IA Born

Thanks, Casey! He's wise beyond his years and I agree. I know several adults who would never say that. As for letting him go solo, Its only been the last 3 or so years that I've allowed it and it started with archery stalks on his youth javelina hunts. The first time I let him go, I was a nervous wreck, but I had two others that I trust explicitly there to control the situation so I could be in dad-mode and worry until I knew he was ok. Definitely not when he was 12. I still give him the dad talk and I get that 17yo eye roll! 😂

Geat job to you both and great write up!

This past weekend was Jacob's last youth elk hunt. Any antlerless elk is the mark. We were camped with a great group of folks and saw elk every day. Unfortunately, they were all too far away and moving fast, or there was the one cow who ran across the road in front of us and kept on trucking. We finally got into a shootable group Saturday night; however, they were being pursued by another group of hunters on the other side of the valley. As much as I wanted it to work out for him, he says "All these young kids filling their first tags is a great thing. I have a lifetime of chasing elk in front of me." He's wise beyond his years, that's for sure. We woke up yesterday morning with the intention of relocating the rest of the herd from Saturday night. A good friend was with us this time. We found the bull and a lone cow in an area that we couldn't hunt, but watched their movement. Figuring on where they were going, we hatched a plan. Jacob took off and staged himself while we kept an eye out from our hilltop. Jacob has been wanting to do more solo hunting. Who am I to say no considering how much I was turkey and pheasant hunting on my own by the time I was his age. I trust him explicitly to stay calm and know how to react, even when there is no cell service. Will took over guiding him and they formulated a solid plan. I was texting Jacob that I can't see the elk and have no clue where they are. I was about to suggest that he work his way back to the truck. That's when it happened. We heard a series of shots ring out in rapid sucession. I gave it a few minutes and started texting Jacob. Nothing. No service. That's when I saw him in the opening. He walked out to where he could give me hand signals. Even from that far away, I could see his excitement and read his reactions. He'd done it! He filled his last youth elk tag on the last morning of the time we had to hunt. He did it on his own, too. We (mostly Will) gave him general guidance on how to approach the situation and Jacob took off to find success. As he told us, he was weaving through the thick junipers and, as he popped out around one, there was the cow standing broadside at 10 yards. Jacob jumped in to help field dress his trophy, realizing he needs to learn. I was sitting back beaming with pride at the young man he's become. Selfless, hard working, altruistic, compassionate, determined, and building integrity. I already know how badly I will miss these days, but I also know how little I will have to worry in less than a year. For now, though, its time to regroup and get ready for his upcoming last youth deer hunt this coming weekend. Sideways pics on my phone drive me nuts. Sorry!

100% correct. The field day is now incorporated into the online class. There are two options for taking the fully-online Hunter Ed Class. We are also offering a classroom class in Flagstaff Nov 20-23.

Yes, it does. He just needs to carry proof with him at all times (local state's HE card). IHEA has established reciprocity across most, if not all states, for recognizing Hunter Ed completion.

Bingo event is less than 3 weeks away. Make sure and get registered if you're going to attend. Great prizes, great beer, and great BBQ at Historic Brewing in Flagstaff.

Yep. Its this. And as long as a legal guardian is present during the hunt, that meets the criteria. We transferred a Unit 1 early rifle bull tag from my wife to my daughter in 2017 and I was able to go on the hunt instead of my wife.

Wish I could clear up my schedule and make it out there with you. Let me know if you need some fresh areas to look at. My group saw a bachelor group with some nice July bulls this summer during a team mountain bike ride. I'm happy to point you directions!

18 seats left in class

20 seats left in this classroom class in Flagstaff

I believe it actually does. The act actually differentiates between wild poplulations that have been around for way too long and the ones that have been released and are considered feral. This is one of two acts I'd love to see removed or, at a minimum, revised significantly.

Hunter Ed classroom class in Flagstaff Nov 20-23. 100% attendance of every session is required to pass and receive credit. Due to instructor availability and the necessary instructor-student ratios set by AGFD, we can't take online students. We always have a fun class, though, so get your spot while you can, especially after the spring results are posted. As always, holler with any questions. https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/234802

NAZ NWTF is hosting out first BINGO for Conservation event as a fundraiser in Flagstaff! We are partnering with Historic Brewing Company on the east side of town. Social hour starts at 12pm with a great selection of drinks from Historic, and some Historic BBQ! Pre-regiration is required. Hope to see you there! https://events.nwtf.org/EVT-19269

I have this exact rifle and absolutely love it. Can't go wrong with this rifle!

I need to go out looking with you!