Tines

I've had the opportunity to hunt with Ron and his son Luke several times over the years. Luke and I have become good friends during that time and have shared quite a few camps. Ron was fortunate enough to draw one of the December muzzleloader Mule Deer tags in Southern Arizona. Taking a desert Mule Deer would complete his "slam". Suffice it to say, this was a group effort. No one person is responsible for Ron's success so thanks again to those who helped (you know who you are) from this site. This hunt started off a little slow. Although we woke up to about 6" of snow on the ground on opening day, there were very few animals located and a truck all but buried in a bar ditch as we slid down the sloppy roads. It was still good times with great people. Second day wasn't much different. Few animals located but nothing worth while that morning. In the evening, we did find one 130ish 3x4 but just couldn't make it happen. This was frustrating because taking a desert Mule Deer would complete Ron's deer "slam". Worst case scenario, we'd find some Coues deer to chase. Day 3 started off with a bang. We found two good bucks right away. We tried to circle around and get in front of them but they just seemed to be one step ahead of us. We eventually lost them and figured they held up in some big draws that we'd eventually dig out. As we were driving around to check one last draw, right in front of us at 100yds is about 9 does and a big herd buck pushing them. They spooked from the truck and ran away. We decided to watch them from the truck since we were busted anyway and they went exactly where we hoped- down into a big canyon. We hurried over to the canyon and tried to catch them coming through. No luck. Not sure if we made it far enough, we decided to go all of the way to the end of the canyon where we KNEW we'd be far enough ahead. From there we slowly worked our way towards the location they disappeared into, hoping we'd see them before they saw us. It took us more than an hour to cover the 3/4 mile stretch when we got to the last draw they'd be in. Beleive it or not, I almost passed it by because it was so small. This is a testament to everyone to just stick it out and keep looking EVERYWHERE, you're already there! This was a pretty small rivine. Hardly big enough to hold 9 does and a big buck. We slowly inched our way forward, glassing every step and elevation we gained. I caught a glimpse of something that looked like the hide of a deer but I thought to myself that the object was WAY to close to actually be a deer. I then pulled the binos away and realized that we WERE that close! At 40 yds I could see a doe bedded down and she stood up acting pretty nervous. She took a step forward and as she did I could see the buck staring at us through the trees. He stood up providing a small lane to fit a 240gr slug into. I "anxiously" whispered to Ron to shoot him and Ron dropped the hammer! Congratulations to Ron on completing your slam with such a fine trophy. And to do it with your son at your side makes it that much more special. Glad I could tag along! As a side note, this buck had one of the biggest bodies I'd ever seen on a desert buck. Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Thanks guys. yotebuster, You're right. That's why I used quotations. He's taken the rest of the required but his own personal "slam" didn't feel complete without this one. Like many others, including Ron, I wish that the desert Mule Deer could be in it's own class but oh well.

Is this THE Matt Burke from CA??

Another variable would be if a non-resident happened to live in AZ at one point and purchased a lifetime license. Although he pays NR fees and checks the NR box, he's placed into the same pool as residents.

If that's a Coues then you might want it officially scored. GOODNESS!!!!

Right on! I used to work with your dad. Tell him Jake says BIG congrats!!

+1

Nice going, John! Your boys will never forget it

Big congrats, Michelle!

Thought I'd share this with you all. I almost forgot about this clip. I shot this bobcat at 366 yards last year. It started raining pretty hard, making it difficult to get super clear video. It helps when watching to adjust the setting to the highest quality. But it's good enough! Enjoy [media=] [/media]

I meant what caliber were you using- not what type predator call. sorry! Ha! I should have known what you meant. Sorry, Tyler. It's a tikka 25-06. 110gr Accubond with 51.5gr H4831sc.

Thanks again to Wellers for their fantastic work and exceptional turn-a-round! Gavin had his work cut out for him as this old buck had quite a bit of scars throughout his hide (you can see a couple across his face). It goes without saying that I couldn't be happier. My wife even commented about how beautiful it turned out. Which is great because she was nervous about me taking up some more of her wall space. And a big thanks to her, as well. He also makes a great book-end to my 2009 buck that Wellers did. So the question lies in this: Which would you rather shoot. A 127" Coues deer with a rifle or a 170" desert Muley with your bow?? Is that even a question? Haha! I'm still a sucker for the Coues deer so even though I'm EXTREMELY greatful for my archery Muley, nothing beats a beast of a Coues deer in my book.... Enjoy

I've glassed up a few bedded. Definitely not easy to see. Much easier to shoot at though. : )

I actually didn't call it in. I glassed it up. It stood out like a sore thumb against the dark, wet hillside.

I posted this in the Predator hunting section. I don't mean to double post but I usually don't check every section. I have my "favorites" and hope to catch most of the good stuff. Because of that, I know I miss some little gems. For those of you like me, it's nice to get a link to something pretty neat where I'd otherwise not see it. Enjoy http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/36527-366-yard-shot-on-a-bobcat/

You're absolutely right that there are things in your control to "limit the exposure". I guess there's just not a black or white answer like the question was originally stated, IMO. But it's nice to know that there are hunters like yourself who has holds himself accountable regardless of a "law" or not. I'd share a camp with you!!

if you spend a significant amount of time in the field, it's bound to happen. I'm not excusing or condoning it but if you think all of the practice in the world is fool proof then you're mistaken. Welcome to the unfortunate reality of hunting. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the animals I hunt. If I ever chose to continue hunting after I wounded an animal it would be because I felt that it wasn't a mortal hit. And its not because I have this crazy desire to just "draw some more blood". It would be because I have full confidence that given the hit, signs and resiliency of these animals, I can sleep well at night knowing it will survive. If that sounds insensitive then you don't know me very well. I HATE wounded animals. In fact, I don't like blood trails. I like it when they fall in sight. But I'm realistic. I shot a buck in 2005 with a rifle. Never found him. He wasn't mortally wounded. I had zero problems stepping into the field the next day looking for him or another buck worthy of my tag. I felt I did everything right in preparation and waiting for the right shot. Just didn't end the way I wanted it too. For the record, him and an archery buck in '99 (also not a mortal wound) are the only animals I've ever wounded and never recovered. In 18 big game seasons I'd say that's pretty good odds. I don't take bad shots. That helps. I hunt as smart as I think I can and should. That helps (sometimes) haha!

You can use cellophane to wrap and protect the hide. Some taxidermists will do that for transport. Doesn't help you much unless you have a bed or trailer, I guess.

I'll take the pistol grip!!

Ive got an odd request. I've searched online for a while now with nothing turning up. I'm looking for the list of leftover permits from THIS years' fall draw- The original list of leftover deer permits (as they updated it regularly). The only list I can find is the updated version that has jr pig tags and what not leftover. Im basically trying to see what hunts were leftover immediately after the draw. Thanks in advance.

Thank you!! I've been waiting patiently.... Haha

Big congrats! Well deserved buck, Tyson! You're still crazy for packing him out whole.....

Where are you located? I'll probably take the ramps if you're "close". Thanks!

Pure silliness....

I think most here have the right idea. Amanda, your response hit the nail on the head. I'm not a biologist but I do spend enough time in the field to recognize what a "quality" hunt is and what it isn't. As already mentioned about the 4th season implemented, obviously the dept's definition of quality is different than mine (and many of yours). I understand they're between a rock and a hard place with supply and demand. But the supply should always take precedence over the demand. This is sound game management, IMO. If the dept as a whole wanted to offer quality wildlife management to the hunters of AZ, they'd take the advice of their own WMs. But our WMs feel like their hands are tied. They can do all of the surveys and studies they want, an alternative agenda is usually what's implemented instead. If a WM suggests that a reduction in permits needs to take place in his/her unit, I'm sure there's a very good reason for that. So instead the dept INCREASES permits??? Makes zero sense. Why are we requiring our WMs to be biologists if their input and work is ignored anyway? To recognize what a desert sotol (I finally learned the correct term yesterday! ha!) is and how Coues deer really enjoy barrel cactus fruit is far from a biologists objective. But what do I know? Maybe the majority of hunters dont mind seeing more hunters than deer when they go out. Maybe it's not necessarily an opportunity to have a decent chance at filling their tag, just a chance to get away and become an armed hiker for a weekend. Not me. I'd pick up a new hobby fast. I, for one, am not that person and feel that the "more opportunity" option was quite deceiving.