Outdoor Writer

I liked Bargs root beer. I also remember drinking Yoo-hoo chocolate soda in NJ during the 1950s. Yogi Berra and several other NY Yankees did an ad campaign for them.

You're right. I had a brain fart.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 16, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona Game and Fish to celebrate National Bison Day with viewing workshop Nov. 2 Bison are synonymous with the great west, but not many people realize that Arizona is home to these magnificent animals. To increase awareness about this great animal, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will host two bison viewing workshops near Flagstaff on National Bison Day, Saturday, Nov. 2. HOW TO REGISTER The workshops will take place at the Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned Raymond Wildlife Area (RWA) 30 miles east of Flagstaff. Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and are limited to 20 people each. Both include a presentation, field trip and a lunch of bison burgers or brats. Register for the 9 a.m. session Register for the 10:30 a.m. session EVENT INFORMATION The deadline to register is Nov. 1 and the sessions cost $40 each. Fees collected support the Department’s Watchable Wildlife Program, which aims to increase awareness of wildlife through positive and personal viewing experiences. Watch a video on the workshop Some viewing scopes will be available, but it is recommended that participants bring binoculars, water, snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather and field trip. DIRECTIONS Raymond Wildlife Area is approximately 30 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40. To reach Raymond Wildlife Area, take I-40 east from Flagstaff and take exit 225. Turn right after exiting the freeway. Go 10 miles south on Buffalo Range Road to the visitor’s center. Visitors should be aware the last 10 miles is along a relatively unmaintained dirt road but is accessible for passenger vehicles. ABOUT RAYMOND WILDLIFE AREA Raymond Wildlife Area was purchased by the department in 1942 from Flagstaff physician R.O. Raymond to serve as winter range for the Anderson Mesa pronghorn antelope herd. Due to drought conditions in 1945, the area became home for bison that were moved from the House Rock Valley herd.

Maybe it was Nehi orange soda ala Radar. 🍊😉

Maybe just plain Coca Cola?? The POW camp, situated north of McDowell at about 60th St., was later used as a reserve training site. Had rifle range and everything. Used to pass it all the time when I was playing golf at Papago in the 1960s. That early version with Jimmy Stewart was better than the recent one.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 2, 2019 Squirrel, waterfowl seasons open Friday, Oct. 4 2019-2020 waterfowl, snipe hunting regulations available online PHOENIX — This is the time of year that Arizona’s small game and waterfowl hunters have been waiting for. In addition to the start of tree squirrel and band-tailed pigeon seasons Friday, hunters can pursue dusky (blue) grouse through Nov. 10 and chukar until Feb. 9, 2020. The season for cottontail rabbit runs through June 30, 2020, and the start of the season for Gambel’s and scaled quail is just around the corner (Oct. 18). Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), predicts tree squirrels — Abert’s, Kaibab, red squirrels — will be fewer in numbers coming off last summer’s drought conditions. The good news: Whatever snow fell in the White Mountains over the winter was rarely deep or persistent, which means there should be more acorns and pine cones this fall to provide excellent resources for squirrels that survived to rear young. “Where drought conditions were milder last year, you may find pockets where hunting is good, and squirrels are a fun species to introduce to new and novice hunters,” O’Dell said. “Because this last winter was so wet, Arizona gray and Mexican fox squirrel populations should be improving. Their numbers were down the last few years with poor winter rains, so a good wet winter should have boosted their numbers statewide.” For more information about hunting Arizona's small game, check out AZGFD's small game forecast at www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/forecast/. 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) begin Oct. 4, 2019, and run through Jan. 12, 2020. AZGFD recently completed a fall waterfowl survey in Units 5B, 6A and 8. Because of good precipitation levels last winter and spring, most wetlands still have water in them. A few smaller wetlands are dry. The majority of waterfowl were found in Units 5B and 6A. Unit 8 appeared drier and had fewer birds than Units 5B and 6A. Teal were the most common species observed, followed by mallards. Overall, wetlands ranged from fair to excellent in terms of their quality for waterfowl hunting. 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 Oct. 18, 2019, and run through Jan. 26, 2020. The following (excluding scaup) 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 from Oct. 19, 2019 through Jan. 12, 2020, and in the Desert Zone from Nov. 2, 2019 through Jan. 26, 2020. All waterfowl hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license and state migratory bird stamp, as well as a federal migratory bird stamp. All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must also possess a federal migratory bird stamp. 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. AZGFD has posted the 2019-2020 Arizona Waterfowl and Snipe Regulations at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. For more information about waterfowl hunting, visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/waterfowl/.

I was also thinking along that line, or maybe Coors or Bud.

I can do two of them. The crazy boatmen were German POWs. Mantz died during the filming of Flight of the Phoenix.

SOLD

SOLD For sale is a Trius Trapmaster. It's had only two boxes of clays through it. It swivels and throws singles and doubles with good velocity. The height/angle is also adjustable. I don't have the energy to unpack it and take a photo, so I've included a near identical catalogue photo below. Mine is green and has an actual fold-down backrest for the seat instead of the bar pictured. It does NOT have to be bolted down; it works just fine freestanding on the ground. Price is $75 $55 No trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Must be picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback.

Sorry. Didn't mean to invoke the gods upon you. 🤣

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 11, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department Canyon Coolers offer: 10% discount to you, 10% to help Arizona's wildlife AZGFD continues innovative public-private collaborations to help fund wildlife conservation PHOENIX -- Join Canyon Coolers in supporting the 800-plus species of wildlife that call Arizona home. Now through Nov. 22, click here to automatically apply the discount code “CONSERVE” at CanyonCoolers.com and you’ll get 10 percent off and a FREE copper tumbler (while supplies last). Plus, Canyon Coolers will donate 10 percent of your total purchase price to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to support wildlife conservation. Use this link to automatically apply the discount code to your cart: http://bit.ly/2lMqoSp. AZGFD is proud to announce this unique collaboration with Canyon Coolers, a premium cooler company headquartered in Flagstaff, as part of its ongoing efforts to find innovative ways to fund wildlife conservation. With strong local ties and a deep-rooted interest in the great outdoors, Canyon Coolers is eager to support the department’s mission. This collaboration exemplifies the governor’s emphasis on embracing innovation to promote small businesses while expanding opportunities to fund conservation of the state’s natural resources. The Arizona Game and Fish Department conserves and protects the state’s 800-plus species of wildlife, and this critical wildlife conservation work is done without any general fund tax dollars. Your support makes all the difference in our combined success. For more information, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000. *Offer valid toward online purchases only. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.

FISHING REPORT Oct. 11, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department TIP OF THE WEEK October can be the best time of year to fish for striped and white bass. As these fish adapt to cooling weather, they will become aggressive, feeding on anything from crawdads to shad as they fatten for the winter months. Lake Pleasant just northwest of Phoenix is an excellent bet for both species. There's some fantastic fall fishing to enjoy this weekend. The cool-off has been the ticket for good trout fishing in in the high country -- get there before winter conditions prevail. Top picks in the Flagstaff region are Kaibab Lake near Williams, Kinnikinick Lake, Ashurst Lake (pictured above) and Lower Lake Mary. Water temperatures in this North Central region have cooled off into the low-to-mid 60s. See a full regional report. At Silver Creek northeast of Show Low, the catch-and-release season began Oct. 1. Harvest is not permitted during this season that runs through March 31. Only artificial lure or fly with single-point barbless hook may be used. Super-catchable rainbow trout (14-inch average) have been stocked. Silver Creek is a Game and Fish Commission-owned property; entry is only allowed from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, or about 7 a.m.–5 p.m. During catch-and-release season in the fall and winter, both the upper and lower section may be fished. No unauthorized entry is ever allowed in the hatchery grounds. In the desert impoundments, predatory fish have become more active. Crankbaits and buzzbaits and jigs are drawing increasingly more largemouth bass strikes. The full moon this weekend should enhance the bite and make for well-lit night fishing. This is the time of year flathead catfish flatten up for the winter -- in fact, our Catch of the Week pictured below is a flathead from Roosevelt. Mark Knapp from Alamo Lake State Park said crappie fishing is best by the dam at night and bass and catfish action is fair. Fishing at Alamo and Havasu should be good all fall and winter since both can heat up quickly. At any given time from Nov. - Feb., Alamo can have some of the best crappie fishing in the state. 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 Roosevelt Lake Mark L. caught this 49-pound flathead catfish from the Salt River-end Roosevelt Lake Oct. 1 on a piece of cut bait. See more details. What's been stocked this week ("Catchable" sizes only; water temp in parenthesis if available) Rainbow trout: Tonto Creek (52-53), Lynx Lake (65), Kaibab Lake (62), Mingus Lake (60), Fain Lake (65). 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

top

SOLD The actual tube for sale is the one pictured below. That day was the 2nd and last time it was used. It's been stored indoors in a military-type duffel bag since then. The sale will include two pair of fins. One pair is medium length and width and the other pair (never used) is longer and larger for more thrust. They will both fit over wading boots or whatever you wear. The compact air compressor (used once) runs on 12 volts and has a cigarette lighter adapter plug on the power wire. I'll throw in the duffle bag too. $125 $80 for everything. No trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Must be picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback, or I will ship within AZ at the buyer's expense, which could be costly.

Top

Globe

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 8, 2019 Reminder: Oct. 15 is deadline to provide input on proposed pricing adjustments at BASF PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds the public that the deadline to provide input on proposed pricing adjustments at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) is Tuesday, Oct. 15. A web form has been posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/basfsurvey. BASF range manager Christopher Dean said the proposed pricing adjustments — the first in more than a decade — are necessary to keep pace with the rising costs of maintaining the world-class facility, located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix. “All of the fees collected — 100 percent — go back into the operations, maintenance and expansion of opportunities that are made available to the public at BASF,” Dean said. Founded in 1957, BASF is one of the nation’s largest publicly operated shooting facilities. The world-class range is a City of Phoenix Point of Pride. It has received a five-star rating from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. BASF is funded by the revenues generated by user fees and federal dollars appropriated through the Pittman-Robertson Act.

GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 3, 2019 2020 spring hunt applications due by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday AZGFD to provide after-hours assistance beginning Friday PHOENIX — The deadline to submit 2020 spring hunt applications is fast approaching. Applications for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear must be received online by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 8. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw. AZGFD is available to assist applicants with the online process. All department offices are equipped with customer computers that can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Customer service representatives also can be reached by calling (602) 942-3000. In addition, customer service representatives will be available to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only — from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Monday, and 5 to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday (deadline day). All department offices will be closed at 5 p.m. To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with the following before calling AZGFD: An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through Oct. 8. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/license/. Know your Department ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are three ways to locate a Department ID: Log into your AZGFD portal account and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard,” check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license if it was purchased online, or call AZGFD at (602) 942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, see Page 9 of the “2020 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Know where you want to hunt. It’s important to have your four-digit hunt number(s) pre-determined (not game management units). In the meantime, hopeful hunters might want to view a couple of short videos before applying for a hunt. Amber Munig, big game management supervisor, explains how the draw process works at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpI0lLp5Adk. AZGFD provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a hunt permit-tag issued through the draw at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UVVH7OGo0Y. For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Not sure, Jeff. I don't have older regs on this computer. I'll turn on the other PC manana and check.

When I get to it, I plan to make some lightweight, faux boulders (Styrofoam, chicken wire with a concrete shell) to scatter about. We're also going to put a couple big concrete pots in front of the house and smaller ones across the apron in front of the patio. I'm just trying to avoid making holes in the plastic because each and every one of them invites grass/weed growth, meaning constant spraying.

This is after the bobcat work. Also note that I had the concrete contractor put the plastic UNDER the edge of the runners and wall foundation. Used some leftover white 6 mil for that, as well.

I just did mine last spring, basically doing a combination of your two options above. I had a bobcat come in ($500) and dig down somewhat, but it's about impossible to remove all of the Bermuda roots. Then over the course of a week, I gave it two thorough soakings of Roundup, going very heavy at the edges along walls, sidewalks, etc. I then bought a roll of 6 mil. BLACK plastic and cut long 1-ft. wide strips. I already had sand/gravel mix and a mixer. Just needed to buy two bags of cement. Went to Home Depot and got two laborers to dig a 6" wide and 6" deep trench along every edge. Made them lay the plastic in and then add concrete on top so it abutted to the block walls on each side and the house, where grass is most likely to sprout up. Once the rocks came, they just laid more plastic, being sure to overlap the smaller edge pieces and others by at least six inches. About 3" of rocks followed. With the two 3' runners along the driveway, the wall across the front, and planter around the tree, everything costs me about $6K, but I didn't do any of it myself. The actual rock work (35 tons) was about $2,200 of that.

Regardless of a conviction or not, the antlers belong to the AGFD now. They will likely keep them for a while as evidence and eventually auction them anyway.

Good job. Congrats.