Kirt Darner
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RE: Kirt Darner
It took me quite a while to find the book. The title is actually "How to find giant bucks." It is out of print and can be hard to find. I will check into it and get back to you. It is definately worth searching for. If you ask me he is one of the all time big bucks hunters.
Paul(Kicker)
It took me quite a while to find the book. The title is actually "How to find giant bucks." It is out of print and can be hard to find. I will check into it and get back to you. It is definately worth searching for. If you ask me he is one of the all time big bucks hunters.
Paul(Kicker)
RE: Kirt Darner
LAST EDITED ON Jun-12-05 AT 08:43PM (MST)[p]Here's a copy for $73.00.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:How to Find Giant Bucks:1979924968:isbn=0961482109?used=1
I'll keep looking,
Paul(Kicker)
Or here is one i found for $55.00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/of...ef=sr_pb_a//104-0323387-7426377?condition=all
LAST EDITED ON Jun-12-05 AT 08:43PM (MST)[p]Here's a copy for $73.00.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:How to Find Giant Bucks:1979924968:isbn=0961482109?used=1
I'll keep looking,
Paul(Kicker)
Or here is one i found for $55.00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/of...ef=sr_pb_a//104-0323387-7426377?condition=all
ridgerunner
Very Active Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
Try one of the rare book sites on the web, it is a great book to own. I wouldn't part with my copy. He did do another book called Hunting the Rockies home of the giants, it is more than mule deer, covers many of his hunts for elk, sheep etc. If someone is interested I would sell that book. There are some mule deer sections in that as well but it's not like How to Find Giant Bucks, a classic.
Try one of the rare book sites on the web, it is a great book to own. I wouldn't part with my copy. He did do another book called Hunting the Rockies home of the giants, it is more than mule deer, covers many of his hunts for elk, sheep etc. If someone is interested I would sell that book. There are some mule deer sections in that as well but it's not like How to Find Giant Bucks, a classic.
RE: Kirt Darner
Wow,Thanks for the info.I was told by friends that its almost
impossible to find that book...I wasnt messing around so i set up a account with amazon and bought the 55 dollar one right now.Looks like the only difference is ones autographed...
Thank you guys very much!!!!
Wow,Thanks for the info.I was told by friends that its almost
impossible to find that book...I wasnt messing around so i set up a account with amazon and bought the 55 dollar one right now.Looks like the only difference is ones autographed...
Thank you guys very much!!!!
PleaseDear
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
I've got them both. The one is in leather bound and has the gold page lining. Both are autographed. Dang good read for sure.
I've got them both. The one is in leather bound and has the gold page lining. Both are autographed. Dang good read for sure.
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
it's a wonder he hasn't reprinted the book with the demand so high..?..
it's a wonder he hasn't reprinted the book with the demand so high..?..
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
His book came out in what, the 80's I believe?...back then I just put allot of miles on my boots and happened into deer, after reading the book I started glassing allot more and seeing more good bucks, the fish hook pattern worked a few time's for me as well...
But hey it's all common knowledge now right....LOL
His book came out in what, the 80's I believe?...back then I just put allot of miles on my boots and happened into deer, after reading the book I started glassing allot more and seeing more good bucks, the fish hook pattern worked a few time's for me as well...
But hey it's all common knowledge now right....LOL
HunterHarry
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
LAST EDITED ON Jun-14-05 AT 09:25PM (MST)[p]Lot of you guys out there sitting on your hands????
LAST EDITED ON Jun-14-05 AT 09:25PM (MST)[p]Lot of you guys out there sitting on your hands????
RE: Kirt Darner
I read a lot of his stuff in hunting mags when I was a kid. Much of that same info was put into the book. Alot of that stuff has been in my head for years and I apply that info on a regular basis when I hunt. So, ya, it has helped me take big bucks. But, more than that, Darner sparked a fire in my heart and mind for trophy muleys that has burned since I was a young kid. All the BS aside, I credit Darner for that passion. Only other hunter that has sparked that much passion in my hunting life would be Fred Bear.
I read a lot of his stuff in hunting mags when I was a kid. Much of that same info was put into the book. Alot of that stuff has been in my head for years and I apply that info on a regular basis when I hunt. So, ya, it has helped me take big bucks. But, more than that, Darner sparked a fire in my heart and mind for trophy muleys that has burned since I was a young kid. All the BS aside, I credit Darner for that passion. Only other hunter that has sparked that much passion in my hunting life would be Fred Bear.
RE: Kirt Darner
My brother bought his book from Darner at a hunting show.I have read it several times but never bought one.I wanted to read it again
but my brother wouldnt let it leave his home.So i had to either read it there or find my own.Should have bought it a long time ago.The truth is Darner pretty much put big Buck hunting on the
map.He totally changed the way most guys think about glassing,all big buck hunting in general.He lite a fire for many,many people .Me included.In some ways this started some bad things in hunting overall.He started making money at it and that started a downward spiral.Any time money becomes involved in anything it starts to corrupt...Locking up propertys,Guiding,Stiff competition for trophy areas.Intence pressure ect...
Most of this probobly would have happened later anyway but he stared a tital wave...I have been lucky enough to take several
exceptional trophys and theres no doubt in my mine he directly contributed to my success....
My brother bought his book from Darner at a hunting show.I have read it several times but never bought one.I wanted to read it again
but my brother wouldnt let it leave his home.So i had to either read it there or find my own.Should have bought it a long time ago.The truth is Darner pretty much put big Buck hunting on the
map.He totally changed the way most guys think about glassing,all big buck hunting in general.He lite a fire for many,many people .Me included.In some ways this started some bad things in hunting overall.He started making money at it and that started a downward spiral.Any time money becomes involved in anything it starts to corrupt...Locking up propertys,Guiding,Stiff competition for trophy areas.Intence pressure ect...
Most of this probobly would have happened later anyway but he stared a tital wave...I have been lucky enough to take several
exceptional trophys and theres no doubt in my mine he directly contributed to my success....
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
>Sorry but one my hands got
>loose,the fish hook or J
>method stands for January if
>you get my drift...Devlin
No I don't....whats your point..?..
>Sorry but one my hands got
>loose,the fish hook or J
>method stands for January if
>you get my drift...Devlin
No I don't....whats your point..?..
RE: Kirt Darner
Yeah Devlin I got your drift, I guess the big velvet buck he shot was shot in January. More jealous people why cant people just enjoy the big bucks for what they are not how they where gotten, I am all for a record book with no hunter's names in it just the bucks score and where it was from sure would cut out a lot of this B.S.
Yeah Devlin I got your drift, I guess the big velvet buck he shot was shot in January. More jealous people why cant people just enjoy the big bucks for what they are not how they where gotten, I am all for a record book with no hunter's names in it just the bucks score and where it was from sure would cut out a lot of this B.S.
RE: Kirt Darner
Manny15 I,m not going to get into a pissing match about him.I,m sure he killed some of those big bucks but he,s a illegal hunter and convicted of it and he,s not my idol by no means all tho he did put out a good book with some good info to use.Devlin
Manny15 I,m not going to get into a pissing match about him.I,m sure he killed some of those big bucks but he,s a illegal hunter and convicted of it and he,s not my idol by no means all tho he did put out a good book with some good info to use.Devlin
HunterHarry
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
I really try not to bash anyone publicly, but...
Lets just say that I have serious doubts.
I bought his book when it first came out.
I was a huge KD fan afterwords.
I know a lot of his detractors were simply jealous.
I have heard strong arguments defending him and his accomplishments.
However, after talking with several _HIGHLY_ respected members of the hunting community I have serious doubts that he killed all of those bucks.
My beliefs have nothing to do with that silly elk incident.
That being said, each of the people that I spoke (people that know him personally) with were in agreement that he is a great hunter, a very pleasant guy to talk to and incredibly knowlegeble about western hunting.
I suggest doing some research.
HH
I really try not to bash anyone publicly, but...
Lets just say that I have serious doubts.
I bought his book when it first came out.
I was a huge KD fan afterwords.
I know a lot of his detractors were simply jealous.
I have heard strong arguments defending him and his accomplishments.
However, after talking with several _HIGHLY_ respected members of the hunting community I have serious doubts that he killed all of those bucks.
My beliefs have nothing to do with that silly elk incident.
That being said, each of the people that I spoke (people that know him personally) with were in agreement that he is a great hunter, a very pleasant guy to talk to and incredibly knowlegeble about western hunting.
I suggest doing some research.
HH
G
graybeard
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
I don't think any one has written a book prior to his or after his that can compare. His ability to write about the ROMANCE of big buck hunting, in my opinion, is what makes his book so good. He's a great story teller and his hunting adventures seem bigger than life. Hunting giant bucks is HIGH ADVENTURE and he new how to put it in text. Probably have to give a bit of credit to Rich LaRocco too. Darners hunting techniques hold true today and prove he knows his stuff. His passion for the hunt was fresh when the book came out and has influenced trophy hunting then and today. My 2 cents....Steve
I don't think any one has written a book prior to his or after his that can compare. His ability to write about the ROMANCE of big buck hunting, in my opinion, is what makes his book so good. He's a great story teller and his hunting adventures seem bigger than life. Hunting giant bucks is HIGH ADVENTURE and he new how to put it in text. Probably have to give a bit of credit to Rich LaRocco too. Darners hunting techniques hold true today and prove he knows his stuff. His passion for the hunt was fresh when the book came out and has influenced trophy hunting then and today. My 2 cents....Steve
sjhgraysage
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RE: Kirt Darner
I have met him a couple of times and consider him a aquintance type friend. Kirt is always ready to talk hunting give you advise, or help in some way if you are looking to do some hunting for deer or elk. Some how I missed the "incident" that knocked Kirt off the pedastel, so about all I've heard is second hand stuff, that I can't really comment on. I still try to keep in contact with Kirt every once in a while. His information and techniques have definitly improved my hunting experiences. Also I would say that ethical/legal hunting is the only way to harvest our majestic wildlife, period.
I have met him a couple of times and consider him a aquintance type friend. Kirt is always ready to talk hunting give you advise, or help in some way if you are looking to do some hunting for deer or elk. Some how I missed the "incident" that knocked Kirt off the pedastel, so about all I've heard is second hand stuff, that I can't really comment on. I still try to keep in contact with Kirt every once in a while. His information and techniques have definitly improved my hunting experiences. Also I would say that ethical/legal hunting is the only way to harvest our majestic wildlife, period.
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manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
LAST EDITED ON Jun-15-05 AT 09:37AM (MST)[p]Dev.
I piss in the toilet, & Kirt's not my idol, my 8th grade teacher was, cause he's the one who turned me on to muleys & hunting Colorado?..
H.H
Even reputable hunters can get jealous and spread rumors...the only thing anyone can prove is the elk incident, since then no one has come forward?I remember back in 1987 I was hunting with an armature hunting guide dude in Delta, first thing out of his mouth when I got there was how Darner?s heads were fake?. He was riddled with jealousy...
He may have crossed the line with the elk incident but he's still a master muley hunter in my mind...
LAST EDITED ON Jun-15-05 AT 09:37AM (MST)[p]Dev.
I piss in the toilet, & Kirt's not my idol, my 8th grade teacher was, cause he's the one who turned me on to muleys & hunting Colorado?..
H.H
Even reputable hunters can get jealous and spread rumors...the only thing anyone can prove is the elk incident, since then no one has come forward?I remember back in 1987 I was hunting with an armature hunting guide dude in Delta, first thing out of his mouth when I got there was how Darner?s heads were fake?. He was riddled with jealousy...
He may have crossed the line with the elk incident but he's still a master muley hunter in my mind...
RE: Kirt Darner
Neb, B.C. had a picture of the buck that was killed in Arizona, Darner entered a buck they said that was the Arizona buck a lot of bucks look very much alike, was later proved that they were wrong. Darner had a very bitter ex-wife that said most of his stuff was taken illegally. This was later proved to be wrong. I think every body has a few skeletons in thier closet. Kirt was a hell of a hunter and his buck is a classic on mule deer hunting. If only the truth was known some of the biggest bucks in B.C were bought, thats why I think they should take the hunters name out of these books would solve a lot of problems.
Neb, B.C. had a picture of the buck that was killed in Arizona, Darner entered a buck they said that was the Arizona buck a lot of bucks look very much alike, was later proved that they were wrong. Darner had a very bitter ex-wife that said most of his stuff was taken illegally. This was later proved to be wrong. I think every body has a few skeletons in thier closet. Kirt was a hell of a hunter and his buck is a classic on mule deer hunting. If only the truth was known some of the biggest bucks in B.C were bought, thats why I think they should take the hunters name out of these books would solve a lot of problems.
RE: Kirt Darner
I know Darner went to great lenghts to prove his Arizona deer was not the deer in controversy.He even had it carbon dated in
New Mexico by some professor.I saw the results that were published in several national magazines.He was hunting the truly big bucks long before most people realized or considered hunting several states,best units extra.I dont know anything about the ELK incident.Hope it ant true.I do know his ex has had a vendetta....
I know Darner went to great lenghts to prove his Arizona deer was not the deer in controversy.He even had it carbon dated in
New Mexico by some professor.I saw the results that were published in several national magazines.He was hunting the truly big bucks long before most people realized or considered hunting several states,best units extra.I dont know anything about the ELK incident.Hope it ant true.I do know his ex has had a vendetta....
M
manny15
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RE: Kirt Darner
when you say Ex are you talking about Paula..?..
when you say Ex are you talking about Paula..?..
sjhgraysage
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RE: Kirt Darner
Kirt and Paula are still very much together.
Kirt and Paula are still very much together.
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
good deal....a pre paula 'eh...
good deal....a pre paula 'eh...
muleycrazy23
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RE: Kirt Darner
I wouldnt trust Kirt Darner to save my life. Last I heard of him he left Colorado because he got busted poaching( I actually saw the fake DOW elk that he shot). We were just sitting across a canyon looking at some elk one day that were on some land that he leased and he came up to us and started cussing us out and telling us to stop watching his elk. Hes a low-life.I am glad that he has nothing to do with Colorado anymore and I hope he doesnt screw up the next place he lives like he did here. He is almost a hated person around here.
I wouldnt trust Kirt Darner to save my life. Last I heard of him he left Colorado because he got busted poaching( I actually saw the fake DOW elk that he shot). We were just sitting across a canyon looking at some elk one day that were on some land that he leased and he came up to us and started cussing us out and telling us to stop watching his elk. Hes a low-life.I am glad that he has nothing to do with Colorado anymore and I hope he doesnt screw up the next place he lives like he did here. He is almost a hated person around here.
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
What ever....
What ever....
eelgrass
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
I have his book. I can't find even one field photo of him and any of his big bucks together. Lots of him and mounted heads, but none with him and the freshly killed animal. Sure seems odd to me......just an observation. It's a great read though.
Steve
I have his book. I can't find even one field photo of him and any of his big bucks together. Lots of him and mounted heads, but none with him and the freshly killed animal. Sure seems odd to me......just an observation. It's a great read though.
Steve
HunterHarry
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
Yes, that is a rather unusual feature of the book.
I guess you get so used to killing 40 inchers that you don't even pose for a trophy shot!
HH
Yes, that is a rather unusual feature of the book.
I guess you get so used to killing 40 inchers that you don't even pose for a trophy shot!
HH
RE: Kirt Darner
For the last few months, I have been reading with interest all the chatting on various subjects in the Muley section.If you look at my posts you will see i havent jumped into to many conversations.All i asked was were i could find a book that i really liked.I thank the guys who tried to help.I dont understand how some people can get so mean, jeolous, and petty...Its amazing how cold and cruel some people are...Its easy to take shots from the other side of the computer...
Its no wonder that some people wont share there stories or pictures because they know they will be ripped...Anytime some one takes a big animal anywhere ,somebody 'KNOWS' that it was poached.Some of the best hunters i know, who take big critters every year dont tell anyone simply because it makes them a target... Its sad and unfortunate.I guess if guys keep up the negativeism eventually thats the only people that will be left to chat with...... P.S.Im glad the rumors about MR.DARNER and his wife arnt true...Nothing is more important than family.Nothing....
For the last few months, I have been reading with interest all the chatting on various subjects in the Muley section.If you look at my posts you will see i havent jumped into to many conversations.All i asked was were i could find a book that i really liked.I thank the guys who tried to help.I dont understand how some people can get so mean, jeolous, and petty...Its amazing how cold and cruel some people are...Its easy to take shots from the other side of the computer...
Its no wonder that some people wont share there stories or pictures because they know they will be ripped...Anytime some one takes a big animal anywhere ,somebody 'KNOWS' that it was poached.Some of the best hunters i know, who take big critters every year dont tell anyone simply because it makes them a target... Its sad and unfortunate.I guess if guys keep up the negativeism eventually thats the only people that will be left to chat with...... P.S.Im glad the rumors about MR.DARNER and his wife arnt true...Nothing is more important than family.Nothing....
HunterHarry
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
I have the book.
Have enjoyed it for years.
I would still be a big Darner defender, but for the fact that throughout my many years of fanatical hunting research, I have met some people that are DEEPLY involved in the sport of trophy hunting.
Hunters, Guides, Outfitters, Biologists and Game Wardens, B&C officials etc..
People with incredible knowledge of on many different aspects of our sport.
I have discussed this topic with some highly respected individuals that I will not name here, and they all have a certain something to say regarding Mr. Darners accomplishment, I must say that it opened my eyes.
I will not mention the names or exactly what they said, but these sources aren't Joe Schmoe down at the bar.
Believe whatever you want.
I have the book.
Have enjoyed it for years.
I would still be a big Darner defender, but for the fact that throughout my many years of fanatical hunting research, I have met some people that are DEEPLY involved in the sport of trophy hunting.
Hunters, Guides, Outfitters, Biologists and Game Wardens, B&C officials etc..
People with incredible knowledge of on many different aspects of our sport.
I have discussed this topic with some highly respected individuals that I will not name here, and they all have a certain something to say regarding Mr. Darners accomplishment, I must say that it opened my eyes.
I will not mention the names or exactly what they said, but these sources aren't Joe Schmoe down at the bar.
Believe whatever you want.
ridgerunner
Very Active Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
Graybeard hit it on the head, I think it is about time for this topic to die, it seems to resurface in one way or another at least once a year. I personally don't know if any of the above is true but I do know that his book and his display of big muleys got me hooked at an early age on hunting and big muleys. I owe part of my obsession to him.
Graybeard hit it on the head, I think it is about time for this topic to die, it seems to resurface in one way or another at least once a year. I personally don't know if any of the above is true but I do know that his book and his display of big muleys got me hooked at an early age on hunting and big muleys. I owe part of my obsession to him.
Founder
Founder Since 1999
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RE: Kirt Darner
Alright, I'm a fan of Darner's book, so I've got to voice my opinion. Like Graybeard said, it's the best book ever written about trophy mule deer hunting. His book has had a great deal to do with me having killed a few nice bucks.
He was hunting giant bucks before many others did and in areas where big bucks were. He was using high-powered optics long before most. He was far more selective in is hunting, long before most and at a time when there were more big deer.
I wish there were more kill photos in the book also, but what we need to keep in mind is that carrying a camera back in those days was NOT on the top of peoples list.
Heck, my dad killed lots of deer and elk, but has few photos of them. They just went hunting. In those days, it wasn't as important to come home with great photos as it is today. Heck, today people scramble the deer to a ridgeline to get great sunset kill photos.
It wasn't like that 30-40 years ago.
I don't know if he killed all those giants bucks or not. After hearing about the buck on the cover of the book, I even had to question it.
After reading his book and having killed a few big deer, I know that he knows what he's talking about. Therefore, I respect him for knowing his stuff. If he says he killed those bucks, I believe him until someone can prove otherwise, rather than just by rumors.
There are lots of people in this world who just love to knock others down---it happens a lot in the hunting world.
I would recommend Darner's book to anyone wanting to learn about hunting big deer. The game has changed quite a bit since he wrote that book, but the fundamentals of hunting those big deer are still the same.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
Alright, I'm a fan of Darner's book, so I've got to voice my opinion. Like Graybeard said, it's the best book ever written about trophy mule deer hunting. His book has had a great deal to do with me having killed a few nice bucks.
He was hunting giant bucks before many others did and in areas where big bucks were. He was using high-powered optics long before most. He was far more selective in is hunting, long before most and at a time when there were more big deer.
I wish there were more kill photos in the book also, but what we need to keep in mind is that carrying a camera back in those days was NOT on the top of peoples list.
Heck, my dad killed lots of deer and elk, but has few photos of them. They just went hunting. In those days, it wasn't as important to come home with great photos as it is today. Heck, today people scramble the deer to a ridgeline to get great sunset kill photos.
It wasn't like that 30-40 years ago.
I don't know if he killed all those giants bucks or not. After hearing about the buck on the cover of the book, I even had to question it.
After reading his book and having killed a few big deer, I know that he knows what he's talking about. Therefore, I respect him for knowing his stuff. If he says he killed those bucks, I believe him until someone can prove otherwise, rather than just by rumors.
There are lots of people in this world who just love to knock others down---it happens a lot in the hunting world.
I would recommend Darner's book to anyone wanting to learn about hunting big deer. The game has changed quite a bit since he wrote that book, but the fundamentals of hunting those big deer are still the same.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
AZBuckSnort
Very Active Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
Fish Hook
Fish Hook
S
Sheepshooter
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
Well said Brian .
Well said Brian .
R
RLH
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
nice words Brian. i agree with you. and muleycrazy23, guess what? Kirt just bought a new place in colorado and moved back. he sent me some pictures of it along with an invite to an open house he was gonna have.
nice words Brian. i agree with you. and muleycrazy23, guess what? Kirt just bought a new place in colorado and moved back. he sent me some pictures of it along with an invite to an open house he was gonna have.
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
I didn't start carrying a camera in the feild till I hit this web site, and I started huntin when I was 13, always had after photo's though, many a time's Darner was in the back-woods "BY HIMSELF" kinda hard to pose for a feild pic don't yah think..?..
Kirt, was monster muley huntin while other were still meat huntin...
I didn't start carrying a camera in the feild till I hit this web site, and I started huntin when I was 13, always had after photo's though, many a time's Darner was in the back-woods "BY HIMSELF" kinda hard to pose for a feild pic don't yah think..?..
Kirt, was monster muley huntin while other were still meat huntin...
M
manny15
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
>What a load of crap!
>Good old manny is educating
>us again.
>
>
Kicker, just glad I could help...email me any time with any Q' you may have about the gospel perhaps ect:...LOL...
>What a load of crap!
>Good old manny is educating
>us again.
>
>
Kicker, just glad I could help...email me any time with any Q' you may have about the gospel perhaps ect:...LOL...
G
graybeard
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
There's a kill photo of Darners MONSTER velvet buck in "Wyomings Finest Mule Deer" book on page 189. It even has his Redfield cap in the photo. Also, on pages 26 and 27, is a photo of his other mounted, Wyoming "book" buck.
RLH, I'd love to get his phone number if you'd be willing to p.m. me with it. I talked to him years ago, but lost track of him when he moved to NM. I hope he's in good health.
Steve
There's a kill photo of Darners MONSTER velvet buck in "Wyomings Finest Mule Deer" book on page 189. It even has his Redfield cap in the photo. Also, on pages 26 and 27, is a photo of his other mounted, Wyoming "book" buck.
RLH, I'd love to get his phone number if you'd be willing to p.m. me with it. I talked to him years ago, but lost track of him when he moved to NM. I hope he's in good health.
Steve
R
rocketman
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
I have had the pleasure of being with
Kirt in the Gunnison area in the 80s. He
had more knowledge of big game hunting than
anyone I could imagine. I spend more time
in the backcountry than almost anyone alive
and he was a walking classroom. I would
love to spend any time with Kirt in the hills
and learn even more.I remember when we talked about
where the best deer habitat in the west was.
His response Gunnison. My goodness what do we have,
now um units 54-55.Right on Kirt.Roy in Montrose
By the way unit 54 the Baldys we agreeded was
as good as it gets.
I have had the pleasure of being with
Kirt in the Gunnison area in the 80s. He
had more knowledge of big game hunting than
anyone I could imagine. I spend more time
in the backcountry than almost anyone alive
and he was a walking classroom. I would
love to spend any time with Kirt in the hills
and learn even more.I remember when we talked about
where the best deer habitat in the west was.
His response Gunnison. My goodness what do we have,
now um units 54-55.Right on Kirt.Roy in Montrose
By the way unit 54 the Baldys we agreeded was
as good as it gets.
HunterHarry
Long Time Member
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RE: Kirt Darner
Kirt Darner is our Pete Rose.
Kirt Darner is our Pete Rose.
G
graybeard
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
Roy in Montrose, I've been to those Baldy's and I'd have to agree. God visits there often...Beautiful!!!!
Roy in Montrose, I've been to those Baldy's and I'd have to agree. God visits there often...Beautiful!!!!
B
Bucks4brains
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
LAST EDITED ON Jun-22-05 AT 10:09AM (MST)[p]>Yeah Devlin I got your drift,
>I guess the big velvet
>buck he shot was shot
>in January.
Hey ! Big moose , Darner didn't harvest his big velvet Wyo muley in january. Most large bucks still have there antlers in january, and are most defanetly not still in velvet.
Rumer has it he took that buck days before the season opener.
There is no doubt Darner knows what he is doing when he hunts for trophy big game, but so do alot of us. Its just that some of us do so in a manner that is fair and legal, and others choose to cheet (Darner, Cowden, ext...) and then throw in that he was making a profit by selling his so called expertise; that makes it a-bit sleezy. You have to wonder about those guys that consistantly harvest very large animals on public land every year?
LAST EDITED ON Jun-22-05 AT 10:09AM (MST)[p]>Yeah Devlin I got your drift,
>I guess the big velvet
>buck he shot was shot
>in January.
Hey ! Big moose , Darner didn't harvest his big velvet Wyo muley in january. Most large bucks still have there antlers in january, and are most defanetly not still in velvet.
Rumer has it he took that buck days before the season opener.
There is no doubt Darner knows what he is doing when he hunts for trophy big game, but so do alot of us. Its just that some of us do so in a manner that is fair and legal, and others choose to cheet (Darner, Cowden, ext...) and then throw in that he was making a profit by selling his so called expertise; that makes it a-bit sleezy. You have to wonder about those guys that consistantly harvest very large animals on public land every year?
N
nemesis
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
Pursuit of cash, outdoor trophies entices lowlifes
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Outdoor Editor
Tuesday, October 16, 2001 - An axiom of the investment industry holds that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Sad to relate, the same often applies to outdoor achievements as well. In four decades of recording hunting and fishing stories, a writer becomes painfully aware that, as the late Cab Calloway crooned, "It ain't necessarily so."
For reasons related to raging ego and, more frequently of late, hard cash, certain outdoorsmen can't resist gilding the lily. The temptations range from a few white lies to impress friends all the way down to outright chicanery.
It may or may not come as a surprise to learn that some of the fish listed in the Colorado record book - or other record books - are less than legitimate. One hears whispers, some distinct enough to register loud and clear, about how certain specimens were taken from closed areas, from out of stateor by means less than sporting. You'd be surprised which records fall under grave doubt.
The same suspicions extend to big game. While some anglers, professional and otherwise, might be tempted to fudge their catch in the interest of boosting their reputations, the profit incentive really kicks for trophy animals. When it comes to big-game heads some so-called sportsmen will do, or pay, almost anything to get their names attached to a trophy.
A few years back, colleague Bob Good related a scenario in which someone offered him $10,000 for a particularly handsome mule deer head. The fellow had no qualms about taking the rack right off Bob's wall and hanging it on his own. Such pretension probably is as old as hunting itself. It doesn't take much effort to imagine some Pleistocene windbag proudly dragging a head stripped off some roadkill sabretooth back to the cave for the clan to admire.
Nowadays, well-heeled hunters get the same ego boost through canned hunts or outright purchases of someone else's trophies. Others take the outlaw road, hunting out of season, after hours or in protected zones such as national parks.
The most recent such sorry example comes with last Wednesday's conviction in Eagle County District Court of William E. Pipes III of Littleton. A hunter for 40 years and a taxidermist, Pipes was intercepted Oct. 16, 1999, by employees of the Pine Valley Ranching for Wildlife property as he made his way in the dark with the rack of a 6x5-point bull elk and the backstrap. The rest was left to spoil.
Pipes was found guilty of willful destruction of wildlife, unlawful possession, hunting on private property and failure to void a carcass tag. He may be sentenced to as many as three years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for the felony willful destruction charge. As a felon, he no longer can possess a firearm. He also faces a mandatory fine of $10,000 for violating Colorado's Sampson Trophy Law, named after a magnificent bull elk slaughtered in 1995 near Estes Park.
To those familiar with such cases, it comes as no surprise to learn that Pipes has nine entries in the Boone & Crockett record book, all of which now come under acute suspicion. While Colorado certainly doesn't have a corner on the outlaw market, it does seem to harbor more than its share of dirtbags.
Take the case of Montrose resident Kirt Darner, who carved a high-profile reputation as a mule deer expert, with nine entries in the B&C book. Trouble was, the record keepers discovered that a trophy he entered in 1977 actually had been taken in '49 by someone else. This investigation prompted B&C to disallow all of Darner's entries under a rule that says if one entry is tainted, all are. A second Darner trophy entry also was deemed illicit.
Curiously, that stricture doesn't apply to Pipes, who may be allowed to keep his record entries. The elk he poached in 1999 wasn't presented for the record book.
"We've been aware of Mr. Pipes' situation for some time and the matter now will be discussed when our board meets in December," B&C spokesman Jack Reneau said. "But this conviction doesn't affect any of his entries in the record book as far as I know."
Then there's the ugly example of a bull elk named Sampson, a case so heinous that it prompted a Colorado legislature, heretofore blind to the seriousness of wildlife offenses, to approve the mandatory $10,000 fine for the illegal taking of trophy animals. Too often, outdoor criminals walked away with a slap on the wrist.
Typical of animals that grew up in the protective environment of Rocky Mountain National Park, this magnificent 8x8 specimen roamed freely through the Estes Park area where it was readily approached and admired by tourists and residents - until a Lakewood resident named Randal Lee Francis shot it with a crossbow aimed out the window of his pickup truck. Francis had a meat saw in his truck, presumably to chop off the head and hang it on his wall.
Among the unfortunate aspects of outdoor sport is that the actions of a few lowlifes cast shadows of doubt upon us all. Court decisions such as the current Eagle County case lend some hope that poachers ultimately get the message that crime doesn't pay. At least when they're caught.
Pursuit of cash, outdoor trophies entices lowlifes
By Charlie Meyers, Denver Post Outdoor Editor
Tuesday, October 16, 2001 - An axiom of the investment industry holds that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Sad to relate, the same often applies to outdoor achievements as well. In four decades of recording hunting and fishing stories, a writer becomes painfully aware that, as the late Cab Calloway crooned, "It ain't necessarily so."
For reasons related to raging ego and, more frequently of late, hard cash, certain outdoorsmen can't resist gilding the lily. The temptations range from a few white lies to impress friends all the way down to outright chicanery.
It may or may not come as a surprise to learn that some of the fish listed in the Colorado record book - or other record books - are less than legitimate. One hears whispers, some distinct enough to register loud and clear, about how certain specimens were taken from closed areas, from out of stateor by means less than sporting. You'd be surprised which records fall under grave doubt.
The same suspicions extend to big game. While some anglers, professional and otherwise, might be tempted to fudge their catch in the interest of boosting their reputations, the profit incentive really kicks for trophy animals. When it comes to big-game heads some so-called sportsmen will do, or pay, almost anything to get their names attached to a trophy.
A few years back, colleague Bob Good related a scenario in which someone offered him $10,000 for a particularly handsome mule deer head. The fellow had no qualms about taking the rack right off Bob's wall and hanging it on his own. Such pretension probably is as old as hunting itself. It doesn't take much effort to imagine some Pleistocene windbag proudly dragging a head stripped off some roadkill sabretooth back to the cave for the clan to admire.
Nowadays, well-heeled hunters get the same ego boost through canned hunts or outright purchases of someone else's trophies. Others take the outlaw road, hunting out of season, after hours or in protected zones such as national parks.
The most recent such sorry example comes with last Wednesday's conviction in Eagle County District Court of William E. Pipes III of Littleton. A hunter for 40 years and a taxidermist, Pipes was intercepted Oct. 16, 1999, by employees of the Pine Valley Ranching for Wildlife property as he made his way in the dark with the rack of a 6x5-point bull elk and the backstrap. The rest was left to spoil.
Pipes was found guilty of willful destruction of wildlife, unlawful possession, hunting on private property and failure to void a carcass tag. He may be sentenced to as many as three years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for the felony willful destruction charge. As a felon, he no longer can possess a firearm. He also faces a mandatory fine of $10,000 for violating Colorado's Sampson Trophy Law, named after a magnificent bull elk slaughtered in 1995 near Estes Park.
To those familiar with such cases, it comes as no surprise to learn that Pipes has nine entries in the Boone & Crockett record book, all of which now come under acute suspicion. While Colorado certainly doesn't have a corner on the outlaw market, it does seem to harbor more than its share of dirtbags.
Take the case of Montrose resident Kirt Darner, who carved a high-profile reputation as a mule deer expert, with nine entries in the B&C book. Trouble was, the record keepers discovered that a trophy he entered in 1977 actually had been taken in '49 by someone else. This investigation prompted B&C to disallow all of Darner's entries under a rule that says if one entry is tainted, all are. A second Darner trophy entry also was deemed illicit.
Curiously, that stricture doesn't apply to Pipes, who may be allowed to keep his record entries. The elk he poached in 1999 wasn't presented for the record book.
"We've been aware of Mr. Pipes' situation for some time and the matter now will be discussed when our board meets in December," B&C spokesman Jack Reneau said. "But this conviction doesn't affect any of his entries in the record book as far as I know."
Then there's the ugly example of a bull elk named Sampson, a case so heinous that it prompted a Colorado legislature, heretofore blind to the seriousness of wildlife offenses, to approve the mandatory $10,000 fine for the illegal taking of trophy animals. Too often, outdoor criminals walked away with a slap on the wrist.
Typical of animals that grew up in the protective environment of Rocky Mountain National Park, this magnificent 8x8 specimen roamed freely through the Estes Park area where it was readily approached and admired by tourists and residents - until a Lakewood resident named Randal Lee Francis shot it with a crossbow aimed out the window of his pickup truck. Francis had a meat saw in his truck, presumably to chop off the head and hang it on his wall.
Among the unfortunate aspects of outdoor sport is that the actions of a few lowlifes cast shadows of doubt upon us all. Court decisions such as the current Eagle County case lend some hope that poachers ultimately get the message that crime doesn't pay. At least when they're caught.
Gator
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 18,131
RE: Kirt Darner
LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-05 AT 10:32AM (MST)[p]I guess Charlie didn't do his homework and find out that that head WASN'T the 1949 head after all it was proven after this article was written, I guess the I'm sorry to put your name out there and didn't get the fact right NEVER made the paper. Just another case of the truth not making it in the paper, as you all can see if it in the paper it MUST be true, If he was such a bad apple I'm sure the COD would be a hell of alot close to putting him in jail,So that alone should tell ya something. How many people do you know that the Government is after that they don't catch(high profile at that). Unless you have personal knowledge of a crime he did(other then being a guide for a hunter who shot a decoy elk from a truck) please inform us other hunter's what it is, I sure don't want to hear: I heard from my sisters boyfriend brothers cousin that he did this and that.Some just hate winners, whether it in hunting or in bike racing or that they have money some will try and bring they down. I know this wouldn't change alot of peoples minds but it might keep new hunters from hating him until they find the truth on their own. Happy hunting to ya all.
LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-05 AT 10:32AM (MST)[p]I guess Charlie didn't do his homework and find out that that head WASN'T the 1949 head after all it was proven after this article was written, I guess the I'm sorry to put your name out there and didn't get the fact right NEVER made the paper. Just another case of the truth not making it in the paper, as you all can see if it in the paper it MUST be true, If he was such a bad apple I'm sure the COD would be a hell of alot close to putting him in jail,So that alone should tell ya something. How many people do you know that the Government is after that they don't catch(high profile at that). Unless you have personal knowledge of a crime he did(other then being a guide for a hunter who shot a decoy elk from a truck) please inform us other hunter's what it is, I sure don't want to hear: I heard from my sisters boyfriend brothers cousin that he did this and that.Some just hate winners, whether it in hunting or in bike racing or that they have money some will try and bring they down. I know this wouldn't change alot of peoples minds but it might keep new hunters from hating him until they find the truth on their own. Happy hunting to ya all.
B
BUNKHOLE
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
All the hype on Darner... spent my $77 on "how to find giant bucks" (amazon.com) Great book.
All the hype on Darner... spent my $77 on "how to find giant bucks" (amazon.com) Great book.
H
Hornseeker
Guest
RE: Kirt Darner
I read lots of his articles also and though I haven't shot CHIT for big bucks, someday it will pay off!!
My favorite thing I read a long time ago was him talking about watching guys glassing a distant hillside and saying that it looked like they were following a low flying hawk across the hill with their binos......ever since then, I've sat and picked the hill apart piece by piece. I've found many many deer and small to medium bucks, just haven't happened on the big guys yet, using that advice.
I read lots of his articles also and though I haven't shot CHIT for big bucks, someday it will pay off!!
My favorite thing I read a long time ago was him talking about watching guys glassing a distant hillside and saying that it looked like they were following a low flying hawk across the hill with their binos......ever since then, I've sat and picked the hill apart piece by piece. I've found many many deer and small to medium bucks, just haven't happened on the big guys yet, using that advice.
