Photo of the Day 4

This is just one shot from another day of scouting.  Josh is getting use of the Minox BL 15x56's as well as the old trusty Badlands pack.  You'll see a lot of use out of those binoculars throughout the year!

Eberlestock Warhammer J51H

Eberlestock Warhammer J51H

One pack that we are looking forward to getting our hand on this summer is the new Eberlestock Warhammer. Built on the Blue Widow frame this pack looks like load carrying machine.

Opens to a Shooting Platform

 

Shown with Eblerstock Halftrack inside instead of a Super Spike duffel. 

Thank you for looking and please visit our site for more information Gannett Ridge Hunting

Photo of the Day 3

This is just a random picture of Josh and I heading up to do some summer scouting.  We did happen to find some great elk and deer but those will be shown in another photo of the day posting.  Felt good to get a bunch of miles under our belt and see some new country.  Season is close!

Sam Soholt

Photo of the Day 2: Tyler scouting

Here is photo of the day number 2.  Tyler is doing an early scouting session on 7-16-12.  On top of searching for animals he is testing out his hunting gear to make sure it is all in working order.  In the picture you can see the Optifade Open Country clothes, and Bivy 30 from Sitka.  Also, in his S4 binocular harness are his Minox BL 10x44's.

Eberlestock Blue Widow Overview

Eberlestock Blue Widow

Overview of the Eberlestock Backpack Blue Widow 

For more information click here Gannett Ridge Hunting Equipment

Photo of the Day 1

This is a picture of Josh doing some scouting up in the high country on 7-16-12.  Staying comfortable in the Sitka 90% Jacket and reaching out to see big elk with the Minox BL 15x56 binos.

Cameron Hanes Joins the Brunton Family

Cameron Hanes Joins the Brunton Family

From my birth place of RIVERTON, WYOMING - Brunton Hunting, an American Icon, is proud to announce hunting Icon Cameron Hanes has joined the Brunton family and is now wearing the new Brunton Icon binoculars as well as using Primus ultra light stoves and equipment during his "off-the-grid" hunting adventures.

Cam, a do it yourself backcountry hunter, pushes products to extreme measures with his adventure hunts. Having equipment that can go the distance he does is vital to his success. "Hunters can be a tough crowd. They are savvy buyers and can tell if what you preach is real or if you're trying to sell them an ill bill of goods," comments Cam. "You can't pull the wool over their eyes. I am confident with my Brunton and Primus gear and would recommend it without hesitation."

Brunton and Primus products are built for the uncompromising hunter who is willing to put in the work to attain the best possible results. We strive to make the hunt as deeply and personally satisfying as it can be. We are committed to our hunting heritage, and to protecting the freedoms that every American enjoys. Our products are designed for resilient use in extreme conditions and are backed with a lifetime warranty.

"We are very happy to have Cameron join our team and use our gear. Cameron is one of the most self-reliant hunters out there and we are excited to have him as part of our family. He represents our values and brands exceptionally well." states John Smithbaker, President and CEO of Brunton Outdoor Group.

Exciting News, to check out the Brunton and Primus we sell.

Thank you for your support!

Eberlestock Backpack

A quick overview of the Eberlestock Mini-Me

For more information and other great mountain hunting products visit us at www.Gannettridge.com

Eberlestock Backpack

Tyler Matthews goes over the Eberlestock X1A1

For more informantion visit our website at http://www.gannettridge.com/

Ultralight Hunting System

16.6 Lbs. Total

Everything You Need and Nothing you Don't!

Ultralight hunting has reached a new level of comfort and performance with the Gannett Ridge Ultralight hunting system. Ultralight hunting system is a combination of the highest quality items from around the hunting industry working with innovators such as Sitka Gear, Big Agnes, Jetboil and MSR has allowed us to design a complete hunting system that wights in right at 16.6 lbs. From Rain Gear to Shelter and Sleeping bag this System will get a western hunter through 90% of hunting situations in the mountains.

Ultralight Hunting Gear

Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum ....................................................................	29.0oz.
Big Agnes Zirkel 20 Degree Sleeping Bag .....................................................	34.0 oz.
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core ........................................................................	16.0 oz.
Jetboil Sol TI .................................................................................................	10.5 oz.
Princeton Tech Headlamp Byte ......................................................................	3.0 oz.
MSR HyperFlow Water Filter .......................................................................	16.0 oz.
Spork ...........................................................................................................	0.5 oz.
Sitka Gear Bivy 30 .......................................................................................	86.9oz.

                                                                                      

                                                                Total       12.3 Lbs.

We started with the Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum. 

Weighing in at just 1 lb. 13 oz. this 2 man free standing engineering masterpiece is everything you need in a 3 season tent and nothing you don't. From early August high country thunderstorms to late October and November snowstorms the Fly Creek Platinum will keep you dry and comfortable.

Big Agnes Zirkel 20 Degree Bag

The Zirkel SL 20 Degree has been our pick for an all around Ultralight Hunting sleeping bag. As versicle and ultralight the Zirkel fits in almost any hunting situation. Even thought the Zirkel is Ultralight weight it's not light on features and includes the Big Agnes Sleeping Pad integration system that keeps you from ever falling off you pad again, build in pillow compartment and interior loops for if you want add a liner and extend the temp range of your bag for those late season hunts.

The Zirkel weighs 2 lb. 4 oz.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad

Ultralight hunting and comfort have finally converged, say goodby to your closed cell pad the insulated air core is the key to a good nights sleep. With Insulated Air Core you no longer have to sacrifice comfort for lightweight allowing you to sleep better and hunt longer.
The 3/4 Air Core weighs in at 16 oz.

Jetboil Sol TI 

Jetboil TI continues the tradition of quality products from Jetboil the SOL TI weighting in at a miniscule 8.5 oz. and able to boil 16 oz. of water in 2 minutes. Dinner has never been easier or lighter.

Jeboil Sol TI 8.5 oz.

Primus Spork

Ultralight, Red, Spoon Fork combo thing. Need I say more?
Primus Spork 5oz.

Princeton Tech Byte Headlamp

Ultralight Hunting Princeton Tech Byte is a reliable and bright headlamp made in America and lifetime warranty. With 35 Lumens the Byte has more than enough light to get you back to your tent after a long day hunting plus with the built in Ultrabright Red led light you don't have to scare animals or ruin you night vision and with 146 hours of burn time on one set of batteries you don't have to worry about being left out in the dark.
Princeton Tech Byte 64 grams.

MSR Hyperflow Microfilter

Ultralight at just 7.4 oz. this filter ultra small water filter pumps more than 3 liters per minute and its tool-free maintenance is everything the backcountry hunter would ever want in a filter. 

Sitka Gear Bivy 30

Ultralight, Ultra tough, Ultra Comfortable the Sitka Gear Bivy 30 is the perfect pack for the backcountry hunter. Suitable for everything from a day pack to a hauler the Bivy 30 is ready for the entire Journey. 

Ultralight Hunting Clothing 

Sitka Gear 90% Jacket, because it will get you through 90% of hunting  ....	21.8 oz.
Sitka Gear Ascent Pant, Fast, Bright and Durable  ..........................................	20.0 oz.
Sitka Gear Dew Point Jacket, Extremely durable and lightweight rain gear ....................	13.6 oz.
Sitka Gear Dew Point Pant, Extremely durable and lightweight rain gear .......................	10.4 oz.
Sitka Gear Cap, you need a good hunting cap ................................................................	2.27 oz.
Sitka Gear Travers Gloves .............................................................................................	1.7 oz.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Total   4.3 Lbs. 

 

Sitka Gear Dewpoint Rain Gear

Ultralight Hunting Space saving rain gear



One of the most anticipated products from Sita Gear this year is the Dewpoint Rain gear. Sitka Gear was able to build a ultralight, ultradurable pack rain gear system, for the backcountry hunter. 

For more Information Click - Sitka Gear Dewpoint Jacket

                                      or - Sitka Gear Dewpoint Pant

Kansas Turkey 2012

Its been some time since our last post and an update regarding our spring turkey season, so here goes.
I haven't been able to sneak away at all this spring to hunt but there was a long weekend coming up so Sam and I devised a plan to make a bonsai road trip to Western Kansas. In true Bonzi trip fashion we decided to leave the Fort right at midnight because what would a last minute hunting trip be without a good old fashioned all niter. 

After a long and uneventful drive fueled but copious amounts of energy drinks and coffee we were right on schedule or so we though. But in our sleep deprived zombie comas that would turn out be the theme for the rest of the trip we had forgotten entirely about the time change and the fact that sunrise would be an hour earlier then we were used to. So after we noticed the horizon starting to lighten we begin to scramble, after a flurry of studying maps I declared, "Turn south in 3 miles," to Sam. Just looking not to waste first light we pulled up to a piece of ground that neither of us had ever seen before right at first light. After a flurry of reorganizing gear we were ready and looking for birds but our last second spot was well empty, so begrudgingly we piled back into the truck and were off to our original destination.  After looking over a few other fields we decided our best bet would be to take a gamble on a large flock of birds that were tucked in right next to local farmhouse. Given the set up we figured we had around a 50/50 shot of the whole flock moving our direction. After setting up and blind a decoys we settled in for the wait, which given our lack of sleep was painful, Sam curled up on the floor using his camera bag and was out. This is where things got a little foggy for me as I was drifting in between dozing, calling and scanning for birds. And then I full on fell asleep which is tough to do sitting up in a blind chair, when I came to I was falling backwards and taking the whole blind with me. Which was almost disastrous because in doing so my Invasion CPX ended up hitting Sam square in the knee and we were both running the Horstooth Half Marathon the Sunday that we got back to Fort Collins. After quick status check Sam's knee appeared to be fine along with the bows and camera gear we had a good laugh and settled back into the blind. Another few hours with only a short visit from a single hen and it was time to pack it in. Literately as soon as we had packed up the decoys and the blind we heard a tom sound off and because there as a steady wind blowing we knew the bird was close. But our guess was he wasn't close enough to hear our calling. We climbed up a small hill behind us so we could overlook the valley and within a few seconds our Minox BL's 10x44's

were able to locate our mystery bird along with the rest of the farmhouse flock. They had decided to roost in the same river bottom we were set up on about 200 yards down. Using the terrain we were able to sneak with in around 50 yards of the flock and set up the blind and decoys again this time with only 80 yards of open pasture ground and a small rise separating us. Within a minute of starting to call again two big toms poked their heads over the hill and were on the way in. Then came the first messed up opportunity of the trip, poor shooting and almost no faith in ground blinds lead me to rush a longer shot then need as soon as the birds showed any sign that they thought there was something wrong. In retrospect there was no need to shoot as soon as I did, up to this point I have had almost no faith in hunting out of blinds but Sam is trying to convert me. It also helps that this was my first hunt out of our new Dark Horse Double Bull Blind which is a huge step up from my previous blind. One that Sam and I were able to use is that were you don't have a pack or bag for your blind the Eberlestock Backpacks A1X1 works great to haul in a blind and might be the only way to do it in the future.
After the shot the toms not as spooked as one might think just went back over the hill and rejoined the rest of the flock. But it seams even thought there were 30 plus birds in the group we had messed up our shot at the only two with any interest in us. Just to put a nail in the coffin Sam made a strong play with a decoy and his shotgun that didn't totally fail but it did manage to push the birds down the valley ways which was fine by us since we were both starving.
After a quick trip into town and managing to amaze/horrify the crew at the local pizza joint with our large volume eating skills we decided to find a place to camp for the night.  We came prepared to camp, but lazy mixed with lack of sleep steered us towards a dive hotel room. I would almost always rather camp then spend money on a moldy, smoke infested hotel room but more than that sleeping in hotels when hunting makes me feel like I'm getting soft but and lazy but, well we couldn't find anywhere to camp and we were tired. Plus the hotel was cheap, super cheap the way that only a truly remote small town hotel can be so lazy won out.
After an all to short nap we were back into Zombie mode and headed back to the field. More coffee and some driving brought us straight into what can only be described as a turkey hunters paradise. There were birds everywhere we looked. After a quick tour of the area we decided our best bet would be to set-up about as close to a huge flock of birds that were of course 200 yards or so out side of the property that we could hunt. Considering the flock had 12 to 16 strutting toms it was hard to look elsewhere and we were confident that we could pull at least one old longbeard across the property line. After about an hour and a half of calling at the birds with some of the most aggressive annoying calling I have every made with a box call a big old tom decided to break form the group and head our way. Usually I am not to much for real aggressive calling but during this trip almost every bird we called to the more aggressive the calling the better, but I sure didn't sound very textbook. As the tom made the journey over to our set up he would gobble and then go back into full strut but almost as soon as I would stop calling he would stop, there was certainly no rush on his end. After his long and drawn out strut over to our set up including a portion that brought him within 10 to 15 ft of me but on the other side of the fence row he crossed the fence into our field perfectly within shotgun range. This is where I messed up the second opportunity of what was a roller coaster of a day. I missed, again with a shotgun at 15 yards! I'm still not sure how, and honestly at that point I was so punch drunk from having slept less than 2 hours total in the last 50 + hours it struck me as more funny than anything but I felt bad for Sam because it was amazing video up until the point I missed. I was also pretty embarrassed because I honestly cant tell you how I missed other than I rushed another shot with a shotgun I was unfamiliar with, but those are excuses. Who cares it was time to get some sleep,  its just a turkey.
Day two began and we felt like totally new people, what a difference a few hours of sleep can make. We also had a plan and a spot to be at first light. Right at first light Sam and I were able to witness the largest, nosiest flocks of birds leave the roost I have ever seen but unfortunately the turkey pairde didn't head our way. After about an hour of calling I looked back up the valley and could see two lone jakes that were obviously interested in our calling and unlike every other tom they didn't have any hens, this could work. Today we had gone full circle and I was hunting with my Bowtech Invasion CPX again and using the new Dark Horse Double Bull blind. Within 20 minutes of first sighting the two birds they were topping the small rise 40 yards away from us and headed straight into the decoys. This time my goal was to wait for the perfect shot and see how close we could get them into the blind, which turns out was really close. Seconds later both birds had worked their way to within 5 yards but the entire time they were coming in they were to close together for a shot most of the time they were touching. After about a minute of both of the birds being within 5 yards there was finally some separation and luckily I was able to draw without being seen. At the shot my arrow was deflected slightly because I hit the bottom of the blind window but overall the Easton Flatline arrow and Montec G5 broadheads looked like they would do their job. We decided that giving my bird as much time as possible would be a good idea so we settled back in and started calling for Sam there were still plenty of birds in the area. After giving the bird around 2 hours we decided to go get my bird, at the end of a longer than desired tracking job we were able to find my Jake and put an end to my hunt.

Overall it was a fun hunt if not frustrating at times. But since we were turkey hunting it was much less devestating when I messed up a bird then if it were on a 6x6 bull. The biggest gain from the trip for me was seeing  new country and learning some new places to hunt for this up comming fall. One of the greatest joys in hunting for me is researching and learning new hunting land and this trip was no different. Just to give everyone a preview of this fall I do have an archery deer tag for western Kansas and plan to spend some time trying to track down a few of the bucks that we were lucky enough to pick up sheads from durring the tirp. We did hunt the rest of the day for Sams bird but I will let him tell you the story of his hunt.

Nebraska Turkey Season Opener

Opening Day Sunrise, It's Finally Hunting Season Again!!

Sitka Gear helps beat the midday heat.

Black Ops 2012 BowTech Assassian

looking for its first kill.

Easton Axis All loaded up and Ready to Go!

So far its Turkeys 1 and Gannett Ridge 0 but there is a lot of season left so keep checking in for Updates.

Great News on the Wyoming Wolf Fight

As reported on Bowsite,

This morning, we found out that we have won in court when it comes to wolves and wolf delisting. The ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco clearly supported the legality of the Congressional action to delist wolves in the Northern Rockies. The opinion, written by Judge Schroeder, dated March 14, 2012, ruled that Section 1731 (the wolf bill) was constitutional and that this action by Congress to delist wolves in the Northern Rockies was fully legal. This is a huge victory for wildlife conservation and will allow wolf management to continue in Montana and Idaho. It also protects Wyoming's legal victory and leaves the door open for a Wyoming delisting later this year.

As many of you are aware, Big Game Forever and other conservation organizations, including partner organizations Sportsmen for Fish and Widllife and Mule Deer Foundation are parties to this litigation.

Detailed Analysis

This particular legal challenge attacked various aspects of the constitutionality of the wolf bill in Congress. This particular case began last year in Judge Molloy's court in the Western District of Montana. Judge Molloy ruled that Congress has full authority to amend its own laws, including the Endangered Species Act, and that the delisting by Congress was constitutional. The case was appealed to the 9th circuit, where the constitutionality of Section 1731 was once again challenged. The court also ruled that Congress did amend the endangered species act through this action to the extent it was inconsistent with the Congressional delisting language. While it is entirely possible that this case may be appealed to the Supreme Court, the victories at the district court level and at the 9th circuit are a great sign. We have believed throughout this process in the strength of our position and the legal arguments supporting that position. To this point, the courts have agreed with our position.

Here is a quote from the ruling: Appellants’ arguments that Section 1713 is a repeal rather than an amendment must fail for a similar reason. Congress did not repeal any part of the ESA. Rather, Congress effectively provided that no statute, and this must include the ESA, would apply to the 2009 rule. Congress thus amended the law applicable to the agency action. Appellants also contend that the meaning and effect of the 2009 Rule as reissued under Section 1713 are unclear, and that ambiguity prevents the court from finding an amendment. We cannot agree. The meaning and intended effect of Section 1713 are perfectly clear. The partial delisting was to take effect within 60 days, with no court review or interference.... ...Finally, we observe that while Section 1713 bars judicial review of the reissuance of the 2009 Rule, the 2009 Rule does provide standards by which the agency is to evaluate the continuing viability of wolves in Montana and Idaho. See, e.g., 74 Fed. Reg. 15,123 at 15,186. Review of any regulations issued pursuant to the Rule or of agency compliance with the standards, does not appear to be restricted. Section 1713 itself, however, ordering the Rule to issue without regard to the laws that might otherwise apply, is entitled to be enforced. The bottom line is that once again, the courts have ruled in favor of wolf delisting. Wolf management will continue in the Northern Rockies by state fish and game agencies including regulated hunting by sportsmen. Thank you for your ongoing support. We will continue to keep you apprised of developments as they arise. A great victory for healthy wildlife populations and for our outdoor heritage. -- Ryan Benson


This is a major step in being able to establish a Wolf season in Wyoming! My self along with other question the true extent of envolment that Big Game Forever played in this litigation but regardless this is a victory for hunters everywhere.

I don't know about you but my Rem. 280 is itching for a little Wolf blood!

Cubcrafters CarbonCub SS Launch

Cub Crafters takes STOL to a new level!

The New GoPro Hero2 Promo

All we need now is a Wing Suit!

Arizona and HB 2072 Selling Your Opprotunity to Hunt To the Highest Bidder

Below is an excellent commentary on Arizona Bill HB2072 which would remove 350 of the states trophy tags from the general draw and allocate them towards auction tags

To see the full article also the link to download the full economic impact study linked to HB 2072.

Visit Arizona HB 2072

The documents above include the language of HB2072 and a document drafted by proponents of HB2072.

By now, we all know the concept.  Some 350 big game tags diverted from the random draw to be auctioned to the highest bidder, which won’t be me … or, probably, you.  Additionally, these big game tags will come with less restrictive harvest rules, making them premium big game tags. 

Proponents of HB2072 say that the tags are not diverted because, despite the fact that the tags have been made premium and may bring in millions at auction, the club to which they are awarded will pay AZGFD the face value of the tag had it been drawn by the hunting public.  Thus, the Department gets the same revenue. 

Well, I’m not the Department.  I’m a guy who wants a fair shot at a trophy tag.  What I know is that I have zero chance of being the high bidder on one of these tags at auction.  I also know that the richest guy at the banquet who wants the tag has 100% chance of winning it.  In the random draw, I have a least some chance of winning the tag … the same chance as the rich guy.  If you take 350 trophy tags out of the random draw and put them in an auction, my chances decrease.  “Changing the course of a thing” is the very dictionary definition of diversion.

But proponents claim that many good things will come from the diversion, upgrade, and auction of these tags.  “Jobs will be created.” “A sportsman’s expo will be produced.” “Twenty five million dollars will be generated.”  There is an economic impact study purchased by the proponents that tells us Yuma County will get $332,000!  Yavapai County will get $539,000!  (I wonder how much extra it would cost to have the economist round up?)

I’m a simple guy.  I’m not a legislator … not a commissioner … not a lawyer … and not an economics professor (though I have to admit I am skeptical of those given the faulty projections of the federal Council of Economic Advisers … but I’ll put that bias aside for the moment).  So, I thought, “How can I best understand this complex legislative proposal?”  Well, maybe I could look at it as if I wanted to start a club myself.  Maybe I would call it the “Bubba Valley Rod and Gun Club.”  I could solicit memberships … maybe charge a membership fee of some $30 per year.  If I got, oh, let’s say 500 members, that would be $15,000 per year.  And with that money our club would do all sorts of good things.  At the end of the year I would hold a banquet to recap the good things we did and have fun with my friends.  We might have to pay a little extra, say $30, to attend the banquet in order to make it a nice event.  That adds another $15,000 to the budget. 

Sounds great, doesn’t it?!  But then HB2072 comes along.  It says that premium tags can be awarded to clubs that qualify and that the qualified clubs may auction the tags and use proceeds to pay for, among other things, banquets and “administrative” costs.  As a club administrator, that piques my interest!  How does the Bubba Valley Rod and Gun Club get qualified? According to the Bill, the club has to be a 501(c)(3) with the IRS … ok, I can do that … and “its membership must include a significant cross-section of species-specific wildlife conservation and sportsmen organizations from throughout this state.”  Hmmm, that’s a little harder.  What is “significant”?  What is a “cross-section”?  I guess I could ask my buddies at the other Rod and Gun Club here in the Valley, the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, to join my club … but wait, they are not “species-specific” … so I guess they don’t count.  And my club can’t ‘be a member or hold a charter or be a chapter of a national wildlife conservation or sportsman’s organization’ … why is that, I wonder?  Oh, and the club has to be in existence at least five years.  I’m out of luck there. 

Don’t these qualifications seem very tailored?  I can think of only one organization in Arizona that meets the criteria in the Bill.  That is Arizona Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation.  If you can think of another, please let me know.  And isn’t it interesting that the lobbyist for that group floated this concept to the legislature in the first place.  But I am sure that she did not intend to leave out an opportunity for the Bubba Valley Rod and Gun Club to qualify for the financial benefits of the Bill … so let’s pretend for a moment that the Bubba Club qualifies.  What do we get?!

We get an exclusive right to resell tags that have been set aside by the Department just for us.  These tags will be diverted from the regular draw and will be super-sized- also, just for us.  They will become special tags with special harvest provisions and special fancy names, like “governor” tags.  Governor tags provide the winner with an opportunity to hunt a specific species in any hunt area with any legal weapon for three hundred sixty-five days beginning August 15 of each year.  Two governor’s tags for each of the following species: elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bison (buffalo) and bear.  One tag for each of the following species: desert bighorn sheep, rocky mountain bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), Merriam's turkey, Rio Grande turkey and Gould's turkey. 

We don’t want legislators to feel left out, so we will name some tags after them too.  We’ll call them “legislator” tags … Legislator tags are also species specific and are valid for any open season for that species for a specific hunt area with the legal weapon allowed for that season.  Legislator tags are issued as follows: (a) at least ten tags, and at least one tag for each hunt area, for bull elk in hunt areas that offer all of the following three types of hunts: (i) early archery bull elk hunts. (ii) either early muzzleloader bull elk hunts or early rifle bull elk hunts. (iii) late bull elk hunts. (b) one tag for whitetail deer for each hunt area that offers late hunts. (c) one tag for mule deer for each hunt area that offers a general season hunt and is located north of the Colorado river. (d) two tags for antelope valid for all hunt numbers as the commission specifies in any of regions 1, 2, 3 and 5 as in existence on January 1, 2012, except that both tags shall not be from the same region.  Then there is a raffle for the sportsmen.  Hey, that sounds like a good idea … kind of like the draw we already have.

This could generate a lot of money!  Where will it all go?  The Bill says it will first go to … the qualified organization!  That’s the Bubba Valley Rod and Gun Club!  Under paragraph H of the Bill, Bubba Valley must then first apply proceeds to cover the costs associated with “the annual sportsmen exposition” in this state.  Do they mean Bubba has to give money to the International Sportsman’s Exposition … aren’t they the annual sportsmen exposition in this State?  Or does Bubba give it the Arizona Game and Fish Expo … the other exposition in this state?  Well, I think the Bill says under paragraph A that Bubba is supposed to make a new exposition.  But paragraph H doesn’t reference paragraph A.  Bubba must also give money to cover costs of any County Chapter Banquet at which the tags are auctioned or raffled.  I couldn’t find a definition of a County Chapter … I guess we don’t want to be too specific about these things, it’s only money.

That’s cool.  Bubba Valley will put on a new expo and get all of its costs paid for by tags diverted from Arizona Game and Fish.  The Bubba Valley Annual Arizona Sportsman’s Expo will sell vendor space and get sponsors … maybe even charge admission!  That will generate even more money for Bubba Valley.  I can see my Bubba budget growing!  And, certainly, Bubba Valley and all its friends will participate in producing the expo, so they will all get some money when the “costs” are paid.  But wait, there’s more, administrative fees get paid too!  And there is no definition of “administrative.”  I would argue that lobbying the legislature is administrative, wouldn’t you?   

In fact, just about every expense I can think of fits in the categories of “costs” or “administration.”  Nevertheless, the Bill says that any money I couldn’t cram into one of those categories will go toward some warm and fuzzy if not ill-defined and amorphous objectives like “promoting sportsmen heritage.” (which seems to me might be better promoted if there was more rather than less opportunity for common folk to get a trophy tag).

Since Bubba Valley will assuredly auction some tags at its own banquet, the costs of that banquet must be covered as well.  Think of how this could increase Bubba Valley’s $15,000 projected budget for a banquet.  How big of a banquet could we have?  Champagne and caviar!  Too bad for the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club- which didn’t qualify for anything.  SpaghettiOs for them!

I wish it was Bubba Valley Rod and Gun Club that would be the lucky beneficiary of this wonderful legislative windfall.  I could keep myself busy raking in the bucks for the rest of my career “administering” this fine section of our beloved Arizona Revised Statutes …

No, actually, I have a conscience.  I find this dirty back-room deal disgusting.  I believe in fair play, fair chase and fair opportunity.  As a commissioner I tried the route of ethics, diplomacy and compromise.  I have since showered.  You cannot be diplomatic with those who themselves have no ethics or diplomacy.  You cannot compromise with those who have no intention whatsoever of holding up their end of the bargain.  You cannot make a fair deal with people who do not care about fairness.  You cannot work with someone to resolve a problem when that person makes money by creating problems! 

How about fair opportunity for the International Sportsman’s Exposition?  Now they have to compete against a group that is given start-up and operational money from State assets?   What if this was YOUR private business?  How would you feel if the government funded your competitor? 

How about the very proposition of public assets being funneled to private entities?  How many of you support federal assets being funneled to companies like Solyndra, LightSquared and the like … or ACORN or Planned Parenthood?  What makes me mad is that the proponents of HB2072 call themselves conservatives and would protest the diversion of assets if it were proposed by liberals, but have found ways to justify this!

So- the proponents have come back again … they want a “stakeholder” meeting.  Really?!  Everybody in Arizona is a stakeholder, but they have not invited everybody.  You can be assured that the current Chair of the Commission will not be invited.  He is a volunteer who has been an advocate for the common guy.  No matter how they spin it, this idea is NOT for the common guy. 

Proponents want to “compromise.”  The only compromise is: if you want a new expo, pay for one yourself.  Put your own assets at risk.  If you want a bigger banquet, pay for one yourself.  If you want your club’s costs and administrative fees paid, pay for them yourself.  And if you want your lobbyist paid- PAY YOURSELF!  There- we don’t need a bill for that.

-Robert Woodhouse

Please follow this link -Arizona Governor to send emails opposing HB 2072 to protect your right and opportunity hunt.

Wolves will Not to be reintroduced into Colorado.

Due to the overwhelming public outcry and over 15K emails and letters in the last few weeks regarding the wolf issue this letter was released in the Grand Junction Sentinel:

Wolves will not be reintroduced to San Luis Valley

There has been some recent speculation that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to reintroduce wolves in the San Luis Valley to help manage elk and other species. It is important to set the record straight, the service in fact has no plans and no intent to reintroduce wolves in the valley.

The confusion about the service’s intent arose from a draft plan to manage overabundant elk populations affecting vital wildlife habitat on the San Luis Valley’s National Wildlife Refuges. The draft plan references a suggestion by some members of the public that the service consider wolves as a potential management tool.

By law, the service is required to analyze the comments and suggestions we receive. We do not, however, believe that wolf reintroduction is the appropriate management strategy for this area. We have instead put forward three other options including public hunting, which we believe will help ensure that the wildlife refuges in the San Luis Valley continue to provide high quality habitat for elk and other species — as well as recreational and economic benefits for local communities.

We encourage members of the public and our partners to review and comment on this important draft plan as we work to finalize it over the next two years. We’re committed to ensuring that the San Luis Valley’s land, water, and wildlife remain the pride of Colorado and the nation for years to come.

STEVE GUERTIN

Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Denver           

Scroll to bottom of page to see original letter: Grand Junction Sentinel

Wolves in Colorado?

USGS Proposes to reintroduce wolves in Colorado

Last month the USGS issued a proposal for managing the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex this area includes the Alamosa, Baca, and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges in Colorado. Tucked away in the 8th page of the overall proposal was one sentence that should scare every hunter in Colorado and the west.

"The elk populations would be reduced on the refuge

complex primarily through hunting and kept at a level
that would foster recovery and improve the long-term
health of native plant communities. The Service would
explore the potential for wolf reintroduction for
balancing wildlife populations."

To see the entire proposal click here - San Louis Valley Plan Update

Being someone that has had a front row seat to the last wolf reintroduction debacle growing up and hunting just south of Yellowstone I can tell you this is a very scary road for Colorado to begin heading down. I can also tell you this is exactly how the, "reintroduction" process begin in Yellowstone, we can only imagine how difficult it would be to ever manage the wolf population in Colorado if Wyoming is still yet to have an established season 18 years later.

Once these vermin are reintroduced there is no getting rid of them!

The same issues that plague us from the Yellowstone reintroduction would in essence be repeated this time around.

1. Using Canadian Grey Wolves instead of the truly native at one time Southern Rocky mountain wolf (yes there is a documented subspecies difference) even though the USGS keeps overlooking this "little difference."

• The main difference between these Subspecies is that Canadian Wolves are 30%-35% larger in body size overall and they maintain a much larger pack structure. Allowing them to hunt much larger prey and have a much higher hunting success rate. This also means they have to kill much more often. If you think it is hard to get a moose tag now just wait until wolves destroy the Colorado moose population. Just this last year Wyoming completely closed what was once the most populated and best trophy unit in the country due to lack of population. From 20+ tags a year to 0 due to wolves.

2. The second and most overlooked problem with releasing wolves into the lower 48 is the restricted winter range. Every year the battle to keep winter range in tack becomes ever more difficult as this winter range diminishes more and more animals are pushed into ever smaller areas. Although this problem is not as exaggerated as areas of Montana and Wyoming where the winter range is so limited that there are supplemental feeding grounds that run throughout the winter, there are still limits on the winter range in Colorado.

Regardless of where you live in Colorado wolf reintroduction will affect your adversely effect your quality of hunting at one point. Wolves travel and travel a lot in fact as many of you may know Yellowstone wolves have been documented in Colorado beginning 2006 lucky these wolves have not taken hold in the state yet. But it is only a matter of time until the wolves spread state wide and even into Utah, New Mexico and Kansas.

The sportsman of Colorado need to send a strong and clear message that wolves will not be accepted in our state!

Please take a few minutes to send a letter or email to the planning team see below:

Deadline for comments is February 24, 2012

Submit comments on the project visit: www.fws.gov/alamosa/planning. Comments will be accepted during the meetings or via letters addressed to: Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO 80225-0486; or via email to SLVrefugesplanning@fws.gov.

For some reason or another USGS is determined to get rid of hunters in the west and replace our traditions with wild dogs. You can be assured that the pro wolf groups are on top of this issue already, we as sportsman and the true stewards for wildlife need to band together before this gets too far along.

To follow this issue on Bowsite Click Here

Some Exciting products of 2012

A few of the new products for 2012 we cant wait to get our hands on.

Big Agnes Wyoming Trail SL2

New from Big Agnes in 2012 is the Wyoming Trail SL2 which seams like it was built with hunters in mind weighing in at only 6.2 lbs this two person tent has plenty of room to sleep two but ups the backcountry comfort with a 39 sq/ft vestibule. For extended hunts in areas with lots of bugs or areas where you could encounter rain for days straight the Wyoming Trail could the a sanity saver.





Easton Carbon Injexion

When Easton decided to improve the overall performance of the AXIS line of shafts released 8 years ago they looked at the arrows they had been using for Olympic field archers for years. These Mico diameter shafts produce 33% more Kinetic energy than standard shafts along with the highest straightness standards in the industry these 100% American Shafts bring the demanding standards of  100 yd Olympic competition to the woods. Paired with the 98 ft lbs of Kinetic energy from the 2012 Bowtech Insanity CPX sounds like every elk hunters dream setup.

Big Agnes Insulated Q Core

Weighing in at only 25oz this 3.5 inch think 3 season pad is every hunters dream rated down to 15 degrees this pad works for 80% of the western hunters needs but at the same time brings comfort to the next level. Gone forever are the days of bad nights sleep on a closed cell pad, just because you are in the backcountry why sleep poorly?

Bowtech 2012 Insanty CPX

Following up in Invasion CPX was going to tough, but the Insanity lives up to the name. 98ft lbs of Kinetic energy, 4.3 lbs overall weight 32" axle to axle, 80% let off and an amazing 355 fps. But the real difference just like the Invasion CPX, is when you let the first shot fly out of an Insane CPX there is a total lack of hand shock. There is none, even when put head to head with the Assassin which has always been toted at Bowtech "Shooter Bow" many come away with the Insane for overall shoot ability. The next revolution comes when you start to Dial in the Insanity and realize not only is this bow fast and hard hitting but it is super accurate. This bow has taken hunting bows to the next level.

There are more exciting products to come stay tunned!