1uofacat

Now see, I read it entirely differently... Since he was "deprived" of a traditional tag in the draw, it naturally become his "deprivation" tag! (& yes I'm bored...)

Tree stands are a lot of work. It takes some specific gear to set one up safely, can take hours to set one up depending on the area, and you need to find the right tree. Once you set one up it's generally there for the hunt given the amount of work to set it up in the first place. The best manufactured treestands aren't cheap either, so that's why I make my own. It's easy to just order ground blinds which takes only a couple minutes to set up, and you can move them wherever you want to at a moments notice. The last two elk I've taken were from treestands including a P&Y bull in my avatar from about 12 yards who never knew I was there (bulls were not talking much as it was a "hot" September that year). While portable blinds can be the "lazy man's" way of hunting, they have advantages such as the ability to move around in them w/out the fear of being seen, having two people in them relatively comfortably such as taking your wife or kids hunting and getting them real close to animals, not having to climb a tree in the dark, not worrying about falling out of a treestand, being able to take a nap if you want, some protection from the elements, and of course ease of use/setup/take-down etc. It's certainly a whole lot cheaper for my treestands as mine only cost me about $25 of steel to fabricate one (I am a welder too), whereas the most effective portable blinds cost several hundred dollars each (great material, construction, etc.). My family and I have several of the original Double-Bull blinds before they sold out to Primos, which are the best I've personally seen. There's other good portable blinds, but none I have seen that I like more then the original Double Bull Blinds. I think the rancher you mentioned was a very isolated case that probably happened once, and IMO he over-reacted. For all we know, he cut the treestand down, or made the whole thing up because he's had bad encounters with hunters. I've never seen treestands just taken down and tossed aside, nor have I ever heard of that before your post. What's (probably) more true to life is other hunters taking treestands that they feel are "abandoned" to use themselves elsewhere. 10 years ago in 5BN I found a treestand which was still fastened to a tree that had died, split, and fallen over destroying the treestand. The strap anchoring it was dry-rotted indicating it was there for many years. I was in that exact area the previous 2 years hunting elk and never noticed the treestand before convinced I walked right by/under that tree many times. That year an elk was taken by our group within 30 yards of where that treestand was too,,, it was by a "very good" trail no doubt. I have several treestands, and actually have had one set up for years on a good trail, but it's relatively hidden so I doubt anyone, other than those of us who use it, know its even there. We put up our treestands a week before season, then and take them down at the end, or right after the end of the season (w/in a week or so). Note that we generally don't put up treestands adjacent to tanks as it's too easy for someone else to "screw it up" for us, whether it inadvertently done or on purpose. We place treestands on trails and use them based on current use, which seems to change a lot during season with pressure. That's why we usually have several set up, not just one or two. Oh, and most importantly, we use cameras to identify current use, what time of day, and what animals are using the trails. We typically put out cameras a month or more before season and "hide them" as best we can so unless a hunter is looking for cameras they won't be seen. That said, we've never had a camera stolen. We also use lock boxes on most of them, so that at least makes us feel safer about camera thieves anyway.

I drew a rifle Valle Vidal bull tag back in the mid-90s... that was a truly awesome hunt! Hit the weather/elk perfect that year, but the poor archers that September had a tough time of it as the bulls had only started to bugle some. By the time our season came around (early October as I recall), the bulls were in a full-out rut! I took an average 6x the first morning after chasing/being between 4 separate herds all morning... it was AWESOME! Some of the most beautiful elk habitat/country I've ever had the privilege to hunt too.

What is wrong with you??? You are making us who have tags in September wanting to go out now! STOP IT! haha... seriously though, Congrats!

BTW, was wondering if you lost the camera that took this pic...? http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/80019-the-trail-cam-celebration/?do=findComment&comment=797295

In unit 8, some tanks are dry that I haven't seen dry for the last 5 years, whereas others still have water. I'm not concerned about the tanks being dry so much as animals will find water. The bigger issue is probably feed overall. From what I've seen so far on my trips I'm not too concerned (for my Sept bull tag). With the monsoons finally here, my main concern now is having the ability to scout on some back roads due to the ensuing mud that will be here before we know it, if it's not already! One issue is that we are about 1/2 the annual rain/snowfall from last fall to now, so we are in a drought. That affects the largest tanks/ponds and lakes more than the small stock tanks etc. The best news is the fire danger is substantially minimized this summer, and given the 3 forest "openings" this past Wed, I'd say we're there. I can also say that the forest is "greening up" nicely even since the rain started last weekend. What tag do you have?

wow, what a read... like others here, was hoping to see pics of those caught in the act, but perhaps later. I've not had any cameras stolen, but have locked some of them, and others were not easy to get to or far off the "beaten path", so perhaps that's part of why I've been "lucky." I have had a treestand stolen however. As far as the 72 hour thing, where did that thing come from? What law is that? So, if someone parks a trailer in the woods, goes back into town for 3 days, we can take that too because it's considered "abandoned"? I'd like to hear that logic explained to a judge! Looking forward to some pics of the guilty ones!

It's reassuring to read the posts here as I don't disagree with anyone's comments. As far as "knowing where someone is if a sign is posted", that alone won't keep me out of an area, but if there's a tank in the area and I find a sign without a vehicle, the sign alone may not stop me from going in there. If I do choose to go in, I'd know I may find someone there and then need to back out/go elsewhere, or know that if nobody is there they may show up. Again, it should be First Come, First Serve... I have had one treestand stolen from 5BNorth. It was locked to the tree with a chain, 12' off the ground, w/out steps, so somebody had to work at getting it... (bastards!) They cut the lock and left the chain, but took the stand and strap I had securing it to the tree. Odd thing is it was 20 yards from a trail well off the "beaten path" 1/2 mile from any road. I hope I find it someday as I made it along with 3 others that I still use (welded construction) and it's got some unique features... that would be an "interesting" conversation if I ever did find it! One other time I was in my hunting partner's treestand hunting elk in unit 27 from which he took an elk a week earlier (great trail) & in the stand at "dark-thirty" early one morning. A quad drove in and parked about 1/4 mile away, on a CLOSED FS road. We didn't drive in to get there or set up, we hike in from an open road about a mile away and packed it in BTW. This BOZO fumbles in the dark, makes a ton of noise after parking his quad, and then I notice him heading in my general direction in the dark with his bright white flashlight waiving all around. After he turns and starts heading directly towards the treestand about 50 yards away, up a steep hill, I flash him with my flashlight while up in the treestand. His light immediately goes out, and aside from the heavy panting and wheezing, I hear him wisper... "dam*"... He then turns around, crashes back down the hill to his quad, and drives away... not being any too quiet either, and right through the area that elk should have come through to go by the stand! He was a bastard IMHO too!, but only for driving a quad on a closed road to get to a treestand where he essentially screwed it up for anyone in the area, not just myself, but for himself too. Needless to say no elk that morning.

Here's my general feeling regarding blinds archers set up before or during hunts: I've heard of individuals who set up/have blinds at several locations at the same time, and am sure it's not uncommon, especially for archery antelope Not every blind left in the field will always be occupied Just because someone sets up a blind at a tank in advance, that act alone does not give them "exclusive hunting rights" at that location As with other situations, IMO, hunting in a particular location is a "First Come-First Serve" situation, and that goes for sitting at water holes or on trails, whether or not an unoccupied blind is already there. If someone beats me to a location to hunt, then I go to another spot, and expect others to do the same thing While I don't generally leave portable blinds set up out in the field, I know some do. That said, I would not use another's portable blind if I came across one while hunting Posting a sign at a "parking location/trail head" that one intends to hunt there (in the future) falls into the same category... a posted sign on public property does not give anyone "exclusive hunting rights" to that location. Again, it comes down to, "First Come, First Serve" as far as I'm concerned. If someone posts a sign at a "parking location" that they are already at a tank, and a vehicle is there, then I'll go to another location as they were there "first"... I'm interested in other's opinions on the topic

Personally, I think you should only scout on the ranch as I won't be spending the cash and would rather you hunt there as opposed to public land! Also, if you would please, when you see good bucks, try something new and unexpected... walking straight at them when you have public land right behind them. It will confuse them so much that they will just stand there and let you walk up to within good bow range as nobody ever does it! ...& if by some odd chance it doesn't work for you on any given day, it may help others so it's a win-win! All kidding aside, best of luck!

I had a 4 level laminectomy in early Feb, '11. It went well, but was a long recovery (12 weeks out of work). I also followed doc's orders and by September was able to chase elk with a bow in a very limited fashion. I didn't connect that year, but I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to carry much if I had. My back is now basically fine, and for the most part doesn't affect me much other than soreness every now and then (just as "sheep" said above, will never be the same, but for myself it was that or never walk again). My avatar pic was taken in 2010 about 4-1/2 months before the surgery and it was all I could do to carry just that much... had lots of help though. Best advice I can give is don't wait too long and stick with your surgeon's recommendations afterwards! I have a friend who had a similar surgery to what you described as needing right before I had mine and he pushed it a lot during recovery. He also actually went skiing the next fall against everyone's recommendations, said it was "OK", but he could only make one run... He basically pushed it all the time, and now only has a good day a few times a month! Therefore, don't "push it", listen to your body as everybody is different too. Best of luck!

good website Yep. I won't lie. This is going to be the year that makes me glad I gave up wildland firefighting. The Beast will be hungry this year. It's May 2, 2018 and snowing right now in Flagstaff... not much, but it is wet at least. We sure do need the moisture!

Take heed, lots of things in this. https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/azgfd.wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/27140635/Article-3-NPRM1.pdf Among the changes are... No “live-action” trail cameras… I assume they mean those that send electronic updates etc., but not sure if this is the case. Many use images from a “live action” trail camera so what does this mean? No more trail camera use? (pg 34) They are also proposing no trail camera use w/in 1/4mile of a “developed water source.” Also, no use of drones in the aid of taking wildlife (does anyone do that?) Also a wide-scale approval of 30# bows for big game now as well as approved use of “ceramic or metal covered ceramic” cutting edges on broadheads with 7/8” cutting surface (width is same, but bison is still requiring a 40# pull). No live satellite images. Haha, wouldn't we love to have access to that? GAME AND FISH NEWS March 27, 2018 Article 3 rule changes subject of public forum, webcast Thursday Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend rules for taking, handling of wildlife PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host and webcast a public forum on proposed rule changes within Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” at 6 p.m. Thursday at department headquarters (Quail Room), 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. The webcast can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/webcast. Topics of discussion will include proposed changes by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission pertaining to trail cameras, pneumatic weapons, drones and “smart” firearms, among others. Questions can be asked in-person in the department’s Quail Room, or submitted by e-mail during the forum at questions@azgfd.gov. All public comments about the proposed rulemaking will be accepted through April 15 by: E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov. U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207. Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540. The final rule will be presented to the five-member commission at its May 4 meeting at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale St., Kingman. To track the progress of this rule, view the regulatory agenda and all previous Five-year Review Reports, and to learn about any other agency rulemaking matters, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/.

Not having the permit isn't a problem... until you want to access and can't! Just get it and be happy with your decision. Know you may not need or want to be hunting near the "outfitter turnpikes", but the fringe areas could be huge as well as not having to worry if you do need the extra access.

Either last year or the year before the NAD put archers and rifle hunters in the same area at the same time due to "activities" they said were going on reducing the overall area. It was a disaster for some archers (a friend of mine had an early archery tag). Rifle hunters fared better, and given you have a rifle tag even if that happened again, while you'd have 2X as many hunters in your "area" as you thought there would be, most would make it work. At least you have a tag and therefore a "chance" at a good hunt. I've hunted adjacent to the NAD for years in unit 8. If interested I'll share what I know... pm me.

They issued the tags I (& probably most others) thought should have been issued last week... 20 antlerless. For those 20, it's like finding a Christmas present you never knew you had!

Ha easiest fix for them. Without any repurcussions. either that, or another "draw" occurring today!

So, does "John Q Public" get thousands of additional acres to hunt elk? If those are "extra" tags that wouldn't have been included otherwise, then I'm good with it. Yes "John Q Public" does actually get thousands of additional acres to hunt elk because of the Hopi allotment. It is some of my favorite elk country to hunt Northern Pintail...your internet browser is probably the issue regarding not being able to use the "quote" buttons... try logging in with Firefox or perhaps Google Chrome. Good to know regarding additional access, but allow me to play the "devil's advocate" here for a moment, if for no other reason you understand why I have felt the way I have. Regarding Pintail's reference to 4BNorth, there is no 4B North general or archery hunt, only "Limited Opportunity 4B North tags. There is a "Limited Opportunity" 4A North Hopi Hunt where 25 tags are allotted to Hopi Hunters as well as an additional 25 tags available to anyone applying. Interestingly enough, only 6 Hopi Hunters applied for those 25 tags in 4A North. In 5A North there were 25 tags allotted to the same type of "Limited Opportunity" Hopi Hunt, but not one Hopi Hunter applied for those tags as apparently nobody wanted them! There were also 30 tags available in the 5B North "Limited Opportunity" Hopi Hunt, 24 of which were taken by Hopi Hunters. That's fine IMO. Now, let's talk about the rest of the Hopi tags... There were 54 rifle elk Hopi tags and 25 archery elk Hopi tags in units 4A, 5A, and 5B North, plus 1 any elk Champ Hopi tag in 4A this past draw. Keep in mind most of these tags are bull tags. Aside from the 11 Youth tags (all of them issued to Hopi Hunters), there is about a 3:1 ratio on bull to cow tags. That's a lot of general season/type tags that are only available to Hopi Hunters. Of these 80 general and archery Hopi tags, 8 tags were left over, so 90% of these Hopi tags were issued to Hopi Hunters, and one of those 8 left over was the Champ tag. Patrick, I have personally hunted a lot in units 4A and 5BN and never felt I needed (or wanted) access through Hopi lands to hunt north of the rim. Hunting the Flying M ranch was a good add in 5BN though! I'm glad to hear some at least find an advantage using that access, however I'm not convinced access for some is equivalent to 80 tags. Did you draw a tag this year? Do you see a lot of hunters using that access? Not being argumentative, but rather trying to find out as I actually don't know. As I recall, there were also 15 antelope tags issued only to Hopi Hunters. Perhaps access for the antelope hunts is/would be most helpful, and perhaps "equivalent".

In the past, the G&F need your app to be delivered the mail on Saturday... you do the math to get it delivered to their office on the day they are not there. If they get it Friday, they return it (too early). If they get it on Monday, it's too late (they do it first thing Monday morning), but if it gets delivered on Saturday, when they're closed, you're in the "mix".

So, does "John Q Public" get thousands of additional acres to hunt elk? If those are "extra" tags that wouldn't have been included otherwise, then I'm good with it.

I read guys losing their minds, figured there was gonna be like 100 leftover tags per unit. I look, 1 tag. Lmao Well, if I recall correctly, you drew a tag this year. How would you feel if there was a bull tag left over for your first choice? but these are cow tags Yes I know, I don't particularly like the Hopi tag allotments, but that's a separate issue (at least almost every year there's an archery bull tag left over...). The issue is here that even cow tags are quite a "gift" for many people and to be given a bonus point instead of that tag, when you correctly applied for that tag, is wrong.

I read guys losing their minds, figured there was gonna be like 100 leftover tags per unit. I look, 1 tag. Lmao It is hilarious until your kid put in for that hunt as a first or second choice and were instead given a bonus point. Not saying it was my daughter who would have gotten that tag, but there is no good excuse for there to be a "left-over" tag if someone who put in for it didn't draw. It this case it is probably well over 1000 that put in for most of these and didn't get drawn.even if they decide to figure out who deserved the tag next in line all of your kids are still gonna get a bonus point and the one kid is gonna get a tag. Only difference is this way whichever kid ends up getting it doesn't have to use points to get it. You guys are still missing the point. Whoever gets it as a left over, even if it is my kid, is not the personally who rightfully should have gotten that tag. Someone (once again, I am not saying it was me or my crew) got screwed over. How are you guys okay with that? I get your point and totally agree... there is an issue here.

I read guys losing their minds, figured there was gonna be like 100 leftover tags per unit. I look, 1 tag. Lmao Well, if I recall correctly, you drew a tag this year. How would you feel if there was a bull tag left over for your first choice?

TJ has been running the draw for the G&F these 30 years!

It's a little different if you're talking 3c. They split the hunts up this year He is talking about Unit 1 cow tags. Same exact hunts last year had 3k applicants for 600 tags. This year each had 1 extra. Something doesn't sound right...