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solamente73

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Posts posted by solamente73

  1. 1 hour ago, hookemATL said:

    Not enough time in the stand this season.  Work/young kids/wife in grad school = no deer this year. 

    I still had a ton of fun prepping and getting eyes on deer population via cams, but I really want to work toward a more successful 2023-2024 whitetail season.  Patience and getting the land more receptive to a healthy deer population are my goals (and obviously actually putting some meat in the freezer).

    If I get a chance soon there is some predator control that needs to be done.  Coyotes are way too fat and way too comfortable being close to the house/chickens.  Fuckers killed off a lot of them the last few months and they need to get got.  No hogs in the area lately but if they show up, they will be murdered.

     

    I'm literally right there with you.  I hunted deer a few times, but with an elk in the freezer, I just prioritized other things.  Not worrying about deer, I was able to introduce some folks to shooting sports... and to eradicating pigs, of which I have no shortage.  So, no deer this year, but it's a priority for 2023, if for nothing more than "managing" the local herd for meat in the freezer.

    Tons of fun working the farm and getting a good understanding of the deer population and its movement via cameras.  I plan to build a new blind, and I hope to also hunt archery next season.

    Like you, I'm concerned about the coyotes, and I plan to get into predator hunting this year.  I already have the nightvision rig I use for hogs, a thermal scanner, and a general knowledge of where they move thanks to cameras.  I plan to use some sort of electronic predator call.  Youtube has helped as @BabaYaga mentioned.  Just need to get to it.

    In the mean time, need to find somewhere for spring turkey, 'cause we have none where I am in NE Texas.

     

    • Hook 'Em 2
  2. Re-opening morning in Port O’Connor.

    Ain’t.  Shit.  Flying.

    Still better than being back home.

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    Guys who hunted this blind last didn’t clean up.  We were greeted this morning by a bunch of empties that they were proud to leave behind:

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    Hope the fishing is better here in about 1.5 hours.

    • Haha 2
    • Rage+1 4
  3. @Spaulding Smails man, that’s a tough go.  Looking forward to the recap and forensics.  Still excited for you and your adventure, though.  New experiences and new learnings.  

    ————

    I was fortunate last weekend to bring another into the fold.  A long-time friend had gotten into shooting the last few years, but he had never had the opportunity to actually go hunting.  He recently moved back to Texas, so I invited him up to the farm to help with hogs.  

    Armed with his brand new Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creed and a Sitemark Wraith, he made the trip.  I guided him through three long hunts.  The first night, we were down scope on a sounder when, literally about to take the shot, drunk neighbors unleashed the Second Tet Offensive on their gun range.  Pigs fled.  Nothing the rest of the long night.

    The next morning came early, but the hogs didn’t show up until late morning, and when they did, they just barreled through the kill zone - no shot.

    That night, for hours we heard pigs but they wouldn’t show.  Finally, a boar poked his head out from a tree line.  99 yards at night, one shot to put him down.  

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    I really like what @NotActuallyALonghorn posted about above - hunting can provide a pace that allows the hunter to immerse himself in nature… and therefore grow to appreciate it so much.  My friend got to experience that, and he’s now hooked.  

    • Hook 'Em 7
    • Like 2
  4. With Tom Thumb, Albertson's, Market Street, and Kroger together, it should have a big impact on the DFW market.  DMN covers it here.  Looks like the merger would capture just over 28% of the DFW market, making it #1 ahead of Walmart.

    From the DMN article:

    1774680889_DFWGroceryData.thumb.jpg.34e079ec6b157c9dc7a14ccc48bbc7ae.jpg

    My neighborhood stores are Tom Thumb and Albertson's about a mile apart from each other.  Albertson's is shit, and Tom Thumb is just a more expensive Albertson's.  I expect one of those to close as a result of the merger.  HEB owns a large undeveloped tract a mile or two down the road from them, but no public plans yet for that property.  HEB can't get here fast enough.

  5. Got some work done last weekend.

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    Check out the wound on the second one’s snout.  Makes me wonder if it was collateral from about two months ago when I took out another hog that was feeding in a tight group.

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    • Hook 'Em 5
    • Like 1
    • Fuck Around and Find Out 1
  6. On 9/8/2022 at 3:13 PM, Spaulding Smails said:

    Congrats @solamente73!  What an amazing animal.  Love everything about the story.  Send more pics and elaborate on the hunt!

    Why not?  Gotta do something (other than drink) while waiting for the game to start and for @deadshank to post his epic adventure. Spoilered:

    Spoiler

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    24524115-A3BC-44FB-83E3-468D4FD4AEB7.thumb.jpeg.655d58c6081ce7018885170c99c536fc.jpeg

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    First bull we saw, about 300 yards out.  I was floored.  He quickly disappeared down the backside of the ridge:

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    Bulls were ganging up as the rut was about to start.  We were about 2-3 weeks early for the prime rut, and it was hot, but we still heard bugling.  You haven’t lived until you’ve heard elk bugling at each other in the morning light, echoing in the canyons.

    These were at about 550 yards.  Did not get in position before they disappeared over the ridge into trees:


    6EDA9442-D221-4869-B872-721FF649823F.thumb.jpeg.0920cc4762a7214462a1f6ae1ffd1a11.jpeg

    These lasered at 730 yards; we lost them in the trees downslope to the right:

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    Set-up, hoping and praying that they’d hold the pattern we’d identified the previous couple of days.

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    They did.

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    E030BC86-DE86-4409-B084-572759AFE3BA.thumb.jpeg.0abad145b321a4c996bf69f6a2c1a508.jpeg


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    Victory drinks, fellowship, and telling stories around the fire that will last a lifetime.

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    We also had the opportunity to help out some bow hunters who connected on an elk but it didn’t go down - they think the arrow hit its left scapula and got little penetration.  My buddy and I did pick up the blood trail, but no joy beyond that.

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    While we were searching, we literally stumbled on this guy and couldn’t fucking believe it.

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    Insane trip of a lifetime.  The drive to-and-from was gorgeous.  We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful country.  New Mexico on the way home:

    CA6B770D-2D00-4453-A563-FA9FCB67D078.thumb.jpeg.7dafec0a9e237fb0dafc1d465180b8aa.jpeg

     

     

    On 9/21/2022 at 10:34 PM, 686 said:

     

     


    Any elk steaks consumed yet? What else did the processor work up for you? My go-to quick and easy elk steak recipe from the last year of enjoying them is: defrost steaks, (tenderize with a bladed tenderizer if the processor didn’t) put in 1gallon ziplock bag with ~1/3 cup Fischer Weiser Raspberry Chipotle sauce and ~1-tbs Worchestshire sauce, mix thoroughly and refrigerate ~30 min. Get a good fire going (or gas grill as hot as it will go~ 500+), and cook the steaks over direct heat for ~3 min per side(total only about 6 min, depending on thickness), check internal temp as needed, don’t overcook. The marinade will caramelize, hot fire gives you some crispy outside, comes out nice.

     

     

    From my freezer, not yet.  I’ve been on-the-go nonstop since we got back and haven’t had a chance to break out recipes.  At my friend’s place we’ve had ribeyes off his Blackstone and some elk roast.  I will definitely try your method on my BGE.

    • Hook 'Em 3
    • Like 1
  7. Lost a big limb off an oak thanks to a storm a couple of weeks ago.  After some research, I was still unsure exactly where to trim the limb back to the trunk and didn’t want to take too much off and/or cut into tissue that would help healing.  Any thoughts on how or if I should modify the original cut to help the tree heal?  Pics spoilered below:

    Spoiler

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    TIA

  8. 16 minutes ago, Spaulding Smails said:

    @solamente73 Thanks for the info on the transport.  What was your breakdown on the cooler situation?  I'm trying to figure out my game plan.  I have two 100 qt Igloos and a 120 at Yeti.  Wondering if that's enough or if I need to invest in a 250 qt Yeti before then.  My buddy is bringing his coolers as well, so we'll be doing the Tetris thing for sure.  I have an 8-ft bed with a tool box, so I'm optimistic I'll have enough space, but I may have to add on the bed extender to be sure.  

    Our final cooler tally:

    1x120qt Igloo
    3x60qt Igloo
    1x60qt Coleman (in-cab)
    1x45qt Yeti
    (Plus 1x30qt softside for emergency overflow, used for drinks)

    I have a 5.5 bed with a Retrax cover, so it was a tight fit, but we had some room left over for boots, small bags, tools, etc.  The 120 had to be centered for the tonneau to close.

    20220826_085021.thumb.jpg.4e14e57ce81a4f9893fb6ea5860e7bac.jpg

    With your 100s and 120, you might be able to get another 100-120 or equivalent straight in there without the extender, taking you to ~400+.  How much volume do you think you'll need?  Also, it's hard to imagine a 250 Yeti anywhere other than on an offshore boat - that's a monster of a cooler, hard to maneuver.

    • Hook 'Em 2
  9. Eating through our frozen food stocks to make room for hunting season.  Found a section of pork loin from when Costco had them on a mad sale.  Pork loin stuffed with roasted hatch chilis and cream cheese with some Bolner Uncle Chris’ gourmet steak seasoning.  Quick and easy, family devoured it.

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    • Hook 'Em 4
    • Like 2
  10. 6 hours ago, deadshank said:

    Going up mountain one month from today. 

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    That is beautiful.  Two weeks from today for me.

    Finally had a chance to try out my dad’s 300WbyMag Mark V on a live target at distance (206 yards).  Should work ok on elk vitals.

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    • Hook 'Em 5
    • Like 1
  11. This one ran on three legs into the thicket, about 50 yards.  Shame on me.  Really interesting blueish-gray hue to its coat.

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    Starting to collect some decent cutters this year.

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    So many pigs, so little blind time.

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    • Hook 'Em 7
    • Like 1
  12. fuck waf-fle \fuhk' - wah - full\ n. (coined by @BabaYaga ) (origin) (2022) 1. a person of extreme moral turpitude and the lowest order who scavenges truck beds for, and steals, game meat and/or trophies that have resulted from other people's successful hunts while hunters are taking a piss inside a DQ or are otherwise away from their truck.  2.  a worthless sack of shit who should be shot on sight and left strung up as an example to others.

    @deadshank you already have the gist of the above, though I wouldn't give two shits about hauling heads into my room at that point.  FYI we're thinking about just rolling straight through on the way back to minimize stops, but that seems exhausting and a waste of beautiful scenery.

    Both your scopes are sweet, and I think it's a good call on the illuminated reticle if your eyes are like mine in low-light conditions.  It's the one thing that keeps me drifting back to illuminated on the Swaro, but they are backordered and I'm running out of time.

    @Spaulding Smails I haven't had to pay much attention to clothing since my hunt won't require technical clothing or planning for mid-to-late season weather.  I've looked at Sitka and it's quality stuff, but talk about sticker shock.  I have had zero exposure to Kuiu.  I've found Red Head / Cabela's and Game Winner (Academy) to be durable enough for what I do in Texas and for what I expect in Utah.  If the camo pattern is important to you, I like Truetimber Strata and Kryptek Highlander for both Utah and Texas, depending on time of year and specific terrain. I like the Optifade subalpine for Sitka. I subscribe to what @RMac5 said - cotton kills, so I go synthetic when I can.

    I thought about hauling my 14' trailer, but I really don't want to unless I have to.  If it came down to it, I'd rather have a third party handle the trophies than take the trailer.  I'm leaning heavily towards installing a Rhino Rack t-bar system on my RetraxPRO XR tonneau cover and topping it with a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform to provide a second level for cargo.  Having talked with Retrax and Rhino Rack, if I use 4 t-bars, the system should be able to onroad about 500 lbs of cargo.  I like this system because I will also use it a lot going to and from my farm.  At this point, the cargo weight capacity of the F150 might become the limiting factor, so I need to crunch some numbers before pulling the trigger.

    • Hook 'Em 1
  13. Update: Bull Elk Mission (Late Aug 2022 in Utah with Dad's Weatherby Mark V chambered in 300 Weatherby Magnum)

    First, ongoing thanks to all those who post here and on the Gun Owner's Thread - tons of great information, leads, and insights shared that have helped directly and indirectly.

    Second, here's what's going on with gear (sorry for longcat):

    • Tried to balance between 1) Elk mission, 2) utility in Texas, and 3) potential future western hunts
    • New Rifle Scope: 
      • After a ton of research, it seems @686 nailed it from the get-go.  I'm likely going with the Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44 as it seems to have great glass for my shitty eyes and is versatile enough for Elk and anything else I might need it for in the future (looking at you, Muley). @williemackgarza and others seem to be Swaro fans, too.
      • I'm still mulling reticles - illuminated or not, go plex with ballistic turret or go BRH.  Anyone have thoughts on reticles and/or BTs?
      • Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus and Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 rounded out my top three.
    • Ammo:  @Gladeite provided some great insight, and agree with those who say it comes down to shot placement.  Decided to go with the Weatherby Select Plus 200gr Accubond - go big or go home.
    • Sling:  @686 nailed it again with the Slogan sling - got the long magnum version.  Will really help when traversing uneven terrain.
    • Binocs:  My old Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42.  Work great for Texas deer and hog, but might be a weak link for Elk.  Outfitter has spotting scopes (and sticks).  Bino pack TBD.
    • Clothing/Camo:  Layers made of synthetic materials.  Lightweight but rugged.
    • Boots:  Won't need serious mountain boots as this is an early season hunt maxing at 9500 feet and I wanted something suitable for Texas, too.  Danner Pronghorn uninsulated fit the bill.  Break-in was quick and comfort impressive.
    • Rain Gear:  Redhead Squaltex parka and pants; also provides extra protection in case of unexpected cold weather.
    • Celebratory Libations:  My dad liked to drink either Wild Turkey 101 or Chivas.  Since this trip is in his honor, I'm bringing both.

    Third, the prize:

    • A lot of this we're still learning about.
    • Butcher:  Local place called Jerry's Meats will "cut, wrap, freeze the meat."  I do not yet know if they will process the meat entirely or if we'll just bring back iced meat for processing in Texas.
    • Trophy:  The ranch can set us up with Accurate Services, whoever they are.  I'm looking around DFW for someone to do a Euro.  No word on cape - seems a lot of elk hunters leave it to nature rather than keep it for themselves.
    • Bringing it all home:  Getting everything in the F150 will be a challenge.  Ranch recommends three to four 40qt coolers per animal.  Plus two racks and two capes.  That's A LOT to keep on ice and not much space in which to do it.  Working on an upper deck solution for the truck bed to hold a few coolers.  We'll keep an eye out for "fuck waffles" as we make stops on the way home.

    I'll update as more is known and as we plan things out further.

    Oh, and this will be the only orange I'll be wearing on this hunt (yay private land):

    IMG_6386.thumb.jpg.42a07962b586fa9f795043ac3be37914.jpg

    @Spaulding Smails how is your elk trip shaping up?  @deadshank, now that you have the 7mm worked out, any other issues in planning your elk hunt?  I miss anyone else?

    • Hook 'Em 7
    • Like 1
  14. 2018 F-150 Lariat Super Crew FX4 44k miles checking in with the dreaded SYNC APIM failure.  Typical onset with delayed response to inputs, then failure of GPS and compass, then failure of Apple CarPlay…  Yay.

    Two questions:

    1)  I haven’t had to take my truck in for service since COVID started, so the following was a surprise: I had to make my appointment at the dealership three weeks in advance just to see a service salesman.  Then after I see the salesman, my truck must stay onsite for a minimum of four days for a tech to diagnose the problem.  Resolution sometime after that - no timeline given.

    Is this the new normal?  In 30 years of car ownership, I don’t recall this kind of process before.  WTF I have to leave my truck for a week just to get looked at… and that’s after I made an appointment weeks in advance to drop it off?

    2). My understanding is that only dealerships can work the APIM issue, but perhaps this is incorrect.  Anyone know of a shop in the DFW area that could replace the APIM and program it for my truck?  Apparently there are DIY secondary market options but I don’t want to fuck it up and end up with the heater blasting all summer or some shit.

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