AZ8

Way to go!

It's not only here, but all over our daily routines. My job has me interacting with hundreds of people daily and for the most part, people are friendly and cordial, just trying to live their lives without being bothered. But with that said, there is a noticeable change in people. They seem more " on edge" or rude. Very short fuses with little patience. Condescension and rudeness has multiplied 10x. What's causing this? IMHO....Technology. Posting their problems on Facebook to get attention, nasty posts on Twitter, ridiculous internet arguments hiding behind an ISP. Kids walking home from school, head buried in their phones and ear buds in, without saying a word to each other. Families out to dinner with mom, dad and kids all texting their respective contacts with nary a word on how their day went. Cell phones with us 24/7/365. (Yes I'm guilty of this). Technology has changed our social skills. And its showing up in everyday life. Yes, I see the irony of my post using the WWW. And yes, I understand how it's helped us. But, we're quickly losing our God given gift of human interaction, slowly becoming savages. Anyways, just my observations from the field!

Got a text from some friends in 4A getting ready for the jr elk hunt tomorrow. They woke up to 2 inches of snow. It's gone now, but they say it's pretty cold!

Natural Gear has worked well for me through the years. No complaints and it doesn't require a second mortgage!

Fee-based recreational use permits, i.e, Tonto Pass.

Mr Smith, my post wasn't meant to denigrate government employees, my apologies if it came across that way. I know many hard working individuals within the government sector. This is a difficult time for all of us and I wish you all the best in your current employment. My post was through the eyes of a private sector employee and solely based on personal opinion.

This marks the 18th Government shutdown. Like clockwork, the country continued to function, the sun still rose in the East and the American people quickly forgot about it just a few days later. I feel for those of you that have been forced into unpaid status. However, there are 1,000's of jobs being eliminated everyday in the private sector. Jobs that will never come back. Middle aged adults unable to find a job because companies don't want to hire a 56 year worker. The private sector is shifting to part-time employment to counteract Obamacare. Although you may be furloughed, after these politicians finish kissing each other's a$$es, you will have a job to go back to in a few days. Unfortunately, many of your fellow Americans have no job to go back to. This current administration has shifted the market place in such a way, permanent unemployment is the new norm. With the weight of Obamacare smothering small private business, the outlook for future jobs is bleak. The fundamental belief that the Government is responsible for your success has failed since the dawn of time. Freedom is what makes a person. Without it, nothing else matters. It secures Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I'm not a doomsday believer, but I have to say, if the current economic policies continue, the United States as we know it with be fundamentally changed forever. The next 5-10 years with be difficult for millions of hard working Americans. We've come to a crossroads: Secure our freedoms or succumb to the Federal Government to take care of us "womb to tomb"

On a whim, I bought a bushnell universal tripod adapter for $20 just because I like to try new gadgets! Surprised how well it worked! Basically like the Zeiss adapter, but $180 cheaper. I think that would work.

Not surprised. Coming home one night last year after a quail hunt in Tonto Basin, I almost hit a nice 6x6 bull on SR87, about a mile south of the rest area. Craziest thing I've ever seen! Scared the bajeezus out of me.

Fantastic!

Looks great!

More changes to the draw. Along with the correction period gone, it appears if your credit card is rejected, they will make three attempts to contact you to for a different payment. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/NewsMedia/Arizona-s-new-spring-hunting-regulations-are-now-online.shtml

Great seeing all these kids on their first dove hunt! Congrats!

Awesome!!

Well, how did everyone do? I was up early and to my spot before sunrise. In fact, a little too early! Always love opening morning. Anyways, compared to previous years, it took us a little longer to limit out. Not sure if the recent heavy rains have affected their patterns, but our "gold rated spot" was a bit off. Just had to adjust our plan of action. Either way, great morning overall. To say I was a bit rusty is an understatement. A person just can't practice anything that compares to diving and darting doves!! Lol Hope everyone had a safe and successful opener.

Hit the desert again this morning. Nice, cool and cloudy morning. I thought I'd be a smarty pants and switch to full choke thinking the birds would be skittish from the past week of shooting. Boy, I was wrong! They came in fast and in our face. I couldn't hit the side of a barn. So with all the birds flying in and my brother shooting away, I quickly removed full choke and screwed in modified. And just like that, 5 birds in 7 shots! We finished the morning with 20 birds and then the skies opened up with rain! Great morning in the desert.

That's what it's all about! It's great to see all these kids out in the field. Thanks for keeping the traditions alive!

I'm not following you. Or maybe Im misunderstanding this scenario. Change isn't a popular thing, but this isn't as confusing as its being made out to be. Lets think out loud for a minute....... Buy your license June 1, 2014. It's valid until May 31, 2015. Now, on June 1, 2015 you buy your new license. You're good to go on your spring bear hunt that runs until July 31st 2015. Remember, you can purchase your license on any date! If January 1 works for you, then continue with that. They aren't forcing us to pick a date. Only that's its valid for 365 days from date of purchase. It's really pretty simple.

Just buy the license on June 1. That will cover the draw in June, October and the following year for the February draw

Yup. The biggest mistake people make is over cooking! That's why I'm always in charge of the cooking at camp! Nothing worse than a hockey puck with fries! Lol

Marinate in garlic oil 48hrs. Add a dash of salt and pepper and throw it on the grill until medium rare to medium. Serve with wild rice pilaf and a cold beer! Amazing flavor! I keep all my wild game recipes simple. I never bury the meat in heavy sauces or spices and I NEVER over cook!

That is awesome!!! Great pictures and the smile on your sons face says it all!

Been happy with estate game loads. 7/8oz with number 8's!

Actually, mom and dad should be teaching this to thier children. It all starts at home.

As always, great pictures! The Kachina Wetlands are my favorite pictures! Thanks for sharing.