I have discussed the excitement that trail-cameras provide for me. Wondering what pictures you will have each time. Of interest to me is, an animals use of the same area year after year. When I came across the picture of a bull that I posted a picture of last weekend, I thought it looked familiar. A number of things caught my attention: g-1s that go up and “droopy” g-2s, veining in the antlers, and just overall configuration. I believe the following pictures show the same bull. Although last year, the bull had more points. What do you think? Post a comment.

8×7 in 2007

2008 bull

In a conclusive decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that Americans have the right to bear arms for self-defense purposes.

“The court’s 5-4 ruling struck down the District of Columbia’s 32-year-old ban on handguns as incompatible with gun rights under the Second Amendment. The decision went further than even the Bush administration wanted, but probably leaves most firearms restrictions intact.”
- Mark Sherman AP Writer

See the full story at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCOTUS_GUNS?SITE=MAHYC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Over the last few weeks several people have asked me, “What kind of trail-camera do you use?” So, I thought I would post something on the topic here. I am a die-hard Cuddeback user. I own five of the Excite model, and I use them with the BearSafe product that Cuddeback builds as well. I truly believe that the Cuddeback has the fastes trigger speed, which allows the capture of photos from the side really well. Additionally, the battery life of the four D-cell batteries is great; my cameras last at leat a month, while capturing hundreds of photos. The BearSafe does protect the camera from bears, which has happened to me. However, it really offers me a little security for placing cameras on public property. The BearSafe can be bolted to a tree and locked with a padlock. At least it keeps the honest thieves away! I have purchased most of my Cuddeback lineup from Fifield Seed & Feed in Wisconsin. They are an authorized online seller of the Cuddeback products, offer great prices, and fast shipping.

A Cuddeback Excite and BearSafe in the field.

Below are a few pictures of bull elk and Coues bucks from the last few weeks. Enjoy!

A nice bull for June.

Another old, big bull.

A Coues buck.

Second Coues buck.

For a full lineup of last year’s pictures please visit My Trailcam Site.

I took a little road trip with my family this past week. We spent the week in southwestern Colorado. The last leg of our journey was spent at the Nugget Cabin, near Durango Mountain Resort. The Durango area is beautiful with lots of ‘tourist’ shopping, dining, and exploring. Durango Mountain resort offers many family activities during the summer. One of the most exciting is the Alpine Slide, a toboggan ride of sorts. The surrounding San Juan Mountains offer it all: fishing, hiking/backcountry expeditions, photography, jeep tours, and dreams about the upcoming hunting season. If you get a chance, take your family.

Nugget Cabin
 

Arizona’s hunters and anglers impacts the state’s economy with spending of $1.3 billion annually. Approximately 418,000 sportsmen spend $3.8 million per day, on average.  Several other interesting facts are published in a reprt by several organizations, and posted on Safari Clubs’s website. The full article can be accessed on SCI’s website at: http://www.scifirstforhunters.org/docs/static/EconomicImpactReport/AZ.pdf

Want a chance to win a tag for your favorite big game species and the opportunity to hunt that species for a full year? If so, check out the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle website at: http://www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com/

Tags are raffled for the following species:
Elk
Mule deer
Coues deer
Antelope
Black bear
Desert bighorn sheep
Buffalo
Javelina
Turkey
and a chance to win a Swarovski Optics package

Don’t miss out; visit today.

Sunday, I was able to sneak out mid-morning for a scouting trip. So, I saddled-up the ol’ quad, and took to the road. My intent was to put out a couple more Cuddeback cameras, and I did get the two up and running. Hopefully, I will have some photos to share at a later date. Along the way I stopped by a tank to check it for tracks, and came across a little mountain lion track. I just wanted to post a few pictures for your enjoyment.

Quad, ready to roll.

Lion track.

Saturday, I spent the day with a few fellow Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation members and the Arizona Game and Fish Department staff working on a water catchment project in Arizona’s famed unit 9. There are several catchments like this one that have been erected in unit 9. The task on this day was to build a metal fence around the catchment. The fence is designed to exclude livestock, while allowing access to wildlife.

John Goodwin, from AZGF was our mentor - since he has worked on more projects like this than one can count. John may retire soon, and we will miss his leadership, if he does. Rex Adams, his wife Christy, and friend, Christain, joined us all the way from Phoenix, AZ for the project. In, fact Rex and his crew stayed through the weekend.

Other than a few issues with the welder (the machine, not Rex), we made fairly good progress, considering. I am sure the fence will be completed in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the work guys!

Get out and get involved!
 

John G. cuts fencing.

Rex welds.

The welding crew: Christy, Christian, and Rex.

Turk Ranch, near Sheffield, Texas is a location that I have hunted on a couple of occassions. Mike and Rhonda Turk are great landowners, unbelievable people, and being on the ranch is a good time. Since my first visit there I took over as the Webmaster for their website. I did not want to be paid for the work; I just wanted to be part of something special. When Mike offered to pay me this last year (2007), I suggested a trade. As a former member of the US Air Force and Disabled Veteran, I wanted to give back to our military members protecting our freedom(s) on a daily basis. I had seen TV shows showing military members that had recently served in Iraq or other hostile environments, and asked if we could do something similar. Mike graciously agreed.

Last fall, Willie Chatman, became our first military member to be presented a hunt on Turk Ranch.  First Sargeant Chatman has served over 20 years in the US Army, which includes three combat missions; one in Panama and two in Iraq. Willie enjoyed the hunt with the company of his son, Willie Ray Jr. (15) and was successful, taking a doe during his stay. To Willie, and our entire militay men and women, Thank You for all you do!

Willie, Willie Jr., and doe harvest.

Mike just recently notified me that Turk Ranch will offer the Military Appreciation hunt again this year on my behalf. Thanks Mike and Rhonda! Please visit their wesite at: Turk Ranch. Support Our Troops! 

I appreciate those who have commented on the work that I, and others have been doing, mostly on “drinkers.” Well, this weekend will be another work weekend to fix a few more drinkers. I believe this project involves repairing some steel fence that surrounds the catchment. I will be traveling up with AZG&F personnel on Saturday. Upon my return I will post a description of the work completed and a few pictures as well. If you are ever interested in helping out please contact me or the AZG&F directly at: http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/edits/volunteer_opps.shtml