Flatlander

Props to you for doing this. it sounds like a great event. I wish I could attend.

Well it will be more elk than anywhere in the state of ID and the Bulls will be rutting way harder. Parts of UT have a great elk rut like we get here, and I don't know jack about Colorado aside from what I read in Outdoor life as a kid. Have fun, lots of elk in that country.

Have you ever guided or been guided on a hunt? Not quite the petting zoo experience you describe. I will never understand the insatiable desire of hubters to criticize and alienate one another.

Spending evenings at AHQ the last few weeks I see lots more kids in there shooting target archery than any other demographic. Even their new tech is a target archery guy with no hunting experience.

As much as that info stinks to hear, it's all helpful information towards understanding what my expectatations should be this Fall. I appreciate your input. Its tough being a NR trying to make draw decisions the first time around... Never fully know what to expect until you get a season in the area under your belt, and I'm looking forward to it ! Where are you from? Chances are you'll see more elk during that 5bs hunt than any other hunt you've ever been on. Still lots of elk in there, and it's almost all tall pine country.

Ok, well we got it. AZGFD screwed this up big time.

There is no arguing that he committed a crime on his elk hunt. However, this appeal had nothing to do with that. Wagner sued the department because they botched the investigation and didn't allow due process. He is right to sue, but should have been convicted of game violations.

Who is Keith Kennedy, you or is that the name of a guide?

1. You said guys who know what they are doing don't care how many tags there are. I care how many tags there are; therefore I don't know what I am doing. I know this isn't true but was hoping to illustrate a point aboutaking generalizations. 2. I would argue that if you asked the deer, they would prefer no hunters in the field, so if we are taking their vote let's just do that. 3. I disagree that Hunter days goes up with the stratified structure. More hunters on opening weekend for me means I am hunting more of the weekdays to escape the crowd. Just a differing opinion.

I have to crack up at all the guys who are bemoaning all the tag increases. There are 800 fewer tags recommended this year than 2014, which was over 100 fewer than 2013. Tags are being reduced. I don't see unit 22 or 23 doubling the number of tag numbers in the near future, because that is totally inconsistent with what has been taking place in the state. Its simple math, try it sometime. I guess since I don't know what I am doing maybe Couesmagnet could explain how having 3x the number of hunters in the field has no impact on real hunters. Every year I see people working harder, hiking farther into places that I am accustomed to being alone. More hunters in the field means more competition, and more competition will drive people to push themselves more. When you spread those hunters out over three hunts, then there are fewer people in every location at any given time and people don't see the need to do more or go further. I am not sure what issue you think that having multiple hunts is having on these animals since they are not on winter ground trying to keep from starving in deep snow, the rut isn't going on so breeding is not being disrupted, fawns are grown enough to survive on their own, and does aren't pregnant. What damage are we inflicting on these prey animals because of prolonged hunting that they don't already cope with everyday as they try to avoid every other predator in the woods?

It's always fun to have an excuse to try something new.

Here is a question for you; Has anyone ever seen the survey data and compared it against the guidelines to see if what they are doing with tag numbers lines up? I know the guidelines and the recommendations are public info, but I haven't ever seen the survey results.

It's a new system that hasn't even been launched yet. My guess is that they will all lined up when the system is complete and that what is present now is a work in progress. All that being said, yes, we have a really messed up draw system.

Stalker

Overall reduction in deer tags of 800 tags. Probably a good thing. I am happy to see the WT hunts in a few units get moved back a week, I wonder exactly what the reason was. Someone emailed me about this a while back and I can't recall what they were thinking. Spreading the hunts out a little bit in 24b was long overdue, although as was stated before with 1,050 tags that herd is getting taxed big time. It kind of seems like they have it on the same plan as the 36's. That's 3x as many tags as 23 has, in about half the area and 2x what is in 22. That is just unbelievable. I used to love that unit.

The application number shown on that screen does not line up with anything I can find on any application. If you have 7 not drawn's and Vossy's hypothesis is correct, you were not drawn. Reason being, the portal is only recording not drawn's since the new online draw system was put in place.

You must be one of the older guys . . .

It's not the points that he is referring to. I don't know how to make it any plainer than Vossy did. When you look at all the tags you have drawn in the past there is a list of "Not Drawn" applications. Mine for this year is already posted, although their is no date associated with it (or any of the other "Not Drawn")

I agree with Vossy. I am pretty confident he is right.

Show up and ask the question. Tuesday, March 31: 3-5 p.m., Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road. Thursday, April 2: 3-5 p.m., Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road. Thursday, April 2: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive. Tuesday, April 7: 3-5 p.m., Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. Tuesday, April 7: 3-5 p.m., Yuma, 9140 E. 28th Street. Tuesday, April 7: 6-8 p.m., Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

Haha, oh how a few months changes things. When that goat hit the dirt I think we were all on the verge of tears. Now we are all thinking about how to do one better. If you do, I will buy you a beer or coke or big glass of water, whatever it is that you drink.

Can't wait for this. I hope I can throw some help your way. What is your optics situation? Big glass is a must. I used a Vortex Razor HD 20-60x80mm. Aside from that, getting close is the only way to judge these buggers.

There is country to hunt. Typically some pretty good bucks too.

Still under 190 this week and last week several of my 4+ mile runs were at a 7:30/mile pace. The craziest thing was my blood pressure. Every year for insurance we have to do a wellness check. Last year my blood pressure was 121/82. This year; 112/62.

Oh man, losing that blonde would have been a tragedy. Glad it worked out. Now you can spoon that blonde every night.