stanley

I'm not sure on the topo overlay Doug, sorry.... Good one Desertbull!!!! S.

Yep, Google Earth rocks Doug! A friend of mine turned me on to it a year or so ago, and it's great fun to lower the tilt and 'fly by' some favorite spots. Google maps are also nice, as you can lay the roads over the terrain view.... Thanks for sharing! S.

Spectacular scenery & awesome pics Dan! Makes me feel like I went on a little shed hunt from right here in my crumby office! Thanks for sharing, S.

Absolutely incredible pics & story Scott! Outstanding way to start your new life with your bride! S.

Allen asked for a little help posting some of his pics. I'm going to just throw them up here, and assume he'll jump in with some comentary on each one. I recognize two of the trophies! That big ol' coues, and that good lookin' kid (obviously takes after his mom....). Also, I'm no expert but that pronghorn looks mighty big!! Nice pics Allen! S.

So are these roadless areas the same as the quiet areas? Like the Rattlesnake quiet area in 6A, or are they different? I'm getting the impression that the quiet areas are a different deal. Just curious if anyone knows... Thx. I've not done enough research to know if I support the roadless concept or not yet. While I agree that it would make me uneasy if we, as hunters, needed to align with some of the conservation groups listed above if we we were to support this. I don't agree with not supporting something just because those organizations support it. I will support the idea or not based on what I think it does for hunting, not based on whether there happens to be common ground with these orgs or not. S.

For the past several years, we've been meeting-up with an old college friend from SLC for an annual family camp-out in Southern Utah (or sometimes So. Colorado..). We spent 4 full days camping, fishing, exploring, and having fun in the Navajo Lake area, which is SW of Panguitch, Ut. Unfortunately my wife was too busy with her business and could not get away to join us, but we had an outstanding time anyway. Here are a few pics: Rest stop @ Glen Canyon on the way-up. Guess which kid didn't want to pose for the pic! Looking off of the bridge at Glen Canyon. Don't jump!!!! Happy to be out of the desert & at the campground! Two boys and a horny toad. Caught a few fish out of Duck Creek lake, which is close to Navajo. Pretty easy fishing on night-crawlers for the kids. Good fun! Proud Fisherman! A fish out of Navajo Lake. The kids just had a blast catching some fish!!! There was a balloon festival going-on in Panquitch of the weekend. We didn't drive down for any of the early morning flights, but went to the 'balloon glow' on Saturday night. They closed off US89 right through town and lined a bunch of the baloons up. Then when it got dark, then would fire them-up. It was quite a sight, and the kids had a great time! Kids & balloons! Balloons glowing.... I love to cook outdoors, and we generally eat like kings/queens when we camp/hunt/fish. This trip was no exception with brauts, fried chicken & mashed potatoes, pork tenderloin, venison back-straps, enchiladas, and all of the fixins served on any given night (and lots of fresh trout along the way... ) Filleting (sp) some fresh trout! Peach cobbler in the dutch oven! A BIG hit!!! Kids chowing down! Eat all of your dinner if you want some of that cobbler!!! Finally, a good night kiss from my little sweetie (and future hunter!). I can't wait until next year!!!!! S.

Thanks all, we had a good time for sure! Noel, I've never been down into 'the gorge', but we might have to try it sometime. I've done some deer hunting a little north of Panguitch Lake in the past, but have not been in that area in quite some time. Seems like there is soooo much area to explore in those mountains, that we have a hard time getting to all of it. We'll do our best as the years come though! S.

I got a look at that dude going to & from a trip to Southern Utah last week & weekend. Looked pretty benign last Weds on the way up, but it was RAGING on Monday when we drove back down! I'm wondering when they might get a little of the moisture that some of the other parts of the state have been getting (however little....). It should be good on top, but at 60,000 acres +, I'm thinking enough has burned. S.

Congrats on your marriage, and best wishes to you and your new bride on your trip Scott. Can't wait for the pictures !!! S.

Good stuff Keith! More than a few of us can relate! Thought provoking for sure.... S.

Oh man, your really killing me here. What a great summary of your experience Garth! It obviously hits home with many of us here, as we experience the 'passing of the torch' in our own lives. Even though I LOVE to get out with my buddies, my most treasured memories are of going out chasing birds with my dad as a youngster & 'younger' adult... My father is over 80 now, and there has been a noticable slow-down in his outdoors activities over the past few years. In fact, last year was the first year that he officially threw in the towel and stopped applying for big game hunts. Although he still loves to get out, he just doesn't have the energy & stamina that used to carry him up & down the hills. We still get out when he's interested, and I still treasure those times. As my kids come of age, I'm hopeful that they'll look back some day and remember the good times were having as great times. This story gives me hope, and I'm confident that they will.... God bless all, and remember to take a grandpa hunting/fishing every now and then! S.

I think I see what you're referring to, but I hardly see it as peta ammo. I honestly think that peta has plenty of ammo already (with the propoganda they spread around...), and the likelihood of them digging into this site and actually seeing that, then exploiting it, is WAY low IMO. I just don't see it happening personally. Except now that you've pointed it out to them (just kidding... ). S.

Congrats on the honor Bill. You'll be joining some esteemed company. I've been to the last two WFTF banquets, and have enjoyed them both (good steaks & wine!). I'll look forward to shaking your hand at this year's ceremony. S.

Great pics guys! I'm taking my three on an annual camping trip up into Utah late next week. We meet-up with an old college buddy and his family each year, and the kids always REALLY look forward to it. I just got a new digital camera (my first... finally broke down and bought one...), so hopefully I'll get a few decent pictures. Thanks for posting! S.

I'm a perpetual procrastinator, and was hit with the realization over the weekend that I had not submitted my apps yet. Hustled and took care of it on Sunday, and didn't have any problems. I'm thinking there's going to be a few folks taking a road-trip to the G&F office today! Good luck! S.

I think I'm sensing a little momentum Allen.... We had a pretty good turn-out for the annual meeting, and Keith jumped-in to volunteer to join the board. Also there were 80 new members signed-up at the banquet in April! I hope that the momentum continues. I'll still be hanging in there and helping a bit this year as well. S.

Yep, this topic really brought the natives (and adoptees...) out for sure. No surprise though, as anyone who has lived here all of their life is bound to feel passionate about our great state! S.

I'm a native, and have only lived outside of the state for 4-5 years while in SLC for college. Maybe I'm biased, but I think AZ has to be the best state in the west. The geographical diversity, the diversity in game we have to pursue, etc. I think my favorite part (other than it's home sweet home...) is that I can be sweltering here in the valley on a hot summer day, and in 1-2 hours I can be up in the cool pines camping with the family. Can't beat that! S.

Nope, this one is an easy one! Only as far as New York City, and I'll be back before the kids wake-up on Friday morning. Nice & cool here by the way. Back to India and the Phillipines in a couple of weeks though... I don't really like the long hauls, especially when the kids are out for summer, but oh well. I should be staying in the states through July & August though, so hopefully I'll make a board meeting or two (even though I no longer have a vote...). S.

Hey Keith, thanks for showing-up and getting involved! It was nice to meet you & Kevin (Peloncillo, I think...). The organization will only grow stronger with the more 'new blood' involved. New ideas and energy are welcome & needed to keep ANY organization vibrant. Wetmule, congrats on your new role! I know you'll do a good job. Regards all, S.

Awesome stuff Scott! I grew-up in Kearny and we used to fish the Gila below San Carlos for the cats, but I haven't given it a go in many years. Brings back some great memories..... S.

Had to limit it to big game, huh? Then I'd say an Alaskan Brown bear, coastal as opposed to interior. Ever since I took my one & only trip to Alaska many years ago, I've had an urge to hunt those beasts. When I retire in a few years, I'm definitly planning making the dream will come true! Now if you opened it up to other species, I'd have to say a good ol' 'run & gun' gambels quail hunt! Even though it's a thrill to hunt (and sometimes kill...) big game animals, for me personally there is nothing like the opening weekend of bird season. I think it's because it just brings back so many memories of past hunts with my dad & buddies, as well as it usually takes me back to my old home town stomping grounds which always helps to re-charge my mental batteries. S. PS: "T-Rex. Should have hunted them when I was younger." Very funny Mr. Quimby!!!

Good luck Christian!!! I'm sure you'll have the adventure of a lifetime up there! S.

***REMINDER**** The annual ADA members meeting is tomorrow night! See Amanda's post above for details. Please attend and get involved! S.