Swivelhead

The great thing about a scattergun is versatality. Having different loads available for varied conditions is a good thing. Me, if the brush is thick and there is no way a shot is going to be beyond 50 yards I'd opt for 00 buckshot. Heavy shot will "dig em out" of this brush very well. Dropping a fast moving dog veiled by brush pleases me. That is the shotguns realm.

Not too worried about our predator populations. Mt. lions are the most successful large cat in the modern world. Currently their range is expanding. 1080, "getters" and trapping are no longer legal. Houndsmen are the only viable control mechanism that is currently legal. Anti's know this and therefore I would'nt be surprised if the next hunting related ballot initiative in this state deals specifically with houndsmen, lions & bears. Hope it never happens. Doubt anybody posting on this site would advocate the extinction of mt. lions. I believe lions have it better now than ever. Limited prey base in the wild? Lions will utilize the urban interface or a ranchers livestock till things get better. Lion populations are artificially high IMO. Public land managers have lost most viable methods of predator control via policy. Hunting depends on surplus animals, uncontrolled predation reduces or eliminates the huntable surplus. So ....... please don't pass up an opportunity to reduce a burgeoning predator population. Don't EVEN get me started on coyotes!

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36560 Feds have proposed a substantial change to current road system in the Coronado forest. I'd recommend we as a group give our input, there is a map showing proposed changes. A comment period is currently open till 2/28/2012. Check your areas and speak your mind. It appears many areas will become effectively roadless. Good for the young & strong ....... not so good for oldtimers who may no longer be able to access their traditional spots.

Sportsmans Warehouse had the Federal PS BBB's in stock, give'em a call. Supposedly Federal makes the P-Storm in T shot but I've never seen it stocked anywhere. Regarding chokes for buckshot: Open chokes do work better as stated above. Flight control wads do better with mod/full chokes, extra full chokes apparently hinder the wad design. National Wild Turkey Federation forums have extensive discussion about shotgun patterning but it's geared toward lighter shot.

which insurance co do you have? X10!

Congratulations on your ram!

Got 5 dogs in one morning using #4 steel. Dusting predators with shotguns is more about pattern density. I don't recommend #4 steel but it will work. I'm a big fan of copper plated BB's, pattern density is good. #4 buck shot is superior to 00 in my opinion due to the pattern density issue. On another note, I've become a big fan of Federal's flight control wad. I've used it primarily for turkey hunting using #5 or 6 lead shot and have flattened birds at surpisingly long distances. Due to the success I had with #4 steel (not Federal FC wad) on the wonderful morning previously mentioned, I picked up some Federal Prairie Storm BBB's that do have the FC wad. Less than $20 per box of 25, I hope to try them on yotes soon.

I've got some 10x50 SLC's and they are very good. So far I've steered clear of looking through the new EL's. Suspect the 12's would span the "gap" between 10 and 15 very well, lighter too. At least the new glass will drop the price on the old glass (maybe). I wonder when the upgrade will happen to the current 15X56. SHOT Show?

Public land managers are implemnenting travel management plans which should help. The problem is too many roads. Areas that have roads on every ridge top and drainage are a problem. Reasonable access is important too. Personally, I don't have a problem with road hunters, less people out where I go. I do have a problem with "wildcat" off roaders, especially if they are hunters "hunting."

9 points so far. Girlfriend drew tag #1 on the 1st hunt in 31 with 5 pts. Buddy drew tag #2 - 1st hunt in 31 with 4 pts. No max point round in 31 so it's just luck. Apparently it's not my time yet. No worries, got a San Carlos tag to keep my edge.

Great thread! Good luck sheep hunters, hope you have raingear.

I've got no problem with night hunting. Shotguns shooting shot, no big deal. Proposal would make it more comfortable to hunt the desert in the hot months. Snakes are another issue.

Archery javelina for me. Two Goulds tags in my circle of friends, drawn with 4 & 5 bp's respectively.

I use the Walkstool. Its lightweight and compact. X2, 26 ounces and compact. A little pricey however.

Devils started choking three games back. Upside: Cats sealed Erickson's fate. Go Devils!

I attempted to mount a 50mm Monarch on a T3 Lite with factory rings, no go. Warne makes rings for the T3 in different heights, I've had good luck with Warne. I ended up mounting a Picatinny rail on top of my reciever with medium height Warne rings. Worked like a charm, I like the flexibility the rail provides. Good luck.