bowsniper

Way to go Mike! That was a perfect hunt! Mark

What do you mean Mike??!! That was MY set-up! Anyway, congrats Preston! There are guys 4 times your age that would do anything to do what you have accomplished at 15 years. I enjoyed meeting and talking to you and your dad! Keep the grades up so you still can do this when you are an adult and have your own kids. Now, get out there and whack a deer this weekend! Mark

No hidden agendas and a guarantee from AZG&F??!! What are you smoking, corn??!!

"If you don't re-elect me, I will not put the sun back where it belongs."

Sorry, I can't trust you on this. I have discussed this issue with many wildlife managers. Many of them believe that the demise of G&F started with the Heritage Fund. That money was used to fund non-game staff positions at G&F, and those are the are the people pushing the anti mentality at G&F. With this agenda, many wildlife managers fear the AZG&F will turn into another Kalifornia G&F. Also, the stats you talk about are basically useless until G&F has mandatory reporting for all hunts. Why don't we have mandatory reporting? Maybe the data is a little bit easier to message without it? Mark

It seems that Commissioner Husted has been down the prairie dog road before, but on the other side of the table. In May, 2010, Mr. Husted voted to suspend a hunter's license for 5 years for shooting a prairie dog out of season. The vote was unanimous, and the hunter was suspended for 5 years. Gee, I kind of wonder about Mr. Husted's quote: "I think it's a little heavy-handed," he said. "Rather than being rewarded (for self-reporting), I was disciplined. I'm looking forward to my day in court." Maybe since he self reported, it is OK?? I also wonder why, "Paxon said there is no risk that Husted could lose his hunting license or his position on the commission." http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/2012/08/09/20120809game-fish-commissioner-cited-hunting-violation.html#ixzz23eSeqOdt Anyway, here are the deatails of Mr. Husted's vote: http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/meeting_minutes.shtml , click on May 14 & 15, 2010 Terry L. Metteer May 14, 2010 Docket # 2010-0028 Metteer was found guilty by the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court for: Count A: Take Wildlife Closed Season (Black Tail Prairie Dog); and sentenced Count A: Restitution paid to AGFD $175.00. The Commission discussed with Mr. Elms how the assessment amount was arrived at. It was difficult to determine since it includes years of planning and preparation, but it was certainly a larger amount than what was being assessed. Case Officer Tilton was present and answered questions for the Commission, including that the shooting distance was about 75 yards and that the area was not very well signed. She also stated that Mr. Metteer entered the area from the north and there was no signage, as the landowner removed the sign. Metteer was present and addressed the Commission stating that he was shooting at a coyote and did not intentionally shoot the Prairie dog. License Rev/Civil Assessment - 3 - May 14, 2010 Motion: Martin moved and Freeman seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF TERRY L. METTEER TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Commissioner Husted explained his vote stating that if Mr. Metteer had said he didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to shoot the prairie dog, he would vote differently. But he can’t believe, at 75 yards, a man with a scoped rifle can make a mistake between a prairie dog and a running coyote. The prairie dog was standing looking at the shooter. The prairie dog area should be signed better so that people know it is there, but his vote is not because of the prairie dog’s endangered status.

I've been running up to 19A all Summer to scout out my archery antelop tag that opens next week. This will be my first Antelope hunt. I have been told that: 1) Antelope are not bothered by a hunting blind that pops up over night, and 2) Antelope don't care about scents from a hunter. I am struggling to believe this. Does anyone care to share their experiences about this stuff? Thanks, Mark

The Black Tail Prairie Dog is not endangered, but the hunting season is always closed. The hunting season was also closed for the Gunnison’s prairie dog when Husted shot his. I have nothing against Mr. Husted, I know that he has done good things for the wildlife in AZ. My point is that Mr. Husted, along with the other commisioners routinely suspend hunters licenses for five years for minor infractions like a couple of doves or a couple of fish over the limit. Why shouldn't Mr. Husted be held accountable and subject to the same penalties? Here is just one example from the last thread: Foy Kongoudom December 7, 2007 Kongoudom was found guilty by the McDowell Mountain Justice Court for: Count A: Exceed bag limit (5 catfish); and Count B: Possess wildlife unlawfully taken (catfish); and sentenced Count A: Fined $157.00; and Count B: Fined $140.00. Kongoudom was not present. Motion: Martin moved and Woodhouse seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF FOY KONGOUDOM TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS;

So what happened with this violation? Swept under the rug? Probably what will happen to Hulsted. Philip E. Golosewski Docket # 2012-0028 Golosewski was found guilty by the Verde Valley Justice Court for: Count A: Disorderly conduct, reckless handling or discharge weapon; and Count C: Careless misuse of firearm while hunting; and Fined $100.00. Golosewski was present and addressed the Commission stating that the officer’s determinations are what he admitted to, except that he was not intoxicated. His actions were due to poor judgment. Case Officer Antolik was present by phone. The Commission took no action in this case.

Here are some other suspensions for lesser infractions: FIVE YEARS!! http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/meeting_minutes_archive.shtml Charles C. Snow 12/04/2009 Snow was found guilty by Yuma County Justice Court for: Count A: Exceed bag limit (Doves); Fined $1,353.20 on September 23, 2009. Snow was not present, but provided the Commission with a written statement (Included in the record). Motion: Husted moved and Freeman seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF CHARLES C. SNOW TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Kody Kyle Anthony Mulhall License Rev/Civil Assessment - 7 - March 7, 2008 Mulhall was found guilty by the Santa Cruz County Justice Court #1 for: Count A: Take wildlife during a closed season (Gila monster); and Count B: Possession of unlawfully taken wildlife (Gila monster); and sentenced Counts A and B: Fined $850.00. Mulhall was not present. Motion: Hernbrode moved and Martin seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF KODY KYLE ANTHONY MULHALL TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Richard L. Solov Solov was found guilty by the Flagstaff Justice Court for: Count B: Possess unlawfully taken game fish (8 trout); and sentenced Count B: Fined $250.00. Officer Fabian was present to answer any questions the Commission may have. Solov was not present. Motion: Martin moved and Woodhouse seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF RICHARD L. SOLOV TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Tat Kongoudom December 7, 2007 Kongoudom was found guilty by the McDowell Mountain Justice Court for: Count A: Possess wildlife unlawfully taken (catfish); Count B: Exceed bag limit (8 catfish); and sentenced Count A: Fined $185.00; and Count B: Fined $185.00. Kongoudom was present and addressed the Commission stating that he did not have a regulations book and did not know the rules. Motion: Martin moved and Woodhouse seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF TAT KONGOUDOM TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Foy Kongoudom December 7, 2007 Kongoudom was found guilty by the McDowell Mountain Justice Court for: Count A: Exceed bag limit (5 catfish); and Count B: Possess wildlife unlawfully taken (catfish); and sentenced Count A: Fined $157.00; and Count B: Fined $140.00. Kongoudom was not present. Motion: Martin moved and Woodhouse seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF FOY KONGOUDOM TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Ryan M. Pike June 22, 2007 Pike was found guilty by the Payson Regional Justice Court for: Count A: Litter while deer hunting; and sentenced Count A: Fined $256.00. Pike was present and addressed the Commission stating that they picked up a lot of trash, but that it was after dark. Mr. Pike further stated that the pictures must have been taken before they picked up the trash. Motion: Hernbrode moved and McLean seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF RYAN M. PIKE TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS Sopha Nhoung Docket # 2010-0062 Nhoung was found guilty by the Yuma Justice Court for: Count A: Fishing without a license; and sentenced Count A: Fined of $84.40. Nhoung was not present. Motion: Woodhouse moved and Harris seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF SOPHA NHOUNG TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEAR; Kurt R. Eikmeier Docket # 2011-0047 License Rev/Civil Assessment - 8 - May 13, 2011 Eikmeier was found guilty by the Yuma Justice Court for: Count A: Possess/transport unlawfully taken doves; Count B: Take dove without valid license; and sentenced Count B: fined $84.40. Jess was not present. Motion: Freeman moved and Harris seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF KURT R. EIKMEIER TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; Lester D. Deese Docket # 2011-0002 Deese was found guilty by the Kingman/Cerbat Justice Court for: Count: Shoot Firearm Across Roadway; and Count B: Knowingly Waste Edible Game Meat; and sentenced Counts A and B: Fined $430.00. Deese addressed the Commission and stated that he left the birds to go take his medicine. He had forgotten to take it that morning and he felt dizzy. Motion: Harris moved and Husted seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF LESTER D. DEESE TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS;

Here is a hunter who shot a Prairie dog out of season.....5 years!!! Terry L. Metteer May 14, 2010 Docket # 2010-0028 Metteer was found guilty by the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court for: Count A: Take Wildlife Closed Season (Black Tail Prairie Dog); and sentenced Count A: Restitution paid to AGFD $175.00. The Commission discussed with Mr. Elms how the assessment amount was arrived at. It was difficult to determine since it includes years of planning and preparation, but it was certainly a larger amount than what was being assessed. Case Officer Tilton was present and answered questions for the Commission, including that the shooting distance was about 75 yards and that the area was not very well signed. She also stated that Mr. Metteer entered the area from the north and there was no signage, as the landowner removed the sign. Metteer was present and addressed the Commission stating that he was shooting at a coyote and did not intentionally shoot the Prairie dog. License Rev/Civil Assessment - 3 - May 14, 2010 Motion: Martin moved and Freeman seconded THAT THE LICENSE(S) AND/OR LICENSES PRIVILEGES OF TERRY L. METTEER TO HUNT, FISH, AND TRAP IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA BE REVOKED AND HE BE DENIED ANOTHER FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS; http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/meeting_minutes_archive.shtml

SAY WHAT!!!!!! You guys need to the AZGF website and read the commission meeting minutes on violation hearings. I was shocked to read that the penalty is almost always five years loss of hunting "privileges", regardless of the violation. Poach a trophy elk, 5 years; 1 quail over the limit, 5 years; a couple of fish over the limit, 5 years; you know somebody on the commission and come and beg for mercy, 4 years. I agree, not a significant violation and he turned himself in, but the commission better stick it to him like they do everyone else, 5 YEARS! Mark

I had some success this weekend. I will post a picture as soon as I get caught up. Thanks again for all of your comments! Mark

Well said! Mark

Thanks for your comments! I will keep you posted. Mark

I love the "fair chance and hunter ethics concerns". Using dogs to tree lions and bears...........hmmmm. How long do you think until they try to ban dogs? Mark

Uglydude, can you give us anymore details? I hope that since it does not include salt, the rest of you who don't use food supplements will stay on board to help those who do - primarily archery hunters I think. Your method of hunting - game cams, high power optics or guns, electronic calls, cover sents, anything, could be next. Mark

Guys, it's not a law, this “proposal” would be an Article 3 rule change. "Laws" must go through the legislature. AZG&F Article 3 rules define prohibited means of taking wildlife. Rules are proposed by AZGF and approved by the commission. By law, the commission must accept public input, but by no means have to listen or listen to reason. The can do what they want. I think that the only way we could possibly avoid this rule change is by MASSIVE opposition by 1000's of letters addressed to each commissioner, and by 1000's of angry hunters showing up to the meeting when they vote on it. (that will not be this weekend) If we could demonstrate that we hunters have some balls and demand to herd, maybe AZGF will be a little more careful with rule changes. Coach, I don't mean to flame you buddy, but I am stunned at what you said!! That's like saying "if I’m careful and be nice and not complain, maybe after this new rule they'll leave me alone and not hurt me". Mark

Finally with 16 bonus points, my credit card got hit for an antelope tag. I hate to retire my 7 year old faithful PSE, but it has always been pretty noisy on release, even with a heavy arrow. Anyway, since I've been out of the bow market for a long time, I could use some suggestions for a nice quiet bow (or brand). My only other requirements are that it needs to be available in a 31" draw length, and reasonable forgiving, 7 to 7.5" brace. Thanks! Mark

Thanks for your comments. I'll double check my draw length. I'm 6'4" so my draw length is up there somewhere. Kirk - great to hear from you buddy! Long time no see. Let's keep in touch! Mark

Maybe Corky will post again when he wants help with his next tag.

Sweeeeet! Nice shot Jared!! You are making your papa real proud!! Now, on to turkeys! Mark

WOW Ernesto!!! That's an awesome buck! I know how hard you hunt and you truly deserve him! I can't wait to see him on your wall! When I grow up I want to be like you!! Mark

My son Daniel, 11, with his second archery pig. He shot it early Friday morning, and we backed out to let him be. I took Daniel to school, and I went to work. Friday afternoon, after school and work, we found him in the brush about 25 yards away from where he shot him.