Red Rabbit

Scott, Did y'all get to take the hot air balloon ride? Sounded like a great vantage to see the country. Doug

What are some tricks and practical jokes that you have pulled, or of which you've been the victim, when at hunting camp. While we wait for draw results, some idle minds are at play. RR

All of my hunting camps have been too serious. About 30 years ago, before Bob Hirsch wrote of the Black River and enticed the multitudes, three of us hiked down from the Pump Station for a few days. My sleeping bag had been re-rolled by "friends" to carry a bottle of wine. Fortunately, I got to drink the wine, as they decided they didn't like it. They got to carry out the empty bottle, and a few rocks that kept getting stufffed in their packs from behind on the hike out. The best reward was that they each thought that the other was bringing their food, so they lived on fish and bread for a few days. I did share the scraps of the steak, baked potato, and german chocolate cake I had (just enough shared to suppress a mutiny and being pummeled). I think each bought about $20 worth of burgers and fries at the DQ in Globe on the drive home. RR

Judging by the number of tickets sold, elk and deer seem to be more popular than bighorn (maybe it was the units available to hunt sheep and/or the ticket cost) The guy who won the elk tag posted on bowsite that he thinks he only purchased two tickets for elk. I'd say he beat the odds big-time. Thanks for posting the numbers, Scott. Half a million $$$ directly for wildlife!!!! RR

You ARE the luckiest guy in the world right now. Gonna lifesize that jiruff? RR

If A=B and B=C, then A=C. I know Josh and Josh knows you. But I don't know you I'm cornfused with your tracking device???

Sounds like you're off to a great start with the bow. Have you been able to make any of the 3-D shoots? Welcome to CWT.com Doug~RR

Someone posted elsewhere about Lowa boots on clearance, so I'm passing along the heads up. I ordered a pair of Tanarks to supplement my Lowa Tibets. I feel the Tibets are real comfortable and offer great support. Lowas are about a half size small, so order a half size larger. If you click on "add to cart" you can see what sizes are available for each model. Sizes are limited. http://www.lowaboots.com/ecatalog/salemain.cfm Doug~RR

These are the lucky winners: Antelope - Wallace Duncan, Flagstaff, AZ Black Bear - Pete Demassari, Chandler, AZ Buffalo - Andrew Pontious, Upland, CA Coues Whitetail - Olga Boido, Tucson, AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep - Gerald Carter, Caldwell, TX Elk - Gary Chiurazzi, Peoria, AZ Javelina - John Dardis, Jamestown, ND Mule Deer - Garel Westall, Carlsbad, NM Turkey - Harol Barton, Corbin, KY Swarovski Optics - Paul Lennon, Benson, AZ

BTT

The electrical tape across the muzzle will keep out the rain, snow and mud. The aluminum cleaning rod and patches are to push out the mud from the barrel when you forget to tape the muzz . RR

Here's my checklist. Hunting Daypack Checklist GAME DRESSING __ knife __ caping knife __ saw __ sharpening stone __ latex gloves __ nylon cord __ trash compactor bags OPTICS __ binos __ bino harness __ tripod __ tripod adapter __ lens cloth packets __ lens brush __ digital camera __ extra camera battery __ range finder __ black head cloth/drape FIRST AID KIT __ aspirin __ decongestant __ Benedryl __ TUMS __ Kaopectate tablets __ scissors __ tweezers __ bandaids __ wrap __ needle and thread __ gauze __ tape __ super glue __ mirror __ molefoam/moleskin __ + 2.5 readers EMERGENCY __ space blanket __ matches __ Bic lighter __ fuel tabs MISCELLANEOUS __ cell phone __ topo map __ GPS __ compass __ headlamp __ Luxeon flashlight __ foam seat __ extra lashing straps __ FRS radios __ hiking staff __ TP __ Wet Ones __ chapstick CLOTHES __ rain jacket __ rain pants __ extra socks __ jacket, beeny, gloves SHOOTING __ rifle __ sling __ shooting sticks __ ammo pouch __ Al rod, jag w/ patches __ electrical tape ARCHERY __ bow __ release __ Allen wrench set __ Balcon sling __ Bears feet __ camo blind cloth FOOD __ water __ Cytomax/Gatorade __ lunch __ snacks __ gum __ sherpa

I returned Sunday night from Sunrise. This was the first time I had been to this shoot, as I have always been invoved with the Max Hamilton shoot with Flagstaff Archers over the 4th of July. I think that Sunrise must be the premier shoot in AZ. The terrain, scenery, course layout, and shot difficulty were better than what I have experienced in the other shoots I've been to. Was able to shoot course 3 off the chair lift Sat morning before the competitve shoot at 11:30. After the competitive round on Sunday morning (finished about 2pm), I was shot out and did not make another run off the chair in the afternoon. Was fortunate to have missed the hail both days and only had a light sprinkle for a few minutes. One crack of thunder right above the trees Sunday morning did get our attention. Anyone else attend the Sunrise shoot and have a great time? Doug~RR

The elk are in the meadow by Kachina Village, 8 miles south of Flagstaff on I-17, hence the name.

BowNut- Good luck shooting around the lake this year. RR

A friend at camp mentioned the rain and hail on the noncomp courses, and I thought it was strange that the comp courses just caught a sprinkle. The one bolt of lightning and subsequent thunder directly overhead on Sunday did catch everyone's attention. I will make a great effort to attend next year also. Will try for all 3 days so I can hit more of the fun courses before the comp rounds. Freind and I shot a course off the chair lift Sat morn, and I think that really helped with the up/down angles on the comp courses. Shot a 176 both days on 3 & then 2. The BHH is in 2 1/2 weeks. Who here is gonna shoot for the buckles? Doug~RR

Tony- Thanks for the summary. The guy I'm going with said not to worry about the bears. He's only had one problem on a beach in over 20 years. But I hear and read of other side of the coin. Never had a problem backpacking in Yellowstone, Glacier, or the Black River. Doug

Tony, The NG Channel website did not indicate when that episode will reaire. What were the causes of the encounters? Did the hunter return to the kill site that a bear had claimed? Did the bear answer the dinner shot/bell quickly? were they hunting alone and no one on lookout? Ambushed in the alders carrying meat? Sow and cubs? Doug

BowNut, Which competitive courses did you shoot? I shot 3 Sat and 2 Sunday. The uphill/downhill on 3 required a lot of thought. Really liked the black bear shot (#13?) on course 2 which was across the creek by a boulder. Not the hardest to judge yardage, but a nice setup. RR

Allen, I was going to ask you to give a story about your kodiak hunt, but Tony has the query out already. I too am going in October, the 20-28, and it'll be the first time to AK. Good luck, Tony. They say this could be the best year in many, due to the long string of mild winters. How are you going to be hunting the island and what part? Doug~RR

I just purchased a pair of Leica Duovids from Doug @ Cameraland. Service was fast, friendly and the best. It will be worth contacting him when considering a purchase. Doug~RR

Minox BD 15x58 ED Binoculars $570 shipped/insured http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/s...0&page=0#891673 Doug~RR

The fire was about 50,000 acres this morning and has consumed almost half of the east side nearing Kane Canyon. There was the fire near Saddle mountain several years ago and it greened up well in a year. Lotsa new aspens. http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/262/403/ http://inciweb.org/incident/pictures/full/262/639/

Guess de cat's outta da bag now RR

How is hunting over a waterhole in Africa different than in Arizona? I have not been to Africa, so cannot say, other than what is shown on the hunting shows. Bill, your comment caught my eye, and caused me to question what we consider as acceptable in AZ. Some question the ethics of baiting with corn, beets or alfalfa, but perhaps a salt block next to water hole is no worse. I've placed salt and bowhunted deer and elk next to water. Found the stand to be more effective, but boring. I would rather stillhunt, call, or spot-n-stalk. My first hunting was in south Texas 25 years ago next to a Sweeny corn flicker in an oat patch, but started to prefer to still hunt the edges after a few years. Doug~RR