Silver Bullet

Very nice bull! So that’s what they look like. My day 4 in 22n is zilch so far. Still a few days to go and the weather up on the rim is suppose to get some snow…so there’s still hope!

Wow…thank you so much for the suggestions…I really appreciate it!

I have my late season elk hunt starting this Friday in Unit 22n, and found out that the meat processor I used 3 years ago isn’t around. Can anyone recommend a place I can use in the Phoenix area? I’ll be doing the “gutless method” and cutting up the back straps and tenderloins myself, so just need a shop that will do a few roasts and the rest into ground. I’m not looking for the cheapest…just want someone who’s reliable and does a great job. Thanks in advance!

Head up to areas around Roosevelt Lake. Been there a couple times in October and did see quite a few covies of 10 to 20 birds, although they were on the move…holding tight…and I suck at shooting. Still better to hit the hills with my son, than sitting at home.

You should be proud…that’s a nice bull. Congrats!!! I start my hunt this Friday in 22n, and can only hope for a bull like yours.

This is so cool that you include your entire family getting outdoors! Can’t wait to hear about the final outcome…but no mater what…it’s already a successful trip!

My son and I both shoot a Ruger M77 in 30.06 and it’s never failed us. Elk, Muley, Coues and even a BC Moose. Great time proven gun for sure!

Was up in 22n last weekend checking out our usual spots just to get out of Phx for a few days with my son and it was crazy warm tee shirt weather during the day. Our hunt is the late December bull hunt and my fingers are crossed that we get a cold snap to get the bulls moving down off the Rim. Was up there a few years ago scouting around this same time for the same hunt and it was cold…but not this time. Fingers crossed we get some cold temps…just not so cold and nasty as it makes for a long day of glassing.

Perhaps an odd question, but I need some advice. I was drawn for the late December Bull hunt in 22N. My son and I have done this same hunt a number of times over the years and we both have a hereditary circulation issue where our feet and hands suffer when it’s cold. We both wear quality insulated glove and boots, and use the hand/feet warmers but it’s not enough. Been thinking about the battery heater socks and gloves, so would like to hear if anyone has used them and if there are recommendations which brand works best? Thanks in advance for your help.

I drew the hunt after yours and am looking forward to getting out there with my son (pack mule) for a repeat of the same hunt two years ago. I’ve been drawn for this late 22n bull hunt a number of times over the years and it’s just plain fun! Like others have said, it’s not a Unit that produces a wall hanger, but if you enjoy getting out in the hills with the possibility of bringing home some tasty elk meat then you will have a great time. For me, I say in a nearby hotel because the weather can be downright cold and nasty. What’s worked best for me is finding a great spot to glass away from the roads and sticking with that same spot day after day. Glass till your eyes can’t stand it…then glass some more. Let other hunters walk the hills and keep the elk moving. Just because you don’t see an elk in the first day…or forth day doesn’t mean they aren’t there…you just haven’t seen them yet. Hands down your best investment is a good pair of binoculars on a tripod. Glass across canyons and be prepared for a potential long shot. Get to your spot before the sun comes up, then stay there while glassing until legal shooting time is reached. Two years ago I shot a spike on the last day, and it was one tasty elk! Good luck and be safe.

If you plan on making hunting a passion for years to come, I suggest investing in a high quality pair of binoculars and a tripod. Locate your vantage points before the season starts. Hike to those spots way before the sun comes up. Make yourself comfortable and glass till your eyes can’t take it, then glass some more. Let your eyes do your hunting. Be prepared by having your gun sighted in for a long shot. It’s very possible you will be shooting across a canyon. Also having a range finder is a must have. I’ve had the December 22N hunt quite a few times, and again this year. Lots of hunters. Be patient. Good luck!

A buddy and I are going on a 1.5 day trip on the Condor out of Fisherman’s Landing in San Diego in September. Boat leaves Wednesday evening at 7pm on the 8th, and returns Friday morning at 6am on the 10th. There’s a total of 37 spaces with just 4 booked so far. 37 passengers may seem like a lot, but this is a 88’ boat so I think there’s plenty of room (I think it sleeps 48). I’ve never fished this boat, but if you go on the BloodyDecks website (bdoutdoors.com) you will find nothing but great comments about the boat, captain and crew. Plus great fish counts. Just do a search for “Condor” with the link below. Hopefully the link works….. https://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/forum/southern-california-offshore-fishing-reports/ Go to www.fishermanslanding.com to look at the schedule, fish counts and book your spot. Let’s fill this trip and go have a time!

Just watched this video. AMAZING video and drone stuff. Lots of time went into this!

So much difference one to to other. Most important is what do you want to do with the vehicle? If I had to choose just one all purpose 4x4 it would be the Jeep JK (4 door) with some modifications. However…I’m a realtor and needed to get down to one vehicle and from time to time need to put clients in my truck (I refuse to drive a car…sorry) which is the main reason I drive the Raptor. Fun…comfortable and has running boards so my customers can get in easy (I sell in an active adult community). Plus for me it’s a conversation piece that helps clients remember me. If I could have two vehicles, it would be the modified Jeep JK for hunting and off roading, then a pickup truck which doesn’t need to be a certain brand or a Raptor. H1…it’s a toy…not a daily driver and is expensive to repair if you can find someone who knows how to work on them. I bought my 1997 H1 from Kachina Cadillac on Scottsdale Rd as they were the dealer. GREAT service and they fixed everything under warranty no matter what the problem was….including me messing up off road. AZdiy asked about the width… I will say that width can be a blessing (stability) or a hinderance (can’t fit), but I’ve found my needs fit stability.

I currently own a 2019 Raptor and love it, but it really depends on what you want out of any 4x4. I’ve owned a 97 Hummer H1, and a Jeep JK (modified) and enjoyed them both for different reasons. The H1 and the Jeep were great for off roading (both have been to Moab and run the Rubicon Trail and been pretty well used) but had to get down to one vehicle and decided to give the Raptor a try a couple years ago and still have it. Pros: Fast and fun to drive (0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds ain’t bad). Look great (so I think). Great suspension for on the road, and fast driving off road if that is your thing. Cons: Limited tow capacity. Limited off road capability (but better than a stock truck. It does have front and rear locking differentials which helps). That said, I was drawn for the late 22n bull hunt, and will be buying a used modified Jeep JK then sell it after the hunt…way too many boulders (not to mention the snow) where we go to risk getting stuck, etc…. Just buy what you want, then sell if you don’t like it. Life’s short.