TrentSwanson

I used the RF binoculars on an antelope hunt in New Mexico this year. As far as I know, the rangefinder in the binoculars is the same as the one in the monocular. The RF binoculars were absolutely superb! I was able to get first-push ranges out past 1300 yards. We also had the monocular, but I didn't use it in the field. Give the guys at the Outdoorsmans a call... they may have some more info! Good luck!

+1 for the Outdoorsmans. It is simply the best, most solid mounting system available. Give them a call and they'll put it in the mail for you - you'll get it the next day. I live in Chino and anything they send gets to me the next day.

coueskrazy, You have it figured out! The best brand is the one that looks best to YOU, feels the best in YOUR hands and against YOUR face, and that YOU are proud to own. As long as you go with one of the "Big Three" you won't go wrong. When you decide to make your purchase, be sure to check with the Outdoorsmans. They are sponsors of this site and they are all hunters and shooters. Good luck!

When comparing apples to apples, I don't think there is a better bipod than the SnipePod. The short (prone) Harris models are more stable than a sitting model SnipePod, but that's mainly because of the distance from the ground, and not necessarily the weight or stability of the legs. (A prone Harris is more stable than a sitting Harris, too!) When comparing a sitting model Harris vs. a sitting model SnipePod, here are just a few reasons why I like the SnipePod: 1. More compact 2. Lighter weight (HB25S=19 oz, 30" SnipePod=6 oz) 3. Remains off your gun until you need it, and then quickly attaches to it. 4. Instead of the cumbersome process of moving a bipod from one gun to another, (or needing to buy multiple bipods) simply buy a handful of extra SnipePod adapters and put them on all your rifles. When you are ready to hunt, your rifle is already set up to handle the SnipePod and it's already in your pack. I have an adapter on each big game rifle, muzzleloader, .17HRM, .45-70, etc. All the reasons above combine so that I keep the SnipePod in one of the small pockets on the side of my Outdoorsmans pack where it is readily available. All my hiking, glassing, carrying, etc. is done with the bipod off, which is far more comfortable and less weight in my hands. It is also much easier to transport my rifle in a vehicle or ATV. When the time comes, I can remove the SnipePod from my pack, quickly deploy it, and attach it to my rifle for a very stable platform. By the way, if you only want a prone model, SnipePod makes a couple, but I have never used one. They weigh only 3 oz! Good Luck!

+1 for the Outdoorsmans. Keep an eye out for a few new pack configurations and accessories from them as well...

I have used the 8x42, 10x42, and 12x50 Razors in the field. I was not very impressed with the 12x50, but VERY impressed with the others. I don't think they compare to the big three of Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski, but they don't cost anywhere as much either. If you are unwilling or unable to spend the money for the big three, or if you simply don't see a difference, I think the Vortex Razors are your best choice. I think they are the best value in optics. Don't forget to give the Outdoorsmans a call when you are ready, or swing by the shop to compare the binoculars. They are sponsors of this site, and they are all hunters and shooters.

Amanda, Thanks for not only creating a place for us to debate the issues and allow the truth about Prop 109 to shine through, but also for your support of Prop 109. I love it that the first header is always the bright green VOTE YES on 109 and that your avatar is "I Support the Right to Hunt and Fish." For anyone who hasn't voted yet today... VOTE YES ON PROP 109!

I first saw the Skull Hooker at the SHOT Show last year. They are awesome! The new versions are even better than the original. Look for an article about European mounts, dermestid beetles, and the Skull Hooker in the 4th issue of Western Hunter...

maximus, Thanks for voting YES. You did just as every other sportsmen should. Here's the simple answer... this doesn't change anything about how the legislature currently overseees G&F. If you read Outdoor Writer's posts above, he expalins it quite nicely. This will make it harder for animal rights groups to pass laws via the ballot box, but it doesn't change anything about the legislature. The legislature already has the power to make laws regarding wildlife. Don't believe the lies spouted off by our opponents! VOTE YES ON PROP 109!!!

Just as ERB said, the current Department and it's current emplyees aren't allowed to voice their opinions so we don't really know what they think. There is a link on the home page of AZGFD describing this in detail, along with an article explaining the Commission's support. (http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/righttohunt.shtml) What we do know is that the current Commission is in favor of it, and here is a list of former commissioners and former AZGFD employees who are in favor of it (from www.CommissionersYesOn109.com): * Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the body responsible for regulation and enforcement of Arizona’s wildlife statutes * Former Game & Fish Commissioners John Gisi (1982-1983) Larry Adams (1984-1989) Gordon Whiting (1988-1993) Larry Taylor (1989-1994) Naomi Johnson (1992-1997) Dennis Manning (1997-2002) Bill Berlat (1998-2000) Joe Carter (1999-2004) W. Hays Gilstrap (1999-2005) Sue Chilton (2000-2005) Joe Melton (2001-2006) * Retired Game & Fish Employees Kurt Bahti - Game Manager Supervisor Tom Britt - Reg. 2 Supervisor Jim de Vos - Chief of Research Jim Hinkle - Big Game Supervisor Ray Lee - Big Game Supervisor Wesley Martin - Reg. 3 Supervisor John Millican - Wildlife Manager Kelly Neal - Reg. 6 Suspervisor Tim Pender - Wildlife Manager Gerry Perry - Reg. 5 Supervisor Richard Remington - Reg. 1 & 4 Supervisor Randy Smith Wildlife Manager Supervisor Bob Weaver - Chief of Habitat Branch In addition, here is the list of other supporters: (Please note the last organization listed... none other than CouesWhitetail.com!!) National Rifle Association, an organization dedicated to preserving our right to bear arms, hunt and fish Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife, an organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of wildlife and sportsmen National Shooting Sports Foundation, an organization whose mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. View endorsements HERE. Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association Governor Jan Brewer Senator John McCain Congressman John Shadegg Congressman Jeff Flake, "Arizonans enjoy a rich tradition of fishing and hunting, and Proposition 109 will protect that tradition for generations to come. I'm proud to support Proposition 109." Congressman Trent Franks Grant Woods, former Arizona Attorney General Bob Corbin, Former Arizona Attorney General Paul Gosar, Republican Candidate for Congressional District 1 Ben Quayle, Republican Candidate for Congressional District 3 David Schweikert, Republican Candidate for Congressional District 5 Jesse Kelly, Republican Candidate for Congressional District 8 Doug Ducey, Republican Candidate for State Treasurer Representative Jerry Weiers and 36 other members of the Arizona House of Representatives who voted for Prop 109 Senator John Nelson and 17 other members of the Arizona Senate who voted for Prop 109 Arizona Police Association, representing more than 10,000 rank and file officers throughout Arizona Arizona Citizens Defense League Arizona Farm Bureau Professional Fire Fighters Association Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, an organization dedicated to educating the public on issues of importance to wildlife and funding enhancement of wildlife habitat projects Arizona Chapters of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a national organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Mule Deer Foundation, a national organization working to ensure the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat. Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, an organization dedicated to maintenance and enhancement of Arizona’s desert sheep populations Arizona Deer Association, an organization dedicated to conservation and enhancement of Arizona’s deer populations Arizona Antelope Foundation, an organization dedicated to the conservation of Arizona’s pronghorn antelope herds Arizona Elk Society, an organization dedicated to ensuring that Arizona’s elk populations are maintained and flourish Arizona Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, with several chapters throughout the state the NWTF is dedicated to reintroduction and conservation of Arizona’s various species of turkeys Anglers United, an organization that promotes kids fishing opportunities and the development of fishing habitat throughout the state Arizona Flycasters Club, an organization known for its many conservation projects including reintroduction of the Apache Trout Arizona Wildlife Federation, an organization founded to take politics out of wildlife and habitat management and to promote the management of Arizona resources on a scientific basis Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, an organization dedicated to stewardship of the land and promotion of wildlife, wildlife habitat and the traditions that accompany it. Mohave Sportsman Club, a family-oriented organization that promotes all shooting sports, youth marksmanship programs and hunter education classes Southeastern Arizona Sportsmen’s Club, an organization dedicated to · conservation of wildlife habitat and natural resources, defending the Second Amendment and educating the public on important issues concerning wildlife Safari Club International, and SCI Phoenix and Arizona Chapters, organizations dedicated to making a contribution to Arizona’s wildlife conservation effort, provide outdoor experience for youth, educate the public and protect hunting and fishing Arizona Trappers Association, an organization dedicated to the use of ethical and humane methods of take for managing wildlife populations Arizona Bowhunters Association, an organization whose mission is to foster, perpetuate and expand bowhunting and bowhunting ethics in Arizona Outdoor Experience 4 All, an organization dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for kids of all ages, especially those who have a life threatening illness Mogollon Sporting Association, organized to enhance wildlife, environment, education and the economy in the Mogollon Rim Country. Navajo Chapter, Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Outdoor Heritage Arizona White Mountain Lakes Foundation CouesWhitetail.com, a family-friendly online hunting community dedicated to promoting ethical hunting and providing a way for hunters to share their hunting experiences George Reiners, Board member Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club David Power, Board member Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Doug Beach, President Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club John Roche, Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Eric Johnson, Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Jerry Gotchie, Treasurer Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Jim McMillin Frank Gaumer Paul Frizane, Life Member NRA Danny Pryber, Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club David Parrish, Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Todd R Vaaler, Board Member Archery Trade Association Dennis Florence, Life Member Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club Don Martin, Mohave Sportsman Club, Govt Liaison Now, here is the list of opponents: (Do you see any true conservation organizations on this list???) Animal Defense League of Arizona Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter The Humane Society of the United States Animal Law Coalition Animal Legal Defense Fund Animalia Latina Arizona AFL-CIO Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans Arizona League of Conservation Voters Arizona Wilderness Coalition Arizona Zoological Society (The Phoenix Zoo) Citizens in Charge Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Grand Canyon Wildlands Council Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project Great Dane Rescue of AZ Alliance Greyhound Network News Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Humane Voters of Arizona League of Conservation Voters Education Fund National InterFaith Council inc. National Urban Wildlife Coalition Prescott Area Animal Lifesavers Semiconductors Sky Island Alliance Supporting & Promoting Ethics for the Animal Kingdom The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Tucson Dog Protection White Mountain Conservation League World Society for the Protection of Animals VOTE YES ON PROP 109!!

Call the Outdoorsmans! They make the lightest weight, most secure tripod adapter available. A small stud screws into the front hinge of your binos and stays attached. You then insert the stud into a collar that can be screwed down tight on top of the adapter. The adapter dovetails perfectly into their excellent line of lightweight tripods, but has a threaded hole on the bottom so it can be used with most other tripod brands. Just give the Outdoorsmans a call or check out their website and they will point you in the right direction! They have an adapter that will work with almost every brand and model of binoculars. FYI: I used the same binoculars a couple years ago set up just the way I described and the system worked perfectly! Good luck!

slopoke36, Thanks for asking the questions... no one should follow blindly without searching out answers for themselves! As I see it, you are spot-on with part of your last statement, and a little off-base with another part: We do not have the right to hunt currently - we are allowed the privilege to hunt via laws and rules established by the legislature, the AZGF Commission, and the AZGF Department. We do not have the constitutionally protected "right" to hunt. Prop 109 will elevate our privilege to a right, which will make it harder to take away in the future. So I agree with the second part of your statement: Prop 109 is a proactive, "just in case" measure! The anti's did not put anything on the ballot this year trying to take away our ability to hunt. However, they have before, and they will again! In addition, they work tirelessly behind the scenes, at commission meetings, and via lawsuits to prevent sportsmen access, limit our influence, stop us from hunting, shorten our seasons, etc. Prop 109 will help ensure that hunting is always considered a priority for wildlife management, not some hair-brained scheme developed by the anti's. One more thing... the lawmakers are not forcing your hand. The NRA and every major conservation/sportsmen's organization in the state helped to get this on the ballot. They just used the legislative process to get it there. Don't believe the opponents. This was not developed by politicians and this will not benefit politicians. This was developed by sportsmen and it will benefit sportsmen, and by protecting the current system of scientifically-based wildlife management, it will benefit EVERY wildlife species and EVERY resident of our state. VOTE YES ON PROP 109!!

Hawkeye, First, I commend you for your time and dedication to hunting and fishing in Arizona. I don't think you are wrong about the legislature or the path AZGFD has followed recently. Let me tell you a little about myself and why I feel so strongly about Prop 109 and why it will be good for all of us... I am a transplant, having only lived in AZ for about 16 years. I was born and raised in Colorado and have been hunting and fishing my entire life - my first fishing trip to the high country of Colorado was before I could walk. That means I have been in the woods every year for over 35 years! I have a degree in Forestry from NAU and first got involved in wildlife politics while a student when the anti's put the first trapping ban on the ballot. Since then, I worked as a campaign coordinator for Prop 102 in 2000, which would have limited the anti's ability to change wildlife law via the initiative process. I have served on the Board of AZ Sportsmen for Wildlife since its inception, mainly because I feel so strongly about the political side of wildlife. I work in the outdoor recreation industry, and my 3-month-old son has made me think a lot about the future of hunting and fishing. I understand your hesitancy about the legislature, but our current system is controlled by the legislature. That won't change. Prop 109 just ensures that the current system stays in place and that the anti's won't be able to effect change at the ballot box. As for AZGFD being made up of non-residents and anti's, well that's another issue entirely. There is no doubt that the former director and former commissioners were not friendly to hunters, but luckily we have a couple of new commissioners who are, and the Commission Appointment Bill that was passed during the last legislative session will ensure that sportsmen are always represented for commission appointments. We have been working hard within the legislature and in the political realm to educate the politicians, as well as their constituents about the value of hunters, anglers, and shooters to wildlife management. I am glad (and thankful) that you voted yes on Prop 109. It is not the end-all-be-all solution to our problems, but it is another way for sportsmen to stand up and proactively fight the anti's, instead of always being forced into a corner. And I guess that's what's its all about for me - I want to make sure I can watch my son catch his first fish and shoot his first deer and that he will do the same with his kids and grandkids the way my parents and grandparents did with me. If sportsmen are always fighting from the corner, we'll always be stuck in the corner. I like the idea of being in the center of the ring, putting up a fair fight against those who want to take things away from me.

If you are a sportsman (or woman!) there is simply no other way to vote on Prop 109 other than YES!! Sadly, our opponents have done a great job at clouding the issue of a so-called "power-grab" and "giving control to the legislature." Nothing could be further from the truth. Search out a couple other posts on this subject for comments by Tony Mandile. He explains it very well. In a nutshell, the legislature ALREADY HAS THE POWER TO REGULATE WILDLIFE. They choose to delegate that responsibility to the AZG&F Commission, which directs the AZG&F Department. This is how it is done currently, and how it has always been done. The only thing Prop 109 will do in regards to legislative control, is prevent anti-hunting organizations from running ballot propositions as they have successfully done in the past. In addition, simply look at the supporters of this measure: Every major wildlife conservation and sportsmen's organization in the state! (NRA, RMEF, AES, ADA, AAF, ADBSS, AZSFW, YVRGC, SCI, etc., etc., etc.) Now look at the opponents: HSUS, Sierra Club, and the like. VOTE YES ON PROP 109!!

Nick, you beat me to it. Nice Work! Hope some of you Phoenix guys can make the news conference on Monday afternoon...