BOHNTR

That already happens. Archery seasons are longer than rifle and muzzleloader seasons. I’m okay with that, as I understand the reasoning (level of difficulty to attain success). If I want to to capitalize on the longer and early season, then I need to become proficient with that weapon system (bow and arrow).

You ASSume I’m a crossbow hater. Not at all, they are a viable weapon that has a place in the hunting community. They just are not a bow and arrow. Just like a muzzleloader is not a bow and arrow. Shooting a crossbow is MUCH easier to become efficient than a bow and arrow. FACT. This is why archery hunts were historically longer……their difficulty level is much higher than all other weapons. Doesn’t make them better or worse, just different. You want to keep what you’ve always done, which I completely understand, with a different weapon system. While I understand your reasoning, maybe it’s time to hunt with a more suitable weapon in the appropriate season? Nothing personal, just an objective view.

He sounds like a good candidate for a crossbow……but in their own season or HAM type season. Sadly, more and more people are abusing the permit system. JMO

Actually there are a few people that produce them and/or know where they are produced. I believe our very own Dick Tone (AZ archery instructor/bowhunter) has helped folks procure one when needed.

Are you backpedaling? You said, " that isn’t very fair to an animal now is it ??" Which would indicate that you feel pursuing game animals with a bow and arrow and a mouth tab is not fair to the animal as if it would not be as accurate and/or successful??? This is why I gave you specific and credible examples of those who have done it. Was that not what you were referring to?

I know SEVERAL bowhunters who have killed MANY animals with one arm and a mouth tab. Do some research first and then comment.....might look up Dwight Shuh, Tom Hoffman and some others who had to do it when they had shoulder surgeries. As I previously stated, where there's a will there's a way.....it's not suppose to be easy. JMO.

Where there's a will there's a way. Archery isn't supposed to be easy. Sorry, but when I can no longer pull a bowstring, I'll hunt with another weapon in it's proper season. What I will not do, is demand I get to still hunt in the archery only season with a weapon that is not a bow and arrow. The sad thing is, there is a place for crossbows in our season(s), much like the HAM hunts. I see more and more 'abusers' of this permit each year. This should be the next issue the commission addresses, IMO.

This evening (8/15) behind my place........still in velvet. Sorry for the blurry photo, but it was pouring!

This guy was still packing velvet today (8/15) behind my place.

Raghorns only 😉

Scott Reservoir (WM’s) was just above a pond in June……it’s nearing the fill line now. A few micro bursts up stream helped with that. The canyon feeding it could be heard a mile away roaring during a mini-flood. A1 on the Rez is also very high from consistent heavy rains for the last two months. At least it’s helped those two. Sure hope we get a good snow pack this winter.

I'm truly sorry for your loss......but, man, I have to say that I'm thoroughly impressed and motivated with your outlook and what you're going to do. Many guys like us crawl in a bottle, become introverts, bitter, etc........but you, my friend, have a great plan. God bless you and post up some fish photos for all of us to see!

Saw a bunch of these this week up here in the White Mountains…..lots of chicks too.

Unit 27 bull

1978….. a Columbian Blacktail shot with my longbow at 23 yards. Lit a bowhunting fire that has never gone out.

I saw 7 different bucks on Sunday……best one was a 79-80” type buck. It was the nicest one I’ve seen in that unit for a few years now.

Apache-Sitgreaves lifting all fire restrictions beginning tomorrow morning. Fair amount of rain received so far with a good forecast for the next 10 days.

If you bowhunt you can do it annually, OTC tags.

He retired

Saw a bull yesterday (unit 1) that was already a 5 point and super wide…..fronts were at least 18-20” long…..he may not finish out great, but he still will be a dandy when he’s done. Bigger than most people will ever kill, IMO. Not all doom and gloom.

Overall pretty good. Most are snow free and mud free…..except the upper elevations have a few drifts remaining…...but there’s not many of them left.

jackJ: I would also suggest some realistic expectations on the size bull you’re willing to take. That unit has a lot of elk but they also kill a lot of bulls between all the seasons. As such, the age class doesn’t always reach the level of its true potential. In my experience, a true 300-330” bull is a shooter there.