Flatlander

Well the good news is I got extremely lucky in the draw and drew this tag with only 10 points. The bad news is that this unit has some big time access issues. I am willing to do the leg work and knew that this was a challenge prior to applying, so now it's time to get started. Can anyone answer the following questions for me: Is there any point in contacting the Big Chino Ranch? Is there still access available west of hwy 89 between Chino Valley and Prescott Valley? Has anyone hunted between I-40 and Rt 66? Is there enough antelope here to hunt effectively? Same as above only referring to unit 17B off of Camp Wood road? Does anybody know of ranches that will allow access for a fee? Thanks for your help, I usually don't post specifics but with the difficulty of drawing antelope tags I figured if other hunters find this info later on, good. I will burn a ton of petro and rubber this summer figuring out this hunt but any help anyone can offer to get me headed in the right direction is more than appreciated.

I will wait and see how it looks. So now the question is what mounts are everyone using?

Well not my top pick for color but I pulled the trigger on the Silver Leupold, to make it even better I found a coupon code for free shipping and paid exactly 189.99 for a 3-9 SABR Ultimate Slam. Can't wait to get it mounted up and try some loads. Hopefully I get to settle that ballistic reticle just behind the black patch on a big ole speed goat this fall.

This is a way better value than the elk or Muley tags. If I could have one wish it might be this tag. Chasing coues from Aug to March, this might be what I save for to do my first year of retirement.

Yeah, don't think I can justify the extra $100 for a black one and I haven't found anything with reviews that are close.

Stud buck.

Glad to hear some good news coming out.

My gun is black synthetic stock w/ blued barrel so it won't match but who cares.

Could he have been referring to the Carmen Mountain subset?

Ok I found a great deal on the Leupold Ultimate Slam SABR. Brownell's has them for 189.99 but they are silver. I don't care about the color but have any of you guys had trouble with the silver finish holding up or with the silver being too reflective?

That is a giant fish!

Maybe it is and maybe it isn't. What business is it of yours. If the guy wants a guide then that's his prerogative and nobody asked for your opinion about it. If you want to rant about it start another thread.

Is this going to turn into a guide bashing session? Come on guys let's try to stay on topic and keep it classy. He asked for suggestions, he got them, the guy can make his own decision.

+1 But if he signs up with those dudes he better be in shape and ready to burn some boot leather.

You can still buy them new for $1,000 on amazon

Good to see the mood lightening up a little. I don't agree with Tony and I think it's interesting that we all are having it out here while he is sitting in his retirement home recliner. Sorry Tony no one is above some rib poking. But honestly why on earth would anyone get all bent out of shape because some guy they don't know other than an imaginary screen name and an avatar said their method of hunting was a perversion? So what. Who cares. Big whoop. He wasn't campaigning to get it banned (at least not in this thread), no one said your a loser if you own a trail cam. No one's mother has been brought into the conversation, although we are getting darn close. So why get all hot and bothered? We disagree, big friggin deal. I own a couple trail cams and an atv. I don't agree with Tony, and guess what it doesn't matter. Heck my dad thinks rangefinders are an abomination. If it's that far get closer he says. Ok that's cool I disagree but we don't have a war over it he gets closer and I get a range. No big deal. My heavens ladies what have we turned into a bunch of squabbling mother hens? Someone please post some dang scouting pics already, my goodness.

Is that available in .gif format?

Hey pot have you met the kettle? Donald Sterling don't want either of you at his games.

Hey Curtis he never said you couldn't do it just referred to it as a perversion. He doesn't agree with the practice and that is his prerogative. So what. Tony is a traditionalist from way back, his opinions are his business. Tony FYI Amanda has and uses one with a cam but I think it's just for her research, I think it's hunting usefulness are pretty limited.

Congrats. It's the best thing in the world.

I have a copy I could loan out. PM me if you are interested.

I was just making note of the overall number of tags in that unit from Aug - Jan. It gets hunted a lot, but people seem to take plenty of bucks there are every year.

One sound option to consider may be the Galiuro Wilderness in unit 32. That early December hunt usually has some left over tags I believe.

Don't forget 300 jr tags and 200 muzzleloader tags and OTC archery hunts in August, December and January. Lots and lots of tags, hands down the most hunted unit in the state. Success still hovers around 30%.

CHA looks like you have had some great times hunting with your family. It's been years since I have had my Dad or brother along for a hunt, and even though my biggest coues have fallen during that time, I'd trade it in a heartbeat for some quality time with those two. I think you'll find CWT is a pretty family oriented bunch and you won't likely be seeing much criticism of a family doing it together. Congrats on some good times in the woods!