IA Born

If you're not sure if he's going to stick with it, the Savage Axis II in lefty is a great starter rifle. I started my daughter with the original Axis in 7-08. She loves it and loves hunting. I had to replace the original trigger because that Axis didn't have the accutrigger. The main reason I didn't get my son an Axis II was I couldn't find one in 7-08 with the accutrigger that wasn't Muddy Girl Camo. I ended up getting him the 11 Trophy Hunter Compact in 7-08. Both of my kids' Savages (Axis and 11 youth) have at least four different loads that are sub-1" groups with handloads. Hard to beat that!

You really can't go wrong with this rifle. I bought my son the right handed version and its lights out one of the best I've shot. Get the lefty version and never look back. Savage gives you the option to get an adult size stock when they outgrow the youth stock.

Every day and I also check under the tree to be sure!

I can't even tell you how excited I am for you and Draysen, especially after our conversation last night. I'll be reaching out to my contacts over there with the One Shot Hunt soon. Our conversation brought back so many memories. Yes, I'm a little jealous, but I'm super excited for you both!

How did you get my Christmas wish list, Tim? You're awesome, buddy!

If you don't want to travel to Flagstaff to get the safe or can't, we can arrange to get you a gift card to Sportsman's Warehouse for the value (our cost).

Another bump for this...

Wonderful news, Sean! I won't lie, I was excited to read "..another Arizona winner..."! It brings back so many amazing memories. You two will have an absolute blast on both trips and you'll meet some of the best people! I stay in touch with the organizer of the KS One Shot, so I'll drop her a note to bust your chops pretty hard!

A buddy of mine's son shot a 186" mainframe 3x3 on the 12BW late hunt, after passing a 184" 4x4 and a 190" 4x4 that was too narrow and tall for their liking. A couple of days later, a 230" buck was taken. Have pics of both, but they're not mine to share. I got to hold the antlers of my buddy's son's 186" 3x3 and it is an impressive buck! Its a mainframe 3x3 with all kinds of awesome trash and junk!

All of our tags got here today, too!

He says its the kids joking, but deep down, he actually wants it! Sorry, Bigorange, that was just too good of an opening!

Great video. Respect is all it takes. Growing up in a Midwest farming community, I'm thankful my dad taught me how to kick dirt with local farmers. I spent many days helping stack hay bales, fixing equipment/facilities, and shooting the breeze on a porch or at the table. Once in a while, I'd offer up a pheasant or some fillets from my day's harvest. That got me continued access and, often, return access to many fields and farm ponds. It really is that simple.

Nice Travis! I didn't realize that was your son! I was thinking it was your nephew. That explains why him and Travis junior look so much alike! Congrats!

Will I work? I'm straight and a fairly good spotter! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Self-imposed timeout again...

That's the main gas station/convenience store, right? I was going to call that out for its Coues and elk mounts. The Wagon Wheel in Patagonia was mentioned, too. Yes, the Zoo up here in Flagstaff is still open (back open after shutting down). One of the hotels in the eastern Kanab (Quality Inn?) had some great mounts that were from sheds. Its been a while since I've had to stay there, but there were four impressive mounts on the wall. If memory serves me correctly, that little diner in Wickieup has some cool mounts, too.

I tried glassing with an angled spotter and I got tired of bending my head down the whole time. I've glassed with a straight spotter and my eyes just got tired. I've talked to guys who use both and it comes down to preference. I ended up carrying to do just what oz says. I would pull out my spotter to get a closer look. Then I got a pair of 15s and quit carrying my spotter because of the extra weight. Then my wife used a set of BTXs at the condor release back in September and now she's scheming on how we can get a set up! Who am I to argue with her??

Scope is sold.

After the kids' youth hunts this weekend, its time to upgrade some equipment. Wife told me I have to sell the stuff I'm replacing rather than rehoming them to my kids or other rifles! Not sure when I'll be in the valley again (early Nov for daughter's mt bike race?; possibly weekend of 19-21st Oct for other mt bike race?). Will ship, but buyer pays shipping. Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50 w/ V-plex reticle. Scope is 4 years old and has been used, but definitely not abused. Paid $240 for it new, but I see they are $179 now. $150 OBO for scope and Butler Creek caps. Also have a Bushnell ARC 1000 rangefinder. Its in great shape and I still have the manual/disc for it. Works great, but time to upgrade. $150 takes it home.

Friend of mine here in Flagstaff is selling one. Its in the classifieds.

Bump...

Pack is sold. Thanks.

After this year's deer hunt, my daughter decided she really doesn't like the way her pack fits her. Its a Tenzing TZ 1215 women's pack (discontinued) and it its in great shape. Its only been in the field a handful of times, has never been loaded heavy, and never had blood on it. It comes with built-in rain cover and fits a 3-liter bladder. We have to sell this one to finance getting her one she likes. It may be a "women's pack", but there is no pink/light blue, so it would work on any youth. $80 OBO. Willing to ship, but buyer pays shipping. Just downloaded a pic, but can get an actual pic later tonight.

Bump for a good shotgun

I haven't shot it, but everything I've seen on this say its an extremely solid rifle. My friend is a former LEO, so he takes good care of his stuff. I can put you in touch with him if you're interested in it. I told my wife I wanted to get it to have an extra youth rifle for when I mentor kids, but she put the kaibosh on that idea pretty quickly. She's right, though; I don't need it and it needs to go to a kid who does need it.

They finally got ours processed! My son and I got the 16A rifle hunt and we're going to kick it old/new school with the ARs. He's going to use my DPMS Oracle A4 with a scope, and I'm going to use my Colt A1 style that looks like an exact replica of the M16 my dad carried in Vietnam (which is why he bought it to begin with)!