naturegirl

I hear you. Went out Sunday and didn't find even one, but we really have no clue about the ins and outs of shed hunting so we enjoyed our horseback ride in the woods regardless.

the very first thing out of your mouth is "thank goodness I don't have any big hunts coming up." Funny how I can deal with everything else like it's no big deal, but if I had to miss a hunt I'd be one bummed girl. Here's to hoping my rotator cuff will be fine for turkey season, but it's no big deal if it's not because this turkey tag is devoted to spending the time with my 5 year old in the woods. The drop tine buck from last year is my August goal so rehab/surgery, etc., here I come!

UPDATE doc says he would not recommend surgery right out the door so PT and I have restrictions (yuck!). I started off thinking I could just do everything with my left arm. Then I started thinking I might not want to hurt that one too. The injection and anti-inflammatory are working well (almost too well). I have to often remind myself of my restrictions, make myself go to PT, and then back to doc in 6 weeks to check in. I didn't ask about turkey season.....I must admit, though, 1-3 shots since I'm not having surgery is really tempting to me but only if the opportunity presents itself, but I'll inquire when I go back in.

Ughh. That sucks. I'll keep my eyes open. Thieves sure can be stupid sometimes so you never know where they will turn up.

I was up in the Show Low area yesterday and the grasses are brown with no new growth yet. The ground was spongy wet from the big rains that just came through. If the monsoon isn't a good one and some rain doesn't come before that, there will be forest fires because there are too many idiots out there who don't follow the fire restrictions and it was generally a pretty dry winter in most places. Sorry guys I could care less about how rain affects antler growth. I want to spend time in the beauty of the trees....not downed burned timber that's always trying to break my ankles and my bow.

She is a pig! She's so round it looks like she has been laying there a few days expanding.

browning Yukon gold. Does everything we need it to. We don't move very often, but it is a real pain to move even with door off (moved it twice now). it is what it is when something weighs almost 500 lbs. It only has a 30 minute fire rating at 1200 dg though. The rest fits your specs.

My 5-year-old daughter was just asking me yesterday (I kid you not) about bow fishing because Imelda from the Disney movie Brave can kill a fish with a bow. I love that movie and how it encourages little girls that bows are cool! 2 years ago March I broke my left wrist that required plates/screws. I'm a good patient and do most everything my doc tells me to and I was fine by my archery bull hunt that year. It's just a major pain to not be 100%. I have no doubt I'll be okay come August even if I have to drop my poundage down if needed, but I don't think I'll be shouldering a shot gun by May. MULEPACKHUNTER - I'm still riding. That's one piece of doctor's advice I didn't follow last time. I just can't wash the horse the way I'd like. I haven't figured out how to throw my saddle up yet, but I've got an idea of a way if the old man isn't around

He is getting it done! Way to go Beautiful Coues by the way!

You are a very nice husband! Now it's time to practice, practice, practice and she's ready to go!

I personally own a 270 and would go with the 300 for long range such as 800 yards. I know everyone has an opinion. I have paid a lot of attention to these opinions over the years the majority feels 300 is better than 270 for long range shooting. A 300 is my next gun I would like to purchase, but I want it for close range elk.

Love the gun. I have one but in a 12 gauge stainless steel, but I do love the wood. It would make someone's wife a really nice gift

My butt I use a pad that hooks to pack. It's a permanent part of my pack that goes everywhere with me. I used to use one with a back rest, but I can find a back rest most places I sit to glass. The single pad is super light and works best for me. My husband tried stealing mine he liked it so much. I got mine at Sportmans Warehouse. Also if I know I'm going to be glassing all day I will bring this small portable bleacher chair that has a back on it.

With the amount of research you would think that would go into any re-introduction they would've done a lion survey prior to the release. Makes me feel like the sheep were free meals given to the lions This doesn't appear to be a very successful re-introduction to have 50% of the sheep lost within such a short time. Very sad for the sheep and sad for the lions.

I'm no longer a kid and still loving catching them. In my book any fish is better than no fish and it's a monster! I couldn't help but think wow this guy actually is letting his picture be posted so we can all enjoy his record breaking fish! Great catch!

Thumbs up to your uncle for doing the right thing. This guy sounds like an intimidator and your uncle isn't taking his crap. I hope the outfit is shut down or at least a big dent is put in his business. Great ideas some of you guys came up with...LOL

Those are some happy kiddos! Way to go !

Ruger 380 LCP

Security is typically the reason I don't post my birth year. I'm around 40 and perfectly happy with my age

What a beauty! Congrats!

My memory foam pillow freezes up when it's really cold out . The foam hardens up in the cold, but body heat eventually softens it up. I'm not sure if it's the type of memory foam or if all memory foam does this. I no longer take this pillow camping with me for this reason though.

I have an Outdoorsman tall that has 3 legs. I absolutely love this tripod. I'm hard on equipment and it has stood up well to my use. I've had it at least 2 years and have used it too many times to count and in all conditions from rain, snow, dirt, etc. I personally like the tall because I don't always glass sitting and with this one I can easily sit, kneel, or stand. I pack it pretty much everywhere. it is just a part of my day pack. I'm sure there is something a little lighter out there, but I, like you, questioned the durability. Outdoorsman will let you try out their equipment at their store before you buy it.

Great video!

cat paws down south and bear feet up north are my preference. Bear feet do not work well in cactus, but cat paws do okay.

I've been hunting a unit south of the valley. I typically prefer to still hunt or spot and stalk. I was still hunting on a solo hunt and came across 4 bucks with 2 does. Let me say that this was the first time I've ever seen deer rutting and I was beyond thrilled. I came over a small hill and there they were. The biggest mule deer I've ever seen in person had his nose right behind her and around them were 3 other bucks. Honestly I was surprised the other 3 bucks were so close to the doe and the monster MD. So I get my plan and haul butt up the backside of a hill to flank them and get in front of them. I got a total rush of buck fever, which was awesome. When I got to the top of the hill I was shaking so bad. I knew I couldn't hold my bow like that so I put my head down, took some deep breaths to catch my breath and calm myself down before I came over the top of the hill. The plan worked perfectly and I came out a little in front of them but up above them about 100 yards. The 2nd biggest buck walked 60 yards in front of me, looked at me/through me, turned broadside, and then just circled back toward the other deer (40 yards is my self-imposed limit and after losing a bull this is a limit I'm sticking by). Then I feel wind on the back of my neck, I watch the bucks and they do nothing, then I see the does make their escape with a bunch of antlers in tow. I did get one more opportunity at the last buck of the bunch who trailed behind the rest with his nose to the ground. I glassed him up and ran across a wash to get in front of him, but never saw him again. I have to say I'm proud of myself. I don't often toot my own horn, but for me I put two and two together on my own and got myself a shot opportunity. I also did everything just right up until that last few seconds so I've been itching to get back out there to give it another go. This happened Wednesday. I'm heading back out tomorrow and then for a couple days later this week. My plan is to go back to the general area I saw them and work it the way I did last time. It was full of deer tracks since the last rain a couple weeks ago so I know the area is being heavily used. How long does a doe stay in estrus? Why were the bucks all so close to each other - is this typical? It was obvious the dominant buck had 1st position, but I just didn't expect to see 3 other bucks right behind him. I had no planned intention of stalking the dominant buck because I know he would be harder so close to the does and the others were great bucks for me. I'm super happy I located them on a solo hunt, but I'm definitely itching to close the deal. Any pointers, thoughts, advice would be very much appreciated since I have almost no experience with the deer rut. It's obvious now for the last many years, we have hunted too early during the archery season and missed most of the rut action.