Sam

There is no doubt that the sun has everything to do with glaciers melting. Why is it suddenly an issue? Because more of the sun's heat is has been trapped closer to the earth's surface because of the burning of fossil fuels. Yes, this is a fact!!! There is no manipulation of data on this one. Believe it or not - this has had an impact. In addition, the snow melt has not been replaced by new snow fall - that is why we are in a drought all over the world. Our water and snow is used up quicker than it is being replaced. And yes the glaciers have been melting without our SUV's. However, if there is a way to lesson the amount of pollution that we are dumping into our atmosphere, ground and water ways, then why not try to improve???? Mother nature is tough - but, how much can she take. I sure the heck would not sit in my garage with my truck running......so, why not try to reduce the number of pollutants going into the environment. One final thought on this subject, then I'm done (I learned long ago, it is very hard to come to common ground when talking about politics or the environment and this could go on for a very long time)........ Maybe Global Warming has been blown out of proportion on purpose, to wake up all these people who thought that the Earth was a dumping ground for all of their waste. Anyway you look at it, there have been stricter environemntal regulations enacted, which have improved our environment.

Science vs Opinion. Within the topic of Global Warming/Climate Change, both are prevalent. Scientists study changes in the environment. Many environmental changes are affected by humans. I think man's presence on Earth has greatly affected many of the changes we see going on in the world. One's opinion on whether these changes are good, bad, or indifferent are just that - -one's opinions. However, it is hard to argue scientific research. Glaciers have gotten smaller, the amount of ice in the Arctic Circle is shrinking, ground water and rivers have diminished drastically, and temperatures have risen. All of this has happened since the industrial revolution. Let's not even talk about how much desert/forest has been destroyed for development. Yes this could be a cycle, but why continue doing things that have proven to damage the environment - which includes you, me and the land we love to hunt on and explore. Science is based on observations, data collection and conclusions. Opinions are based on ?????????

Thanks for the input everyone - I may get a few decoys and try to increase my daughter's chance at a Tom this Spring.

Ok - So, I was very curious about this and asked my wife to log onto our account ( I have no idea how to do that). And, all of our checks had numbers on them, my daughter's even had her name written on top with the number. I can't imagine that they have the draw and the refunds already figured out, so I am hoping the numbers are only used to match up the check with the application and to determine if appropriate funds are available, not to determine who gets a refund......if, the later is true, that means we got shut out on 3 elk draws and 3 antelope draws. Just what I need, one more thing to keep me awake at night.

I agree. The game and fish has a hard enough job as it is. If the time stamp is incorrect check it out...I would have no problem with them at my door. How many times have there been pics on this site when the date was wrong on the pic and someone asked... What about those 3 that killed 2 bighorn ewes and took pic posing with them. They took photo evidence of their crime to show off, and it sealed their fate. I question some of the photos on the G&F site. why shouldnt they. Its like cops. RSEPECT them. They chose a job where nobody likes them... If they show up at my door, they need to have a search warrant or else I'm shutting the door. DB... ...You crack me up!!! I guess the difference with me is I know the WM's ... I'd invite them in and offer "soda or coffee".... they are just doing the job. I'd hope that someone would not slam their door in my face if I drop by to inform them about driveway or home maintenance options.... just trying to do my job ya know. Just cuz they get their paycheck from the State of AZ instead of from a consumer (like I do) does not make them bad guys.... .. I've had the "Knock on the Door" or the "Phone Call"... it does not mean I am guilty of anything.... I have never gotten a citation or anything as result of those "Knocks" or "Calls"...When it happend to me, I was butt hurt about it, then I got to thinkin' about how I was glad they followed up on it cuz they proved that I had not done anything wrong, and the last thing I want is someone being able to point a finger a me... so no harm no foul... Just cuz they chat with you does not mean anything was wrong or anyone is guilty.... just means they are doing their job.... and for most of them it is just a job. I think most of the WMs take their job seriously - just like cops and fireman. The WMs are not only protecting the wildlife, but they are also protecting law abiding outdoorsmen from others who do not repect the laws. In my 30 years of hunting and fishing in AZ, I have never had a negative experience with a WM. I'm glad to see the follow-up.......there is no reason for a guy to get defensive if he hasn't done anything wrong.

Great trip and story!!

Agreed - there are way better things for the governement to spend money on. Should we make a list......Education, teacher salaries, classroom spending, drug war, health care, law enforcement, border battle.....oh did I say education..........

Is it 55 grand per year now to keep someone in jail? Last I heard it was $40,000. Either way it is way too much tax payer money to keep scum alive.

That is great! - Very funny. I should have done something like that when I taught Biology.

Great job - 3 for 3! It is such a good feeling to go home with meat in the cooler.

Alaska for about a month. Moose, Caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly, and black bear - maybe even get over to the Aleutian Islands and find a reindeer. Of course, I would have to catch some salmon and go after a few ptarmigan. And of course, I would have to take my family........it's nice to dream. But, to hunt elk during the rut every couple of years will keep me happy.

15 points for me! My first antelope application was in 1984 or so. I missed a few years in college - which I now regret, so I have less than the max. I hate to tell you this, but my buddy got a unit 9 tag this year - after 31 years of applying!

Very nice bull on a tough hunt. I know a few hunters that went home empty handed. You are lucky to have elk meat in the freezer........

125 and 3/8

With two daughters in the house, I hear Miley Cyrus all the time - not by choice! The last thing playing on a hunting trip would be Miley - actually, I love music - old rock, new rock, reggae, - but it seems like when I hit a dirt road, I always turn the radio off. Some places just aren't meant for music.........

Alaskan Moose! I'm saving for that trip. One of my best friends is a school superintendent up along the Yukan River. He's been up there for 10 years now and is about ready to kill me because I haven't gone up there yet to hunt. Being in the bush, he is allowed 5 caribou and one moose a year. Just saw him over Christmas and he said he found a few 65 inch plus moose just waiting for me. I may be selling my truck soon to make this happen:).

Definitely right on about the fit. I took the beautiful wood stock off the my BDL .270 and bought a synthetic youth stock from Remington. I actually cut that down by an inch. It came with a nice Limbsaver pad. So, now it fits my daughter like a glove. My plan is to put the wood stock back on when she gets older - or get another synthetic stock - $100 from Cabela's or Ramline.

I know this is an old post, but I just saw it. I got my 11 year old daughter a 270. I have had her shooting reduced recoiled bullets made by Remington. These reduced recoil bullets have a comparable kick to a 243. I think the felt recoil is about 9 lbs, vs 16lbs of a regular loaded 270 (I looked at recoil charts before I made the decision). It is very comfortable for her to shoot and I was surprised about how little the recoil is. The reduced recoil ammo comes in 115 grain, which I think is fine for deer. A little light for elk, but I won't let her shoot past 100 yards. Eventually, she can shoot regular ammo, 130 or 150 grain out of the 270. This is why I chose the 270 over the 243, which only comes 100 grain ammo. Actually, I think you can get 115...... They also make the reduced recoil ammo in 30-06 and 300wm. Sam

Love the new sticker. Amanda, I'll send you a PM with my address for one of the old ones. Thanks.

Spectacular pictures! I love the Canyon during the winter - clear crisp skies, less tourists, and way fewer cars. Thanks for making me miss one of the best places on Earth:).

In the February issue of "Shooting" magazine I read a review of the new Redfield 3X9X40mm scope. If you haven't heard, Redfield has been bought by Leupold, after closing it's doors in 1998. The review was great and I am excited to see this USA made scope back in production!!! I think this is a great scope for the price and the fact that it is made in Oregon is even better. Plus it has a lifetime warranty. Which I have used. In 1979, I got my first rifle - a .243 Remington Mohawk 600. Brand new. We mounted a Redfield 3X9 on it. On one of my early hunting trips, I slipped and damaged the scope. Redfield stood by their warranty and replaced the scope, no questions asked. I don't use this rifle anymore, but I still have it in the gun safe - see picture below. If it wasn't for the muzzle blast, my daughter would be using it. Anyway, just want to see what others think about the Redfield comeback and the product. They are also now making binoculars and range finders. Anyone else glad to see it back?

I agree also, great attitude toward hunting in general. This is a beautiful deer and anyone would feel lucky to have harvested it. Congratulkations! A trophy is always in the eye of the beholder.........and you are lucky to be holding this one!!

Great first deer - some guys would have given up on it. I have never seen an entire deer eaten in one night. I guess the desert is a harsh place. One year, I shot an elk and within an hour, there was a coyote tearing at it's hind quarter. I thought that was amazing.....but, nothing like this!

I just realized I never commented on this incredible deer. I was too caught up looking at the pictures and thinking how lucky you are to have both seen this guy alive and to have harvested him. Great job and congratulations!