Viper

I admire your sense of adventure. I'm wondering where you are hunting, that there isn't a road within a mile or two, and what time of year... that you think the meat will freeze overnight? I've not found many elk areas in AZ where there isn't a road close enough for a day hunt, or overnight bivy. I doubt elk quarters will freeze overnight. It would take two or three days at zero degrees to freeze an elk quarter. It only needs to be cooled down quickly as possible and kept cool...preferably around 40 degrees. The Sept hunt is usually warm, so cooling the meat is real important, while the nights are perfect for hanging meat. I would be sure my scouting shows it is worth remote bivy hunting. Otherwise, you could go to all the trouble and find the animal numbers/quality no better than hunting closer to the road. If it's just the wilderness experience you're after, then go for it...I understand....I'm wired that way too. Give us a good report/write-up when you get back.

Big 5 - 0 huh.....it's just a number.

I have the Alaknak 12x12 with the wood stove. I will use it if it's cold enough. Nothing like wood heat and the crackel of the fire when dozing off. I haven't had an issue with fire...yet, but the ember roof protector has several holes in it. Usually, it isn't cold enough to use the wood stove. A propane heater is enough and a lot more simple. I haven't had any condensation issues with that tent in AZ or while using propane heat. It is a heck of a lot lighter than canvas, about 75 lbs. I can set it up and take it down myself, but is easier with help. I love the tent, but if I am camping less than three nights, I take a smaller, simple tent. With your criteria, I would suggest sleeping in the bed/camper shell of the truck and just throw up a pop up shade/tarp. Or a 4 or 6 man dome tent and pop up shade. The wall tents are more of a base camp.

Welcome to the site! Your observation is correct...very good/knowledgeable folks on this site. I had that 4B tag 2 years ago. There is a lot of people activity north of Forest Lakes. Of course it subsides later September. Labor Day weekend is an absolute zoo. A friend, familiar with the area, suggested I take the first decent bull that gives me an opportunity. There aren't a ton of elk and not a lot of big bulls. During my scouting/hunt, I found this to be true. I hunted the side canyons all along Chevlon for the whole two weeks. I was into elk almost every day, but very few opportunities. There were two good bulls in the area, so I was being selective. I passed on a 5x5 at 40 yards the 2nd day. I passed on spikes two different occasions. I had encounters with the two good bulls, but couldn't make it happen. The very last day of the hunt, right before dark, I called in a 5x5 at 25 yards. But, he wouldn't clear the brush....just one more step. Finally he blew out of there, and that was the end of my hunt. There was a lot of competition with other hunters, but I still had a great time. The other thing you have to contend with, is the sheep herd. There is a huge sheep drive that time of year. They will be all up the 172 road and the surrounding canyons, water holes, etc. Wasn't a deal breaker, just can't hunt where the sheep have mucked it up. I was told the big bulls are further north, in the open country. Must be something to it....every morning there was a "mad max" race up 172. You'll have a good hunt, just have to stay flexable to avoid the mentioned issues. I think 4A is a better unit for an elk hunt. Good luck!

This is a follow up to my previous post (similar title). I took "Redman's" advice and tested the BH on a grapefruit. First, I shot a paper plate attached to my BH target. This gave clear evidence how much it opened on impact. Then I shot the grapefruit. This gave clear evidence how much it opened at impact and exit. Paper plate: the entrance cut shows the BH was open about 1/4" Grapefruit - entrance: the entrance cut shows the BH was open about 1/4" (like the paper plate) Grapefruit - exit: The exit cut shows the BH was completely open upon exit So it appears a decent amount of cutting trauma will be done inside the animal, but must exit to give a good blood trail. I wonder how much it will remain open through soft tissue, like lungs? It took about 3 lbs of force to hold the blades completely open. I pushed the BH against a small food scale...not very scientific, but I think pretty accurate. I'm not sure I like that this BH is spring loaded in the closed position and can close/partially close on it's own. I think I prefer a BH that locks open on impact, and stays open. Any comments/feedback?

I am faced with the same "adventure" this year. Put in for Nov archery bull for the first time ever so I could get a tag. Got unit 22-S. We have hunted WT deer in that unit for years, so I know the country. We always see plenty of elk during our Oct deer hunts. I think we will be able to find elk....getting in on them through the heavy brush will be the challenge. We always get our first big winter storm that last week of Nov, so water may be plentiful. I consider this hunt an experiment and will not be too picky on size...more of a meat hunt. I am interested in any pointers/strategies for elk hunting in late Nov. Most of my experience has been during the rut.

Body Pump...great complete body workout. Light weights and a lot of reps for 1 hour. Lots of squats and lunges. Similar to crossfit.

The next shoot is the Happy Jack shoot in two weeks, Aug 3rd weekend, put on by the Rim Country Bowhunters. It it is held at the Long Valley Work Center, near Clint's Well. Here is the flyer: http://www.rimcountrybowhunters.org/documents/AnnualShoot13front.pdf

I was thinking of trying the fletch-wraps. The ones you dip in boiling water to shrink wrap to the arrow. Any performance issues with these?

I've had the Cabelas Perfykt Hiker (Meindl) for about 6 years now. I am always amazed how comfortable they are everytime I put them on. It seems my aging feet have become more picky of footwear so it takes a while to settle on a boot. After 6 years and hundreds of miles the soles are about 1/2 worn down, but the rest of the boot is in great shape. I think what really helps is the cork footbed that molds to your foot. I was a bit skeptical when I first bought them, but they broke in after about three outings and have been great ever since. I usually take my flip-flops to change into for the ride home....but sometimes I forget to change because the boots are so comfortable. I had always worn a "high-top" boot before, but now I prefer the lower cut boot for breathability. I bought a pair of short gaitors to wear with them, which keeps debris out. They are still as waterproof as the day I bought them. I treat them 1 - 2 times a year with a bees wax based treatment. I can't say enough about the quality of Meindl products. They've gone up in price since I bought mine, but they will be at the top of my list when these wear out.

I bought an Ex-ped Synmat 7 a couple years ago. You have to be careful of punctures. I've used it maybe 6 times and had one small puncture I was able to patch. It's really cushy and packs small. I think the Thermorests can handle more abuse, but I need plenty of cushion/comfort, which the inflatables provide.

"I am convinced that they have forgotten who is paying the bills, including their salary. We taxpayers are routinely ignored when decisions are being made." - muleskinner It seems to be an epidemic in all branches of government.

Great looking bear!! Aaahhh...shin-daggers! I hate those things!

If the NFS followed that policy in Yosemite or Yellowstone, the whole park(s) would be closed forever.....oh, but those are major sources of revenue

It will most likely be hot, depending on elevation, so wear something you can strip down to in the blind....shorts, boxers. Also, may get some monsoon activity, so be prepaired for rain...usually afternoons and doesn't last long. Bugs can be bad (not necessarily mosquitoes) so DEET or Thermocell or... Your outfitter should be able to fill you in on the specifics. You'll be hunting the sneakiest critter in North America so bring lots of patience. Find the entrance to their underground tunnel system and wait there

For a second I thought that was my truck. I drive that route every day.

Wow! What a job! Always wanted to see a griz.

I put the fullfield II with ballisti-plex reticle on my .270. Great scope for the $. Real bright image. Mine is the 4.5-14x42. Love the 14x....really makes a difference past 250 yrds. The ballistic reticle works well with the .270 out to 500 yrds. I believe the "E" model replaced the "II" model. Should be the same scope.

Does it require gas to operate, or can it operate on electric only?

Roof-top, window, ground unit? 3 ton, 4 ton?

That should be it. I believe eye protection is required to ride a "motorcycle".

That's a good price for a great tent! I paid nearly that for my 12x12 with all the extras. It will hold up to any weather, dry and warm.

15's are getting hard to find. There's a couple old Mom & Pop tire shops in Apache Jct. that usually have old used tires, good enough for a spare. But I see you guys are not in the valley. How about craigslist?

Nice! The Bushnell cam looks to be high above the waterhole. Does it actually trigger on movement, or is it in "plot watcher" mode? Just trying to learn more of this trail cam game. I tried mounting a camera up high in a tree and had poor trigger results. Thanks

Halleluiah!! Getting emissions on my two ATV's was always such a hassle. About time someone came to their senses. I rarely ride them in Maricopa county anyway.