Viper

I pondered this a few months ago when I bought mine. I made room in the house. More secure, out of sight, controlled environment. If in the garage, definitely have to bolt it down. I don't think the heat would be a problem on guns and ammo...maybe a problem with digital media. Seasonal Humidity is what I would be concerned about on the guns, but there are devices for that. A lot of guys do it though.

I also have the Alaknak 12x12. I have the stove that was sold at a discount with the tent several years ago. It's a cheaper stove...not very airtight, but works quite well. If temps are not below freezing, the stove is too much heat. I usually just use a propane heater, since most temps on my hunts are above freezing. The stove is a great option on Nov/Dec hunts. There is nothing like nestling into a warm bag with the slight smell of juniper, the crackle of burning wood, and the soft glow of the the stove....makes me wish for colder hunts. I was in Cabelas looking at this stove set up in the Alaknak 12x20 display last weekend. It is tempting to upgrade...

I bought a new safe a couple months ago from Guns Etc in Mesa. I got a "moving sale" good deal on a Heritage, one of the larger models...made in the USA. I hear they will be having several models built in China starting this year....like many of the others. It seems to be of good quality, security and features. Plenty of room for my needs. It's a heavy sucker!

Maybe do a ride along with G&F during surveys. What unit are you wanting to fly over? I have a family member in Springerville with a small plane.

I saw it in person a couple weeks ago when I picked up my mount. It is spectacular! Clay does awesome work!

That's quite an accomplishment for a young man...congrats! Looks like good equipment but I'm not in the market.

Yup. I like mine. A huge improvement over the older models. I compared the Leupold to the Vortex and liked the Leupold better.

Sorry for your loss. I started tearing up reading your tribute....remembering my last Golden. She went the same way, same age. Sudden case of pyometra (uterus infection). We couldn't afford the surgery and the odds of survival were very low. It was so sudden and heart breaking. Our dog friends often fill a void that our human friends can't. They age much faster than we do...so this heartache is inevitable, but I do it over and over. Couldn't imagine life without a good dog. If it's any consolation, we thought our last Golden could not be topped. Our current Golden has even more personality and character than the last. We still remember the last one, but also have the daily joy the current one gives. She is 9 years old....a few years from now is going to be really tough to handle.

Prayers for you and your's. Thank you for your service! The service/sacrifice is not only during active duty, but ongoing. I pray for many more blessing upon your family.

This is my 2013 rifle coues buck. Thanks Clay for a great job!! (Never mind the plastic sheeting...home remodel in process.)

I am interested...I have the cash...but not the time to drive to Oracle. I am in the middle of a home remodel, which is consuming my weekends. I have thought about going this route to make it easier to haul the toys. It would have to pass the wife's inspection...she has a "thing" about slide in campers. I would love to take a look at it, if I can get a break one of these upcoming weekends....if you still have it.

You can buy the Kelty Cache Hauler brand new for that from Sportsman's...online too. I love mine.

That's a real bummer! I pray for a miracle recovery. A few years ago there was a guy in a wheelchair hunting a waterhole where we were hunting. Someone would drop him off and pick him up. He sat many hours. I don't know if he ever got one...he wasn't very friendly to talk to. We just tried to leave him alone and only sat our treestand when he wasn't there. Sitting a waterhole in a wheelchair should be just as effective as a healthy guy sitting a ground blind on a stool....and probably more comfortable. You can also get a crossbow permit from G&F, since you have a "handicap". I hear you though....I too would rather be healthy and mobile with a rare elk tag in my pocket.

I like the Stoney Point long expandable bipod. I can use it as a walking stick, glass from it, and shoot from it. It deploys quickly. If things happen quicker than I can get the bipod set up, I use my shoulder as a rest. Both my boys shot game using my shoulder as a rest....you have to remember to plug that ear with the opposite hand. My oldest son shot his first cow elk off my shoulder at about 80 yards. My youngest son shot his first pig off my shoulder at about the same distance. I once helped an adult friend on his rifle bull hunt. We had to run up a hill to flank a herd and get in position for a shot. I could see he was having trouble catching his breath, so I told him "when we get up top, use my shoulder to steady your rifle". We got there just in time as the herd crossed in front of us at about 50 yards. He rested the rifle and my shoulder and placed a perfect shot on the bull. It's best to be prepared with whatever method you've practiced with, but sometimes things happen quick and you have to improvise. Might want to practice some alternative methods along with your primary chosen method. Oh yeah, I tried the Triclaw. It took too long to set up and was shaky on my medium weight tripod. The recoil would knock it off alignment, making it impossible for a quick followup shot. You will definitely need a heavy-duty tripod to make it effective. Also, if you have a variable power scope, be sure to have it dialed to low power so the shooter can find the animal in the scope...then dial up the power if necessary. Have them practice this so they are familiar with how it works.

That's a great deal Evan! I've seen these quads on the mountain...they look to be in great shape. What are you boys gonna' do this year for scootin' around the mountain? Well, you do most of your hunt with boots on the ground anyways.

Another option that is less spendy...same technology as the high price stuff, is Core 4 Element and Russell Outdoors APX G2. You can find good deals on the web and camofire. The light-weight merino wool base layers work well in cold to mild temps and really does help control BO.

I'd like to see the video of that! Would it be easier to use a large saddle?

Our golden loves to ride with us. I used the heavy rubber bungees to strap the bottom half of her first kennel to the quad rack. Put a piece of carpet in the bottom. This picture is 5 years old. She is 95 pounds now and still loves to ride. The kennel seems small for her size, but it is just big enough for her to sit or lay and the sides keep her from flopping around.

The blood shot meat is good dog food

They shoot well out of my Rem 700 .270 130gr....out to 400 yards. I have shot several deer with core lokts (different calibers)...all one shot kills. My coues last year dropped in his bed at 230 yards. My son shot two cow elk with them, in .30-06 and dropped them where they stood. They are cost effective for what you get. Shooting more is not so painful. However, I have noticed some inconsistencies in POI from one box to another. Before a hunt, I make sure to shoot a couple rounds from new boxes to verify POI. I often think of switching to higher quality ammo with higher BC bullet...but then I realize the cost.

I've had the older model Jet Boil for 4 or 5 years. I have never had trouble with the igniter, even at higher altitude. I tried the french coffee press. It leaves a mess in the cup and uses up valuable water for cleanup. Instant coffee is the way to go. I even use it for car camping. Nothing like a hot meal in 10 minutes. It heats up a backpacking tent pretty quick on cold mornings, while making coffee in bed.

PM sent on snake gaitors.

I only have the block wall behind my bag target or block target. Motivates me to shoot better

4a was very quiet.

That's good to hear! Congrats and thanks for the info. It's amazing how fast the critters recover after a major burn.