stanley

Eh, had some laughs a time or two with that in college. Ended up not really being my thing, which was likely a good thing. Plenty of other substances out there that kill brain cells just fine....

Several years ago I sort of got on a mushroom hunting kick. It was super cool, and a fun thing to add to fishing trips to the White Mountains & Rim when my kids were younger (and sweeter). I found the 'Arizona Mushroom Society' online, and actually talked to some dude there to try to get info on mushroom identification. To Chef's point, this guy would NOT help me over the phone or with pics. He said that it is way too risky, even for him to be identifying some of them via pics. He offered to have me join him on some of their club excursions to the woods to learn, which might have been fun but I never had quite that level of interest or time. The only ones that ever became sort of no-brainers for me were what are called "oily" or "slimy" mushrooms. They are yellowish in color, and like catfishkev said, they have no ridges underneath. They are just sort of spongy looking. Lots of them grow in AZ. Pretty easy to find, but I don't think they are considered a very desirable variety. Anyway, good luck with the mushrooms!! S.

Ugh..... Speaking of hating. I always hate myself for getting dragged into pointless internet debates. But here I am.... Doing it. 😋 For me, the bottom line is I generally try not to throw stones at other's houses. Never know when my glass home is exposed, so I will keep my mouth shut about others. Regarding your characterization and name calling, well I guess I just don't see the point in saying that type of thing about a situation and/or a person I know nothing about. BTW, did you actually watch the video carefully and listen?? I heard and saw NO high-fives by JJ after the first shot. What I heard was JJ concerned that he made a good hit, and asking for more ammo. I then heard follow-up shot. After the second shot and the bull was down, I heard only gratitude and happy chit-chat. Whatever though, Bill. We all see and hear what we want in life, I suppose. Keep on hating, man! It's a classy look. 🤣

Because haters, hate.

Those that know me that I am a TOTAL hack, and absolutely not a trophy hunter. I place a much greater value on relationships and experiences with those I care about over 'things' and/or 'trophies'..... That being said, in watching the video, it appears that JJ and everyone involved got the whole nine yards!! An amazing experience, great relationships/friends, and the big bull as the cherry on top! Good stuff! S.

OK, you should be good now. I moved it to the Bowhunting for Coues forum, and left a link in the Youth Hunters forum.

Wait, never mind. You want it to stay in youth, with a link in the archery???

I can move it for you!

I finally got drenched at my place here in South Scottsdale last night. Radar showed quite a lot of rain throughout the Central Valley. Was hoping some of those fires got wet too.

Anyway.... Back to scouting reports; The location I hunt in the west valley area (generally south of Verado) is seeing the usual hoards of doves. Not certain of the white-wing vs. mourning break down, but the general report is good. Also, as has been the case the past several years, there is the added bonus of lots and lots of Eurasians!! The only caveat is that the report is from a huge dairy, so might not be representative of the average spot, but in general it looks as good as always. Can't wait!

'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!!!