AZP&Y

Mulie Hunter, I've been following your post and I fall into the same category, except I have a 36 B - December whitetail tag. I went on ebay today and bought (sight unseen) the Nikon Monarch ATB 12x56 binos for $326.50 shipped to my door insured. I called Nikon and this guy is a legit Nikon dealer. I have no connection to him other than saving between $125.00-$175.00 off of what they would cost anywhere in the valley. http://stores.ebay.com/Wilderness-Sports He had 4 pairs and they all sold today.. (bet he'll relist more).... Anyway thought you might want to check him out and save yourself a few bucks. These are so new that the retail alone was $430.00 plus tax... & they're not even in the shops... Don't they know it's time to Scout?? When they come in the mail I'll let you know more, but they were exactly what I was looking for Coues Country... Good luck! Doug Az P&Y

As you can tell from the posts. Garmin is a BIG seller. I went for the Venture, between the base model and the Legend. It has been bulletproof for the most part and I've carried it for almost 5 years. It had a few issues recently and I sent it back this week to Garmin. They are going to download my GPS coordinates and send me a new (refurbished) unit , with my data loaded for $79.00. Not a bad deal. If you want to learn about how GPS works and take a quick course, Wide World of Maps, has a GPS class. I believe it's the first Saturday of the Month and cost is nominal. They explain how the gps functions and the features of the GPS in the real world. The bottom line you will be able to venture farther with greater confidence, but as someone said in an earlier post, there is no substitue for map and compass navigation. Because as i've done it more than once, the GPS has hit the ground and I went , "uh oh". I would most definetely buy the the velcro/clip case for any GPS you buy..... So it doesn't hit the ground (too many times).. AZP&Y doug

It's always good to 'recycle' the gear and look at new and innovative options. I also sold my North Face Trek Bivy, too confining and just not enough room to stash gear and sit up. I went with the MSR Trekker Tarp and Insert.. 40 square feet, 7 foot length 5 foot wide and weighs 2lbs. The top shelter (rain fly tarp) weighs another 2.3 lbs and sleeps 2 comfortable with vestibules and zippers on each side. Add 2 trekking poles or MSR's wing poles and for around 5lbs you've got a bullet proof 3 season shelter with enough guy lines and points to withstand a winter storm.... I've heard nothing but GOOD things about Eureka tents and the Exo line. I have the MSR pocket rocket and have heard good things about this brunton stove: http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=244 Iso pro fuel can be a bit tempermental at really cold temps , but lights without all the priming and burns with the same fury as white gas. There is nothing like saving a few pounds when you climb in steep coues country for a backcountry coues experience! Doug AzP&Y

RR, What are you 'upgrading' to? I see you're releasing your're backpack gear for sale. With all of the ultralight - waterproof shelters on the markets, bivysacks, single wall tents, wings, tarps and freestanding shelters the hunting overnight world is the limit. One lantern I picked up has been fantastic, the brunton mantleless liberty piezo ignite. No more mantle issues and it works even after it's been wet. It weighs in at 8oz and used iso/propane fuel. Great tracking lantern if you've hit an animal and need some quick reliable light. It does give off a bit of a yellow hue though. Nice elk pics..keep em' coming... Doug azP&Y

Just picked up my cow mount a couple of weeks ago @ Signature in Flagstaff. I thought they did an outstanding job- I poked my head in behind the scenes and they had some AWESOME BULLS that were in the process of mounting. Not to mention a lion taking down a Mule Deer as you walking in the shop (life size). Good luck with your hunt and hope you get the MONARCH of the woods. Doug AzP&Y

Just walked through the edge of 5BN 11 miles doing a section of the Arizona Trail. Found a nice 6x6 bull elk shed and tracks along the trail itself, but didn't see 1 elk that day (about 2 weeks ago). Horse Lake, Vail lake and Prime lake all had water in them. - Everything about hunting starts with water in AZ Nice pile of fresh scat up at Horse Lake (Big Bruin in the area) ? I spent a couple of days at Marshall Lake and that is where I saw the most elk, in fact about 20 of them came down to feed right at dusk. The bull wouldn't budge, but I could hear him in the trees talking to his harem of cows. Marshall Lake was full last year (see picture 1). But now it's down to a low marsh. I would go buy the 6a hunt map , ( i know you're hunting 5bN) but a decent part of 5BN is contained on this map. It's worth the 12.00 bucks or so & gives you a good lay of the land. I'll be hiking the next 18 miles through Walnut Canyon probably before the end of summer , I think Desertbull may be right on also I'll be across the pond (lake mary) hunting cow Elk in 6Anorth so we'll push a bull your way. Good luck and aim for that heart or lungs! Doug AzP&Y

December 36b late - December HUNT ! 1 of 200 lucky souls. Casey my "dream" did come true 6A Archery Cow Elk Tag - That's 6 years in a row drawing an Archery Elk Tag! 5 cows and 1 bull... Bring on the RUT! AzP&Y Doug

Stanley, Nice job. Mine hit as legitimate charges (no more pending status). They show on the online statement. I have it printed and will use it in a court of law if necessary Anyway, I'm with you- can't wait to see what unit and FOR my OWN eyes on the AzG&F website! Rock On- time to Fling some carbon! Azp&Y

$390.00 pending... 4 archery elk tags and 4 deer tags... azp&Y

Nice video.. Just can't get over the guy archery hunting the black bear in a white t-shirt.. AND he misses...Ooops sorry if I spoiled that one.... azp&Y

Hey Scottyboy, Outstanding!!. Nice summit. That peak demands the utmost respect, wind, rain, lightning and of course blizzard snows at certain times of the year. The 50 year avalanche (2 years ago) devastated the Abineau/Bear jaw trail snapped the ponderosa like match sticks (on the north side of Humphreys) and that trail is still virtually impassable a year and half later. You should consider Mt. Whitney in Cali. Mt. Whitney is the most frequently climbed peak in the Sierra Nevada, if not in the US. Because of this, the National Park Service and the US Forest Service, who manage the Whitney Portal Trailhead, have implemented a permit system to minimize the impact of day-hikers on the Mt. Whitney backcountry. All hikers entering the Mt. Whitney zone, including day-hikers, are required to obtain a permit. Mt. Whitney can be most directly reached by a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. The elevation at the trailhead is 8360' (2550 meters). The elevation at the summit is 14,491' (4417 meters). As for real comfortable hiking shoes I cannot say enough about Vasque. After 125 miles on the Arizona Trail they are the bomb. Soak those tired feet in Epsom and you'll be ready for another summit in no time ! I actually like Humphreys in the Winter time ( brrrr ) but hey you want solitude ? It's there! Take care and Thanx for sharing your adventure! Stay safe down in the zone PS- Nice Honeymoon pics! AzP&Y Doug

Well it was time to hit the Arizona Trail again ? this time solo.. Having completed section #29 in April, I was anxious to get on with #30 and my goal of reaching Flagstaff sometime by the end of summer. The trail begins south of Mormon Lake and ends at Marshall Lake. 33 miles of Arizona backcountry. While driving by Lake Mary, 40 elk entered the area between Upper and Lower lake Mary to graze. Had to pull over the truck and take a few pictures and dream of the September archery hunt and hopefully a 2006 tag. The first 5 miles started with a welcome rain shower and a steady drenching. It has been raining up north and the grass and forage is beginning to improve, over the last few weeks, although more is needed. I had the opportunity to spot over 100 elk along the way 15 deer, some coyotes and big ol pile of bear scat. As the trail climbed onto Anderson Mesa, I kept my eyes open and scored a pair of 6x6 bull elk sheds , which I carried 8 miles on my pack to Marshall Lake. The days in the high country seem to melt away as the grand Arizona sunset completed another day in paradise. One last stop at Signature Taxidermy in Flagstaff to pick up my cow elk mount from last September & onto the desert floor and hopes of returning in September! http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_30.html AzP&Y Doug

Hi Jim, It took me 3 days, I did 5 miles the first day, 16 miles the second and 13 the last day. I had to go to Pinegrove campground about a mile off the trail to get water so, it added a bit of trail time. Scotty boy - Yes, Humphrey's trail is open .. That is a real challenging hike. Just get an early start and avoid the lightening on the mountain! Take some pictures and please share them! Doug AzP&Y

I second the Muzzy 3 blade - 100 grain. Never failed and 2 elk as a result. Try them, I think you'll be 'sold'. Good Luck on the NM archery hunt! AzP&Y

Yep Casey - good job- .....hope that you get your 36 b December tag (I'm hoping for the same) Happy Birthday - 21 is the best .. A few more from section 29 of the Arizona Trail (near happy Jack) AzP&Y

The "infamous" Altar Valley Sierra Anchas looking back towards Roosevelt Lake azP&Y

RR, Superb pics- very nice! Looks like the rain is making a difference with the grass and forage. Regards, AzP&Y Doug

i'm sure azpy and a few others will call me liar, but oh well, i do like to fish. Hey LARKWOLF, Now that we're talking the truth let's get something straight, I never called you a "liar" in fact wasn't it you that said I was " FULL OF CRAP" ?? for supporting the reintroduction, of course constructively put. Maybe stick to fishing? Looks like your line is snagged... Parvo & Ranchers won't be the downfall of the wolf - That I guarantee... Later, AzP&Y

Nose to the wind... Buskin River- Kodiak - the last frontier....

Just picked up a hat- they look real nice... Thanks for the update Amanda! Doug AzP&Y

Cool... at least I know who's been out bidding me! I always watch his sheds on the bay and have a couple that he's sent me (super sweet)... We should all pool our cash together and call him and offer him one lump sum and split the sheds? Very nice guy ... Josh I'd like to see some of the other monster pics of sheds he's sent you... Would be worth your time to measure them, that would be fantastic! AzP&Y Doug

i'd definetely be buying a shirt or 2 and prefer the tan hat (over the black during the sweltering summer). Doug AzP&Y

MULIE HUNTER- I JUST PUCHASED A DOZEN BLACKHAWK VAPOR CARBON 4000'S THAT ARE FLETCHED AND READY... THAT MEANS THE HUNT IS NEAR AND THE PRACTICE TIME IS ALL THAT MORE IMPORTANT. FOR THE PRICE THESE ARROWS ARE TOUGH TO BEAT.. GOOD LUCK ! AzP&Y doug

In the Market for a 2006 new bow sight. Any suggestions regarding your favorite sight? It all seems to change yearly and offer horizontal pins, vertical pins, levelers, LED lights for low level light shooting, and on and on... The new G5 (Montec company) OPTIX ME Sight appears to be cutting edge?? OPTIX ME For those who want the ultimate in a bow-sight, G5 presents the New Optix ME. Unique features of the Optix ME include three Smart-Pins that never deviate from the vertical centerline, this means that you will never have to adjust your pins left or right. The patent pending Single Screw Adjustment, a single floating Smart-Pin, adjustable for long yardage shots, and the L.E.D. Optix Magnesium Pin Light come standard. In addition to the features found on all the Optix sights, the Optix ME shares with the Optix LE third axis tuning and your choice of Hardwoods HD (gray) camouflage. FEATURES: *Three .029" Independently Adjustable Smart Pins *One Floating .029" Smart-Pin w/ knob adjustment *3x Micro-Adjustments *Third Axis Tuning *100% Mag Tough *Corrosion-Resistant Components *Harmonic Dampener *Built-In Visor *Arrow Bumper *L.E.D. Optix Magnesium Pin Light Included. *Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo *Only 6 Ounces http://www.g5outdoors.com/Products/Product...px?productid=35 AzP&Y Doug

Outdoor Father of the Year selected By Arizona Game & Fish- Happy Fathers day... News Media Jun 16, 2006 Arizona?s Outdoor Father of the Year has been selected by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and ESPN Radio 860 and he will be treated to a dream fishing vacation aboard a 59-foot luxury houseboat at picturesque Lake Powell. ?The response we received was overwhelming. Choosing from so many deserving top-dad nominations was tough. In fact, there so many superb stories of fathers passing on the great outdoor legacy that we will share one these each week in the Game and Fish Department?s fishing report,? says Information Branch Chief Bob Miles. The Outdoor Father of the Year is Ned Rokey of Mesa, who was nominated by his son, Ric. ?Pop started our (my brother and myself) fishing education just after we moved to Mesa in 1957. He would load up the jeep and drive us to his favorite, Roosevelt Lake. Hard to believe, but in those days it was a dusty, bumpy road crossing Sycamore Creek several times from the time you left Mesa until you reached the lake three of four hours later. A trip that long always had to include camping for a couple of nights, so he not only taught us how to fish but also to become proficient campers as well. ?I recall once when we forgot to put in a frying pan, pop showed us how to cook bacon and eggs on a shovel head placed on the coals of a fire. We were taught to clean up our campsite, extinguish the fire, and even to leave kindling for the next person. ?When summer heat hit, it was time for trout fishing in the cool pine scented air of the high country. It was on these trips that Pop broke us in on the use of a fly rod and also tactfully introduced us to the fact that catching-and-releasing a fish was not only okay, but the thing to do. ?What a wonderful thing that our dad passed to both of his sons: a love of hunting, fishing, and a respect for the outdoors that has endured in us and we have passed on to our own families now for some 50 years. And what about Pop? Well, he?s 87-years old, the proud possessor of his Arizona Pioneer License and we are privileged that he wants and is still able to go fishing with his boys much the time,? write Rick Rokey. Although only one dad could win the contest, be sure to thank dad this weekend for passing along the valuable outdoor legacy. And dad, the fishing is great out there. Grab the fishing poles and take along the family to go catch some memories. http://www.azgfd.gov/artman/publish/article_549.shtml AZp&Y