Red Rabbit

No and No. You will have more fun still-hunting or "spot and stalk" anyway, imo.

I do not see this issue listed on the rule change /call for comments page on azgfd.com http://www.azgfd.com/artman/publish/cat_index_7.shtml

THe score will be close to the fps of the bow. Is that a Hoyt ProHunter?

Last year’s Mearns quail season ended with a great hunt with Art/SitkaDeer, but the birds failed to cooperate as well as the weather and company. As a result, new Mearns country was sought out that would hold numerous coveys of these beautifully plumed gamebirds. The truck was turned up an oak-lined canyon near the Mexican border that looked like favorable habitat. Camp was chosen, but feathers on the ground and numerous canine land mines told that the spot had been home to previous bird hunters. Rica, my GWP, and I awoke to the idea that the draw behind camp would likely harbor scattered birds due to the previous hunters, but heck, we were here. A few seeps provided moisture for the bottomland and its creatures. At the end of a short 90 minute hike up the draw, Rica’s nose had sniffed out a handful of small coveys and 7 quail laden the vest. While most bids were immature males, one beautiful Clown Quail blessed the gamebag. With the days hunt ended and a satisfied feeling, we hiked up to the top of the ridge opposite camp to view the surrounding country in the late afternoon. While up on top taking photographs, Rica became birdy and struck a pose with 10 Mearns eventually flushing ahead of her schnazz. Tomorrow’s destination had been decided as we walked back down to camp for the evening meal. After the morning frost thawed and the chill abated, the canyon beyond the ridge drew the presence of Vibrams and paws. Rica found the covey feeding on the slopes at the head of a side draw. A few more draws were traversed before heading back to camp with the weight of a 7 Mearns tugging on the vest’s rear bag. A few would become tablefare by being wrapped in bacon and placed on the grill. The following day, the next draw behind camp was hunted. We sashayed up towards 2 tanks and some finger draws leading to them. They held some small groups that donated some members to the evening meal. “Hurry, put down that camera and grab the shotgun for these quail in front of me” Life is fine when the hike back to camp and lunch has a limit of 8 Mearns. Even finer when two other large coveys are located and a nice Coues buck and a doe jump from their beds beneath a rock outcropping. On New Years Day, Sundevil and BlackDog came out to give Rica some extra shooters. Guess the quail heard we were coming and hid their scent, as the previous three days of plentitude had abated some. BlackDog waits for Rica to water in pool of runoff. Still, the three of us ended the 4 hour hunt with several birds. We headed back for lunch of “food” And “better food” As Rica was physically spent after 4 days, BlackDog and his lab headed across the creekbed and scoured up three more birds to shoot at. Friday was a day of rest and recovery for Rica, as Sundevil would be returning Saturday with Scout’m. The only shooting was done with the Nikon before an evening was spent around the campfire enjoying the company of some hunters from California. The last day of the hunt had the three of us, with Rica and Abbey (Scout’ms German shorthair) out front in search of birds. The birds hid well, and only a few scattered birds were flushed. I did manage to drop 4 birds with 2 shots on one covey flush. Seeps and pockets of water provided needed coolant for the dogs. While the success alluded to the predictions of a stellar Mearns season this year due to two years of good summer rains, the area we hunted seemed to be popular with many other hunters. One day saw 6 other bird hunters close to camp one day and 5 the next. Perhaps the next trip will have the moon setting on another new promised land. Doug~RR

Finally!

I wonder what a 139 0/8 looks like close up on the ground

What price are bobcat pelts going to fetch this year?

Most are not pleased with the use of the swaro doubler as the image quality suffers. One of the major problems with using two doublers is columnation of the two images. Better to save your pennies for the Swaro, or wait to look at the upcoming Vortex 15, or pick up a used Minox, Docter, or Zeiss. You can find used Swaros for $1400.

Don't forget that half the genes are carried by the females. Kinda hard to choose a doe/cow/ewe for trophy horns/antlers. No mention about changes in the average age of the studies species, or other outside factors that may have influenced the population's head status.

Jay Lopeman recommends the 701HDV for use with his Claw, as the plate is more secure than some lighter Bogen/Manfrotto heads. Should then be sturdy enough for a spotter.

Matt, Pretty buck. I too was thinking how the forks made him resemble a Sitka Blacktail. Doug~RR

Brian, Congrats on your archery buck. Bet those quivering knees will be worth remembering though come application time (don't forget to apply for a bonus point). Doug

Price reduced to $150. RR

Doug, Those Kaibab 15s will certainly generate some interest here on CWT.com, especially if they are of the Razor quality and value. Doug~RR

Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ and a Merry Christmas to you all!

Jim, What I would like to do in testing the Claw, is to shoot off the bench, off a pack, Harris Bipod, tripod and rear sticks like you and I are doing now, and with the Claw. Doug

I just talked with Jay Lopeman about the Claw and the tripod head issue. He suggested the Bogen 701 HDV head as the plate is larger and locks in well without wiggle.

Wow, over 2000 views for?????. This is like getting up at 2 AM to call 602-942-3000 on redial over and over again to get the draw results.

Josh, Hope you put a wide angle lense on your list for Santa, so you can get a picture of the whole buck next time

Real nice Muley , but you look way too young to give up on Coues

With a 4 outa 10 chance of things going wrong, you did right. Heck, we apply for hunts with a 1% chance and hope, and get negative results. As has been said, ethics is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. RR

Glad you saved that badger from agony. I see he was choking on a stick But is guess a fifty grainer would have been better than you doing the Heimlich on him. Doug~RR

Looks like he made a fine shot on that plains game trophy. Congrats to him on his first. Doug~RR

From what I have read, they "roost" on the ground, not in trees, in the bottoms of the draws, huddling in a circle. Sleep in, have a good breakfast and let them move around as opposed to busting a roost at first light. Also, many quit hunting around 3 pm to let the coveys they may have busted call and regroup for the night.

Past the Snowbowl turnoff on Hwy 180 there is a designated concessionaire-run snow play area at Wing Mtn. There is also the hill at Kachina Village 7 miles south of Flag- turn right at the blvd past the store and go about 1/2 mile- lotsa cars there today. There is also a cinder pit just past the Nordic Center on 180 No sledding allowed at Snowbowl. 87&260 north of Strawberry is good.