This is a Press release from the Colorado Department of Wildlife:

GUNNISON, Colo. – More than a dozen elk have died after falling through thin ice at Paonia Reservoir since Sunday, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

“This is unfortunate and a difficult circumstance, but it is not unusual in Colorado during the winter,” said J Wenum, area wildlife manager in the Gunnison area. “We usually get a few reports like this every winter from areas near rivers or lakes. Normally it’s only one or two animals, not large groups.”

On the evening of Sunday, Dec. 28, the Colorado State Patrol received a call from a concerned citizen who reported seeing elk in the reservoir. A Division of Wildlife officer arrived at the scene about 9 p.m. and confirmed that there were eight elk in the water, about 80 yards from the nearest bank. All the animals had succumbed to the cold water and were dead.

On the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 30, the DOW received two calls reporting more elk in the reservoir. A DOW officer responded and found 11 elk in the water, five of which were barely alive. The officer euthanized those animals.

“There really isn’t anything we can do in that type of situation,” Wenum said. “Access is limited, the bank is very steep and there was no way to approach or pull animals out of the water. The animals are likely hypothermic and panicked. Unfortunately, there are multiple factors working against the elk.”

During winter, elk move in large herds. The reservoir is a source of drinking water for elk in that area. Apparently, numerous animals moved toward the reservoir at the same time. Some ice had formed, but it was not thick enough to hold the weight of the animals. Depending on their age and sex, individual elk can range in size from about 300 pounds to about 900 pounds.

DOW officials urge citizens who may see wildlife trapped on ice or struggling in the water to resist the urge to extricate the animals. Big game animals are powerful and unpredictable. Persons who attempt to cross ice to provide assistance are at significant risk of becoming victims themselves. Anyone who witnesses this type of event should to call a DOW office or a local law enforcement agency. These types of incidents occur throughout Colorado during the winter.

Paonia Reservoir is located along Colo. Highway 133 in Gunnison County about 15 miles northeast of the town of Paonia. The reservoir is an impoundment on the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

I could probably write a book about this season. These stories I relate are only the tip of the iceberg on the happenings of this year. Sara and I hunted all but two weekends from the archery opener to the close of rifle season. We had encounters with deer, pigs, turkey, rabbits, grouse, quail, coyotes and mountain lions. The fellowship of the camp was shared by family and friends. We had some great dinners, shared some nice bottles of wine and lots of laughs and stories. And our new dog, Brodie the Rhodie, was a constant source of challenge and entertainment.

(to the tune of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer)

“Lenny, the crazy horned antelope,
Had some very goofy horns… ”

Kelly, the Bullwinkle Slayer, told us about a hunt she was on with her husband in 2007.

In 2007 my husband drew a coveted antelope archery tag. I didn’t have a tag but you think I’m stayin’ home when there is a good hunt to be had? No way.

I was the designated glassing person. I sat on a high bluff above to watch “in coming”. What a show I had every morning and afternoon!

There was one buck that I named Crazy Lenny (I name everything…that’s a story in itself for another day). He was a young buck with goofy horns. One went forward and the other went backwards and they were just WEIRD! Apparently the other bucks thought he was weird too. He would always be alone, which was odd because many of the younger bucks always had a bud or two with them.

Anyways, whenever Crazy Lenny would show his self, the bucks would gather in a group of anywhere from 4 to as many as one time, 15 and they would stand there looking at him and all at once say ‘THERE’S CRAZY LENNY….GET HIMMMMM”! No, I couldn’t audibly hear them say that but I just know they did. They would chase him from one end of that prairie to the other and back again. Poor Crazy Lenny.  I really did feel sorry for him…when I wasn’t cracking up at the sight.

This happened everyday without fail. I had 5 solid days of glassing and enjoyed every second of it.

Funniest thing I’ve ever seen…well, one of the funniest.

If you are interested in applying for the Draw antelope and elk seasons in Arizona, the regulations are online now.  While a few units are under subscribed, the trophy quality units may take a few years and points to draw.  Do your research and in a few years you will have a chance at some areas that have held some record class animals.   

12/18/08

Hunters can start submitting applications now

PHOENIX — The 2009 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet is available online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at http://www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters interested in obtaining a hunt permit-tag via the draw process can start applying now.

All applications must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to a department office – no online application process is available. Applications are due by 7 p.m. (MST) Feb. 10, 2009 – postmarks do not count.

To assist customers and reduce errors, a PDF application form can be filled out using a computer and keyboard, but must be printed, signed and submitted (along with the correct fees by check or money order) by mail, or by delivery to any department office. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

Early applicants can take advantage of the “grace period” – those who submit an application by Jan. 22, 2009 will receive up to three calls from the department in a 24-hour period if an error is found on the application. If the applicant is reached by phone, the department will help fix the error to ensure a completed application.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials said printed copies of the regulations should be available at license dealers across the state by mid-January.

For 2009, there are 26,474 elk tags available, a slight increase of 385 tags from last year, and 1,007 pronghorn-antelope tags available, a 1-permit increase from last year.

The elk over-the-counter nonpermit-tags (for limited areas) will continue to be offered in 2009. These tags are akin to a “limited opportunity” hunt in areas with very low elk populations. Hunters interested should thoroughly review the regulations and visit http://www.azgfd.gov/otc to download the “2009 Elk OTC Informational Handout” PDF for frequently asked questions, hunt area boundary descriptions and area maps before purchasing.

A 2009 hunting license is required to apply. Department officials encourage hunters to get their license before applying for an elk or antelope hunt permit-tag if they wish to do any other hunting in early 2009. Licenses purchased through the draw process will not be mailed out until April 24, 2009, regardless of application success.

From a Colorado DOW Press Release

GUNNISON _ When the snow begins to pile up again in the Gunnison Basin, mule deer will likely show up at the feed sites established last winter by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. This will not necessarily be a sign that the deer are starving, said DOW officials.
“Like all animals, deer are creatures of habit and they remember where they find easily available sources of food,” said J Wenum area wildlife manager in Gunnison. “When we see them at the feeding sites this year, depending on the winter conditions, it may not mean they are in trouble.”

The DOW reminds people that they shouldn’t provide any type of feed to deer or attempt to get close to them. Feeding big game is illegal unless authorized by the DOW.

“A feeding operation is only authorized under very severe conditions,” Wenum said. “Deer are well adapted to the tough Gunnison winters. But last year was certainly one of the most extreme winters experienced in the Gunnison Basin.”

Last year’s feeding operation was an extraordinary event because of the unusually deep snow and extremely cold temperatures. In an average winter deer can find enough natural forage.

But even average winters are tough on health animals. Deer usually lose about 20 percent of their body weight during winter and that decline in body mass means that weaker animals will not make it to the spring. Even during average winters, that 15-20 percent of the deer herd may die. Survival depends greatly on the health of the deer going into the winter.

Last year’s abundant winter moisture helped guarantee plenty of wild forage throughout the Gunnison Basin during the summer and fall. The warm weather that lasted late into fall also means that deer have access to plenty of food and have been able to put on fat stores for the winter. Until snow begins to accumulate, deer will remain spread across the basin and find good sources of food. As snow piles up they will move into traditional winter range areas – many of which include the feeding sites.

“We are likely to see a lot of deer in those areas because of the feeding last winter,” Wenum said.

Elk are well adapted and have high survival rates even during extreme winter conditions. Last winter, the DOW baited elk with hay spread by snow-cats and helicopter to keep them away from ranchers’ haystacks, deer feeding sites, and off main roads and highways. It is anticipated that elk also may return to the bait sites.

In early January, DOW big game biologists will begin their annual classification and census flights throughout the basin. With that work, the DOW will better understand how many deer survived the winter of 2008. Flight data will also provide timely information necessary for discussing and setting hunting license allocation for 2009.

If game damage circumstances arise with either deer or elk, ranchers and landowners should contact their local District Wildlife Manager or the Gunnison DOW office at (970) 641-7060.

• The pivoting Roto Limb Cup that we saw for the first time on last years “Firecat” model has made its appearance on the Warthog.  Combined with the Vibration Escape Modules in the riser and VEM Material on the shelf and grip, the bow is quieter this year than my 2008 Slayer.

• The Riser is more sleek and lighter than last years model.  The bare bow comes over a half of a pound lighter.  That will come in handy in the mountains. 

• The Axle to axle length is an inch shorter.  The bow still holds steady, and the string angle is not noticeably different except for peep placement.

• No LimbJaxs, or Limb savers.  Why?  This bow is quiet enough that it doesn’t need ‘em. 

• The Bow came dipped in the NEXT camo instead of the Realtree APG green that my ‘08 slayer wore.  I’m not a big camo guy, but I like the looks of this pattern.   

Things that stayed the same:

• Speed.  The bow still IBO’s at 350 fps.  I haven’t shot my setup (414 gr. arrows at 28.5 DL) through a chrono yet, but I expect to be in the 290’s with no problems.

• STS (shock termination suppressors) prevent any arm slap, Take out any string buzz or twang, and make it more of a dull “thunk”.   Don’t bother getting limbsavers for this one.  It doesn’t need it.

• C.A.T. cams- the hybrid duo cam system is adjustable from 27 to 31 inch Draw Lengths, without switching modules.  A growing teen in the upper 5 feet in height could conceivably grow with this bow until he or she was an adult.  The CAT cams come with a draw stop peg for rock solid wall, and a customizable let-off.  80% comes standard, but I adjust it to more like 65-70% by shortening up the draw stop peg.  (And it holds like a dream).  The CAT cams are a speed setup with an aggressive draw cycle, but after a few shots you do note that it is smooth. 

• Thermal V leather grip- This was my first thermal grip with the VEM material, instead of wood side plates, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It wasn’t bulky or clunky feeling.  I won’t change it.

• The Double Helix ELITE string.  It could be one of the best stock strings on the market today.  I never changed my Slayer String, and I doubt I will have to change the one on this Warthog for a couple years.

So back to opening the Bow package….

I attached my Ripcord rest, and tied in a d loop, and bolted on my Hoggit sight that was on the Slayer.  Once I made sure the centershot was correct, I went out side with 3 arrows and checked the draw length.  It shipped at 29 inches, and 80% let-off so I moved the draw stop from the #7 position to the #5 position.  EHHH, too much.  Back down to # 6…..PERFECT.

Now I didn’t have my peep in the string yet, and I wanted to shoot it SO BAD.  So I did.

I drew back with my first arrow at 4 yards and released.  A quiet “Thunck” of the bow and “THWAAAP” of the arrow in the target followed in rapid succession merging into one sound.  Right now, I’m thinkin’ “OOOOHHH BABY….”

I backed up to 20 paces, and with no peep. sighted my pin on the first arrow.  “Thump-Thwap” again.  Just to the right.  The next arrow repeated the performance and was touching the second arrow.  Quiet, Steady, and Fast.

Just to be clear, I performed all this setup in an hour after opening the box.  I spent that evening customizing the stabilizer end weight arrangement to my liking. The next morning , with help from my pro archer buddy, Dave Bengston, tied in a Super Ball Peep, and I was ready to go.

Now all that remains is some more adjustment of the rest position through bare shaft and broadhead tuning and I’ll be hitting X’s at the Thursday night indoor league.

So if you are in the market for a speed bow for 3-D or a fast hunting bow that takes no prisoners, the Martin WartHog delivers.  It’s a bow that is prettier than the name suggests, and brings improvements for 2009 while keeping the proven quality of speed from the 2008 Slayer.   

Here are the specs in case you missed ‘em:

Technical Specifications
IBO Speed: 350 FPS (70#, 30”, 350 gr.)
Let-Off: 80%
Draw Weights: 60#, 70#
Draw Length: 27”-31”
Brace Height: 6.25”
Weight: 3.85 lbs.
Axle Length: 35”

 Martin Archery website 

Those of you who have been following my training know I’ve had good results with the Wilderness Athlete line of supplements, Gels and Drink mixes.   In studying the product line, I see a scientific approach to the ingredients used, not a least cost formulation.  I’ve used the 10 day hunt packs in concert with a daily multivitamin and this year for the first time, I tried the Hy-Altitude advantage, and bought a 10 day pack for my 67 year old father.  Both of us really felt that the products helped us hunt better, and I managed to kill a good bull at 9500 feet elevation (9450 feet higher than my home.)

So when I got word from the folks at Wilderness Athlete that there was going to be a sale, I thought I would pass it along to my fellow hunters:

For a limited time, you can get most of the Wilderness Athlete products for only a buck per piece! That’s right, A BUCK PER PIECE! We’ve got plenty of Mistletoe hanging around the office, because with this special, we KNOW you’ll want to kiss the boss!

• Buy a box of WA Buck Fever Reliever for a Buck a Bottle – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Buck Fever Reliever (regular price is $39.48)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKBFR

 

• Buy a box of WA Performance Bars (any flavor) for a Buck a Bar – that’s 15 Bucks for a 15 count box of Bars (regular price is $41.85)! Coupon Code: BIGBUCKBAR15 (Limit 8 – 15 count boxes per order, any combination of flavors)

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy Gels (any flavor) for a Buck a Gel – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Gels (regular price is $17.88)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKGELS

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy & Focus Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 20 Bucks for a 20 count box of Energy & Focus Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $29.80)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKE&F

 

• Buy a box of WA Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 24 Bucks for a 24 count box of Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $30.96)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKH&R

All you have to do to take advantage of this CRAZY Holiday Special is:

1) Go online to our website at www.wildernessathlete.com,
2) Add a product from the above list to your shopping cart,
3) If you would like to order 2 or more of the product, change the quantity in front of the product to the quantity you would like to order, then click on the “Recalculate” button,
4) Type the corresponding coupon code for the product you are ordering in the coupon code space provided,
5) Click on the “Apply” button (you will see a green confirmation appear when the code has been accepted),
6) Click on the “Continue Shopping” button to add more products to your shopping cart,
7) Repeat steps 1 through 6 until you have entered all the products you wish to order,
Click on the “Checkout” button when you are ready to pay for your order.

This special won’t last long, so you have to hurry to take advantage of the WA Big Buck Holiday Bonanza! The coupon code is only good from 12:00 am EST December 10, 2008 through 11:59 pm EST December 31, 2008.

This special can not be applied to any orders made prior to the start time of the special, nor to any orders made after the end time of the special. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You may order any combination of the products listed above, however, there is a limit of 8 boxes of the 15 count Bars ordered at the special pricing per order. These coupon codes are not to be used with any other specials, coupon codes, or discounts.

Wishing you a Spectacular WA Holiday Season!

The Wilderness Athlete Elves
Wilderness Athlete

Thanks to my Skinny Moose buddy Jason Hendricks over at the Adventurist.  He alerted me to a HUGE discount sale at the Altrec Outlet.  Much of the products for sale there would be well suited for us Western Hunters.  Names like Mountain Hardware, Kelty and Marmot, are all veterans of high peaks and mountain climbing expeditions. 

So check out Jasons page as well as the deals at Altrec.  I think you will be glad you did on both counts..

Jody Cyr, a fellow Pope and Young measurer had success on a nice Oregon Roosevelt Elk this September.  hunting is a family affair for him. 

Well, its been a tough year until Saturday…Ended up calling in a few bulls here and there, but for some reason didn’t really work out. Got into this bull early in the season and then left him alone for a bit..Ed (Fanchin) was up for a while, and for those of you that haven’t had the chance to hunt with him, he’s a first class dude and welcome at my place anytime..Came back to this bull after putting him to bed on Friday night and got right on him Saturday morning..By eight, he was broadside at 50 and that was all she wrote..Another good roosey bites the dust…Died in a hole that i had to go home and get a chainsaw winch to get him out of….That was cool though, cause the girls got to go back up with me….

On December 8th the California bear quota of 1700 black bears was reached and the season was closed.  If you have an unfilled tag, mail it into Fish and Game at  DFG Wildlife Branch, 812 Ninth St., Sacramento, California, 95814, by Feb.1, 2009.

Ed Fanchin killed this bear on the left with his Bow on December 4th. 

DFG will mail notices to all bear tag holders that the season is closed.

Hunters must submit skulls of the bear they harvested to DFG for extraction of a tooth within 10 days of taking the bear. The teeth are aged and the data are used to help Fish and Game determine the health of the state’s bear population.

The black bear hunting season was scheduled to run through the last Sunday in December. This is the second year the reported kill shut down the season before the calendar date closure since 2001. In 2002, the triggering figure for season closure was increased from 1,500 to 1,700 bears based on the health and expansion of the bear population. The state’s bear population which is estimated at approximately 30,000 animals.