lancetkenyon

Holy huge brakes Batman! The weight alone would help reduce recoil, let alone the porting. As others have stated, that weight on the end of the barrel should not hurt the rifle, but will definitely change the barrel harmonics. Do a quick ladder test with loads similar to what you have been shooting to see where the accuracy node shifted to. I bet within a grain of powder +/- you will be close.

What kind of muzzle brake? Clamp on or thread on? Make/model? Bore dimensions? Who did the install?

And make sure you are carrying non-lead shot ONLY! Even when quail season is underway with duck season, you can get dinged for having lead shot on you. My brother found this out.

7W, one of my favorite units. Good luck bud. Stick with it. My daughter has a late rifle bull tag up there. Can't wait. We'll be up this weekend scouting some more. Let me know if you need anything brought up from the valley, I'll grab it for you.

http://www.azgfd.gov/regs/waterfowlregs.pdf

I wish my wife would accidently buy me some .280AI rounds.... Bump for a nice gun.

I have one account of a bear incident involving a fisherman here in AZ. One of my Dad's good friends went to the San Carlos Res and was fishing the Black River 30+ years ago. He was alone. Scheduled to be gone 4 days. Day 5, no word of him. Day 6, authorities are called. Day 8, his camp is found. Tent is torn up, sleeping bag is torn up, nothing of the guy at first. Some remains were found, along with lots of bear sign around the tent. No bear was ever found to confirm. It is not known if the bear/bears got to the guy pre or post death. It is probable he died from something and the bear/bears just found the remains. He was not suicidal, no weapons were missing/found fired, no knife with human blood, no pills, etc. No other human traffic was noted near the site either. A tragic mystery either way. Back about 20 years ago, I went to the same river, and thought about this the entire time. On my third day, I came to the river early in the morning, and on the opposite bank with about 20' of 6" deep water separating us, was a big black bear.....we eyed each other for all of 2 seconds before it bolted into the woods...and I nearly had to wash out my shorts.

I'm not making light of the fact that something might have been done that was not entirely legal. I am also not saying I have not mistakenly shot a bird that was not my intended game species. This will be a good lesson either way it turns out, to identify your target, and know when/where you can and can't hunt. I am also not bashing the officer. Most of them are hard working agents doing a job they love for little pay. Leniency by an officer is based on his/her discretion. I was not there, so I do not know the entire story or witnessed what occurred, so I will not speculate on how it all went down. I would sincerely doubt any judge would throw the book at anyone for a first offence of shooting a Sparrow in a technically closed area. We have determined that House Sparrow season is open year round for shotguns, statewide with a few closed areas specifically called out. We just need to determine WHERE this took place. If it was or was not in a closed area, might make all the difference in the world.

Where did this happen? There are a lot of areas closed by G&F for the House Sparrow limited season, even though it is open year round. If he was in one of these closed areas, he did commit the offense. Sorry, and I hope I am wrong in my assumption of location. See the notes below. A lot of areas with 25M (greater Phx. area hunt unit) are closed to sparrow hunting. 1. The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground is closed to hunting, except those areas open in accordance with U.S. Army regulations to properly licensed hunters holding a valid Yuma Proving Ground Hunting Program Access permit. Hunting access permit holders are required to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement and complete a Range Safety Briefing. Occasionally, due to military activities, some affected hunting areas may be temporarily closed. For information write: U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground - Bldg. 105, Attn: Hunting Program, 301 C. Street, Yuma, AZ 85365- 9498 or call (928) 328-2630, or www. yuma.army.mil/hunting_program.htm. 6. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to hunting when the unit they occur in is open to hunting. 7. The following described area in Unit 26M is closed to hunting: those private lands lying just north of the Town of Cave Creek in Sections 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 of Township 6 North, Range 4 East. 8. A portion of Unit 25M is closed to hunting. Hunting is not permitted in the following area of Unit 25M: an unincorporated portion of land west of Loop 202 (San Tan Freeway) known as the Elliot and Hawes County Island in Section 16, Township 1 South, Range 7 East. 9. Entry into portions of Units 40A, 40B, 46A, and 46B is subject to military closure and requires coordination with the appropriate land management agency for hunting access to Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) and some adjacent areas. The BMGR is closed to hunting except open public recreational use areas, as allowed by an authorized entry permit. For specifics about accessing the BMGR refer to the Index: Hunting on Military Reservations. 10. The Florence Military Reservation (training areas B and D: the areas north and south of Cottonwood Canyon Road) in Unit 37B is subject to short term closures due to military operations, including live fire operations, and requires coordination with the Florence Military Reservation for hunting access. For specific closure dates or any other access concerns, contact the Florence Military Reservation at 602-267-2062. A map of the Florence Military Reservation is located on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website, azgfd.gov (type Florence Military Reservation in the search box). 11. The following described area in Unit 26M is closed to hunting: the unincorporated portion of land within the Town of Queen Creek in Pinal Countyin Sections 5, 7, 8, and 18 of Township 3 South, Range 8 East. 12. Within Unit 25M as described in R12- 4-108, all incorporated lands, including private property within municipal boundaries, are closed to hunting unless opened under Commission Order. Incorporated includes all municipal and corporate limits. County islands are open to hunting provided the hunter does not discharge a firearm within 1/4 mile of an occupied farmhouse, residence, cabin, lodge, or building without permission of the owner or resident. Privately held lands within county islands may be closed by the landowner. 13. The following described area in the City of Maricopa in Unit 26M is closed to hunting: that portion of the city east of Green Road, south of Smith Enke Road, and east of the Cobblestone subdivision and that portion of the city north of Farrell Road and west of White and Parker Road. 14. The following described area in the Town of Eloy in Units 26M and 37A is closed to hunting: beginning with the intersection of Cornman Road and LaPalma Road; south on LaPalma Road to Milligan Road; west on Milligan Road to Overfield Road; north on Overfield Road to Cornman Road; east on Cornman Road to LaPalma Road. 15. The following Pima County parks and preserves are open to hunting when the unit they occur in is listed as an open area: A-7 Ranch in Units 32 and 33, Oracle Ridge Property in Unit 33, Six Bar Ranch in Unit 33, Emperita Ranch in Unit 34B, Bar V Ranch in Unit 34B, Sands Ranch in Unit 34B, Clyne Ranch in Unit 34B, Diamond Bell Ranch in Unit 36A, Marley Ranch in Units 36A and 36B, Rancho Seco in Units 36A and 36B, Kings 98 Ranch in Unit 36C, Old Hayhook Ranch in Unit 36C, Verdugo in Unit 36C, Bee Ranch in Unit 37A, Mordka Ranch in Unit 37A, Buckelew Ranch in Unit 37A, Carpenter Ranch in Unit 37A, Cochie Canyon Ranch in Unit 37A, Lords Ranch in Unit 37A, and Tortolita Mountain Park in Unit 37A. Hunting in County Parks, opened by this Commission Order, is not permitted within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area, developed camp ground, shooting range, occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course. Developed areas do not include trails. 16. The following described area in Unit 36B is closed to hunting: in the posted portion of Sopori Ranch south of Arivaca Road in Sections 14 and 15, Township 20 South, Range 11 East. The remainder of Sopori Ranch is open to hunting. 17. The following described area in the Town of Marana in Unit 37A is closed to hunting: beginning at the intersection of Sanders Road and Avra Valley Road; north on Sanders Road to the Santa Cruz River; southeast along the Santa Cruz River to the Central Arizona Project Canal; southwest along the Central Arizona Project Canal to Avra Valley Road; west on Avra Valley Road to the intersection of Sanders Road. 92 Arizona Game and Fish Department — www.azgfd.gov Getting Started, License and Fees Small Game and Other Wildlife Seasons Small Game Hunting Notes 18. The following described area in the Town of Quartzsite in Units 43A and 44B is closed to hunting: Sections 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, Township 4 North, Range 19 West and Sections 2, 3, and 4, Township 3 North, Range 19 West. 19. The following Maricopa County parks and preserves are open to hunting as defined in R12-4-321: Lake Pleasant, White Tank Mountains, McDowell Mountain, and Estrella Mountain Regional Parks. Hunting in County Parks, opened by this Commission Order, is not permitted within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area, developed camp ground, shooting range, occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course. Developed areas do not include trails. 20.In Units 11M and 38M, the private property within municipal boundaries is closed to hunting. 21. The area in Unit 37A in the Town of Marana is subject to temporary closures in February for special events. All state lands located south of Cochie Canyon Trail in Township 11 South, Range 12 East. 27. The following City of Tucson water Properties located in Avra Valley are open to hunting via foot access only: the Duval property in Unit 36C and the Buckelew property in Unit 37A; all other Tucson water properties are closed to hunting. 28.In the northern portion of Unit 5A, access is permitted on the Clear Creek Ranch by written permission only by contacting the Hopi Tribe Wildlife and Ecosystems Management Program via e-mail at hopihunts@ hopi.nsn.us or by calling (928) 734-3606 or (928) 734-3605 from Monday- Friday 8am-5pm. Please contact in advance to gain access for hunting and scouting. In Unit 5B North, access is permitted on the Hopi’s Hart/Drye Ranch and in Unit 4A on the Hopi’s Aja Ranch by signing in at designated sign-in boxes located at access points.

Very interesting. I get something similar when you run my name...it lists my wife and her maiden name as an "alias" for me. I have never gone by "Annie," so they probably just pull the info from documents on which we both appear (i.e. mortgages, accounts, corporate filings, etc.). I would bet Tracey is his wife's name. With a screen name of "1uglydude", and you SURE you never had an alias of "Annie"? Sorry buddy, I just couldn't help myself...

The first foot photo....I thought...."Umm...not so much." Then I saw the second photo, and thought, "Unless you KNOW it is there, you will never see it." Great job saving the mount. Looks amazing.

I agree with the choice of not passing him up. A great bull, especially with a bow!

Cash price for the O/U?

5th generation AZ native here. Actually more, as my paternal grandmother was full Chiricahua Apache, so more generations than I know of. Makes my kids 6th generation natives. I travel a lot for work, but it is 90% somewhere in the west. From TX to WA, I have covered a lot of ground. I have been back to IL, NY, NJ, WI, MN, CN, FL, GA, IN, and I hate it back there. Pretty scenery, amazing history, but way too many people for my tastes.

For dove/quail, I usually go out with family/friends. For big game, unless it is on one of my kids hunts, I am usually hunting alone. Not a single one of my buddies wants to hunt as hard as I do. Most of them are road hunters, I am not. I would rather put a couple miles a day in boot leather on the ground and get away from the roads. Sometimes the family is at camp, but not out in the woods with me. I always let my wife know where I will be hunting, where the truck is parked, where my camp is, and that I will usually be out until after dark. I try to camp where I have cell service, so I can check in each night/morning. This fall will be no different. Family all cannot get off work/school, so my deer hunt will be a solo hunt again. My 12 year old daughter's elk hunt will be just her and I. I am really looking forward to it.

Here is my baby girl (23) over Labor Day weekend... Here is my other baby girl (12) scouting with me for her elk hunt coming up this November...

Cherish them. They grow up way too fast. My oldest just got married two weeks ago. Seems like yesterday she was born, then starting school, then graduating college, now, 4 days later, she is married. Teach them everything you cherish. They will learn to value what you do. Teach them men do not hit women. And you will kill any man that does hit them. Teach them women do not hit men either. Discipline them when they need it, comfort them when they need it, but make them grow up tough. Life does not play nice usually, and they need to be prepared to face it. It is amazing how tough girls can be.

A "Chewing out" does not bring revenue. A citation does. Money talks these days.

And chics dig scars. Win/win situation.

This ^

I've read them all too. I like them a lot.

A .22-250 with a suppressor could have worked wonders on predator control. Amazing footage. One reason I will never pass up an opportunity to take out a coyote.

Matching pedestal sink too. My wife likes them....

Did the warden confiscate the said "sparrow" for identification and evidence? If he could positively identify the bird as a "sparrow", if it is a House (English) Sparrow, then it was NOT out of season, as it is a year-long season (page 85 of the 2014-15 hunting regulations). If it was NOT a House (English) Sparrow, then it is a non-game species, and would be a citable offense. You can't just shoot everything that flies. But without photographs by the warden, or taking the bird in as evidence, it is his job to provide burden of proof of a game violation, which I'm not sure if he can do now. It would be nice if he DID take it and presents it, and it is an actual sparrow. That might solve this whole issue. House (English) Sparrow http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHouse_sparrow&ei=XZMYVLSIKYPhoATmrYH4Bg&usg=AFQjCNEHrW5VQyi31XU0JepL7e4ZNuTyXg for identification purposes. Basically, it is what we all know as the sparrow. I always carry a copy of the hunting regs with me, for this purpose, and my own reference. I have had discussions with game wardens in the field and we were able to clarify things that we were both on the line about. Remember, be respectful to LEOs, and they will usually return the favor.

On a side note, we have been gearing up for the hunt like crazy. Got her a full set (pants/parka) of Cabela's Silent Suede waterproof insulated gear, a full set of windproof medium weight gear, various layering clothing, and a pair of light, medium and two pair of heavy gloves. She has good 1000gram insulated waterproof boots, waterproof hiking boots, tons of beanies/hats, ear muffs, balaclavas, fleece facemasks, thermals, sweats, fleece, and wool socks. Plus a good set of Gore-Tex rain gear and hat too. So we should be good to go on clothes for just about ANY weather condition we might encounter. She also has her own good binos & tripod, sitting pad, a good small hydration backpack (daypack size) that fits her well, compass, etc. Anything you guys can think of that I am missing that would be essential to keep her comfortable during the hunt?