rockymtnhunter
Active Member
- Messages
- 198
First of all, thanks to all who shared their condolences and kind words regarding the passing of my beautiful bride, wife, companion and best friend. Your thoughts and prayers have helped to ease the difficult days and given me hope for a bright future. Life is definitely not the same without her at my side, but I feel her spirit and influence all around me. And dang it – I can’t seem to talk or write about her without my eyes watering up. Sorry.
Kaibab 2021 – Well, I didn’t draw the archery tag I had hoped for, but that’s OK. Congrats to all who did draw a coveted Kaibab tag. I still plan to be there this for all the hunts. I’ve already been there twice this summer scouting. I’ll repeat the offer I’ve made in the past to those who may like a little extra help for their hunt, esp. to 1st time Kaibab hunters. I’m willing to help anyone who would like an extra set of eyes and little bit of Kaibab knowledge/experience. I’m not a guide or outfitter (and I don’t want to interfere with them), just a guy who likes to help. I’ve helped many Kaibab hunters in the past, some through phone calls, texts, e-mail, PMs – and many on-the-ground during the archery, early and late rifle hunts. My goal is to share my 50 yrs of Kaibab knowledge/experience with as many as I can - the years are passing by (I’m 69) and age/physical ability to starting to overcome desire and opportunity. The trails are longer and mtn’s steeper every year. Anyway, if you’re interested or know someone who may be, please contact me (PM preferable). BTW I’m already committed to help someone during the early rifle hunt.
I was scouting on the Kaibab July 8-10 – my observations: 1) bucks are still putting growth on antlers, although it seems antler growth has been slow – I’d say most bucks were 75% grown; 2) DRY, DRY, DRY most water sources I checked were dry or almost dry (even trick tanks and guzzlers), some of the most reliable water sources were dry, even ones that have always had water during the past 50 years; 3) saw a few trailcams, not as many as past years, but it’s still early – I expect cameras to show up in the coming weeks; 4) despite drought conditions, still good lupine growth and green-up in places; 5) didn’t see any fawns, but I’m sure they’re there – a lot of does were acting alert & defensive; 6) did sprinkle a little on July 9 – I think there’s been some good monsoon moisture the past few days – it will take a sustained, abundant monsoon to restore water sources, but bucks could still finish out their antler growth nicely if weather cooperates; 7) Did I see bucks? Yes…and that’s all I have to say about that (in the words of Forrest Gump).
I plan to return to scout in 2 weeks for 1-2 days, then return on Aug. 19 to prep for archery hunt (hopefully). Good luck to all and feel free to touch base with me. Thanks!
Kaibab 2021 – Well, I didn’t draw the archery tag I had hoped for, but that’s OK. Congrats to all who did draw a coveted Kaibab tag. I still plan to be there this for all the hunts. I’ve already been there twice this summer scouting. I’ll repeat the offer I’ve made in the past to those who may like a little extra help for their hunt, esp. to 1st time Kaibab hunters. I’m willing to help anyone who would like an extra set of eyes and little bit of Kaibab knowledge/experience. I’m not a guide or outfitter (and I don’t want to interfere with them), just a guy who likes to help. I’ve helped many Kaibab hunters in the past, some through phone calls, texts, e-mail, PMs – and many on-the-ground during the archery, early and late rifle hunts. My goal is to share my 50 yrs of Kaibab knowledge/experience with as many as I can - the years are passing by (I’m 69) and age/physical ability to starting to overcome desire and opportunity. The trails are longer and mtn’s steeper every year. Anyway, if you’re interested or know someone who may be, please contact me (PM preferable). BTW I’m already committed to help someone during the early rifle hunt.
I was scouting on the Kaibab July 8-10 – my observations: 1) bucks are still putting growth on antlers, although it seems antler growth has been slow – I’d say most bucks were 75% grown; 2) DRY, DRY, DRY most water sources I checked were dry or almost dry (even trick tanks and guzzlers), some of the most reliable water sources were dry, even ones that have always had water during the past 50 years; 3) saw a few trailcams, not as many as past years, but it’s still early – I expect cameras to show up in the coming weeks; 4) despite drought conditions, still good lupine growth and green-up in places; 5) didn’t see any fawns, but I’m sure they’re there – a lot of does were acting alert & defensive; 6) did sprinkle a little on July 9 – I think there’s been some good monsoon moisture the past few days – it will take a sustained, abundant monsoon to restore water sources, but bucks could still finish out their antler growth nicely if weather cooperates; 7) Did I see bucks? Yes…and that’s all I have to say about that (in the words of Forrest Gump).
I plan to return to scout in 2 weeks for 1-2 days, then return on Aug. 19 to prep for archery hunt (hopefully). Good luck to all and feel free to touch base with me. Thanks!