Outdoor Writer

Nice thoughts, Jimmer. 👍

Is that a Savage or Mossberg?

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 27, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department AZGFD investigating poaching of black bear north of Woods Canyon Lake Reward offered for information leading to an arrest PINETOP, Ariz. – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a female black bear that was killed between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6 north of Woods Canyon Lake in Game Management Unit 4A. The bear was killed and dumped off of Forest Road 169, east of Forest Road 300. The poacher attempted to hide the animal and left the meat to waste. Physical evidence was recovered from the scene. “Someone may have information about this case,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Manager Seth Sheer. “We need assistance from the public to find the individual(s) responsible. This is the action of a criminal — it’s theft of wildlife resources from the people of Arizona. No true sportsman would leave game in the field to rot.” At the time the poaching occurred, there were active hunts, many hunters were scouting for upcoming hunts, and other outdoor recreationists were in the area, meaning someone may have seen something or have valuable information about this crime. Anyone with information about this case can call AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit azgfd.com/ogt/ and refer to case #19-003917. Callers may remain anonymous upon request and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,500 in this case upon arrest.

Steak tartare on the hoof. 👍

Man, I bet they're gonna have a real slip-&-slid on Kaibab in next couple days. Hopefully no one gets caught in the backcountry.

As I said -- UNBELEIVABLE. I'm sad that you didn't get to close the deal after all the effort you put into it. 😡 About the only time(s) I have seen lots of good bulls were on my many trips to YNP to take photos. But I consider that more of zoo-like atmosphere. Yet even then, there were never that many together in one area. I would have to drive around the park to all the usual gathering places and most times would find one good harem master and several smaller satellite bulls. In my other reply I mentioned that I started elk hunting in the 1960s. Ironically, that first hunt occurred in Unit 1. Below is an excerpt from a more general article on AZ elk hunting that I wrote at least 30 years back. *********************** My grandfather and I both drew permits for Unit 1. I hadn't been in Arizona very long and knew nothing about the area. Fortunately, two friends invited us to tag along with them. Both Bill and Ed had hunted there two years earlier. On the second day, my grandfather shot a bull that had two-foot long spikes. After four days of hard hunting I put my tag on a small 5x5 bull. The most interesting thing about the whole hunt, though, was a humorous incident involving Bill. He decided it was time to clean up after traipsing through the woods for four days. So he climbed into his camper that afternoon, stripped to his birthday suit and gave himself a sponge bath. As a final touch, he shaved his gnarly beard and doused himself with deodorant and after-shave lotion. Ed watched him go through his ritual and couldn't resist needling him about his odorous elk lure. His comments included, "An elk will never come within a mile of you. You smell like a ladies' temperance meeting in church," and myriad other jibs and jabs. That evening about an hour before dark, Bill walked a few hundred yards from camp to an old logging trail, sat down with his back against a stump and shot a magnificent 6 x 6 only 15 minutes later. As if trained, the bull fell in the middle of the trail, where it was an easy task to load it and bring it to camp for skinning. Of course, Ed became very quiet for the rest of the night.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 25, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department State Employees Charitable Campaign raises money for charities Public can enter raffle for 2019 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS Premium through Dec. 1 PHOENIX — The State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) annually provides Arizona state employees with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations that support more than 400 nonprofit organizations. Now there’s an opportunity for the public to participate as well. The campaign announced that proceeds from the raffle of a 2019 Polaris Ranger Crew© XP 1000 EPS Premium will equally benefit Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Elk Society, both independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charities that work closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Together, the organizations provide additional support for habitat projects, water for wildlife, education, and mentored activities, where traditional resources aren’t adequate. In addition, Special Olympics Arizona, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been named as the third designated charity to benefit from the proceeds to help assist more than 22,000 Arizona athletes who participate in the program. RideNow Powersports has generously donated the 2019 Polaris Ranger Crew© XP 1000 EPS Premium (valued at more than $18,000) to be raffled as the grand prize. The Arizona Elk Society is hosting the fundraiser on behalf of the three charities and has donated six additional prizes to increase the number of winners. The deadline to enter the raffle is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Dec. 1, with a live drawing scheduled for Dec. 7 (time and location to be determined). Cost is $20 per raffle ticket. For more information, and to participate, visit https://secc.az.gov/ and click on "2019 Prizes and Rules," then click on "Polaris Ranger Raffle hosted by AZ Elk Society."

Those are decent reading, but they are fiction -- about what they teach for history in the schools now. 😖 This set will not only entertain but also educate!

I didn't want to interrupt the flow of your thread while the hunt was in progress, but I will now. I was a bit incredulous as to the number of big bulls you had available. I started hunting elk in the 1960s and have done so many times since in AZ, CO, ID, WY, NM and Alberta. During all those hunts over all those years I have never seen as many shootable bulls in TOTAL as you had pictured in just one of the larger groups. That had to be a mind-blowing experience. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. 👍

This is your chance to get back at her. I thought you had a kid or two? If so, these are the perfect way for them to get educated about the old West.

This topic title brought back memories of days gone by for me. I think it was about 1968 or so when I made my very first trip south of the border with my wife, three kids and a bunch of friends to spend the New Year weekend on the beach just kicking back and doing a bit of surf fishing. I've only made one trip back there in the early 1970s with a friend. The photo below is my youngest son. His mother told him not to get too close to the water while he was fishing. He's 54 years old now.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 22, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Sandhill cranes take center stage on HD live-streaming camera Camera offers viewers a unique experience of migrating birds Sandhill cranes have returned to southeastern Arizona and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s live-streaming camera is again trained on their wintering grounds at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. “Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area has again sprung to life with thousands of Sandhill cranes,” AZGFD Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Jeff Meyers said, noting that each year sandhill cranes come as far away as Siberia to winter in southern Arizona. “It’s a true pleasure to offer this high-definition camera to bring an unfiltered view of our state’s wildlife directly to the public.” HOW TO WATCH The live stream, which can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/sandhillcranes, offers viewers a glimpse into the wintering habits of up to 14,000 cranes roosting at the wildlife area. The live stream is offered through March or early April when the birds migrate to northern nesting grounds. BEST TIME TO WATCH The best time to view the birds is a half-hour before and after sunrise, just before they leave to feed for the morning and when they return sometime before noon. The cranes will typically remain at the wildlife area for the remainder of the day, and with the inclusion of infrared technology, the camera now allows viewers to see the birds at night. While the department will do its best to keep the camera focused on the cranes and other interesting wildlife subjects, there will be times it isn’t possible due to the unpredictability of wildlife. Viewers that don’t see activity when they try the camera are encouraged to routinely check back. ABOUT SANDHILL CRANES Worldwide there are 15 species of cranes scattered across the globe. Two species of cranes are found in North America: the endangered whooping crane and sandhill cranes, which are the most abundant crane species on the planet. They are wary birds that shy away from areas of dense vegetation that may conceal predators. Cranes prefer to feed and roost in open areas where potential danger can be seen from a distance. The sandhill crane live-stream is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which comes from tribal gaming and the Wildlife Viewing Program. The cameras are supported in part by public donations. To view other live-streaming cameras or to find information on wildlife viewing and upcoming events visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife and click on “Wildlife Viewing.”

WILDLIFE NEWS Nov. 22, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Late dove season underway Arizona dove hunters will get a second shot at wing-shooting with the start of the state's “second” dove season today (Friday, Nov. 22). Unlike the 15-day early season that begins Sept. 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through Jan. 5, 2020. There still is a 15-bird daily bag limit, all of which must be mourning doves. The possession limit remains 45 mourning doves after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. As always, there is an unlimited daily bag and possession limit for the invasive Eurasian collared-dove. Read more. Nonresident OHV decal sales off to strong start Seasonal residents and visitors who brought an off-highway vehicle into Arizona are reminded they must now purchase a nonresident OHV decal prior to heading out on trails. The new decal is required under a 2019 law that was supported and carried by the riding community to allow nonresidents to lawfully ride within the state while funding trail maintenance, education and law enforcement efforts. Cost is $25 (same as the resident decal) plus a small processing fee, and the decal is valid for one year from date of purchase. Read more. Arizona boaters: prepare to clean, drain and dry Boaters are reminded to “clean, drain and dry” – and especially decontaminate –their watercraft and equipment before exiting listed waters containing aquatic invasive species (AIS). This reminder is particularly important for out-of-town visitors who moor their boats at AIS-affected waters and are preparing to head out of state. Read more. Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population sees 4 percent growth Arizona’s embattled Mount Graham red squirrel population grew 4 percent in 2019, providing proof that the endangered squirrel continues its fight back two years after nearly being wiped out by a devastating wildfire. The stabilization of the population over the past year comes after much of the territorial squirrel’s habitat was severely damaged in 2017 by the Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona. In September, the annual survey found a minimum estimate of 78 squirrels, which is in line with the 75 squirrels found in 2018. Read more. Deadline to apply for shooting range development grants is Jan. 15 The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for up to $100,000 in annual grant funding from nonprofit organizations and government agencies that are committed to the development and improvement of public shooting ranges. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Grant packets and forms can be accessed at https://www.azgfd.com/Shooting/RangeGrants/. All completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2020. Read more. Frye Creek fish stocking: Gila trout restoration in Mt. Graham area gets major boost Gila trout, one of two trout species native to Arizona, are being restored to the Mt. Graham area. A major step was taken early this month when AZGFD, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and volunteers from Trout Unlimited and the University of Arizona backpacked 250 Gila trout into Frye Creek. All Gila trout in this area were lost during the aftermath of the 2017 Frye Fire, a major setback to a recovery effort that began in 2009. The creek remains closed to fishing. See a video of the stocking effort. Proposed hunt recommendations available for review The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2021 and 2022 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 22, 2019 AZGFD to host game management "open houses" in Mesa, Payson A wildlife biologist from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will be available to answer questions about local game management at two locations: Dec. 3: 4-6 p.m., AZGFD regional office, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa. Dec. 4: 6-7:30 p.m., Chasin’ A Dream Outfitters, 612 S. Beeline Highway, Payson. The public is invited to bring questions and engage in one-on-one conversation about game management. In addition, hunt recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2021 and 2022 spring turkey hunts, may be discussed. AZGFD has trust responsibility for managing more than 800 native wildlife species — the most of any inland state — for current and future generations of Arizona citizens. More information: www.azgfd.com/Hunting/NAM/.

It's not a wall tent, but I have a Remington 9x12 canvas tent that has been used twice and still in the original box. I was getting ready to list on here FS next week for $150. It sets up really fast, too. I don't have any photos of it set up but will be taking one of the photo on the box. It looks something like this one:

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Nice!!!!! 👍

What took you so long? ☺️ Beautiful buck for a beautiful young lady. Nice shot, Taylor.

FISHING REPORT Nov. 22, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department TIP OF THE WEEK No doubt, the best bet this week may likely be rainbow trout. Our Community fishing vendor from Colorado was able to make it through the storms to stock the rest of the scheduled waters for today. Pictured below is Mansel Carter Oasis Lake on Wednesday. See a trout fishing report that includes waters we stocked this week with trout for the first time of the fall/winter season. This week's storm may make fishing for bass and crappie a bit more difficult. Wait until a short period of calm and sunny weather. Soon, largemouth bass' metabolism should slow, particularly when water temperatures drop into the low 50s. Winter crappie fishing can be excellent as these tasty speckled perch will begin to school in deeper waters over structure (they appear on sonar in a Christmas tree pattern.) Alamo Lake in western AZ can have some of the best holiday-time crappie fishing in the state. All these fish, including flathead catfish, should be feeding heavily in preparation for winter conditions. Don't forget about fishing the Colorado River below Davis Dam. This stretch of the lower Colorado River in Bullhead City is excellent for trout fishing and can produce some big striped bass. Trout are being stocked monthly. Meal worms, nightcrawlers and PowerBait are effective baits for trout near the stocking sites. The next new moon is Nov. 26, which means using submersible lights at night to attract fish such as striped bass and crappie will become increasingly more effective. Catch of the Week Send your fishing reports and photos to BFishing@azgfd.gov -- one will be selected for Catch of the Week Lynx Lake Brandon's daughter caught the biggest rainbow trout of the day on Sunday, Nov. 17. "Fished the north shore , near the spillway," Brandon said. "In a 2-hour period, I caught 5 trout, using rainbow & chartreuse Power Nuggets on a 1- to 2-foot leader." What's been stocked this week ("Catchable" sizes only; water temp in parenthesis if available) Rainbow trout: "Core" Community waters. Upcoming Family Fishing Event Saturday -- Dads: Bring Your Daughter Fishing Day!, 8 a.m.-noon. Sahuarita Lake (south side of lake) 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. Sahuarita. See more information and events. 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. Save time, buy online Grab a license online (that helps conserve all species of wildlife, not to mention provides funding that goes back into fishing opportunities) and go "Fish AZ". SEE MORE REPORTS

Illegitimi non carborundum 👍

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 21, 2019 Proposed hunt recommendations available for review for pronghorn, elk, and fall and spring turkey for 2020-21, 2021-22 PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2020 and 2021 pronghorn, elk, fall turkey and population management hunts, and for 2021 and 2022 spring turkey hunts, are available for review at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines. The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on the hunt guidelines approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. All questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt are welcome by emailing AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by calling any of the department’s statewide regional offices and asking to speak to a game management biologist. No formal presentations are planned. The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented to the Commission for its consideration during a public meeting Dec. 7 at department headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission. To learn more about the hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines processes, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Man, you got that right. 🤬 Thanks to everyone for the BD wishes.

Dandy buck. Good job. 👍

This is the weirdest elk I've ever seen. https://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID5/25786.html

GAME AND FISH NEWS Nov. 19, 2019 Hunters get second shot at doves beginning Friday Late season runs Nov. 22 through Jan. 5 PHOENIX – Arizona dove hunters will be able to double their wing-shooting pleasure when the state’s “second” season begins Friday, Nov. 22. Unlike the 15-day season that begins Sept. 1, the late season lasts 45 days and runs through Jan. 5, 2020. There still is a 15-bird daily bag limit, all of which must be mourning doves. The possession limit remains 45 mourning doves after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. As always, there is an unlimited daily bag and possession limit for the invasive Eurasian collared-dove. A few things to remember to make the most of the upcoming season: • A combination hunt and fish license for youth hunters ages 10 to 17 is only $5. Children 9 and under do not need a license when accompanied by a licensed adult (two children per adult). Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/License/, or from any license dealer or any department office statewide. • Hunters 18 and older must possess an Arizona migratory bird stamp ($5) that can be purchased online, or from any license dealer or department office statewide. • Shooting hours are 30 minutes before legal sunrise until legal sunset. • One fully feathered wing must remain attached to each harvested dove until it reaches the hunter’s home. • Keep in mind that dove hunters are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Shell casings (shotgun hulls) and associated debris constitute litter and must be picked up and packed out. Littering while hunting or fishing are revocable violations, and a conviction can result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to five years. • For everything “dove,” visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/mourningdove. Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more. In addition to the late dove season that opens Friday, several other small game hunting seasons are underway, including quail (Gambel’s, scaled), Oct. 18, 2019-Feb. 9, 2020; cottontail rabbit, July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020; chukar, Sept. 1, 2019-Feb. 9, 2020; and tree squirrel (Abert’s, Kaibab and Red, excluding Mount Graham red squirrel), Oct. 4, 2019-Dec. 31, 2019. The season for Mearns’ quail opens Dec. 6, 2019 and closes Feb. 9, 2020.