I totally forgot it was quail opener this weekend...been so busy at the new shop it's been head down go go go 24/7. A customer reminded me and...nice thing about Az is we can get our license online. So I did, packed up Elvira and went down the mountain about a half an hour looking for Gambles.

Never been to this particular area hunting but the habitat looked right. So I parked and in 5 mins. of walking: BRRRRRRR! 6 are up, 4 are running, bunch more break off, it's on and the adrenaline is hammering- birds galore!

It's super thick so I cant get a shot off. But I can see them and hear them. And Them leads me to the edge of a cliff. (pic 2, plainly visible on the FAR side, not on my side- it's 300' down). And then Them get's really cozy in the canyon bottom stuff.

So I move on and jump a few more, still no shot it's just too thick...then go back to the spot I lost the first bunch. They are in the thick stuff just chatting away at the bottom...I'm trying my best to call them up to me... they are interested but it aint happening. So now I gota go down and get them. And do- but Them is long gone by the time I make it down into this river gorge w/o dying (I mean the cliff in spots was shear and caught me by surprise more than twice).

After that they were deep in loafing cover and put the QT on the conversation. By then I was pretty wiped out. And an army ant or some kinda ant was chewing it way through my shin (still freakin' hurts). So the ant was the only kill I got today. No worries. I learned a new spot and found some others I wana scope. Pretty fortunate to see any matter of fact in a brand new spot. Ran into two others coming out and they were there since Thursday and saw bupkis!

Couple of pics of the majesty of the high desert 30 mins from my shop up here in the pines. This is some seriously rugged terrain- wow.

Stay tuned for more, I don't stay skunked for long! Happy opener everyone!

mate I wish I could come and kick them up for ya. that is some pruuudy countryside.
next report I expect to hear that you blasted some THROUGH the tight scrub with some #3 shot...gotta be in to win!!!!
keep us posted.

Way ta go Stovey. As Elvis said...some heavier shot through the scrub might be the order of the day mate.

Go get some...wit more pics...beautiful looking country mate.

I could use a wingman El! Good points, both of ya. I loaded up Elvira (20g) with 1oz HiVo #6. Anything bigger frags the meat. Good call though. It's so tight only half my string gets through, if that, so I use the #6, all it takes is one pellet. Bang- plop!

Are you wearing a string? And the bushes so tight that you loose half of your string while hunting? You sure are a tough guy...

Good on you Stovey, keep trying as it's rugged country down there.

Aloysius wrote:

You sure are a tough guy...

Wait'll chukar season. Ya dress like a miner and a line-backer, at the same time!

Hey Stovey

You finally get your self a camera or ya still snatching pics off the net ???

Been a long time buddy....... we need to pull a log up to the fire and steal some beers outta Vince's cooler like old times !!!

Yeah your photos are reallly nice! You brought me home with that first picture. Prickly pears and looks like jojoba bushes (the flat leafed little shrub), cat's paws, creosote and palo verde....MMmmm I can smell the creosote after a rain, I love the desert after a rain and the mourning doves cooing away.....'goin off to dream-land.....

Its a lot different from anything Ive hunted, but it sure is beautiful. I agree with Elvis, #3

And the "Feathered foe" win again...

Bushmaster wrote:

And the "Feathered foe" win again...

I'm intercepting your Poli-Grip shipment this month...then ya have ta go back ta gummin' creamed corn 'n oatmeal!

Well...There goes my keyboard.....

Summer sausage sandwich and beer all over it.