Outdoor Writer

I don't think I have either of them.

Well, you're going to see a LOT more books for sale here in the future. In my office behind one of the desks is a 10' long wall that is all bookcase from floor to ceiling (about 80 sq. feet) , and the shelves are literally overflowing with mostly hunting, fishing and firearms related tomes. Right now, I'm concentrating more on the collectable types. So stay tuned....😎

It's been many years since I had contact with either of them. Not sure if they are even still around. Tom was quite instrumental in promoting bowhunting in AZ. I might be wrong, but I think he was one of the founders of the AZ Bowhunting Assoc. Larry was big into real estate.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 5, 2020 2021 spring hunt draw results available now Hunters can check portal account, or by phone PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has completed its random draw for 2021 spring hunts for turkey, javelina, bison and bear, and raptor capture. The results are now available for those who have a free AZGFD portal account, or by calling the department at (602) 942-3000, pressing “2” and following the prompts. Be prepared to provide a Social Security or Department ID number, and date of birth. This service is free. To open a portal account, visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete the required fields. A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. For questions about creating a portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.” By the numbers: 31,564: The total number of hunt permit-tags issued. 67,786: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points. 42,807: The total number of applications submitted. All hunt permit-tags are expected to be mailed by Dec. 4.

150 copies aren't a lot of books. They'll surely be collector's items years from now. I wonder how many of the one I have were printed. There are a few on Amazon for $98 used on up.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 5, 2020 A reminder to share the outdoors Arizona's public lands one of state's greatest attractions PHOENIX — A question that comes up from time to time, particularly during hunting seasons, is who has the right-of-way when recreating outdoors on Arizona’s 50 million acres of public land? It’s a one-word answer: Everybody. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds all outdoor user groups that the state’s vast and treasured public lands sustain multiple uses for enjoyment by hunters, hikers, anglers, mountain bikers, wildlife photographers, campers, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders and more. As the pandemic continues to wear on, even more people are headed outdoors as a means of coping with the challenges of the health crisis. To that point, different users are bound to bump into each other from time to time. All encounters should be handled with politeness and respect, of course. A simple “hello” or wave of the hand often can suffice. A cheerful exchange, if only for a moment or two, can leave both users with a good feeling, even though they might not be sharing in the same recreational activity. Arizona’s hunters already know that conducting themselves respectfully and responsibly in the field only strengthens public opinion of their time-honored tradition. With hunting seasons in full swing, AZGFD offers these basic reminders: Show respect for other outdoor user groups. They share the same rights as you do to use the land. If you encounter users who are engaged in recreational activities other than your own, be polite. Be willing to make conversation and share information. Offer assistance if needed or requested. Be courteous to non-hunters when transporting game from the field. Transport animals discreetly. For questions about outdoor recreation opportunities in the state’s national forests, contact the appropriate land-management agency: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: (928) 333-4301. Coconino National Forest: (928) 527-3600. Coronado National Forest: (520) 388-8300. Kaibab National Forest: (928) 635-8200. Prescott National Forest: (928) 443-8000. Tonto National Forest: (602) 225-5200. Bureau of Land Management (BLM): (602) 417-9200.

Thank You!! BUT...something weird is going on. Even a 'google' search on the title comes up empty. Same for Amazon. I guess it's even rarer than the title I have. 🤣 I did find his phone #, so maybe I'll give him a call.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 4, 2020 BASF urges archery customers to save time, pay online No more cash payments accepted at "iron ranger" PHOENIX — The Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) urges all archery customers to pay their $8 daily fee online at https://bookben.azgfd.com/, or in person at the OneAZ Credit Union Pavilion. The fee collection box, or “iron ranger,” will no longer be available near the archery range entrance for archers to deposit their daily fee. The archery range is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Archers must be able to show their receipt (digital or paper) while at the range. Youth under 17 are free. As a reminder, customers and staff are required to wear a face covering before entering any public building or restroom. A face covering is required for anyone who cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more. For information about BASF, visit www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF or call (623) 582-8313.

Okay, I searched all over and can't find that 2nd book. Any idea of the title????

It's been many years since I last spoke with him. Good to hear he's still kicking. Us older guys have to root for each other.

I used my RCBS press for many years with it mounted to a 2' long 2"x6" and two C-clamps to secure it. Same for the powder measure and a case trimmer.

Pat was plain funny whether he was writing or not.

Another from Duwane's camp...

No, you need to go back to my first reply and reread it as written. I said nothing about being "against" trolling.

Not quite sure what you're asking..clarify if you can figure it out.

I didn't know West, but knew Whitaker quite well. I was part of an ethics committee that had to toss him out of the Outdoor Writers Assoc. of American for his poaching conviction many, many years ago. He died about 5 years ago, I think.

Used to troll quite a bit when my kids were growing up and weren't real good with the casting techniques. It's also a good way to keep a lure in the pond while eating lunch. The most boring trolling is using a down-rigger as I did for lake trout at a DIY lodge in the Yukon one time. It was the only way to get an edible lure really deep, like in the 60' range. But I managed to catch a few lakers over 25 lbs. that way. The one on my wall was 34#. Now, I'm racking my brain trying to remember who Roy West is?????

I know Rambo is still around. I just didn't know about Art. I have a neat metal sculpture of a crappie on the wall in my office that Kurt gave me. I don't believe he made it, though.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 2, 2020 Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel shows promising rebound Back to triple digits after wildfire caused significant habitat, species loss PHOENIX — Three years after their habitat was nearly wiped out by the 2017 Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, an annual survey of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel shows an exciting and notable increase in their population. The annual survey, conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coronado National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Arizona Center for Nature Conservation – Phoenix Zoo, and the University of Arizona, resulted in a minimum estimate of 109 squirrels. This is the first time the population has returned to the triple digits since they were severely impacted by the Frye Fire. In 2016, there were an estimated 252 squirrels. Immediately following the Frye Fire estimates dropped to a mere 33 individuals. Typical ranges since 2000 fall between 200 and 300 squirrels. “Mount Graham red squirrels have faced some significant, daunting challenges since their habitat was severely damaged by the Frye Fire,” said Tim Snow, AZGFD terrestrial wildlife specialist. “The data suggests that while the fire was devastating to red squirrel habitat and their overall population, this is truly a resilient species. "Even though much work still must be done to help conserve and protect this squirrel to ensure its continued recovery, seeing this growth is extremely promising and a signal that our conservation efforts are working.” This annual red squirrel survey consisted of visiting all known middens, which are areas where red squirrels store or cache their cones. Activity at these middens is used to estimate the population size. “The squirrels are teaching us about their resiliency and how they respond to altered and even devastated habitat,” said Jeff Humphrey, USFWS Arizona Ecological Services field supervisor. “The survey results are a ray of hope in our partnership efforts to address their post-fire habitat needs.” The subspecies was listed as endangered in 1987. Mount Graham red squirrels live only in the upper elevation conifer forests of the Pinaleño Mountains and feed primarily on conifer seeds. This subspecies is highly territorial and has lower reproductive rates than red squirrels in other locations. “The Safford Ranger District is pleased to see an upward trend in numbers for the Mount Graham red squirrel," said George Garcia, Safford District Ranger for the Coronado National Forest. "This is very encouraging as we move forward in working with our partners and community in ensuring the long-term health and resiliency of the squirrel. We work together to actively manage and restore forest conditions for the benefit of all the species on Mount Graham.” Long-term impacts to Mount Graham red squirrels and their habitat include high-intensity wildfires and associated insect infestations, possible competition with Abert's squirrels and poor cone crops caused by drought, all of which influence population size. Biologists continue to explore new methods to conserve and protect the species, including continued squirrel research, developing long-term forest management strategies across the fire-impacted landscape such as re-seeding and planting coniferous trees, and a managed care breeding program.

Obviously, you can troll anytime you wish. It doesn't change any of my thoughts about trolling. And yes, I've fished with Kurt several times. I've interviewed Art but not Leroy. Is Art still kicking??? And before you ask, we never trolled, just plain ol' jigging Berkley Power Grubs. This one wound up as a cover from 'researching' with Rambo for "Crappie 101" article....

Nah. It's always fun sparring with those with no brains....

Save your breath...You'll need it to blow up your date.

Aaah, but that's mucho better than the stuff you put in your mouth and elsewhere.... Still waiting...post 'em up.

As I told what's his name, I've been fishing and catching for decades..here's a sample from ARIZONA from early 1970s. All (maybe 6 or 7) except one were caught by me using a white spinnerbait in the brush. I have some other AZ pix on my older computer that went belly up two months ago.

Oh please, don't lecture me on how to fish. I've been doing it for about 70 years now and likely started while you were still soiling your diapers. And yes, that includes a LOT of trolling over those many years. That's how I know it's about like hunting over bait, which produces the same kind of BS: But you have to carry all that corn or salt, then know where to put it, and then you need to pile it just right...etc., etc. Reminds me of a trip my wife and I made to Roosevelt in the mid 60s. I owned a 12' Mirrorcraft at the time with little 5 hp. McCullogh motor on it. We were fishing with plastic worms off the points. The catching was a bit slow, so Ellen decided to read her book. But she left her worm to trail behind the boat. Over the next hour and through no fault of her own, she hooked three fish -- each, when I fired up the motor to move. She never let me forget her 'expertise' at worming that day.