Red Rabbit

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.

Over on MM, Tony posted that the 22,00 was the number of applicants, not the total number of hunts applied for, per AZGFD. He is trying to get the number of hunts applied for.

Back in the early 1980s when I was living in South Texas, I motored across Falcon Lake along the Texas-Mexico border to the submerged, old town of Zapata in a 14' aluminum and 10 HP Johnson. I do not know if I'd make that trip today. I took a few black and white images, but have since lost the negatives. Here are edits of poor scans of the only two prints I have.

0.5" here in Kachina Village. Hope Tuesday night brings more.

I looked daily for a shell for my newer used truck. Looked on craigslist and facebook marketplace. Finally found one in Albuquerque much cheaper than new. Good luck with your search.

purrrrty nice. Congrats.

I was showing at the Tempe festival of the Arts this past weekend. I hope to get down next week, so Clover is also curious how the opener went.

Is anyone applying for a new/different unit for Coues this year? Is the reason for draw odds, success rate, different season, border issues, challenge of a new unit, wanderlust? Just curious.

A review of the Slik Sling popped up in my feed today. It looks to be a viable alternative to the Kifaru Gun Bearer which I have used for many years. The Slik sling appears similar to the Gun Bearer but the rifle is held behind the shoulder instead of in front. On my recent elk hunt, I forgot to attach the Gun bearer to my pack, and complained about having the rifle slipping on the shoulder with a regular sling every day. Figured I would pass along this option. https://www.creativeoutdoorsmt.com/products/slik-sling

I have been whacked in the head a few times by the barrel with the Kifaru Gun Bearer. (May explain a few things 😉🤪 )

woohoo! Congrats to your daughter and you. The intangibles of family time, memories, and bonding are great.