trophyseeker

Might want to check out the grammar in the subject of this thread. Oops.

the poster above said that spike bucks cant grow into big bucks though? Not true at all, especially if the spike is a FAWN as I said above. That said, even a buck that had been a 4x4 one year could be a spike the next under very poor range conditions. Way back in 1960, I killed a buck in Colorado that had a huge body but he sported spikes that were about 12-14 inches long. It was on private land and the owner knew the deer because of a unique white circle of hair on one hip. He told me that deer had been a nice wide 3x3 the previous year. I didn't have him aged but the farmer said he thought the buck was about three or four years old when I killed him. In other words, he regressed the other way. BUT...spikes can indeed grow into decent bucks. It all depends on the reason it is a spike, especially as a yearling. If the food conditions are poor that year, most of the protein, calcum, etc... will be utilized for body growth more than antler growth. And then it might completely change the next year with improvement in the food sources, which is usually associated with good rainfall. And yes, SOMETIMES, genes also play a part but not as often as some folks think. The ol' saw that advises killing all the spikes because they will never grow bigger antlers and will pass on poor genes has been debunked plenty with captive deer.

It would be his first real "rack" other than what he would have sported as a fawn -- likely buttons or short spikes.

Not nessarily. A yearling is designated by age and not antler growth. See above.

Yearling deer are actually 1 1/2 years old, i.e. in their 2nd year. All first year deer are considered fawns. So it's quite possible one might grow a 4X5 rack, espesically if there's plenty of nutrional food available. In poor years, however, a yearling might be a spike or just a 2x2.

Well done and nice buck.

It's a Red Cornetfish. http://www.kodanmalcorp.com/product-detail.php?p_id=296&c_id=47

The Boston Tribune doesn't even exist.

Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, wrote an open letter to Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s employees and customers on BassProShops.com. The letter offers an update on the companies recent business deal, and also what to expect in the future from the newly combined company: I write this letter with the belief that it represents the most important expression of deeply held convictions regarding the future of our company that I may ever have the opportunity to convey. There is no way I can begin without first saying, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! Your hard work, passion and dedication to applying your extraordinary talents have made possible the exciting announcement we’re making today. This morning it is with tremendous pride and humility that I share with you the great news that Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have agreed to combine our two legendary brands to create a truly premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods. This merger of resources, experience and passion for the outdoors represents a unique opportunity for both organizations and their respective team members. For many years I have believed there is a remarkable strategic fit between our companies. The prospect of bringing together our time-tested, iconic outdoor brands: Cabela’s — a leader in hunting, Bass Pro Shops — a leader in fishing, and White River Marine Group — a worldwide leader in boating, is very exciting! In my view this really is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for both of our companies and clearly provides the foundation to create a “best of the best” shopping experience for all outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for generations to come. I truly believe combining our two companies in this transaction will benefit our collective associates and our vendors while enabling us to enhance our service and expand our products to better serve our valued customers. I have enormous admiration for Cabela’s and the remarkable brand and business they have built. Cabela’s is a great American success story. Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela started the company at the family kitchen table when Dick decided to place an ad to sell fishing flies. From that humble start, the Cabela’s family, along with a remarkable team of “outfitters” has grown to become one of the premier specialty retail companies. Today Cabela’s nearly 19,000 outfitters operate 85 stores across the United States and Canada, offering merchandise and equipment for hunting, fishing, marine use, camping and many other outdoor activities as well as a best in class direct and e-commerce business. Both of our companies share a remarkably similar heritage, each starting very small and growing over time thanks to the hard work and passion of many remarkable team members. The combination of our two companies will honor and build upon this legacy. Bass Pro Shops has every intention of celebrating and growing the Cabela’s brand. We will work hard to foster the qualities that customers love most about both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The spirit of this agreement is about adding to our great brands and creating increased stability and opportunities for our team members. We also believe this new combined company and its significant outdoor database of sportsmen and women will be of great support to White River Marine Group and our hospitality division which includes Big Cedar Lodge, Big Cypress Lodge and Wilderness Club Vacations. It will also benefit our conservation attractions including Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium soon to open in Springfield. As you know, conservation is at the heart and soul of Bass Pro Shops. Cabela’s has an admirable legacy in conservation as well. We share a steadfast belief that the future of our industry, and the outdoor sports we all love, depends — more than anything else — on how we manage our natural resources. By combining our efforts with Cabela’s it is my personal belief we can have a profound positive impact on the conservation challenges of our day and help foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Under this agreement our company will remain private with a long-term view to do what is best for our people, our customers and to maintain our steadfast support for conservation. While we are excited to align forces with Cabela’s, it must be noted that today’s announcement is only the first step in the process. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, subject to the customary conditions and reviews. Until that time both businesses will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. Throughout this process our commitment to serving our customers needs to be our number one priority. As we move forward, I will update you on our progress. A PROUD PAST — A BRIGHT FUTURE TOGETHER! Yesterday afternoon at our company picnic I had the opportunity to visit with quite a few of you including several who have been an important part of our company for many years now. Knowing what might happen today I couldn’t help but think of where we have come from together as a team. It has been a truly remarkable journey that we have shared. I reminded myself that it has no doubt been much the same for the fine folks at Cabela’s. Just like us, they started their business from scratch and worked hard to see their company grow. We can all take much pride in knowing the wonderful outdoor memories we have helped to create for so many. It is even more exciting to think about the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead and our bright new future together! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What will happen to Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s stores? It is business as usual at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and there will be no immediate impact to our stores. What will happen to my existing Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s rewards, program points, and credit cards? All Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards and Cabela’s CLUB points will be unaffected by the transactions and customers can continue to use their credit cards as they were prior to the transaction. Bass Pro Shops recognizes the strength of Cabela’s CLUB loyalty program, intends to honor Cabela’s customer rewards and sees potential over time to expand the program in the combined company. Following the transaction, Capital One will service Cabela’s credit card business. Where can I use my Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s gift cards? At this time, Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be used at Bass Pro Shops stores and Cabela’s gift cards can be used at Cabela’s stores. What will happen to the Cabela’s brand? Following the closing of the transaction, we intend to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand, and will foster qualities that respective customers love most about both Bass Pro and Cabela’s.

Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, wrote an open letter to Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s employees and customers on BassProShops.com. The letter offers an update on the companies recent business deal, and also what to expect in the future from the newly combined company: I write this letter with the belief that it represents the most important expression of deeply held convictions regarding the future of our company that I may ever have the opportunity to convey. There is no way I can begin without first saying, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! Your hard work, passion and dedication to applying your extraordinary talents have made possible the exciting announcement we’re making today. This morning it is with tremendous pride and humility that I share with you the great news that Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have agreed to combine our two legendary brands to create a truly premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods. This merger of resources, experience and passion for the outdoors represents a unique opportunity for both organizations and their respective team members. For many years I have believed there is a remarkable strategic fit between our companies. The prospect of bringing together our time-tested, iconic outdoor brands: Cabela’s — a leader in hunting, Bass Pro Shops — a leader in fishing, and White River Marine Group — a worldwide leader in boating, is very exciting! In my view this really is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for both of our companies and clearly provides the foundation to create a “best of the best” shopping experience for all outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for generations to come. I truly believe combining our two companies in this transaction will benefit our collective associates and our vendors while enabling us to enhance our service and expand our products to better serve our valued customers. I have enormous admiration for Cabela’s and the remarkable brand and business they have built. Cabela’s is a great American success story. Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela started the company at the family kitchen table when Dick decided to place an ad to sell fishing flies. From that humble start, the Cabela’s family, along with a remarkable team of “outfitters” has grown to become one of the premier specialty retail companies. Today Cabela’s nearly 19,000 outfitters operate 85 stores across the United States and Canada, offering merchandise and equipment for hunting, fishing, marine use, camping and many other outdoor activities as well as a best in class direct and e-commerce business. Both of our companies share a remarkably similar heritage, each starting very small and growing over time thanks to the hard work and passion of many remarkable team members. The combination of our two companies will honor and build upon this legacy. Bass Pro Shops has every intention of celebrating and growing the Cabela’s brand. We will work hard to foster the qualities that customers love most about both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The spirit of this agreement is about adding to our great brands and creating increased stability and opportunities for our team members. We also believe this new combined company and its significant outdoor database of sportsmen and women will be of great support to White River Marine Group and our hospitality division which includes Big Cedar Lodge, Big Cypress Lodge and Wilderness Club Vacations. It will also benefit our conservation attractions including Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium soon to open in Springfield. As you know, conservation is at the heart and soul of Bass Pro Shops. Cabela’s has an admirable legacy in conservation as well. We share a steadfast belief that the future of our industry, and the outdoor sports we all love, depends — more than anything else — on how we manage our natural resources. By combining our efforts with Cabela’s it is my personal belief we can have a profound positive impact on the conservation challenges of our day and help foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Under this agreement our company will remain private with a long-term view to do what is best for our people, our customers and to maintain our steadfast support for conservation. While we are excited to align forces with Cabela’s, it must be noted that today’s announcement is only the first step in the process. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, subject to the customary conditions and reviews. Until that time both businesses will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. Throughout this process our commitment to serving our customers needs to be our number one priority. As we move forward, I will update you on our progress. A PROUD PAST — A BRIGHT FUTURE TOGETHER! Yesterday afternoon at our company picnic I had the opportunity to visit with quite a few of you including several who have been an important part of our company for many years now. Knowing what might happen today I couldn’t help but think of where we have come from together as a team. It has been a truly remarkable journey that we have shared. I reminded myself that it has no doubt been much the same for the fine folks at Cabela’s. Just like us, they started their business from scratch and worked hard to see their company grow. We can all take much pride in knowing the wonderful outdoor memories we have helped to create for so many. It is even more exciting to think about the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead and our bright new future together! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What will happen to Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s stores? It is business as usual at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and there will be no immediate impact to our stores. What will happen to my existing Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s rewards, program points, and credit cards? All Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards and Cabela’s CLUB points will be unaffected by the transactions and customers can continue to use their credit cards as they were prior to the transaction. Bass Pro Shops recognizes the strength of Cabela’s CLUB loyalty program, intends to honor Cabela’s customer rewards and sees potential over time to expand the program in the combined company. Following the transaction, Capital One will service Cabela’s credit card business. Where can I use my Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s gift cards? At this time, Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be used at Bass Pro Shops stores and Cabela’s gift cards can be used at Cabela’s stores. What will happen to the Cabela’s brand? Following the closing of the transaction, we intend to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand, and will foster qualities that respective customers love most about both Bass Pro and Cabela’s.

More photos on B&C Facebook site. https://www.facebook.com/BooneAndCrockettClub/photos/pcb.10155287014099778/10155287004409778/?type=3

http://www.boone-crockett.org/news/featured_story.asp?area=news&ID=309

And here....... http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/68518-monster-montana-bull/

Nice job on both critters.

Maybe look to the south around Eloy or Casa Grande or to the west like Buckeye. Wickenburg is another option. To the north, there's Anthem. All have weather like Phoenix but fewer people and less traffic. Yet you're close enough to Phoenix to obtain whatever products or services you might need.

Here's the press release from Aug. 9. PINETOP, Ariz — Shooting sports enthusiasts and other members of the public are invited to the grand opening of the Second Knoll Target Range, located near Show Low, on Saturday, August 27, 2016. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. with honor guard, posting of colors, remarks by Arizona Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles and other invited dignitaries, and a ribbon cutting and ceremonial first shot. The opening of the Second Knoll Target Range is the culmination of a long-term effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the Forest Service (FS), and the White Mountain Shooters Association (WMSA) to establish a public shooting facility in the White Mountains. Phase 1 includes a 50-yard range and a 100-yard range and four 25-yard pistol bays. The Second Knoll Target Range will be operated by the WMSA, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, through a license agreement with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, under a 20-year special use permit issued to AZGFD. The target range is located in an unused cinder pit that was previously permitted by the FS to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The range is located on approximately 80 acres of land managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Future construction plans include a 300-yard rifle range, camp host site, classroom and club house. The Second Knoll Target Range is located approximately 6 miles east of Show Low. From the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 77 in Show Low, take Hwy 60 east 4.4 miles and turn right (south) and follow the road for about a half mile.

The AGFD is a state government agency that comes under the public information regulations. Thus, the drawing data is a matter of public records that is available to anyone who requests it. AGFD can charge reasonable fees to provide that info to anyone who wants it.

Yes. And no. The bonus pass happens. Then the 1-2 (first and second choice) pass happens as you describe. The 3-4 (3rd and 4th choices) pass happens but in that pass everyone gets the same number of random numbers regardless of points. The 5 pass then happens the same way. I'm pretty sure the part in bold print isn't correct. Random numbers for every pass are generated the same way -- for each bonus point and the application. As per G&F: "Third Pass (3rd, 4th, and 5th Hunt Choices) For all applications which were unsuccessful with their first and second choices, new random numbers are generated for each valid application with the lowest random number being assigned to the application. The same random number process as described above is used." Thus, it's the same as both the bonus and 1-2 passes.

I pretty much agree with you in regards to "selling" one's points. BUT...PG does give someone one extra year to make a few bucks, whereas now it's get drawn and either hunt or eat the tag and lose the points. And we also have to remember that getting drawn isn't a sure thing unless the combined points of all the applicants get them into the bonus round. So a person with a lot of points in a situation where his party doesn't get drawn, thus saves his PG use and has another year -- or maybe more -- to "sell" his points for a fee.

Got bonus points? Protect them with “PointGuard” May 19, 2016 AZGFD announces newest benefit for Portal customers PHOENIX — All of us know what it feels like to deal with the frustration and disappointment of an unforeseen event. After all, life happens. That’s why the Arizona Game and Fish Department is excited to announce an innovative new program in “PointGuard,” which essentially will provide hunters with peace of mind in knowing that they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. A bonus point is an accumulated credit that authorizes the department to issue an applicant additional computer-generated random numbers during a draw. An applicant accumulates a bonus point each year in which he or she submits a valid application and does not draw a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. Here are the requirements: PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline. The fee is non-refundable. Only one hunt permit-tag may be surrendered, per species. If an applicant is drawn in the future for that particular species, that hunt-permit tag must be used, expending all accumulated bonus points. Only then may an applicant participate again in PointGuard. The primary applicant (the person who takes the lead in completing the online application for the other applicants) will be prompted to purchase PointGuard at the time of completing the online application. That primary applicant can purchase PointGuard for each additional applicant who has a verified Portal account. This process must be completed prior to the application period deadline, which is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Here is the process to surrender a hunt permit-tag: A hunt permit-tag must be surrendered prior to the close of business the day before the start of that particular hunt. An applicant who has purchased PointGuard will present the original hunt permit-tag to be surrendered, along with a completed tag surrender application form, in person to any customer service representative at any of the department’s statewide office locations. The hunt permit-tag being surrendered and PointGuard purchase will be verified by the department. The department will restore all accumulated bonus points for that particular species, including the bonus point the applicant would have accrued if not successful in the draw. The hunt permit-tag fee is non-refundable. A person who donates, or transfers, his or her hunt permit-tag to a qualified nonprofit organization, also can participate in tag surrender, provided the requirements listed above are fulfilled. An acceptable proof of the transfer must be provided to the department (a receipt from the qualified nonprofit organization, for example). The tag surrender application form and an acceptable proof of the hunt permit-tag being donated must be completed within 60 days of the donation, and no less than 30 days before the next application deadline for that particular species. According to rule (R12-4-118), the department has several options for the reissuance of a surrendered hunt permit-tag. The proximity to the start of a particular hunt, the type of hunt permit-tag, and demand for that hunt permit-tag will factor into how it will be reissued. For more information, call (602) 942-3000. The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AZGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Mail Stop WSFR-4020, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) will be stocking tiger trout in late April or early May, into the following Mogollon Rim/White Mountains lakes: Becker, Carnero, Willow Springs and Woods Canyon.

There are actually several locations in both AZ and NM with Gila trout, which have been stocked since at least 2000. All of them are not opened to fishing yet, but Frye Mesa has been opened since 2011. New Mexico also has waters open to Gila trout fishing. In addition to the WM res, the Little Colorado near Greer has Apache trout fishing, as do several other streams on state controlled land.

Arizona Mexican wolf losses Two female Mexican wolves die during annual population count and capture operations PHOENIX -- Two Mexican wolves (F1295 and F1340) died during the annual population count and capture operation this year. Both will undergo necropsies at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., to determine causes of death for each wolf. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) temporarily suspended capture operations to conduct a review of events leading to the captures and deaths. The techniques, protocol and drugs used were the same as those used throughout this year's count and last year's count. F1295 was darted and processed on Jan. 23, released back into the wild and died four days later. F1340 was captured on Jan. 28 and died within minutes of being darted. This year, 13 male and female wolves have been successfully darted, processed, collared and released back into the wild. Prior to these two deaths, no wolves have died during past annual count and capture operations, which have been occurring since 2005 – successfully capturing and releasing 110 wolves to date. The handling and processing of the two wolves were led by personnel permitted by the Fish and Wildlife Service. These individuals received up-to-date training in drug immobilization and wolf handling. All personnel in the helicopter during the count and capture operations are current in training in helicopter safety and aerial capture techniques. A veterinarian was involved in the processing of both wolves. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, Sherry Barrett, has been leading the program for five years and says the IFT manages the wolves in the wild. "This team of biologists is dedicated to the recovery of these wolves and the last thing they want is to have a wolf die during these operations." The annual population count and capture operation is conducted every winter to determine the minimum number of Mexican wolves in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. The wolves are counted by air via an airplane and helicopter. The captures are made with a tranquilizer dart from the helicopter. The capture operations are conducted to attach radio collars, which enable the IFT to gather biological information, such as dispersal, territories, habitat use and breeding. The radio collars also enable the IFT to manage the wolves to address any conflicts with human activities, such as livestock depredations. While immobilized, the IFT also obtains blood from each wolf for DNA analysis and to screen for disease, determines body condition, and gives vaccinations. Barrett says the protocols can be amended based on impending necropsies. "We understand the risks when conducting aerial capture operations, and our team takes extraordinary measures to reduce those risks. We continually conduct pre-operation and post-operation reviews to continue to improve our methods and procedures."