stanley

Shiras: I am far (VERY FAR!) from being an expert, but I would say that the .06 is definitely adequate. In my opinion, it mainly comes down to the shooters ability, with any gun! I own a .7MM Mag, and a .308. I missed a shot at just under 300yds last season with my .7MM, and have since re-committed myself to becoming a better shot. While spending time at the range, I have realized that I tend to flinch more with my .7MM, for obvious reasons (The sucker is like a cannon compared to the .308...). This is impacting my ability to shoot accurately with the big gun. The .308 on the other hand, is much 'tamer', and I tend to flinch much less. Based on this, I am actually thinking about going back to my .308 for next season. Bottom line; In my opinion, unless you really want a new gun (which I can certainly understand.... ), I would spend my money on ammo & time at the range. Bullet drop doesn't matter as much as ENERGY does! The .06 should still have plenty of that, at that range... Finally, as far as a 400yd shot being a 'probable' scenario? That depends on you! How good are you at stalking in closer? Sure is nice to know you can hit & kill one out that far if you need to though. Good luck & have fun! S. :-) PS: Does anyone have any tips for helping me rid myself of 'shooters flinch'? I'm anticipating the recoil too much!!! Help!!!!!

I'm sure that Diamondbackaz will answer for himself, but now that I think about it, he likely DID mean 'recommendations'. Must be a list out there for what next fall's proposals are. Makes sense that things are being finalized now, as the regs usually come out in late April to early May. Sounds like the 2004 hunt numbers will closely mirror the 03 numbers.... S.

Did you mean hunt 'regulations'? I've been watching the AZ G&F website, but haven't seen the new regs posted yet. It's that time of year that folks start thinking of hunt unit choices for next fall. I know I've been spending some time day dreaming lately.... I'm pondering a hike-in hunt this fall, if I can talk my hunting partners into it (and if get drawn...). Going after turkeys in a few weeks. It will be nice to be out in the hills for a few days! S.

Welcome to the site AFB! A great bunch of folks here, with lots of good coues information.... God Bless, S.

Rain in Arizona, that is!!! What a nice surprise this latest little storm has been!!! Always great to see some spring showers in the desert! S.

Got that right. Roads/trails pop-up in some scary places... Always a drag to come across quad tracks when you're back-in a little ways.... S.

Treestandman: For me personally, I like hunting further from the road because I see way fewer people. I much prefer being alone, over an easy pack trip. Someday I'll be too old to hike that far in, so for now I want to take advantage of it. I also tend to see more game when further from the road, but for me the main reward is the SOLITUDE! Now, don't get me wrong. I have a spot or two that know about that are fairly close to roads as well. I sometimes hunt there.... depending on who I have with me, etc.. If you have some good honey-holes that are close to the road, good for you man! Happy hunting! S. :-)

If I'm hunting within 1/4-1/2 mile from the road, then I'll usually head back to the truck around noonish for a big lunch & cold drink. I'll then head back out in the hills for the afternoon/evening. Lately however, I've hunting more often further away from the roads (less people). I spend my time out all day, glassing/napping while I eat lunch. I'll move 2-3 times during the day (depending on the action). I'll still hunt between stops, and don't mind walking-out with a flashlight. S. :-)

Awesome story CB! I can't wait for next hunting season!!! Thanks for sharing.... S.

I would go for the non-typical for the simple reason that it is NON-typical. My chances of seeing another non-typical are less likely than seeing another typical in the future, so I would take the one when I had the chance. Also, I just think it looks kind of cool when the racks have trash, palms, etc... My $.02.... S.

Well Bill, with > 50 years of experience hunting 'desert whitetails' (I love that!) it sounds like you've got some wisdom & stories to share! Welcome to the site! After hearing all of the comments, it appears to me that there is not any ONE method that would be effective all of the time. I'm for glassing though, for my first choice of hunting methods. S.

I agree that it was a great event. The kids had fun, and helping out the ranchers was awesome. That's my two boys holding the banner. (I don't know who the toe-head is though... ) There were so many people there, that I didn't get a chance to personally meet everyone, but it was still a good time. Sorry we didn't get a chance to formally meet each other Amanda, but I'm glad you enjoyed the quail. Anyway, I'll second what Amanda said; Hopefully more folks will turn-up next year. Even though there was a nice big crowd, it would be nice to see an army of volunteers next year! Good luck all! S.

Welcome Alan! I don't post much, but I watch this board daily. Very cool bunch of folks here! Good company.... I grew-up in Kearny (son of a copper miner) hunting muleys in 37B & 24A, but have been bitten by the coues bug of late. I've found lots of good help here, and great stories as well! Good luck! S.

Great story Amanda! Thanks for taking time to share the details with us. S. :-) PS: I know what you mean with the bad clutch. I had one go bad on a VW bug in high school, and drove for two weeks without one! You really CAN shift gears without one... :-)

That is awesome Brian! You & your brother obviously put in the dedication necessary to succeed. Kudos to you both! S. :-)

You don't know how badly I was wanting my bow right about then! I actually think that I might have been able to stalk into position for a shot. They were truly ignoring their surroundings... We ended-up only getting into one covey of quail (those mearns sure are harder to come by then the gambles I'm used to hunting....). It was a blast to watch the dog work the birds in the tall grass. Unfortunately my shooting wasn't up to par that day, and I couldn't reward him with a downed bird. Sure was fun though.. S. :-)