stanley

'No problem....' says the man with 1000 lbs of elk head, horn, and hide on his back in his avatar pic!!! 😂 In all seriousness though, I'm in agreement with most here. Take care of the meat in the field quickly (Have you tried gutless??? You won't go back!). Debone and bag it, then load into your pack and get going. Also, if you can't get it all in one load; as long as you debone, bag and hang in the shade, you should be fine. If off the bone and clean, my experience is that the meat will not spoil that quickly. You should have enough time for the two trips it may take to get it on ice. Good luck!

Was thinking this exact sentiment Doug, when I saw Hector's note regarding synthetics. I'm fairly careful and will never loosely abuse a rifle, but I don't mind a few scratches/dings a bit.

Outstanding, Brandin!!! Super cool!! Lance sent me a pic of his buck. Looks like a great year! I was tied up this weekend, so heading up on Friday. Can’t wait!! S.

Nice!!!!! Fun and GOOD eating!!!!

Yes!! Anytime you have a pic of a buddy gutting your animal, it's a great pic!!! 😂 Awesome to see the little guys in there!! S.

Good stuff, Christian!!!! Love it!

In other words, #fakenews

For sure, something to be aware of! I haven't fished Lees Ferry in a few years, but that used to basically be a daily thing. Every day the water level would start low, then gradually (sometimes not so gradually) increase/raise-up. Used to be a good way to target hatches and hot spots as the trout would move into the recently covered ground to feed.

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.