Outdoor Writer

A couple photos on wall:

Holy batman! That's a lot of velvety bone there. What a great trophy. I bet I can guess the area where you killed it.

It was done by Chris Krueger -- Krueger Creations. The whole thing was sort of a coordinated effort between us just like the bobcat/rattlesnake he did for me. I started with this lifesize one that I found on the Web and did a bit of editing with PS until it looked somewhat like the finished product I wanted. The original: Edited Version: Chris took it from there. He made oodles of changes to the original form and once it was on the plywood backing, he brought it over to my house to make sure it would fit the allotted space. Then he went about doing the rock work. He used an unpainted faux rock that comes in 4'X8' sheets, which he cuts into small pieces that are screwed to either the wood skeleton or each other. Once that is done, he fills any spaces with paper mache and/or plaster of Paris. Final step was Chris' excellent paint job that really gave life to the rock work. It looks even better in person.

This what he asked: "Can you hunt for small game while a big hunt is in progress? (Example: squirrel hunting while a jr.elk hunt is in progress) I thought I read it some where in the regulations that you couldn't hunt small game during big game hunt but I can't seem to find. Any help would be greatly appreciated." He used an EXAMPLE with squirrel hunting, which could have just as easily been: (Example: quail hunting while a deer hunt is in progress.

If that was the case, it would shut down nearly all of the Mearns' quail season in the southern units.

The final product: The photos, taken by my taxidermist, aren't accurate with the colors in some areas. I'll be taking more photos of it on the wall.

The price will depend on the type of license you usually buy. Below is the chart with the current prices, but I'm not sure if they'll change in 2014 because of the new setup. Anyway, to calculate if it's worth it, divide the 19 years you have left before you get a Pioneer license into the cost of your choice of licenses under your age. That will provide you a yearly amount, which you can compare to the new prices for the same license. Example: if all you buy is the Class G hunting license, the yearly cost over 19 years will be $27.63. Under the new system, in 2014 a General Hunting License will cost you $37. And of course, it's possible there might be future increases.

Me neither. I have a Pioneer lifetimer. Pioneer license! Impressive Tony! The only thing that's impressive about it is that I have lived this long -- barely.

There is an email for the rules committee. I'll see if I have it somwhere. If not I'll track it down this week.

Yes, those fees are for the rest of the year. If you apply online, the proper fees will be automatically set for you. See below. Licenses Only Available Online and at Department Offices Licenses are only available online, at Department offices and through the draw (paper application and online) for the 2014 Spring draw. You must purchase 2014 licenses to enter in the spring draw. Please note: license and tag fees will change Jan. 1, 2014, see pages 4–5. Paper Correction Period Eliminated Due to decreasing participation in the paper And this above the old prices: The fees listed on this page are valid only through Dec. 31, 2013. You must use these fees when applying for SPRING 2014 hunts.

Me neither. I have a Pioneer lifetimer.

That's because 2014, when the new license set-up takes effect, doesn't start until Jan. 1. In contrast, if you buy a 2014 one after Jan.1, it will run until the same date in 2015.

Well..........let's see if we can provide some help here. For as long as I can remember (yesterday? ), the little diddy at the bottom has been in the spring regulations book where the permit numbers are listed for each unit. See RED text and take note that spears are not listed under the Legal Methods of Take. And...if one would go to pg. 108 of the main hunt regulations that has deer, etc., there's a dandy chart on for all the huntable critters in the state. For each one, there's a check mark for weapons in the full list that are legal. A spear isn't listed. And...if one would go to pg. 125 of the main hunt regulations, there are almost two full pages under: R12-4-304 Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles A snippet from the above rule: 7. To take javelina: a. Centerfire rifles; b. Muzzleloading rifles; c. All other rifles using black powder or synthetic black powder; d. Centerfire handguns; e. Handguns using black powder or synthetic black powder; f. Shotguns shooting slugs, only; g. Pre-charged pneumatic weapons .35 caliber or larger; h. Bows with a standard pull of 30 or more lbs, using arrows with broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal cutting edges; i. Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 lbs, using bolts with a minimum length of 16 inches and broadheads no less than 7/8 inch in width with metal cutting edges or bows as described in subsection (A)(7)(h) to be drawn and held with an assisting device; j. .22 rimfire magnum rifles; and k. 5 mm rimfire magnum rifles. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS License Required Any valid hunting or combination license except a Three-Day Hunting (Class H) (See tables on page 4 for Resident and Non-resident license fees). Tag Required: Hunt permit-tag obtained only through application and draw process as prescribed in R12-4-104 and R12-4-114. EXCEPT for Archery-Only Javelina in (Units 11M, 25M, 26M, and 38M and General Javelina in the Mohawk Valley Hunt Area where a hunt nonpermit-tag must be obtained from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114. Hunt Numbers Required: When applying for big game hunt permit-tags, you must use hunt numbers. Legal Methods of Take General Hunt and Juniors-Only Hunt: Any firearm, pre-charged pneumatic weapon, crossbow or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304. HAM: Handguns, muzzleloading rifles, muzzleloading handguns, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-318. Archery-Only Hunt: Bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, and crossbow as prescribed in R12-4-216. Bag Limit Two (2) javelina per calendar year (except as prescribed in R12-4-120) with no more than one (1) javelina taken per open area as defined in each hunt number. The bag limit may be filled in any combination of permit-tag (draw tag or firstcome left over draw tag as long as differing hunt numbers) or nonpermit-tag (over-the-counter tag) hunts as prescribed in R12-4-114. No more than one (1) permit-tag shall be issued per hunter through the initial draw. To hunt javelina in Arizona, you need a valid hunting or combination license and a javelina tag. To hunt javelina in General, Juniors-Only, HAM and Archery-Only seasons, you must apply for and obtain a hunt permit-tag through the draw. To hunt javelina in an Archery-Only Nonpermit Tag season, you may purchase a nonpermit-tag from a license dealer as prescribed in R12-4-114. The Department offers “Juniors-Only” designated hunts, in which persons are eligible to participate up to their 18th birthday. A youth hunter, whose 18th birthday occurs during a “Juniors-Only” designated hunt for which the hunter has a valid permit or tag, may continue to participate for the duration of the “Juniors-Only” designated hunt. Provided that persons between the ages of 10 and 13 must have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education Course that is approved by the Director as per ARS 17-335 (C ). A youth must pay the higher fee unless applying only for “Juniors-Only” hunts

That begs the question: What REASON have they given you for not refunding the money?

Bowhunt accident nearly fatal for Price man By C.J. McMANUS Sun Advocate reporter A Price man is recovering at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center from head and neck injuries sustained during a hunting accident in Central Utah. TJ Cartwright, 23, was struck with an arrow in the cheek while hunting deer with three companions, including his fiancée, Lillian Rowley. According to the Juab County Sheriff's department, the accident, which occurred on private property in Levan, was called in to public safety officials at 6:29 a.m. Saturday. According to Rowley, Cartwright was taking video ahead of the hunting party when a buck began making its way across the field. As the hunters began positioning themselves to take a shot, Cartwright inadvertently ended up between the archer and the target. As the shooter, whose bow was drawn, attempted to throw the shot away, the arrow accidentally released. Cartwright stood and was hit. With the arrow head lodged near his carotid artery, Cartwright began walking with one of his hunting partners until they obtained cell reception. After calling 911, Cartwright was located by Juab County medial technicians, who stabilized him for transport. Cartwright was taken to the Nephi Medical Center where a tracheotomy was performed and the arrow was cut down. After determining the severity of his injuries, medical personnel decided to fly the victim to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Cartwright's injuries were complicated because he was shot with a Rage Broadhead, an expandable arrow head which deploys its razor-sharp tips upon impact. After four hours of tests at Utah Valley, medical personnel determined that only two of the arrow's blades had deployed. The third did not activate and was resting on his carotid artery. "They were worried about the surgery and none of the surgeons knew anything about these Rage Broadheads," said Cartwright's future mother-in-law Becky Archibald. "They sent somebody to Sportsman's to buy one, so the ear, nose and throat specialist, could work with it before going in. They needed to know the mobility and functionality of that arrow head." According to Rowley, Utah Valley surgeons worked for more than eight hours, cutting through Cartwright's chin on his right jaw bone making a U-turn up behind his right ear. After gaining access, surgeons could see a portion of the broad head but could not remove it because of bone tissue in the way. Surgeons then removed a piece of bone from behind Cartwright's ear, and were able to extract the blades. Doctors then pushed the rest of the arrow through the back of his head. As those operating gained a full view, they discovered that the arrow had stopped right between Cartwright's skull and the top of his spine. "Even though he is doing well, he has a long way to go in his recovery," said Rowley. "We appreciate all the prayers and kind words we have received and would ask that they continue." After more than 12 hours of procedure and 22 pints of blood, Cartwright left the operating room with no damage to his carotid artery. The victim was sedated until Monday morning, when he awoke and was able to blink his eyes, wiggle his fingers and toes and recognize the voices of his father and fiance. "As of right now, everything looks very good and he is doing very well," said Archibald. "Additionally, Lillian is determined that her wedding will happen on Sept. 14, even if it does happen next to Cartwright's hospital bed." Several of the victims friends are setting up fundraisers for Cartwright and his family. Additionally, the USU Eastern Sun Center has begun planning a blood drive for the victim.

Because some years it's impossible to draw a N. Kaibab permit.

That tennis ball thingie would probably turn into a big disaster at my house. My chocolate Lab plays with several every day, and he's just short of 130 lbs. Hershey's favorite trick is to lie on his back with the tennis ball in his mouth. He then uses his paws to take it out and hold his legs straight up in the air with it. I usually take it out of his paws and put it back in his mouth several times, and he repeats the same thing until i quit.

Got to see the Raffle Tag Buck yesterday. Chis Krueger, the taxidermist mounting my desert sheep, is also mounting the buck. He just got done preserving the velvet so the hunter can show the antlers around until it's time to get the mount done. It's a super looking trophy that the outfitter scored at a maybe somewhat generous 242 (the photo makes it look like 400!). Close up in real time size, it appears to score somewhere between 215-225.

I didn't look at the article, but it's hard to buy into the bug-bite theory. EHD won't kill every elk at the same time and in the same place, as it sounds like that is what occurred. I'm betting on some other cause.

Big Boquillas Ranch access will include fee Ranch Rules will go into effect on Aug. 15 SELIGMAN, Ariz. -- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department are advising hunters, particularly Unit 10 hunt permit-tag holders, of some decisions made by the Big Boquillas Ranch regarding access to the ranch for the upcoming 2013 fall hunting season. These changes include implementation by the ranch operator of new "Ranch Rules" that charge a $60 recreational impact fee for most adults and govern allowable hunter activities. The Department has been working diligently to maintain hunting access to private lands on the Big Boquillas Ranch since concerns expressed by the ranch operator and landowner about behavior exhibited by some users of land managed by the ranch led to their questioning continued access in 2012. At this point there is no formal agreement between the Department, Cholla Livestock LLC, and the Navajo Nation. Cholla Livestock LLC has made the decision to exercise its right to implement Ranch Rules that include a recreational impact fee of $60 per adult for the upcoming hunt season, beginning with the August archery-only pronghorn and deer hunts. The Ranch Rules also address vehicular access, use of blinds, hunting in the vicinity of livestock waters, and other practices related to facilitating hunting on a working ranch. Everyone entering the ranch will be under the same rules and have the same opportunity for access. For more information on the fee and the Ranch Rules, including FAQs and contact information, visit www.huntbigboranch.com. The Department, Cholla Livestock LLC, and the Navajo Nation -- which is the private landowner for the area -- will continue to work toward a signed agreement into the future that will ensure access is available and that the Ranch Rules remain reasonable for our constituents.

Exactly. Only your own son, daughter or a child that you serve as LEGAL guardian for. Anyone of them must be between 10 and 17 yrs. old. As for donating it to a nonprofit, it has to fit the following: "However, you may donate your tag to a nonprofit organization that provides hunting opportunities to children with life-threatening medical conditions or qualifying permanent physical disabilities." In other words, you can't donate it to PETA, even though it's a nonprofit. ThomC: >>Only if you marry that person. LOL<< As long as she's 17 or younger.

Pretty difficult to drill for a scew extractor with such a small diameter screw. The screw isn't likely to be tight with no head. I'd probably try an ice pick or such with a hammer to try and spin the scew out enough to grab with pliers.

Not allowed to transfer to anyone over 17 and then it has to be a son, daughter or a grandchild of yours. Below are your other options. Otherwise you can make tag soup. Should you be unable to use your big game permit, the Department is unable to reimburse you for your fees or reinstate your bonus points. However, you may donate your tag to a nonprofit organization that provides hunting opportunities to children with life-threatening medical conditions or qualifying permanent physical disabilities. The $4 transfer fee does not apply to nonprofit organizations. You may contact the following organizations to arrange for a donation. • Hunt of a Lifetime at www.hoalarizona.org. • Outdoor Experience 4 All at www.outdoorexperienceforall.org. • Catch-A-Dream at http://catchadream.org. • United Special Sportsmen Alliance at www.childswish.com.

Tag Transfers Under Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules there are ways people can transfer big game tags to minor children. A $4 transfer fee applies. A parent, grandparent or legal guardian holding a big game tag may allow the use of that tag by their minor child or minor grandchild pursuant to the following requirements: • The minor child is 10 to 17 years old on the date of transfer; • The minor child has a vaild hunting or combination license on the date of transfer; • A minor child less than 14 years old has satisfactorily completed a Department-approved hunter education course by the beginning date of the hunt; • The grandparent, parent or the child’s guardian must accompany the child in the field, and must be within 50 yards of the child when the animal is taken. Once a tag is transferred at a Department office, the original permittee may no longer use it. A person may also transfer his or her game tag for use by a child with a life threatening medical condition or a qualifying permanent physical disability. Consult A.R.S. 17-332 for more information, or visit www.azgfd.gov. Should you be unable to use your big game permit, the Department is unable to reimburse you for your fees or reinstate your bonus points. However, you may donate your tag to a nonprofit organization that provides hunting opportunities to children with life-threatening medical conditions or qualifying permanent physical disabilities. The $4 transfer fee does not apply to nonprofit organizations. You may contact the following organizations to arrange for a donation. • Hunt of a Lifetime at www.hoalarizona.org. • Outdoor Experience 4 All at www.outdoorexperienceforall.org. • Catch-A-Dream at http://catchadream.org. • United Special Sportsmen Alliance at www.childswish.com.

I have a an electric smoker and do salmon fillets using applewood all the time. What wood are you using for smoke?? Do you marinate it first, preferably overnight?