Outdoor Writer

SOLD

I want someone to own this book besides me. I cut the price in half! NOW ONLY $75

This copy of the 287-pg. 1973 Gun Digest -- Book of Knives by B. R. Hughes, Jack P. Lewis is in very good condition. SOLD I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback in Glendale, AZ or shipped at buyer's expense ($3.50).

SOLD

THE KAIBAB NORTH DEER HERD. ITS HISTORY, PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT. A RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT STUDY by John Russo is one book that I have used over the years because it contains a lot of great history and info about the North Kaibab. Lots of old B&W photos in it as well. The195-pg. paperback was published in January, 1964 by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept. and is no longer available other than in the used variety. My copy is still in good to very good shape. SOLD I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Can be picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback in Glendale, AZ or shipped at buyer's expense ($3.50).

SOLD

This copy of the 295-pg. Campfires and Game Trails: Hunting North American big game by Craig Boddington is in like-new condition. SOLD I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Can be picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback in Glendale, AZ or shipped at buyer's expense ($3.50).

Always enjoy sharing, especially when I enjoyed the actual doing. 🤣

Yup. Some of what I have came from there, including a very nice Bachman Durango-Rio Grande locomotive that's brand new in the box, similar to the one below. I also have a set of the Durango-Rio Grande cars like the real one pictured below.

Here's one of my covers with Jim "Earnest" Varney.

Yeah, I know. Bob Robb lives in AZ now, somewhere in the Catalina's I think. Haven't talked to him in years, tho. He was also on the antelope hunt on the Hualapai Res. with Craig and me. I also hunted blacktail witrh Robb at a neat old lodge near Eureka, CA. It had been a hotel along the stage trail.

I figured Craig had likely highlighted his hunt(s) with Duwane, who has taken quite a few writers on their first Coues hunts. Probably one of the most interesting characters I've shared a "camp" with was the late Jim "you know what I mean, Vern'" Varney. The man was a literal hoot in person. At my first Buckmaster's, one morning Varney, Steve Bartkowski (ex. GreenBay Packer QB), our driver/guide and I were driving out to our stands. I didn't even have a clue who Varney was at that point., but we were in tears from laughing so hard. Like an idiot, I said, "You're a funny guy. What do you do for a living?" He told me he made commercials and played in a few movies geared to younger folks. So that night, I called home as is my routine when traveling, and my daughter answered. I asked her if she knew who Jim Varney was. Without a second of hesitation, she says, "Of course. He plays Earnest in the movies." Right then, I really felt embarassed. Now here's the cool part. Varney hunted with a traditional straight wooden bow and cedar arrows., and he was an excellent shot with it, too. At every Buckmaster's, they had a skills contest with teams made up of four people. It was usually one of the local guides, two celebs & an outdoor writer. Then they would compete in all sorts of firearms & archery disciplines, ATV course, canoeing, axe/knife throwing and more. The archery was generally at pop-up deer targets at various distance. That's what Varney did and usually hung right in there with the compound guys. I did the rifle portion twice, which involved shooting from a treestand at pop-up deer from 40 to 200 yards away. Sometimes a doe would come up in front of a buck. Thus a shot would become a deduction. I won it one year and came in 2nd behind Jody Davis, the Atlantic Braves' catcher, one year. Another neat Buckmaster regular was NASCAR great, the late Davey Allison. One year, we bunked together and did a lot of talking. The late Dale Earnhardt and team owner Richard Childress also attended, but Dale was kind of cool with people. The biggest a$$ was, IMO of course, Wade Boggs. He was a heavy drinker and got pretty obnoxious at times. One night he was in a high stakes poker game with a couple other baseball guys and a pro golfer, and they nearly went to the mat with Boggs because of his attitude. I do still have an autographed baseball from him, however. Lastly, being an outdoor writer ceratinly had its perks, but even the best never got filty rich. Most of the magazines are paying the same rates now that they were when I first got into the business in the early 1970s. But some of the benefits were immeasurable. For several years, the Canadian consulate in LA comped all my airfare, licenses, etc. for hunting & fishing forays into Canada. I also had a good relationship with Alaska Airlines for comped flights, usually in first class. That was the first and only time I sampled goose liver pate. YUCK!

I wouldn't doubt it. He has hunted with Duwane a couple times, and I think I even included a photo in our book. I've known Craig since his days at Petersen's Hunting and have hunted with him -- once for antelope on the Hualapai Res. and a couple times at the Buckmaster's Classic in Alabama. He's a class act and one of the finer dudes around. Oh, and the book sold on another site a few minutes ago. 😉

I owned a Browning A-bolt in the 1980s. Got it specifically for a grizzly hunt in BC. Never saw a boar grizz but did shoot two black bears with the .338, using 225-gr Winchester factory loads; both DRT. Farthest was about 100 yds, however. One (r.) was over 7' from nose to tail. It was the only time I used anything but my .264 WM for a BC bear. I eventually sold the rifle and some ammo to a local Phoenix dude who later used it in a stand off with the Phx police. Fortunately, no one was injured in that fiasco. When I saw the news article, I called the police because the original sale would show me as the buyer, but I had a signed bill of sale showing the transfer to the dingaling. Nothing ever came of it.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 15, 2020 Quail outlook: All signs point to best season in several years Back-to-back wet winters have bolstered Gambel's population PHOENIX — Arizona quail hunters will be glad to know — in fact, they should be thrilled — that the 2020-21 season is shaping up to be average. That’s right, average. And that’s tremendous news heading into Friday’s season opener for Gambel’s, scaled and California quail. “Taking everything into account, this will be a great season compared to what we have experienced in the last 15 or more years,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “But taking the long view on this one — and the older, seasoned quail hunters will agree — this season will actually be what an average year used to look like in Arizona.” O’Dell points to consecutive winters that saw above-average precipitation, which gives the state’s Gambel’s quail population a much-needed boost. As a result, spring call counts were off the charts. All of the long-term survey routes in southern Arizona reported numbers up to twice the recent 10-year average. The newer routes in central and northwestern parts of the state posted their highest numbers yet, with most being twice as high as those recorded in the past five years. The bottom line: These are numbers not seen since the 1990s. “Our added winter moisture and active calling period led to a very long nesting and hatching season, starting in late April and extending into early summer, with chicks hatching as late as early July,” O’Dell said. “From a population standpoint, we are out of a deficit for the first time since 2001-2002. Quail are starting to pop up in places they haven’t been seen in a while. “If you’ve never had the chance to experience what Arizona quail hunting built its name on, then this would be the year to get out and enjoy it.” Meanwhile, hunters should note that the season for Mearns’ quail doesn’t begin until Dec. 4. It’s summer rainfall that plays a key role in nesting success and population numbers of this species. After a spotty and relatively weak monsoon across southern Arizona, these birds are likely to be abundant only in pockets that received sufficient precipitation this summer. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. A youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is $5. The general bag limit is 15 quail per day in the aggregate, of which no more than eight may be Mearns’ quail (when the Mearns’ season opens Dec. 4). The general possession limit is 45 quail in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 Gambel’s, scaled or California quail in the aggregate may be taken in any one day. After the opening of the Mearns’ season, the 45-quail possession limit may include 24 Mearns’ quail, of which no more than eight may be taken in any one day. More quail-hunting information can be found on the department’s website at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/. Another resource for both new and experienced hunters alike is “An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game.” Written by Randall D. Babb, the 196-page, full-color book covers where and how to hunt small game birds (like quail), squirrels, rabbits, ducks and geese. It also includes how to prepare and cook your harvest, with illustrations and recipes. The book can be ordered for $16.95 at www.azgfd.gov/publications. Finally, hunters should check out O’Dell’s techniques for field-dressing quail at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gRwZAcWzzk.

Double sleeping bag with down comforter. Nested spoon position. 😉

I might have some Federal .300 WM 180s but inot Accubond. I'll have to go out in my office tomorrow and check.

This 1965 Cartridges of the World by Frank Barnes is the first edition of many for this title. The 50+ yr. old copy I have is in very good condition, considering its age. SOLD I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Can be picked up near 67th Ave. & Camelback in Glendale or shipped at buyer's expense.

Yup. Very thorough. Although this older version doesn't have many of the newer cartridges in it, it's still a good reference tome.

Fishing Report Buy a license November 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Department Stocking schedules are posted The winter trout stocking schedule for state waters is posted in the Fishing Section of the AZGFD website. The final catfish stockings of the season for Community Fishing Program waters took place last week. Rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked in Community waters this week. The Community Fishing Program stocking schedule can be found in the Fishing Section of the AZGFD website. If you haven’t been out yet this fall, check out our Fall Fishing Forecast for different regions of the state. Incentivized Harvest of brown trout begins Nov. 11 Joint News Release - National Park Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department MARBLE CANYON, Ariz. — The National Park Service (NPS) and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) are working with partners and seeking the public’s help in addressing the threat of brown trout in the Colorado River. Beginning Nov. 11, 2020, the National Park Service at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will implement an Incentivized Harvest, a pilot research program, to reduce the growing population of brown trout in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. The Incentivized Harvest will reward anglers $25 for each brown trout over 6 inches that is caught and removed from the river. The brown trout population in the Lees Ferry Reach has steadily increased since 2014. As adults, brown trout primarily feed on other fish, potentially threatening downstream native fish species. The goal of this program is to determine if an Incentivized Harvest can help manage and reduce the number of brown trout in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and the mouth of the Paria River. The initial research into the use of this tool is designed to last three to four years at which time the program will be evaluated for its effectiveness. There is no limit on the number of brown trout that can be retained and turned in for a reward in the Incentivized Harvest. To be eligible for the reward, anglers must follow the guidelines available here: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/brown-trout-harvest.htm (scroll down to the "How to Participate" section). Anglers must have a valid Arizona fishing license. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed. Details on the Arizona Game and Fish Department angling regulations for this area can be found at: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/regulations. The National Park Service reviewed this population management tool as part of the Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan Environmental Assessment and associated Finding of No Significant Impact, which are available at the Park Planning Website. Development of the Incentivized Harvest was accomplished in close coordination with cooperating agencies and partners including the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USGS Grand Canyon Research and Monitoring Center, several traditionally associated American Indian Tribes, angling groups, and many other stakeholders. The Glen Canyon Conservancy is assisting in managing monthly payments to anglers. Biologists and volunteers successfully stock Gila trout in Marijilda and Frye creeks Staff from AZGFD’s Native Trout and Chub program, along with other staff from AZGFD, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and volunteers from organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Arizona Wildlife Federation, successfully stocked Gila trout in both Marijilda and Frye Creeks in mid October. A total of 250 Gila trout (Whiskey Creek lineage) were stocked into the upper section of Marijilda Creek, while 500 (South Diamond lineage) were stocked in the lower section of Marijilda Creek. At Frye Creek, 300 Gila trout (South Diamond) were successfully stocked. This was the second consecutive year of Gila trout stockings in Frye Creek following the Frye Fire in 2017, which eliminated the Gila trout population at that time. Left photo: Joshua A. caught this bass at Arivaca Lake, released it, and entered it into the challenge. Right photo: Bradley H. caught this 50-pound flathead out of the Arizona Canal, released it, and entered it into the challenge.. Participate in the Arizona HAWG Bass or Fat Cat challenges Anglers are encouraged to participate in the Arizona HAWG Bass and Fat Cat challenges. These incentive-based, citizen-science conservation rewards programs are designed to encourage anglers to learn about and pursue large bass or catfish while emphasizing immediate live release of individual fish that exceed a designated weight or length. Goals of the program include: conservation through catch-and-release of the largest, oldest fish; generation of excitement among anglers about Arizona fishing opportunities; collection of valuable information through citizen-science that can help inform bass and catfish conservation efforts; and sharing of information about fishing opportunities and destinations to make fishing more enjoyable. For details on how to participate in either of these challenges, visit https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/challenge/. Tips The warm days of this week will give way to much cooler temperatures, with a good chance of precipitation over this weekend, especially in the high country. With falling water temperatures, largemouth bass and flathead catfish have started feeding more heavily in preparation for winter. Top baits during early morning can include Rat-L-Traps (great for colder weather) in silver, spinnerbaits, and, during late mornings, 1/4-ounce Texas rigged brush hogs. Jigging spoons is a technique that has picked up and will continue to be an effective way to hook bass in deeper water through the winter. These spoons mimic falling shad. Bass will be feeding relatively heavily until water temperatures fall into the low 50s and bass metabolism slows. Fall is one of the best times of year to fish for trout. Kaibab Lake near Williams is still fairly full after being stocked with 42,000 rainbow trout in the spring. Anglers are having the best success using lures, flies, PowerBait and worms. The campground is closed. The road to Ashurst Lake southeast of Flagstaff is open and has been stocked with 53,000 trout so far this year. As with Kaibab Lake, anglers are having success using lures, flies, PowerBait and worms to catch trout. The campground is closed. Oak Creek was stocked with rainbow trout in late October. The campground and picnic areas are open. Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek were also stocked in late October. For Lake Powell information, see Wayne Gustaveson's latest report (Oct. 28). Angler reports For each edition of the Fishing Report, we'll select some photos and reports submitted by members of the angling public either through the Fish AZ Facebook Group or through the bfishing@azgfd.gov email address. If you'd like your photo/report considered for publication here, please indicate the species, place, date, name (we only publish first name and last initial), and any other information you'd like to provide. For more photos (including new photos each day), visit the Fish AZ Facebook Group. Joaquin A.'s wife Brandi caught this big ol' crappie at Roper Lake near Safford earlier this week. Daniel J. sent us this photo of a 13.8-pound flathead his wife caught. Great catch! Mark D. shared a photo he took during a recent fishing trip. “Cool find today," he said. "Not something you see every day.” Isis C.'s son catches his first fish ever. Good job, buddy! . Eric Van E. posted this photo with his son on a trip to Roosevelt Lake last Saturday. Bill A. said, "Leaving this beautiful Verde Valley. Had a great time fishing the Verde in my float tube. Will be back next fall." Donald H. got this nice channel catfish at Canyon Lake last week. Andrew A. caught some trout up at Silver Creek over the weekend. Waters being stocked this week (Nov. 2-6) with rainbow trout: Southeastern waters: Roper Lake, Dankworth Pond, Patagonia Lake North Central waters – Fain Lake, Frances Short Pond, Dead Horse Lake, Oak Creek, West Clear Creek, Wet Beaver Creek. Community Fishing Program waters: Phoenix area - Alvord Lake, Bonsall Pond, Chaparral Lake, Copper Sky Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert Breeze Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Evelyn Hallman Pond, Festival Fields Pond, Friendship Pond, Kiwanis Lake, Mansel Carter Oasis Lake, Pacana Pond, Paloma Lake, Papago Ponds (1, 2 and 3), Pioneer Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Riverview Lake, Roadrunner Pond, Steel Indian School Park, Surprise Lake, Veteran’s Oasis Lake. Tucson area - Silverbell Park, Kennedy Lake, Sauharita Lake, Lakeside Lake. Prescott area – Yavapai Lakes. Casa Grande area - Dave White Regional Park Pond. Payson area - Green Valley Lake. Yuma area - Council Avenue Pond, Fortuna Pond, Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex (PAAC) Pond, Yuma West Wetlands Pond. Video: Stocking Gila trout When stocking Gila trout into Arizona's rivers and pools, you can't just pull up a stocking truck and open the flood gates! Watch as Sam Simmons hand-stocks some beautiful, catchable-sized Gilas into the East Verde River. View the video. Save time, buy your license online Need your fishing license or hunt/fish combo license? It’s easy to do online. Simply visit https://www.azgfd.com/license/ to view the license options and fees, then select “Buy a License Online” (or directly visit https://license.azgfd.com/). Remember, your purchase of a fishing or hunt/fish combo license helps conserve all species of fish and wildlife and provides funding that goes back into fishing opportunities. Thank you, anglers! Arizona fishing opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It was created through the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) and the Wallop-Breaux amendments of 1984. Through a federal excise tax paid by manufacturers on fishing gear and motorboat fuels, it provides grant funds for fishery conservation, boating access, and aquatic education.

Huh? I've already posted three in this very thread and also put up a video of one kill. 🙄

This video is one of the bucks killed in Duwane's camp, supposedly at 600 yards. You can literally see the bullet trail just before it nails the deer. https://www.facebook.com/100010782306878/videos/1274861402883258/

The only disconcerting news is that my hunting and fishing days are done. I'll be 79 in a few days and will likely not see another presidential election, given my medical issues. As for the liquidation of many years of buying, hoarding, collecting and receiving, it's the best way for me to bequeath to my three kids; splitting cash three ways is a lot easier than trying to decide who gets what tangible asset. Phil Dalrymple is Tom's son. So if he lives in the Tucson Mts., that's him. 😉