Coach

I would get the Savage 114 Classic. JMO. I love the accutrigger and have yet to shoot a Savage that wasn't accurate out of the box. Plus I love the look of guns with wooden stocks. Actually about $100 higher than what you are looking to pay, but a very nice rifle. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=142615072

Happy Birthday - Have a great one!

Bummer for me - I'll be in Round Valley for my son's football game. Sounds like a good time! Enjoy and let us know how the pig roast turns out.

I tried posting this in the "Gear" forum, but something about my registration wouldn't allow me to. So, here goes. I'm in the market for a new packable ground pad. My last one was a Kelty self-inflating pad that worked well for me but was very succeptible to getting punctured. Anyone out there have experience good bad or otherwise with backpack/bivy ground pads?

Ok, one more question on this. Most of the light, compact pads like the Thermarest prolite are only 1.5 inch thick inflated, and weigh in well under two pounds. There are some thicker ones, as thick as 2.5 inches inflated, that are in the 4-5 pound range. Here's my dilemma. I'm a little over 6' and right around 200 lbs. Is a 1.5 inch pad enough? If so, great. If not, I'll deal with the extra couple of pounds for a more comfortable night's sleep. I don't expect to be hiking in more than 3-5 miles generally, so I'm not AS concerned with trimming every extra ounce as I am being able to sleep well enough to keep up my and energy stay out longer. Thanks again for all of the input.

Thanks for all the input so far - I really like that Thermarest tough-skin. I hadn't seen that before. Anyone try the Cabela's Alaskan Guide self-inflatables? TAM - I'm looking primarily for something comfortable and reasonably light and compact. R-Value is not quite as important to me, I don't bivy a lot in REALLY cold stuff - been years since I did a Dec bivy hunt 24A and my 1.5" self inflatable was plenty of insulation, but only marginally comfortable from a padding perspective.

Thanks Johnny, but I'm talking about the pad you use under your sleeping bag.

Great buck - congrats! Looking forward to reading the story.

Wow - great job! Sounds like a really tough hunt and you just kept pushing and got the job done in a big way - huge congrats to you!

Awesome job! Congratulations on a beautiful deer!

Just because he's near a road doesn't mean he won't still be there come December. That said, help a friend, HUNT THAT DEER and if you help someone else get a crack at him, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. If not, you'll know where NOT to waste your time with that cherished Dec. tag.

Yeah, ditto - not a Chevy man- Ford rules, but once again, just something to start bashing eachother on.

Nice guns, good prices. .416 Rem Mag??? Maybe Scotty boy will snap that up, but I'm a little light on elephant tags this year

Generally speaking, I HATE hunting shows. 30 minute infomercials hunting "pre-programmed" deer on private land, etc. I did catch one really good show once where Hank Parker's two sons came out to AZ having never hunted coues, and both were able to take bucks with their bows, spot and stalk. That was pretty impressive to me but really it came down to their guides. They made no bones about it, they couldn't have come here knowing nothing and accomplished what they did without that level of help, but I gotta give credit on that one. I'm as guilty as most, come the weekend flipping channels, I'm likely to watch a few of the programs. But I hardly ever really learn anything from them. You just don't get to see the hard parts of the hunts, the changing of strategy - heck, there's little strategy at all - it's either sit this tree stand or that one - neither of which were set up by the guy or gal hunting. And ultimately, they would have you believe that one particular piece of equipment made the hunt. The goal of those shows is to sell products, which is too bad. A show dedicated to actually teaching hunting techniques would be very popular, and useful, IMO.

All of my boys were out there in the field with me by the time they were 5. Pack some snacks and plenty of water and I'll bet you'll be trying to keep up with him. I love to see you dads (and moms) getting the whole family out there young learning all about hunting. Sounds to me like he's plenty ready! Have fun with it!

IMO, the best pair of binocs on the market. Good price. Somebody will snatch these up.

Awesome job! Great buck and an amazing shot. Congrats.

Cool! Almost hypnotic. I was surprised to see how the trajectory of those pistol rounds seemed to stay flat when hit by shotgun pellets. Very cool for sure.

Great job - way to get those kids involved.

Nice Rack!

Dang! Nice gun and a shooter to boot! I'm sure it'll go quick. That's a hunting machine, not to mention a beautiful rifle someone will own with pride.

Chris, thanks for bolstering my point, although it wasn't likely intentional. We each get to decide what constitutes "fair chase" and "ethics". Your definition probably won't match the guy or gal next to you. Some people draw the line at radios, others at mechanical heads. To some people shooting a buck at 700 yards with target turrets and a range finder is considered "fair chase" while others think it isn't. You're not going to find consensus on any of the issues that divide hunters - period. The minute any ONE of us starts trying to define ethics and fair chase for ALL of us, we become divided, and weaker. I guarantee there are hunters out there who would be more than happy to point out how much purer their form of hunting is than yours, unless you're jabbing them with a hand-knapped spear while wearing a loin cloth. Just my $.02. Jason

"Take away the trail cams... the bait... " Don't forget ground blinds, compound bows, carbon arrows, high-powered rifles with scopes, range finders, tree stands, binoculars, scent lock clothing... Hey, if you're gonna go anti, may as well go all the way.

I have also had very good experiences ordering from Doug in the past. Definately a good guy to work with.

It really is tempting, but this year $$ is tight for everyone. I'd love to hunt coues in Old Mexico, and one day, God willing, I will. Just not in the cards for me this year. Good luck, and please show us all what we missed out on this year.