Heat

That is an awesome looking sheep! Congratulations on your hunt of a lifetime Cliff. Great shooting too! Glad you were able to share your hunt with such an awesome group. It sure is nice to have a little support on such a big hunt. Sounds like you guys did things right and made some friends along the way. Way to go! Nick

Holy smokes! That is just an incredible ram. I am really happy for Brian! Kudos to you and the rest of Brian's crew for finding such an awesome sheep. The mass on that ram is outstanding! Way to go Brian and crew! Nick

Congratulations on a great looking ram. Great job on the shot under pressure like that. I tell you what, you picked the right group to help you out. Tim and Cliff are some of the best! Nick

I agree this couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Congratulations Darrel on your giant! Eric, way to go man, you guys did outstanding!

Thanks for all the very nice compliments everyone! I had 8 bonus points to draw the tag and I had tag #1. That should give hope to some of you guys that you CAN draw when you least expect it. After drawing a pronghorn tag, there was no way I would have thought I would get a sheep tag also. Guess you gotta ride the crest of the wave while you can! This ram was taken in Unit 43B. That is the unit that the Department is currently doing the captures in to transplant to other parts of the region/state. I would guess by that and my observations that the population in 43B is doing very well. If any of you guys ever draw there, I would be happy to help any way I can! Nick

Got super lucky and drew a desert bighorn sheep tag this year! I am so very fortunate. Can't wait for December to come around. Even saw a few sheep this morning on a little drive. One more little amazing fact is one of my best friends and longtime hunting buddys drew one of the other tags in the unit on a separate application! Oh man am I fired up! Nick

One thing that I have learned through all of this, is it's a lot easier to see a commercial on tv and believe their message, than to learn how your own state government works and make your own informed choice. We got our butts kicked for a number of reasons: First and foremost is because hunters and anglers are some of the most complacent people I have ever met. Most are just fine knowing that someone is out fighting for them, regardless if less than 1% of the people are doing the work for all. Every hunter and angler will need to make this fight their own fight. Make ourselves personally responsible for the job at hand, rather than expect some other group, some other person, or anything else to get the results. When I suggested to members of our club that people get out and talk to their friends, co-workers, and other acquintances that don't hunt, the looks on their face might have well said that I just asked them to give up their first born child. Second, we did a poor job of getting our message out. I now realize how big of a job it is/will be to educate not only those from our own ranks, but those that don't give a dang whether you or I hunt. We must educate people about who pays for wildlife management, who benefits, and what will happen if sportsmen and women do not have a continued strong stake in wildlife management, IE North American Model of Wildlife Management. Part of this failure was the censoring of our message by the liberal media. There was very little written about the pro side of 109 versus the multitude of articles, letters, and editorials against 109. Third and certainly not least is that we got outspent $$$. Nobody got out their checkbook to get this done until it was too little and too late. NRA, AZSFW, Safari Club, Cabelas, Bass Pro etc need to put their money where their mouth is. Clearly, expecting the "grassroots" word of mouth do get it done did not work. Instead people grew "assroots" and thought this would just magically appear with no work done or no money spent. We will need a huge advertising campaign in Phoenix and Tucson starting at least a year in advance to be successful next time. Bringing up landowner tags was just another scare and confuse tactic, along with the power grab BS. Apparently that nonsense was eaten up hook, line, and sinker by not only the uninformed non-hunters, but those within our own ranks as well. That is very sad. Nick

Thank you all for the input on the 15's. I would have bought the 15x58 Minox if they were not too wide for my face. I ended up with the Vortex Kaibabs. I was really looking for input on the Minox 15x56, but I guess there aren't many folks that even realize those binos exist; I guess hands on experience was a real long shot. Nick

Hi Everyone, I drew a sheep tag this year and am thinking about getting my third set of binos so I have the "big eyes" category covered. I ordered a pair of 15x58 Minox from Cameraland for a friend a couple of years ago, and used them on my pronghorn hunt this year. They worked for me, but they are just on the edge of being too wide for my face. While checking things out on the net I noticed that Cameraland and Eagle Optics now carry the Minox BL 15x56 BR binoculars. I've seen some reviews for the 13's in that series but NONE for the 15's which I would guess are pretty new. Can anybody tell me how well the BL 15's match up to the BD 15's optically? They are much, much lighter but unfortunately probably made in China. I would prefer to stay away from stuff from there, but if they match up with the other 15's optically, it might be worth it in weight savings. I know the price is considerably more too, but that isn't a make it or break it factor for me. What I do know is that for MY eyes, the Swaros are DEFINITELY NOT $1700+ better than the BD 15x58 ED BR that Cameraland has for $550. I'm also now considering the Optolyth 15x63 Royal at SWFA for about $1250. These have some sweet glass it looks like and they are made in Germany. Not ridiculously heavy, but not sure how narrow they go, and how they do on eye relief. I wear glasses so that is a factor. I don't know anything about their warranty. Hard to plop down that kind of coin without seeing and comparing first. Also considering the Kaibabs, but again would prefer a Euro or Japanese made optic if possible since no one makes good optics here in the good ol USA. Any thoughts on the subject would be great! Doug at Cameraland, can you chime in since you can get your hands and eyes on both the Minox BL 15x56 and the BD 15x58? Nick

Way to go Doug! Looks like you took a mean ol bruiser! Congratulations on your trophy and another mighty fine contribution to the site. Nick

Awesome!

I think the part that is confusing most people is the "exclusive authority to the legislature" part. What everyone needs to know is that the legislature already has authority. EACH and EVERY Board, Commission, and Agency, including of course Arizona Game and Fish, the Department of Corrections, DPS, ADEQ, the State Health Department are all the rest have their authority vested in the legislature. They ALL have their laws enacted through the legislature. They ALL are either re-authorized every ten years or done away with (sunset). The only thing this will change is it will make it more difficult, but not impossible for animal rights folks to get their agenda passed at the ballot box. I say not impossible because a constitutional amendment could always be removed with a 2/3rd vote. It is obvious we are not doing a very good job getting our message out if lifelong hunters are believing the garbage that the Sierra Club and the Humane Society of the United States wants non-hunters to believe. For example HAWKEYE writes "It scares the heck out of me that polititions will be in charge of our hunting and fishing rules and we will have no say." Sorry to call you out on this partner but we need to know why you would believe the people we fight so hard against, rather than the multitude of groups that have everything to do with OUR way of life. The anti-hunting community has been particularly effective at getting their false message out and broadcast gladly through the liberal media. We are making headway to rebut those assertions, but sometimes the first punch wins the fight. Hopefully every hunter/angler will get off their complacent behinds and DO SOMETHING to make this happen rather than let the usual 1% do all the work for them. This is about hunters and anglers having the RIGHT to pursue their activities without the threat of a ballot initiative from well financed and well organized anti-hunters to ban whatever it is they want banned. It is NOT about giving absolute power to the legislature. It really is as simple as that. Nick

Check this out: http://www.pse-archery.com/cat.php?k=56063&sk=56063 According to their chart, you should be good to go from the mid 60's up to about 80 lb draw weight depending on your point weight. If you want to soften up the spine a bit try some 125 grain tips and see if that tightens your groups. You should be right about on though. Nick

The reason to vote YES is to make it much harder for animal rights extremists to do their thing in this state. Do you recall the ban on trapping on public lands in Arizona? That was decided at the ballot. Are you aware that you can't hunt or possess a mountain lion in California? They outlawed all lion hunting in the state at the ballot box. I'm not sure where you've lived in your life but I'm a native of Arizona. In my lifetime I have seen many changes in the demographics of this state. We used to be all about copper, cattle, and cotton, now it's a much different place. I would prefer that the professionals authorized to do their jobs by our legislature get to make this policy, not the potential uninformed but well intentioned non-hunter. This may not be about protecting our ability to hunt right now, but it sure will protect us in the future. This will also ensure that hunters have a place in wildlife management. There is no revenue for the State to be had when a wolf eats an elk. You can't pay for research when no one buys a tag. Hunting is not only a basic human function, it is a part of the management scheme and always should be, therefore there is an attempt to make this a part of our Constitution. Nick

NEWS CONFERENCE, MONDAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 11 A.M. CAPITOL MALL, NORTH OF SENATE CHAMBERS (1700 W. WASHINGTON, PHOENIX) Arizona Game & Fish Commissioners Woodhouse, Husted and Harris form Campaign Committee to support Prop 109 and Respond to Misinformation Being Disseminated to the Public PHOENIX--Opponents to Prop 109, are saying that “it is a power grab by Politicians to take away the rights of Arizona Voters and the Arizona Game & Fish Commission to determine wildlife policy in the state” and “that the right to hunt will trump the use of sound science to establish wildlife management decisions”. Robbie Woodhouse, current Vice Chairman of the Arizona Game & Fish Commission, fellow Game & Fish Commissioners, Jack Husted of Springerville and John Harris of Sahuarita, announce Monday the formation of “Support the Arizona Game & Fish Commission by supporting Prop 109”Campaign Committee. Commissioner Husted stated “the objective of forming the committee is to make sure the public has accurate information on Prop 109 because there is a lot of misinformation being disseminated by the press and groups opposed to Prop 109 including the above comments taken from their opposition ballot arguments.” Commissioner Husted spent an hour last week with Arizona Daily Star reporter Tony Davis and was disappointed to see the Star’s editorial Monday asking the Public to Vote No on Prop 109. When asked, Davis said his opinion was not requested prior to the editorial being published. “This comes as a surprise to most of us,” said Husted “as Mr. Davis writes many articles on wildlife-related issues for the Star. It is very disappointing to see the Star’s outright bias. We have no recourse except to form the Committee and set the record straight.” The Arizona Game & Fish Commission worked closely with the National Rifle Association as the language for HCR 2008 (now Prop 109) was being drafted and the Commission also voted to support the bill during the 2010 legislative session. “We were involved because we wanted to make sure the mission, role and responsibility of the Department and Commission were not compromised,” said Woodhouse. Click here for link to commission position on HCR 2008. “The Commission would not have supported Prop 109 if it compromised or otherwise limited the current wildlife management role played by the Game & Fish Commission” Woodhouse added. “We believe it actually provides a stronger foundation for the role of the Commission because with the passage of Prop 109 the Commission will be formalized in the state’s Constitution.” Commissioner Husted explained “The Provisions of Article 4, Section 1 of the Arizona Constitution and Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) are very clear. The Constitution vests the authority to make laws with the legislature, which consists of a senate and a house of representatives. The Legislature has given the Arizona Game & Fish Department the power to administer the laws relating to wildlife and the Legislature of its own free choice further vested the Arizona Game & Fish Commission with the responsibility to control the Game & Fish Department.” Commissioners Woodhouse, Husted and Harris agree that the Constitution and ARS Title 17 provide the framework for the governance of game and fish issues today and Prop 109 will do nothing to change this framework when passed by the voters. Commissioner Woodhouse reaffirmed that, “The Game & Fish Commission will continue to base its wildlife management decisions on scientific findings and science will not take a back seat to hunting and fishing or politics as suggested by the opponents of Prop 109.” Consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Management, the Arizona Game & Fish Commission uses hunting and fishing as the primary means of controlling and managing wildlife today as does every other Game & Fish Agency throughout the United States. The Commissioners agree that, “the requirement for hunting and fishing to be the preferred means of managing wildlife changes nothing as Prop 109 further requires that future laws and rules ‘shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management’.” -End- Contacts: Commissioner Robbie Woodhouse @ 928-941-1700 or hrking00@aol.com and Commissioner Jack Husted @ 928-245-0885 or jhusted@frontiernet.net or Carole V. Bartholomeaux, 602.404.8018 or Carole@b-pr.com Day of News Conference, 602.628.2666

If and when you ever decide to buy a new pack I would look at Kifaru or Mystery Ranch. I have no experience with the Mystery Ranch stuff, but I know they have a loyal following. My Kifaru pack is something I will probably own the rest of my life. Made in USA for me! Nick

Those bucks seem like they were well worth the wait! Very nice! Congratulations, Nick

I totally agree with Tommat. I have a set of their binos and they are excellent! Bright clear glass in a well constructed usable package. I wouldn't hesitate to by another set of Swift's in the future. I think you'll like your scope. Good Luck, Nick

Stunning photos Doug! Thanks for sharing. Nick

What a cool uncle!

You're in luck Tommy! I have that here on my computer. PM me your email address and I'll fire it over to you. Good luck in the draw, Nick Correction, I have the one from '09. If you still want it I'll be happy to send it.

Very nice pronghorn Doug! I love the photos as well. Thanks for sharing! Nick

NEWS CONFERENCE, MONDAY, OCTOBER 4TH, 11 A.M. CAPITOL MALL, NORTH OF SENATE CHAMBERS (1700 W. WASHINGTON, PHOENIX) Arizona Game & Fish Commissioners Woodhouse, Husted and Harris form Campaign Committee to support Prop 109 and Respond to Misinformation Being Disseminated to the Public PHOENIX--Opponents to Prop 109, are saying that “it is a power grab by Politicians to take away the rights of Arizona Voters and the Arizona Game & Fish Commission to determine wildlife policy in the state” and “that the right to hunt will trump the use of sound science to establish wildlife management decisions”. Robbie Woodhouse, current Vice Chairman of the Arizona Game & Fish Commission, fellow Game & Fish Commissioners, Jack Husted of Springerville and John Harris of Sahuarita, announce Monday the formation of “Support the Arizona Game & Fish Commission by supporting Prop 109”Campaign Committee. Commissioner Husted stated “the objective of forming the committee is to make sure the public has accurate information on Prop 109 because there is a lot of misinformation being disseminated by the press and groups opposed to Prop 109 including the above comments taken from their opposition ballot arguments.” Commissioner Husted spent an hour last week with Arizona Daily Star reporter Tony Davis and was disappointed to see the Star’s editorial Monday asking the Public to Vote No on Prop 109. When asked, Davis said his opinion was not requested prior to the editorial being published. “This comes as a surprise to most of us,” said Husted “as Mr. Davis writes many articles on wildlife-related issues for the Star. It is very disappointing to see the Star’s outright bias. We have no recourse except to form the Committee and set the record straight.” The Arizona Game & Fish Commission worked closely with the National Rifle Association as the language for HCR 2008 (now Prop 109) was being drafted and the Commission also voted to support the bill during the 2010 legislative session. “We were involved because we wanted to make sure the mission, role and responsibility of the Department and Commission were not compromised,” said Woodhouse. Click here for link to commission position on HCR 2008. “The Commission would not have supported Prop 109 if it compromised or otherwise limited the current wildlife management role played by the Game & Fish Commission” Woodhouse added. “We believe it actually provides a stronger foundation for the role of the Commission because with the passage of Prop 109 the Commission will be formalized in the state’s Constitution.” Commissioner Husted explained “The Provisions of Article 4, Section 1 of the Arizona Constitution and Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) are very clear. The Constitution vests the authority to make laws with the legislature, which consists of a senate and a house of representatives. The Legislature has given the Arizona Game & Fish Department the power to administer the laws relating to wildlife and the Legislature of its own free choice further vested the Arizona Game & Fish Commission with the responsibility to control the Game & Fish Department.” Commissioners Woodhouse, Husted and Harris agree that the Constitution and ARS Title 17 provide the framework for the governance of game and fish issues today and Prop 109 will do nothing to change this framework when passed by the voters. Commissioner Woodhouse reaffirmed that, “The Game & Fish Commission will continue to base its wildlife management decisions on scientific findings and science will not take a back seat to hunting and fishing or politics as suggested by the opponents of Prop 109.” Consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Management, the Arizona Game & Fish Commission uses hunting and fishing as the primary means of controlling and managing wildlife today as does every other Game & Fish Agency throughout the United States. The Commissioners agree that, “the requirement for hunting and fishing to be the preferred means of managing wildlife changes nothing as Prop 109 further requires that future laws and rules ‘shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management’.” -End- Contacts: Commissioner Robbie Woodhouse @ 928-941-1700 or hrking00@aol.com and Commissioner Jack Husted @ 928-245-0885 or jhusted@frontiernet.net or Carole V. Bartholomeaux, 602.404.8018 or Carole@b-pr.com Day of News Conference, 602.628.2666

Not sure where I read that, but I stand corrected.

Congratulations on a very nice bull! I'm glad you were able to make it happen and that you shared your experience with us here. That is extra special that you shared it with the friends. Way to go! Nick