Red Rabbit

Amanda, I just put that scope (VXIII 4.5-14x40 B&C) on a new 22-250, but have not worked up loads for the rifle so have not had a chance to use the B&C system. The large triangle is marked at 14 power, so you cannot turn it higher to match a flatter cartridge and use the 200 yard zero. As was said earlier, you would have to zero at 200 yards with your load and see where the bullet impacts at longer ranges when using the lower aiming marks. If you had a load in between the A and slower B groups, you could determine through trial and error where to turn the magnification ring between the two triangles to match your load. With big game shots around 400 yards, I would not bother with the parallax adjustment. If you were to shoot small, long range targets like prairie dogs, with your 270, I would get the PA. I'd get the 40mm objective. Depending in the barrel contour and scope positioning, you might be able to use low rings and get your face down and reduce recoil slap to the cheek. BTW, Leupold is coming out with a new Eclipse scope in 2006 where the bottom of the objective bell and lens is scalloped out to fit closer to the barrel. The option I would consider (in addition to or in lieu of the B&C) is to use the elevation adjustment dials as target turrets. The adjustment dials on the new VXIII are finger adjustable. With any load and a ballistics program, you can determine what elevation to adjust your scope for any range and condition. Turning the turret/dials can be done quickly in the field. A scope with target turrets is not necessary. Doug~RR

Coati season runs from Sep 1, 05 - March 31, 06 statrewide. See page 34 in the 05-06 AZ hunt regs. RR

I like his markings, dark and distinct. RR

Sounds like you have yourself a great opportunity. Give couesnut a shout. RR

Great story, Ernesto. I definitely herded those monster bucks your way, cuz I saw no monsters. Maybe you can arm wrestle Casey for teeniest buck honors. Be sure to send me your score sheet. RR

Scott, You got me pumped up for a trip after Thanksgiving day. Hope the weatherman is overly optimistic about rain this weekend. Virgil sure has grown. Did you work with him on the backing, or is he a natural wonder? Doug

Todd, Congrats to you and your friend on a nice pair of bucks. Were both bucks together when you and your friend shot them? Doug~RR

Jim, That's a heck of 2-point. Nice photo, also. Good luck to you and your wife on the 'bab. RR

Garth, nice buff. Is there a heavy coat in the plans? Doug~RR

Congrats on your last second muley. Since beer-thirty was so late, I guess you hiked in a ways. Doug~RR

Dave, Small world indeed. I came back to Flag on Tuesday afternoon to do some work this week; like you said it's about that responsibility thing. It's a long drive back down for me, but hope Seth can find you a bruiser if y'all get the chance to hunt this weekend. Of those bucks you saw, did you notice any lack of browtines? Hope you had a peaceful hunt with the canyon to yourself and the deer resumed some sense of normalcy in their patterns. Doug~RR

"... a tad too long." -Have the smith cut to proper length before putting on a good recoil pad. Be sure to check the grip to trigger length with your lil brother when you go to Sportsmans and check various guns. RR

AZ4Life- Don't be giving me any ideas now . Mike-It's a 5 hour trek down there from Flag. Unless I get a wild hair, I won't make it again this weekend. But hair grows quickly at times . There certainly were a bunch of those cows deer herded up by a saddle. A few real cooz deer walked by them at about 15 yards. I just don't want the range maggots (like that term, Mike) spooked and their stampede busting the deer to other counties. RR

The sun haz riz... the sun haz set... and I ain't seen no big buck yet... But I did get to pull the trigger and shoot some nice pics. RR

I'd like to hear the Paul Harvey rest of the story. Can't fathom that only a bounced check resulted in a felony. RR

105, Really nice! Good mass in both antlers and body. Were you able to age him via looking at his teeth? RR

How about the Remington 700 Mountain LSS in 7mm-08? Gun weighs only 4 oz more than the model 7, doesn't have a Tupperware stock, and has 2" more barrel length (50 fps faster and less muzzle blast). Better looking and handles nice. 7-08 has a greater selection of factory ammo and more bullet choices to handload. Better would be in 270 to chase coues and dream of Jack OC. Handload him reduced loads for practice or shoot Remington's Managed Recoil ammo. The 7-08 w/ 140's would give about 15 ft-lbs of recoil and the 270 w/ 130's would give 18 ft-lbs in the 700 Mtn LSS. RR

Tommy, Sounds like you and your sons have good time hunting together. Congrats to Tito on his buck. Is his right eye a little swollen? Hope you and Gabe also had good fortune. RR

Scott, Congrats on a successful hunt under some windy conditions. Great pics as usual. Good luck hunting monsters in December. Doug~RR

Turkey-unit 6B second hunt Javelina-unit 23 rifle Aside from the muzz hunt, we noticed that there are no javelina hunts in unit 8 for archery or rifle. Wonder why. RR

Chris, Really glad you got that buck after scouting him up. A definite reward. Was nice to meet you and Larry, and thanks for the dinner of antelope steaks and dutch oven cherry cobbler. How did the last morning's hunt go? Doug~RR

Good luck on your hunt. I use the no-gut method of field dressing. You can get all of the meat without having to pull guts and lungs, unless you want the heart and liver. Here's a link that shoes that method. I usually skin off the entire top side so there is no hide on th equarters. Do one side first and then roll it over. The tenderloins are located in front of the pelvic girdle and up under the last few floating ribs. You can reach in, push the guts away, and pull/carefully cut them out. http://huntingnut.com/index.php?name=News&...=article&sid=27 There is no gland that needs removing first. The tarsal gland on the inside of the rear hocks will be removed when you skin the knee joints to break/saw the legs there. Doug~RR

I will be in 23 the 4-8th. Don't exactly know where I'll be hunting, as I will look over a couple of new spots Friday. I'll be driving a Chevy regular cab with shell, both pewter/gold in color. Blue rear license plate and camo BOWHNTR plate up front. Just me and Rica, my GWP birddog. Good luck to you guys. Doug~RR

If the 11" includes the four circumference measurements on each antler, you did get a short spike. RR

Riley, Good job an a nice muley! RR