Coach

The best elk callers I know use diaphragms. The easy, push-button calls are too predictable. With diaphragm calls the person using it makes it unique and more realistic. I have a hard time with them, seems I'm always spitting saliva or gagging, but I would definitely steer clear of the hoochie mama, or other "pressure" cow calls. As others have said, the elk have caught on and run the other way. If you are like me and have trouble with the diaphragm, there are some good reed calls that can still allow you to tailor the sound. I've got a couple, my favorite is from a start-up shop, I think they're in Montana - don't remember the name right now. My second favorite is made by Primos called "I Maka Da Bull Crazy". It's flexible and gives you full control of the sound, but IMO it has a tendency to "squeak" at the wrong moment when trying to get that high-pitched sound.

I bought this one a few months ago and really like it. Solid build, great trigger, points well and is exceptionally accurate for a sub-compact.

Nice job! I really liked your write-up as well. Congrats!

Nice job! Something about seeing the family effort around getting those kids their first Javi's - I just can't get enough of. To you parents putting in the work, and getting kids involved, my hat is off to you. Huge congrats to Cassidy and Hunter, and to Heather for keeping her head in the game and helping Cassidy seal the deal. Awesome all the way around.

Yup, aka "trick tank".

Back when I was young I always took 1/2 inch bedroll and a wool blanket and wondered how the Indians could just lie down in the snow with no clothing. These days, if I have to sleep on a cot, I like 2" of foam and a good canvas bag. Funny how the older we get, the more we care about how and where we sleep. Keep in mind, the thicker foam under your bag will take on a lot of sweat. Air it out during the day.

IMO, javis are very unpredictable. The standard MO is they hunker down on cold, windy days and frolic on sunny warm days - especially after a cold front has moved through. In reality, I've seen them very active on cold, snowy/sleety/windy days and very docile on warm weather days with the barometer rising. Piggies generally follow the normal pattern of more activity when the barometer is rising, less activity when it's dropping, and almost no activity in high wind, cloudy and a front moving in. I have found that pattern to be pretty reliable for all game, even fish. However, I've seen pigs in high winds, blowing sleet and rain, front of a front. I've also seen them gather under a tree super early AM, and hold there under perfect conditions, all day. Bottom Line, IMO, go hunt 'em. They will probably surprise you with their uncanny knack of doing the opposite of what you expect them to do. That's why they are so fun.

Nice job, Lance. I'm hoping that Jackson's experience gets him closer to the real "core values". Reaching out to kids, the way you do, is great service.

Happy Birthday, and thanks for all the great videos you've shared here.

+1, Gonna have to order one of theirs this Spring.

What is the average airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

Nice job, Elijah! You're doing great!

Awesome double! That is super cool!!! Nice job, dad getting them out there and getting it done!

Awesome job - that smile says it all! Big congrats to Derek.

I totally agree - if the meat is kept clean, it is very good. If it gets any of the oil from the hair on it, that musky smell will definitely permeate the meat. Also be very careful of intestinal contents.

I'm with you Nature Bob. I went to UofA, as did my wife. If I had it to do over, we probably both would have gone NAU or ASU. I've got sons coming up on college age, and I'd be really happy to see them and any of our state schools. I tend to cheer on any AZ school including ASU. One of my close buddies has a kid on the ASU football team, so I love to see them do well. UofA has a tough time with football, always have, and I don't see that turning around. Their basketball and baseball programs tend to have more strength and consistency. Gotta say tho, when it comes to really watching fun sports, I really enjoy the ice-cats. Whether they win or lose, they always put on a show.

Nicely done!

Hey guys, seems like I'm on CWT all the time. I'm blown away by all the new Youth Hunters posts over the last couple of weeks. I just want to congratulate all the youth hunters getting success in their hunts this year, and extend my gratitude to the moms and dads out there who are taking the time to get these youngsters out in the field. I honestly believe that hunting brings a family closer together, and you guys have sure done a great job of getting the next generation of hunters excited and passionate about hunting, and just enjoying the wonderful world of outdoor activity. Huge kudos to you all.

I'd like one of the lock jaws. Willing to donate a camera box (can build to specs).

That's a great buck! Nothing sweeter than finding sheds from the same buck. Nice job. I love the mass on that old boy.

I've taken to carrying along the gloves everywhere. Face it you don't want oil and grease, blood or ... other ... contaminants ruining any part of your hunt. Keeping clean throughout the hunt helps your odds at getting close, and helps preserve the meat you worked so hard for. No disrespect for the old-school methods. I go gutless - but I still wear surgical gloves when field dressing, and when nature calls out in the woods. Lost of baby-wipes too - There's no such thing as being "too clean" when hunting, IMO.

Price hike is gonna be tough on famiies with mulitple hunters, IMO. I put my 3 sons and myself in for every big game tag. Doubling the application fee is going to make that hard to do. I know the AZGFD tries to take in all sides before making these changes, but if their goal is hunter recruitment, I think it would be good if they could put a "family cap" on app fees. Thoughts?

Given the Campfire is a great way to clear the air and sometimes discuss topics a little off-topic from a hunter's perspective. I started today 4:00 am going into an area I haven't been in 20 years - let's just say it was just as I remembered it. I saw lots of deer, one "bomber" buck, no good stalks. So I head home and we get a movie to watch as a family. I'll spare you the title, doesn't matter. Is it just me, or is every single movie out these days just little bits and pieces of every other movie out there spliced together? I'm just like the next guy who just wants to share a little entertainment with the family, but I find myself constantly distracted by noticing every scene, every dialog is perjered from another, previously successful movie. Probably a belabored point, but it seems to me as a statement that even the arts, the vast money in the entertainment industry can't produce one creative story - one new plot, not even one new hero. We're just spitting out comic book heros with better special effects.

+1 for Outdoorsman. They take the time to make sure you find what's right for you and they really know optics.

Great looking buck, and nice write up. Well done, sir.