IA Born

Please tell me there's video. I was thinking the same thing!

Handheld nail gun doesn't count for the HAM hunt!

I'd have to look at the exact units, but over by Reserve and Glenwood in the Gila NF has always been good to me. Grants area has always interested me because its so easy to get to from Flagstaff.

Just noticed the difference. Sorry about that. Too many irons in the fire. Got ADA raffle tickets, but missed the AES raffle. Thanks!

I love Silver Creek and really need to get back there. Unfortunately, that's not an easy day trip from Flagstaff, especially with the limited time we now have that day. Thanks for reminding me of Silver Creek!

This is going to sound crazy, but we've lived in Flagstaff for just over 8 years and, as much as I love fly fishing, I've never fished The Ferry. We've driven down to the boat ramp as a family once to look around on our way to the north rim, but I've never fished there. Ok, now that I've been ostracized, I'm thinking of taking my daughter up there next Friday, February 12 for some fly fishing. We both have the day off from work/school and are looking for something fun to do. The original plan was some rabbit hunting, but then I thought about The Ferry and how we could get up early, drive up there, and fish the walk-in areas for a 3-4 hours and then boogie back home. With that, I have several questions. 1) Is it even worth it this time of year? Will there be any hatches or good wet bites? 2) What areas are good for me and her to wade in a bit. In reference from the boat ramp/Paria River crossing landmarks I'm familiar with. 3) What patterns beyond the typical midge/pheasant tail/bead heads, etc. that I have should I get, assuming that the answer to number 1 is yes? I promise I won't share any honey holes! Thanks!

Saw in your other post that they are sold out. When is the drawing?

My buddies back home have me thinking about a Rhino blind now, too!

Thanks for all of the input, guys, especially those of you who pm'd me! My wife gently reminded me that we are leaving very early that Saturday morning for a 3-day weekend and being gone all day Friday wouldn't be prudent. We've also started discussions for getting our own boat. The Ferry will have to wait for now, but I plan to hit it this summer one way or another!

Nope i won 2 tiny coolers. My bad. You're still eligible then!

I just bought the winning ticket! They know you won a big cooler, so they've cut you off, Mike!

Just bought the winning ticket, plus two more for good measure!

Thanks, buddy! I'll run it by my daughter and see what she wants to do. Thanks, all!

That's good to know. I guess I thought people still fly fished the walk in area. We have spinning gear, but my fly rod is calling and she's eager to break hers in. Good stuff to think about! Thanks!

With all of the soccer expenses of late, taxidermy bill, and upcoming fundraising banquet, hiring a guide isn't an option right now. Thanks.

That's absolutely awesome, Tim! I've looked at old pics when I go back home and it floods me with all kinds of memories! Those pics always remind me why I do what I do, both personally and professionally, and drives me to have those same memories with and for my kids! Next time I'm back in Iowa, I may have to grab a photo album or two. You'll laugh your butt off at that goofy-looking kid!

Way back when I lived in Tucson, I used to do the HAM hunt in 30B. I don't remember the exact directions, but we had decent luck finding pigs on the east side of the Mule Mountains in some of those canyons that are on State Trust Land off the High Lonesome Road. I can't remember which roads we took, specifically now, because it was over 10 years ago, but I remember heading west off High Loneseome Road. We'd camp down low and then glass opposite slopes in canyons tucked up in there. If I can think of the exact roads, I'll let you know, but I'm pretty sure I can remember some canyon names. I'll PM you those.

I will do my best to save my necessary shopping until Saturday after Hunter Ed so I can get 3 (winning) tickets for that rifle! Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt!

Bump to move these last two jackets/parkas. Willing to trade for 15x56 Swaros, too.

Ironically, my daughter and I are going to be in the north part of the Valley Saturday for her soccer tournament. Unfortunately, we don't know her game schedule, so we can't commit to coming. I hope it turns out well for you guys!

One of my all-time favorites from about 5 years ago. My dogs lead me through/around a nasty mess and we walked right into this tip stuck in the ground. I couldn't get our female to lay down, but Thor was happy to oblige. It was three years ago next week that we lost him to cancer and I still smile when I look at "The Thor Tip"! My first fresh brown elk antler ever.

From one of my contacts back in Iowa: "I believe my Rhino blind is the best blind I've ever owned. I have had one issue on a bad stitch in a strap. I believe it was a production line issue for a certain number of blinds consecutively. It was no big deal, fixed it myself. But as far as height, shooting either types of weapons, durability and keeping the rain out I really like it. It is a very roomy, tough blind with multiple types of windows. Here is a link: http://www.rhinoblinds.com/rhino-blind-xp-101.aspx"

It is sold pendig meeting with hoghntr and exchanging everything. We are working out the logistics of meeting up next time I'm in the Valley (2weeks). Mike has tons of good credit with me, so I'm countingvit as sold unless Mike changes his mind. Another friend texted me asking for it, so he's secondcin line. You'll be third and I'll definitely keep you posted. Thanks!

Saturday will go down as one of my most favorite days of dad-ness ever! My 11-year old daughter,Sydney, and I got up early to get ready for her youth pheasant hunt down at the High Desert Hunt Club. This is the youth hunt sponsored by AGFD for hunter ed students that are selected from their instructors and entered into a pool. The year Syd took the class, she was actually nominated (I wasn't her instructor), but not selected. Last March, during the live auction at our NWTF banquet up here, I bought her one of the slots that our NTWF State Chapter buys every year. We spent the night in a quaint little motel in Cordes Jct and arrived at the club at 0530. After the briefing and safety part, she received some excellent coaching at the trap range. She walked up there so confidently and the instructor told her she had great form. Of course, she didn't give me any credit for prior coaching! After some great pointers, she started busting clays consistently, turning heads up and down the range! As we were getting lined up and ready to be taken to our respective hunting fields, we had a chance to crank the radio and jam out to Elton John and Kiki Dee followed by Culture Club (Karma Chameleon). Don't judge, she absolutely loves 80s music, it was her hunt, and we had folks in other vehicles laughing. Then I got to watch my daughter work hard and harvest her first rooster pheasant! Watching from the edge of the field, I was so excited that I jumped so hard with my hands in the air, forgetting I had my binoculars around my neck and got smacked in the face (worth it). Seeing fist pumps and high fives from 100 yards away was awesome! We pulled over on the way back to the club to take another picture because she wanted her shotgun with her in a picture. As we were driving back again, another great Elton John song came on and we were jamming again. After lunch and regrouping at the hunt club, we took off for Tempe to catch up with her team (already chalked up a morning victory) for a 4:30 game. Syd slept the entire drive, waking up rejuvenated. She didn't have a ton of pressure at the net, but still kept a clean sheet when she was in there. She got some field time and had a beautiful assist on another girl's goal. The team walked away with a 2-1 victory! A little Jamba Juice supper made the drive home in the dark even better. It didn't take too long for her to crash on the drive home. During lunch today or sometime tomorrow, we get to take her pheasant to the taxidermist to get ready to take its place on the wall next to my first bird! Discussions these last two days have revolved around more bird hunting, getting a bird dog, and getting more pheasants! If you ever have the chance to take your kids on this hunt, I highly recommend it! Busting Clays Before the Hunt. Eager Anticipation Jamming Out Pre-Hunt Interview with Her Mentor Working the Birds (Syd on Far Right) Dog On Point Success With her Mentor, Dog Handler, and Dog Back at the Truck Heading to Tempe for Soccer Victory Stop at Jamba Juice

Just gotta make sure my little leprechaun boy can handle it:-) I'm telling you, if he's truly a leprechaun, I want in on that pot o' gold! Or a bowl of Lucky Charms...I LOVE Lucky Charms!