couestaxi

I started using them this year with great success. Only negative was sound direction. A friend of mine blew both ear drums using a muzzle brake on a hunt this year so I forced myself and daughter to use them. I did not wear them all the time when walking to a new place to glass but had them on for each shot.

Hey Marshall - The buck was under that bush on the left! I believe it is a Canadian smoke pole cactus of some type. (just kidding). Bethany got her elk thursday but no deer yet! Nice pics.

I shoot a 2006 Tribute and I must say it actually leaves me speechless! Shot a easton XX78 2512 with Magnus Broadheads clear thru a bull elk at 53 yards this year. The bull never heard the bow and actually turned at looked at the arrow on the ground that just passed thru him! Then he dropped.

Funny we were just talking about this same topic in my studio. I had an archery 3a/3c bull tag this year and took a good bull! The road closure setup was very simple in my unit. If the road was not "posted as open" with a white and brown sign then it was closed. Unfortunatley many hunters and other outdoor folks did not obey the closures. The forest service I was told, was using this as a "test" before applying it to the other forest service lands in Arizona. What I was told by one forest service individual was that this was a start and if people did not obey the closures more restrictive measures may be required. These were said to include a possible ban on ATV use! It was very sad to see vehicle after vehicle driving on roads that were "closed". One individual I spoke with even worked for the forest service and had a cow tag. He acted like the rules didn't apply to him and his son. Every major road coming off the highway has a huge yellow sign detailing the vehicle use rules. They were also posted on the AZGF website. They did allow me to drive to my elk as long as I stayed on an existing 2 track and did not venture off of it. This got me within 100 yds. It's too bad we all have to pay for the disregard of a handfull of individuals that feel rules don't apply to them. With the current vehicle use or abuse I can only see this getting worse. I have noticed in New Mexico if a road is bermed closed people generally do not drive the road. Here in AZ even if there are multiple berms, signs etc. the roads are still driven on. It is amazing what efforts people will go to to drive down a closed road (look at the stupid motorist in PHX when it rains). Unfortunately we all may have to pay for the acts of a few. Maybe our best bet is to police ourselves but you hate to be an @!##$ towards a fellow hunter. On the other hand if we don't we will lose another piece of the pie.

Hunted the Cook's peak area hard last year with a backpack on! Some good mule deer but no Coues. Looks like great country for them though. Moved back north of Silver around PA and did much better. Good luck

I agree with TAM, its first come first serve. If you meet just work it out! Be carefull leaving notes as this can be illegal posting of state or federal lands. Had a guy pull this in unit 9 2 years ago. G&F nailed him for illegal posting and blocking a roadway then the LEO for the forest service got him. Turned out to be a guide with a client! If some one beat you there, get there earlier the next time. Better yet, set up on the access route the game uses to the tank or salt or whatever and shoot 'em. If ya still can't work it out call G&F as a mediator, they'll yank both tags then problem solved.

The stance the NRA finally took was that Ms. Martin would be an "OK" commissioner and to save the battle for another day. Ms. Martin may someday be a qualified commissioner but Nancy Lewis is the most qualified by far! She is a big time ARIZONA hunter and knows our issues inside and out. Get the callls and or e-mails out ASAP. The thread on the deer issues above may be but a small issue if our AZGF commission is taken over by non-hunters. Bob Hermbrode, the last commissioner appointed is more for watchable wildlife than hunting. If Ms. Martin gets on we could have 2 of the 5 seats occupied by folks not as serious about our wildlife as we are. Our Governor is slowly taking charge of the AZGF thru the back door and may be changing the name to Eastern California Game and Fish! People wonder where the ideas for changing our elk and der hunts are coming from. The AZGF department is changing fast, unfortunately in the wrong direction. We have the best coues deer, elk, antelope etc in the world..........lets keep it!

Great job folks, the commission did listen to hunters this time. i do believe however that this is just temporary. These hunting season issues are just a small battle in the major changes going on at AZGF. The most important issue to date is the new commissioner that our governor wants in. If Ms. Martin gets in that will make 2 of the 5 commissioners that do not have hunting as a top priority. The latest addition, Bob Hernbrode is pushing for "watchable wildlife" vs. hunting. The 2 other candidates - Art Pierce and Nancy Lewis - are big time hunters along with being 2 of the most prohunting voices we have. Problem is this does not fit our Governors plans. Please contact the members of the AZ Senate Natural Resources Committee and tell them you are a hunter and a sportsman or woman who does not support Jennifer Martin's nomination. Members of the AZ Senate Natural Resources Committee: Senator Jake Flake, Chairman (Republican) jflake@azleg.state.az.us Senator Robert Blendu, Vice Chairman (Republican) rblendu@azleg.state.az.us Senator Tim Bee, Member (Republican) tbee@azleg.state.az.us Senator Marilyn Jarrett, Member (Republican) mjarrett@azleg.state.az.us Senator Marsha Arzberger, Member (Democrat) marzberg@azleg.state.az.us Senator Robert Cannell, Member (Democrat) rcannell@azleg.state.az.us Senator Rebecca Rios, Member (Democrat) rrios@azleg.state.az.us Please call and email today! The Sierra Club is jumping for joy that they may have 2 folks pushing towards non-consumptive species on the commission. These changes to our hunting seasons are just a start so lets keep up the good work and continue to work together.

There is a bill in the State Senate that may impact hunters using food plots, wildlife feeders, salt licks etc. , there are several others pending including the following - some good some bad - S1438: UNLAWFUL FEEDING OF WILDLIFE A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife, a class 3 misdemeanor, by intentionally or recklessly feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area, with exceptions for public employees performing their lawful duties and normal agricultural or livestock operations. Tree squirrels and birds are not considered wildlife. First sponsor: Sen. Hellon. Others: Rep. Lopez, Sen. Cannell. S1438 Daily History Date Action UNLAWFUL FEEDING OF WILDLIFE 2/1 referred to Senate nat res-rural. Here is a good one that may impact those hunting in units 31-32 after the fee's being charged last year by some landowners, S1488: HUNTERS CROSSING PRIVATE PROPERTY A landowner is prohibited from assessing or collecting a fee for permission to cross their property to gain access to public land or a designated hunting area. Sponsor: Sen. Miranda. S1488 Daily History Date Action HUNTERS CROSSING PRIVATE PROPERTY 2/1 referred to Senate nat res-rural.

TAM - Nice Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right after you called I got the pic's sent over. Great job and story. Did you happen to get the deer head? Even though it was a lion kill might want to get AZGF permission, the've been reallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll sticky on picking up deadheads this year. Again congrats to you, Josh and Randy! Couestaxi

As long as you are 1/4 mile from any occupied structure you're OK. A couple years back AZGF changed the laws to where you cannot shoot a bow within 1/4 mile of an occupied building. This came about from Unit 19A archery where hunters were shooting too close to homes. As long as you are 1/4 mile go for it! Also, if they are just outbuildings and not occupied you should be OK. Good Luck

There is a new Coues deer video out called "Dead On Elk and Coues". I was given a copy yesterday from Coues Crazy Outfitters. This is over 2 hours of great Coues Deer and elk footage! Some of the best I have seen.........contact deadeyeproduction.com

Hey guys - It is NOT illegal to bait deer in Arizona. We had an officer from the AZGF in one of my hunter education classes. When this was brought up he pulled out Arizona Title's 12 and 17 and asked for someone to find the answer. It does not exist as law,...............yet. There have been several attempts by the department to get feeding animals changed but no result to date. There is an issue with salt. The USFS does not like this due to erosion as the salt sinks into the ground and over time leaves a big hole. Some other issues that arise include littering (leaving food out constitues littering and you can lose your license for life in AZ by doing this). Also, you cannot harvest a bear or any migratory bird from this "baited area". That does not even tough the ethical issue of baiting which I am not even going to touch! Good luck - Hunt 'em stright up!

Hey Guys - Back off on the RMEF bashing. I've been a Red Mountain Chapter Committee member since about the year they spun off from the Phoenix Chapter. Some folks may not like how the money is spent but few know how much money actually goes back into the ground here. Its one thing to be a "member" it's another to actually work on a committee. Our group spends all summer working on projects to benefit wildlife here in Arizona. Not sure on the specifics for the HH Ranch but I do believe the prior owner specified the terms the RMEF now runs the ranch under so it (management details) is out of their hands. Pick a group and get involved. The RMEF, AES, Arizona Deer Association Etc. If you want to find out more info than you will ever want to know join the Wildlife Conservation Council and attend one of their meeting - Contact Cindy Seff - AzTrappers@direcway.com , You will learn more about whats going on in Arizona and how you can help than you will ever imagine. I believe the original question was which groups support RFW? The RMEF is very vocally against land owner permits and has been forever. I don't know of any sportmens groups that are. The group you may be looking for is a group of 14 Ranches in the Kingman/Prescott area that have hired an attorney out of Prescott Valley to "URGE" AZGF to issue these RFW permits. We as hunters cannot let this happen. Topics like this are great for these message boards as they alert hunters as to what is actually going on here. Keep it up! PS - Jeff Groscost (Alt fules aside) was one of the best allies hunters had in the legislature. He fought for hunting and fishing very hard. We've had some real screwballs in there!

TREESTANDMAN - I would have to agree with genetics. Many mountain ranges have their own distinct shape and size to the basic antler growth pattern within each individual range. Second would be food for that year and the ability to grow to the 6-8 year old range. A Grad student from NAU was doing a study on Coues Deer genetics and the deer's travel habits between sky islands in Southern Arizona along with how these travel patterns relate to genetic diversity. We saved DNA samples from all coues deer brought in for his study. I am not sure what the final outcome was if any. One thing I have noticed after measuring hundreds of Coues deer bucks is that those living approximately North of the Phoenix area (North of the major "sky islands") tend to have a larger body weight than those from southern Arizona for mature bucks over 4 years old. Also, on average their heads tend to be 1/4" - 1/2" shorter from nose to eye and 1/4" wider through the tear ducts than those from southern AZ. I think this has to do more with genetics than anything else. The same goes for Mexico. It seems most ranches have 1-3 basic genetic antler frameworks for the resident deer. Look at some of the photo's of the bucks taken off a ranch over the years. They do not change much but you might have 2-3 totally different traits present. Mass on adult deer is a very prevelent trait as well as spread. Additionally AZGF (I believe) is doing a study on Coues deer movement patterns in the Payson Area with collared deer. It is my understanding (second hand) that the average coues deer in this area moves 7-8 miles between his non-rutting area and his rutting area in January. Very interesting! Good luck and great huntin' Greg

Allen - Unit D has some great bucks. It can be tough though since "we" cannot enter the unit to "scout". Your buddy might consider hiring a San Carlos guide at their daily rate for a day or two to get a feel for the area. Seems most are about $100 per day. I use National Geographic Topo Maps on CD-ROM and just print out my own. This way I can save all waypoints and hunt data on my computer. There is a new change on the 'Carlos, a hunter needs to cover 40% of their body in hunter orange(my gut tells me this is so they can find you easier!) Also, if you want tags for next year the date has been moved up to Dec 27th for coues deer tags. Good Luck Greg

You bet, thats a shoot and woory about numbers later! Sometimes folks get too wrapped up in numbers. Enjoy the animal for what it is. Good Luck this fall its huntin' time. Headin' to NM next week.

Recurveman - I'm guessing it at 376 Gross witha main frame of 348. The point length is unreal! I know you're a "net" kind of guy but thats my best guess. Relatively short on the main beams at about 48". Call me at the end of the week for a couple critters. Greg

WOW!!!!!!!!!! That is one impressive bull. I don't want to sound like the fly in the ointment but be carefull picking these up. AZGF put out a letter a few years ago clarifying the legal status of "dead heads". Basically it is against the law here to pick up a head from a dead animal. If the animal died from natural causes it is OK to keep. What you need to do is have a AZGF officer look at the kill site. If the animal died from a wounding loss then you cannot pick it up. You may be disturbing a crime scene. A buddy of mine found a 400+ bull a few years ago during the archery hunt and had to use his tag to be able to keep the rack. It seems like a shame to not be able to pick up the heads but from the AZGF side it may be a crime scene where someone shot the animal then came back later to claim the head. With that bull in velvet and before the rut you may very well be dealing with a poached animal. I skinned out a bull the other day that had a .22 in its ear!

Red Rabbit - In talking with some of the law enforcement folks at G&F there was a big problem for them in how to account for all animal parts from commercial vs. non-commercial tags. From a taxidermist standpoint this could put us out of business. We would not be able to re-sell any mounts not picked up, we would not be able to buy or sell any capes etc off of non-commercial animals. Back in April of this year I actually e-mailed Taulman and he responded, not very nice though. He actually was looking forward to higher non-resident tags as many of his clients do not mind dropping $5000 on a Arizona Elk Tag. This entire thing has only hurt the blue collar hunter like myself who enjoys hunting. Many are calling for a reorganization of AZGF but under our current Governor that might be a big mistake. We'll have to see how the legislature looks at this mess. i bet it all gets sent back to the commission.

Although I too have had good luck with the powerbelts in the past, there is one thing to be carefull with. Mark your ramrod with the seating depth of your load and check it occasionally during the day. On a hard hunt I have had the bullet move forward in the barrel leaving a dangerous air gap between the powder and the powerbelt bullet. This can cause your gun to blow up. As far as the XTP's go I have seen more failures than success with these bullets. I personally shot a buck in New Mexico with these bullets out of a 50 Cal. renegade over 110 grains of powder. The deepest penetration was 4". I ended up shooting the deer multiple times. Last fall in Kansas my partner shot a huge Mule deer buck with a 50 cal Knight using 300 grain XTP's over 100 grains of powder ( 2 pellets). Same result, knocked the buck clear off its feet but it got up never to be found again ( in Kansas you can see for miles and he never stopped). I could see the wound in the chest, had he used a quality bullet with better penetration the buck would be on the wall. We have done a lot of testing of these bullets and others for penetration. We use 1 gallon paint thinner cans filled with water and set up in a row with about 4" of air between each can. The XTP's do not make it through 1 can! The best available are the Barnes MZ, Nosler Partition and Swift A Frame all in 50 cal at 250 grains, they detroy the first 3-4 cans and penetrate up to 9 cans!!! I personally use the noslers in a sabot made by Thompson Center Arms. I know this is not entirly scientific but I can back the results up in the field. You owe it to the animal to use the best equipment you can. You need to shoot what shoots best in your gun but keep bullet performance in mind, a bad hit is still a bad hit. Good luck! Huntin' with a smokepole is a blast!

Current rules on importing trophies from mexico - You can bring back the skull+antlers and cape from your deer. The hide must be frozen solid and not thawed to ANY extent or the cape must be free of all meat with the ears, lips and nose turned and then salted heavily. If the cape is thawed any at all it must be taken to a USDA Certified taxidermy studio for quarantine. The reason for this is the potential for virus to effect our deer herds. Salting a cape breaks the virus cycle as does solid freezing. A partially thawed cape will not pass because the inspector cannot be sure the cape was ever completely frozen. Its not a problem if you get to the border and your cape is thawed but you must take it to a USDA approved taxidermy studio. There is one in the Phoenix area and a couple in the Tucson area. You cannot bring back any sheds or pickup heads. As far as the paper work goes you will need what is called a declaration form from the USFW service. The inspector will fill out a USDA form at the border. One other thing to remember, if you take any prescription medicine with you you will need to have a writen prescription from our doctor with you in order to be in posession of the medication. I have seen meat come back accross he border with no problem as long as it is for pesonal consumption only. Not sure why the rules are so tight on skins and not meat but I don't work for the government. Greg

Option #3 - Replacement velvet - This is a method where flocking is applied to the anters along with an electrical current to make it stand on end. An average coues deer of 100 - 110 inches runs about $150 - $200. This lasts about forever and looks great. I have a set of coues deer in my shop done this way and have done many for clients over the years with great results. A little pricey but you get what you pay for in taxidermy! Greg

There are several ways to have a "velvet Buck" mount. Option #1 - Preserve the real velvet by injection, this must be done immediately after the kill as the velvet is made up of mostly blood which spoils quickly. This looks nice if done correctly but you do have shrinkage once the chemicals dry. Option #2 - Freeze dry the antlers, In my opinion the best way to preserve the real velvet. Note: These are still not "bugproof". All long lasting chemicals for bugproofing have been outlawed so you will have to watch and treat your mounts as needed.

GonHntn - E-mail mail me and I will point you into a few spots to check out that held good bucks on the fall hunt. trailsendart@msn.com Greg