Coach

Sent. Best wishes.

Huge thanks again for all the support. At this point, I'm on track with as much information and planning as anyone going up there "self-guided" can be. I put that in quotes, because in no way will I be self-guided at this point in the literal sense. I may very well be alone for the full hunt, but I'll be sleeping in a wall tent provided by friends (both Mark and Big Bry have offered their wall tents), focusing on areas that were suggested by people who have been up there and hunted it in the past, including one of our members (Ryan) who hunted it for 22 days during the archery hunt, a couple guys who guide up there, but were willing to give some very detailed advice (Kent McClendon, Eric Santanna). My new friend Jason Standage was up there doing road work around St. George. Jason sent me pix and updates of everything he saw in his down time. I can't say enough about Kent McClendon. He's currently running an outfitting buisiness.http://www.extremetrophyhuntsaz.com/. I first met Kent through CWT, and was just learning how to hunt in Arizona, a long time ago. We have yet to meet in person or share a hunt, but over the years we've been in touch. When I realized I had drawn this hunt, my first call was to him. So, whatever happens on this hunt, even if I come home empty handed, I have a LOT of really nice people to thank for making sure I don't start out clueless. I'll do my best to chronicle the hunt, take notes, and pass on as much as I can to the next CWT member that embarks on this journey. One thing I can promise, I type a lot and take lot of pictures, so if you want a long story, you are in for a treat whether I kill a buck or not.

Nice shooting! Nice buck too, congrats!

Wowser! I'd be lucky to hit a house at that range. That is some amazing shooting right there. Kudos on the shot and your buck.

Excellent job! Those are some great looking bucks!

Nice buck, and good write up! Congrats!

Dream Buck for Sure!!! What an amazing, beautiful buck. Huge congrats and way to get it done!

Nice buck!!! Way to go, Laurie. Good job getting them out there dad!

Lionhuhter, I just took a Savage 14 American Std out with some handloads. I'm shooting 63 grains of IMR 4350 on 165 grain Accubonds. Just for comparison I brought my Savage "Field Police" rifle in 25-06. Much better trigger, 1” bull barrel. The first time I actually saw “clover leaves” where every hole was touching another was out of this gun. (The 25-06) I can honestly say, after burning a lot of powder and bullets at long range, the Savage 14 in .300 WSM shoots right along-side the 25-06. Seems the “right balance” is getting a .30 cal bullet to do what the smaller bullets do. This gun costs a lot less than some of the scopes on high end rifles that I’d challenge in good hands to shoot as well as this one does. I’m only good out to 500 yards and I know it. This gun, with hand loads can go way past that with practice.

That's one of the things I LOVE about this site. You found some hunting gear, and your first instinct is, post it up, find the owner, get it back to them. That says a lot about your character. Nicely done.

Nice bucks - I'm floored by the body size of those coues. Those bucks are eating well! Nice headgear too!

Nice job getting those boys our there! Hunting hard each day, and seeing so many deer - and doing it as a family - that's great stuff right there. Huge congrats to Brooks. Thanks for taking the time to write it all up for us.

Man, that is one SWEET rifle, in one of my favorite chamberings. Should go fast. Wish I were in the market for a new gun - that one's tough to beat.

Man, what a great buck! And to have your dad along with you - that is just awesome!. Huge congrats. Now it's dad's turn. Find him a big one!

Man, I'm sure glad you weren't hurt worse!

This is a really fun thread. I'm sure we've all got similar stories. Slamming doors, snoring all night, talking loud, a little too much drinking and bullsh!tting around the campfire. Share a "secret" spot with a friend at come back next year and it's a zoo. On the other hand, it's nice to have people you can go out with, share the time, enjoy the experience with, even if we all have to put up with eachothers' quirks. Personally, I almost gave up hunting a couple years back. My closest hunting buddy and I had a falling out, my other friends had so many work and family obligations, I found myself hunting alone most of the time. My kids, then were too young to really get into the tougher hunts. If I learned one thing, having a hunting buddy, even one that sometimes gets on your nerves, is usually better than going alone, over and over, and wishing you had someone there to share it with you. It also makes you a little more aware of what you are doing that is bugging the crap out of your hunting partner - lol.

Nice buck! Huge congrats. We do have to find you a better hat though, lol.

That's an awesome coues buck! Nice job.

Nice looking buck, Huge congrats. The plan doesn't always work out. Being agile and working with whatevery comes your way is the mark of an experienced hunter. IMO, you did really well.

Awesome!!! Great find.

Nice bucks! I hope we can see some other angles of that one on the left. Congrats to the hunters.

Hey guys, I'll be on a hunt where I have to carry a LOT of gas. As we all know, dumping gas from a WalMart can into a truck is a messy deal. Anyone have any good ideas for getting your truck refilled without gettting smelly?

I'd look hard at that Tomcat Ace High Benny is selling. IMO, it's a great fit for a girlfriend. As I mentioned on his thread, that's what my wife carries, and her mom. No need to work a slide like a PPK or similar small auto, and not the bulk of a revolver.

Nice job! That's a great looking buck. Thanks for the great story to go along with it.

SWDesertRat - thank you so much for the offer - I really appreciate it. I got with my dad today and we worked out a DIY system very close to this. Basically, it's a siphon with a traditional squeeze bulb and valve on the downhill side. Thanks to all the great ideas and suggestions. You guys are awesome.