunteer only. How about AZSFW? Just curious..... S.

14 days!?!? Soooo jealous here!!! Glass hard and enjoy the food, Hector! S.

Definitely using it! WAY easier than the paper method..... S.

AWESOME!!! Congrats on a great buck! BTW, I love the 'pack-out' shot! Don't see that method too much.... S.

I suppose my income is (or has been) indirectly dependant on mining, because I'm the son of a copper miner. My father worked as an engineer/geologist at the Ray pit for over 30 years. Born and raised in Kearny..... Copper put me through college, and for that I'm greatful! S.

That's awesome!!!! Good for Mark, and as mentioned already, I know Chris must be VERY proud!!! My nephew finished OCS in Quantico a year or so ago, and now after training he is stationed at his first post as a rookie Marine officer! He's packing his grandpa's Beretta 9MM as his side arm! Hopefully it will bring him luck. Very proud of all Marines!! S.