Outdoor Writer

SOLD This call was given to me by Jack Cain, the original maker of Circe calls. I can't recall the exact year, but it was the late'60s, I think. I've used it sparingly over the years to call in a few yotes, two bobcats and a black bear. It sounds just as good and as loud now as it did when it was new. I've googled for hours and can't find a black one like this anywhere online. All I found was the original wood type and the green polymer ones. I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only. Picked up near 67th Ave. and Camelback or shipped at buyer's expense.

ARIZONA'S ELK Copyright by Tony Mandile Ask any Arizona big-game hunter what permit they covet the most, and the majority would likely say they would sacrifice their first-born to draw a chance to chase elk. They have good reason too. Over the last few years, the Grand Canyon State has been a premier producer of elk, both for quantity and quality. A few years ago, the success figures for the state's hunters outranked all the others in the west that offer elk hunting. Also, many of the bulls taken have scored high in the various record books. The elk population in Arizona is currently at an all-time high since modern management began. The Arizona Game and Fish Department estimates the number to be between 20 and 30,000 right now. This is mostly due to a few years where the rainfall was above average, keeping the wapiti's home range in prime condition. Yet, the elk herd hasn't always been in such great shape. In fact, at the turn of the century, elk in Arizona were extinct. The native elk that inhabited the state was known as the Merriam's elk. Large herds, often numbering in the hundreds, gathered in the cienega's to feed on lush grasses. In early fall the distinct, high-pitched bugle of the majestic wapiti pierced the quiet of frosty mornings, issuing a challenge to other bulls who dare trespass on his harem. Unfortunately, a drastic change took place, and the Merriam's elk disappeared. Records indicate the last sightings occurred in the late 1890s and early 1900s. No one has been able to pinpoint the exact reasons why the Merriam's became extinct. Yet historians have long held to the theory that indiscriminate hunting over many years might have been the major cause of the animal's demise. The historians readily point fingers at the miners, soldiers and settlers. In their quest for survival, they considered the elk as a bare necessity to provide food and clothing. Naturally, the elk's size and superior meat made it a favorite target for the meat hunters. The soldiers at a few of the military outposts subsisted solely on elk for their fresh meat. The hides, frequently sold and traded, produced tough, long-lasting leather for shirts, jackets and britches. Although they were worthless for anything other than trinkets or curiosities, the canine teeth from bulls quickly became collector's items. The historians claim the canine teeth led to a fad that accounted for the slaughter of thousands of elk. The resurgence of the elk herd in Arizona was not accidental, nor was it a natural occurrence. The slow, bountiful turn-around happened because of the concern of people who missed the shrill calls of big bulls on crisp mornings. Members of the Winslow B.P.O.E (ELk) Club obtained 86 elk in 1913 from Yellowstone National Park, one of the few places in the country where the elk still flourished then. They transported the animals to Arizona by train, which at the time was probably not an easy chore. The Mogollon Rim had been the Merriam's elk prime habitat before its demise. Consequently, the area on the Rim near Chevelon Canyon became the site for the initial release. More Yellowstone elk supplemented the original 86 on the Rim over the years. In addition, elk were planted in areas near Clifton, Cutter, Kingman, Williams and Alpine. Even Mt. Graham near Safford received a small number, but the animals never took hold there. In 1913, moving big-game animals was not common practice but a novel and chancy undertaking. Today, this type of game management is very common and has become one of the key tools of wildlife managers throughout the country. Arizona's first regulated elk hunt was held in 1935. By then the various herds in the state had found a niche and were multiplying at a respectable rate. Of the 276 who hunted that year, 145 killed elk. The annual hunts started in 1950, when more than 4,000 hunters harvested 1,500 bulls and cows. Then came the 80s and the boomer years. A record harvest that led the western states in success percentage took place in 1985 when the 7,000 permit holders killed a little over 3,500 elk and produced a success rate of 52 percent. In most states, 25 to 40 is considered good. I first hunted elk in the early 1960s in Unit 1. My grandfather was still hunting then, so we both drew permits. I hadn't been in Arizona very long and knew little about the area. Luckily, a friend who had hunted there before invited us to tag along with him. Four days of hard hunting eventually yielded me a small 5x5 bull. My grandfather shot a spike that had two-foot long antlers. The most interesting thing about the whole hunt, though, was a humorous incident with my friend Bill. After three days of hunting, he decided it was time to clean up. He climbed into his camper that afternoon, stripped to his birthday suit and gave himself a sponge bath. As a bonus, he shaved his four-day-old beard and doused himself him with deodorant and after-shave lotion. A few of Bill's other friends had come along on the hunt, too. As they watched him go through his ritual, they couldn't resist needling him. Their comments included the usual, "An elk will never come within a mile of you. You smell like a ladies' temperance meeting in a church," and a myriad of other jibs and jabs. That evening, about an hour before dark, Bill walked a few hundred yards along an old logging trail, sat down with his back against a stump and 15 minutes later shot a magnificent 6 x 6 bull. As if trained, the trophy fell in the middle of the road, where it was an easy task to load the bull and bring it to camp for skinning. Of course, those who ribbed him about his odorous elk lure turned amazingly silent. Back then, getting drawn for a permit was fairly easy. If I remember well, I had four or five permits during the 60s and early 70s. Unfortunately, I can't recall when the computer last smiled upon me; it's been a long time and more than a decade ago. Among hunters, Arizona already has the reputation as THE place to go for a trophy. The state has produced dozens of bulls that have scored 375 or more Boone and Crockett points and a couple that went over 400 points. These are EXCEPTIONAL trophies. People unfamiliar with Arizona often ask me how a state that is mostly desert can put out impressive elk trophies. After I explain about our acres and acres of big forests and tall mountains, I usually go into the reason for the preponderance of big bulls. A prime contributor is the limited permit system. Like it or not, a well-regulated harvest by limiting hunters and where they hunt has gone a long way to provide the good success now enjoyed on many of our big-game animals. In fact, if we look at the only one not under a limited permit system --- the wild turkey --- we will find it is the only one in trouble. Yes, the spring hunt is limited, but during the fall hunt, both sexes are legal and anyone who wants to hunt can do so by simply buying a tag. Another reason our elk grow big is the terrain and climate. The elk spend much of their time in the timber at the higher elevations. When the winter snows hit, however, they usually can find lower habitat nearby that provides them with cover and food to make it through the winter. This alone greatly reduces natural mortality and results in more mature animals. Surely, the fact we get less severe winter weather than most of the states with elk populations helps, as well. Ironically, the burgeoning elk population has also caused some problems --- at least if you listen to the ranchers in the northeast section of the state. They claim the elk are causing extensive damage on THEIR land by eating their hay and knocking down fences. Right now, in fact, the cattle growers, sportsmen and the game department are haggling over compensation the ranchers are seeking for the damages. Some want payment, while others would like to have landowner's permits issued to them. This way, they can sell the permits to the highest bidders. A similar plan has been in place in New Mexico for a while. Usually some outfitter buys the permits from the rancher, then charges a couple of thousand dollars for a hunt. Personally, I would rather see the state pay the ranchers a set amount of money for the damage each year. I also would like to see the federal government increase the grazing fee to the ranchers for the damage cattle do to the elk habitat. Unquestionably, one of the top elk hunting places in the entire country is the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Sadly, it is also the most expensive. For about $12,000, the tribe will almost guarantee a trophy. They kill nothing but 6 x 6 bulls or better and only take 40 to 50 hunters per year. The price includes lodging, food, guide, license and transportation. And believe it or not, the waiting list of hunters willing to part with that much money is long enough to fill the next three years. With the proper management, Arizona's excellent elk hunting should continue for many years to come. -----30----

This one is from the early 1980s. AND THEN THERE WERE SOME Copyright by Tony Mandile Consider this. Arizona Game and Fish Department records indicate the last known elk sighting occurred sometime in the late 1800s. Their high-pitched bugles, once heard throughout the forest on frosty fall mornings, silenced. Huge herds no longer grazed in the cienagas and meadows. By the turn of the century, elk in Arizona were extinct. No one knows all of the facts concerning their disappearance, but historians quickly blame indiscriminate hunting by miners, soldiers and settlers in the territory. Mankind, looking to survive the times, reduced the majestic elk to a bare necessity --- a source for food and clothing. Because of their size and superior eating qualities, the wapiti became the favorite target of the meat hunters. Many military outposts in the west subsisted solely on elk meat. Elk hides, often sold and traded, produced tough, durable leather for shirts, jackets and britches. The animal's canine teeth, although merely considered trinkets or curiosities with no real use, became collector's pieces;a fad responsible for the slaughter of thousands of elk. Now, nearly a century later, as many of the state's sportsmen already know, Arizona's elk herds are flourishing; thriving so well, in fact, that biologists estimate their population may be at an all-time high, numbering somewhere between 8 to 10 thousand animals. Annual hunts have taken place since 1950, when slightly more than 4,000 hunters garnered nearly 1,500 bulls and cows, In 1984 almost 10,000 modern firearm, archery and muzzleloader hunters went afield in quest for a trophy or meat for the freezer. Ironically, these sportsmen expected to harvest 2000 elk, the estimated SURPLUS! What caused the about-face? It happened because a few people cared. In 1913 members of the Winslow B.P.O.E (Elk) Club obtained 86 elk from one of the few remaining herds in the country at the time in Yellowstone National Park. The forests of the Mogollon Rim, historical habitat for the elk, became their new home. Over a period of 14 years, more Yellowstone animals supplemented the original bunch. Now, 58 years after the last elk were brought to the state, they range throughout most of Arizona's forests; a reestablishment that might be the most fruitful ever accomplished. Commonly referred to as transplanting, the practice undoubtedly has become an exceptional tool for wildlife management. For those unfamiliar with the mechanics, the operation calls for safely capturing, transporting and releasing the target animals. Of course, certain risks exist. Even with extensive preparation and great care, unavoidable, fatal mishaps sometimes happen causing injury or death. The incidents are few, however. According to Game Branch Supervisor Dave Brown, the Arizona Game and Fish Department utilizes game transplants for three reasons: 1) relocating native species into historical habitat; 2) habitat extension consisting of planting wildlife onto suitable ranges not previously occupied by them; and 3) introductions of non-native species or exotics in areas thought favorable for their survival and reproduction. The elk transplants are an outstanding example of the first reason. Another successful and dramatic example, however, resulted in the comeback of the bighorn sheep. The present population estimate of the once-endangered animal is approximately 3,500. Considering the current research and management, officials believe the number could double in the near future. At one time the desert bighorn inhabited most of Arizona's mountain ranges. Human encroachment, the enigma of the elk, played a major role in their decline, too. Meat hunters, unparticular as to what type of game graced the table, haphazardly slaughtered hundreds of sheep. In addition, hordes of domestic livestock competed with the bighorns for the sometimes scarce, available food and water. Disease, introduced and transmitted by the livestock, decimated entire herds. Finally, interested citizens, who feared the demise of the bighorn, sought to protect it. To prevent the sheep's extinction, government agencies established the Kofa Game Range and Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge in 1939. Located in southeastern Arizona, they constituted the last remaining strongholds for the bighorn. In time, the two areas provided a nucleus herd, subsequently permitting game researchers to undertake transplants into other historical bighorn areas. The AGFD selected Aravaipa Canyon, near Klondyke, as the site for the initial restocking. They constructed a 112-acre enclosure in 1957 and released 8 sheep within the following two years. The herd failed to reproduce and dwindled to two rams by 1964. Determined personnel transferred eight more bighorns from the Kofa Game Range. The second effort produced the desired results when the herd grew to 22. Hopeful the sheep would adapt, game specialists released them from the control area. Sheep in Aravaipa steadily increased to the present estimated population of 100. In 1980, permits to hunt desert bighorn in the canyon became a reality. The unit has produced exceptional rams, including a record book head taken in 1982 by John Harris. Jim Ferguson of Yuma, who won a raffled permit that the state had donated to the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, pursued a ram at Aravaipa in December. Elated with the apparent success of the first bighorn transplant, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, with the aid of advanced trapping techniques, has continued to reestablish the sheep. Since 1980 it has relocated animals into the Superstition, Virgin, Galiuro and Eagletail Mountains; the Paria Canyon Primitive Area, the Grand Wash Cliffs and Goat Mountain. Some of these ranges have had recent, supplemental stockings. In November, 1984 the Kofa Game Range supplied 30 sheep for release at Coffee Flat in the Superstitions. Redfield Canyon, in the Galiuros, recieved 10 bighorns taken from the Plamosa Mountains. Long-term plans include more than 20 sites already designated as ideal habitat for future releases. Because transplants are extremely expensive, funding sometimes creates an obstacle; it takes $850 to move one sheep. Multiplying this amount times the 54 sheep captured near Lake Mead last year comes to $45,900 --- give or take a few cents! The Arizona Game and Fish Department, a self-supporting entity, found it extremely difficult to budget all of the needed funds for transplant efforts. Even though beneficial, some were postponed, while more urgent matters emptied the department's coffers. A group of hunters and conservationists, aware of the need for better sheep management programs, banded together and organized the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society in 1967. Since then, the society has raised thousands of dollars, and members, none of whom receive money for their efforts, have spent hours improving and building waterholes; assisting at sheep captures and releases and donating time for adminstrative work. Last year the ADBSS persuaded the Game Commission to donate two permits for fund-raising efforts. Because no provision for this unprecedented request was ever enacted, the legislature passed an amended law in July 1983. The first permit, auctioned on February 24, 1984 in California at a benefit conducted by the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, raised $64,000 --- the amount bid by Don Pocapalia of Ranchos Palos Verdes, California. The second one, mentioned earlier, brought another $82,450. The total revenue from both permits, along with other fund-raising activities, amounted to $149,000. Since all of this money will help safeguard the bighorn's welfare, the department can use other funds on additional projects. Now, by using this year's society funds only, game managers can relocate 175 1/2 sheep! Transplant programs have benefited the pronghorn antelope, as well. Instead of using native antelope, though, the AGFD conducted numerous trades with other states to bolster Arizona's herds. Bighorn sheep went to both Colorado and Utah in exchange for pronghorns. In addition, the Colorado Division of Wildlife received Gamble's quail. The Arizona Strip (unit 13B) received 83 pronghorns in 1979, another 82 in 1982 and 95 animals from Colorado last year. An aerial survey conducted in 1983 over the Main Street/Hurricane Valley portion of the Strip accounted for 121 animals. For the transplants on the Arizona Strip to be successful, cooperation from the ranchers, who hold grazing rights to the land, was needed. They moved cattle and allocated forage for the pronghorns. Fence modifications were necessary so that the antelope, but not the cattle, could pass under them. Pronghorns from Utah and Colorado were placed in the House Rock Valley area in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Officials are confident that this plant eventually will yield the fruits of their efforts and soon permit them to allow hunting in Unit 12A. Between the 1940's and 50's, areas in southeastern Arizona received antelope captured in the northern part of the state. Some survived, but most, unable to cope with the harsh desert climate, disappeared. Traditionally, the north-central part of the state is the southern range extension for this species, classified as Antelocapra americana americana. Not ready to accept defeat, game managers elected to reestablish another subspecies of the pronghorn. Known scientifically as Antelocapra americana mexicana, the Chihuahuan antelope originally ranged throughout southeastern Arizona, west to Texas and into northern Mexico. Because the animal was once native to the state, biologists felt they would adapt better than the northern species. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department captured 51 chihuahuan pronghorns and turned them over to Arizona. They were released on the Empire Ranch in 1981. Even though it's too early for proclaiming this transplant a smashing success, fawn survival proved satisfactory, and the population now numbers more than 75. The North Kaibab Game Preserve, long noted as a trophy deer factory, offers quality turkey hunting, too. Yet, as far as biologists know, the birds never lived there. Research showed the Kaibab's habitat closely paralleled the turkey's traditional environment and the birds would not be detrimental for the resident animals such as the deer and the Kaibab squirrel. With birds from elsewhere in the state, a new range, formerly devoid of turkey, was added. The Abert squirrel is another good example of range extension. The Abert, a subspecies of the tassel-eared squirrel, originally lived in the ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim and a few scatttered locations throughout northern Arizona. Approximately 40 years ago, the U.S. Forest service requested the Arizona Game and Fish Department to eliminate some of the squirrels from the Fort Valley Experimental Forest west of Flagstaff. Forest service officials expressed concern that the animals were causing serious harm to the trees. After research showed a large population existed, trapping and relocation began. Aberts were introduced in the Catalina, Pinaleno, Pinal, Bradshaw, Granite and Hualapai Mountains, which all have well-established populations, now. In fact, Aberts inhabit most areas that have suitable ponderosa stands. Because ranges such as the Santa Rita, Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains already support good numbers of native tree squirrels, transplants into these places are unlikely. The Kaibab squirrel, another subspecies of the tassel-eared, was a target for range extention, too. Before the transplants, which took place between 1972 and 1977, this species existed on the the Kaibab Plateau only. The initial introduction took place on Mt. Logan in the Arizona Strip. The squirrels expanded their range themselves and, at present, inhabit pine forests on Mt. Trumbull, Mt. Emma and the Sawmill Mountains. Many states now support non-native game species on public lands. A few of these programs proved worthwhile; others, such as the unintentional introduction of aoudad that escaped from a private ranch in New Mexico, backfired. But intentional transplants, if managed properly, can be a benefit. Last year, Ray Rende of Phoenix drew a sheep tag in Unit 27. Why was that unusual? Even though the permit specified that he could kill any ram, what really made the permit unique compared to others for sheep was that he hunted a Rocky Mountain bighorn, a species never available before in Arizona! The nucleus for the herd came from a trade with Colorado. In exchange for desert bighorns, Arizona got Rocky Mountain sheep. At the present time, they inhabit the San Francisco River area of eastern Arizona near the New Mexico border. The buffalo, both at Raymond Ranch and House Rock, are one more instance of exotic game in the state. Way back in 1884, a buffalo hunter named Charles J. "Buffalo" Jones captured 57 calves in the Texas Panhandle. He moved about 35 of them to the Kaibab Plateau in 1905 and another 87 in 1906. After three years, Jones lost interest in raising buffalo, so he drove the herd into Utah and sold them. Unknowingly, Charlie left some strays behind. The few remaining buffs became the property of Jim Owens, owner of the Grand Canyon Cattle Company. In 1927, 98 descendants of the original strays roamed the Kaibab. The state, thinking Houserock Valley would be ideal habitat for the buffalo, purchased the herd for $10,000. Since then, the AGFD added a few more animals to keep the herd's genetic balance in tune and transferred some to Raymond Ranch. The method used to cull the surplus created much controversy when the movie, "Bless The Beasts And The Children," arrived in theaters across the country. Although the picture exaggerated the facts, critics blasted the procedure. The game department instituted a few changes, and now, nary a harsh word is uttered. Over the years, the game and fish department has planted about five different species of imported, pen-bred birds such as ringneck and Afghan peasant, chukar partridge, Franklin grouse and California Mountain quail. Results of these plants were mixed. The birds took hold in certain locales, while they virtually disappeared in others. A small pheasant population lives on the Arizona Strip, and the chukar adapted to the habitat around Kanab Creek. There is a statewide firearm season for chukar, but hunters seeking pheasant are limited to archery or falconry. For transplants to be feasible, advantages should outnumber disadvantages. Researchers often study proposed programs for a long time before planning the logistics of the actual operation. In this way, they can determine the consequences of the proposal --- hopefully, before a detrimental impact takes place. Even with a few failures and possible mistakes, the majority of the reprecussions in Arizona have been beneficial. Without the transplant projects, possibly 90% of the game in this state would be absent, today. ----- 30 -----

Amanda, Something's haywire. A lot of clicks are producing error messages and the only way to get out of them is to log in again.

Video on Facebook On the hoof: Facebook

I'm saying Mahomes & KC will prevail. Several years in arrears, like in 2016, my oldest son Keith & I were watching Texas Tech play Arizona State on TV. It was one of the wildest games I've ever seen as they racked up a 68-55 score with ASU on top by virtue of Kevin Ballage tying an NCAA record with 8 TDs in a game. In the meatime, Mahomes was bending, spindling, stapling & mutilating ASU's defense with more than 500 yards in the air & 5 TDs, plus another TD rushing. He was a junior. To say it was fun to watch, would be way understated. That said, about 1/2 way through the 2nd quater, I said to Keith, "You're watching the next great NFL quaterback. He's going to win a bunch of Super Bowls. Write it down." I should have been a scout. Fast forward to tomorrow, when Mahomes wins his 2nd SB.

Just received the message below from AGFD and made the PW change as directed. It all went smoothly. It appears a lot of the information you use to apply for permits will now be stored with your account, perhaps removing the need to type in anything when applying. This is posted as a FYI to let everyone know the email is legit. The sender is customer@Azgfd.gov As an Arizona Game and Fish Department account holder, we want to share an exciting update with you! We have added new features to make the account your one-stop shop for online wildlife needs. Your information has been moved over to the new system, and your new login information is below. Your username is axxxxxxx and temporary password is XXXXXX. Please log in to your account and update your password. If you have any questions or run into an issue, call 602-942-3000 and choose option 7 for account support. Arizona Game and Fish Department | azgfd.com | 602-942-3000 Our mission is to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.

I'm Here

Hosting CWT doesn't come without expenses. I'm pretty sure Amanda will never ask those who sell items here to donate a portion of the sale price to CWT, but...it's something to consider doing voluntarily for the privilege. If we sell items on eBay or other such sites, we would pay anywhere from 5 to 10% per sale. The amount you donate is up to you, of course. So if you have a mind to, use amanda@coueswhitetail.com to send money via PapPal. You can use a credit or debit card or your checking account, and if do not have a PP account, let Amanda know via the same email above. She can then send a Money Request for the amount you wish to donate to your email, which will have a link to PP.

Great. At least you get to teach him the good things in life. Keep up the good work.

bump

I know. That's why I typed "must have been" as in past tense. Do you have custody?

Cool. 👍 Nice looking lad, too. His mother must have been pretty. 🙄

I can vouch that an experience like that will make one soil their shorts. That short film nearly mirrors the exact thing that I had happen several years ago. These are my personal encounters with moose from another thread like this one: About 30 years ago, I was on a deer/elk pack-in hunt back in the Grey Mts. in Wy. There were about five other hunters in camp and one of them had drawn a moose permit. So one day, I had ridden my horse out alone to hunt in a place the outfitter had told me about. I tied up my horse and headed up a small ridge. There was a game trail right on top, so I decided to sit on a stump a bit because it afforded a good view of the valley below. I was there about 15 min. when I heard a shot that came from the heavily wooded area below me. Five minutes later, I had a bull moose barreling down the trail toward my stump., and I could see blood pumping out of his side. I had my .264 across my lap but quickly raised it just in case. The moose kept coming. When it was about 10-12 yards from me, I shot it in brisket. He dropped immediately. As I was wiping my butt, the guy with the moose permit and his guide appeared to claim his prize. The other incident also happened many, many moons ago when I was personally hunting moose in northern BC. My Slavey indian guide and I had left the main camp and set up a spike camp on a lake about 10 miles away. We spent six days searching for moose & caribou wthout much success. Then one day, we were riding across a ridge in a light rain, and I had to take a leak. After I was done, I decided to glass across my saddle down into a big valley below us. Within a minute, I saw something white move in a big stand of alders. When it moved again, I could tell it was a moose antler. I told Jimmy, and he asked me if I could shoot it from there, which was about a 1/2 mile. I just laughed, then told him we're heading down there. So I took off my rainsuit, hitched up my socks and we were on our way. What I didn't realize was the alders were much taller and thicker than they looked from above. We began to push our way thru them, and all of a sudden, the moose busted out, running along a hill about 125 yds broadside to us. I told Jimmy to bend over. While he covered his ears, I rested on his back and got off three shots. I heard and saw them hit. After each of the first two, Jimmy confirmed them with, "You got 'em," and I said, "stay down" so I could shoot a third time. Problem was the moose didn't seem to know I had hit him. He took off racing over the top, where we lost sight of him. It took us at least 1/2 hr. to get thru the alders and over the hill. There we could see my moose about 50 yards away. He was lying amid a lot of blown down jackpine-type trees with brush on either side and had his head fairly upright. While Jimmy, who didn't even have a gun, stood off to the side, I moved around in front until I was about 10 yards away. I planned to shoot just under his chin, but when I raised the rifle, it was still on 9X; all I could see was hair. I lowered it to adjust the scope. When I did the moose stood and started toward me. Uphill from me, he seemed huge -- like I was looking up at his head ten feet above me. I turned to run, but tripped on one of the deadfalls. Both me and the rifle went flying. As I covered my head with my arms, I yelled to Jimmy to tell my wife I love her. Then I heard the crash. The moose had died and fallen about 10 feet behind me. When we field dressed and skinned him, we found all three of my bullets against the farside hide in an area about the size of a pie plate They had pretty much wiped out the lungs but had missed the heart. And I survived! 🤣 ******************** Geez, I forgot the other moose attack I had survived in Yellowstone NP. I had located a decent bull that was meandering between the road and the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. So I parked my truck, grabbed my cameras and proceeded to get into a good spot to take some pics. I was doing just fine; I snapped the shutter and the moose continued what he was doing. That all changed when a bus load of Japanese (maybe Chinese) tourists also saw the moose and dismounted the bus in mass. Within two minutes they had the moose's attention as they closed in on it from behind. Then he started toward me; he didn't appear real happy. I couldn't get to the road so I quickly backed up to a very large downed tree that had been propped up about 5' above the ground. I was able to duck under it to the other side just before the moose arrived, reared on his hind legs and hammered the downed tree with his front hooves. I was literally shaking in my boots. It seemed like a very long time, but it was probably only two minutes or less before he got bored with me, moved down to where the tree entered the water and walked around the tree to my side. That's when I ducked back to the other side and ran as fast as I could to the road and my truck. I sat there and watched while the tourists loaded back on the bus as if nothing unusual had happened.

Makes it a bit tough when you visit your favorite whorehouse, no?

Only an idiot would predict that. Oh wait, you already did.

If I was 25 yrs. younger, you'd have a sale so I could replace my 50+ yr; old M70 .264 that has been my go-to rifle for a long, long time. Good luck with the sale.

I'm the same way as far as watching SB games. In fact, I stopped watching all NFL games several years ago after they became pass happy, penalty filled affairs. I much prefer college football but usually only tune into either ASU or the more glorious matchups or rivalries. And I love it when Ohio State or Michigan loses. I began rooting a bit for the KC long before Mahomes arrived on the scene. In fact, he wasn't even born yet. 😀 In the late 1980s, I spent a week hunting deer in Iowa with several sports stars. Among them was an ex-KC quarterback, Tony Adams. He was a class act, so I always associated the Chiefs with him. Same goes for the GB Packers & Atlanta Falcons because I had hunted with ex-QBs -- Lynn Dickey (GB) & Steve Bartkowski (ATL). In case you can't tell, I reserve my cheers to teams I feel somewhat connected to. Other examples were the AZ Cardinals when TE Jim Dray was there and the Houston Texans when All-Pro LB Brian Cushing was there. Both are alumni of my high school.

Fishes of Arizona by Wendell Minckley is an indispensable guide for biologists & sportsmen to identifying Arizona's fish species. Published in 1973 by the Arizona Game & Fish Department and no longer in print, the 293 pg. softcover book measures 6" x 9" and contains many B&W illustrations. My 1st edition copy, though unread, has a few pages that are loose and a bit of discoloration along the spine of the cover from nearly 50 years of shelf life. Thus, I'm pricing it accordingly in 'as-is' condition. I will consider reasonable offers but no trades. Payment via PayPal (buyer doesn't need an acct; just a CC or checking acct.) or cash only if picked up near 67th Ave. & Camelback in Glendale, AZ. SHIPPING at buyer's expense. SOLD ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The late ichthyologist Dr. Wendell Lee Minckley (1935-2001), one of the founding members of the Desert Fishes Council and a lifetime supporter of its work, will be well-known to those familar with freshwater fishes of the southwestern United States and Mexico. He studied aquatic ecosystems and southwestern fishes, authoring a number of books, research articles and book chapters as well as co-authoring ‘Freshwater Fishes of Mexico’ with Robert Rush Miller, the latter eventually being published in 2005. Dr. Minckley was also Professor of Life Sciences at Arizona State University in Tempe, United States for almost four decades during which time he collected an extensive library of reprints and other references with the aim of making this freely-available in an online format for all to use. A Recent Review: When thinking of Arizona wildlife, most people are more apt to picture snakes and lizards than fish, but in fact the state has an abundance of streams, rivers, and lakes, and these are home to a wide variety of both native and introduced fishes. This book was one of the earliest reference works to identify the fishes found in the state, and remains an indispensable guide for biologists, sportsmen, and observers of nature. While today one is most likely to encounter various introduced species in Arizona's waterways, 100 years ago a rich and varied mixture of naturally occurring species inhabited these same waters. Whether driven out by introduced species or pushed to near-extinction by changes in habitat (such as dams), many fish that once thrived in the state are now altogether absent or are very difficult to find. From tiny minnows and chubs, to the huge Colorado River Squawfish (itself a minnow, despite its up to six-foot legnth) the unique circumstances of the desert waters made for many interesting and beautiful fish. In particular, many fishes were adapted to the cycle of drought and flood common to Arizona, and as such, took on appearances found nowhere else in the world. Most of these species are found in but a tiny area of their former ranges, if they are to be found at all, but in recent years efforts have been made to insure the continued presence of these fishes in at least small parts of the state. The author did his research at a time when there were many individuals still to be found in the state who had clear memories of waterways such as the Colorado, Salt, and Gila Rivers when they still flowed freely, prior to the construction of major dams, as well as a time prior to the introduction of non-native fishes such as Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. He has drawn heavily on these memories to help construct a book which is interesting to non-academics as well as to professionals who require a scientific work. The author gives ample attention to non-native species which are commonly pursued by sportsmen. Some of these species, such as Brown Trout in the Little Colorado River and Yellow Bass in the lakes formed by damming the Salt River east of Phoenix, have not been stocked for decades, but have become "native" in the minds of many fishermen because they have adapted well and have become self sustaining. Unfortunately, other non-native species which are detested by almost everyone, such as Carp, have adapted very well also. This book provides an excellent guide to help the outdoorsman locate suitable waters for a particular fish, as well as to provide excellent descriptions to aid in identification. It would serve as a superior reference to a sportsman who is fishing a remote stream where it might be more likely to encounter fishes not familiar to the fisherman, and which might be protected by law. Knowledge provided by this book might help the fisherman avoid taking a protected fish, further endangering the species and potentially resulting in a hefty fine. "Fishes of Arizona" is a useful book for readers from states bordering Arizona as well. A resident of Southern Nevada, such as myself, might well encounter fish referenced in this work while visiting waters such as the Colorado River and the Virgin River, whose runs either form the border between the two states, or have significant portions running through both states. Lake Mead biologists working out of Las Vegas frequently reference this book. More than 30 years since I bought my copy, I still find myself frequently consulting my now rather stained and tattered edition, well worn from heavy use. It may be time to pick up a new copy, and I thoroughly endorse this excellent guide for anyone with an interest in the fish of Arizona. TM List

On it's way.

Did you note this: My 1st edition copy, though unread, has a few pages that are loose and a bit of discoloration along the spine of the cover from nearly 50 years of shelf life. Thus, I'm pricing it accordingly in 'as-is' condition.

The Guide to Bass Fishing: Central Arizona Lakes was published by Tres Amigos Pub in 1976 -- old friends Bob Hirsch (gave me my copy), Gene Henry and Dalton Babb. The 120-pg. paperback covers 7 lakes -- Roosevelt, San Carlos, Pleasant, Bartlett, Apache, Canon and Saguaro -- with topo maps for all of them. This is no doubt the rarest book in my collection. I can't find another copy anywhere online, including eBay. Only reference to one is a listing on Amazon to one for $79.75 plus $5.99 shipping. I will consider reasonable offers but 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. & Camelback in Glendale or shipped FREE. SOLD This is an image from the Amazon listing. My copy is in better condition, as in very good to excellent

Coming your way.

Smart guy.