stanley

Awesome for you!! I hear it's rare to catch them right out in the open (out of the park) like that. Good stuff!!!! I'm looking forward to hearing of further success from those still there!! S.

Between the three states you specifically asked about (AZ, CO, MO), I would stay right here in Arizona! I have extended family in Missouri and it's nice back there, but I am a born and raised southern Arizona desert rat!! I just love it here out west too much to settle in the mid-west. Mountains, desert, and lots & lots of public land are just a few of the reason that the west will always win out over the mid-west for me. So between Arizona and Colorado, still Arizona wins-out in my book. Again, I'm a desert rat! Went to college in Salt Lake, and then lived in New York City for a few years after that. Enjoyed my time in those places, but found myself constantly missing Arizona (home). Colorado is super nice, but I just don't like living anywhere near snow. The diversity here in Arizona allows for living in the warm/dry climate, with the quick drive to the mountains too. Lots of big game hunting, OTC deer, plus non-stop quail hunting from Oct through Jan!!! Also proximity to beaches in So. Cal and Mexico is a draw for me (not everyone's bag...). So in summary, ARIZONA!!! S.

Are you joking?? Or are you seriously worried??? Relax..... If it says you were drawn on the portal, then you were drawn. You'll get your tag.

As a side note for those concerned with the high cost of FoodSaver bags, I’ve owned a couple for many years, and early-on that was a big concern of mine. More recently though, there are plenty of ‘after market’ bag options available at a much more reasonable prices. Found two rolls (8”x50’) in April for a pretty decent price. Again, just a heads-up for FoodSaver owners. S.

Watched a Meateater episode once where Rinella was walking through the butchering process. His method was to wrap in cellophane first, then wrap with butcher paper. Never tried it, but he claimed it kept freezer burn at bay for an extended period. Seemed if the meat was going to be consumed in <2-3 years, that it would suffice just fine.

Haven’t been in a couple of years, but there definitely were fish there the last time I fished it.

YES!!!!!!!! Outstanding, Nick!!!

SWEET mount, Andrew!!!!!

The quiet areas are the place to be!!! Rattlesnake and Pine Grove, both. If you have not found elk yet, keep at it. You will! Try to get in there within a couple of weeks of the hunt. More likely to be bugling! Have fun! S.

OUTSTANDING!!! I've got the Sept 25th rifle cow hunt this year. Can't wait for it! I'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventures!!! Good luck!!! S.

Nice! Taj Mahal of tents!!!!!!

+1 on yotebuster's comments. I started using OnX a few years ago when my sons and I started hunting pronghorn in NM. Hugely valuable there!!! (Lance, I recognize that spot! 😉 ) For AZ, definitely don't need or use it as much, but I was fortunate to draw a bison tag this year and it has been a little helpful with National Park vs. Kiabab forest boundary identification while scouting. Yes, there is supposed to be a fence and markers, but along a fairly significant portion of the border it is not 100% clear. Anyway, BIG thumbs-up for OnX from me! S.

Big +1 on Terry & Wendy! A chat with them regarding flies/technique will yield great info! hired Terry as a guide years ago and learned a TON from him in that one day of fishing. Also, a big big +1 on possible coordination with MULEPACKER!! Keep doing a little homework and network with the folks mentioned (and generous folks like MULEPACKER) and you'll have a great time!! S.

My take would be to bring someone along who has experience at Lee’s Ferry to show you the nuances of fishing there. I haven’t been in several years, but the name of the game used to be DEAD DRIFT (strong mending skills...). 😉 As said above, rent a boat. One with a guide!!! 😂 Seriously though, you will learn a ton for future reference. Good luck!!!!!

36C early Coues and Kiabab turkey for my boys and I. Late September Kiabab cow bison for me. S.

No in-line. Old school! Love it!

Oh boy.... Was in Utah hiking/fishing for 10 days in early June and totally missed this one. Snowflake, Susan, Sandy-whatever, bla, bla, bla... All is good. 🤣 Edge, I would for sure buy you a beer! Hope to get a chance to someday. (Though would have to be an Arnold Palmer for me. Recently picked-up my 6 year chip. ) S.

Yuck. Hopefully next year. Good point (no pun) regarding no guarantees. For sure the odds increase with more points, but at the end of the day it is a lottery and virtually anyone can get drawn. The whole "max points" thing of course eventually comes into play, but for the vast majority it's simply the luck of the draw. I'm generally a glass-half-full guy, but the point of view I have on the bonus points tends to be pessimistic. Seems that the pool gets SO diluted with unsuccessful hunters over time that it likely diminishes the value of any single person having a few points. GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR!!!! 🙏

This. Regulations are clear, and don't mention sibling transfers. Two great tags!!! I hope it works out so you can make the most of it!!! S.

Dang! Wish I needed another pickup! I had a 1984 'base' model 4X4 (Zero extras. No A/C, no radio! LOL). I believe that was next to last year they made them with strait axle. I put 250K+ miles on it, and it NEVER let me down once! Just a great pickup! S.

Good luck on your preference! Seeing your choices sparked my interest, as I grew up in Kearny. Spent many years hopping between 37B & 24A while growing-up! Seems like 37B is one of the few units with both coues and muleys that still has the "any antlered deer" hunt. Fun to know you could go after either species with that tag.

Yes, I got a hit for $650. I put in for the first rifle cow hunt (9/25-10/7). S.

Congrats on your son's youth tag!!! In my experience, you will likely have MUCH MORE fun watching him get his first elk or deer!! If you haven't hunted 36A much (or even if you have), be sure to check-out the youth camp that SCI & team host! They are outstanding with hospitality, food, fun, and also some hunting help! Enjoy! S.

I had no idea of what the odds were. After I saw the charge on my card, I checked the G&F site. Last year’s published odds were just over 3% for this hunt (or its rough equivalent...). 😉🙏🏼

Yup, there are three different Kiabab rifle cow hunts in October, 10 tags each. I put in for the first one (9/25-10/7). I actually just applied at the last minute on a whim. Have never applied for buff before this, so NO bonus points!!! Crazy dumb luck. 😉 S.