What bailer said. This was the first rattler I've seen from the central part of the state all the way south. He was so lethargic, when poked, he hardly moved.
We were predominately hunting coues deer and had some fantastic hunting. From sunrise to sunset on day 1 was constant action and stalks. Seemed like every time we sat down to glass within 5 minutes we were on a least one coues buck to chase. So many close calls that day (one that ducked the...
Lots of great options. I think you could reasonable rule out the Motrail (heavy), Hyperlite (overpriced) and Supertarp (tight). I don't know anything about the Black Diamond Betalight but the MLD Duomid would be a great option. As AK Troutman pointed out the Hapi, I would also include the Locus...
Yellowknife provided fantastic advice not only applicable to sheep hunting but hunting any species. Learn by doing.
Like going to college, you can study and read as much as you want. This will lay the groundwork but once thrown into your career field you'll learn significantly more in a much...
Thermarest is releasing a new ultralight pad this year. It's going to be called the NeoAir Uberlite. 8.8 oz. 2.0 R-value.
It weight is your main concern, might be worth a look. Not a great cold weather pad though.
You need to reconsider! :p Cheese is awesome in the backcountry: high calorie per ounce, high fat, good source of protein, few carbs.
With only 1 point I would plan on continuing to build points and go OTC or hunt a general tag. 1 point isn't likely to get you a game-changing better hunt. I...
When I hunt the backcountry it's always solo but I prefer it that way.
Advantages:
-The only expectations are mine
-I hunt harder
-I feel much more focused
-Nature is my religion so it's a great time to relax and reflect
-Only way to get entirely away from big city life
Disadvantages:
-can be...
I think it totally depends no how much time you have or how much time you can make. If you are to strike gold and draw a lottery tag can you take the time off to adequately go hunt? If yes, shoot for the moon. If no, points only.
Best I've been able to put together for AZ trails:
From the USFS you can pull GIS data (trails) from different National Forests
You'll have to convert the SHP files to KML. I was able to do this via MyGeoData (FYI: After a certain number of downloads you'll have to pay for additional)
Here's...
I think the comfort of level of quilt surpasses that of any bag. Bag's are restrictive, with the quilt you can turn from side to side and not worry about twisting yourself into a pretzel. The quilt doesn't move as you turn underneath it. Definitely a tiny amount more work to connect the straps...
I know Top Rut will email you free KMZ files, unit specific. I'm not sure if they include trails though but would be worth checking out.
I'm surprised to hear that your OnX keeps crashing on you. I've never had that issue with mine. I would contact their customer service and see if they can fix...
I don't have any experience with Exo's packs but I've owned both Kuiu and Stone Glacier. I think it's wise to try them out and see what fits you best. Order and return. Also can't stress enough how important lightweight gear is.
That said, I would look at an Enlightened Equipment quilt over the...
If I can't bring a lightweight solar charger (overcast skies) the Anker 10000 is awesome. It's as lightweight as they come and (knock on wood) I've never had a single issue. ;)
Been a longtime dream of mine to bag a drake cinnamon teal. Next month, I'm gonna spend a little time hunting the Colorado River that divides Southern California and Arizona. I'm sure hope I can get lucky! :o
I usually fall in either a 30 or 31 waist. I have the ascents in 31R and they're a little loose (but maybe to be expected). That said, these are awesome pants. Super light weight yet can take a beating and I really like how stretchy the fabric is. I'll wear mine for any season. I have no issue...
I think your set up is solid where it's at. IMHO 425 is the ideal arrow weight. That will zip through an elk.
Would be worth slapping on a 125 grain broadhead and seeing how it shoots with the additional weight and FOC.
Welcome to rokslide! I just got back from western AZ a few days ago. Mule deer are definitely starting to rut. I would expect the rut will be starting to wind down when you commence your hunt on the 19th but get up high, glass and you will find deer. Best of luck! :p