Outdoor Writer

Anyone here shoot a .264 Win mag that also reloads for it?? -TONY

A reread of my mesages will reveal why I asked if anyone reloaded, as in: "Anyway, the reason I asked the question is because I have a LOT of brass, most of which is once-fired that I'll part with for a reasonable price -- once I find it all in the places I have it stashed." The reread will also show that I quit reloading myself more than 10 years ago. Thus, I settled on the factory 140-gr. load. It happened a bit east of the Mississipi, but the one below travelled from brisket to butt on a blue wildebeest at 250 yards. I didn't recover any of the others from the rest of 9 one-shot kills with the .264 in Africa because they were all pass thrus. -TONY

Doug, You spent way more time and energy than I was willing to expend on explaining why I long ago settled on the 140s for everything. -TONY

Great. I have a couple hundred feet of hoses. Now, is it gas or electric, and if the latter, will you have electricity run or a generator?? -TONY

Thanks for the input. The M70 in the photo, which I've owned since it was new, is 43 yrs. old. And...I'll be sure to tell the dozens of critters hanging on my walls that they shouldn't be dead because I used the wrong bullet. -TONY

Do you own an air compressor? -TONY

And that is exactly why I see the need for change. I bet the farm the non-hunters who saw that photo and read that article have a lot less love for our sport now more so than ever. And it is the non-hunting public that has the reins as to the continued existence to what we "loves so dearly." For reference, check all the voter-pushed initiatives that recently passed here and in several nearby states. Lastly, I do see a huge difference between the examples in your message with your buddy and the way the hunts are now conducted for many of the special tags, especially elk and deer. It's the equivalent of having an occasional beer to being an alcoholic. Regardless, this is the last comment I'll make on any of the controversial issues that seemingly crop up here on a daily basis. It eats up too much valuable time and accomplishes little. Have a great weekend. -TONY

You obviously reload then. If that is the case, I have lots and lots of empty brass, much of of which is once-fired. If I can locate it all where i've stashed it, I'll make you a smokin' deal on it. -TONY

I am ALL for the special permits. The groups that sell or raffle these permits attract a lot of support form people who might not otherwise spend their money on our wildlife or in our state. These permits bring a bunch of out-of-state money here.... all, or most of which will be gone if these tags are gone. If you all want to raise more money I am for that too. But, one incident does NOT constitute a need for a sollution.... I am disapointed that we are still talking about this and still beating a dead dog.... Right, wrong, or indifferent..... this ONE incident does not make the whole concept bad!!! We could find our entire hunting sport in jeopardy if the anti's could use one hunting accident, or one game violation, or hunter argument against us all to change laws...... Lets get back to SUPPORTING OUR SPORT instead of proving amunition..... the rest of this will be settled by the laws that we already have in place. Done deal. CnS Maybe everyone else is, but I'm not basing anything on "this one incident." It just happens to be another odorous incident to what has become a perverted system, one that has changed drastically from the original concept and design of these special tags. Originally, they were set up with something like six week seasons, then it went to six months and then it became a year. Hunting is now done by committee with extravagant "finder's fees" further perverting the concept because the almighty dollar reigns supreme. For the tag holder, his hard-earned trophy is but a mere phone call away. Of course, that's only after he approves of it by reviewing the video tapes. I have been around since the beginning of these hunts and have written articles on several of them. The many interviews I've done with the "hunters" -- used loosely -- and guides have revealed many of the nits involved with those hunts. On one such hunt several years ago with the mule deer tag, the hunter, who could barely walk because of severe arthritis, spent a few hours in AZ on his "hunt," then went home with his trophy, which he bought for about $135,000 total. Just recall a few years ago when a law was passed banning this sort of hunt for mountain lions and ask yourselves why that happened. Granted a lion in a tree might be a bit more captive than an elk in a subdivision or a mule deer on the Strip being watched constantly by 10 people, but the end result is the same. Most of you might not have seen the article I did on another trophy mule deer, where I also covered the subject of chute planes extensively and how THAT particular hunter refused any help from those who offered to use them. When I wrote that article, I contacted G&F to see how many complaints they receive. The previous year, there were two. After the article appeared, complaints started rolling in, and eventually flying during the seasons became history. If my article had anything to do with that, I'm tickled pink. Oh, and I interviewed one very well known elk guide who was a big chute plane user & proponent at the time, but I never included anything he said in the article because he would only agree to be quoted anonymously, i.e. no credibilty. I won't mention his name, however. If anyone wants to read it, just send me a PM with your e-mail address. Whether this latest incident has legal ramifications or not has little to do with it other than reveal greater stupidity. And if true, all it will do is add a stronger stink to odor. -TONY

Keith, Reread my previous messages here that answer every question you asked above. -TONY

Not quite sure what you mean. G&F already owns that property and has since its inception. They had leased out the operation aspects for while, but now they also operate it. -TONY

Holler at me when you're ready. The only time I'll be gone for sure is Oct. 8 thru Oct 22, when we head down to our timeshares in Mazatlan. Are there building codes that you must adhere to in that area?? -TONY

To further illustrate how much some type of $5 habitat stamp might raise, here's another short item I wrote for the NSSF's HuntandShoot web site, where I do short items on 10 western states every two weeks. This one isn't exactly like the one I have in mind, but as you can see, it raises more than $1 milion annually. Of course, we already have such with the Kaibab $15 stamp for those select few that hunt there. -TONY Encourage The Purchase Of Habitat Stamps The New Mexico Habitat Stamp Program (HSP) is a joint venture between sportsmen and the agencies that manage wildlife and their habitat. Each year, licensed hunters, anglers and trappers who venture on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U. S. Forest Service (USFS) lands must purchase the stamp or validation from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). The federal Sikes Act authorized the program, which accounts for about $1 million worth of HSP stamps annually sold to sportsmen. These funds go toward habitat conservation and rehabilitation projects, more than 200 of which are in New Mexico each year. Because funding is not available for all projects, they are reviewed and prioritized by a regional Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) and, ultimately, by the State Game Commission. Members of the CAC represent sportsmen, public land permittees, wildlife advocates and other outdoor enthusiasts and are responsible for establishing project priority lists. After public comment, the committees set project priorities, which go to the New Mexico State Game Commission for approval. Project work is completed by the responsible agency. Numerous volunteer organizations and individuals contribute expertise and labor during the work phase. Some organizations donate funding to projects to increase its effectiveness or magnitude. The New Mexico Habitat Stamp Program is not just for sportspersons. Anyone interested in New Mexico's wildlife and wildlife habitats is encouraged to purchase the validation and participate in "Helping Wildlife Where it Counts . . . Where Wildlife Lives."

Yup, NM and I think ID does it, as well. I know WA does it because I wrote this little snippet for the NSSF's HuntandShoot web site, where I do short items on 10 western states every two weeks. But they levy a fine rather than deny a license. Reporting Harvest Is Easier Now The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has made it easier for hunters to report their harvest with a new automated system. All hunters with deer, elk, bear or turkey tags are required to report their hunting activity by Jan. 31 to avoid a $10 fine. Reports must be filed even if the hunter was unsuccessful or chose not to hunt. Reports are used to monitor wildlife populations and set future hunting seasons. Hunters can file their harvest reports online or by calling toll-free at (877) 945-3492. When I used "reporting harvest," that also includes reporting the lack of it. Although I haven't seen what archery hunters must now report, the regular hunt survey cards already have an option to check if one didn't kill a critter. It also has one to report wounding an animal. In either case, it takes all about 30-45 secs. to fill out. Geez, if I recall, it's even postage-paid. -TONY

azshtr, I pulled this image up from the thread I have in Other Big Game. If you look closely at my rifle, you'll see the front base overhangs the bolt area because I had the same problem you had encountered. Also, note how the rear base has the thicker area to the rear, as well. The ring slots in both bases were offset, so either one was reversible. And these were Leupold bases and rings used with a Leupold scope! I chose to reverse the front one because that interfered less when filling the magazine and most importantly, if I had reversed the rear base, the eye relief would have been too much because the scope would have been too far forward.

Sorry. The devil made me do it. -TONY

The above is a quote from the letter. Maybe G&F needs to do what a couple other states now do: no report, no permit the following year. That should increase compliance for better harvest stats, huh? And yes, it SHOULD include ALL hunts so the stats are accurate. Here's why: In the How To Hunt Coues Deer book, I explained how the harvest stats are derived from the mailed survey cards and why they can be really skewed, especially in units with a low number of permits. The stats are taken from only those cards that are actually returned. So if a unit has 100 permits but only 20 get returned and 10 people report killing a buck, the success rate is put at 50%. Of course, no one knows about the other 80 permits holders really did, but the assumption being made is they had the same average success rate. The problem is the statistical base to conclude that is really too small. -TONY I just finished reading the entire letter and saw the recommendation for manadatory reporting/no license was indeed suggested in it. Bingo! Then all they would need to worry about is hunters telling the truth on the survey cards. -TONY

The above is a quote from the letter. Maybe G&F needs to do what a couple other states now do: no report, no permit the following year. That should increase compliance for better harvest stats, huh? And yes, it SHOULD include ALL hunts so the stats are accurate. Here's why: In the How To Hunt Coues Deer book, I explained how the harvest stats are derived from the mailed survey cards and why they can be really skewed, especially in units with a low number of permits. The stats are taken from only those cards that are actually returned. So if a unit has 100 permits but only 20 get returned and 10 people report killing a buck, the success rate is put at 50%. Of course, no one knows about the other 80 permits holders really did, but the assumption being made is they had the same average success rate. The problem is the statistical base to conclude that is really too small. -TONY

Geez, Tam, a whole can of powder for four shots??? -TONY

Now that's certainly a novel idea, Mike. Everything stated in your message is dead on. -TONY

One other thing you might check is the WIDTH of the rings from front to back, not side to side. The Nikon ones might be wider, thus giving you less adjustable distance from front to back. -TONY

Doug, One thing I forgot to mention in my last reply: The annual funding for the new headquarters complex will come out of the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund, not the general operating AGFD funds. Here's how Conservation Fund receives its money: This fund was instituted after Arizona voters in 2002 approved Proposition 202, which continued limited and regulated gaming on Arizona tribal lands. Proposition 202 distributes a portion of shared gaming revenues, through the Arizona Benefits Fund, with the State of Arizona and local governments to support specified state and local programs. The Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund is administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. -TONY

If the ring slot in one of the bases is closer to one end than the other, try reversing it on the rifle to shorten the distance. Just be sure the bottom curvature fits the receiver the same way. If that doesn't work, return the Nikon stuff and get the Leupold bases/rings. If you can't find them, call Leupold. Give them your scope and gun models and have them ship you the rings/mounts that will work. -TONY

Doug, Here's the update straight from the powers-that-be -- the head of the Special Services Division. The property G&F currently occupies sits on 8 acres and has been appraised at $5 million. That area is now zoned as low-density residential, so the only thing that could be built by any developer would be a couple single family houses -- no condos or apartments. The sale is NOT finalized yet, but the city is now negotiating it where either the PD or FD will take over the site. The new quarters will be paid for with bonds up front, utilizing a limited partnership arrangement with everyone involved, and the lease back to pay off those bonds is for 25 years, with an annual payback of about $1 million. After 25 years, the agency owns it lock, stock and barrel. The breakdown of construction costs for what is called an "environmentally advanced" complex is about $16-17 per sq. foot., which as I had mentioned earlier also includes all the maintenance and custodial services. In addition to the energy savings, the rent for the area on the south side of Greenway will also be history. -TONY

Doug, Haven't you yet learned never to put forth facts into a lively discussion? Actually, the deal for the old headquarters complex on the north side of Greenway has already been consummated with Phoenix PD. It's a done deal. I should have the sale figure shortly. The property and buildings on the south side never belonged to AZG&F; they were leasing that part. BUT...even the funding for the new building has an interesting wrinkle to it. The general contractor is building it, and the department will have a 30-yr. lease-back arrangement whereby it pays so much a year toward the actual construction and maintenance costs. In return, the contractor will shoulder all the maintenance and custodial responsibilities for the duration of the lease. After 30 years, the department owns the whole enchilada. Additionally, just the savings in energy operating costs alone, amounting to about 50% less per sq. ft than now, will be substantial at the new complex. -TONY