The Claw

Went out this morn to hang some cams and found this Brownie while checking things out.

I would say she had every chance to change her mind, considering he waited till within yards to put her down. That is what you call calm nerves under fire

I think that was fantastic! Just curious, does the PH have to pay for that animal when he has to put one down due to safety reasons? That had to get the blood PUMPING!

Very Nice!

The current director of Hunt of a Lifetime for Arizona/New Mexico is Matt Minshall. You can reach him at the following email address: azhoal@gmail.com They are always very appreciative of tags and Matt will do his best to make sure the tag gets matched to a very deserving kid, whatever the tag. Thanks. Cade

great bulls. The photo with the three kids and the bull is a great shot. congrats

I will stick my neck out as the lone shooter so far. Sure I would try and get closer and/or wait for the wind to die down. However, if you have the best equipment and have practiced and reproduced in the elements then this shot is not only doable but every bit as ethical in that man's hands than possibly another unprepared man's hands in a relatively easier situation. Having said that, I would feel more excited about the shot with the wind blowing left to right vs. right to left in this case but still comfortable. Also, I would want to know if it was a steady wind and if it was a calibrated wind measurement. If you have these factors measured and confirmed with reproducible shooting equipment then it is just physics and physics is always right. If you are GUESSING the wind and GUESSING the windage hold then I agree with the previous........you have no business even contemplating this shot. This almost exact situation played out for me when I harvested my Gemsbok in SA last June. http://forums.coueswhitetail.com/forums/in...showtopic=14352 I didn't hesitate on the shot. In fact it didn't even cross my mind not to shoot. It was target practice on any other day. I only say that because I am glad I was prepared (eliminating the ethical dilemma) for that so that I didn't have to watch my once in a lifetime trophy disappear in to the sunset. Great thread.

Hunter of the year right there!!!!!!!!!! That is so awesome. Puts a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing the story. Not to be cliche, but that right there is what it is all about!

It can be a tough hunt and IMO it definitely is not what it used to be but good bulls can still be found as previous guys have mentioned. You just have to put in A LOT of work to find them. And longer shots can be the norm in the areas where the bulls are this time of year. You will hear lots of shooting at times but don't let this discourage you because there are a lot of smaller bulls being shot. If you want a better bull just wait out the crowds and go to the areas where there is less traffic which is where the bulls will congregate after the shooting begins. Nothing special there. Good luck. Here is the bull that I helped a friend's son harvest on opening morning last year on that hunt. A long shot and nasty pack out was required to harvest him.

Jim, Please do and thanks again.

Jim, Thank you for the quick reply. I agree that it may be splitting hairs in data acquisition by making the report mandatory. In fact, I would concede that it may be minimal at best. However, I appreciate the willingness to make changes from current methods even when the "old way" of doing things has worked on many levels in the past. Without trying to speak for everyone, if there is a logical, theoretical way to to tweak something in a more accurate, positive manner where the cost does not outweigh the potential good then why not make the change. Aside from the increase in data, whatever amount it may be, I think it would go a long way in helping Sportsmen feel like the Department is doing ALL that they can to accurately and responsibly maximize the "conservation of wildlife resources for the use of future generations". I think we all could agree that the responsibility of accurate and responsible wildlife conservation should not rely solely upon the Department's shoulders. The Sportsmen are a HUGE piece of this conservation pie. In fact, I would dare say that in many cases even if an individual sportsman felt like there were too many permits allocated in their favorite hunting unit to support a healthy deer population, they would still put in for that hunt to take advantage of the opportunity. They would still harvest an animal even when they felt in their own mind that the long term effect of over harvesting would result in a negative population outcome. I only bring that up because I think both the Department and the Sportsmen can not be individually trusted to properly manage but rather working together as a checks and balances system to do what's best to manage the resources for future generations. Having said that management needs to be decided by those who are most qualified and/or invested in the successful management of the herds. I think that a mandatory harvest report system can also serve a purpose of placing an importance on accurate harvest data. In these states that have a mandatory harvest report system there is a penalty for the sportsman's failure to comply such as the sportsman's consequential inability to apply in the upcoming year's draw. Not only does this place a high value on the data sought but it is also a Litmus test for Sportsmen. It requires the sportsmen to hold up their part in the "conservation pie" or they do not get to participate in the wildlife rewards. And, the sportsmen who do comply and fulfill their part of the pie get rewarded for their simple efforts by slightly increased odds in the draw, whatever they may be. Aside from the additional important data acquired, I think this effect alone is a win, win for both the Department and the Sportsmen. Whether a "meat" hunter or "trophy" hunter the Sportsmen who are the most emotionally invested in the cause will see an increase in opportunity. It then fosters an environment of cooperation and unity which benefits the Department. Thanks for your willingness to come of a public forum such as CW to share your insight and time with us. This fact in and of itself, in my opinion, goes a long way to helping us feel united. Hopefully, we can brainstorm in informal arenas such as this to where some positive may come from it.

I think we can all agree that...........................we need more women involved in hunting!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim, Thank you for the response. I would like to echo the reply by Roughcut. You said, "We need a system that prevents non-reporters from buying future licenses until their report is submitted" as if it were an"all or nothing" issue. As Roughcut alludes to, this does not need to be the case. The motive to getting a hunter to participate in a mandatory harvest report program is to allow him/her access to the upcoming hunts draw, NOT PREVENTING THEM FROM BUYING A LICENSE. TO A SPORTSMAN, a license has very little value in Arizona without being able to put in the draw (please do not harp on this point in your reply without addressing the major points. I know as an AZGF employee you would place more emphasis on the value of a license in and of itself). Lets just say the ultimate goal would be a POS system, which for arguments sake we will say it is, again I ask why does it need to be "all or nothing"? There is still a great opportunity for positive change. The survey and mandatory program could still be set up and applied without the POS system. The vast majority of sportsmen would report and that harvest information would be INVALUABLE. Are you saying that the Department would not value this information? It would not be too difficult, nor anywhere near the millions of dollars realm, to make a hunter report online their previous year's harvest data. I imagine the department already has the ability to keep track of license revocations that reject these sportsmen when they attempt to put in for the draw so this could easily be expanded to include those individuals who do not participate in the mandatory harvest report. These systems are already in place, such as the state of New Mexico. I can't imagine that that New Mexico has more of a department budget. They don't even require mandatory license purchase in their draw such as Arizona, so where do they get the income to impliment and oversee the harvest report program? I have to say that most likely it is because it is not as costly as you may be alluding to. Again, I appreciate your replies and am anxious to see your reply to these points. We feel they are valid but of course we are not privy to some intel as you may be so please further expound if this is the case. We are very supportive when we feel things are being objectively handled. We recognize things are not always as they seem and are open to that possibility but in the case of a mandatory harvest report, we are failing to see the "road blocks" inhibiting a possible program. Thanks.

Stanley, Thanks for the heads up. I was aware that this show was aired but I have yet to see it, darn it. It actually aired without my involvement but of course that is ok. When I learned it was going to be aired from the guide I tried to contact LL Bean but was unsuccessful due to my limited time during daylight hours and their difficult contact process (at least I couldn't just call up and talk with someone). Anyways, The outfitter/guide Pablo Adreani of Andreani and Sons outfitters was the host of the hunt. It was my pleasure meeting Pablo at the Western Hunting Expo in 2009 as we both had booths there. Well Pablo got a Claw as he felt it would be very helpful in his rough country found in Argentina and saw its value as a guide there. He then called me to inform me that he had just guided someone on a hunt where The Claw was put to invaluable use. He mentioned the hunter was there to host a show etc, etc. He said that at first they tried traditional shooting methods to harvest their trophies but the terrain there would not allow it and that's when Pablo broke out the Claw and it was all over from there. Of course that made me feel good. I only wish I could get a copy of it to watch. I love watching vapor trails whack a big ol' stag! Hopefully your kids will be doing the same this year, Stanley!

Congrats Scott on a nice trip. Sounds like good low key time. I loved that Eastern Cape. Beautiful country. It appealed to me more so than some of that flat, thick country. Of course I would put up with the flat thick country if I was chasin a bif Buff around!

Great questions guys. I appreciate everyone's responses and opinions and won't usually chime in unless there are questions that I may be able to help shed some light on. The most valuable aspect about the Claw system is in its versatility. It very literally can be used in ANY situation under ANY circumstances (at least that is what extensive use has proven nor have we heard from anyone contrary to that claim). I know of no other shooting support that can make that claim. This is HUGE when it comes to not just hunting but killing in my opinion. Having said this, because of its versatility and many different applications and uses there are going to be many different ways that the operator puts it to use and many different opinions as to what tripods are best to utilize it. The great thing is you can cater your equipment selection to your current experience level, hunting style, and financial status (which will vary depending on stage in life). Taking that in to account I will speak as to some of the equipment recommended or questioned. It is true that heads with a "dovetail, slide in place" plate style (Manfrotto 701/501 HDV, Jim White head, etc) are heads that we recommend if a person is looking to buy a new tripod head. We like these because the dovetail relationship provides for more surface area contact once locked in place and can eliminate some of the micro movement at the plate/head interface. This advantage can mostly be realized when shooting from the standing position when a rear support cannot be obtained. In that case, any reduction in movement can be advantageous at the shot and standing effective range can be extended with a heavy duty, tight tolerance head such as the Manfrotto 501 HDV. However, in the more frequently used sitting position, the plate style is very insignificant. When sitting the shooter can gain a rear support easily in most cases by simply resting the gripping elbow on their elevated knee, such as the case in the traditional sitting position. This is more than adequate in most hunting shots. But BETTER THAN BENCHREST OR PRONE STABILITY can be achieved by placing simple shooting sticks or bipod sticks under the butt of the gun for those that are shooting long range (beyond 600 yds is when I personally like to use an additional rear rest for absolute confidence). Even there, I personally have made and witnessed kill shots standing without a rear support on animals beyond 600yds so it is just a matter of preference. So my point is, one does not need to buy a new head to utilize The Claw. I use to talk people out of buying a Claw when a pistol grip head (with the older, smaller 201 plate) was used until I started getting calls and reports from those same people who had many successes using The Claw off of a pistol grip head and loved it. It all depends on the style of hunting you like to do, the range you intend to shoot at, and the ability to add a rear support when needed that dictates what tripod equipment to use. In my experience with product research and development in controlled and hunting settings along with being privy to customer feedback, The Claw can be very effective with ANY tripod and head set up......even the cheapest "Walmart" tripod available. Now, once you experience a very tight tolerance large surface area plate system such as the dovetail style, it is very hard to go back to a "cam lock" style whether it be for glassing or shooting which is the experience of those recommending those heads. But that bridge can be crossed when the time comes for a new head, like anything else such as fixing up a truck etc. Hope this helps guys, thanks. Hope that helps.

Don, Not a problem painting the legs just as long as you only paint the outer section only and obviously not the inner two sections. The reason why I started using the tape many years ago is because it also serves as an insulator which dampens potential noises and also makes it easier to hold on those cold mornings, both of which would be negated by just painting. Good luck on your upcoming hunts and I look forward to your feedback. Cade

Thanks for the report Stanley. As you and most on here know, a successful hunt usually isn't judged by a filled tag, especially on a junior hunt. Sounds like the kids gained lots of knowledge, experience, and quality time with their dad in the field. I am coaching my son's baseball team right now and that is how we judge successful games as well, not by wins. He turns 10 this September so I am overly excited to get him out. I have VERY limited turkey experience but the more stories I hear such as yours the more it sounds like an elk hunt as people proclaim and I know all about frustrating elk encounters. Keep me updated if you get out again.

Stanley, How was the junior turkey hunt for you guys? Sure you had a good time. Fill us in.

The problem lies in the fact that there is no way to govern who breeds in this country! Inadequate parenting = inadequately educated children = inadequate contributing members of society in the future. Being a teacher in these times means you have to be scared for the future. It's getting so bad that teachers don't even want to teach anymore.

Bowsniper, Never a truer post!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a very entertaining and depressing read at the same time. I see similar versions of those examples every day.

Chris, I will be there! Thanks for the post. Cade

I wholeheartedly supported this bill. It was a necessary step in change needed to put the power back in the hands of those that make the most difference....the sportsmen. It was a fallacy to have former commissioners get on here and proclaim any sort of "fair political" process to appoint former commissioners. The every day sportsmen had no idea how these appointments took place. It was outside of their every day interactive process. It was unrealistic to expect most sportsmen to give their voice in that setting. That is exactly why we as sportsmen need to have an arena to congregate together and voice our opinion in an environment the majority are comfortable in, such as Sportsmen Groups. Now, we as Sportsmen, should do our part and get involved with these Sportsmen groups so we can have our say and start representing our sport more accurately to not only other sportsmen but to the non-sportsmen alike.

Had another great time in Mexico with a great group of guys. Some good "old" friends and made some good "new" friends. With the help of my long time friend Matt Woodward of Borderland Adventures we were able to harvest 5 good bucks. We were able to make multiple trips down again for scouting purposes where we had some better success via trail cameras (has been more difficult to monitor in Mexico). Considering that we lost 2 full days to that "hurricane-like" weather we did pretty well. I want to thank all the guys for each of them adding so much to the experience. I had a really fun time. It was especially great for me as well since my Bro and Father in Law (who don't hunt.....yet!) were able to come down and be a part of it and my Bro in Law shared his excellent cooking skills with us....Thank You. I love Mexico and feel grateful for being able to experience it every year. I hope you guys enjoy the pics. 120 1/8 Largest framed deer I personally have held. He has just under 19" beams with an 18" spread credit and gobs of mass. All the other bucks fit inside this bucks frame. 116 4/8ths 112 2/8ths "Bases" was very tempting but even though his body and face seem to be that of an older deer I hope he does something more with his main frame next year. He has A LOT of inches around his bases. This is what happened when we tried to get out in the "hurricane". It was good fun towing out though! Can't wait till next year with all this moisture so far. That was one thing I noticed that the feed looked terrible compared to the year before as they had very low moisture this past year but they did have some late winter rains that allowed for good horn growth.

Keith, My buddy Matt has a huge colony or colonies....he does all of Weller's work. He is in Tubac, down south of Tucson. He is coming through Phx tomorrow I believe if you want to have him take it down. Let me know and I can get you his contact info.