MT_Sourdough

I think some people look at herd size numbers as if they are exclusive of other interests. If herd size has been reduced, then it wasn't an accident. The managers work with ranchers to come to a number that limits the number of cattle that ranchers range on public lands and limits elk herd size in a mutual compromise. Most ranchers don't feed their cattle much in this state, but that means they share limited food supply with the elk. I've seen AZ cattle get mighty thin through the winter. It's all a balance and most states in the west operate this way.

The elk in this state are being blessed with fresh food. In most states the elk herds are still dealing with snow this time of year (typically) While elk in other states still struggle to survive the winter, they are already fattening back up here. The early spring greening in AZ coincides with the start of new antler production. It's like AZ elk get over a month of extra antler growth. In the mountains of western Montana, where I come from, the slopes do not start to green until sometime in May. The upper reaches don't clear until middle of June. There is not much exceptional that this state does as opposed to others. Caring capacity = a, Agriculture interests = b, herd size = c; a-b=c. It's not the too unusual.

giving the honor to game and fish for having big animals? Hahaha that's the funniest thing I've heard all year. We have big animals because of genetics. AZ G&F do not deserve credit for the size and quality of game in AZ, besides offering water in some areas. That part is correct. Where I disagree is claiming superior genetics. Almost all Rocky Mt elk in this country come from a gene pool in Yellowstone park that, itself, had their population reduced as low as 557 animals before the turn of the century. So almost all the elk in this country, minus the Roosevelts, come from a very small gene pool. The Yellowstone elk were released in this state in the late 20's. Less than 90 years is not a long time to deviate much from original genetic source. The reason why elk get so dang big here is the same reason why there are so many retirees here. Mild winters.

First new headbone of the year. This guy already has more mass than the spindly busted-up head bone it lost two weeks ago. So far so good. By the way, this guy has put on about 50 lbs or so over the last three weeks as well. Lots of food. t

In the middle of the State (unit 19a) things are drying very fast. Tanks are going empty. Lots of food. Animals are looking good at this point. Long spell till monsoon season.

Please inform me where there is evidence demonstrating interests from the feds to reduce access? I haven't seen anything but conjecture to that point. In fact the feds are passing bills to open up The Grande Canyon to hunting the bison. As I have said, everybody who is pushing the eliminating public lands are trying to suggest that the govt is trying to make our public lands inaccessible. I am capable of walking, so the only thing that is inaccessible to me is everything behind "NO TRESPASSING" signs. No, the inaccessible argument is a political ploy. As far as the Pittman/Robertson Act is concerned, the interesting story on that subject is how the Arizona Game and Fish sent out a notice on it's e-mail list saying the "administration" was trying to redirect those funds towards deficit reduction. The Notice did acknowledge that the language was part of the "Budget Control Act". The Budget control act was authored by Paul Ryan, not the Administration. So right before the election, they sent out misleading information. Do no start entertaining the idea that I am a Liberal or a Dem either, I am the guy in the middle getting assaulted by both sides.

I understand the slippery slope from National Monument to National Park, but in the case of the Grande Canyon, we are about to open up limited hunting in the park for bison. The problem is, there are designs on a "Mall of America" sorta mall built on the south side and a small town to increase from 500 to 4500 people to staff the mall. Plus with the global market for uranium being outrageous, the rims are slated to be turned into uranium mines. That's just one piece of the overall picture. Basically, anybody with money that says I want this or that, instantly becomes a stakeholder. As bad as this may sound, we are probably lucky that the current legislation is a rider on a budget bill that is more of a political stunt and will not likely make it past Obama veto stamp. I am not totally sure on that, but I am hoping. For the future, they are trying to pave the way to end the legacy and heritage of the West. It makes me very mad and depressed.

This is what I have been talking about. When the states take control of our public lands, most will go up for sale to the highest bidder. They want us to think that we'll have increased access. The only ones that will have access are those with substantial economic backing. Get use to the term "Stakeholder". Once it's private, you can bet your bottom dollar that it's going to be graced with "NO TRESPASSING" signs.

Last year, I found an area along the Verde River where hogs had tore up a huge area. I've returned to that area a few times, but there hasn't been any evidence of them since. I think they keep moving up and down the river.

You think they take bets in the office on how long it takes from the time they offer up a bogus answer till it appears at CWT.com?

https://youtu.be/Bxauqa7rJgI?t=22

I really want to get into predator hunting. I bought a rifle specifically for the purpose and I also have an Alpha Dogg E-caller. I have gone out a couple of times and I am learning from my mistakes, but I want to shorten the learning curve a bit by accompanying a seasoned predator hunter for a day of calling. I live in Chino Valley and am hoping there is such a person within 100 miles in any direction that is willing to have a rookie tag along. I'd gladly pay for gas and whatever xpenses might arise. Right now I am setting up in areas (by mistake) that makes it easier for them to see me than for it is for me to see them. Bottom line, as the only thing I get are a bunch of annoyed birds. I can just about alter my schedule to meet anybodies time line. I just want to see some buggers get called in and learn those things that are still alluding me. One more thing, if it matters, I can gladly agree to not return to the places we set up at so a person doesn't have to worry about giving up some spots. I am more concerned with learning how to pick stands than I am about specific locations. Thanks Scott

Limited Opportunity for cow with zero points. WOO HOO I'm in the game.

GET THE HOLY HAND GRENADE!!! Sorry, couldn't help myself

Ya see, now there's some good ol' common sense. If they get too lazy to fetch more firewood, they can just burn some applications. Works for me.

80 oz camelback bladder holds a 6 pack and the beer gets shook up less on your back then it does attached to the bike.

How about a bicycle frame? I have a mountain bike that has euro metro looking graphics and I could love it more if it was a bit more hillbilly lookin.

The one I just shot was an average sized sow and with head, skin and entrails all gone, weighed about 21 1/2 lbs.

ok. thanks

OK, I am trying to do the AZG&F on-line hunter questionnaire and I got hung up on the first question. Username. What is the username? thanks

Sunny morning in 19A. Far off slope was glowing in the morning sun. Hiked into a position to glass it and there they were feeding along the slope in the warm sun after two cold and wet days. Several hundred yards stocking through Cat's Claw can seem like several miles. Closed the distance to 100 yards or so. 444 Marlin, with a bullet I designed specifically for this purpose that I call the Chino Valley bullet javelina load, sealed the deal. My first javelina after 3 years of bitter tag soup. Oh', thanks to Jeff for your post gave me extra motivation

OOOH! That stings. I am working 19a and haven't even seen one yet. Great job. I am going out to try to get her done today.

No impact, one way or other regarding wolves. I grew up on a ranch in Montana, 15 miles north of Butte Montana. I know about wolves, mining and dealing with Feds

If, by "Eminent Domain" means protecting the interests of those of us that recreate, hunt and fish on public lands, then I'd say thank God. Without Federal lands, our rights and opportunities as hunters and outdoorsman are lost forever. That is unless you are a multimillionaire and therefor could afford to buy your piece of the "sale-off" of our public lands. You are seriously misguided if you think the Fed's have our best interest's in mind. I will let you in on a little secret ....."They don't" My friend, it is you that is completely misguided if you think protecting our public lands comes down to partisan politics. I am a political "independent" who fights both sides. Simply put, Democrats wants my guns and Republicans wants my public lands. The end of my way of life is lost either way. I don't take sides in political partisanship, but deal with every issue independent of partisan bias.

If, by "Eminent Domain" means protecting the interests of those of us that recreate, hunt and fish on public lands, then I'd say thank God. Without Federal lands, our rights and opportunities as hunters and outdoorsman are lost forever. That is unless you are a multimillionaire and therefor could afford to buy your piece of the "sale-off" of our public lands.