Coach

Thanks guys - I hope this isn't premature since the draw results aren't even out yet, but I certainly appreciate all the well wishes!

Sorry you lost your camera - theives are lowlifes and I understand your frustration. I *hope* you get it back, but I seriously doubt you will. I've found the best way to keep them safe is a really strong steel box, but even that can't prevent them from being ruined by someone who thinks you're too close to "their spot".

Gonna read that next. The last book I read was "American Sniper", and while it will never be considered "classic American Literature", it was a very enjoyable and informative read. Those who haven't read it yet, do your self a favor - it's a "page-turner" for sure.

Looks like a good compilation to me. I would add, Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I'm not much of a reader, but many of the books on there that I haven't read, I'd like to.

Cool vid - love shooting p-dogs but it's been hard to find a good colony. Been watching one spread, hopefully the numbers will get up high enough I won't feel bad shooting a few. I remember some similar videos a while back by the "Red Mist Society" or something like that - drove the ARA's nuts!

Sounds like a great way to spend your birthday!

"So the 1600's do or do not show the compensated difference???" Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing. I know the "B" model gives you the hold-over at various ranges. Here's a hypothetical question. If you could get the Vortex Ranger 1000 for around $320, and it's a big improvement over what you've been using for years, would you still opt for the Leica?

Wow! That thing is HUGE!

Dang, you guys have me all confused now! I was dead set on doing the exact same thing sjvcon was asking about. Now I'm second guessing it.

Hey TJ, Happy Birthday! I hope it's a great day.

Wow - congrats to all who have drawn - Huge congrats on the Sheep Tag!!!

Just verified, 2 of my 3 boys drew unit 27 youth (only hunt I put them in for) and I got either 13B or 12A West Late - unless G&F is pulling a funny one.

Got hit for an adult deer tag. Unless I screwed up my app, that means I'll be hunting North of the ditch for the first time in my life. Going to go look at my applications to be sure.

I like a good wool blend sock too. Haven't had much luck with 2 pairs of socks including liners.

13B First Choice, 12AW Late second choice, so probably BPs as well. Put my kids in for the youth 27 hunt. If they draw, I'll be looking for advice.

I'm planning to do the same thing. The Vortex looks to be a good upgrade just based on the clarity and ergonomics. My Nikon 800 is pretty big compared to the newer style, and I've been using it for years so the clarity is only OK. Haven't looked through the Vortex, but so far the reviews have been very good for its price point ($379 MSPR).

We finally got a decent soaking in Lakeside today. The Indians used to say that if it rains when the sun is out, you'll get more tomorrow. I hope they're right.

Late to the party as always. I say July 24th at 2PM. G&F has a thing for Tuesdays, and always after lunch break. LOL.

I'm jealous. Up here in the White Mountains it's been a pretty lack-luster monsoon so far.

BMB = Buy More Bullets. Smart people are canning, jarring, hording. If you don't have an "exit-strategy" you're behind the times. If your existing "exit strategy" involves any bridges between Phx and Payson, or Globe and Show Low, or even Winslow to Show Low...you might want to rethink. We're loaded to our gills up here with EOTW types that don't want or need the hordes from the valley to compete agaist. Don't think for a mintute that they haven't contemplated how to circumvent an unwanted influx of potential competitors for the resources they'd lay down their life to protect.

I have other pictures with flathead dead on the bank months ago with heads as wide as a long-neck beer bottle. I know the dam is need of repair, and I know the tribe has been conflicted over the years about how to treat the lake. Now there's a Casino, golf course, I fear that letting the lake die this time might have been driven by politics more than science. I'm a huge believer in the fact that out of every tragedy, there is opportunity. And I hope and pray that out of this tragedy, a stronger, better managed San Carlos Lake will emerge. But it is going to take some foreward thinkers, a little strategy, and most of all, the recognition that this lake isn't just a pool of water to be used by the farms downstream. If properly managed, with a minimum pool standard in place, San Carlos Lake will continue to serve the water needs downstream, but can also rebound to be the amazing fishery and outdoor destination it has been for so long.

Seems almost everyone I know drew a 3A/3C bull archery tag this year. Those woods are gonna be full of locals.

Dan, I feel your pain. San Carlos Lake has been my favorite lake since I was a teenager. My buddy and I would head up there every spring and catch bass, catfish, crappie - but aside from the fishing, it's just a beautiful lake. When you're out there on the water, looking at all the amazing country on every side, you just know it's a special place. Over the years, guess it's now decades, we've seen the lake drop to levels we wondered if it would survive. Somehow, it always did going on 20+ years, but this time, it just got too low. I have a hard time looking at your pictures. I guess a part of me thought that once again, some miracle would save the lake. This time, it didn't happen. From what I've seen and read, San Carlos Lake has rebounded from events like these in the past, but it takes years, even decades. I hope one day my sons will get to experience that lake the way I did. I pray that the elders have a plan that will bring this lake back to where it once was.

Gonna have to try these out. Enough CWT'ers say they rock, it's worth buying a pack or two.

I don't even remember when they are typically up - seems like I'm usually trying to get some August salt out "just in case" before we know for sure. I only put myself in for 13B and 12AW Late, and don't have many points, so I'm not counting on anything. Put my boys in for 27 youth, but even if they draw I have no idea where to look. Just something close to home.