AZDog: I have no information regarding whether or not G&F had reached quota on day one. All I'm saying is they kept the hunt open for day 2. We all suspected that the quota would be exceeded. So if by chance G&F had checked numbers of 130 ibex by 10AM day one, with 65-people taking 2, would you say anybody that killed/checked in 2 after the 10AM quota fill would be ineligible for the incentive? What if somebody killed before the quota was filled, but didn't get down the mountain to check in prior?
Had G&F shut down the hunt Thurs PM I'd be absolutely fine with that. They did not, I do not know why, so be it.
I congratulate you on tagging out early. But don't put yourself on such a high horse. I did not bivy, but began hiking at 4:30AM and was at the top of the top where I wanted to be by 6:00: before shooting hours. And by the gunfire (in the clouds - what the heck were people seeing?!) it was apparent that many others had also done whatever it took to be in the position they wanted to be well before daylight.
I was thrilled with a successful hunt, on my terms, sticking to my code of ethics. When I reflect, despite the circumstances largely being a circus, I have absolutely no regrets, respected my quarry, and first and foremost was able to put some meat in the freezer for my family. While it's a nice bonus to have a chance at an incentive tag, it was not my primary focus and I was not willing to compromise myself in an attempt to meet the double quota sooner, by taking questionable shots.
I am mostly concerned that the herd may have been adversely affected by the harvest totals, which is something WE ALL should be voicing to the Game Commission.
Finally, since somebody asked, here are my ibex.
I thought that with all the activity I might see a mountain lion, so kept my predator call handy: I didn't see any, how about anyone else?
Carl