Red Rabbit

Went out yesterday evening and shot at 200 yards to zero the rifle after developing the load for the 6.5 WSM. Moved the target frame further out and adjusted the turrets to hit center with a 1.3" group at 400 yards when shooting off the bench and Benchmark cradle. Then shot a 1.7"group with the Stoney Point tripod that was 2" high. Then shot prone using the Harris bipod and the impact was 6" high at 400 yards. Did not have time to shoot off the day pack. Next relatively calm evening, will go back out and shoot at 600 yards aff the various rests to see what works and what does not. Seems somewhat pointless to sight in off the bench but have the field rest cause ya to hit a different spot. Hope ya'll do some longer range field checking with diff rests, especially if you are trusting a 25 yard sight in.

Here are some links with pics to show the gutless field dressing method: http://www.huntingnut.com/index.php?name=N...icle&sid=27 http://home.att.net/~sajackson/guttless1.html

And the back saddle feathers make great grasshopper wing cases if you run em between your fingers with a drop of glue to stiffen them

Figured with the map I gave ya to the 117", you'd have it in the cooler by noon Friday , and could carry the bench starting Saturday

Bring us back some pics. I was told that parts of ND have there best population of birds in many years.

You can get reception at Mill Park. I do not know about at Barney Flat or Turkey Butte

Mark, I pulled out the gun and checked clearance. With the bipod attached, I can slide two business cards between the barrel and forend when resting, pushing forward or back on the stock while prone. I think it may be recoiling like off a hard surface (why some say to pad a rock or limb and not rest the rifle directly against it so it does not kick away) If all else fails, I will have Casey carry my table and Benchmark rest around for me Doug

I tried the no-gut method a few years ago on an elk. Used the method on a cow elk two years later. Pretty slick and easy. Seeing the elk ride down I-17 from Flag in the backs of PUs during archery season sure has one shaking their head when it is stilll 100* in the valley. There is a camp at Mill Park in 6b that usually has an elk hanging the whole archery season. Schmecht gut?

A recent article in the Flag Rag talked of a couple of archery elk hunters looking for their arrow next to a guy's garage out in Fort Valley. http://azdailysun.com/articles/2007/10/06/...nt%20page_3.txt

I was out again this afternoon, shooting at 590 yards. From the bench setup shown, and not holding the forearm, two were placed 2" high, 1/2" apart. Prone, using the Harris bipod, pushing forward a little to put some tension on the bipod legs, and left fist supporting the butt of the stock, two rounds were 7 1/2" high and 1" apart. Next time I will pull backwards. I forgot to bring the daypack to shoot off. If I get results off the daypack similar the bench, I may forgo the Harris. I noticed at that longer range, I could get at least 4" of parallax shift in the crosshairs by shifting my head back and forth behind the ocular. So I tried to make sure my eye was centered each time and no vignetting was seen to the side of field of view. The rifle is free floated, glass and pillar bedded. Rest is a Benchmark with at Protektor sandbag front. Doug~RR

I found that a 5-spot target is easier to use than a fletching jig. Not to mention busted nocks and the chance of sending a unseen-fractured carbon arrow into the arm or hand like a friend did.

That's a deal compared to the San Carlos .

Eric, I gave Casey a map of 36B with a red X on it to where that 117 is tied up. When you check out the spot, let me know if he is still there. Good luck in 8 on your turkey hunt. Doug

I have had the greatest durability with FlexFletch vanes, but the base needs to be cleaned well to adhere. I have cleaned them with acetone or MEK.

Bill, In the bottom right corner of each of your posts there is a +EDIT box you can click on.

You can inject every 1/4" using a syringe and formaldehyde or formalin solution. Wear safety goggles. There are companies that will flock stripped antlers with artificial velvet.

Giving y'all a heads up on a new binocular harness system that I really like. It is the Bino Manager by IPI. Comfortable, very little bounce even with my heavy Leica Duovids. Lean over and the binos do not swing out from the body. No tension when lifting the binos up to view. The straps over the shoulder are 2" wide neoprene. THe element shield will be great to keep rain and dust off the lenses. I had the Crooked Horn Bino System, but the elastic straps bounced too much and the buckles slipped. Went to the Hang Tight Harness System, which were like suspenders and much better than the Crooked Horns for comfort with heavier binos, but did not work well with jackets. But these IPI Bino Managers! I purchased mine through http://www.above-timberline.com/binocular%20accessories.htm for a few dollars more than the Crooked Horns cost. Sportsmans Warehouse may also carry them. Doug~RR

Usually I cut, trim and wrap my own steaks, roasts and chili meat. I take the other cleaned and trimmed meat in to have burger, salami and polish sausage made. RR

Jon, Welcome. http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunting_units.shtml In 17, I would try looking west of Camp Wood to the Baca Float Doug~RR

Kade, Can you share the story of the hunt with your dad? I like the effect of the black & white pics (not that a 113 needs any help). Doug~RR

Has anyone used a rock bag hung from the center post, or attached to the legs like shown here? http://www.dickblick.com/zz528/05/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5400...lity_Apron.html I had a small, light SLIK tripod with a plastic head (U-100?) and most of the vibration seen in the spotting scope came from the flex in the head. Doug~RR

His articles in Arizona Wildlfe Sportsman lead me to a few destinations here in Arizona. I am sure many were lead by his words. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/s...chobit1006.html

Don't forget to register for the coues buck contest, since you will be using a bullet . http://forums.coueswhitetail.com/forums/in...?showtopic=6293

I suspect they will be just fine on a cow elk. Is the 139 IB what you are loaded and sighted in for now? A good friend has used regular 130 coreloks from his 270 on many elk. Doug~RR