truehunter

Just got off my buffalo hunt at house rock ranch. debated whether I should post this but decided it would help from point of view of those hunters looking to do a DIY hunt off house Rock. My intentions are more to inform others that may apply or are getting ready for their hunt. But i will not hesitate to give my two cents and IM sure many will oppose my view but again this is to inform and hopefully with enough conversation and feedback will help others on how to go about the hunt on house rock ranch. There is mainly one guide named Russ Jacoby and his crew. you can find some others that will help including jim Bedlion. I talked to both before the hunt. Russ advised me that the best situation would be every hunter hunt with him that way as to not upset other hunters and it can be organized. There is a 2k fee for scouting package, a 4k fee for advertising and they clean up the buffalo and then fully guided fee of 6500. Russ and the azgfd game warden mike rice put on a informative on buffalo every year. I did find it interesting that a guide would be doing that. But basically when I got up there they wanted everyone to have radios so they can coordinate where every person sits. Then you sit in a blind every day for 16 hours a day and wait for a buffalo to cross onto the kiabab side. I wish I would have know this before applying for buffalo. However I went on the hunt not knowing what to expect. I disagree with russ tactics of corrdinating the water holes and salt. He states this is to help everyone be successful. However in reality it is not. talk to anyone who has been on this hunt before unguided and they will let you know that he puts the highest paying clients on the best salt licks and water holes. then tells the self guided ones to sit in the other blinds. sometimes the self guided will get lucky but majortiy will come home empty handed. I decided one morning to wake up early and get to a blind that had been very productive. I had been wantin gto sit this from day one. but decided to not stir things up if i got there early. so when I got there early and set up my own blind. One of Brian Myers (russ guide) clients came in after. noticed I was sitting in a different blind on that slat lick. He left and then called Brian. Brian told him to get back in the blind and if a buffalo comes in to shoot basically over my shoulder because there is limited opportunity on this hunt. I know this because i got to know his client of which i wont state the name for now really well. How terrible and unsportsman like is that???? a Guide would tell someone even though in the regs and hunter ed states first come first serve basis. His client came back because he did not have a truck and Brian would not come pick hm up. we decided and agreed for him to sit in the other blind and if one comes in i get first shot and then if two came in we would each shoot one. But I cant get over how the russ jacoby operation is. Later i saw Brian at another salt lick i was going to sit for the evening because I knew threw his clients radio that another of his clients went to go sit a different area. So i decided to sit that salt lick. when I saw Brian there he asked me what I was doing. I advised him I will be sitting this waterhole and he said that his client will be back this evening because he had a blow out on his tire but will be back. He flat out lied to me so I wouldnt sit that area as if he owns the whole area. My dad was driving to check a different area and when russ made it back up he blocked a national forest road to not let him through because he had a client hunting that area. who knows if there really was someone there but how rediculous is that?? you cant block roads. Unfortunately i came home empty handed. I left a day early out of frustration of the whole hunt. it has been one of the most challenging hunts i have ever been on and then to top it off with russ jacoby and his guides running the show was just a huge dissapointment. Not sure if anyone else has been through this, Maybe just me but just seems really unfair for the self guided hunter and i think the whole russ jacoby operation should stop. Guiding is ok and I support it however when it comes to them blocking roads and telling clients to shoot over someone elses shoulder even if they werent there in the area first should stop. Shame on Russ Jacoby and his crew for doing this. But my besides this that I feel like i have to get off my chest I want to inform everyone of how the hunt really is. unless you do the winter hunt and can track them the summer hunts are very long being in a blind all day. Understand that with that radio russ jacobi will not be placing you in the most ideal place even if he tries to convince you otherwise. If you have any questions or want to know any of the productive spots PM me and I can let you know for these areas for any of the upcoming hunts. Sorry for the long post just felt it important to advise others of what is going on up there at the house rock buffalo hunt.

I agree with you greyghost. Pretty obvious. I have talked to many people in the same vote that have had issues but don't say anything as to not get bashed. As soon as you post something against what most people on here you will be called names a liar a crybaby or that you don't know what your talking about.

And there ya go. These are all the Russ supporters that you will be camping with. Disgraceful to the hunting community. When we are at a critical time when there is a huge push against guns and hunting and we have people like this voicing their opinions in behalf of the hunting community. It's no wonder why so many are anti hunting and guns in the world. Who will change how they think and act? No one because like it's been said they haven't grown out of junior high.

Good advise Basser I talked with Carl Lutch. He said it should be interesting what happens in the next month. Guess the right now the ordinance to hunt the park is in the house to pass. Should it pass (which he believes it will) they will then decide on how to reduce the numbers whether by hunters or lethal action and something with the meat and hides going to a native tribe. His hope is that this will push them off the park and more onto the kabab allowing more opportunity for DIY hunting rather than just sitting blinds in concentrated areas. who knows if this would work but worth a try. This picture is less than a quarter mile from the park. people out of vehicles taking pictures and all. definitely a safe haven These buffalo don't even care who is there.

Jon killed his bull on H salt. It was from a herd of cows calves and young bulls. There were two or three DIY hunters that killed on days leading up to that off same salt. I was there. I heard one hunter was special needs and had opportunity but hadn't killed as of last few days but I will admit I wasn't there. Maybe it was you!?!? Any other wisdom for us?So were you there or were you not there? Really guys? yote special needs?? cmon brother. No I wasn't there. My camera was. this pic shows some buffalo and the back one looks like jons buffalo. I know the date is in May but this same group came back the same time Jon said he shot his. Yes there were also cows and calves with it on the second go around. I have cam pics on tuesday of the second week. buffalo there in the am then around 6am buffalo hitting salt. then next pic around 6:09 am guys running after the buffalo. pic looks like JON. maybe it was a different guy but the story of them not getting to the blind and seeing the buffalo added up and buffalo shot looked similar. and 100 yards behind the tank and salt lick i saw the carcuss. I could look up cam pics and post them on that day but where would that get us? point being as information that buffalo are hitting the East side as well and if you have a hunt and don't want to deal with the congestion of hunters that could be a good option. that picture is from Jons tank on the east side. IM not here to try and prove people wrong or right. I feel I have thick skin and can take criticism and name calling. But when it comes to calling someone special needs and therefore its the same as insulting someone that has that disability (saying in your mind you are any better than that person) that is just wrong and low class. cmon yote 3am go get some sleep buddy. I have a good friend and his brother has downs. we love the hunting trips with him because he is great entertainment. in fact hunts aren't the same with out him. I feel bad for his disability but also feel he is in a lot better place than most of us. Doesn't see the fighting that occurs in hunting and views the world as a much better place i wish i could try to view things as he does. Maybe I should do a different post with information only on the hunt and leave all the other crap out. All the nay sayers can keep posting on this one. Might help many considering to apply and looking to do DIY hunt up there. Ill see if i can post more pics and vids and information on the hunt. Seems there are many on here that have messaged me and want to know more about this hunt. Maybe some past years hunters can post where they hunted and what experience they had keeping the name calling out.

Also wanted to state for public knowledge. Jon7979 shot his buffalo off a tank called jons tank on the east side. I believe that's the name. Those buffalo hit for three days straight. Three bulls. Other two were bigger than the one he shot. So seems some of the buffalo are even hitting the east side and not only the west if you are doing your own scouting or hunting. Got cam pics of it all. I would gladly post some pics and videos of my hunt. Just can't figure out how to upload on this site for some reason. Maybe someone help me figure this out.

Also wanted to state for public knowledge. Jon7979 shot his buffalo off a tank called jons tank on the east side. I believe that's the name. Those buffalo hit for three days straight. Three bulls. Other two were bigger than the one he shot. So seems some of the buffalo are even hitting the east side and not only the west if you are doing your own scouting or hunting. Got cam pics of it all. I would gladly post some pics and videos of my hunt. Just can't figure out how to upload on this site for some reason. Maybe someone help me figure this out.

I guess I can't stay away. Other hunters name was Broc. He is a student at nau not special needs. I got to the blind at 4:30 am left a sign at front of road staying where I was hunting and a red cooler in the front. Other hunters arrived at 5am at the blind. I found during the hunt most buffalo were killed in middle of day during my hunt. Just for clarification

John... wow. All I can say man. Wow Congrats on your hunt. I'm glad things worked out for you. I know I'm not alone on this matter as there are several others that have had similar stories. And same thing they post something and are quick to get shut down. Yes on my hunt I was unsuccessful. Probably could have been successful had I hunted a few more days. But called it quits early because I did not enjoy the type of hunting of sitting in blinds. Much rather chase deer and elk. I think there was great success. 10 out of twelve tagged out. Many to credit for Brian's work. But the reality for me is a successful hunt is not based on harvesting an animal. It is the type of hunt and if I am having fun doing it. Like you said in your post grueling to sit in a blind day in and day out. To me that isnt my style and the reason why I decided to post this to inform others for a once in a lifetime tag it's not as glamorous as one might think. I said before I should have prob kept my Russ comments to myself because All those that support Russ and his operation. Call me a liar call me pouting or what you want. Truth is it happened. I sat three days with one of his guided clients who told me that was why he was there sitting by my blind putting him in an awkward position. Hind sight maybe I should have played their rules and taken one of their radios and listened to where they wanted me to sit. Thought I could maybe do it spot and stalk. Almost sealed the deal couple times and had I been driving around w my son and dad could have slammed a giant. But I was in a blind. Makes me think if they work so hard for no paying clients then why would anyone want to pay for their guide services?? Just a thought to those that draw this tag in the future. But man such harsh words on this site right? I'm sure after this post many more will cutting down my words saying how terrible I am for speaking the truth that one guide runs the show up there. Just realize the principle you support by having one man run the operation and take away from diy hunting and told what they should do. This is how hunting is becoming and everyone fighting w others just like what's happening with this post. i could have been successful and still would post the same about someone sitting a blind while I was there first or blocking roads not allowing other to pass regardless of how many hours they put into scouting salt licks etc. that should not justify actions. I did not use their blind because I felt that was not right of my part if I did. I have camera picks of mike rice and azgfd dumping salt. So I can justify that just like sitting water. Anyway think I have made my point. Some may agree and some may disagree. Cool. I won't take part of the name callin. I'll sign off and close my side of the discussion and let you all believe or support what you want. Good luck to everyone in the draw and happy hunting!

I also heard this. The one hunter who didn't kill? You guessed it! It's the guy who started this thread!!! I'm guessing that 11 out of the 12 hunters who had this last tag would support Russ and his crew if you took a vote and I know after my hunt all 12 were very appreciative of everything and only 6 of us killed. So far in this thread there have been atleast 4-5 hunters who have ACTUALLY hunted up there that were happy about the way things went and 1 (again the OP who was the only one to not kill on the last hunt) who is pissed about the operation. I'd say that's pretty hard evidence that it's as good of a solution as there is for this hunt. Not pissed yote. just dont believe in one guy operating the whole system. I wanted to start this forum to inform of how the hunt really is. but somehow someway this thing got way off track, guess thats what usually happens on this site.

JUst got back from out of town. but wow. this thing blew up. Your right I should leave my personal feelings out of it. It is what you make of the hunt. I did have a great hunt but not my cup of tee to sit a blind everyday and or be told where i can or cannot sit. My reason for posting this was mainly to be informative to others looking to hunt this "once in a lifetime tag" I never knew what to expect and was suprised of how the hunt has changed. I dont believe in blocking roads as this is illegal. I also believe in first come first serve and whoever is there first the other should respect that. but to get away from all the he said she said crap. EXpect long days sitting a blind. If you choose to have a radio they will coordinate where you sit put higher paying clients in the best areas. not that this is a bad thing but just what you can expect if you choose to do a DIY hunt. Some seemed to have success without paying the fee and that is based on luck whether one happend to hit your area. The hunt is definatley not like a quality deer or elk hunt chasing animals and being into them all the time. I felt more of like cattle and when they cross the park boundary you take turns on when to shoot. I remember watching a video with Corky shooting a buffalo with his bow spot and staulk. I thought the hunt would be more like that. But it is not like that anymore. sit a blind wait your turn. Hopefully future comments will be more along of how their hunt was hutning the animal and not their opinion on russ. Anyone have success on a spot and stalk or just sitting a blind? and how did it go if you tried to spot and stalk? Any success on the east side? I know some have started crossing back over there also

Done

I heard the same they were blocking off water sources on the park but I think like you said the main driving source is the salt. they hadnt completely shut it off but yea hopefully something good will come of it. Buffalo are definately a different type of hunting alltogether.

I wish I could head back up but unfortunately one has to make a living to support their family. Probably would have been more wise to hunt the second week as oppossed to the first week. But hindsight is always 20/20. from my experience in dealing with Brian and Russ has definately left a bitter taste in my mouth. I did talk to wildlife game manager about this incident and they said i am not the first. There have been many that said Brian and Russ are great people and just as many equally say the exact opposite and have a hunt very similar to mine. They have been informed to not block roads and give fair chance but still seem to cross the line and can get by with it. It looks like they are about to pass the law to lethally take buffalo on the park he was informing me and he has hopes that this will push the buffalo off the park and onto the kiabab. Could make the hunt better so it can be more of a hunt than a waiting game and it also could make it worse. who knows. I would just hope that the DIY hunter could have an equal opportunity hunt to sit and/or stalk any animal without having areas blocked off or claimed by an outfitter.

When I started this post I realized that there would be some in favor of russ Jacoby and some not. My experience is true and found that Brian when talking to him face to face was very cordial however behind my back was backstabbing. Whether they are good or not does not in anyway give permission for them to hunt over the shoulder of other who have been there first and or block national forest roads stating their client is hunting the area (of which this is actually illegal a misdemeaner article17-316 to be exact) So in the future if any guide or hunter tries to block any road know this as a reference. My main point of the post was to be informative. rather than get into the he said she said more of how the hunt actually is. The fact that they helped out many non paying clients brings up a good conversation as to why would you pay to have them as your guide?? something to consider for those that are looking into this hunt. If they work just as hard for non paying clients as they do for paying clients maybe you should save your money and tip them with cleaning up. I know talking to this client of his he did not see the difference between what he was getting and other non payers. Point being whether you choose to have a guide or not maybe ask more details on what to expect from the hunt. I laughed when i heard it mentioned how smart these animals are. Really?? I believe this is what russ tells everyone so he can again have control of the whole forest. Iknow they shot two buffalo in the area and then they came in to take care of the buffalo then that afternoon after the shots and vehicles in the area buffalo returned to same exact spot. But besides him, I wish I could figure out how to post some pics (maybe someone can help me with that) also a good video on public land of how these animals are not really intelligent. there was a dead carcass in the middle of them and they where stepping over it. they sit grazing on the park 1/4 mile from kiabab with people out taking pictures. they dont even care. then all of a sudden they read the sign saying crossing the park boundaries and become the most intelligent animals?? cmon. hopefully we can get more people in the past years that have hunted this hunt to give their experience on the matter. I hope this to be an informative post for future bison hunters to understand what they are getting themselves into before the hunt and can know what to expect. Like mentioned before tonz of hours behind a blind sitting all day in the heat waiting for a buffalo to come in. bring lots of books to read.

Hopefully Russ gets booted out but not sure how likely that will happen until people start complaining to game and fish and report to liscensing board. As for working together I didn't see much of that happening as a good thing. I think that is more of Russ jacoby and his gimmick to have control. Just on the other side these buffalo graze all day in the open with people snapping pictures right off the highway. These same buffalo crossover and step over carcasses and seem they could care less. They aren't like a smart mule deer or whitetail. In my opinion dumb like a cow. But mighty tasty. I'll see if I can get some pics up. Also heard Russ next venture is to shoot down any scouting for five days prior to hunt. This will decrease traffic. Sounds like a good plan but again it's all to gain control. Then he would be the only one with inside info. I hope it stops for the future hunters that want to go out there and for my kids to maybe someday hunt this area.

Not sure where this will go or who can help but any help will be much appreciated. My dads dreams came true when he drew the az strip tag last year. He was fortunate and shot a great buck of his dreams! the buck scores around 209 inches. He has a short left main beam. Anyway he took it to Bryan Fisher wildlife artistry taxidermy in Prescott. He just found out that someone had stolen his mule deer. He is sick. Just too bad how dishonest some people can be. Not even their buck to begin with. Any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks for your help hopefully the pictures went through

It really is heartbreaking. I feel terrible for my dad. Finally passed the 200 mark after always have talked about it. Just Makes me wonder what the world is coming to. Great story behind it. At least he has pictures and memories to recall right?? Thanks for the concerns. I'll keep posted if anything comes of it

It really is heartbreaking. I feel terrible for my dad. Finally passed the 200 mark after always have talked about it. Just Makes me wonder what the world is coming to. Great story behind it. At least he has pictures and memories to recall right?? Thanks for the concerns. I'll keep posted if anything comes of it

So if it was messed up in the spring why do they wait till now to get things resolved? From feb9 till the date for updated card info what was azgfd doing?

That was meant for reply to Alaska offer kinda late on the post

Anchorage is a beautiful place. Be careful as I know with oil the economy has started to slip and there are many worried with the economy. Of course with the way our presidential election is going we should look forward to another war and that will drive the oil prices back up but 90% of the economy is based on oil and now the govt will be implementing state tax and taking away other govt benefits that were previously awarded. Hopefully that helps with some more information

Pm me. I'm Interested.any pics of the quad? Is it 4x4?

Thanks for your service. God bless

Why are you switching?? Have montec failed you. If they have then it's time to switch. If they work then why switch. Shoot with what you are confident with. Like the previous post... All broadheads will kill with the correct placement. All broadheads will fail with incorrect placement. Just my two cents