Don Martin

Now that the elk and antelope draws are over, those NR's who are still needing AZ Hunter Education and the permanent bonus point that comes with it, need to get signed up for our last class for 2013! That class is April 6, here in Kingman. It is a 12 hour class, but you'll walk out with your card and a permanent bonus point for ALL of Arizona's big game species! That means for sheep and deer folks, you can get ONE MORE POINT before that upcoming draw. Signs ups are first come, first serve for the remaining seats in the class. You must have taken Hunter ED in your home state since 1980 and you fax your card to Dave Williams at AZ G&F @ 623-236-7903. Contact Williams @623-236-7434 to get signed up for the class!. Don Martin AZ Hunter Education Kingman, AZ 928-681-4867 P.S. To get a discount on a room here in Kingman call Knight's Inn 928-757-4315. Tell them you are coming in for Hunter Ed.

Now that the elk and antelope draws are over, those NR's who are still needing AZ Hunter Education and the permanent bonus point that comes with it, need to get signed up for our last class for 2013! That class is April 6, here in Kingman. It is a 12 hour class, but you'll walk out with your card and a permanent bonus point for ALL of Arizona's big game species! That means for sheep and deer folks, you can get ONE MORE POINT before that upcoming draw. Signs ups are first come, first serve for the remaining seats in the class. You must have taken Hunter ED in your home state since 1980 and you fax your card to Dave Williams at AZ G&F @ 623-236-7903. Contact Williams @623-236-7434 to get signed up for the class!. Don Martin AZ Hunter Education Kingman, AZ 928-681-4867 P.S. To get a discount on a room here in Kingman call Knight's Inn 928-757-4315. Tell them you are coming in for Hunter Ed.

Mark, give me a call! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

My luck in the draws just never ceases to amaze me. Checked the credit card several times yesterday and today--nothing! I applied for two antlerless elk rifle hunts ONLY! Let's see I had a Hunter Ed point, a Loyalty point, last year's NO DRAW point, and htis year's application point. So I guess I had four points! Hard to believe I didn't draw again! I'll keep checking but doesn't look good at this point huh? Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Now that the elk and antelope draws are over, those NR's who are still needing AZ Hunter Education and the permanent bonus point that comes with it, need to get signed up for our last class for 2013! That class is April 6, here in Kingman. It is a 12 hour class, but you'll walk out with your card and a permanent bonus point for ALL of Arizona's big game species! That means for sheep and deer folks, you can get ONE MORE POINT before that upcoming draw. Signs ups are first come, first serve for the remaining seats in the class. You must have taken Hunter ED in your home state since 1980 and you fax your card to Dave Williams at AZ G&F @ 623-236-7903. Contact Williams @623-236-7434 to get signed up for the class!. Don Martin AZ Hunter Education Kingman, AZ 928-681-4867 P.S. To get a discount on a room here in Kingman call Knight's Inn 928-757-4315. Tell them you are coming in for Hunter Ed.

I've got a Savage Striker in 22-250 caliber, but would like one in 223. Anyone got one for sale? Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Got to go with a friend of mine who drew a tag in Unit 35A last year and he got a whopper just 10 minutes after getting out of the truck on opening day. Great long beard and a pair of identical spurs, this guy I named King Kong! Don Martin

Wow, I hope I can help you out! My name is Capt. Don Martin and I own a striper fishing service on Lake Mead (South Cove area) called Striper hunters. I can fish from two to five anglers in my custom jet boat, and taking out young adults and ladies are my speciality! Though it is early to start striper fishing, we absolutely slkay them in the summer! Catches from 80-150 fish a night are not uncommon. Be glad to send you some information, references, etc. I am going to take some folks out next week, and I'll be glad to let you know how we do. Normally though we don't get the "BIG CATCHES" till about mid May. I've had two write ups in the Las Vegas Review Journal by their Outdoor Writer concerning my fishing trips! I've also taken a number of AZ G&F employees who heard about my trips. Here are some photos of trips last year that may be of interest. Capt. Don Martin Striper Hunters Kingman, AZ

Thanks! I sent McGowen an email to find out what it would cost to do a swap. Don Martin

Well the general rifle hunt has ended in Unit 18B and this year we had a total of 10 tags in our Big Pig contest. Eight of the hunters got pigs--one other had a chance to shoot one on Saturday just at sundown--but passed saying he thought it was too late to shoot. The other guy came in from Vegas on Saturday night, and Sunday the wind blew like 40 mph, so after the morning hunt, he went home. On the earlier HAM hunt in 18B we had 10 in the contest. Five got pigs, two others, including myself, missed two shots at pigs. Winners of the Arizona Wildlife Outfitters Big Pig contest this year were Grant Wiseman 43 lbs, 1 oz., 2nd Brian Erpedling 41 lbs 6 oz, 3rd Alan Chan, 40 lbs and 4th, Colby Adams 38 lbs 1 oz. Other than the herd numbers being down, with lots of herds numbering 4,5, and 6 animals, everyone had a good time, with no accidents, incidents or diasters. Don Martin Ariozna Wildlife Outfitters

That is my biggest pig I have ever taken! It weighed, field dressed on the scale 43 lbs 15 oz, which in the Kingman area is absolutely HUGE! One shot with the Striker in 22-250 at 90 yards after I called him and his 15 buddies in with my J-13 call.. I want the same gun in 223 though! That should be the ultimate javelina killer! I have had guys with all kinds of different calibers, but no one has a 223. By the way, here is another GIANT boar my hunter took with his Striker in 243 @ 150 yards in Unit 18B! Note how vertical the canyon is! Now get this. Another big pig came up to 10 yards while we were doing "Grip N Grip" and I passed due to knowing how bad that climb was going to be. It weighed 43 lbs! I got my pig two days later about a mile away near the TOP of a canyon. Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

The man has nuts of STEEL! And the bull has a serious sinus infection, so bad he can't smell nothing! I've had elk bust us 600 yards down wind and this bull just walks up and nearly touches the guy without smelling him? Wow that is unreal footage, and you're right, if that had been me, would have been time for a major change of clothes! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Mike: We always try and take boars. I call it job security: I'm always amazed at how a lot of javelina hunters when they see pigs just start blazing away! We like to watch 'em and try and pick out the boars. You are right; they are usually (but not always) in the back of herd or they will be off by themselves but close by to the herd! I really like ot hunt pigs, especially if they aren't a lot of other folks around. You can really have fun with them. Last year my hunter shot a huge boar (43 lbs) down in a rugged no good canyon. Took us an hour to go a couple of hundred yards. While we were doing the "Grip N "Grin" photos, another pig came back and started "woofing " at us! I called back to him and got him to within 10 yards. I too had a tag, and since my guide obligation was done, could have legally taken him. My hunter even offered up his handgun, a Savage Striker in 243 to me. But I knew we had a "death climb" just to get out of that canyon, so I passed. Went back a few days later, and called in a group with the old faithful J-13 and shot another giant boar (43 lbs 15 oz) which is my biggest pig to date! Just look at how vertical the canyon is! I know he doesn't look as big as Ken's baor, but trust me he was bigger. It was so steep I couldn't hold him up like Ken did! Climb was all downhill on mine (we had hiked from the bottom to near the top) so even though I was beat when I got to the bottom, it was worthy it! Only year we didn't do a big pig contest and I would have won it! Go figure. Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

I'd sure measure that big one. AZ does have a record book for pigs! Length plus the width! Think you need 14 inches total... Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

125 Coues, I'll call yuo tomorrow. Got your message. Thanks! Don Martin AWO

If you are a turkey hunter (spring) and think you are going to want to hunt turkey in the spring on the Boquillas Ranch in Unit 10, you might want to read this article I wrote and have posted in other forums. Fellow Sportsmen: I'm sure by now you may have heard about a proposed access agreement by the Arizona Game & Fish Department for the Boquillas Ranch. This agreement, if it is signed by all the parties (AZ G&F Commission, Navajo Nation, Cholla Land & Cattle Co.) will define the way access is granted on this 750,000 acre ranch from now through 2015. NOTE: AS OF THIS TIME THE DOCUMENT HAS NOT BEEN SIGNED! My understanding is that since this document was passed out at the Commission meeting on Saturday, there have been three revisions to it! So there obviously have been some changes made in the document, but I don't know what they are. This is what I wrote for our local newspaper about what I know about this story. " I’ve said it many, many times before in past articles I’ve written in the Miner about sportsmen and the almost unfettered access they have enjoyed on the Boquillas Ranch. And I hate to point my finger at some of my friends and say, “I told you so,” but guess what? It’s finally looks like it is going to happen. It is like a tsunami on the horizon. It’s coming and it appears that barring some kind of major meltdown, there nothing much that can happen to stop it from changing the hunter access on the 750,000 acre Boquillas Ranch in Unit 10. What is going to bring this change is outlined in a 13-page Department document entitled “Cooperative Stewardship Agreement For Recreational Access.” I had learned from various sources that for some time the department was actively working on an agreement with the Navajo Nation, who owns the almost 500,000 acres of privately deeded lands within the ranch boundaries. Discussions were also held with the Cholla Land and Cattle Company, which currently leases the ranch from the Navajo Nation and runs the livestock operation there. But it wasn’t until I learned last week there was an item on the agenda for the G&F Commission on 1-11-2013 meeting which addressed a written proposal and a power point presentation to the Commission about this issue that the contents of the document became public knowledge. As information on what had been presented became public, it was apparent that some sweeping changes were being proposed by G&F. I spoke with Region 3 Supervisor Tom Finley at the G&F awards banquet last Saturday night (1-12-2013) and requested a meeting with him on Monday to go over the document. Subsequently I met with Finley (1-14-2013) and was given a copy of the document. As I read through it I have to admit I was shocked at what I was reading, and had many questions for Finley. Our over two hour conversation was cordial and pleasant and the long time departmental employee was very open and honest when it came to answering the questions I asked. Finley told me a lot of history about the access issues on the Boquillas Ranch, some of which I did not know. For instance did you know that there has not been a signed access agreement between the Navajo Nation and the Department regarding sportsman’s access on the ranch for many years? “Each year we just kind of held our breath and hoped that things would stay the same,” Finley said. Finley pointed out that the department had conducted projects in years past on the Boquillas to help mitigate issues caused by wildlife and/or sportsmen. There was the grading of some ranch roads using department equipment, funding for cleaning out stock tanks, habitat improvement projects, placing informational signs on ranch access points, and patrolling of the vast ranch during hunts by officers. There was also a sign in/sign out system put in place to see who was utilizing the ranch. And let’s not forget how the Mohave Sportsman Club held an annual ranch cleanup up out there for 21 years! But despite all of that, it finally came to the point where the Navajo Nation said they were going to close down the ranch. Finley said, “I got a call last fall from an official with the Navajo Nation and was told that the tribe intended to close down the ranch to hunters effective January 1, 2013.” Finley noted that as private landowners the ranch can control access and does have the authority to close the ranch down if they wanted. But the call came with an offer for G&F to meet with tribal officials and the Cholla Land & Cattle company and once more try and write up an agreement that would continue to allow sportsman access on the ranch. Finley said he was given the assignment by G&F Director Larry Voyles and Deputy Director Gary Hovatter to write up the proposal. “It has been a challenge for sure,” Finley said. “I feel like I have a big bull’s-eye on my chest.” Finley stated several times that sportsmen need to understand that the document has not been signed by all the parties, that it is actually going through a third revision. And Finley noted that the bottom line was that the Navajo Nation could legally at any time, close the ranch to hunter access. “They are already empowered to do what they want, as far as access on their private property is concerned.” Despite all those admonitions I think it is going to be a done deal. My take on this is that it is not if this agreement will be signed, it is only when. So let me get right to point and list some of the things that may be of interest to you as a sportsman who want to hunt on the Boquillas. Remember, this information is off the draft that was presented to the Commission. And as Finley noted, there are other revisions that already have been made. So some of these actions may be subject to change. First of all the ranch is going to start charging what is called a Recreational Impact Fee. That fee will be $60 for a recreational user over 18 years of age. The fee for guides is $200. I should note here that these permits are for each hunt. So if a sportsman has drawn two big game tags and wants to hunt on the Boquillas both times, they will have to pay for TWO separate RIF fees. Also anyone who helps or assists on big game hunts will also have to pay the $60 RIF fee. There are a number of exceptions especially when it comes to youth hunts, and disabled hunters. There are currently listed 26 ranch rules. I don’t have enough room to list them all. Here are a few. The ranch will not be open year around. Rule 5 of the 2013 Ranch Rules state: “Access by Recreational Users to the Big Boquillas Ranch will open 10 days prior to the archery-only pronghorn hunt opening date (late August) . Access before that date is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by the Lessee.” Under Rule 6, “Access by Recreational Users to the Big Boquillas Ranch will close 5 days after the conclusion of the December antlerless elk hunt. Access after that date is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by the Lessee.” That means no January archery deer or javelina hunts. There will be no general javelina hunts in February, or spring turkey hunts on the ranch. The ranch will not be open for prairie dog hunting in the summer until mid August. Organized predator hunts may be allowed on a case by case basis. Here are just a few of the other ranch rules that may be in force this year. Under Rule 14. “The use of trail cameras, scouting cameras or any other automated remote device camera systems is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Rule 15 states, “The construction of or use of blinds or tree stands (commercial or otherwise) is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Rule 16 states, “Hunting within 100 yards of a water source is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Other proposed rules state that, “The use of any substance to attract wildlife (baiting) is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. (rule 20) “All spotlighting is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch.” (rule 25) Now many may feel that these rules are unreasonable. But think of what the alternatives are. One is the Boquillas ranch could be completely shut down to all sportsman access. The other option, which may be called “elitist” is what is going on the ORO Ranch right now. In that situation you must call the Outfitter (Chad Smith) who controls access to the ranch, and you must pay fees according to what you have a tag for. And those fees are not chump change, especially for elk. I was told that fees from $8-10 thousand dollars for elk seem to be the going rate there. Same thing also happens closer to Kingman on the X Bar One Ranch in Unit 18A. Again you have to contact the ranch owners and pay fees, depending on what tag you have drawn. At this point there are many, many more questions that are going to have to be answered for sportsmen who I feel aren’t going to particularly embrace this proposal. In the end I bet after all the whining and griping by sportsmen, they’ll pay the fees and continue to hunt out there. I’ve suggested to Findley that some kind of public outreach should be done to let sportsmen know why this has all been proposed. Times have changed and so has the rules for access on large blocks of private lands. Wildlife and sportsmen no doubt cause an increase in ranch operations. The Cholla Land and Cattle company says they spend $500,000 annually for maintenance on the Boquillas. However there is no way that all of that can be attributed to wildlife and/or sportsmen. But it may be reasonable that a private landowner can obtain some compensation—and I don’t mean landowner tags—for allowing access on their lands. Right now, sportsmen from all over the nation are applying for antelope and elk tags in Arizona. There are almost 2,500 elk tags proposed for Unit 10, and 145 antelope tags. Know that if you apply for any of those tags and draw them, there is a very good chance that at least some and maybe all of the rules outlined here are going to apply. If you want a copy of the original document, it is a public record and Region 3 should provide it for you. If you have concerns, questions, or suggestions, contact Finley at his department e-mail address of tfinley@azgfd.gov " Well there you have it. I'm not saying if this is good or bad. I do know that shutting it down will cause a lot of issues with tag revenues for the Department and will cause a lot of grief to sportsmen who have already applied for antelope or elk tags in Unit 10. And it will cause issues for the Cholla folks as left unchecked, the elk population will absolutely explode. I do know that the Cholla folks do want elk hunters there. Each and every one of us will have to make a decision if we think this is a good or bad idea and if we want to continue to hunt on the Boquillas. If we do, then we'll be paying fees and abiding by the agreed upon ranch rules. Then there is the question about what may be a be the trickle down effect for other AZ landowners who might want to implement the same or similar "deal" with the Department. And what about the State Trust Lands (250,000 acres) that are mostly surrounded by the almost 500,000 acres of private land? Like I said many, many questions will need to be answered. I do have the complete report on a pdf file. If you would like it, send me an e-mail at awoguide@citlink.net and I'll be glad to send it to you and can read it in its entirety for yourself. I am putting this out here not to stir up a firestorm. It is here because I think the public has a right to know what is going on with this very important issue of access on the largest ranch in northwest Arizona. Don Martin

I understand they are in the 53rd draft of that agreement! Got to be in place BEFORE the elk/antelope tags come out, don't you think? Don Martin

I'm headed to San Carlos at the end of April with a group of friends. Can't wait, hunted there for the first time last year and we bagged three huge gobblers! Love to hear that gobble-gobble! Don Martin

The top five pigs we got this year were all BOARS! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

If you look at the management strategy of javelina by G&F, one of the "triggers" to lower tags is when the herds average less than 6 animals. Personally I thnk they (G&F) ought to pull Unit18B out of the multi unit archery package, and let it stand along, with a fair number of tags. Got another idea about this two pig limit, which I think is going to really raise the hunt success as guys who were successful on their first tag, usually know where to go, and they smoke 'em again with a second tag! Unit 18B is an awesome pig unit but according to G&F records, the herd sizes have gone down for three straight years, though data obtained in December said the average herd size was 8.3 animals. Just don't want to see this unit (or any other for that matter) overharvested. Resource always comes first! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Up date on our big pig contest! We had 10 hunters in camp and 8 got one while one guy passed on one at 60 yards as he thought it was too late! (Hmm). One guy came from Vegas, had one day to hunt (Sunday) and it was cold and windy..no pigs. Big pig ended up weighing 43.15 lbs Second weighed 40 lbs 6 oz Third was 40 lbs Fourth was 38 lbs 1 oz. All weights were after pigs were proiperly field dressed. Gave my concerns to G&F in Region III, we'll see what happens! Thanks for the information. Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

I have had success with using the J-13, Circe Jackrabbit and the old reliable, Tally Ho. Last year I got my personal best pig, a boar that weighed an honest 43 lbs field dressed on a scale when I blew the J-13 at a herd that was headed for a cave. He came down the hill like his butt was on fire! One shot from the Savage Striker in 22-250 cailber put the smack down on htis big guy. By the way, in weighing in over 100 pigs in Unit 18B over the last 7 years during our big pig contest, we've determined the "average" adult javelina in that unit is 32 lbs. In 2012 one of my clients (Ken Pierce) got a big 43 pound boar, plus one of my guides, Dan Reed, whacked one with his bow that weighed exactly 44 lbs. Our heaviest pig ever weighed in our contest was 44 lbs 10 oz. Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Hey awesome story and is of special interest to me since I have a Savage Striker also in 22-250. I use 55 grain factory Remington ammo and is topped with a 3X 9 scope.. Never tried the Tri-Clawps though I have an original Gun Claw, (same thing) but now I will try it out. Wondered if the recoil would cause the pistol to jump out of it. Guess not. My friend's Jay Chan and Ken Pierce both have the Striker's, Jay is in 22-250 while Ken has a dressed up 243 complete with a suppressor. Both Jay and Ken got pigs with their Striker's last weekend in Unit 18B. I missed two shots a huge boar @ 100 and 70 yards in a howling 30 mph wind on a bipod. The gun was shaking like a hula dancer at a luau! Here is a photo of Jay's pig, which he got at 125 yards and of Ken's with his 243 Striker and pig he got at 64 yards. Enjoyed your story, wonder how many of us use a Striker on these HAM hunts? I wished they would have made them in 223 caliber, I think that would have been perfect! Again, great story! Don Martin Arizona Wildlife Outfitters

Have decided to get back into skeet shooting. Am looking for nice Browning Citori 20 ga O/U hopefully bored skeet/skeet. I will also consider a CZ Redhead Deluxe 20 ga O/U that has chokes. Don Martin Kingman, AZ awoguide@citlink.net

If you are an elk hunter and think you are going to want elk on the Boquillas Ranch in Unit 10, you might want to read this article I wrote and have posted in other forums. Fellow Sportsmen: I'm sure by now you may have heard about a proposed access agreement by the Arizona Game & Fish Department for the Boquillas Ranch. This agreement, if it is signed by all the parties (AZ G&F Commission, Navajo Nation, Cholla Land & Cattle Co.) will define the way access is granted on this 750,000 acre ranch from now through 2015. NOTE: AS OF THIS TIME THE DOCUMENT HAS NOT BEEN SIGNED! My understanding is that since this document was passed out at the Commission meeting on Saturday, there have been three revisions to it! So there obviously have been some changes made in the document, but I don't know what they are. This is what I wrote for our local newspaper about what I know about this story. " I’ve said it many, many times before in past articles I’ve written in the Miner about sportsmen and the almost unfettered access they have enjoyed on the Boquillas Ranch. And I hate to point my finger at some of my friends and say, “I told you so,” but guess what? It’s finally looks like it is going to happen. It is like a tsunami on the horizon. It’s coming and it appears that barring some kind of major meltdown, there nothing much that can happen to stop it from changing the hunter access on the 750,000 acre Boquillas Ranch in Unit 10. What is going to bring this change is outlined in a 13-page Department document entitled “Cooperative Stewardship Agreement For Recreational Access.” I had learned from various sources that for some time the department was actively working on an agreement with the Navajo Nation, who owns the almost 500,000 acres of privately deeded lands within the ranch boundaries. Discussions were also held with the Cholla Land and Cattle Company, which currently leases the ranch from the Navajo Nation and runs the livestock operation there. But it wasn’t until I learned last week there was an item on the agenda for the G&F Commission on 1-11-2013 meeting which addressed a written proposal and a power point presentation to the Commission about this issue that the contents of the document became public knowledge. As information on what had been presented became public, it was apparent that some sweeping changes were being proposed by G&F. I spoke with Region 3 Supervisor Tom Finley at the G&F awards banquet last Saturday night (1-12-2013) and requested a meeting with him on Monday to go over the document. Subsequently I met with Finley (1-14-2013) and was given a copy of the document. As I read through it I have to admit I was shocked at what I was reading, and had many questions for Finley. Our over two hour conversation was cordial and pleasant and the long time departmental employee was very open and honest when it came to answering the questions I asked. Finley told me a lot of history about the access issues on the Boquillas Ranch, some of which I did not know. For instance did you know that there has not been a signed access agreement between the Navajo Nation and the Department regarding sportsman’s access on the ranch for many years? “Each year we just kind of held our breath and hoped that things would stay the same,” Finley said. Finley pointed out that the department had conducted projects in years past on the Boquillas to help mitigate issues caused by wildlife and/or sportsmen. There was the grading of some ranch roads using department equipment, funding for cleaning out stock tanks, habitat improvement projects, placing informational signs on ranch access points, and patrolling of the vast ranch during hunts by officers. There was also a sign in/sign out system put in place to see who was utilizing the ranch. And let’s not forget how the Mohave Sportsman Club held an annual ranch cleanup up out there for 21 years! But despite all of that, it finally came to the point where the Navajo Nation said they were going to close down the ranch. Finley said, “I got a call last fall from an official with the Navajo Nation and was told that the tribe intended to close down the ranch to hunters effective January 1, 2013.” Finley noted that as private landowners the ranch can control access and does have the authority to close the ranch down if they wanted. But the call came with an offer for G&F to meet with tribal officials and the Cholla Land & Cattle company and once more try and write up an agreement that would continue to allow sportsman access on the ranch. Finley said he was given the assignment by G&F Director Larry Voyles and Deputy Director Gary Hovatter to write up the proposal. “It has been a challenge for sure,” Finley said. “I feel like I have a big bull’s-eye on my chest.” Finley stated several times that sportsmen need to understand that the document has not been signed by all the parties, that it is actually going through a third revision. And Finley noted that the bottom line was that the Navajo Nation could legally at any time, close the ranch to hunter access. “They are already empowered to do what they want, as far as access on their private property is concerned.” Despite all those admonitions I think it is going to be a done deal. My take on this is that it is not if this agreement will be signed, it is only when. So let me get right to point and list some of the things that may be of interest to you as a sportsman who want to hunt on the Boquillas. Remember, this information is off the draft that was presented to the Commission. And as Finley noted, there are other revisions that already have been made. So some of these actions may be subject to change. First of all the ranch is going to start charging what is called a Recreational Impact Fee. That fee will be $60 for a recreational user over 18 years of age. The fee for guides is $200. I should note here that these permits are for each hunt. So if a sportsman has drawn two big game tags and wants to hunt on the Boquillas both times, they will have to pay for TWO separate RIF fees. Also anyone who helps or assists on big game hunts will also have to pay the $60 RIF fee. There are a number of exceptions especially when it comes to youth hunts, and disabled hunters. There are currently listed 26 ranch rules. I don’t have enough room to list them all. Here are a few. The ranch will not be open year around. Rule 5 of the 2013 Ranch Rules state: “Access by Recreational Users to the Big Boquillas Ranch will open 10 days prior to the archery-only pronghorn hunt opening date (late August) . Access before that date is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by the Lessee.” Under Rule 6, “Access by Recreational Users to the Big Boquillas Ranch will close 5 days after the conclusion of the December antlerless elk hunt. Access after that date is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by the Lessee.” That means no January archery deer or javelina hunts. There will be no general javelina hunts in February, or spring turkey hunts on the ranch. The ranch will not be open for prairie dog hunting in the summer until mid August. Organized predator hunts may be allowed on a case by case basis. Here are just a few of the other ranch rules that may be in force this year. Under Rule 14. “The use of trail cameras, scouting cameras or any other automated remote device camera systems is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Rule 15 states, “The construction of or use of blinds or tree stands (commercial or otherwise) is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Rule 16 states, “Hunting within 100 yards of a water source is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. Other proposed rules state that, “The use of any substance to attract wildlife (baiting) is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch. (rule 20) “All spotlighting is prohibited on the Big Boquillas Ranch.” (rule 25) Now many may feel that these rules are unreasonable. But think of what the alternatives are. One is the Boquillas ranch could be completely shut down to all sportsman access. The other option, which may be called “elitist” is what is going on the ORO Ranch right now. In that situation you must call the Outfitter (Chad Smith) who controls access to the ranch, and you must pay fees according to what you have a tag for. And those fees are not chump change, especially for elk. I was told that fees from $8-10 thousand dollars for elk seem to be the going rate there. Same thing also happens closer to Kingman on the X Bar One Ranch in Unit 18A. Again you have to contact the ranch owners and pay fees, depending on what tag you have drawn. At this point there are many, many more questions that are going to have to be answered for sportsmen who I feel aren’t going to particularly embrace this proposal. In the end I bet after all the whining and griping by sportsmen, they’ll pay the fees and continue to hunt out there. I’ve suggested to Findley that some kind of public outreach should be done to let sportsmen know why this has all been proposed. Times have changed and so has the rules for access on large blocks of private lands. Wildlife and sportsmen no doubt cause an increase in ranch operations. The Cholla Land and Cattle company says they spend $500,000 annually for maintenance on the Boquillas. However there is no way that all of that can be attributed to wildlife and/or sportsmen. But it may be reasonable that a private landowner can obtain some compensation—and I don’t mean landowner tags—for allowing access on their lands. Right now, sportsmen from all over the nation are applying for antelope and elk tags in Arizona. There are almost 2,500 elk tags proposed for Unit 10, and 145 antelope tags. Know that if you apply for any of those tags and draw them, there is a very good chance that at least some and maybe all of the rules outlined here are going to apply. If you want a copy of the original document, it is a public record and Region 3 should provide it for you. If you have concerns, questions, or suggestions, contact Finley at his department e-mail address of tfinley@azgfd.gov " Well there you have it. I'm not saying if this is good or bad. I do know that shutting it down will cause a lot of issues with tag revenues for the Department and will cause a lot of grief to sportsmen who have already applied for antelope or elk tags in Unit 10. And it will cause issues for the Cholla folks as left unchecked, the elk population will absolutely explode. I do know that the Cholla folks do want elk hunters there. Each and every one of us will have to make a decision if we think this is a good or bad idea and if we want to continue to hunt on the Boquillas. If we do, then we'll be paying fees and abiding by the agreed upon ranch rules. Then there is the question about what may be a be the trickle down effect for other AZ landowners who might want to implement the same or similar "deal" with the Department. And what about the State Trust Lands (250,000 acres) that are mostly surrounded by the almost 500,000 acres of private land? Like I said many, many questions will need to be answered. I do have the complete report on a pdf file. If you would like it, send me an e-mail at awoguide@citlink.net and I'll be glad to send it to you and can read it in its entirety for yourself. I am putting this out here not to stir up a firestorm. It is here because I think the public has a right to know what is going on with this very important issue of access on the largest ranch in northwest Arizona. Don Martin