Bird Dog

Az Daily Sun has Flagstaff above normal for moisture this year. Hardly a dry year still. Maybe a bit light on snow though. I think it is about food sources for the hens and then the Gobblers will naturally be present. This is their time of year and they can not help but make noise..... I personally like the off the beaten path birds because there are less people calling. I can not wait....open.. open... Good luck all.

I just finished my daughters 20 ga. benelli. Fits just about right for her first attmept. Who else is looking forward to a little thunder chickens?

Can not wait! We may freeze in the AM. I am taking my daughter our first thing. Seems these early road openings have the birds moving roosts a bit more than I hoped.

I am just glad to be going either way. Long live the Thunder Chicken!

They must be amused by us! I have been enjoying the good ole Coors Gold nuggets. I just hope my Dad got his first archery bull elk tag this year. At 75 yrs young I hope he gets it because it doesn't matter what he shoots.........

Was it a February or late January field day? I don't remember a February field day, but I helped with a January class and we had a couple of online kids in there. Just curious because I like to stay in touch with and encourage former students! Good luck to your daughter and consider taking her to the youth turkey camp down by Happy Jack. Its free (including all meals)! I won't be there mentoring this year, unfortunately, but its a great time. Yes, it was the Late Jan. I believe. My wife was accompany with daughter as I provided support for them. Thank you for your support and help with everyone's kids. We are considering the Turkey Camp for sure. I will let you know how this goes.

Just imagine what G&F thinks about these posts........ and the variations of stories. No real reason to be depressed after all we are on a deer hunting website. I just saw they are moving along on the guidelines so we will have deer regulations soon.

IA Born, we did the online course and were able to arrange with instructors to fit in on a field day. It was quite the ordeal but closed the deal in Feb. through a friends buddy's third cousin's mother-in-law type. I did like the online course because we could talk and I could instruct her myself.

Thanks to the volunteers in Flagstaff for assisting in Hunters Ed and helping us get through.

I guess a few years brining her along has worked. She is calling to birds and seems very excited. I can not wait.

Amen!

I use about 10-20% pork roast with my Javelina. So, 5lb pork roast with a mature Javelina. I make a breakfast or Italian or green chili sausage for breakfast burros. It is great! I always skin the pig in the field and shoot the stripe! Too far behind the shoulder only places projectiles in the intestines. By the next day the skinned pig has little odor opposite of what most say. Base recipe is 2 TBS Garlic power, 2 TBS onion powder, 2 TBS season salt, 1/4- 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 TBS chili powder, 2 TBS Black Pepper, tsp sage to taste. Add 16 to 32 oz. of frozen chopped green chilies and 2-3 TBS crushed red peppers to the base breakfast sausage above. Add 1TBS Italian seasoning to taste for Italian sausage. We have found the key to mixing the ingredients is to mix thoroughly and cook/taste test the recipe before freezing and packaging.

I personally don't understand people whom don't eat what they kill. I have taken 2 bears of which Casey's processing did the smoked ham approach. We then cooked the hams in a Dutch oven for hours and they all have been great. All meat was ground removing as much fat as possible and sausage/tacos/burritos where the key for us. I am looking forward to bear season again as it looks like will not be elk./antelope in AZ this year.

Congrats! That is a nice way to start the year for sure.

Hey did you guys see this on AZ G&F? I have been considering applying and was wondering what this might do to the hunt structure currently followed? What do you think Lance? Nice archery buff TLO!

Pronghorn Guide Service would be in the mix for me as well. Eli has posted many times with great advice and responded to my questions promptly. HPO is local here and would be great too. As for applying my last tag was in 1998. I'm getting closer but don't expect to ever draw. We have very limited populations with increasing demand......guess no matter what people are not going to draw regardless of the system we have. So, with that I am thankful that some can draw with 0 points and some with max. WE ALL HAVE A CHANCE. Flatlander gives great advice as I had a similar result with sheep. Find less popular units and or an outfitter to help. This will increase success. No matter what have fun!

Just got home to officially check my results via the computer and 44 BS will be the destination. I can not wait! I also drew Nov. 1st hunt coues with Dad and my Brother.

Congrats Swivelhead! I drew 8 early with Dad (74 yrs young). My daughter is finishing up hunters ed. and only has the field day to finish. She would like to hunt this year and call to her bird! I can not wait. Hey DBArcher, when you going to the sheep forum again?

Eric, it was a pleasure meeting you! You guys have a great thing going and if things go right hopefully the Banquette dinner next year will be remembered for a long time to come. Talk to you soon! Swivelhead, you are right! Anticipation was incredible. Travis had to slow me down as I practically ran to close the distance that morning once we had them sighted. Without tea or coffee.... hahah. I think what made it so funny is I was usually taking my time behind Travis,(who walks fast to start glassing and to/from the vehicle), when we hiked or exited the vehicle looking around and enjoying the opportunity, but opening day was business. I have to laugh as he has teased me about my running shoes on that morning even driving. Man it was ON! We gotta get there! Oh well, just like the "pings" and Dino psyching me up for one shot. This is what I love about hunting is we all can share similar experiences that are individual to each person unique. Thanks guys for your kind comments!

Ok, lets move this along. In preparation of the hunt, I had been given pictures of a ram from Travis that the hunter last year did not harvest. For simplicity, we called him "Bruno" and his buddy "Stubby" and both rams appeared to be class 4's. After breaking Bruno down with Troy and Travis, we felt this was a good bench mark to have especially for this unit. The plan was to locate Bruno but continue looking for that sleeper ram. Through additional conversations, we had confirmed this ram was alive and frequented the mesa with his buddy . During the aerial survey conducted by G&F, Bruno was confirmed to be alive and well with Stubby. Definitely good news with the past Lion predation problems in the area. With just one tag in my unit, I just needed to be patient. Friday before opening day we had camp set. My Family and my good friend Rob Ruppart joined me for a day of scouting. We spent the morning in 44BN viewing sheep hoping to see "Rocky" that many were talking about. After a quick bit of lunch, we headed to a quick location with plenty of country to glass. As the shadows began to grow, I spotted a young ram to the West. Rob and I viewed him for a while before stretching our eyes South to the Mesa. We were discussing sheep habits and various scouting trips when he picked a ram up feeding out of a drainage. With a few directions, I was able to locate the rams. Upon initial inspection we had "Bruno"! I took a few pictures and we headed to camp to show Travis and Troy. On our way back to camp, my daughters and I came down with food poisoning. Thank God for campers and a few amenities I usually don't have when I am hunting. None the less, this proved to be another bump in the road of a great adventure. I was able to show Travis the pictures and we decided more pictures were needed as he said "But don't bump the Ram"! Due to the 2.0 miles of distance and shadows a little closer look for better pictures was in order. I could not believe my luck to have a ram we had hoped to locate. Now we could continue to look to find or decide on the ram we truly wanted. I had spent 6 scouting trips locating access points and familiarizing myself how to glass the country and never thought we would find him this soon. The next morning, I gathered the energy to head out and collect the pictures of our rams. Once the rams bedded we headed for camp to discuss our findings and Rob had to return home. At camp, it was quickly decided Travis and friend Randy Johnson would accompany to see the larger ram. That evening, Travis quickly located the rams but they had moved over a mile East during the day. We were not disappointed as the group of 3 was now 5 and from my perspective this could be an opening day shooter. We watched the rams butt heads and kick as the group decided pecking order. I was hard to contain myself as I listened to Travis and Randy talk about the rams and size the largest ram. I could sense some excitement in both of them as to the potential this ram had but was trying to remain grounded with my emotions. Thank you guys for not telling me his true size! I am sure they new but did not want to get in my head. All I knew was each time I would see him that this is "the" ram. We returned to camp to show Troy the new findings and instantly the demeanor changed from possibly a shooter to we need to harvest this ram! Numbers like 35 but more like 37 and heavy at the 3rd quarter... turn up of the horns and below the jaw. "He is sneaky" big. To say the least, I was no longer on this planet. I had become suspicious we had found a GIANT and it was not "Bruno". I had little reference to a ram of this size but now witnessing Travis, Randy and Troy. No way guys, it is time. "One ping" as I was told....this is for [A SB] but is very appropriate. As I always hope for a single shot. We were to watch this ram and harvest him opening day. Sunday Morning found Randy Johnson and I began watching the rams from the same vantage point we had used all weekend. Gathering more photos as the rams had moved marginally over night but appeared to be heading West again with a new member to the group - now 6. It was at that point, I realized that Randy and I have many similar interests including shed antlers, back packing and "The Buck of Justice"! When I realized this, I almost turned my tripod over! This was just another surprise this adventure held. The rams appearing to be content and ready for afternoon slumber, Randy and I returned to camp where he pulled his laptop out so we could begin comparing this ram to harvested pictures he had. I turned out to be awesome! We compared dozens of pictures of know score and configurations to this ram..... the results remained the same no matter how he compared. He is big! More importantly, he is the right ram and had the look I could only dreamt of finding or placing a tag on. Sunday night, Travis and I returned to get a closer view from a different direction to the East As the hours passed and no sheep, I began questioning why I left and returned to camp (this sentiment was confirmed by Travis). At dusk we decided to quickly move back to our original vantage point West of our current location. With fading light and complete silence, I spotted the group of rams emerge from a low shallow draw. I thought I heard the heavens sing! The rams had move again 1.5 miles West during the day. All is well again in sheep utopia, but due to the low light no more pictures were captured, but one thing is for sure "He is the ram". Upon our return to camp, both hunters were anxious but ready with only 12 hours to go. Vince was hopeful that "Rocky" would show again and I hoped the bachelors would just stay put. Opening day, was quick. We arrived at our vantage point. We quickly settled in and the rams had not moved over night. It was confirmed there were 7 rams now and the head butting commenced. The large ram was by himself up hill from the others - as usual. We moved across the drainages quickly closing the distance leaving [A BS] as eyes in the sky as Travis fully trusted his directions if needed. We were all focused and the 1400 yrds went by quickly. As we crested the ridge we realized that we needed to drop into the drainage to come in below the sheep and shave off 500 yrds. We dropped unnecessary gear and I gave Travis binoculars and range finder as I did not want unnecessary distraction before the shot. Travis paused so we could have a moment of silence and prayer. Once in the drainage, we carefully moved to 338 yards. I was able to lay down and make the appropriate adjustments to the bipold. Upon initial view through the scope, he was there! Broadside and looking in our direction. I adjusted the scope to 14X. Noticing a dark spot above his elbow I told Travis I was ready and going to shoot. Travis asked how he looked and he thought this was a great ram. All I could reply was that he looks "Bad". At the shot, the large ram stood there as if nothing happened. "One" ping? Travis urged me to reload as I might have missed. The ram took 3 steps and appeared unaffected by the hit. At his fourth step, I had him in the scope, ready to fire and I noticed his hip dip as he summersalted backwards. It was done! 0835 on opening day. This giant took everything the 150 gr. 270 wsm could give. "One Ping" Dino! This was incredible! He has matching 37" horns, 15" bases and "sneaky" big. My favorite part is that there are only 3 lower teeth left. No matter his score - he was old and beyond my wildest expectation. Perfect, right from my dreams. I don't care about his score as much as the people I shared this adventure with. Thoughts: These are truly remarkable animals for the environment they live. I am greteful for the help I received. Humbled by the experience and knowledge that was shared. Satisfied with my shot as the piece of brass has not left my pocket this entire month. This was "our" ram Travis! You had a hunch, I had a dream and we got lucky as we played every card we could. Randy Johnson, thank you for your time and to all involved have another beer! Looking back. I tried to experience everyting this hunt could offer. Including G&F survey information, sheep clinic (which I won the "split the pot"), advice from others. The hunt is in the preparation and always completes my hunts through scouting, shooting , hiking - It was great! I hope others have this opportunity soon whom are waiting longer than I! At the begining Travis said, it will go fast. It did. Too fast, so fast I wanted to linger before touching this giant ram. Once we moved him and laid hands on him it was complete......finished but the party. Life has become real for me through this opportunity as the finality of life and passage of time. Each night I enjoyed a great fire with spirited talk, passionate ideas, and hunting. Happy New Year and good luck in the next draws to all! Thanks for reading. P.S. We will score officially score him and most likely with a previous tag holder ta boot! G&F checked in 176.5" and we had him 2 times on the hill with 2 different tapes 178+" .

Hey A BS! Thanks for sharing this experience as well. G&F was a shorter on each horn so they came in 2.0" less than T.S. and R.J. I am waiting on some final edits and then I will get more pictures and a concise account of the story. azdeserthunter, you are correct. Travis is a great hunter for sure and very knowledgeable about the desert he grew up in. The harvest reports for this unit definitely supports his efforts and knack for finding these rams in recent years. If I am not mistaken this is 3 rams over b&C out of here in 7 yrs. he has been involved with. I will say as "A BS" stated this was a "hellava" ram! The 44BN ram wasn't too shabby either!

Just thought I would add a little bit here while waiting on DB Archer! I had an incredable hunt that I will never forget. Even more so, the new people I was able to meet and share a great hunt with. Thank you Travis Scott for your friendship over the many years waiting on this tag. I received a life time of knowledge on this hunt with applicable advice that made this experience beyond my comprehension or belief! I truly appreciate the help. Swivelhead, Mike Daliy and G&F - thank you! I Muchly appreciated the advice, maps, and resources you all gave. I am still working on a nice write up and pictures. Here is a bit of a teaser and a ram we did not kill that we dubed the "accident" ram for obvious reasons. It was total accident seeing this ram as we had not found a sheep in 3 trips! From the jeep while loading our cots to head home, he was walking 125 yrds. from a trail we had hiked 2 previous times in 4 days. Randy and I joked it maybe easier to find pink elephants here than all the sheep we have heard about. We did not shoot this ram. Here is a picture of the first ram I glassed that wasn't an accident and was found on the following weekend at over 1400 yrds. Another angle of the same ram above We did not shoot this ram either. Much like DB archer experinced - we did not find many sheep early! Through all the scouting weekends sightings only increased as the weather cooled down and available water/forage changed from summer to fall. I will save this for the complete write up a bit little later. To say the least we finished strong. Thanks again, Jack

Hey Daniel, Where are you? I am waiting on your post.

Does any body have a use for some pigeons? I have 5 pairs that have nested and have squabs now fully feathered (15 Total). I am done with training and need to find a home for them before sheep season. These will provide any future training needs you may have. 928-606-5381

Thanks Andy... Looks like the hard work is paying off. How do you know he ate deer? Maybe he loves the coyotes.