Sam

In recent years, most school districts in the valley have adopted an "open enrollment" policy. The district gets more funding for kids who don't live in the boundaries than those that do. So, if the school has room, they'll accept a kid. We accept kids everyday who don't live in our area. I do not agree with this policy because it only increases class size and counselor work load. Not to mention, the majority of these kids are not on track to graduate or have discipline issues. As far as illegals in our schools. I just did a random look at a handful of incoming 9th graders from one of our feeder schools - almost 20 percent of them were born in Mexico. To use a teenager's expression .....WTF. And I work in the Paradise Valley school district. I can't imagine what a Phoenix Union or Glendale Union school looks like.......

I agree - it is a double standard and school administrators never want to rock the boat. These kids have every right to wear a shirt with the US flag on it. I know the principals don't want violence on their campus, but who would cause the violence? I guarantee, it would not be one of the flag wearing kids. I get so tired of having to publish all of our school materials in Spanish. My grandparents didn't have an Italian interpreter every time they visited my parents' school. Everyone needs to get a clue - respect the US or go back to Mexico!

Funny comments, but some are very true. This is my 11th year as a high school counselor, taught 5 years before, and I have seen our education system greatly affected by students that are here illegally. It's amazing how many of these parents and students think we owe them something. If they are getting bad grades, it's because of the teacher. If they can't get into a certain class or into college, it's because of their counselor. If they get in trouble, it's because the AP is prejudice. Parents get mad when I can't drop everything and see them when they walk into my office. But, most of the time I can't find someone to interpret for me. Not to mention the gang violence and larger classes. But, some of these kids from Mexico are awesome individuals who are in the top of their class and are involved in some very worthwhile activities. They are educated and will contribute to society in a positive way. They want to become citizens. So, we can't generalize or stereotype Hispanics or Democrats. I agree that if immigrants are here illegally, they should be sent back to Mexico. And I think it is a joke that CA is boycotting AZ and that the Suns wore Los SUNS jerseys. I've lived in AZ all my life and remember going to games at the Madhouse on McDowell to watch Paul Westfall play in the late 70's. Ten dollar lower level tickets! Now, I'm not so sure. I'm for this bill and I bet you would find alot of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Green Party members for this bill also. It has everything to do with one's alliance to the U.S.A. not your political party.

Congratulations to your dad! The write up was exciting to read, wish I could have called one in for my daughter.......

My daughter and I were up in 3C also. We only saw 2 hens and a tom. She didn't have a clear shot at the tom, so did not shoot. It was still exciting for her. One morning we had three different toms respond to my calling, but they never came in. Overall, we saw very little sign. No track around any of the tanks either. This was unusual because in other years, we saw tons of track and big flocks - only three in the flock we saw. We were very surprised. I agree, I think that the winter may have had an impact on the population. We will be hunting another unit next weekend.

Way to go! Thanks for sharing - I can tell you are thankful. My daughter had a chance Sunday morning to get her first turkey, but did not have a clear shot at his head. I am proud of her for not taking a wild shot....there is always next weekend.

Good luck. I'm hoping for clear roads and weather south of Heber. I heard roads are open south of 260, but there is still alot of mud, but not too much snow. Hope the toms are active and active. Any reports from you guys in Heber/Overgaard?

Has anyone used Turkey Decoys during the Spring hunt? If so, what are they made out of? I have seen plastic ones and rubber ones that fold up to make them easier to carry. Toms or hens? I have never used them and was thinking of trying it this Spring. Thanks for your thoughts, Sam

Prayers sent.

Cool - How did the game turn out? It is always interesting to see the HS playoffs in the big parks. If NC or Brophy match up against MV, I'll see you at the playoffs.

Darn it, one day too late. My daughters are yelling at me right now for missing this chance .

Very cool pictures - glad you saw them first.....

I have a jake and 2 hens. But, I think my daughter and I are staying through the 18th or 19th on her hunt. If I come back early, I will let you know. We live in Scottsdale.

Depends on how much money you want to spend and what kind of terrain you will be in. I have used a pair of Columbia (Frontier's) on quite a few trips. They are water proof with Gortex, fit above the ankle for support and were about $120. However, rocky terrain will eat them up. Good for archery hunts up north before it starts to get too cold. Light weight. All leather boots are my only choice for hunts down south - my Danners have been great. Have also had a pair of Vasques - great boot, but hard to break in. Both are more expensive, but worth it in the long run.

101 Even.

I also saw that it lead off the news cast on the 5:00pm news on Chanel 12. Sounds like the murderer walked back to Mexico and is over the border. We'll see if the government wakes up - I doubt it.

May 1st used to be the plow date for Big Lake - always look forward to it!

If these are Hopi hunts for elk, I find it interesting that there are permits left. In the regs, the number of permits are not listed for these hunts. Nor are the hunt numbers. So, if the number permits are not listed, I wonder how there can be any left??? Why do you guys think these are Hopi hunts? I am going to call and check on it - in a few days when I can get through.

5A Rifle Bull, 16th Bonus Point for Antelope. Wife and daughter skunked.

This makes me sick - I am so sorry to hear this. Having lived here in AZ for over 40 years, I have seen both our society and environment rapidly deteriorate. It is one thing to destroy our public lands, but to kill another human is just absurd. I don't know about you guys, but I'm sick of this. Our country is having a hard enough time fending for our own. Our education system is crap and is getting worse. Our unemployment is higher than ever........I can go on and on.......enough is enough. I wish we could do more. Individually, our hands are tied. The BP can't protect our borders. But, all of this really means nothing in comparison to what happened to Mr. Krentz and his family. My prayers are with them.

This brings back alot of memories from my days at NAU. I remember reading once, that when the Little Colorado is flowing like this, that the volume of water is more than what goes over Niagara Falls......not sure if it is true, but sure is a nice thing to see in person. Thanks for the pics.

Youth hunt with my daughter. No tag for me - I have 4 bonus points for next year! Just put a new recoil pad on her 20 gauge. She seems more excited now, with the new recoil pad. She shoots a Winchester youth model 120. It's a good litle gun with Win Chokes. Camo gear and blind has been checked.......hoping birds are were they were in the fall.

I agree - 4% interest is wishful thinking. But, if the AZGFD can increase their revenue by keeping my money in an account for one month, I'm ok with that. That money certainly isn't getting me any interest in my checking account. I would rather see them do that instead of increasing our permit costs or giving out more out of state permits to raise more money. The state's budget is in disaster. I think the state of AZ will be in a world of hurt next year. PLEASE VOTE YES on PROP 100 on May 18th. It will drastically help education and public safety.

If any of you are Dbacks fans, you probably know that tickets went on sale today for the Yankees series in June. In order to eligible to by tickets today, you had to be chosen in a lottery. Well, lucky me I was chosen. I wanted to get tickets for the June 22 game for my daughter's birthday. I logged on at 9:00am and was hoping to spend $45 per ticket - no chance to get 4 at this price. So, I went to best available - $65 per ticket came up. More than I wanted to spend, but all you Dad's know that when it comes to your little girl you do things. So, I put in all the required information and hit purchase - and Bamm - I get kicked out because the time expired. I had 2 minutes to do the transaction. I log back in and the next tickets that show up are in the 300s, upper deck. I didn't buy them. I tried for a half hour, no decent tickets came up again. Anyone out there have 3 or 4 extra tickets to the June 22 game? If I can only get 3, my wife will stay home. But, this is a big game to my family - many of my cousins back East have season tickets to the Yankees and my daughters know the rivalry I have with them. Thanks and I'm hoping for a miracle...... Sam

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