creed

I have seen way to many 180 bucks turn 160 when they hit the ground. 25 years ago I expected to see a 200" buck during the otc hunts. Then it became 180. Now a 160 buck is a really good buck. I think that drought and predators are the biggest reason why. On one ranch I hunt the old rancher was a cat killing fanatic. Deer herds were good. He sold and the next guy had the attitude that cats were part of the environment and he wouldn't hunt them. Deer population and quality took a big hit. Throw in habitat loss, people everywhere during the winter months and no help from G&F and the deer herds are in the shape they are in now. I have been helping family with their rifle hunts and noticed fawn survival is horrible. Doesn't say much for what the future holds.

My favorite unit

We had a guy pull a manlift out to the farm and was glassing the flats surrounding the fields. Game warden said it was perfectly legal since there were no weapons involved and he was just glassing. The trespassing was not legal.

Wish I had a tag

So I sent my wife's son into a spot where they kicked up 5 bucks, one of them a good one. He couldn't get off a shot. They went back into the same place this morning. He missed 3 times. Going out in the morning to see if I can't give him some support. He needs it.

When I was 18 years old me and another guy hunted 9 days without seeing a deer. I learned a lot about what not to do. Not tagging out has taught me more than killing one.

I don't think I could do that. I have had my butt handed to me many times by desert muleys. It just makes me that much more determined to figure them out. Taking a 180+ burro buck is as good as it gets.

This was an interesting webcast. I bet that we get option 2 on the archery deer. Or at least a variation of it. And it is clear that mandatory reporting is not going to happen.

Turkey and archery pig

Anyone use an SME Spot Shot? It creates wifi between it and your smart phone. Multiple smart phones can hook up to it. And they cost just a few dollars more than a phoneskope. This is a video I took of a small buck through my 15's a couple of years ago. It was windy so there is some vibration. The original video is much sharper than this sme.MOV

Sounds like they beat the crap out of someone

200's are a rare animal. I have killed a ton of desert muleys and only one over 200. 10-15 years ago I used to see at least one buck a year that would crack the 200 mark. It has been at least 5 years since I have seen one. Best of luck. Killing a giant desert mule deer with bow or rifle is a tough one.

I don't know much about anything but when the disappearing act happens look in the flats. Works for me. I am going to try to get out in the morning and do a quick scout for my wife's rifle hunt.

I have never hunted with a crossbow. I know little about them. What is the advantage to hunting with one? I hunted with a vet that had taken a rocket hit while in Iraq. This guy was in rough shape. By the time he got it out of the case, string drawn, bipod set up, arrow nocked a guy with a compound could have emptied 2 quivers on the forky this guy tried to shoot. I just don't see any advantage.

It would never happen but what about a bowhunter proficiency test? I bet half the guys that pick up a bow can't consistently put 5 arrows in a pie plate at 40yds.

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Boomers are the most entitled generation. Not much integrity left in the sport Don’t know what I am entitled to but I will agree there is not much integrity left in the sport. It’s about money. And the system is designed to be abused because of it. I don’t see many crossbow hunters but the ones I do see are usually younger guys The late archery rut hunts are getting completely overhunted. Go to a draw instead of OTC. That would make make it choose your weapon and eliminate a lot of people. Ban crossbows during archery hunts but create a crossbow only season to help offset lost revenue. Maybe put some integrity back into the sport. But that’s not going to happen. It would take away hunting opportunity and money from the department. To heck with the condition of the deer herd or quality of the hunt.

Wasn't aware I was being sour. My point is this has been discussed and there are still crossbows being used during archery hunts. If a person feels that strongly about it take it to the commission or whatever powers that be and petition for change instead of bitching about it. It has to start somewhere.

Tighten up the requirements, give Xbow hunters a separate season. Create another class of tags, crossbow tags and take them and time from the archery, muzzy and rifle hunts. ban them altogether, bitch about it or do nothing. Or go before the commission and try to get it changed.

So what do you suggest when it has nothing to do with how much poundage but becomes an issue with the ability to hold a bow? 5 years ago I blew out two of the four rotator cuff tendons in my left shoulder. They were beyond repair due to a number of things. My ability to hold a bow has deteriorated to where I can no longer shoot a pie plate size group at 50 yards. So the solution is to hunt with a rifle? Not many rifle January mule deer hunts that I am aware of. I am not going to stay at home because someone thinks I shouldn’t be using am Xbow. As to hunting during rifle hunts…..knock yourself out but I have bow hunted the last 35 years. I have no plans to start rifle hunting or hunt during a rifle season now. Besides, the rifle guys have an unfair advantage. They have better technology and can shoot farther and more accurately. Sound familiar? I have never hunted with a crossbow. But if it means it will allow me to hunt during Dec/Jan instead of sitting at home one is in my future. And I don’t really care who does or doesn’t like it. It’s legal and I have a legitimate injury. I don’t have to justify it to anyone.

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Because of health reasons I am getting rid of my archery stuff. I won't ship but if it doesn't cost more in gas than what I am asking for an item I can meet in the Avondale area or you can pick up at my house. I live in the Tonopah area. Obsession Turmoil, right hand, 26.5-30" draw length, 50-60 lb, Americas Best strings installed by Ross Outdoors a couple of months ago, ripcord rest, Montana Black Gold sight. soft case. I believe it is the Ascent but possibly another model. Been too many years. 5th pin is a slider. Still have most of the sight tapes. Added one more pin because I am not a slider fan. I have chrono'd this bow over 285fps with a 390 grain arrow. Tru Glo arrow quiver. $500 Spot Hogg 7 pin sight. Optics aren't as bright as they once were. Sight ring has been painted on. $75 Black Gold 4 pin sight. $60 Releases, T handle styles $70 each. Scott Longhorn, 2x HTM index finger releases. These are my hunting releases. i use one as a back up, Carter Squeeze Me. This one has been laying around for a long time but I think it's still good. Spot Hogg Saturday Night Special, Spot Hogg Whippersnapper Short and Sweet and I think a Scott Silverhorn......$60 Miscellaneous tools....Bowmaster portable press with 2 different style of brackets, Outer Limits D loop pliers, scale, some nocks....$50 Plano hardcase....measured it at 16x41"......$25 Arizona EZ Fletcher 3" helical.....$30 each Arrow rests....Quad dropaway, toughman style rest, savage magnetic, Trophy Ridge whisker bisquit style rest......$50. I use the toughman as a backup on hunts. If anything is bought and you find fault with it I will give you your money back if it is in the same condition as it was when sold.

I just got out of the hospital after a weeks stay and can't drive to deliver for another month but I will reduce the price pf any item by 20%

-I think it was in 6A

As mentioned the draw system is online and it is a cluster f##k. They have no concerns about that. I have had dealings with G&F yahoo’s. They have an excuse/reason for everything when it comes to their agenda.