Leaderboard

Being the gunner on a pronghorn hunt is way, way different than being the spotter. Especially after you've waited half your life to pull the tag. Here's a quick recap of my 2024 pronghorn hunt Scouted all summer looking for something to really focus my efforts on. Although we did find a few decent bucks, it took until the beginning of August to find the one that really got my heart rate up. We first spotted him a little over a mile away with heatwaves making it tough to really know what he was. The next morning we walked in before sunup in hopes of at least being close enough to get better pics to review. Found him that morning at about 700yds. Something piqued his curiosity and he made our morning way easier: IMG_5745_2.mov He was probably prettiest speed goat I had ever seen, plus he seemed to like me back, so my mind was made up. We named him Heart for obvious reasons. We continued to scout other areas but always made one more pass through to 1) see if we could relocate him 2) see if there were any archery hunters on him and 3) see how many rifle hunters were scouting in that area. As it turns out, we never saw a single vehicle until day two of the hunt. way less stressful that way. As hot as it is, big props to the archery guys... trying to close to bow range with buzz worms crawling around is a ballsy proposition IMG_5433.MOV Sadly, this one died of lead poisoning not long after this video was taken... Fast forward to the day before the opener: I am fortunate that my brother Curt has the ability to work remote thanks to Elon Musk and Star Link so he was in camp early. I wasn't able to get out of work until about noon. Just as I was pointing the Bronco north I get a message from him. He hasn't moved a half mile from the weekend prior. IMG_5982.mov Opening morning: Here we go!!! I had a lot of help from friends and family on this one. had two sets of spotters with Curt and I on the ground the area we had last seen him. As the sun rises we get a call that the buck is in a pasture. We make the half mile walk to get into shooting position only we missed our mark and the buck spotted us before we spotted him. things got real frantic, real fast and I ended up sending a shot across his bow. I lost a little piece of my soul when he kicked that extra gear and was leaving a dust wake across the prairie. We played hide and seek with him for a little under 5 miles. He finally bed and we were able to get to 450yds before we ran out of cover. Its way easier when they don't know you're there- was able to get a comfortable rest, in the shade, and waited for him get up to stretch. Results below: Helluva thing these pronghorn... Hope everyone gets to experience it at least once. Thanks for looking Dave

It was a very fun hunt. My kids both killed they had 10 days to hunt and passed many bucks and finally decided to shoot on day 8 and day 9. Saw a couple giants but shooting lanes were a problem.

My cousin has owned this truck since new, 1994. She has garage kept it, and rarely used it. I have wanted it for 25 years. Last time when I asked her about it, she said yes! So, I bought a dog box for the pup, and she brought it down. Doing some work, mainly maintenence but either way I am super pumped to have it. My son will get it when he is 16. Pretty sweet truck, 1994 V6, 5 speed 4x4 toyota with only 123k on it!

It pays off knowing your unit.

IMG_7739.mov IMG_7739.mov Well last night we got about 150 yds from the big herd coning to the meadow. He was the big bull we wanted. Just ran out of light. Also last night i will attach a video of a bull we didnt go after he just not a shooter yet, maybe next week. this morning just sucked for us. Went to a new area and not 1 bugle for 4 hours. Then we heard 1 way in the distance and tried to get on him but he was just pushing away and away. My son has to be in phx this week so we will be up Thursday to the following Thursday of when it closes. Hopefully this rut kicks on. Really banking on the last 7 days. Will sit water more often it looks like. IMG_7739.mov

Pulled these out of my ffl from consignment and will try to sell locally here. NW Tucson, must show ccw or azdl. All are unfired and bought new by me. Taurus Executive Judge 410/45lc: beautiful bead blasted hand tuned executive grade Taurus judge with presentation grade wood grips. Comes with factory Pelican hard case. Accepts 410 and 45lc. $sold Tisas Bantam Carry B9 9MM 1911: beautiful bobtail commander length 1911 9mm with lightening cuts and millwork. $700. $650. $600 firm Added sig p320 x ten 10mm with 2 mags and kydex holster. Comes with factory case and accessories. Pics up shortly. $800. $750 pics borrowed from my ffl as he is a much better photographer. I can send more if desired. thx

Newbie, no history and not doing FTF. Extreme caution is recommended.

Loading them is like the last step, none were loaded. When I put one through my sizing die I knew something was up lol.

Tough morning. Got on a screaming bull at 430. Sat on him till 515. He bugled 1 more time so we moved in slow. Come shooting light he went quiet. Never heard or saw again. moved on to another area. Thru out a locator bugle and about 1/4 mile away. We head that way and once again never another bugle or nothing. Thru some soft cow calls out and nada. They respond 1 time and then just dissapear. Might just have to be more aggressive. well its hot now and eating pizza at morman lake. Have a plan on a few evening bulls we been seeing but its risky. Will keep u updated.

Helped my buddy on his antelope hunt. Curious what anyone thinks the score is?

28 Nosler, Stainless, muzzle break, about 200 rounds through it, has Burris Signature HD 5-25x50, SFP, illuminated reticle, custom dial for nosler 160 gr Accubond. $750 bare rifle or $1250 with scope. in peoria 602-826-7517

Well its my sons 5bs bulk tag. We had a few good scouting trips and have a plan. I will try and post pics and videos and give updates for those interested. Went out tonight to a waterhole we like and heard a few bugles which blew me away. They been talking after dark but not today. About 50 yds before water this guy came in. Hope to see him in the morning. He had no cows with him. On way back to camp saw a bull pushing 20 cows hard. About a 310 bull but rutting hard. Hope to have a good morning. Up at 330am IMG_7729.mov

Anyone have a good powder they recommend? New to the 45-70 and just seeing what everyone else is using. I order 150 pieces of star line brass that I put away over 8 months ago. Had some issues on the length, and figured out that they shipped 45-90 instead of 45-70. I'm just glad I had a RCBS Protrimmer.

...

EVAN!!! we had us a weekend for sure, my friend... was a blast hanging out with you and Andrew. Glad you were able to seal the deal and we had front row seats to watch it. Not sure I have another 25yr wait in me, though..... will have to figure out something easier to draw.. or become professional prairie dog hunters

I use H322 for 405 gr bullets.

Update on this since it got bumped. my son decided to stay in AZ and started the apprenticeship program through the union in Tucson. He started working this summer and school just stared a few weeks ago. so far it is going well. Thanks again for all the advice and suggestions

AZGFD definitely needs to adopt some ethics rules for its employees. How about wardens are not allowed to apply/hunt for game in the unit they patrol. I can think of two instances where this would alleviate some conflict of interest. Unit 27 warden with an archery bull tag in his pocket doing aerial surveys 1-2 days before season opens, then shooting a 400+ bull he saw from the helicopter(otherwise never would have known about). Unit 3B warden giving his tag to a friend to tag a bull he wounded and didn't recover on last day of the season(then gets 100k for being unreasonably reprimanded). I'm sure there's many, many more cases I'm unaware of. Not defending the guide, personally don't like guides, but rules need to go both ways.

IMG_7733.mov Well no elk. Had turkeys come in at each tank on way back my kids saw a giant elk. Probably biggest they seen in person. 7x7 with about 75 cows. About a 375 bull. Just a freak. Lets see what tomorrow brings.

I also share this opinion. I had a better experience overall with these EL 12x50 vs the NL 12x42. Focus and keeping focus superior in the EL. My NL seem more finicky. Just sharing opinion from my experience. Can’t believe these haven’t sold yet. Good luck with sale!

It’s been a long time coming, but finally got it done all by my lonesome on Tuesday with my bow. 7 years in the making and what a relief! These deer have my utmost respect, and I have so much appreciation for the folks that have helped me along the way.

80 is huge.

Once season comes around, they go into a portal and will not be seen until the day after season ends.

Tequila es no amiga para mi.... Kent