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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.

Looks great! For some reason the finished nuggets pic wasn't showing for me this morning. I love it when people share their recipes and techniques for cooking wild game. Especially the more exotic stuff like this. Thanks!

Generally, the off-road and 4x4 community is a good bunch. Conducting trail cleanups and the like throughout the year along popular and high traveled trails. From cleaning up oil spills to removing spray paint graffiti on rocks done by vandals. They realize that parties wreaking havoc on the trails, leaving garbage and burning down trees etc. will ultimately be blamed on them. So they do what they can in order to maintain a clean image. Above all, they try to remain stewards of the land for one main reason, to keep the trails open. The Sportsmens Constituent Group (SCG) has reached out to several local off-road groups with a common goal of doing what we can to restrict and limit road closures. We figure that maintaining an alliance, makes us a more powerful voice against the government limiting land access. There are plenty of people that enjoy the outdoors in different ways than we do. As with our heritage, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin our image.

Enjoy your day!

Have any pictures of the finished bear nuggets? Bet you were too hungry huh!

I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Congratulations are in order. That's a sweet bear to have called in and taken with archery equipment. Just amazing!

Hope you enjoy your day Shelvin! I truly wish you a memorable one!

That rack is just sick!

I'm sorry to hear about your family's tragic loss of your brother. It's so wonderful that you remember him like you do. I hope you see him again someday.

Thank you IA Born for your educating posts on the subjects. This has turned into a very informative and enlightening thread. I greatly appreciate your willingness to post up. Especially with your first hand knowledge and experience on the matter. Thanks for doing what you do and for working alongside us!

Ha! Maybe a little Barry White playing at TJ's this evening?