Coach

Howdy, and welcome!

About 27 years ago when I moved from Oklahoma to Arizona, one of the first things my family did was visit the Grand Canyon, including the North Rim. I saw more deer in one weekend than I had seen in my entire life - and I hoped one day I would get to hunt up there. I don't want to jump the gun, but my wife informed me that our cc was hit for 2 youth tags and one adult - I put all three boys in for unit 27 youth, separately, and for myself either 13B or 12A West, late. So it looks a lot like I'll finally get the chance to go on the hunt of my dreams. All day long I've had the "butterflies", can't even focus at work, lol. I'm not even sure whether I'd prefer one hunt over the other - At least I have some idea what to expect in 12AW, as I went up there a couple years ago with a buddy and got pretty familiar with the area, but the possibility that it could be 13B, an area I've never even seen....makes me nervous. I won't be hiring a guide - nothing against guides - just not the way I want to hunt it, but I am hoping to go up there with some ideas to get started, and try to make the best of the information I have at hand. Normally, I wouldn't ask for unit-specific information, but, c'mon this is the strip. I would love to get any suggestions via PM of course, and it's not like a normal hunt where sharing information can wreck your honey hole. Most of us will only hunt this area once, maybe twice in a lifetime if we're lucky. If anyone here has hunted these units in the past and has some suggestions of things to do, things not to do, places to go or avoid, I would love to hear from you. I'm hoping to avoid driving too much and glassing too little, trying to figure out where I should be, but there is so much country and it's a long way away, it's going to be tough to pre-scout without some ideas and insights from people who have done it before.

I alway thought a little c4 that could be detonated via cell phone would cut down on the theives.

Yeah, rub it in, TJ! LOL. It's after midnight on a work night and where am I??? Right here on CWT already dreaming of big bucks.

Wow, what a monster - did you sell it to Ellsworth?

Looks like a pretty solid bull - the fronts are coming in great - good mass up top, not super wide, but I sure wouldn't pass him. Keep in mind, bulls move a lot. If you're planning to hunt him, don't expect him to follow the same patterns when the rut kicks in. You need to watch him closely once he rubs off the velvet, and figure out where he's headed. I've seen lots of great bulls that follow a summer pattern and then disappear once the bachelor herds break up and the rut starts. If you're planning to hunt this bull, you need to watch where he beds and feeds, and keep tabs on his movements. He could be miles away by the time the hunt starts. Be vigilant. I sure hope you can get a crack at him.

A chain won't help more than the python lock you were using. Shoot me a PM and I'll send you some pix of what I'm using. If anyone steals one of my cameras, they are going to have to cut down a big tree, and haul it out. I'm more worried they'll destroy the camera out of frustration than actually stealing it.

You're right Justin - until I see the tag I won't know for sure but I did look up my online receipt and and the hunt numbers were right. However, I have screwed up applications in the past. Couple years back I applied for a bonus point only and forgot to include my hunting license number. Not only did I not get the bonus point, I lost my loyalty bonus point - so kinda went backward on that one. The good news is, if I did draw, the 2 lost points won't matter that much - just a couple more years to build back that loyalty point.

+1 - nice spot and photos. Hope those bears fill out before winter.

Prayers sent.

The last few posts have made up my mind - thanks guys. I'm going to go with the Vortex. I think it will do everything I need it to and the price is right. Plus, the warranty and customer service by Vortex is absolutely top-notch.

Nice gun, if I can sell my video camera, I'll probably be interested.

You might also look at Rock River. Pretty much the same as most ARs except for the National Match two-stage trigger. Definately an improvement if you're looking for accuracy. They run a little more, but are worth it IMO. I think (if memory serves) I paid around $750 for mine with a flat top and stainless bull barrel.

Man, those are some great pictures! I love seeing those little reds. Javelina are really cool animals. Is that the umbellical cord on that last one? Looks like he could be just hours old. What a neat experience - thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys - I hope this isn't premature since the draw results aren't even out yet, but I certainly appreciate all the well wishes!

Sorry you lost your camera - theives are lowlifes and I understand your frustration. I *hope* you get it back, but I seriously doubt you will. I've found the best way to keep them safe is a really strong steel box, but even that can't prevent them from being ruined by someone who thinks you're too close to "their spot".

Gonna read that next. The last book I read was "American Sniper", and while it will never be considered "classic American Literature", it was a very enjoyable and informative read. Those who haven't read it yet, do your self a favor - it's a "page-turner" for sure.

Looks like a good compilation to me. I would add, Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I'm not much of a reader, but many of the books on there that I haven't read, I'd like to.

Cool vid - love shooting p-dogs but it's been hard to find a good colony. Been watching one spread, hopefully the numbers will get up high enough I won't feel bad shooting a few. I remember some similar videos a while back by the "Red Mist Society" or something like that - drove the ARA's nuts!

Sounds like a great way to spend your birthday!

"So the 1600's do or do not show the compensated difference???" Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing. I know the "B" model gives you the hold-over at various ranges. Here's a hypothetical question. If you could get the Vortex Ranger 1000 for around $320, and it's a big improvement over what you've been using for years, would you still opt for the Leica?

Wow! That thing is HUGE!

Dang, you guys have me all confused now! I was dead set on doing the exact same thing sjvcon was asking about. Now I'm second guessing it.

Hey TJ, Happy Birthday! I hope it's a great day.

Wow - congrats to all who have drawn - Huge congrats on the Sheep Tag!!!