IA Born

A year ago, a buddy back in Iowa sent me a picture of himself with a 3-4lb smallie at his wife's family's cabin on Rainy Lake in Ontario, Canada. His text with the picture said "Would this interest you?" That started a year-long planning process of getting his family's and our family's schedules lined up to spend a week at his wife's uncle's cabin. I haven't been to Canada in 35 years and going back there fishing has been high on my bucket list since the last time I was there. The short version is that all the stars lined up and we got back this past Saturday from a week up there. Fishing wasn't great by the Canada standards I remember, but was awesome by our standards here in northern Arizona. My wife is the only one who didn't catch fish, but she only got out twice and was only half-heartedly trying. She was more intent on getting the kids opportunities and taking pictures. Me, I was the net man, hook-remover, lure changer, hook-baiter, snag remover, new leader-tier, and still made time to fish for myself. I wish my son could have caught a pike, but he loved the smallies and walleyes. I wish my daughter could have caught a walleye, but she loved the smallies, pike, and perch. I ended up with 5 pike ranging from 3-5.5lbs, a handful of smallies, the biggest of which was 3.5lbs, and a couple of eating-sized walleye. My favorite part of the trip was our kids asking when we could go back to Canada, especially after hearing them moan and groan about going and fishing every single day as we were planning the trip. To be fair, I told them they didn't have to fish every day if they didn't want to, but I was going to be fishing every day. Our last night there, my buddy and I took off, kid-free, and had a blast getting into fish. We booked it back in, ate a quick supper, and loaded everyone up on the pontoon to go back to where we finally found the walleye. Jacob hooked a good one, but it broke off at the boat as I was trying to net it. Then he hooked and landed a good eater. Aside from my kids getting hooked on this kind of fishing, my other favorite was catching two pike in 10 minutes on the Savage 3d Suicide Duck lure I bought specifically for this trip. If you've never seen that in action, look it up on YouTube. Its beyond awesome to see in person. After my two, I gave the lure to my daughter. She had a strike, but missed it. It was even more amazing to watch standing next to her. My only goal not met was catching a pike on my 9wt fly rod. I used it a couple of times in the inlet by the cabin, but no pike were hungry. I got better distance and hauls, though, so its still a win for me. Morning view from the cabin First pike in 35 years First smallie in 18 years 3.5lb smallie Syd's first pike Syd's first smallie Jacob with a smallie Jacob's walleye (wiggling the whole time) 2nd pike on duckling lure Bite marks 5.5lb pike (my 2nd best) Syd and I doubled on pike Jacob and I doubled on pike and his first smallie Rainy Lake Sunset Learning to drive a boat Cabin at night

We should definitely get together soon. I'm having a new barrel put on my 6.5WSM (its a long story) and I could use some local help with it. Nice to know there's another 6.5WSM-guy here in Flagstaff!

We recently wont a Trius 92S Clay Trap at a banquet. We'll never use it, so I thought I'd offer it up here. Prices seem to be from $65-$80. First $65 cash takes it (no sales tax!). Never been out of the box. I won't lie, I'm too lazy to walk out to the garage to take a pic of the actual box, so I downloaded an image. Will be in Phoenix near the airport next Friday (13th) unless you want to road trip to Flagstaff before then. Can even throw in a Mossberg 835 Waterfowl edition 12 ga for an extra $350 (obo). Shotugn has never been firedand only left the safe twice.

Bump

Can it be something published previously somewhere else?

That sucks royally. Two years ago today, I flew home to Iowa to be with my mom on her final days after a 3-year battle. Cancer has taken too many of my friends and family. Prayers for this guy and for you, Alpine!

X3 on what they've said. There is also a youth camp that caters to 35A and 34A. I think it also includes 35B. Camp is at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Sonoita. I'll be there with both of my kids, who each have the 34A tag. There will be mentors who can take you out. If you don't want that, pm me and I'll point you in some directions.

You are very welcome and if I could buy that rifle from you, I would in a heartbeat. I wouldn't even haggle or counter offer on the price. If you're ever in Flagstaff, stop by and we'll swap stories and I'll show you my 1918 1903 that was never issued.

Thanks Brian! However, I go by Couestracker on CWT. There is someone that goes by Couespursuit too, but please don't give him my vest. Dammit dammit dammit! I knew that, too. I was in the middle of three things at work when I took a break to post your good news and I failed. I also correspond with Couespursuit and he's a good guy (but he won't get your vest!). Too many "Coues..." names on here! Ultimately, I failed and you have my apologies, Tommy!

We finally sold all of the cards for our deck here in Flagstaff. We held the drawing for the Alps vest Saturday afternoon. Tommy Martin (Couespursuit) on here) was the winner! Tommy has been a long-time supporter of this and all things NWTF. Congrats, Tommy and thanks to everyone who participated and bought a card from our deck. The drawing for the Commissioner's Tag will be this Saturday at the Sierra Vista banquet. As soon as we get word of the winner, I'll get the name posted up.

OK, its confusing when you look at the classes because theyre both titled Arizona online field day, but one of them says its for 18 and older and the other one says its for 18 and younger, but theyre both called the Arizona online field day. The 18 and younger of course is six hours long and 18 and over course is three hours long. Once she has completed that successfully, she will then be issued a hunter safety bonus point? Thanks for the info. She's going to want the six hour course. It has the required shooting, and some other activities such as blood trailing, shoot/don't shoot scenarios, safe fence crossings, etc. This is the full online field day designed for new hunters. There is also the 50-question multiple choice test that day. To be clear, the test she took online was to prove she took the online portion; she still has to take and pass the same 50-question test that every other classroom student has to take. I'm not trying to be mean or rude, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who show up to the field day saying "I didn't know there would be a test!" despite it being in bold red letters on the online class website. After she's passed the class and gotten her certificate, she'll receive her Hunter Ed card in the mail, usually within 2 weeks of paperwork being submitted (usually about a week). The bonus point will kick in about 30 days after paperwork, but likely won't show up until after the next draw cycle, as its been explained to me. Something about how the system updates that stuff. The three-hour online field day is for experienced hunters (more than three years) who are expected to show up and go through a self-taught class. There is very little, if any, instructing or lessons taught on this class. Again, you'd be surprised at the number of people who show up with less than three years of experience (if any) and can't answer basic questions. Don't hesitate to holler if you have any questions. Great info, thanks! Id have put her in the 3 hour class without this info. Always glad to help out! Good luck to your wife!

I own and have read every single one of John Gierach's books on flyfishing, hunting, and life. I highly recommend them for the stories and life lessons. I also read "Elk Whisperer" by Larry Wayne Jones (kind of a John Gierach of elk hunting) a few years ago and it was great. If you want some military history, read Dak To, by Ed Murphy (lives in Mesa). Its about my dad's unit in Vietnam from June-Nov 1967. My dad is in there and, if you look closely, there's an obscure reference to me. Along those lines, Ghost Soldiers is amazing, and from more recent history, The Outpost, Red Platoon, and The Chosen Few are all great books that I had so much trouble putting down. If you love the MWD stories, Top Dog" is a great story about GSD/Mal Lucca. For fiction, the Stephen Hunter series about Bob Lee Swagger (3 books) and his dad (one book) are great.

OK, its confusing when you look at the classes because theyre both titled Arizona online field day, but one of them says its for 18 and older and the other one says its for 18 and younger, but theyre both called the Arizona online field day. The 18 and younger of course is six hours long and 18 and over course is three hours long. Once she has completed that successfully, she will then be issued a hunter safety bonus point? Thanks for the info. She's going to want the six hour course. It has the required shooting, and some other activities such as blood trailing, shoot/don't shoot scenarios, safe fence crossings, etc. This is the full online field day designed for new hunters. There is also the 50-question multiple choice test that day. To be clear, the test she took online was to prove she took the online portion; she still has to take and pass the same 50-question test that every other classroom student has to take. I'm not trying to be mean or rude, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who show up to the field day saying "I didn't know there would be a test!" despite it being in bold red letters on the online class website. After she's passed the class and gotten her certificate, she'll receive her Hunter Ed card in the mail, usually within 2 weeks of paperwork being submitted (usually about a week). The bonus point will kick in about 30 days after paperwork, but likely won't show up until after the next draw cycle, as its been explained to me. Something about how the system updates that stuff. The three-hour online field day is for experienced hunters (more than three years) who are expected to show up and go through a self-taught class. There is very little, if any, instructing or lessons taught on this class. Again, you'd be surprised at the number of people who show up with less than three years of experience (if any) and can't answer basic questions. Don't hesitate to holler if you have any questions.

She should be able to take the standard field day. It would be the same as if she took the classroom class. The BP field day is, in fact, designed for those adults who have been hunting for a few (or many) years and just want the bonus point without taking the class. Its a way to free up seats for youth and then adults who really need/want the classroom class. We have adults register and show up for the regular online field day quite often.

My answer is much simpler. I want a 42 Springfield because its from WWII. I'd also be happy with a '43, '44, or '45 because they're all WWII era. Like my 1903, I have a very specific set of parameters that I'm looking for. I want a Springfiel or Winchester, which were the only two WWII manufacturers. IHC and H&R started making Garands at the onset of the Korean War. Winchesters are harder to come by and cost quite a bit more. Springfields are rock solid and one of the longest running manufacturers of military rifles, which is why I'd like to have one. When it all boils down, I want a WWII M1 go go with my Korean-era Garand, much the same as I want a 1903A3 (certain manufacturers only) to compliment my 1918 Springfield 1903. If I had the extra cash laying around, I'd pay you full price and never bat an eye!

I wish I could talk my wife into letting me get this. I want a '42 Springfield to go with my '56 H&R! Great rifle!

Kids can take, pass, and graduate from the class when they are 9. They will be issued their HE card within about 30 days of completion of the class (usually); however, the card is not valid in AZ until their 10th birthday. If you get your kid into a class now, go for it. Absolutely go for it. We sometimes have an online field day in early January up here in Flagstaff to catch those kids with javelina tags that still don't have their HE completion, but that's weather permitting. If I'd have known you needed a class for your almost youngest, I would have sent you the info for our upcoming campout class. The class is full and has a waiting list, so we likely can't get you in. But definitely start looking for classes in the valley asap. There are usually several held at Ben Avery and the instructors are usually pretty good.

Pffft Year I took it, Viet Nam, Nixon reelected, The Doors called it quits. Had to keep our atlatls pointed in a safe direction... And now, Tim, I know why we aren't allowed to use atlatls for demonstrations anymore! Thanks alot!

Correct. I usually organize our winter class up here and its usually mid/early Feb (after Super Bowl). If you're willing to drive and can't find one local down there, let me know.

He'll turn 10 this coming November, or November 2019? If 2019, keep in touch and we can get him in the winter Flagstaff Class this coming February (2019).

Finally found out that our son got the same tag as our daughter. They both have the 34A youth hunt. Now to figure out how to get both kids opportunities in the same weekend!

Sorry, forgot to clarify. Will ship, but buyer pays shipping.

Love that unit. Saw several great bucks on our Goulds hunt. Holler if you need areas...I owe you one!

You don't. They just told me via phone that they can't even look them up in the office. Which is a dang shame, cause my 10 yr old is in the hospital recovering from surgery and now he gets to listen to everyone else be excited about their hunts and he gets to wait. How many years in are we now, and we still don't really have any added value from creation of the portal. Well that just sucks!!!! Brian Yep. I set up my son's portal account right before they switched the minimum age to 13 for an account. Some of his stuff shows up and some doesn't. Even with my inside connections, I can't get any information and have to wait to find out what he got. Its irritating to say the least. My daughter got tag #8 of the 34A youth hunt. She'll be excited!

First, thank you for committing to using non-lead. As the lead for the Condor program, we need hunters like you committed to overall conservation and ecosystem management beyond just those game animals we love to hunt. I've used Barnes for over a decade now and have always had good luck, when starting 0.050" off the lands, which is what Barnes recommends. As Casey said, most Barnes bullets stabilize and get better accuracy when they are moving faster. As for the 115 TSX vs the 100 TTSX in the .257, Casey is right again. The 100gr has a boat tail that the 115 doesn't and you don't need to go heavy for caliber with non-lead. Once you start getting the accuracy and performance, it will be hard to switch back. Good luck!