Swivelhead

Congratulations on your bull!

Nice pics. I agree with those who believe the 2nd ram is low 160's.

Assuming you are talking the rifle hunt: Most reasonably accessible water sources are "staked out" prior to the opener. Lots of California plates. Tough hunt but some very nice bucks live there. The January archery season is dominated by out of state hunters. Deer density is very low. Water is usually plentiful (tinajas) in January so water sources are not all that productive. Beautiful place in January. Bring a shotgun, decent quail hunting there.

Spend the extra money on a fluid movement 2 way pan head. Fluid heads are slightly heavier but well worth the added weight.

Need an overdraw. Trying to put a rig together (recurve) for an archer with a 34" draw (6'9" with long arms). The longest arrows we could find are 33" throat to insert. Not even close to achieving full draw with these arrows. I'm hoping somebody has a RH overdraw collecting dust somewhere that they'd let go cheap. Thx in advance.

Being your time is limited, I'd recommend coming over a week before your hunt starts and do your scouting then. Patterns change substantially between Sept and Nov.

You'll know soon enough. Congrats on drawing a permit.

IMO you did nothing wrong. Salt pits, cameras, waterhole/blind/treestands tend to make people who place such hunting aids believe they are entitled to an area. There is drama with these methods. End of story.

I'm collecting points hoping things will change for the better. I detest hunting boundaries whether unit, state, private, municipal, park, etc.

I've abandoned blood trails at night when it became obvious a nighttime recovery was unlikely. Of the elk recovered the following day (no later than 10 am), I lost no meat. Suspect most of them expired in the early morning hours, less than 8 hours before discovery. Some of those were nasty bone outs. Even on short blood trails, early season meat recovery is an emergency situation IMO.

Archery only hunts are any antlered deer. Go ahead and target muleys but take a coues buck if an opportunity presents itself. Doing so will boost your confidence in your equipment and woodsmanship. Coues deer are especially tasty too. Any quiet camo will work, personally I think Natural Gear is a great pattern. Carhardt are noisy until well broken in. Welcome to the site and good luck.

Packing in 5-10 miles will be a great adventure. I'd recommend you prepare for packing out a heavy load very quickly. September temperatures are unforgiving with respect to table fare.

This ^^^^^

Consider sending Jay Scott an email for contact info.

Geocache?

Nice!

Small egg sinker w/ split shot; 18" leader to a #6 or #8 hook. Worm, small marshmallow and a salmon egg or two. Our family referred to it as "the cocktail". Lay the salmon eggs & marshmallows on a rock in the sun to firm up a little. Worm goes on the hook 1st, marshmallow 2nd, a couple salmon eggs to finish the cocktail. Works really well when the weeds are bad. The semi stiff marshmallow provides flotation. Toss the cocktail out, let it sink to the bottom, take up excessive slack but DON'T move the bait (avoid pulling it into the weeds). Good luck on your trip.

Did you read post #5? LOL

Another vote for Helly Hansen. They make them in camo. Xtra Tough rubber boots, very comfortable. Synthetic or wool layers underneath. Have fun!

I'd be in favor of AZGF starting large scale breeding program at Houserock ......

Moving tribute to your companion. Sorry for your loss.

Outstanding! Taking an animal out of it's bed with a bow is as good as it gets. Really enjoyed the video. Congrats to all.

No luck with this years NM draw. Love their draw system. Especially group applications utilizing attach codes. Don't need to see a friends personal info as in SSN# (nor he see mine). Don't have to float $$$ for other members of the group, etc. I'm thinking knuckle dragging cavemen designed AZG&F's online system.

Sweet looking XJ. Selectable lockers?

+1