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Here are few things I try to keep in mind when I am stalking. Take them for what its worth. Keep the wind out of their noses (obviously) it does not have to perfect just out of their noses. When you find an animal you are going to stalk look all round it to find the extra set of eyes that will bust you. The animal you are stalking is not the one that usually catches you. Use the terrain to your advantage. This may sound weird but try to sound natural, meter your steps and work slow when your in sound range. You will make noise, but make it as naturally sounding as possible. Almost try to sound like another animal. The buck I took last January knew something was above him, but he assumed it was non-threatening and actually came closer to check it out. Don't give up on a stalk until you see the animal bouncing away. I have ratted myself out to many times when I have done everything perfectly and just gave up when I could not see the animal. Most importantly, Practice. I spent yesterday (when not looking for deer) stalking quail trying to get a 20 yard archery shot. Good Luck and don't give up

Congrats that freaken cool

Well my six days in 36c came and went. I pushed myself to the limit and did not come out successful in the standard sense of putting my tag on a deer. I am successful in a greater way to me, I was able to look temptation in the face and not compromise. I could have easily taken my third pope and young class buck in four years and decided against it , because it did not meet the standards I set on myself. A friend of mine asked me what size of buck am I looking for and I simple stated one that takes my breath and I do not have to think about if its a shooter. My taxidermist once put me in check about scores. He said and I am paraphrasing you do not register an animal in a record book to honor the hunter. You register the animal to honor the animal and the place it was taken, anyways, I gave my fullest effort hunting from Dawn til dusk every day and probally saw less than most hunters will see in a morning of glassing. Thanks for coming along with me I will be back once I get a few moments to break from reality and enjoy the bonus photos from 24a. Day 6. Started off with me waking up excited to go to the top of the mountain, then I took one step and my feet and knees went into full lock out. They refused to work I decided it might be best to drive around a little bit and find a waterhole and sit at it until lunch time. I do enjoy the sunrises in the desert. I go a little farther I see a small(ish) four point at the end of my range. I go to take his picture but he bails right when I snapped the pic. I go to the first waterhole that I was going to sit and a bunch of hitchhikers come to my truck as I am getting my gear ready and try to get into my truck I find a waterhole on the southside of the ranch that I have seen quite a few coues come into. I grab my gear and go finding a place with good wind and adequate cover to keep my oversized butt hidden for a few hours. I look and the wind becomes dead still for a moment. Getting bored I had this guy keeping me company getting rid of those pesky ants. I finally had some action a doe came in and I took several pics but for some reason none of them came out. I ended my trip with my head held high, feeling like I was in championship bout with an old sparring partner going the distance and then losing a split decision. Bonus day 7. Fortunely, I have a job where my scenery changes and after I completed my work I was headed back up the hill when I decided to take a detour for the last two hours of the day. I climb to the top of the hill and immediately catch these guys getting ready to kick each others butt. One of them flipped a cactus patty about ten feet in the air and then started his attack. The second picture he has him on the ground you can notice his back line above the cactus. It would have been easy to stalk up to them they were preoccupied but instead I just enjoyed the show. I walked a little further and thought to myself for just a moment thats a pretty good whitetail. He came closer and closer until he got within first pin range. Once again thanks for reading my longwinded story and cramerhunts is right this is only the first week of January. I am going to find the difference between very good and great . I will not compromise this year to see if I can actually accomplish my goal. I hope the next time I post a pic its a grip and grin picture with a giant.

Man, just read what I wrote yesterday. Funny thing was I knew what I wanted to say, but I was so mentally and physically drained I could not interpret from my brain to the my fingers. Day 5. Started out as usual me making coffee in the cold and I decided to head to the Grand Canyon. I spotted a giant buck in there a few rifle seasons ago. I would have shot but I had a kid I use to work with, with me and he whined to the point that I gave in and he missed by about 20 feet. As I drove down the little two track the memories of hunts past hit me from that road. Like My brother taking 25 inch three point when we were in my Jeep CJ5. After much discussion we put it on the back seat and buckled it in with the head and rack hanging out the back like a drunk guy with a heavy head. I wish I still had that labtop with those pictures on it. Here is a pic that does not do the buck justice. I get to my predetermined glassing point and glass for a few minutes thinking I will work the edge of the canyon glassing from every reasonable point until I get to the end. Right then, I see a fellow hunter working the center of the canyon. Time to change course and slow walk desert flats back to the truck. Once again I run into more Javelina, the more I watch there behavior the more curious I get. I go a little farther and notice Kitt's Peak off in the distance and wonder how the hunting is up there. It should be federal so part of the 36-c not the Tohono o'odom Nation. I get back to camp earlier than I have all week and start making lunch when a hunter working his way back along the fence line stops by. We chat a little bit and found out he was on a three point earlier but was busted by one of his does. We talk a little further and he confirms that one of the bucks I thought was only a rumor is real. Drop tine. This gave me motivation to get at. I start working the flats again with new vigor hoping to get a look at this buck. I ran across a solo 3 point that did not want his picture taken, but was within range of an archery shot for a time. I go a little farther and run into more Javelina making this the fourth separate herd I have ran into. This one had a couple of screamers in it that yelp when they ran I got the male really mad for a moment and he wanted to fight. The afternoon was uneventful for the most part with exception of a creepy owl that followed me. Right then my camera batteries died again. Ghost hunters, I guess I have a lot pottery shards where my tent is. I guess for tomorrow I will have to play Moses and go to the top of the mountain. There is an old waterhole that was I believe was a WPA project from the Roosevelt era up there. If I can make it my knees and feet are rebelling right now and the bottoms of my feet are pretty red and purple patina from the miles walked. My wife gave me some words of encouragement by saying "don't settle get the one you want." I have to remind myself this is only the first week of January and whether I am hunting Camelback Mountain or A Mountain I will not lower standards this year.

Day 4. I got my mojo back for the most part. All things started out pretty routine 4:00 am start the coffee, make lunch, make breakfast (in that order) grab snacks drink coffee, fill thermos and head out. I was going to go into Solano Canyon for most of the day, but that voice in my head kept saying go with what you know and those bucks you saw a couple of years ago will be two years older. So once again I gave in and steered a course for redondo canyon by the house. Interesting side note a family friend was born in that house back in the 40's I believe. I realized the three major disadvantages of solo hunting while travelling the 45 minutes or so to my destination. First it is always my turn to make coffee. Second, if you shoot something you have to carry out yourself and take your own pictures. And most importantly I have to open and close the 10 gates or so from where I am camped to where I am going. I get to my parking spot about an hour before sunup and start for an hour or so to my first glassing spot. I notice the sun coming and go to take a picture and my camera is completely dead. The batteries are brand new and lithium 8X so I was a little annoyed. I think I got that Ghost Hunter thing going on where spirits manifest and suck up your battery life. I managed to take a couple of cell pics. After seeing absolutely nothing except a few cows. I noticed the silence. Not a bird or cow or breath of wind. Not to sound sappy but I understood for a moment the cliche "silence is deafening" I looked up and realized I needed to get higher up the hill and check out the other side. It was a place I had not been in twenty years, climbing to that area was like being on a stairmaster for two hours. I was feeling the burn but once I got to the top I was rewarded with seeing two does. I was considering going standman style in pass between the two mountains, but decided against it and just went to the plain old fashion glassing. I was rewarded within a few minutes and found a thick branch antler buck. I texted my brother with what I thought he would score and his characteristics. Long main beams, Thick, really long eyeguards, Short points and a really big body. The guy was fat. He kept replying "SHOOT!!!" but I was still not sure. I watched him for several minutes trying to figure out what he was doing. He was in the shade moving to the sun in some ocotillos. I kept wondering why is doing this. I really wish I had my camera working he kept posing for me.. He is in that picture somewhere but you can get an idea of the terrain I started my stalk once he disappeared on the other side of the ridge. I was still unsure on whether or not I wanted to shoot him. I was getting closer and realized I had a perfect spot for him on my wall next to my buck from last year on one of those things that hold euro skulls that I got from Amanda. i made a three quarter effort stalk and where I got to where I thought he was I saw two does getting harassed by a spike a hundred yards or so below me. I walked down a little farther and spooked everything in all directions. I made the mistake that I always tell myself not to make. A stalk is not over until twenty minutes after you think its over. The buck was moving to protect the virtue of the does from the overzealous teenager. I am kinda glad the buck did not take my breath. After a quick jaunt to three points for advil, propane and batteries i came back and hit the flats. After a few hours of slow moving I found a tall body three point that did not want to pose for me. Please excuse my ramblings on this one I fell asleep twice writting it. Two days left its time to get salty and not stop until I find the giant.

No I always mean to go, but I had to get out of there before I screamed. According to a G&F Manager Dan King killed that giant buck back there. I have seen Coues to the North end of the valley for many years.

Thanks for all the props on the pig and passing on that deer. My sixteen year old daughter just finished giving me a verbal lashing like you would not believe. It went something to the effect of "Are you crazy?? What are you doing not shooting that? Look at the points above its eyebrows there HUGE and you did not shoot. You will not get a chance like that again!!! I would have shot!!" Day 3 This morning started off incredible smooth and then got progressively worse. Not that it was bad, just that I never got into sync. I grabbed a thermos of coffee made lunch ate breakfast and was headed to my destination in record time. I got there and there were no bio-diesels there so I thought I was running good. I was headed down the fenced off road to my destination with full intention of staying until mid afternoon. Trying to get to my spot and version of an elevated blind I climbed the rock face in the predawn darkness. When I got to the top I realized it was the wrong rock. I proceeded to do this one more time before I found the right rock. My version of an elevated blind is a rock bluff. After about thirty minutes of getting things situated I took a couple of pics and settled down to wait until Mr. big shows up. Then the first batch of rock climbers came in. From there direction I was in plane view but they could not see. I heard how Ecuador and Switzerland have the best climbing and them speculate on why there were bathtubs next to the water and watched discuss how to cross the dam from 30' away. My only regret is I did not get a picture of the front of his sweater with the argyle. It looked liked he was dressed to impress his freshman English Lit. professor. Which is all ok they have every right to be there, but what is up with the shoes. After watching them go the wrong way twice things settled down a little bit and I began to watch the water in anticipation for Mr big. Then the next batch of bio-dieselers came in. This batch had a map app on his Iphone and at the water took a right to follow the map and kept going, even tough Elephant Butt was clearly forward. This guy was in the wilderness of Southern Arizona to go hiking with a friend and he will be back in Washington after he helps his mom with a couple of things. Time to cut bait and get out of there fast before I feel the urge to become vegan and love all things Subaru. I go to a makeshift spot after the mile plus walk out and try to make the most of my day. I finally see a whitetail while sitting still, 3 does. I f taking a picture when my camera batteries died. I saw one other thing after that a group of twas in the process miniature doves flew in. They seemed to half the size of a regular dove. I get back to camp and decide to stay in the flats for the rest of the evening. I came across one set of tracks that I would like to see who made them. Roughly three inches long. Up next for Day 4. The age old question for anybody who has hunted the northern part of 36c, Kinda like "Ginger or Marianne" or for my generation Rachel or Monica. That would be Redondo or Solano Canyons. I know Redondo very well and its has been kind to me,one time we were there was six or seven branch antlered bucks chasing does like rut crazed elk, but I am not after the "average" big deer. I am after one that will take my breath so I may go to the back of Solano.

I thought about shooting and it must have looked comical. The conversation I was having with the voices in my head, but I have a couple of similar bucks on the wall already. Now I want something huge or really cool.

Headed out to 36c for six days of solo hunting. I have not tagged a pig since 2005 so its time. I shot one with a 300 grain hollow point from my 454 casull at twenty yards and it got away since the last time I tagged a pig. I am going to try to trophy hunt for deer whitetail or muleys and shoot a legend, but more than likely will "settle" for any deer larger than what I have taken or just a really cool buck. I just need to finish my wife's cow elk hunt in 3b today. I cannnot find a cow to save my life. Good luck to everyone.

Anyone else notice that the Walmart hunter on page 3 does not have sights on his gun? He must be very good.

North side, the last picture was after we played "hide n seek" for a little bit and had caught up to us. They had double backed to our location.

I think we went to the same taxidermist. I went through that exam same situation. Took two years, lost my skull, wrong colored felt and most importantly open mouthed.

Selling my bear rug. 650.00 shipped, 500.00 FTF, or trade for ??? All prices are negotiable. I took this one to a different taxidermist than I normally use. The quality is ok but is just not what I wanted. I wanted a close mouth and camel felt, so after a year of looking at it, I decided I can not take it anymore and must sell(that and it gives me an excuse to get another one). Bear has a red mohawk down his spine and from this tip of nose to the base of his tail 5'4"

Yeah It seems the mounts take on the personality of the taxidermist. In this instance, there is some anger and the inability to listen to instruction, but very good natural talent.

price drop

Congrats looks like memories for a lifetime.

I sent a full set of photos to my other brother for his opinion. Former recon marine. He said look at there dispersion and how they have there weapons slung and there lack of supplies they are not military and how the 1st and third guy has different weapons.

Whether he knew we were there or not. He caught up to us in a hurry without water or supplies. He knows the country and his abilities

I did call bp. They sent a helicopter and a ground spotter.

All joking aside this is more than a political talking point, but a national issue. ( I lost one of my old stand by hunting areas)

No Javelina, no turkey. I now have 9 points for turkey. OUCH

I'm sure they were sent a mail in ballot

In the last picture there is national boundary marker, that they are south of at that moment. The boundary says this

Ha. I like that and agree. I took my nephews gun from him (264 win mag) and all three lined up as I covered my nephews and my brothers exit. I think military because of the spacing when they walked. I was not going to go into to much background but here are a couple more details. There were two of the normal borders crossers/drug smugglers to the southeast of these guys that may have been the hunted. And it is possible it's smugglers because the guy in the vest has something under his arm. But it is also could be something else because we were to the south and east of them and they caught up to us eventough they were past us (happenstance or not). One more detail is we heard multiple gun fire about an hour earlier from this area. They guy in the vest is a badass.

I do not get the privilege of hunting deer again until January, but i get tag along on a few hunts here are some pics from my brother and dad's hunt in Unit 1. enjoy Can't we all just get along I never ever see this many during season we saw so many elk we stopped looking at them after a death march their guide is tired changing colors contol burning finally some deer a successful hunt for milk fed venison