Billinsd

I've been hunting out of the wind as much as possible. I did run across some coveys today.

It's been winder than I like and supposed to be showers tonight. How's everyone doing?

I haven't heard many reports, however, what I have heard is the birds are more spread out and slightly fewer than last year. Also, the scenting conditions were poor early in the season. This year should have been better with the rains. I'm planning on getting out there a couple long weekends. What all have you heard, seen? Merry Christmas Bill

Thanks, I like to go around Sonoita. I know that the timing of the rains are different for the Mearns than other quail as far as survival and having surviving chicks.

How are the Mearns Quail looking? Did you get the late summer rains? What are the prospects of this season? Thanks! Bill

7mm bullets are more aerodynamic than 30 caliber bullets. Bill

Thanks for the reply. They do seem like stand up people. And their reputation preceeds them. I was kinda hoping someone would say that is what the magazine in the stock should look like or not. It seems like that "L" bracket should be more centered over the hole" Thanks Bill

I bought a Stevens 7mm Rem mag about a couple years ago. It had the old trigger and the new center feed, in the stock, blind magazine I sent the barreled action to Sharpshootersupply in Ohio to tune the receiever and do some other stuff. Then I sent the barreled action to McMillan to get a stock in "EDGE" technolgy including a custom bedding job and installation. I got the whole thing back and rear receiver screw is not tightend down like like the front receiver and trigger guard screws. So, I tighten the rear receiver screw by the trigger guard and the trigger now binds........hmmm I send the whole gun back in and it comes back and the screws are all tight now and the trigger does not bind. HOWEVER, when I took the receiver out the blind magazine comes flying out of the stock like a "jack in the box" and the pieces go flying all over the floor. I took a look and tried to fit the pieces back in the space in the stock for the blimd magazine and it is loose as a goose. Bummer I called back today and they will look at it again. The customer service is EXCELLENT and are appologetic and have paid for shipping the gun back second day air!!! The people on the phone seem to be in disbelief that their gunsmiths could have missed such seemingly basic details. What all do you have that have experience with McMillan and with the new center feed blind magazines? I'll attach some photos to another post. Thanks Bill

Thanks, I only saw a few hunters on the second weekend of January. Where I hunted I did not really see more people than last year at the same time. In California, the "bird" seasons ended on the 3rd week of Jan, so i figured a lot of guys would come over to AZ to extend their season? Thanks Bill

Great story thanks for sharing. Did you guys notice much bigger crowds on the last couple weekends of the season? I'm wondering if lots of non residents come in late January and early Feb, because the hunting is closed in their home states? Bill

Very nice, thanks for sharing. I'm headed that way tomorrow after dropping my daughter off at PreK. I'll be there until Saturday. Looks like good weather ahead Bill

Thanks. All that land off the highways is private property there. I know that it used to be most of the private property owners did not seem to mind giving access to the public land, but that has changed. I'll just drive in through Gardener. Thanks again Bill

I'm headed back to Sonoita for a few days next week with a friend and my two dogs. We had a great time last year about the same time hunting Mearns. Last year off the 82, access to Fort and Hog Canyons was blocked by home owners and there were no trespassing signs. So, we drove up around to the 83 and came in through Gardner Canyon. I was wondering if I could drive in off of the 83 onto Santa Rita Road and drive it all the way in to Hog Canyon, or is the access blocked? I know it goes through private property. Also, is Adobe Canyon Road off of the 82 accessable or is it blocked also since it is private property. If both Adobe and Santa Rita are blocked, I'll just have to come in through Gardner Valley. Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year!!! Bill

I guestimate 1,360 Bill

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Bill