Dave_D

Thanks for sharing. I guess nobody else has killed any deer in the 35's. Never had that hunt, but, I will say your photo lineup is super impressive! Hard work pays off and it looks like you are dialed in!!

It's usually just a cold coke! I would like to think its good clean livin' but I know there was far too much luck involved to believe that. Thanks for all the kind words. Karl told me he put this up here, and I was stunned he came out of "lurking mode" to post (he's in the upper left of the team picture)! Did I mention that he flew in from Houston to share in the experience? Those are the kind of friends I am glad to share a campfire with. As a gift, a good friend sponsored my Huntin' Fool membership on the condition that I send in my story. I made good on my end of the deal and was surprised to see it make print in this month's issue. You should know that I never hunt with the goal of seeing my face in a magazine. I won’t lie though, I’ve dreamed of harvesting animals of the quality and caliber to warrant proper recognition. Of all the species I’ve hunted over the last 28 years, this ram was my first to be worthy even though every hunt I've been on had great stories/memories. Sharing this story and recognizing the folks that helped me was the ultimate way for me to publicly say “Thank You” to all of them. I recently learned that members of The Huntin’ Fool have the ability to vote for their favorite story each month and the winner will get their choice of a new rifle or bow. If you are a member I would like to ask you to consider voting for my story – only if you think it is the best one this month. You have to be a subscriber to login and vote, and only through the end of this month. I hope that if you are holding a tag or going on a sheep hunt that this story gets you fired up for December 1st! I'm glad it is limited to "once in a lifetime" in Arizona and hope that everybody that desires to hunt desert bighorns gets their opportunity. I surely won't ever take it for granted and hope to pay it forward someday.

What a cool story and a great experience! Talk about getting the heart going! Didn't you just kill a great muley that I read about in Huntin' Fool a few months back? I thought I recognized the name but may be mistaken. Awesome that you and your husband are able to do this stuff together. You are both very lucky! Congrats again, awesome buffalo!

http://www.scopecoat.com/products Exactly. Think about why you want scope caps? To keep them clean and dry right? Dust is my worst enemy and if you don't know what you're doing you can wreck some expensive glass in a hurry trying to get the dust out. I keep them on all my scopes, and binos (binobib). When it's time to shoot, it pops off quickly and can be jammed into a pocket real easily. They are priced more than fair, and if you need one custom built (think pistol, concealed carry, etc.) just take your scope/pistol/binos over and they will trace the item and then build one for you in about a week. Did I mention they are right here in Phoenix (a lot better than China)? Last, and to be fair, I believe scope caps didn't work for me because while carrying my rifle over my shoulder on a sling they would be rubbing/popping open against my pack/belt/something.

Top notch, first class, and I agree that there will likely never be another like it. Some of the best advice I received when I drew my tag was to start getting my eyeballs on as many Ram photos I could find. Even better if I could find pictures with scores. I bought all kinds of books, old magazines, new magazines, etc. and spent countless hours on the google. This one book would have blown away everything I was able to scrounge up in panic mode. A true collectors item. My hat's off to Tom and Geof on a terrific book. Thank you for all you put into it, it obviously was a labor of love.

Used to love them until I had the same experience you described. Now I just put a scopecoat on instead and save my frustration for something else.

+100 Enjoyed this post a ton, thx for sharing. How old is your young hunter?

Anybody else think the next to last one is a cactus buck? Thanks for sharing your awesome photos with us!

I've rented Swaro 15's and a Wall Tent from Ross Outdoors. Prices are fair, and the guys that run the place are top notch (David was running it last I was in there).

WOW! Incredible video, thanks a ton for sharing with us!

Thank you Eric! I look forward to supporting your shop again, it is always a pleasure!

I loved Tom Saad's Kofa Kings and can't wait for his new one currently being published Desert Bighorns I consider these books, and some of the others previously mentioned to be keepsakes. Treasured trophies, like the mounts on the wall. They are meant to be read and re-read regularly then Passed on for future generations. Kind of like an old rifle. As for magazines...Huntin' Fool is one of my favorites that I read cover to cover every month. A little spendy, but worth every penny.

Very Well said - and thanks for saying what I've been thinking for several days! Best wishes to you and your family.

Awesome, thanks for sharing!!

My favorite quote from the young man in the video - "I'm kinda likin' the screwed up one!" I'm kinda with you young man!!

Pick a profession, any profession and you will find people who do it well and others who still have a lot to learn. My .02 is this; treat them both with respect (or how you would like to be treated), regardless of their approach. Likely you will get the same respect in return and if not, you can walk away feeling much better about yourself having given the person on the other end a new outlook for how they approach the next guy. My experience with G&F has been only positive. I can remember being checked 30 some years ago shooting dove as a youngster and periodically since then. Every time I leave my home for a hunt or outdoors trip, I leave expecting to see them, with my license and tag safety pinned inside my pocket, and expecting it to be a pleasant experience. More recently, I drew a highly coveted tag and they far exceeded my expectations with the time and personal assistance they provided. I can honestly say that my hunt turned out completely different than it would have without them. I've read some of the bad stories about them posted here and elsewhere. If completely true, they are unfortunate, but I also know there are always two sides, and wonder what the other side might say if they had the freedom to post their perspective. These guys have a tough job, that I respect, and we need to remember we are always working with each other - not against.

I drew more bonus points!

You are a pretty humble guy I suppose - your description of the call is a giant understatement! Incredible work, and I am glad to say I have a new favorite call in my vest for next spring. Also, thanks for the description you included on the letter with the call. You and I have an awful lot in common my friend, and we have likely crossed paths at one of many of Marvin's seminars. He is greatly missed, and touched the lives of so many. It makes me feel good that his legend continues. Good luck in the contest next year and please keep me/us posted on how you do! I would love to know who can make a better sounding call than this one!! Thanks also for your support of the NWTF - it was another great family event last night!

Looks great, how does it sound? Do you sell these if I don't win one? Will you be attending? I'll give it my best shot to make sure it comes home with me!!

You have to be a member (i.e. Subscriber ). Subscribers can setup a login via their member number and then vote online for their favorite story each month. Most votes wins their choice of a new bow or rifle! Good luck!

I gave reviews for the pack and all the accessories you helped me with last fall. 6 reviews in total. Thanks again for your comments and recommendations when I bought this pack from you. I look forward to stopping into your store next time I'm through there. Eberlestock Dragonfly Pack Eberlestock Gear - Straps, Hydration Bladder, XL accessory pack, Stuff Sack, Shooting Rest

July 19th, 4:10pm

I look forward to reading the story. You will get my vote too!

Hey, I recognize that 'cat'! Congrats bud, thanks for posting. How are you guys going to mount it?

Ordered mine last week, thanks for posting!