IA Born

After this week, I'd just about give him my job! Have him look at the local brew pubs up here: Lumberyard, Flagstaff Brewery, Beaver Street. They can be very busy and may be hiring now that school is starting back up. For what its worth, I really like the Homco Ace up here. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and let you know if I see any signs looking for jobs. Delivering pizza in the wintertime isn't that bad. Streets get cleared fairly quickly after storms. I tend to tip delivery folks very well!

Whatever common name they go by now (Colorado River toad or Sonoran desert toad), that is definitely one of them (Bufo alvarius). The large glands on the legs are one of the most prominent defining characteristics. As a herpetologist who specialized in venom, I can assure you that, unless you have an allergic reaction, you will be ok. They might make a kid sick, but it shouldn't be much worse than a "normal" stomach bug. I've handled countless B. alvarius and have never been symptomatic. If you ever hear of people "licking toads" to get stoned, its the toxin (Bufo toxin) from this species. Its a hallucinogenic in humans. Pets are a very different story, though. Their toxin can be very lethal to pets, especially smaller ones. For those of you who have lost a pet from one, you have my deepest sympathies. For that matter, all toads secret a toxin from their paratoid glands. Its part of their defense from predators. It just so happens that the Bufo toxin from B. alvarius is particularly toxic. Good luck and thanks for passing the message about their benefit (eating bugs, especially scorpions!).

I love seeing Mearns. Makes me miss quail hunting!

x2. I keep three of these in our house for that very purpose (one all black and 80+ lbs at 8 months old). Even friends pause before entering our house.

I was stationed at Ft Hood (45 mins N of Austin) for a few years and I can honestly say I've been doing everything in my power to get back there to CenTex. Yes, deer hunting is mostly conducted on leased land. There are some public spots within easy reach of Austin and they are all Corps of Engineer lakes and properties which require a special permit and they are limited in number. Not impossible to get though. Let me make a lengthy post here so that I can share some of my CenTex outdoor knowledge on you: The deer hunting is not that great- Williamson and all of the bordering counties are antler-restricted counties which means legal bucks must have an inside spread of no less than 13". That makes for slim pickings, very slim pickings with the addition of almost NO public hunting opportunities. If you can get on the list for COE lakes Granger and Georgetown you will have a chance at a doe harvest every year. If you are retired military there's always Fort Hood- which has some great bucks, but getting them is tough. Save your pennies and get on a decent deer lease in three or four years. Or, make the LONG drive SW to Big Bend State Park and hunt deer and Aoudad sheep in the rocks. I used to do A LOT of waterfowl hunting in CenTex. It's fantastic quality hunting and there's lots of public opportunities. COE lakes like Granger, Belton, and Stillhouse Hollow offer some of the best duck hunting I've ever seen. There's a September Teal season that is to die for, and let's not rule out the entire Gulf coast which is only a few hours drive east. Doves too- lots of sunflower-stuffed doves. You asked about the fishing... well, that depends on what you like. If you like Bass fishing- you are in the 2nd best state in the union for Bass. Lake Austin has some great bass fishing so buy a kayak or a canoe and get after them! Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir offers some trophy opportunities every winter and spring- and I mean 8-12lb bass are caught out of that lake regularly. Hybrid Stripers and white bass are awesome on just about any lake that has them- and they are good eating. Gulf coast- the trout and reds from Port Aransas down to the border are fantastic with offshore oil rig fishing being another option for some big grouper, kings and all manner of jacks. Now, the city of Austin is what I consider to be the "San Francisco" of Texas- but the wierdness is far overshadowed by how cool the music scene and the food are. Traffic can be a real bummer too unless you live right in the city. Look man, it's Texas and that is the greatest place I've ever seen on God's Green Earth. Plus... dare I say... LONGHORNS FOOTBALL!!! HOOK 'EM!!! What he said, except for the Longhorns football thing. IF I were to move my family to Texas, it would be Austin.

I used 100gr Muzzys with my old Mathews FX. They were solid heads and always grouped tight. Every year, I had to adjust my sights because they flew differently than my field points (typically high right if memory is correct). Then I moved to Flagstaff and was in BBA talking about it. They told me it was a bow-tuning issue. Shortly after that, I had to have a new string put on my bow, getting a tune up in the process. 3-blade Muzzys dead on with my field points out to 50 yards. During a practice session one day, I was using a brick to hold my target down. I missed the target and hit the brick. It split in half length-wise, dinged up 2 of the blades, but the trocar tip and my arrow were in great shape. Loved Muzzys! Unfortunately, I ended up getting a new bow, increased the poundage and switched to Shuttle T-Locks for the shorter profile, so I never did harvest anything with my Muzzys. If my BIL still has my old FX, I may try and use it with those Muzzys I gave him this November so it can finally get bloodied!

X2 on the Energizer headlamp. A friend had one for night ops on a fire a couple of years ago and I got one soon after. Best $12-$15 I spent at Walmart! I keep plenty of extra AAA batteries for it, but it is great! I also carry a Surefire and love it. To keep the batteries lasting longer (because CR123s are EXPENSIVE), I turn one backwards until I need the light. I carry another flashlight that I was given at a RMEF banquet a few years ago and it works surprisingly well for being a give-away. I'm going to have to check out the Fenix lights, though. Too many mentions here to not check them out!

The first year I archery hunted up here after moving to Flagstaff, I was out still hunting, sneaking around 11M on opening morning. I knew there was a water hole north of me, so I moved that way with the intention of sitting on it for a bit. Found it and grabbed myself a nice comfy spot to wait. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn't even see the guy in the tree stand 12' above me. He whistled at me and I felt like a total heel. I hung my head and apologized, but he was cool about it. I know its public land, but I felt horrible. We chatted a couple of minutes about the lack of movement and he pointed me in the direction of a saddle where he'd seen a couple decent bucks a week prior during his scouting. I ended up seeing a nice 3x4, but it was after I woke up from an awesome nap under an oak tree. We both stared at each other from 70 yards away. Despite my best effort to hurry back into stealth mode, it was over before I got three steps! The next day, I was set up on the crossing of a trail and an old two track not far from the previous encounter. I was sitting there all stealthy when I heard a quad come down the two track towards me. They guy saw me sitting there, stopped and waved before turning around. I was just about to get mad, when I remembered the guy from the day before. I took a deep breath, smiled, and waved a "thank you" at him for turning around. Last year, during archery elk in 6B, I was up and in the woods early waiting for good enough light to move on in. As I was sitting there, I heard a truck pull up and park right next to mine. To say I was upset is an understatement. I was hoping he went to the other side of the road, but nope; two hours later, I saw him 100 yards from me, moving the same direction. I think he finally saw me and moved off, but I was livid at that one. In all my years of hunting, if I see a vehicle where I want to be, I end up going somewhere else since I don't know which direction they went. I don't want to ruin their hunt or mine by bumping something. When I got back to my truck, there were his boot and tire tracks within 10 yards of my truck, but he wasn't there.

I'm with Average Joe on this one. All the chamberings you mention are great. Of those (if they are your only choices), I would grab a .270. As much as I love my .30-06, I wouldn't use it on javelina unless I dropped way down in bullet weight. There just really isn't much need for the mags or .30s for those two species if they are the only big game you're going to hunt (just my opinion). Like AJ and others have said, I also love my .25-06 and agree that it would be perfect for those two, plus yotes. I've taken 2 south Texas hogs (about the size of a javelina) and big south Texas doe at 22yds with my .25-06 and it was perfect. Also like others have said, find the one that fits you. There are pros and cons to wood and synthetic, but either way, you won't regret it.

I'll NEVER be without my '06! Way back when I was 14 in Iowa, my dad made me get a 700 ADL .30-06, despite me wanting something else ("Its more versatile. That's what you're getting!") I spent my hard-earned detasseling money on that rifle and, eventually, a friend of my dad's hand loaded some 165 gr Hornady's for me. I found out it was a shooter! After moving to AZ, I had a good recoil pad put on, had the trigger lightened to 2.75lbs and the barrel floated and action bedded. It started printing 0.5" 3-shot groups. Shot my first Coue's WT with that rifle and several south Texas deer and hogs with it. As soon as I got into reloading, I started loading 165 gr Barnes TSX with IMR 4064 and it will print sub-half inch groups all day long. I have two other hunting rifles (.25-06 and .300WM) and my .30-06 is still my go-to. It now sports a McMillan thumbhole stock and its a love affair that will never die. I'm in the process of perfecting 168gr Barnes TTSX with the 4064 and, so far, the preliminary results are good (sub MOA), but I know I can tighten it up. Hunt Coue's with a .30-06? EVERY. DAY. ALL. DAY!!

I just now saw this post and am choked up, myself. We had to let one of our beautiful best friends go last February and I truly know your's and Peg's pain. You keep their memories close and you may get another dog someday, but you'll never replace Missy. Just from the pics, she was beautiful. Rest assured that you will see her again at the Rainbow Bridge. I know that's how I keep my smile some days. My deepest condolences to you and Peg.

Congrats and good luck, Hunter!!

A couple months ago, I was able to pick up a brick (500 rds) of steel cased .22LR for my daughter. I bit the bullet (pardon the pun) and paid the crazy price so that my daughter could keep shooting. Turns out it doesn't eject from her Cricket. After the first shot, the case expanded so much it wouldn't eject with the bolt and I had to use a screw driver to get the spent case out. The only way empty cases would eject is when I sprayed the chamber with lube. That's no way for her to practice. She shot five rounds from one box before I lost my patience. I was recently fortunate to come across a couple of bricks of Winchester, which works flawlessly. In order to recoup some of the money, I told my wife I'd post up the steel-cased ammo, hoping someone else would have better luck. I've never tried it in a semi-auto or any other rifle, so I have no idea how it performs. After 5 shots, I was mad enough to not want to try it anymore. Asking $45 for the brick (495 rounds) to recoup some of the money I paid for it. FTF only; no shipping. I'm in Flagstaff and I won't be traveling to the Valley anytime soon, but I should be in Pinetop 17-18 August.

Couldn't agree more. Having a background in genetics, I guarantee that you will definitely find variation in every species (or subspecies), including localized characteristics that may not occur in other areas if there is insufficient gene flow. Dwarfism is one of those things. If the bucks or does carrying the dwarf genes are readily reproducing (cuckoldry is very common in wild animals), then you will most definitely have deer in an area that are smaller than the rest. That certainly doesn't make them a separate species or even a subspecies (don't get me started on the definition of subspecies). In many cases, its nothing more than clinal variation within a species. Simple as that. If wildlife would ever read the publications we scientists generate, then they might start following our definitions of species and subspecies and they might even start looking like what we say they should look like!

Every reference I've found has Fantail and Coues deer as synonyms and being the same subspecies. But what do I know? I'm a herpetologist first. As for other subspecies of WT, there are plenty: http://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/i/p/bk_distribution.pdf But then I also think taxonomists go a little crazy. I've always been more of a lumper than a splitter.

My daughter is 9 (and my oldest) and loves her bow and her new 7mm-08. She's a beast on the soccer field, especially when she's playing goalie. Like you, I was scared to death when I found out we were having a girl. i was raised by a combat-hardened dad and I knew how to raise a rough and tumble boy...but a girl? I made a conscious decision that having a girl wouldn't change much in our life. She's been hunting and fishing with me since she was 3 and camping with us since she was 2 months old. I'm taking her to Texas this November for her first deer/hog hunt and she can't wait. When she cleans up, she likes her dresses and skirts and she's just as beautiful as she is in camo. Relax, take a breath, and your instincts will kick in. You will do great. Our son will be six in December and, now, I wouldn't trade raising her first for the world! CONGRATS!!

I'm 3.5 weeks out of shoulder surgery so this year's a bust for me, but if I don't draw in AZ for next year, I've let my wife know I want to head to CO for the OTC. I'd definitely be interested a year from now!

One more bump...

A buddy of mine doesn't use his Kawasaki enough to justify owning it anymore. Told him I'd post it for him here. He's up in Moab, UT, but I'm sure he'll make a trip to Flag to unload it and make a fishing trip out of it with me and his Godson and niece! PM me for his contact info so you can talk directly to him. From my buddy: It is a 2008 Kawasaki Brute Force, 650CC with a winch on the front and 820 miles. I am the only owner. I have had annual tune-ups done since I bought it in March of 2008 (or somewhere around there). At this point it gets about 30 miles a year in actual driving with about half of that in one week of elk hunting on relatively easy 4X4 roads. I can’t think of anything else to add. Its blue, but if someone can’t figure that out from the photos then they have to pay double. The timer says I have put 180 hours on it but I am not sure about that, although the math comes out pretty good 4.555555 miles driven per hour of drive time -so maybe it is. Regardless, the wear and tear on the machine is minimal. I want $6000 for the ATV, the Cabela’s cover ($100), helmet ($100), ramps ($200) and tickle charger ($50). Price is firm. Again, PM for my buddy's contact info because I'm not the middle man or negotiator.

The rules are correct. You don't need a license or tag. NM wants them GONE! I've been trying to contact a friend of mine who knows the land management agency biologist (FS?) down there and will tell folks exactly where to go. I'll keep trying and post it up here or in the other feral hogs post I've contributed to. And yes, they are DELICIOUS! I've taken a few from low-fence ranches in TX (fair chase) and they are fun to hunt! The sows taste the best, but young (100 lbs or less) boars are good, too. Good luck!

One Lynx (collared female) made it down from Colorado to the Navajo Nation in far NW AZ a few years ago and was found in a chicken coop. As far as I know, that is the only Lynx ever documented in Arizona. Otherwise, there are no lynx in AZ.

Mann Gulch was 13, Dude was 6, Storm King (South Canyon Fire) was 14. This is the largest loss of wildland firefighters in history. I knew a couple of those guys and have served on a line crew beside Granite Mountain IHC. They are a good crew. My hear is heavy and there are no words beyond prayer right now for me.

I agree with Tony's explanation. I asked an AGFD officer recently and he explained that salt blocks, mineral blocks (including trophy rocks) are ok because they contain salt as their main ingredient. You can't, however, put Block Topper or Deer Cain or any molasses based stuff out with your blocks. At least that is how it was explained to me. Those things are considered ingestible.

Yep. But I'm not sure if this is his rental place or his fiance's place.

TTT for my buddy.