stanley

Yup, you're right on the $5 bucks. https://www.abc15.com/news/state/arizona-vehicle-registrations-going-up-with-new-public-safety-fee

My two youngest who are both in college at this point, were lucky enough to get late deer tags this year (Dec 14 - Dec 31)! It's awesome, because it will coinicide with their Christmas breaks from school. VERY excited! (They also have both have 3C late cow tags, which is a nice bonus! ) Is it too early for any rutting to start up? This fall has seemed to be just a bit cooler than some past years, and I'm hoping that may result in a slightly earlier rut than average. Any opinions to share? Anyone been out seeing anything that even resembles rutting action down south yet? At this point, I think we will not be hunting until right after Christmas, but might try to sneak-out for a day or so prior. Can't wait! S.

Morning guys! Just back from two days up there (hunted Sat & Sun). Tough tough tough!!! Saw some sign, both slightly old AND fresh. Not tons of it, but enough to know there are elk. lol The majority of the places we were hunting was relatively flat & thick 'PJ' type of vegetation. Tough to see much in that stuff. We're going to head back up there for a couple of more days on Wednesday. It appears as though the density of animals is extraordinarily low in there at this time, but there are clearly some in there someplace..... I'm thinking just more time spent in there, and hopefully we'll cross paths with some. Nose into the wind and SLOW! Maybe we'll run into each other. Good luck!! S.

Anyone else listen/view the live stream or attend in person? I was multi-tasking a bit here at work, and was able to listen to the brief chat regarding funding for an education program. Frankly, there wasn't much discussion. They briefly chatted about whether auction or raffle tags was contrary to the North American model. Commissioner Davis pretty quickly squashed that, and the discussion moved more towards simply; 'What is a more viable way to make money for education programs - auctions vs. raffles'. Based on the commentary, it appeared clear to me that the commissioners are VERY much leaning towards one or the other to fund the education programs. They passed a motion to form a committee/work-group to study the current auction/raffle system, get input from 'raffle experts', and determine which would be the best way to raise money. Sounded to me like it is a foregone conclusion that they are going to do this, the question is simply whether it will be through expanded auctions or raffles (Disclaimer; I was actually working, so I very well might have missed something. I would encourage folks to listen to the recording for themselves...). Was anyone else there or listening that heard something different??? S. Edit: I was wrong in my summary above. Have stricken my incorrect statements.

This is all good info, guys. I had no idea how closely the rut was tied to day-light (photo period....). Learn something new every day. Much appreciate the debate/chat...... Given that historically the success rate tends to be higher for the late Dec hunts, I'm definitely hopeful for a little more activity than on the early hunts that I'm used to (whether it be due to cool weather, fewer hunters, pre/early-rut stuff, or all of the above.... ). Bottom line; I get to spend some time with one of my sons and my little sweetie (his little sister) hunting in the desert over Christmas break. Precious time! S.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Super excited!

Given the alternative options that have been floated out there to raise the money for public education, I'm in support of this. Buy an extra point each year for a VERY slight additional chance or not, I get to choose. All good, IMO!

The commission voted to have the department move forward with next steps on the idea of a 'preferred/enhance bonus point' system to help fund public awareness and education. There were apparently a couple of variations of this idea on the table, but I couldn't read the slide well enough to tell the difference. Davis was the sole dissenter, with the rest of the commission voting to move forward. Though there was not 100% agreement to move forward (as indicated by Davis voting no), all seemed to agree with the sentiment that there must be forward movement on the topic of funding for public awareness and education. bassinix, any further clarification? As mentioned before, I'm at work and may not have heard it all correctly.....

Thanks for the input. I've been juggling work and trying to listen in where I can. (Sorry if I wasn't accurate enough for you. You'll notice above that I disclaimed my input and specifically said I might have missed something... ) That being said, I apparently missed the point of agenda item number 11, and thought they were talking about it in the context of raising funds for education. I made the mistake of that assumption based on the fact that auction and/or raffle tags were put on the table for an option for revenue for education. I stand corrected. I just started listening again (They are on the Enhanced Bonus Point discussion right now....).

That's a great looking pinon!!!

LOVE it!!! Awesome!!!

Good morning, and welcome to the site! Not certain if there is a iron clad definition of "desert units" here in AZ. I think you pretty much summed it up, in that basically ALL of the units/areas you referenced could be considered desert units. Some of them will have pockets (or more) with terrain that is not typical "desert", meaning there will be higher elevations with more evergreen type of foliage (juniper, pinon, ponderosa, etc.), but most of all of those areas are generally considered desert. And yes, the sunrise in the desert is an amazing thing!! Good luck, S.

LOVE going on a Christmas tree cutting picnic! Brings back great memories of growing-up in Kearny. WAY back in the day, mom & dad would load us up as several families would head-up for a day of tree cutting. We would stop in Globe for permits, then go on up to the 7 Mile Wash area north of Globe for pinon pines. This was back in the early 70s and I was just a tyke, but I still remember it. Good family fun! Enjoy all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! S.

Got an e-mail from AZGFD yesterday (Assuming some of you got it too....). Anyone see it? Comments are both interesting AND not surprising, IMO. https://www.azgfd.com/agency/dedicated-funding source/ Looks like another public meeting this Friday: "AZGFD will present feedback on the potential options for the funding source to the Commission during its public meeting Friday, Dec. 7, at department headquarters (5000 W. Carefree Highway) in Phoenix. The public may attend the meeting in person or view it at https://livestream.com/azgameandfish. " I'm going to try to attend on Friday. Anyone else?? S.

Yup, those little suckers are definitely a 'boom or bust' proposition. Good rain in any given year from Dec to late April will result in great numbers pretty quickly. Even with an average/above-average year of rain, if the majority falls during the monsoon period it will have little-no effect on the Gambel's. (I know I'm preaching to the choir here... lol) Last year my old child-hood stomping grounds were LOADED with birds. Lots of big coveys. We had several big days hunting during Nov, Dec, and Jan with lots and lots of birds. I have not been out yet this year, but word from some of my hunting buddies is that the populations are dismal this year. Fingers crossed for good rain this year! S.

Yup, good video. Thanks for sharing. For sure the topic of private land access, and particularly 'land locked' public land is often a HOT topic. Lots of strong opinions on both sides. I happen to come down on the "rancher's rights" side of that topic. I believe firmly that if someone owns land, that they should have the absolute right to say who can & cannot trespass, access, drive-through, etc. If the only way to a piece of public land is through a portion of private, and that private land is closed to access, well then I suppose that's the way it is. I also know that the vast majority of ranchers that I have ever encountered share the sentiment in the above video. Respect of laws, respect of private land ownership, and respect of people will often result in a positive outcome, IMO. S.

Took one to Jim at Southwest Wildlife Taxidermy (site sponsor) a couple of years ago. He sent it out to whoever does all their hides. It came out great! s.

Awesome!!!!!

VERY awesome!!!! Love hunting withe kids!

The force was strong in that one! Seen elk act about that tough before, but even then it was mainly due to a slightly less than lethal shot. Glad you got him! Funny regarding the zombie quail! Was running n gunning Gambels one year, hopping from one covey to the next all day long up & down washes (back when the quail were thick every year..... 🙄). About mid-way through the day, I happen to glance into my rear view mirror and there is a quail perched on the backrest of the rear seat in my Blazer. He had apparently crawled out of the game vest and just hopped-up on the back of the seat and was enjoying the ride! S.

Had a mini bike growing-up and spent MANY amazing hours tinkering with it and riding! Good luck on your quest. Maybe check craigslist? https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/mcy/d/like-new-monster-moto-80-mini/6753767083.html

Welcome to the site!! I would start here: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/units/mesa/24b/ A lot of guys are going to be shy about releasing info (Like, ANY info......) in public and/or to a 'newbie' to the site. I don't know the unit, but my suggestion would be to start with the G&F link, then go do a little scouting. Come back and post some info about what you found or didn't find, and I imagine you might make a contact or two on here who would be willing to share. Good luck!! S.

Awesome!!!!!

Oh, HECK YEA!!!!! VERY awesome! Hunting with your kids is simply the best!! Thanks for sharing with the site. S.

Sincere thanks to ALL veterans! I am grateful for your service! 🙏