duckhunter175

CJ-- I'm left handed and a left hand M4 / AR-15 variant was never available to me in the military. I never had issues with right handed semi auto rifles or shotguns. As long as she isn't shooting an exaggerated c-clamp grip or flaring her right elbow out there will not be issues with brass ejecting either. The only left hand rifle I shoot is my .338 win mag, which is a Model 70 and for quick follow up shots on large game and animals with big teeth.

Gents, thanks for the info on Huachuca-- I think it will be on the hit list next year if I can find the time off. Probably have more questions to follow on that if it comes to fruition. Quick update on the hunt in 34a for this year. I've got my packing list set up. I did it on an excel document with help from a buddy who backpacks a good bit. I broke it out to a 'Main Camp' kit and then a 'spike camp' kit and a 'day hunt' kit. I feel pretty good about it all and will gladly share the document with anyone who is interested and if anyone could edit it for Arizona specifics that would be AWESOME. I've had my eberlestock X2 packed up with about 65lbs and been walking 4-6 miles at a time at least once if not twice a week in addition to normal PT. The rifle is shooting really well. I have handloaded 140gr Amaxs and shooting 1" at 200yds but my range here only gets to 250yds. Anyone have suggestions on shooting drills to simulate 300,400,500 yards?

I've seen whitetails here in KY who have broken beams in velvet that dangle like that. Not sure what to think about that growth in there!

Checking in from here in KY. Went out to local WMA to shake off the cobwebs and walk around under some weight. Put in about 4 miles, saw a small flock of turkeys and then saw two does on the way back to the truck.

Savage LRH in 6.5x284, 140gr Amax handloads, Vortex HSLR (FFP) and the back up will be a Rem 700 stainless 25/06 that I just finished with 115gr Bergers

"Buddy" is only half the word sometimes... How about opening day whitetail archery in KY when your buddy tells you he isn't going to hunt the morning but does anyways and blows the deer out of your spot.

Ameristep Non-typical. It compacts down to backpack in or you can leave it at the truck. I've used mine here in KY regularly. Tires are solid so they won't pop, wheels are large enough where it is easy to pull over fallen logs, and the design works well where you are bent over or too low to the ground. I've hauled a 150lb buck, climbing stand, pack, gun and wheeled it out over 1.5 miles through the woods. The only drawback is the narrow tires. If the ground is really wet or muddy they sink and act like anchors.

I've eased in to buying different gear as my hunting style (and time of year) changes depending on where I live. I've slowly acquired Kuiu kit during sales events and been absolutely pleased with every piece. Customer service has been top notch (exchanges for sizing and questions on gear). I know have two of their jackets, a set of gloves, attack pants, merino baselayer and bino harness. On the lightweight side I do have some kryptek gear that I picked up in a Cabelas bargain cave a while back. The Helios and Valhalla lightweight sets are very comfortable in 80-90 degree heat but they do wear quickly if you hunt often and hard. I've found that by scouring the sales and websites you can get great backpacking clothing that doubles for hunting at a cheaper price than the premium sitka and kuiu. I just like going through a single source that is a 'known quantity'.

Ha! Same although I spent most of my time working with AF assets. CO FSO for nearly 5 years in 173rd and then 1/75. Finished with command now and waiting for next promotion list to come out....

Awesome story, great pics and great motivation for those of us heading into the "Units Unknown........" Thanks for sharing!

Bought my first savage this year and I like hearing this!!

I'm 6'1, 190 and went with XL for my super down jacket. Confirm all accessories are sold?

There is a great thread on the 142 ABLR on longrangehunting.net. Seems like lots of guys are saying they aren't getting the advertised results.

They work great-- early whitetail season and the turkey season here in KY it is a MUST. Won't help with the chiggers though... I would also suggest that you give Sawyers a shot. Layout your hunting clothes, spray them down and let them dry a day before you hunt. That stuff is good for about 3-4 washes. Just don't spray it while wearing those clothes or on exposed skin, permitherin is a nasty liquid.

Stomp--- I will be trying both those powders next week. Also had a mentor donate 100 SMKs and 20 pieces of Lapua brass to try out. I will stick with Amaxs for now as my hunting load. Let ya know how it goes! Coach-- Do you have pics yet on that new stick?

Sounds like a great combo!! Have you assembled it yet? I have two rifles pillar bedded and one glass (and one accustock). The pillars are lighter recoiling guns (25/06) and the glass bed was 7mm RM. Dont some Boyd's come with bedding blocks? And not to jack the thread but I've been working load development with my 6.5x284 and RL19--- Up to 48gr so far, Fed 210M, Nosler Brass, and the 140gr Amax, only measuring COAL to 2.99. Getting 2710fps avg from that load. No pressure signs, going to push in .5gr up to 51-52gr next week. Also have H4350 and H4381sc. Any thoughts on those? I've heard concerns with RL temp variance. Considering I'm shooting here in KY at 80-85 degrees and will be hunting the OCT WT season in AZ I figure the temps will be similar?

How small is too small?? I'm seeing lots of folks breeding up size in pointers and GSP males that are hitting high 70s and low 80s in weight.

Ouch!! I had a caliper release come apart as I was drawing through peak weight on my Mathews... So I punched myself in the face with the 70lbs of force I was drawing back at the peak of the cycle... arrow went careening off into the woods and bow stayed intact... luckily. Glad it wasn't on video....

Hayen-- I've used them in KY and NC hunting whitetails. I haven't seen the scent bombs work with the exception of the Buck Bomb (doe in estrous). Same thing with their attractants. Where it is legal you are better off with corn, normal salt blocks, OR my personal favorite, Deer Cane. Not a big fan of the Busbice's or most of their products.

Congrats and great pics!

I would def give the warden a call to provide him with good awareness and he may give you some insight on the legality side.

Had a cam stolen on a farm in TN last year after the leaves came off... This year I put one up in a tree and trimmed branches to build around it a little and my second cam is almost on the ground looking up but hidden in an old debris pile from a barn. The only guy who has messed with that was a coon who was admiring his reflection in the lens!

Glad to hear about the gear! Hard to find good quality hot/warm weather gear that won't get completely shredded in a season. Congrats again!

I sold a Ruger 77 .243 that was the first rifle I bought. I was on my way to college in Colorado and 'needed' a bigger gun. Bought a Winchester 70 7mm Rem Mag.... hated that caliber so had it rebarreled to .338WM and love it now. Still wish I had that sweet shooting, compact. 243. Bought a 12ga 686 in 2004, for $1000, barely used... hunted with it all year and then traded it for a Kimber .45 and a small .243. Wish I had it back for sure...

Nice work!! Looks a little warm out there! What kuiu gear is that and how did it perform in that environment and temps?