Chef

Stellar write up. Like TJ, I wasn't getting off the computer until I finished reading your story! Way to document the hunt with so many pictures and I know you'll come back for years and re-read it, over and over. Good job. First off, Congratulations to your Sarah. That's a heck of a monster buck!!! Love the big smiles after it's all said and done. She's following in your footsteps nicely and I know you must be very proud. Secondly, good on you for taking your daughters out with you. I always find it funny how we take the obligatory "asleep in the woods" pictures when we're with the young ones. before you know it, they'll be the ones behind the glass all day. To finish, nice kudos you give to AZG&P crew. You hit the nail on the head when saying that things don't always work out as planned when hiring outfitters. It's nice to see when guides want the big bucks as much as (if not more) than the clients. I've heard nothing but great things about these guys from friends that know what they are talking about. I'm happy to hear they continue to put the hard work in. Thanks for sharing your story, time had passed and I though we had read all about everyone's successes already. Your post sure breaks the "non-hunting season blues" that the forum has been experiencing.

Don't forget to purchase your lifetime hunting license before you leave. I know you'll be back someday, and good for you for taking advantage of a great opportunity to advance your career. Remember to let us know if you'll be getting together before you take off.

X2!

Great buck! I really love the pose.

Thanks again to all of our service members active duty and veterans. Donation sent. Enjoy the banquet!

Hope you enjoy your day Steve! (rthrbhntng) Thanks for all you do in regards to wildlife conservation! Hope this coming year brings you some good fortune and even better health.

I've been meaning to post this. It's an invitation from Jim deVoss of the department. I know not everyone can make it as it's during the week and may be far from some people. It takes me a good hour+ to get there but will do my best to attend. I like to be able to give my two cents when applicable and stay in touch whenever I can. -Chef "...This is the first notice for the next Sportsmen Open Forum which will be held on May 21, 2014 at 6 – 8 PM in the Eagle Room of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters. We will have an interactive session to discuss issues that the Department sees as important to our constituencies. There will be time for open dialogue with those who would like to discuss issues that are of concern and/or importance to sportsmen. The Department is committed to a bi-monthly program of Sportsmen’s Forums. To ensure a more effective forum, members of the Department’s Executive Team will facilitate the meeting. If you are aware of other sportsmen and women who should attend, please pass this invitation on to them…it is an open forum. We really look forward to seeing you there. As always, we will be informal and depend on the audience to open discussions, but if there is any particular issue you would like more information on, please give me a call or an email so we can be prepared to provide the most current information possible." Jim deVos Assistant Director Wildlife Management Division Arizona Game and Fish Department

It was nice catching up with you Stan! We'll catch up soon. Trattoria Bianco is calling!

Was a good meeting. I applaud the department (AZGFD) for continuing to put forth efforts into two way communication between the public and themselves. The next open forum is July 9th and will be broadcast online, as the AZ big game super raffle (AZBGSR) drawing is conducted that night. They plan on streaming the open forum on rare occasions but prefer to address the public in person. From here on out, the department will implement a running status report of sorts, that will give updates on things they are working on, that the public has brought up at these meetings. They hope to begin their meetings with this topic, giving updates on things. Topics talked about included: -Amendments requested to the snare reintroduction lingo for trappers -No wake zone proposals in certain areas of Az lakes to assist with fisherman safety -Proposal for a limited otter season -Hunter orange for Southern units -Mexican Gray wolf management -Wildlife Initiatives -Heritage acquired property operation & maintenance -Eagles -Bonus point policy -Hug a Hunter In attendance were six AZGFD employees including director Voyles and assistant director DeVos. Also in attendance were two AZGFD commissioners, Jim Ammons and Pat Madden. So eight people representing the department were present to answer questions regarding everything wildlife in Az. From the public were eight individuals, and only two were not affiliated with a wildlife conservation group. I hope to see more and more people show up. We have some hard battles ahead of us in regards to battling the environmentalists and their agendas.

Hope you enjoy your day Coach!! Happy Birthday!

Hey Phil, did you keep it in the shop often?

This is tonight.

Awesome footage and what a great gift to have the hunt on video!

As always, great to see all the photos and new sheds! Nice to see some familiar faces with Keven, Jim, TJ & Peggy representin'! Love the shed towers...unreal.

Way cool.

Way to go Jaycie! WooHoo! You are well on your way to becoming quite the huntress. You have some great mentors like your Dad and Jimmy to show you the way. Before you know it, you'll have the AZ 10 under your belt! I love the part where you shoot the shotgun and you fall straight back! Ha! Been there, done that. You guys always have a fun time and I am so happy you scored your first turkey. Congratulations again!

Wow! What a hunt! The ranch looks awesome. The views from the ranch house are spectacular and I love how you were able to take trophy photos next to the horse drawn farm implements. Congratulations to all of you on the success. I know you all had a great time. Amanda and Peggy look like they sure did while bagging some sweet birds to boot. Hats off to Darr and Colburn on the hunt giveaway.

Kids are fun. They sure keep us grown ups entertained! Happy birthday to him.

Thanks for the update. Huge sigh of relief for you I bet! Big ol hug to your buddy!

Thanks Ron! 140 grain Accubonds & 140 grain VLD for a 270WSM.

Touché. That's a visual I did not need!

Hoping you reunite with your friend very soon. I look forward to your update with good news.

Ain't nothing wrong with French wine...or yoga pants.

That is one beautiful trophy! As others have said, how unique of a buck!

Love the way your dog even gets in on the action! Sounds like a great time was had.