BOHNTR

Another half inch at my place last night........saw a bull elk yesterday already starting on his fifths.....amazing growth.

Retire early??? It's a young man's game, folks (LEO, Fire). When you call 911 for someone outside your house at night trying to steal something, do you REALLY want a 55-60 year old officer responding and trying to catch a 20 years old tweaker that takes off running and gunning? Just being a realist........the amount of worker's compensation claims would skyrocket as well..........IMO, it's a young man's game. For those in it, hopefully they'll get out while they can still function well. I did 30 years and maxed out........I'm still in good shape (physically), but can't do the things I was once able to due to on-the-job injuries sustained over the years. JMO of course.

Not sure about that.....I saw a four gobblers next to the highway between HM and the Vista last week in the snow.

Still lots of dirt roads barricaded/closed up high. Those few that are open are pretty muddy

From what I’ve seen, it’s not the cameras that are the problem, rather some owners who believe it’s THEIR private spot when something good is photographed. JMO

So what’s the alternative? Lose hunting opportunities based on ‘perceived’ numbers?

Actually it can be done on-line or at offices (like some other states). You simply cannot but a license/tag the next year until you complete the survey.

It’s my understanding (from G&F I spoke to) that when the harvest limit is above 20% for three years in a row then the OTC Archery Hunt changes to a draw hunt. The harvest in unit 1 was almost 30%, per G&F. I’m not sure how they quantify those numbers for 2018 season, as the questionaire just arrived? I was told they also look at helicopter count survey trends (not many deer observed in unit 1), license sales and number of field checked harvested deer as well. I’m all for sound scientific management and what is proper for herd conditions to reach carrying capacity and buck to doe ratio objectives. However, I believe it is equally important to base your conclusions on accurate data and not ‘volunteer’ reporting or formula based objectives.

Gorgeous

Where do they receive their data without mandatory reporting?

It’s a great edition to the collection I have of BIA record books! Well done, Marvin!

Bull archery elk tag coming my way

Still snowing hard!

Have only about 9" here at my place in the county area of Lakeside.....starting to pile up now.

I can't really tell how much has fallen at my place, as it's coming in sideways!

Not to mention Ace has had a limit of 10 bags all winter. No pallet deliveries so someone could stock up!

Very nice! Congratulations.

Awesome! My wife arrowed her first Javelina yesterday.....she was pretty excited.

It’s simple internet speculation...which generally involves jealousy. Guys, there’s an actual video of the hunter packing it out of the high country for all the conspirators and non-believers......and folks wonder why many no longer share their success photos on-line...we’ll except for the self-promoting flat brimmers. 😎

It has not been stripped......it is unclear, at this time, if it will be for panel. The only way it can be crowned the WR is for it to be stripped and panel measured. I hope to see it at a panel. Too late for the upcoming panel in two weeks, but if he decides to strip the velvet, a special panel would most likely be made to verify the score. An incredible mule deer.....congratulations to the hunter.

Knew him fairly well.....always spoke with him at P&Y Conventions over the years. Would alsways thank me for my service as a lawman......won’t ever forget that. About 6 years ago he was on the same flight as me, my wife and kids......my son sat next to him......he was great and talked Bowhunting and the importance of school with him the entire flight. Class act for sure.......and IMO wrote the best Bowhunting mule deer book EVER.......will miss you, DS.

I almost hit two in the middle of the highway the other day about 1/2 mile out of Alpine. Neither had collars.......buddy from there said I should have hit the gas pedal. 😎

I had a 330-340” type bull in my field just outside my bedroom door this past year during the muzzy hunt.....dang thing would bugle all night and keep me awake.....he would bugle while bedded! Lazy SOB. 😁 Not sure if he ended up being taken.....if not, he’ll be a dandy this year.

Keep in mind folks, if DNA suggests this animal is a Coues Deer (which is probable, IMO), it can/will be accepted by B&C.......regardless of the length of some gland.

Nice buck! Congratulations