metau

That is why i always have my private VPN ready to use on all my devices.

I will take it if still available.

Swivel, wrote up a detailed response, but lost it. You make good points, and I had not considered the warranty being non-transferable. I took a leap of faith this year and switched from SLC 15's to 12x50 EL's, and plan to use that as my primary glass for glassing. Will definitely look at the Leica 62mm APO.

500 acres. Was just there last weekend on the junior turkey hunt, lots of dry fuel all over the place. Hope the fire doesn't blow up.

I've been looking more at the Penn Fathom's this week and seems everyone gives them raving reviews. Lots of features for the price point. Does make me curious as to where they cut costs at to produce such a reel. Has anyone heard any negative feedback on them?

DSE, that's what I've heard from just about everyone, except those who have actually looked through the Kowas, but it's always been in comparison to the Swaro 85mm, not the 95mm. I can imagine with 17% more light gathering glass, that it could likely give it the edge over the Kowa. Creed, the Kowa 550 appears to be a backcountry hunters dream come true. While I do way more day trips than backpack hunts, I've always ran into weight issues on those longer hunts and at 28oz, it'd be hard to beat.

Ever make it up to the valley?

Sparky is halfway correct. Those are the reasons to look on the North sides of ridges/mountains. But you need to find the thick, nasty stuff. The steeper, the better. And it doesn't need to be that far from a road, either. Just something that would be painful for any sane human to want to walk into. Elk in the CO OTC units know when hunting season hits and they go to two places. Where I described and private property. And they do so because no one legally can, or physically wants to, go to those two places. Other suggestions, don't expect a crazy amount of bugles. Learn to listen to everything else in the woods. When hunting super thick stuff, with tons of ridges/spurs, you can be only 2-3 draws over and not hear an elk bugle. Wear good boots. Look into a bear tag and small game license (dusky grouse are amazing table fare). Summer rains will play a big part in forage, and affect elevations you will find the elk at.

Find the thickest, darkest timber on the north side of the steepest ridge/mountain in any unit, and you will be into elk all day long. Do not plan on a ton of bugles in an OTC unit.

Great looking bird there for the young man. I'll be heading up to 6A this evening for the youth camp there. Hope to see some of you in the morning.

Those don't match up that great vs a 100lb bluefin This is my biggest concern. I joined over at BD, but have just started navigating those waters. Been looking at the recommended tackle on all the websites for the various charter groups. Everything I've come across has talked about cheap reels getting burned up, getting spooled on to small of a set up, etc. While I know I could rent the gear, this is not something that I plan on doing only once. Too much newfound freedom and income now that my divorce is finalized.

Just curious, what are you switching over to?

Thanks Rage. Completely missed that part. It was already sold.

Looking for a bumper pull toy hauler. Need separate sleeping up front, plus 3 beds in the back (or 2 + a cot). Would like to keep total length under 30', so nothing too big. Would love to be under $10k, but can go higher if need be. Cash in hand.

Is this still available?

The steakhouse is good, as is Gunnisack and Mario's, which also happens to be right next to Gene Taylor's, my favorite outdoors store of anywhere I've ever been. Traders Rendezvous is a unique place, but I would never spend my money there due to the owner and his demeanor towards certain others. There's some good eating up in Crested Butte as well, if you head up that way. One of the hotels just outside town had a fancy restaurant in it, but I never went there. One of the breweries in town used to do $1 fish tacos and $3 pitchers on Tuesday nights. And for the love of everything outdoors, please take your fishing pole and make time to do some fishing. It's the whole reason I lived there.

So I have been contemplating a dedicated hunting rig for a bit and keep coming back to this topic, though I do not think I've seen it asked directly here on the site. For those that have had all 3, or even just two, how was your progression through each type, and what are/were the pros and cons of your decision? What were the limiting factors that played a role and how satisfied have you been with your decision(s)? My logical brain lays things out as so, assuming buying used but in decent shape: ATV Pros- Cheapest route, small footprint, easy to transport, maneuver and maintain. Cons- No separation from the elements, not the safest mode of transportation, typically only single rider, eat dust. UTV Pros- Smoothest ride, multiple passengers, much safer, cheaper to maintain than the SUV, partial separation from elements, fun to ride even when not hunting Cons- Most expensive initial cost, partial separation from elements, eat dust. SUV Pros- Street legal, no need to trailer, multiple passengers, full protection from elements inc, heat and AC, no dust, street legal. Cons- Will not fit in toy-hauler (must tow or drive separately), highest cost of maintenance. Thoughts?

90% of my hunting is done alone. But the last 3 years I've done quite a bit of hunting with first time or disabled hunters. On the youth hunts, there has been a parent there too. Not too concerned with getting out with the whole family, as they don't make one big enough. I am thinking that if I continue to take out newbie hunters (two for elk this year, plus a youth turkey tag next month, who knows deer wise), that a 3 seat UTV may make for the best use. Has anyone ran into issues with 50" width restrictions here in AZ?

Any word on what the topic of discussion will be this evening? I know last years pint night they had someone there from the dept.

As someone who has spent more than that on sets of knives, I would recommend forgoing the knife set and buying individual knives. Do some research, tons of info out there. If she wants everything to look pretty, buy a set. If she wants everything to cut perfectly, buy individually.

I too ran an EOTech 512 for several years. 50yd zero, good to 250 if I did my part. Ended up going with a 1-8x scope, but that model is way past your price point. Find a decent holographic sight and run it.

So it looks like I may have a few days off next week as my company is finally moving to the new office. Any suggestions on where to go for 5 or 6 days to camp and fish? It would have to be shore or wade fishing, spin or fly. I've not been to the SRP lakes in years, and have heard there are some decent campsites out there now. Also curious about Patagonia, Pena Blanca and Parker Canyon down south, though I'd prefer a shorter drive. Not opposed to the rim area, but not sure what the waters are like up there. Thanks.

I saw that. But at $175/day, for 5 days of fishing I could buy one off CL for less, and a decent one for just a smidge more.

Anyone have a lead on where to rent a small aluminum or john boat at? Everything on Craigslist is for pontoons or ski boats, and for those prices I could buy an old boat myself.

You hunt by the legal methods which fulfill your desire for a successful hunt, just as most everyone else on this site hopefully does as well. Your methods are your methods, my methods are my methods, and as long as each of our methods are legal, then who cares what each of our methods are.