Heat

Mine was a smaller cow but I used a 30-06. She dropped immediately. Keep in mind that a mature cow is half the size of a mature bull so you don't really need a big gigantic rifle. If you have a rifle that you use for bull elk that you are comfortable with, use it. No need to re-invent something. Also keep in mind that the vast majority of the bison killed on the Kaibab are probably killed at archery range very close to a salt or water. You don't need a ton of energy if you are staying close to your target. Avoid the major bone and make it count and any standard big game caliber will be fine. That 7 Mag is plenty.

Conditions sucked but managed to catch one fish...biggest trout of my life so far! Fished the walk in.

I'm sure the fishery is fine. 30 - 50 mph winds with blowing rain and sand more than half the day didn't help. Plus I suck.

Is it just me or does this fish look a bit like a cutthroat?

Nice haul!

Wore the Meindl boots out of the house to Lowes the other day. Those are a winner for sure. Also trying these Made in USA Rocky S2V military style boots. These should be great for most hunts. With the stitch down and glued sole at $120 I had to give them a shot. Just wide enough for my flippers without having to order the wide. Went with my normal athletic shoe size. So far, so good surprisingly!

No, I didn't "catch anything" with my bow.

I put the Meindls on again just now with a lighter pair of merino socks, which is what I will be wearing most often I think. I paid particular attention to lacing the right boot a bit more loose than the left. It was feeling a bit tighter but everything felt better today. I am close to cutting off the tags on them and calling it good! Update - All In! Tags are off!

I am on what I call a boot journey. Ordered some Crispi Nevadas recently from Sportsman's Warehouse and they sent me a floor model or something. One boot, that is normally the one that is a little tighter, was way more loose than the other boot. I sent those back. I'll just say that their customer service isn't the best. Based on suggestions on my foot type I tried some Meindl USA Comfort Fit Hikers next. Those just showed up yesterday. I'm trying to decide if they are too small or not. Their sizing is funky. I had to size down about a whole size. They are made in Germany and have top notch craftsmanship, and although I usually go with something from the USA or Italy, these are great. Those and the Nevadas definitely have a lot more ankle padding than the Zamberlans I have been wearing, and the Meindl in particular seem to have a very padded achilles area. I think the Crispis have a little less flex in the sole than the Meindls. I have also noticed that over the last ten years or so my feet have gotten a little longer and a fair bit wider. I have skinny ankles, narrow heels, and bit wider than normal toe area. Keen probably fit my feet the best but they are more or less junk after about a year or so it seems. Their materials aren't the best I guess.

Anyone ever try it? Seems like an easy way to get on some fish. I don't know that much about it but looks like fun. The reel-less, super light weight, and portability for hiking/backpacking aspects look outstanding. Similar to traditional archery, I am intrigued by this "less is more" style of fishing. Wonder how it works in reality for our little streams and rivers here in AZ? I usually choose a 5'6" UL spinning set up for that but those are not anywhere near as packable or convenient as a tenkara style rod rig. Curious to hear about some experiences from those who have tried it.

Score!

Best way to prevent this is to wear your boots. Crazy huh?

We put the Christmas tree in a different spot and as a result I reluctantly agreed to move my bighorn mount. I had to pull out my cordless drill I got a few years ago for Christmas and make a few new holes to hang the sheep. Reminds me of the time I asked whether I should trade it out for a brushless version. He basically told me; don't be a pussy, just go buy what you want or quit bitching, or something along those lines. He said I would likely never know the difference. Boy was he right. Was kind of a Richard about it but dang I miss that stuff! Not enough guys out there to tell it like it is and call you out. Cheers to Delw!

Alls well that ends well. Nice work guys.

He definitely dropped the Fagbook on that one!

Watercraft Fund has been hit many times.

Thanks Ed, I appreciate the offer. I was planning on going that first week. Not sure if I can change my leave.

I got drawn for Unit 36 archery only javelina. Does anybody else have this tag and would you be interested in camping together or letting me camp near you? I normally don't mind camping by myself but with the Border security concerns in the area, I don't think it is a good idea to stay down there by myself for any length of time. Just throwing this out there for anybody that might be in the same boat.

Congratulations on your buck, super nice man!

I hunted the Kaibab during archery and saw fewer deer than I am used to as well. Other hunters that I was camped nearby said the same thing, they were not seeing many deer in the areas that were usually full of deer. I wonder if the deer that wintered off the West side never made it back all the way to the top with the Mangum Burn between the typical winter and summer habitat?

Ya that's a shooter alright, LOL! You did great man, congratulations!

This happens because of the way they allocate the tags based on choices on the apps, otherwise known as the "pie chart". OTC archery is actually hurting us there because not many guys put in for archery hunts as a first choice. If they considered the first and second choice in the pie chart I think we would come out a bit better. At least that's the way they used to figure it out. That might be different now. Either way that 20% thing is ridiculous and was never even part of the picture up until about 10 years ago. When Tice Supplee retired, bowhunters started taking it in the shorts.

He's a dandy for sure! Congratulations and well done!

Best news of the day so far!

We got one on opening day in Region 4. You probably know the guy. No guides, just a few buddies from town getting it done. I was very grateful to be able to take part.