Outdoor Writer

Vekol

Man, I must really be getting senile in my old age. I thought your hunt was coming up. 🤦‍♂️ Anyway, it sounds like you had a blast. It can get addictive that way. I wish I could still be out there chasing critters, but it's not to be.

Years before that he was elected as a city constable. and did that for 3 years for the becoming the marshal.

I'm surprised his birthday isn't widely celebrated with a city holiday since he was the first Hispanic to hold an elected public office in Phx.

Birth place confusion is probably because CA wasn't a state when he was born but still part of Mexico. He was supposedly born in 1849, a year before CA became a state.

If you told me yesterday when you were here at the house, I forgot already. What unit is your hunt? Oh, and it is was good meeting you. Thanks for the "lift." 👍

It had me guessing a bit because he was actually born in Mexico, not CA where he did grow up, however.

Gárfias

Nice fish. That's one species I've never fished for over all the years.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 17, 2019 Quail outlook: All signs point to better season in 2019-20 Winter moisture improves overall brood survival PHOENIX — Truth be told, Arizona’s quail hunters are also weather wonks — always checking the forecasts, particularly during the winter months, their fingers crossed that the wet stuff is on the way. After all, good doses of timely precipitation that time of year are what give the state’s Gambel’s and scaled quail populations a much-needed boost, which usually points to better hunting in the fall. Case in point: Winter 2018. “Unlike the past few years, when hatch dates were spread out over the spring and summer, strong winter precipitation patterns this last winter should have concentrated hatch dates for quail clutches,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “More quail chicks on the ground at the same time usually correlates to better overall brood survival and more birds in coveys in the fall. Spring call counts around the state were up 125 percent from the 10-year average, so Gambel’s numbers and harvest should be better than last year’s numbers.” Translation: Expect to find a few more birds to chase when the 2019-20 season opens Friday, Oct. 18. While there will be a few hot spots out there, O’Dell said hunters should prepare to put in the work to find them. “Anecdotal reports from hunters in recent years suggest that quail numbers and coveys vary by location, so it would be worthwhile to do some scouting,” he said. “Even with one good year of production — and hopefully more to come — statewide numbers will expectedly be lower than historical numbers, but hunting Gambel’s this fall should still be exciting.” Meanwhile, hunters should note that the season for Mearns’ quail doesn’t begin until Dec. 6. 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. 6). 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 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 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gRwZAcWzzk.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 21, 2019 Final notice: Thursday is last day to update credit card information for 2020 spring draw Applicants also can purchase PointGuard to protect bonus points PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters who applied for 2020 spring hunt permit-tags that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Oct. 24, is the deadline to update credit card or debit card account information. The same deadline applies for purchasing PointGuard, which ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. The cost is $5 for each species. Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card and debit card account information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer calls applicants to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards or debit cards have failed. Note: If the same credit card or debit card has been used to cover fees associated with more than one application, notify the appropriate financial institution that multiple charges could be processed simultaneously by AZGFD. No action is needed if the credit card or debit card used at the time of application is still in good standing. Otherwise, applicants who have been issued a new credit card or debit card, a new expiration date, or had a change to their card’s number, should visit draw.azgfd.gov/. Scroll down the page, select “Update Credit Card” and follow the prompts. Note: It is important to update payment information for each species for which an application has been submitted. Meanwhile, applicants can purchase PointGuard as part of their online application through 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Oct. 24, provided they have created a free AZGFD portal account. It’s quick and easy. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete the required fields. Draw results will be posted to portal accounts. For more information, call the department at (602) 942-3000

This Strange Buck Was a Throwback to Extinct Whitetail Ancestors

Cool. Thanks.

And...of what is now Grand Ave... originally his route to get grain to Wickenberg.

Maybe so, but I don't believe he was along when Wickenberg found the Vulture. Then again, I could be all goofy.

My next would be he of Peeples Valley fame. But again, some of your facts don't jive.

I was going to guess Weaver from the "Rich Hill and the Potato Patch" cite , but some of the other stuff you listed doesn't jive with him.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Alamo Lake main ramp scheduled to close Nov. 1-25 PHOENIX -- Arizona State Parks plans to close the main boat ramp at Alamo Lake Nov. 1-25 to allow for dam repairs. Dates are subject to change. Cholla Ramp will remain open and is fully functional.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 17, 2019 General waterfowl season in "Desert Zone" begins Friday, Oct. 18 2019-2020 waterfowl, snipe hunting regulations available online PHOENIX — Arizona’s second general waterfowl season is about to get underway. The general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the “Desert Zone” (Game Management Units 10 and 12B through 46B, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County) begin Friday, Oct. 18, and run through Jan. 26, 2020. Meanwhile, the general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the “Mountain Zone” (Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County) continue through Jan. 12, 2020. The following are legal wildlife in both Mountain and Desert zones: ducks, including mergansers, coots and common moorhens (gallinules); white geese (snow, blue and Ross’); and dark geese (Canada and white-fronted). Scaup can be harvested in the Mountain Zone beginning Saturday, Oct. 19, through Jan. 12, 2020, and in the Desert Zone from Nov. 2, 2019 through Jan. 26, 2020. All waterfowl hunters 10 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, and those 16 and older must also possess a federal migratory bird stamp (i.e. federal duck stamp). In addition, waterfowl hunters 18 or older must have a state migratory bird stamp (this stamp is included in the purchase of a youth combination hunt and fish license). Need a license? Visit www.azgfd.gov/license/. Keep in mind that a combination hunt and fish license is only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. As a reminder, a youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is only $5 and includes the privileges associated with the state migratory bird stamp. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2019-2020 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. For more about waterfowl hunting, visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/waterfowl/.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 18, 2019 Public can hone target-shooting skills this weekend at BASF's 300-yard range Opportunity is perfect timing for those participating in general hunts PHOENIX — Getting ready for the big hunt? Before pulling out of the driveway and heading for the hills, it might be a good idea to shoot a few targets this weekend and make sure that rifle doesn’t let you down when it matters most. To that point, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a target-shooting opportunity today, Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 18-20) on the 300-yard range at the world-class Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF). For a fee of $12 for adults — free for youths 17 and under — customers will be able to shoot unlimited paper and steel targets out to 300 yards (paper targets can be purchased at BASF; paper target frames are provided). The fee includes the $7 BASF daily range pass. All customers are required to check in at the Shooting Sports Center, located at the main range. Only rifles ranging in caliber from .223 to .300 Win Mag will be allowed. Fully automatic rifles are not permitted. Shooting hours are until 2 p.m. today, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The 300-yard range also will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in November. As a reminder, all firearms must be cased before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection are required. Located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix, BASF is one of the nation’s largest publicly operated shooting facilities. A City of Phoenix “Point of Pride,” the facility has received a five-star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges. For more information about BASF, visit www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF or call (623) 582-8313.

FISHING REPORT Oct. 18, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department TIP OF THE WEEK Fall/winter trout stockings are underway. This week, two prime winter waters received their first rainbow trout loads of the season: the Lower Salt River, and Goldwater Lake . One angler at the Lower Salt recently had good luck fishing for largemouth bass using weightless, whacky-rigged worms. Releases out of Stewart Mountain Dam on Friday, Oct. 18 was 8 cfs. As a guideline, trout are primarily stocked at Phon D. Sutton and Granite Reef recreation sites during the winter . Anglers can also catch catfish, carp and sunfish. This is a great weekend to hit the high country to catch some fall colors, net some trout, and with the exception of some fairly windy conditions, enjoy what looks to be some nice high country weather. We received a good report from Willow Springs Lake of rainbow and tiger trout hitting trolled mini craws. Late October and early November, before winter conditions prevail, can be a good time to target tiger trout. The tigers this time of year seem to hang around rocky shorelines and prefer dry flies. Those wanting to just catch trout to eat can head to Willow Springs or Woods Canyon Lake and fish PowerBait off the bottom. Catch-and-release anglers can try Silver Creek for bigger trout ( see the fishing regulations -- it's catch-and-release only with artificial lures and flies only with single-pointed barbless hooks). At Tonto Creek (pictured above) anglers have been catching some of the "supercatchable" trout we've been stocking. There should still be some hanging around. One fly angler found success with zebra midges under a strike indicator and unweighted purple woolly buggers. In the Flagstaff and Williams region, good spots remain Kinnikinick Lake for brown trout, and Lower Lake Mary and Kaibab Lake for big rainbows. Desert dwellings Down in the desert, we stocked Community Fishing Program waters this week with channel catfish. At Bartlett Lake, Bass Pro Gary Senft reported that fish are moving into 4-6 feet of water during the early morning hours and can be caught on swim baits, white spinner baits, and small Ricos. After the sun rises, the fish move a bit deeper, and can be hooked with plastics on Texas rigs and dropshots. Water temperatures have peaked in the low-to-mid 70s at most desert impoundments. Crappie fishing should also be good at Roosevelt Lake. At Alamo Lake largemouth bass fishing has been decent. The water temperature has been in the low-70s. It seems that with increased water levels this year, there was a superb shad spawn, and largemouth bass have been caught with bellies full of food. A downside is this could, at times, make the satisfied bass a bit more reluctant to chase down artificial baits. Crappie fishing should be good as this week there were smaller flotillas of boats apparently searching for schools of crappie mid-lake. Our Fall Fishing Forecast is still the most comprehensive source of fishing report information for major water bodies statewide. Catch of the Week Send your fishing reports and photos to BFishing@azgfd.gov -- one will be selected for Catch of the Week Kaibab Lake Esteban G. sent a picture of this young angler with a mess of rainbow trout to 15 inches, as well as crappie, caught on Oct. 12. What's been stocked this week ("Catchable" sizes only; water temp in parenthesis if available) Rainbow trout: Wet Beaver Creek (60), West Clear Creek (61-62), Goldwater Lake (60), Lower Salt River (76). Channel catfish: "Core" Community waters. See the stocking schedules 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

Nice poem. 👍 I miss Bill. We were friends for many years.

The name doesn't click with me, and I've never hunted grouse or turkey on the Kaibab. The only writers that have ever hunted quail with me were Jim Tallon and Tom Huggler when he was writing his book on quail hunting. This is Huggler in the pix below. He was an English lit professor before he became an outdoor writer. He owned two English pointers appropriately named Chaucer and MacBeth. The top photo was used on a Master Card several years ago. We were hunting Mearns quail near Ruby.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 17, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona Game and Fish meeting in Flagstaff Oct. 19 highlights hunt recommendation process Those wishing to discuss all things game management, including hunt recommendations, are invited to join Arizona Game and Fish Department staff at Bull Basin Archery of Flagstaff on Saturday, Oct. 19. DETAILS The event is open to the public and runs from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Input and recommendations are later presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, which has final approval for all hunting regulation changes. Watch a video on the hunt recommendation process “This meeting is a great opportunity to hear from our constituents about all topics related to our game management practices and how they pertain to upcoming elk, pronghorn and wild turkey hunting recommendations,” AZGFD Flagstaff Regional Supervisor Scott Poppenberger said. “We work hard to conserve and protect more than 800 species and part of that responsibility includes a science-based hunt recommendation process designed to ensure sustainable populations of wildlife are around for future generations.” LEARN MORE To learn more about how AZGFD works to conserve and protect the state’s wildlife or information about upcoming Arizona Game and Fish Commission meetings, visit www.azgfd.gov. To provide a contribution to support the department’s on-the-ground conservation efforts, visit www.azwildlifehero.com.

Man, you resurrected a real oldie. It was fun reliving those olden days. 👍