CouesPursuit

Congratulations on all accounts! Not many father and sons have two desert sheep hunts to remember for the rest of their lives. Looks like a fantastic ram, well done.

Very cool!!

You're only halfway through the hunt. Hang in there and get ready for a transient brute coming your way! Something like Dec 20 is what I heard a few times.

No offense to FC80 but I held the Versamax and it felt like I was swinging a metal pool noodle. Had the same feeling with the Stoeger M3000/3500. Beretta A300s felt much better but still wasn't as good as my 870 I had at home that I was upgrading from. I found the right one on my 6th try and have NO regrets for taking my time. My point isn't to brand name drop, but to emphasize fit and that it is hard to take someone's word on the best shotgun without trying it yourself. Maneuverability = success. I'll also chime in that 3.5" shells seldom provide any advantage and I wouldn't focus too hard on a 3.5" chamber as a requirement. As to chokes without too many words, a full choke is a constricted pattern (farther shots, larger birds, often for a more skilled shooter), improved is a wide pattern (closer shots, smaller birds), and modified chokes are in the middle and ideal for most hunting applications. Most shotguns come with 3 chokes and the effect on lead is not the same as steel. Aftermarket chokes are often better. "Patterning" a few different loads and choke combos is a good idea for each type of hunting you might do.

Loaded question! If you're not going to hammer ducks and larger birds on a frequent basis, a 20 gauge is an option for your wife if she did want a o/u. 3" shells would take turkeys without a problem. If you want to keep all your options open and never be under-gunned, get a 12 gauge. A semi-auto makes for easy recoil on most any willing shooter but like Lance said, I wouldn't choose to put my wife behind a 12 o/u. Lastly, go shop around, hold and shoulder a few if you can. Close your eyes and pull up to the shoulder, swing it around and go with comfort you can afford.

After being much the same, I recently started making it certain I eat tenderloins before they hit the freezer. Haven't regretted it.

There aren't any designated eagle closures at Roosevelt at this time but if the adults start incubating eggs in the next couple months they could add a 1,000 foot (or so depending on vulnerability) closure around the nest, especially the one in the Tonto arm. It would be marked by TNF and would last until the birds fledged. The other active nests sites aren't exposed and wouldn't likely need closures. The waterfowl closure will be marked with buoys in front of Bermuda Flat across to Glen Cove and through the main lake but I'm not sure they map it.

If you will ship the belt pouch and water bottle holder for $50 I'll take them both. Thanks.

I would be interested in anything left please, thx.

More sent.

First lion.

I really enjoy seeing the fresh passion of a young hunter such as yourself. Congratulations on the tag (especially with the timing of the zero guide fees), magical hunt, and girlfriend that hit the field with you. Keep her around. Great buck.

Price reduced, could be a gift and someone's brand new bow case for Christmas.

I would guess that he "anchored" the deer, as in dead right there. Also commented to follow this post out of curiosity as I have taken 3 "anchor shots" on 3 different animals in the past year with this bullet from 90-400 yards with a slow little creedmoor.

I've been researching poles and have had trouble settling on a specific model for some time. I'd like to buy once and cry once. I know these have been discussed in the past but now that more people have been using and upgrading trekking poles in recent years, I'd appreciate the wisdom of CWT on the topic.

Congratulations on the pup and good luck with her.

Good thread. Bump They have been mentioned several times but the cheap cut proof gloves are great to use when processing critters in the field, for protection but also the grip creates less hand fatigue, less cleanup and more piece of mind.

I was in the don't need 'em crowd but thinking they are a good idea long term. I used some cheap Amazon ones 2 weeks ago and wished I had some on my hunt last year.

Cork grip and other - Many say it is the most important feature. The upgrade to cork often comes with weight. Thoughts on cork or other? Thanks!

Weight and Carbon vs. Aluminum - Carbon is typically lighter but is aluminum stronger, is there enough reason to believe it should last longer or is it more useful for some other reason? How much do you think you would notice a pair of 10oz sticks vs 18oz sticks? Other carbon benefits?

Pole Style - I liked the idea of the Z pole setup, thinking without adjustment, there is less to fail. I imagine when using a tarp system in the backcountry, adjustability really shines. No adjustment also equates to weight savings. How often do these higher end pole locks fail in the field and thoughts on a fixed pole height? Black Diamond for example has a hybrid model ("FLZ"), z style with one adjustment, pack down to 14", best of both worlds?

Thank you, everyone. I decided to pack out the lion whole because I was keeping all of the head, hide and meat anyway, there really wasn't any weight to shed. The meat is outstanding. I had lion 3 times within the first 7 days, having only a couple small straps left and all the quarters were processed for burgers and tacos.

Great buck, congrats to your pops.

Congratulations and welcome back, great buck.