Red Rabbit

O'Leary webcam looking at Tunnel Fire north of Flag. https://fts360overwatch.com/event/77/6326

If you were to build your "perfect" custom rifle for Coues hunting only, how would you build it? Choice of action, barrel (brand, length, contour, twist), chambering, bullet choice, stock, trigger, magazine, scope mounts, scope. etc? Why would you choose those components?

Some roads on the Coconino NF are opening today 4/8/2022. Read the notice in link. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1010976

Other considerations may be: 1) the made in Japan Vortex HD LHT https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-razor-hd-lht-3-15x50-riflescope.html 2) Tract Toric 3-15x42 https://tractoptics.com/all-products/toric-uhd-3-15x42-bdc-rifle-scope or 2-10x42 https://tractoptics.com/all-products/toric-uhd-2-10x42-t-plex-rifle-scope Also made in Japan. I had the Tract 3-15 on my 28 Nosler which was sold in a fit of destitution. I liked the clarity and the reticle stood out well. No mechanical problems. Looked through a SHV 5-20 at Sportsmans. Took it outside with a Zeiss V4 for comparison. I and friend were completely unimpressed with the clarity/resolution of the Nightforce. Maybe it was a bad copy considering the good rep that NF has.

Nice walleye. That should be your yearly allowance of mercury 😉

Terminus Apollo Light- preference to a 60 degree bolt lift. Gunwerks Clymer- I like the negative comb and flatter toe line. With Arca tripod mount. BDL floor as I dislike holding a stock with a DBM. Most grips with ambidextrous palm swells seem too fat for my small hands. I would have it film dipped in a walnut grain as I prefer nicely grained wood stocks. Bartlein 2b 22" 1-7.5" 5R. Threaded for suppressor. Black nitrided. I thought of a CF wrapped barrel, but still like the look of nice wood and blued metal. 6.5 SAUM - I have a 6.5 WSM and like its ballistics. Better quality brass should be available for the SAUM. Triggertech Diamond. Tangent Theta 3-15x50 LRH I have a Winchester 70 Super Grade in 6.5 WSM, but find it a little heavy approaching 10 pounds scoped.

Was Berger able to give you any data if you contacted them?

I would order some 180 grain Hammer Hunters. They are easy to develop a load for and are not very seating depth sensitive. https://hammerbullets.com/product/308-cal-180-hammer-hunter/ There are many you-tube videos of Hammer Hunter gel tests. After the petals break off and diverge like shrapnel into the tissues, the shank has a flat front like a destructive wadcutter. I have used the 124 HH from my 6.5 WSM on cow elk the past two falls and have been happy with the results. Both shanks have exited with behind the shoulder shots. I did find a petal under the offside hide of the first cow, I did the gutless method so no internal autopsy was made.

Makes one want to do all firearm transactions through a dealer so one does not unknowingly buy from or sell to a felon.

I would think a women's backpack or daypack from Osprey or Gregory in a neutral color would fit more comfortably than a regular men's hunting pack.

The last hunt for antelope was back in 2010 up in Wyoming when I drew a permit in unit 64. I have been putting in for points since and now have 11, so figure it is time to cash in the chips. I have been looking at draw odds, access, % public land, trophy quality, yada yada, and have not made a decision yet. Will see what the rest of the winter in Wyoming brings- hopefully mild. (I have 15 points for antelope in AZ, but all know that won't get you a cup of coffee). Photo is of the 2010 Wyoming antelope. The blaze cap was swapped out for photo purposes. Anyone else chomping at the bit for an antelope permit?

Winter may bring a white sugary coating on the red sandstone of Sedona maybe once or twice a winter. The last week of February had one such occurrence. I had not photographed the snow there in a few years, so with the storm coming, I made my way down the hill from Flagstaff to Sedona so as not to get blocked by closed highways. The snowstorm broke around sunset and the vortex hill by the airport provided a great vantage to catch the light in many directions. Dawn of the next morning brought soft light and mostly clear skies as just a few clouds formed over the peaks. Cold but beautiful. The complete album of these snowy Sedona images may be seen larger and with higher resolution on my photo website. https://www.plateaulightphotography.com/New-Work/White-on-the-Red-Rocks/

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I noticed that CameraLand has a daily flash sale and the Kowa 15-45x55 Prominar is $224 off (ends Feb 6, 2022). Arguably the best compact spotter. Just a heads up if anyone wants to treat themselves for Valentines Day 😉 Wish my wallet was flush. https://cameralandny.com/daily-flash-sale

congrats on the pistola fun with your hunting dog

Look at the last two columns on each page of the report. https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/archive/Bonus-Point-Report-2021-Elk-Pronghorn-Draw.pdf

FFP or SFP? Budget?

For 6a October rifle cow, you'll need about 7 BP to be in the bonus pass. With 3 bp, I think your chances are about 4%.

https://www.brownells.com/reloading/brass/rifle-brass/300-prc-brass-prod138888.aspx?avs|Cartridge_1=CDL_300%2bPRC

Ouch. Hope the gear is recovered or he gets restitution. More reason to remove all hunting/shooting decals off our vehicles and take valuables into the room at night.

Lance, I always enjoy reading your detailed hunt stories of NM antelope. DCM, heck of a buck. Looks tall, good mass above the prongs , and nice prongs. Bet he scored well. Have you posted a hunt story? Big Browns - that handrifle buck has a nice Roman nose to go with his horns.

What is the max points for antelope? 27 or 28?

I have had that late 9 hunt a handful of times. I must have been looking at the wrong trees as a 400 bull was not behind every one. Seems many glass up at the Coconino rim from the basin below- take a number like a bakery. I try to find openings without a road going through it as road hunters are numerous.

What Swaros did you decide upon?

Merry Christmas. Hope Santa puts a 2022 hunting license in your stocking.