Well, another PM Hunt has come and gone. This one was a special hunt, being the 5th annual hunt. It is amazing what this forum has become, just in the time that I have been around. I can only imagine what some of you old timers have seen.

Here is my recap of the hunt this year. It might be more boring than mine from last year, but anyway, here it is:

I will start this from Monday morning, January 2, at 12:01. I say this because I had been back home for a little while from another hunt, back where I am from. I did a load or two of laundry and got packed for the hunt in Globe, Az.

I had quite a few stops to make to pick up some last minute items getting ready for the hunt. This included 2 different grocery stores and Bass Pro shops in Oklahoma City. I was able to pick up a new addition to the family. I got a new Remington Light Varmint in .22-250, something that I had been looking at for a very long time. I topped this with a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9 x 50mm firefly. I was as happy as a pig in poop. Anyway, I got going a bit later than I had planned due to this, but I knew it was gonna be late when I got into Globe anyway.

I stopped several times for gas, and fuel too. I stopped at my in-laws, and in general, took my time getting out there to Arizona. All in all, I left 1 hour earlier and I got to Globe at the same time I did last year (04:30 AM), minus going through a blizzard.

I went to the Airport on the reservation and turned south. I figured I would spend the rest of the night, all 2.5 hours of it in the truck. I got a bit of rest, and went to the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife office to get my tags and stamps.

When I arrived, I saw a line that was fairly lengthy. As I was walking up to the end of the line, I saw 2 Indians (feathers, not dots) walking up also. Since I am an Indian (again feather, not dot) also, I figured I would at least say hello. I did, and this turned out to be the wrong thing to do. Indian #1, I soon found out that his name was Leonard. Mind you, it was 8:30 in the morning, and Leonard was still drunk, or had started very, very early. I knew that he was inebriated by the way I couldn’t understand any of the English that was coming out of his mouth. Spittle and Natural light had left wet spots on his shirt, and he smelled like the North end of a southbound skunk.

Anyway, myself and several other hunters, not PM Members, were in a circle chatting about hunting things, and Leonard decided to join us. While I appreciate most anyones’ company, I could have done without Leonard’s. Again, I couldn’t understand him, and he stunk. He tried to entertain us with his stories; however, I am not sure that anyone could make out what he was saying. I heard a lot of “yeahs” and “uh-huhs”, but Leonard had not been fully inducted to the circle of friends. Anywho, a firefighter from Phoenix pulled up in a Corvette, and I heard Leonard tell his friend, Indian #2, that he would like to have that car. Indian #2 went to investigate. (BTW, I never actually saw where Indian #2 came from after he walked up. I think he is pretty sneaky.)

At this point, Leonard made a large hand gesture and dropped a newly opened can of nasty, I mean Natural Light. It spilled out about half of its contents on the dry parking lot dirt and gravel. Leonard instantly hit the ground and began scooping the beverage and mud up in his hands and trying to get it back into its aluminum holder. The circle made a straight line and rejoined the others at the building.

We continued to chat a bit when Indian #2 started walking down the line of hunters calling out there names. I thought maybe he MIGHT have been part of the tribal government and knew these guys by name or maybe he might have just “known” them. My name then became Bob. This kind of surprised me because up until this point, I was Jeffrey. Anyway, he talked to most everyone in the back of the line, and explained to us that it would be noon until the office opened for “business”. Several guys decided to leave and my head started to hurt from lack of sleep, and Leonard’s stench. (At this point, I realized that Leonard was gone, and I never saw him leave. It was then that I could true appreciate my ancestors’ abilities to come and go as they pleased without being seen or heard. Leonard did this even when he was three sheets to the wind.)

I decided to try my luck, since Hilda and I had bonded last year, I walked into the office to see about getting a bump up in the line, since I only wanted predator and lion licenses and tags. Hilda instantly went to work for me, with a huge grin and a pleasant attitude. It seemed like a little conversation last year helped out. Indian #2 walked in and he seemed to have instantly had a change of attitude and intoxication level. He now wanted to “guide” me to where the animals were. He indicated that he was a cowboy for the ranch up near Point of Pines Lake. At first, this kind of seemed like a legit deal, so I continued the conversation. It was at this point that it all turned south. He wanted me to give him and “advance” and he would meet me up there. I explained that this is not how being a guide works. Anyway, to bring a long story to an end, NASA showed up and saved me from hearing “money talks, bull#$@% walks” another time. Also, I finally got Indian #2 to realize that I wasn’t a typical city hunter, and I was content to hunt for myself.

NASA and I left there in a hurry for Bobcat Tank. I wanted to get set up early and try to get a fire going for DaveyBoy. After about an hour of driving, I saw the Tank and a camp that DaveyBoy had made. I pulled in and joined the camp. NASA and I got our new toys sighted in; he had picked up a rifle somewhere also. After this, I was kind of zoning. DaveyBoy and Uncle Merv went to make a few stands. I heard some turkeys yelping down at the tank. I took my AR, my chair, and binoculars and went to investigate. I saw approximately 200 birds less than 150 yards away. I watched them drink and fight, as well as feed. I got a little wrapped up in the action across the tank when I heard something behind me. Something just didn’t seem right, everything was too quite. I then saw about 50 black shapes coming at me. I sat as still as a church mouse and these 50 turkeys walked past me in a line about 3 feet away from where I sat. I wanted to reach out and jerk a knot in one of them, but caught myself because the nearest medical attention was some ways away. I left them to their own devices and when they flew across the tank, I went back to camp.

That night, DaveyBoy cooked us steaks, corn and baked potatoes and we watched a good episode on the campfire television as it kept us warm. We turned in by about 8:00 or 8:15.

Day Two In Arizona

Morning Day two in Arizona turned out to be extremely cold. I had checked the weather for Globe. It said that the low would be in the 40’s. I am a man, and I can admit my mistakes when I am wrong. First mistake, I had checked the weather for Globe, some 60 miles away, and some 3000 ft lower in elevation. Second mistake, I hadn’t planned on it being 18 degrees when I woke up. Folks, it was COLD!!!

I woke up to the sounds of turkeys perking and gobbling before daylight. I heard this about 06:15 AM and I am not used to turkeys being up before me. They hadn’t even flown down yet. There is nothing like hearing 250 turkeys “communicating” with each other. I got up, and started the fire. I wanted a small fire to warm up to and maybe cook some pork chops. I had it going and was getting warm. About 15 minutes after I got up, Uncle Merv and DaveyBoy decided to get up. I think the turkeys had woken them up also. Merv decided to get things going in the morning by adding a rick of juniper to my little fire, this made me move back from the fire about 10 feet, but hey, it was really warm and felt good. No complaints here. Davey cooked breakfast; some really good burritos and we tried to find some water that wasn’t frozen. This turned out to be more difficult than it sounds.

It was about this time that I heard a wolf howl. The turkeys shut up, and everything got real quite. He howled again. The coyotes yipped for a few seconds and then the turkeys told him to “shove it”, and started their yammering again. A few minutes later we heard him again, only quite distant, about a mile away now. Everything got thawed out, and Davey and Merv went to make some stands. I kept the camp company, hoping that some awaited strangers might have shown up, and resting from the drive out. I broke camp at about 2:00 and came down from the mountains. I got into my room by about 3:30 and decided to make some stands. I got back to the hotel about 5:30 or 5:45 and saw Mr. Jim Champion, River Runner, for the very first time. He asked me if I was with Lynn, Elkeholic, and I told him not this year. (I had guided Lynn last year). Jim said Lynn had gotten a lion. I took a quick, much needed shower and went down to investigate. It was a nice cougar, and congrats to Lynn.

I went down to the casino to eat at the free jimmy. I got us a table, and met a fellow Oklahoman, the waiter named “Les”. We had chatted a bit and my fashion choice, and what we were doing on the reservation. Folks, this guy was FLAMING. Not just gay, or light in the loafers. I mean GAY!! G-A-Y!!, G to the A to the Y. You get the picture? Anywho, I tried to get the guys I was sitting with to understand that everyone from Oklahoma wasn’t this way. I think everyone got a kick out of it. People, if you think that the hunting on the reservation is tough, you need to try the roast beef at the Wickiup Buffet. I heard that Randy Case, Shameless, lost 3 teeth to a bite of it. Anyway, the service was awesome. The food needed lots of help.

We attended the pre-hunt orientation. I must say that I have been to 2 now, and I know that the San Carlos Apache’s have an elk video out, and that the biologists don’t know much about predators. I appreciate them taking their time to come talk to us, but they could gear a presentation to us hunters a bit better than “Coyotes, Foxes, Lions, and Bobcats are all over the reservation.” Really, I wouldn’t have imagined that.

I met Lance a bit later and the party moved to Redfrog’s room I think. This is where it gets a bit “hazey”. I did get to meet Mr. Skaggs, yotenighthunter, I can say he doesn’t seem gay either, and is from Oklahoma. We are batting 2 for 3 now. I gift the Canuck a bottle of tequila and the games began. I really don’t have a clue about who all showed up that night at frog’s room, so if I leave you out, I am sorry. I was a little on the gone side.

After I left Redfrog’s room, I went down to the casino. I won $400 on a machine. I bought a burger and some nachos from the snack bar. Drunken people and their impulsive purchases. Lance was already in bed and I told him that I had won $400. He told me to “Shut up and goto bed.” I said, “Yes dad.” I kept crunching my nachos, much to Lance’s annoyance. I finally went to bed, full, rich and drunk.

Day Three in Arizona

I got up the next morning, Day 3 in Arizona, with a headache. I learned that Lance likes a morning shower, while I myself, I take the Kid Rock approach to hygiene. I take a shower before I goto bed. Anywho, we get dressed and decide to make some stands. I had a place in mind, west of the casino. Again, I am not a good person to ask about stands in this part of the country. Lance suggested we stop, and I declined. I told him that there were some decent areas further ahead. He was not mad or didn’t even say anything. I appreciate that. I decided that he might know a bit better how to hunt this than me, so we make a stand around the next corner.

We get set up, I am on the hillside, and Lance is below on a small ridge. The FoxPro is going about 40 yards further west in the valley. I have an open shot except straight ahead. I see a coyote coming in from the south of us, headed downwind. I get my crosshairs on him. I am about to seal the deal, when I see number two. I move over to him, and he stops behind a bush. I am waiting for him to appear, when I see a brown rocket retreat. He had busted Lance. I am trying to “bark” but I wasn’t able to, something about a frog in my throat (Sorry Byron) from the night before. Lance has his eyes on coyote #1, and he bang/flops him. I have heard that Lance is a game hog, but I didn’t see it. I have also heard that Lance misses critters upon occasion, I didn’t notice this either. I also want to say to Lance, thanks for not saying, “I told you so.”

We made some more stands, and hit it kind of hard. Nothing like contest hard, but we didn’t “lollygag” around, did we Lance? We went out to Quail Mesa and had an unplanned lunch with NMLeon and OneFoot. We even got in on a stand with them.

We got back to the hotel and went down to the jimmy. Free again I might add. Tonight was Mexican fare. The service sucked. Point blank. I saw Les as he walked by and I called him by name. Lance doesn’t miss a beat, wanting to know how I know the guys name. I said “his name is Les, and he gave me good service last night.” Folks, have you ever caught yourself right after you have done something real stupid, like step out in front of a semi? I did, I knew instantly that I had said a wrong statement. I only hoped that Lance had missed it. Think again. Sharp as a tack, quick as a whip, a smile appeared and I now have a new tag line. So does Lance.

Anyway, we retired to Redfrog’s room again, for our nightly conference and post hunt activities. Bedtimes come and go, but we are still up. Finally, we get to bed.

Day 4 in Arizona

Day 4 starts with me getting up and around, I knew I would be hunting by myself today. Lance was hunting with Gerald and Jim. I was a bit jealous, but hey, my day will come sometime. (Plus I heard that Gerald likes to walk, I don’t.)

I got up and around. I drove east, and cut back south after the Recreation office. I didn’t think anyone had hunted this area, and I didn’t see anyone the whole time I was there. My first stand was a success. I was about a third of a mile off of the highway, and I noticed a rather large dumping area. I pulled to the far end of it, and then I made a stand. I backed up into a tree, and had the FoxPro out on the edge of the road. There were some open areas and the whole set looked good. I started with the coyote cha-chas and mixed it with a bit of jackrabbit blues. I am watching the hillside as ole Wiley makes his appearance crosswind. He is a bit hesitant to walk out into the roadway. He is being real cautious and sniffing a bit. I take aim and let one fly from the AR. My point of aim was a bit back of the jaw, for a neck shot. There was a dime size entrance hole and a softball sized exit hole. He dropped DRT. I don’t think that Law Enforcement Hornady TAP is a very fur friendly coyote round. This is the red box stuff. Anywho, I made more stands in the morning, ending up over at Jackrabbit flats. This is by the north side of the lake. The wind was blowing so hard here, about 50 MPH, that I had to put on my goggles and a thicker facemask.

This is where I had to switch to using strictly mouth calls. A bobcat busted me as I was getting up to leave. I really don’t have a lot to say about this stand, it was just way too windy. I decided that I was going to go into Globe to a gun store and see what they had. I also wanted to get something to eat. On my way back, I saw Weasel trying to make a stand or two. I saw him cleaning out his truck and I didn’t really want to blow anything for him. I tried to go the opposite way, but it just seemed that we were following each other. I tried to go up a goat path, and didn’t make it. I had to back down about a tenth of a mile, and it was pretty tight. Anyway, I did it without much fanfare, and I only hit one big rock.

I decided to go south and investigate an area that not many people were hunting. I made a few stands here and there. I didn’t do any good. I kept going and was just trying to get out of these canyons and bottoms. I figured that this would be a good area for lions, but I couldn’t find a safe place to make a stand. I like to look at stuff and try and notice the history and geology of an area I am new too. I found myself doing this as I was driving along. I saw a nice cave with two openings in its mouth. I was watching this and looking at it pretty hard, when I saw movement. I saw a lion stretching out. It looked like he had been basking in the sun. I stopped the truck and jumped out. I lined up for a shot on him. I let three fly from 200 yards. I scored hits left, right and dead center high on the cave entrance. Unfortunately, Mr. Lion was no longer there. I know that I didn’t hit him, so there was no point in looking any further. Also, it would have taken some heavy equipment, a helicopter, or an act of god to get me the 150 feet high that this was.

It was as long drive back into this place, and I knew it would be dark when I got back, so I went to the next main road and took it back. It actually was about 3 times faster to get back to the hotel than the route I first took. I pulled into the hotel and Jason El Paso was pulling in behind me. We talked a bit, and decided to eat at Irene’s Mexican Cantina that night. About this time I called Tonlocus, and he wanted to do the same. Bryon South and Uncle Jay Nistetter, pimp daddy, came wheeling in, so they got invited also. I just had to call my roomie and invite him, and also Redfrog and yotenighthunter got an invite. There was another group of guys out there, and I thought that Jason had given them an invite; I apologize if this wasn’t the case.

We had a good time down there at Irene’s and got our bellies full. Shameless and Harold Bobo made it out also. I was happy that Ranutah, and Mike Paul showed up eventually also. We all sat there and B.S. ed for awhile. I kind of felt sorry for ole Byron. He was having difficulty talking and made mention of a frog being in his throat. The whole scene was funny, cause he made the comment to Mr. Redfrog himself. Well, Redfrog couldn’t let that one go and made a very funny retort. Even better was Harold Bobo’s comment about the working name of Bryon’s video series “Coming to the call”. I won’t give specifics on the board, but man, we had a good laugh, and I think it might even have embarrassed Byron a little.

Well all disperse, and go back to the hotel. I turned in early for hunting the next morning.

Day Five in Arizona, last hunting day

I was supposed to be hunting with Sean Martin this morning, but he pussed out on me. Lance was supposed to be hunting with Mike Paul, but Mike didn’t show either. So, Lance and I went hunting again. We made a few stands, and nothing was showing up, so we just went driving around. Lance was learning how to hunt “Oklahoma Style”. We made a few rounds of some areas and in general, had a great time. We met up with RagnCajn, and I had to show that boy how to make a sandwich. Would you believe that the use 2 pieces of bread, condiments of choice, and only one piece of meat down there? We didn’t have any etouffee, but we did have some quality grub. Anyway, I personally think a nice backwoods Cajun didn’t want to take advantage of our hospitality. He doesn’t know PM well I guess, but he is learning.

After lunch, we B.S. ed, and looked at each others firearms. (Almost slipped up again Lance) Randy left out before Lance got done on a personal stand. Said he was headed for the hills. We left a short time later, and drove up the road. Randy was fixing to make a stand, so Lance joined him while I made a personal stand. I had been done about 2 minutes when I heard a truck flying up the road. I looked in my mirror, and saw a light bar, and instantly got out my permits and tags. I met this nice ranger, he was polite and we chatted for a minute. Anywho, this broke Lance and Randy’s stand, so they came down to jaw also. We chatted for a few minutes and I saw Randy wink at me and Lance. He finished off a pack of Redman, and then threw the empty pack down on the ground at the Rangers feet. Indian Ranger’s eyes got as big as dinner plates. Lance was speechless, and I was laughing my butt off. Randy instantly bent down and picked up the trash, but the ranger was ready to part company with us after this.

We went on our merry way, and saw some antellilope, yes, antellilope (antelope with antennae on their heads giving the quality Nextel coast to coast coverage). Lance and I headed to the hotel early. It was seafood jimmy night. All you can eat crab legs. We did all right. We went directly to the bar, and had a good time for a while. I went over to Redfrog’s room a bit later, after some poker and Blackjack. We got tore up.

Day Six in Arizona, Banquet Day

Last night was so bad, that I took a shower Sunday morning, Lance took a shower, and we both walked out of the room. The hall was spinning to both of us. We went to breakfast and we were still drunk. We ate with BroncoGlenn and Jason El Paso. The poor waitress was so confused. I asked for potatoes and got toast. I wanted some water and got a Styrofoam cup. (Later I learned that she brought the cup to the wrong table) Anyway, we went over to the banquet room for the shindig.

We had a good pair of seminars, and I got another pair of hearing protectors from fuzzy legs. We bought stuff, won stuff, and traded stuff. I think that everyone had a good time.

After the event, Sean Martin, Redfrog, yotenighthunter, and myself went to the steak house. Then, we went back to Redfrog’s room. I had to stop by Safeway to get some beverages. I had a big drive the next day, so I only got a little tipsy. I got a decent picture of Randy Case, he looked funny dressed as, well, himself. I also learned that ole Sean Martin has a fluffy, rainbowy, kind of gay thing called a Loofa.

Day 7 in Arizona

I started out by going to Wal-Mart and getting some more new Mossy Oak Brush Camo bottoms. We don’t have these back home. After that, I filled up and headed towards Carrizozo, NM. I had to drop off some stuff to Danny at his museum. He graciously gave me a tour and we talked shop for about an hour. I had to hit the road, but I will be back Danny.

I went north and almost to Santa Rosa, I started seeing snow on the ground. I made it to Amarillo and decided to stop a bit and let the snow move on. I had talked to my wife and she said it was just starting at home. I made a slow uneventful drive home, 21 hours long guys. Normally, a 14 hour drive, but hey, we get ice here, not snow. Anyway, I made it home in time to get my boy dressed for school, and see both him and my wife off.

I enjoyed the trip this year. I learn more and more about hunting those desert dogs each year. I really enjoy meeting people and having a good time. Here are some mentions of people.

RagnCajn, I am happy that your situation turned out in a positive manner. I know that you and I will be hunting with each other in the near future. I plan on it. It was a pleasure to meet you.

Byron, thanks for making it out and speaking to us. I know I enjoyed it. Gerald, same to you. I appreciate the conversation that we had, and enjoyed the history talk you gave. Jay, pimp daddy, thanks for the conversation and advanced showing of your video.

Brent, you did a good job on the event this year. Randy and Harold, great to hang out with you this year. Redfrog, thanks for the room, laughs and the beverages. Skaggs, same to you. Lance, I appreciate the chance to room with you. I would do it again it I had the chance. DaveyBoy and Uncle Merv, thanks for your hospitality. I always like camping with you all. Nasa, Cactus Rat, Weasel, and River Runner, it was great to have met you all. I would like to hunt with you all someday. Tony, always a pleasure to see you fuzzy legs. Clint and wife, good to see you all this year. Lynn and Ben, congrats guys, and nice to have seen you again. Tony Tebbe, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar. I appreciate the howler. I am gonna make a harder effort to hunt with you next year if possible. BroncoGlenn and Jason El Paso, guys, great to have met you all. I need to hunt with you all to. A.P. Jones, hope to do business with you in the very near future, and likewise on the hunting. I still appreciate the magazine. Mike, Michael, and Randy, it was good to see you all again, and we need to get a stand or two in. I will bring the food Randy. OneFoot and NMLeon, it was great to see ya’ll and hope to see you next year. If I left anyone off, I apologize. I will try and make amends later. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did experiencing it.

Jeff,
Sounds like you had a great time, but then again it sure looked that way while you were hanging out in Redfrog's and my room. lol It was a pleasure meeting you and I am going to be in touch with you real soon so maybe we can get some sets in before it gets up to 90 degrees around here. Anyway, nice write up and I can't wait till next year.
YNH

Thanks Skaggs, I 'll be in touch soon.

Jeff, your all right. Had a hell of a time rooming with you and taking shots at your masculinity (Thanks to you knowing the waiter by name). You left out the part where you told the waiter it was Redfrogs birthday. I had a great hanging out with you. One thing I cant figure out is why you kept saying " Luke! I am your father." while you were sleeping. Whats up with that?

Edit: Remember when we were making that stand just off the road that ran down the wash after we had lunch with Onefoot and NMLeon? I forgot to tell you 2 coyotes came in while you were watching the other direction and running through all 32 sounds on your Foxpro. I did get a picture of them for you.

It was a pleasure meeting ya Holly.
I might not get done reading that book you just posted, until shortly before the NEXT hunt but it was a pleasure to meet ya my friend. lol

Thanks Lance, but if I remember it right, I was asking you "Who's your daddy, Who's your daddy..."

Jim, I proof read it and took out most of the slang. It should be an easy read.

I can't believe I read the whole thing!!

Great writing Holly. Almost like I was there myself. Next time you see a lion way up high on a hill, go ahead and kill it, I'll fetch it for ya.

I too had a great time. I'm really looking forward to going again. It was the best few days I've had in years. Y'all are nice folks!

Jeffrey, it was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with you. I'm not a real conversationist so I really enjoy being around those that are. Your stories were entertaining, and I probably laughed more that day at the tank than any other time. And you DO know your way around the vittles! Thanks for lunch, lol. Hope to hook up with you again, real soon.

Here is our own Mr. Randy "Shameless" Case.

Jeff,it's always a good time around camp when you stop in .Thanks for dropping off the stuff to Danny and I'm glad you made it home ok .I hope this hunt continues and gets even better every year if that's possible .Everyone there did a great job and you did a great recap of your time there.take care my friend,daveyboy P.s.Nasa it was a pleasure talking to you up at bobcat and I'm glad you made the drive up there.

J. Holly,
Now that don't look like me one bit!! It does look like some of our long haired friends on this board.
Seriously, you are one of the reasons that Harold and I make the long trip out there from Michigan. It is a pleasure hanging with ya, and I hope we can make it again next year.
With all the brain cells that you left on Regfrogs floor you did a great job recounting the trip.

Shameless

Guys, you need to stop with the recaps, already!!

I am going through a serious withdrawal here, it having been a week without being around all of you yahoos’, and the fun times that were had by all and your recaps are not helping any!! My staff is getting worried and a little bit miffed at having to pick me up off the floor every ten minutes and shove a towel in my mouth to get me to stop laughing!!!!! And then this weekend and the neighborhood dogs!? I drove them nuts with all of my howling in the back yard.

Is it next year yet????

It was great meeting you too, Jeff. I'll be sure to bring the toolbelt and hardhat, next year.

Tony