Tines

Something is better than nothing. 10% is good but more often than not, probably on the low side. Then again, not many hunts can be purchased for 2k. But please, don't let me talk you into feeling guilty about giving that much (or less). That guide will be very happy with whatever you can afford. Most guides I know don't work any harder expecting a bigger tip. Either they give you 100% because that's who they are or they don't care and just aren't very good at guiding. Tips can make or break a hunt. Depending on how much an Outfitter has invested in the hunt, a decent tip might mean he actually makes a little money finally. On the flip side, no tip can sometimes put a damper on the end result. If you're happy with your guide/outfitter, treat them right. Do what you can. There's an "average" tip for a hunt but it still ranges greatly. I'd also say most guides have a pretty good idea about those who can and SHOULD tip appropriately. But don't let that title of a "Dr." with his several homes fool you!

Yes, go to the range first. The factory 100gr shot well for me. But I shoot hand-loaded 110gr Accubonds. LOVE THEM!!!

Way cool!

I've got to reply to this. I'll agree that the Hoochie Mama is pretty bad. Although one time Lance and I were elk hunting in unit 8 a few years ago and after hearing a cow call, we looked at eachother, smiled and said "Hoochie Mama!" We stomped over in the direction and busted a cow out! HAHAHA! That said, I've always had the opposite experience. Now, on to Bigdan. I had a discussion with Bigdan a while back on Bowsite. He was about as arrogant as anyone I've "met". Like I mentioned over there, he needs a big slice of humble pie (maybe the entire pie). People over there worship the ground he walks on. Why? Because he's killed a lot of elk, I guess. But when someone says "There aint no one who can bugle elk better than me..." I've got to question the person. And you notice that when he hi-jacks everyone's elk threads, he posts the disgrace of a picture of that giant AZ bull!?!? I cringe when I see it. It's an amazing representation of a 400" bull, not an amusement park ride- get off of it! How would everyone feel if I posted a picture of a big buck I shot in someone's success thread? That's Bigdan for ya. Bigdan can probably call elk better than most, I'll give him that. But if I gave an elk tag from a few states annually into the hands of a few elk hunters Iknow, Bigdan would be put to shame. Would I care this much if he was some random OTHER hunter who has a few tags a year? Nope. It's his attitude that makes him a bonehead in my book.....

Thanks for the comments guys. Some of you had some pretty funny ones! That's great to hear that Wellers is going to donate a mount! Someone's going to get VERY lucky! I've been gone chasing elk for a little more than a week, now. Got home yesterday and just stared at the mount for a long time. How wrong is it that even while chasing bugling bulls all I could think about was Coues deer?!? Glad to be back in WT country again..

A few weeks ago I happened to stop into Wellers Taxidermy to just say hello. To my surprise, they were almost finished! Given the amount of animals they take in and considering the quality they put out, I was definitely expecting a few more months. Now I sit looking at one of the most realistic mounts I've ever seen! Thanks to Bud and Gavin for some phenomenal art-work and a 9 month turn-a-round to boot! On a side note, we chose to do the Right turn phase to show off the bucks big 3-point side. Really glad we did that. But when I shot this buck, this was exactly what he was doing except looking over his left shoulder instead. I actually had a little deja vu and got the chills when I first looked at the mount. I don't know if you can get much more realistic than that. What do you think, Andy? Recognize this buck? Enjoy!

Way to go, Jason! Hope Nick gets it done too...

Thanks for the clarification. Is it then "ok" for someone to carry a rifle for ANYONE? Thanks Jake

Nice diversion.

I knew after watching Andy stalk into 60 yards to a bedded buck in the WIDE open that it was only a matter of time. Darn cows... Good job, bud!!

awesome!

Ever meet someone who DOESN'T deserve an animal of that caliber? Far from Matt and Randy! Congrats to the "kid" who will probably hold every P&Y record of North American big game by the time he's 50. Amazing!

Like mentioned above, start by NOT gutting the animal. Honestly I can't remember the last animal I "gutted". Once you've got the method figured out, you might not ever do it again. Several sites offer instructions/videos to assist in this (including CWT). Just google "gutless method" or "poach dressed". After you've got this figured out, you'll have a pile of ribcage, guts (still inside) spine and pelvis. How you take the meat out from there is your choice- quartered, deboned, whatever. Regardless, its all legwork (literally) from here. Just a piece of advice. If its practical (and it usually is), NEVER push yourself too hard when a good nights rest is what might be needed to get out safely. Especially if you're alone. Several hours of rest after a long hunt can work wonders for you the next day. Trust me...

Blank bale works great but sometimes you have to pull the sight completely off. The problem is you're focusing on a certain point or target/pin as opposed to everything else. My first robin hood arrow came at 25yrds without a sight while trying to overcome target panic. Granted, I had a pretty big target to shoot into but that's whats going to work. It sucks, but you'll get through it..... Good luck! PM me if you have any questions...

It's really cool to see. It's in an wierd spot though, if you ask me. Kind of like the bulls right above you as you walk in. Just not real noticeable.

Oh, I'm sure it would have been "cool" if the sundevils did it to UofA, huh?

Did I read that right, someone actually voted for Glassman?!?!?!?! Wow!!! Being a Tucsonan and a city employee, I'd steer far away from that guy. Those of you who didn't know, he was former city council and much of our "success" can be attributed to him. His greatest accomplishment before he bailed on the city was singing the National Anthem at some UofA games. His ego is bigger than he is (and he's a large fella). Imagine yourself in a city council meeting talking about getting laid off when his phone rings and he actually takes the call. Pretty distracting with his loud obnoxious laughing and talking. And really sums the guy up in a nut-shell. For being less than 40yrs old, that guy is ALL ABOUT being a politician.....

Get a hold of Lance with Timberland Outfitters. He's a sponsor of the site and grew up in the heart of giant MD country in those units. I've spent a fair amount of time in St. Johns and like everyone says, the locals or those who know what they're doing are typically the ones taking the true monster bucks.... Good luck!

thanks!! I think I need to plan a hunt in WY! Amanda, I'll be heading to WY for my first antelope hunt in a month. I'm pretty excited! We'll be hunting in areas that are mostly public but we do have some access to private. In addition to the buck tag that I drew, I also drew 2 doe tags. Pretty sure this was right around $300 for all 3. My buddy also called me up and said there were leftover doe tags so he picked another one up for me. That's 4 antelope tags for a little over $300 :blink: I'll let you know how it goes!

You guys are in for a treat! Some great MD bucks are being taken from Lance's camp......

There's the red cup, no wonder....

In general, tine length makes all the difference. Like mentioned earlier, mass and width don't add near as much in the final score of a buck. Although they look WAY COOL when they're heavy or wide, it's generally not enough to take it to the next caliber of a buck like an inch or 2 on each point (which isn't as noticable in most cases like unusually heavy or wide bucks). I've looked over a fair share of 100" bucks and RARELY are they that big because mass or width took them there. I'll post some pictures later to give you a comparison on heavy bucks, wide bucks, tall bucks.....etc.... Good luck this year!

As some of you know, I talk with Lance pretty regularly. Flagstaff has been receiving a good amount of moisture lately and that combined with the Schultz Fire, there's quite a bit of flood damage taking place. And the unfortunate part for many homeowners is the rain doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. I'm actually surprised that this isn't getting a little more media attention. Some of you also may have heard of a young girl that was killed a couple of weeks ago when most of this flooding started. Anyway, Lance said that it's been an impressive sight- not so much the amount of water and damage, but the volunteers who have come together to divert water, muck out houses and tirelessly fill sand bags. Many children, just a tad bigger than the bags themselves, doing whatever they can. Attached are some pictures that I've received. The rains keep coming and not only are houses being severely damaged, saving utilities is becoming a "losing battle". To top if off, supposedly a pretty big storm is coming again today. I'm not completely familiar with all areas affected but I'm pretty sure that most are along 89 (North and East of Flagstaff). Please keep those in Flagstaff in your thoughts and prayers. Those who live up north, or close by, it sounds like there's plenty of assistance needed. Thanks....

Just talked with Lance. He said that donations can be made through American Red Cross and United Way. There are also a few bagging stations where sand bags are made. Having bags already made is a huge help. I'll pass on more info as I get it.

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