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Congrats to all the winners and a huge THANK YOU to all that put their hard earned money into the drawing at a chance at some once in a lifetime prizes. A lot of money raised for wildlife. A lot of volunteer work behind the scenes to make this all happen.

Yes, loose guidelines on a deadline have been discussed. Based on the current deadlines set forth by other states, it can be as close as 1-2 weeks from the hunt start date. I agree that this is too close for comfort looking at it from a sportsmans point of view. Many times it takes considerable planning and money and vacation time from work in order to make a hunt happen. So a lot of times, I think people wouldn't be able to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise. After all, you would basically lose your bonus points as if you were drawn for the hunt in the first place. Not a good selling point. So, what happens when the next person in line can't go? Azgfd would call the next guy, so on and so forth, until the tag is accepted. As a business person I see an avenue for unnecessary expenses to be taken on by the department. How many man hours will it take to go through the applicants? How much paperwork? This I don't know.

I was talking to my parent's neighbor the other day. (an avid global fisherman) I brought this up and he believes the warm water currents will in fact reach areas that they normally don't. Bringing with them a flurry of fish not commonly seen in areas like the bay you posted. So interesting.

It's great to hear you are getting some good precipitation. I sure wish the rain would travel North all the way to the Kaibab. it's been a dry year to say the least.

This was brought up last night as well. I'm glad you feel the same. Not charging the youth was another submitted comment. Like Flatlander stated in the meeting, this would establish some goodwill with the department.

Congratulations on your first bull. Allen is right, you will kill better bulls in the future, but hunting with your Dad is priceless.

Cool photos. That's a lot of piggies!

The system (program) is antiquated and does need updating to current technology. Today, the system as it is designed, cannot be added to. With new technology, the portal will be updatable as advances in programs become available. It should also have the ability to work on any and all platforms. (All smartphones regardless of operating system, apple products, PC, etc.) The department is behind the times if you ask me. This is a refreshing idea that I believe will ultimately cater well to everyone's needs. *You may be addressing another point. Not quite sure, but I posted some relevant information related to the topic*

The scenario above has been considered and it is my understanding that yes, you could surrender your tag but not be reimbursed the fee, plus you would only be reinstated with the points you had going into the draw, not gain a point. Other states allow you to do this but have rules in place to deter fraudulent activities. Such as having the ability to surrender your tag for multiple years, but come the third year, you lose all of your bonus points in doing so.

Naturegirl: Pricing has not been hashed out, and may be one of the hardest things to consider. If the price is too low, they may be shooting themselves in the foot after the dust settles and their real costs are higher than what they are charging. If the price is too high, it reduces the potential market considerably of those that may buy into the services. Johnny Blaze: The department runs reports on the number of licenses/tags purchased for both hunting and fishing. Along with "comparing notes" with other departments across the country at various meetings/expos/etc. Hunter/fisherman numbers have been on a steady decline for quite some time across the country. Here in Az, we are losing more fisherman than hunters, but losing both at a regular pace. When you think about it, it's easy to see why, older sportsmen are retiring from the outdoors or simply dying off. Younger people have more/easier access to and get instant stimulation from technology than the outdoors.

Thanks Flatlander for the great summary of last nights meeting with Scott Lavin from AZGFD. It was a good get together with a lot of back and forth between the constituents and the department. Overall, I do think that we reiterated some points that have already been posted here on the forums, and brought up some good ideas for the department to consider. One thing I do think we all agree on is that the issuance of surrendered tags should NOT go to "club members" but to the person next in line. (or some other viable alternative such as this) Another thing to note is that surrendered tags don't necessarily need to go back to the department, but any of the approved 501c3 organizations. Such as the ones we are all familiar with that assist wounded military, terminally ill youth, and others. One would get their bonus points reinstated and get a tax write off in the process this way. It was great to see everyone again and meet new friends like Dave Bruns from the Az Deer Association, who has been doing a lot of leg work collecting real data for use in assisting the decision making process for the department. The ADA will be submitting a longer report full of ideas and comments to the department addressing the portal and proposed "tiered club". Again, if anyone wants to attend any of the public meetings, there will be a few coming up. Primarily, next Tuesday at Bass Pro Shops, also Cabelas, Payson, Flagstaff, etc. Good way to hear first hand what this is all about and get your two cents in. Thanks,

That's awesome. I do hope you continue to do fine without, and I'm sure you will. Bureaucracy exists wholeheartedly in every government organization, and is one of the things I hate the most. I sincerely agree with you on that. Where you see it with the conservation groups is beyond me. To be honest, wrapping my head around and understanding the legislative process and all the rules and regulations coming from Federal and state levels has been the most difficult. Definitely not the most efficient way to get things done in my opinion. I've been wanting to volunteer in a more involved level for a long time. I figured everyone was tired of hearing me complain and that maybe I should try and change things if I didn't like the way they were being done. I know that volunteering isn't for everyone, especially when dealing with a government agency, but I'm not holding you to anything. I'm just happy that you are a hunter and shooter and sportsman that I have a little common ground with. Plus, you probably vote the same way I do at the polls. I'm trying to do good for wildlife more than anything. I'm sure it's appreciated by some.

Exactly why SCG exists. So that you can hunt. So that your kids and grand kids and their kids will have the opportunity to hunt. To try and make sure our heritage is here for all, for as long as possible.

Stan, I find it so ironic as well. Just an FYI, I know of two other hunters that have given Todd Rice deposits for future hunts. They have since heard of the fiasco that Todd Rice and Sonoran Outfitters puts several of their clients through. Needless to say, the hunters have quite the dilemma on their hands now.

Great photographs Amanda. Those tacos look AMAZING!

Lance, apparently G&F has hired their own IT professionals to handle the draw, this new portal and the current website. It's all in house from here on out. The next draw cycle (spring 2015) will be conducted as usual but the new system should be in place for the 2015 elk/lope draw. This is my understanding also. The AZGFD is just as frustrated with the performance of the current draw process as we are. This is the final year under contract with the company that currently conducts this service for the department. AZGFD is taking things "in house" to address the current situation head on.

The July 1st meeting in Mesa isn't advertised anywhere. The only meeting I see in Mesa is on July 8th at BassPro. Not being listed anywhere, I want to make sure it's an "open" meeting. Thanks. It is common for the department to meet with different conservation groups for presentations such as this. SCG is having a non formal meeting this coming Tuesday and it is SCG's goal to "bring a friend" and spread the word of the meeting. So yes, the public is definitely welcome. Also, bring a friend!

Sweet post! I look forward to your creations and let me know if you need a taste tester. When hunting the desert floors, I seem to regularly grab a mesquite bean and chew on it.

Hyperwrx, Thank you so much for your contributions to this thread. It's great to learn from people such as you that have firsthand experience on the subject. I'm reading your posts going "really?...I never knew!"

You guys are baaaaad. mkay.

Please give us some insight on what went down tonight if you can. If there are any unanswered questions, let us know and we can bring them up next Tuesday. Thanks in advance.

A lot of good points have been brought up in this thread and some good questions too. Allen (coueshunter) was fortunate enough to get the first meeting with Scott Lavin from the department regarding their ideas. As Allen stated, the Sportsmen's Constituent Group will meet with Scott at the Mesa AZGFD branch at 6PM next Tuesday, July 1st. Anyone and everyone can attend. I urge those that can make it, to please show and get first hand info from Scott and tell him what sounds good/bad about their proposal. Good opportunity to ask the right questions.

I wasn't expecting that. Nature sure is interesting!

Loving the play by play. Congrats on a successful trip!

+1 to what edge said on all three counts.