Flatlander

Haha I didn't think anyone would even remember this. The trip to NM was great; ate lots of chile, rode the tram, had dinner and a BBQ with some friends but the kicker was realizing that we could live in the east mountain area on 3+ acres for less than a tract home here. We found a house we loved. We came home decided we were going and all of a sudden it hit is like a ton of bricks, this was just not the right move for us. I really can't say why, we were being offered some dang good $ to go, but it just didn't feel right. Guess I am a Zonie for life.

I had back to back dec tags in that unit back in the day when they were tough to get (only 50 in those days). I ate one tag and shot my first buck, a two point with eye guards on the second hunt. We saw a ton of bucks and I missed two good ones on that first hunt. Went back with an Oct tag in 2010 and shot my first 80" + buck. We saw plenty of deer and several good bucks. Those December hunts were where I first fell in love with Couse hunting. It's going to be great. Enjoy every minute.

The biggest drawback to the bighorn safes from Costco is the smell. My buddy has one that's 2 yrs old and it's still got a serious stank . . . Oh yeah and they are Chinese, that was actually my biggest beef.

I bought at the safe store. Found a year old model and then made him an offer he couldn't refuse. I was surprised at the deal he was able to make. Included delivery and warranty. I will say this, buy bigger than you think you need.

You have taken some outstanding bucks Coach. What a fun trip down memory lane.

That is a good one. Nice work and congrats to your wife.

Didn't you read the posts? Just drive the roads at the top of the peaks . . . 190" deer taken every year.

I found the Leupold Ultimate Slam SABR reticle on Brownell's a few months back for 189. It was silver but that didn't bother me. Great scope.

My Grandfather was a mechanic for the park service so my Dad and his brothers grew up in the park. I have many fond memories of summers there and going to college in the area. TJ if you ever decide to go and need a tour guide list say the word.

Beautiful. This used to be my home and a part of my soul stayed when we left there. Thanks for posting.

I have only met Stanley a couple times but I can tell you from those meetings the guy is no sucker. Seems to me he understands the value of his time and figures paying secondary markup on ammo is a better investment than camping out with the people of wal mart on a Friday morning (cause you know he probably has a JOB). The guy earned money, chose to spend it and didn't bother to ask any of his friends for a handout or favor. Props to him. Can we go back to posting scouting picks and asking people where we should hunt this fall since we are all so strapped for cash we can't afford 22 ammo or application fees, much less gas to go scouting. (Nevermind the $2 grand worth of glass around my neck).

Did you refer to coues as a trout? Sort of. It was intended more as an analogy than literally but either way . . .

Well that must be a relief

TJ there is more meat on a 40 lb carp than on a 7 lb trout but I don't think many folks would be making that trade! Coues > Donkey Deer Just looking at it objectively; 190" is the B&C min. for mule deer and 120" is well in excess of the 110" minimum for the gray ghost!

What an awesome opportunity. Great work guys if I didn't desperately need to get another day of antelope scouting I would be all over this.

Stay away fr the pines, get off the road and glass glass glass. If you do that you should be able to find some good bucks. The two biggest deer I saw all of last year were in 7. What I discovered is that where I saw the bucks in August is exactly where they were in late October. Good luck.

My BAD! Well at least no one mentioned Black Mountain.

You forgot near the range and oh yeah by the mine.

How many pts did you burn

You will do awesome.

Wow!

Yeah, why on Earth should G&F give a crap whether we start a bunch of rumors or speculate? It has zero impact on them.

Usually I get sick of seeing my elk/antelope results over and over while checking for deer results. But for some reason it hasn't bothered me this year. Maybe it has something to do with that line that says Draw Successful next to antelope. It never gets old.

How did my guess turn into the published deadline? Tools like the dang draw lady is going to make a liar out of me!

I am guessing 10:30 today.