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solamente73

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Posts posted by solamente73

  1. Checking in from the Burger Bar in Cleburn.  Solid rec, @CHIEF.  Perfect day for it, too, with stunning weather here in North Texas.49E89C42-068D-4517-9513-7ABFB68BD121.thumb.jpeg.2be2c02ddfc583d56316e0ff951751cc.jpegCB98C521-B5B0-4C05-9758-ED2F3EFF5461.thumb.jpeg.67b49c0aa28f0f60f452ec8e07bcf550.jpeg103BE164-AA0B-44EC-B9B1-65B26BD40618.thumb.jpeg.398ad4738489b23be0df55db3301c78d.jpeg31546FC6-1020-4D0B-BE63-5AD12B285B58.thumb.jpeg.d3ff7b638ce3170ab71c62fa3525976e.jpeg

    Nice move with the salet under the patty and cheese on top of the patty, completely melted.

    Between this thread and the Texas BBQ thread, eating well on the road has never been better or easier.

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  2. (I posted in Dec 2021 that I was on a mission to take a Bull Elk in 2022 with my dad’s Weatherby Mark V chambered in 300 Weatherby Magnum, the rifle given to him for that very purpose 35 years ago upon his retirement but that he never got to shoot before cancer took him.  Here’s where I am now.)

    Finally getting to work on zeroing the Mark V.  Been a busy spring, but now all I can think about is Utah at the end of August.  Set up a range at the farm for 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards.  The Mark V is on the lead sled, buddy’s suppressed Ruger American .308 on the table.

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    I was able to dial in a decent grouping in the orange at 100 yards, but rain cancelled the session before I could work at the 200.

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    The action initially was very tight but loosened a bit as I ran it though its paces; need to be able to quickly initiate follow-up shots.  Before long, she’ll be purring like a mountain lion.

    However, there is an issue.  I was hoping to run with the original Zeiss 3-9x36, but, with a nasty astigmatism in my dominant eye and generally shitty vision, I think I’m going to need more magnification for a potential 250 yard shot in the field without the niceties of a shooting bench and lead sled.  Indeed, I feel like I’d get better results at 200 with my 5-20x ATN X-Site II HD day/night scope.  Anyone have any suggestions for a good Elk scope (lightweight, magnification, objective lens size, etc.) ?  I’ve never had the need to venture beyond the 3-9x40 glass universe before.  @686 had mentioned some manufacturers.  @Brisketexan, you mentioned that you had the same rifle but wanted to upgrade the glass.  Have you, and if so, to what?

    Been working on the cardio and techniques to prepare for the shot, as @686, @BabaYaga, and @deadshank advised.

    With regard to the ammo we discussed, mostly all the 300 Weatherby Magnum ammo I’ve found on the market this year has been Weatherby Select and Select Plus 165 and 180 Grain Hornady Interlock with a box or two of Remington Core-Lokt 180 grain softpoints here and there.  I decided to go heavy (and cheaper) and went with the Select 180 interlock to shoot-in the rifle.

    BE487D3E-B285-4BC0-900C-A33D767142AC.thumb.jpeg.cd25347764c2bbb9605173b8b6ec96e6.jpeg

    That said, just last week, more variety started hitting the market, including Weatherby Select Plus 180 grain Barnes TTSX and 200 grain Accubond, plus tons more Remington 180 grain Core-Lokt.  @Gladeite, thanks for the recs for the 200 Accubond and others in your post.  Anyone else have any thoughts on ammo?

    Guide is supposed to contact us in June with more details; he gave us the basics earlier this year so that we could start planning (good call, @686).  More posts to follow more frequently.  Shaping up to be epic.

    Thanks again for any and all input/advice/insight.

     

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  3. 5 hours ago, tbone_ said:

    New 2022 Lexus LX 600. Holy shit, is this the worst front end grill design in the history of cars?

    70b0609b3ea87de5d83f11a5dc54e9ad.jpg


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    I’d love to see the research telling all these car companies that their cars need massive gaping yaws in the front. Every actual human I’ve talked to hates them.

    0489945E-1F03-4F40-9F2E-995B509CF602.thumb.jpeg.8c0c0fc0b286e6f4f2c4f1aebeb7e467.jpeg

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  4. My NV rig is an ATN Night Sight HD II 5-20x mounted on a DPMS GII Hunter chambered in 7.62x51.  (IIRC, Cabo started with the same or similar ATN.)  Over the years, with this rig I’ve taken about 15 pigs at a friend’s place by Port Lavaca, but this post is about my first at my place in NE Texas.

    My rig:

    6096C4C0-BBEE-4B28-84D8-696B740EDFC1.thumb.jpeg.b7c576f7d3a61bbde54afd671a2a700c.jpeg

    Home sweet home.  Feeder is at 180 yards.

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    Bought an ATN OTS-XLT 160 2.5-10x for scanning:

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    Used the thermal to spot the sounder coming in from the far fence line, about 300 yards.  White hot worked beautifully.  Switched to NV and bang:

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    No NV video because I was fumbling with my first use of the thermal and wanted to get the shot off; should have had shot-activated video on but I was off my game.  No thermal shots because I didn’t bother taking any photos - though the packaging was correct, inside was the 1-4x model, so I just returned it to Amazon and will pick up the correct model at the ATN store in Grapevine where I can ensure I get the correct model.

    Really looking forward to using this set-up through the summer.

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  5. @dcbc That’s a nice collection.  Takes me down memory lane with the firearms I inherited from my father.

    Keep the 1911 and the A5, regardless if you are offered stupid money.

    I appreciate you sharing the details and the photos.  Every single one of those firearms is/was a memory for someone, and you can’t say that about very many things in life.  It’s one of the reasons I love this thread.

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  6. On 4/5/2022 at 11:28 AM, baboso said:

    Educate me on game cams.  What's a good one and what should I be looking for in one.  I'll hang up and listen.

    23 hours ago, baboso said:

    Cellular, optimally.  

    21 hours ago, fattyflattie said:

    Subscribed.  I have still yet to purchase and put cams on my spot.  I kind of like the suspense, but need to put some out. 

    I’ve deployed 10 SD card cameras on two properties over the past few years.  I don’t mind running cameras to check cards; it forces me to get out and survey the properties.  That said, in the near future, I will be deploying a couple of cellular cameras for convenience and security, and I’d like to know what’s going on in real time in certain places.

    Features to look for depend on for what you want to use the camera. Timelapse is good for just surveying a field, where a short trigger speed is good if you want to capture deer on the run.  If in full sun, a solar panel is nice.  Video with or without audio, depending on your wants.  Should be able to handle 32GB and above SD cards.  Visible or invisible IR depending on how skittish/wise your game is.

    I’ve had the best results with Bushnell and Browning cameras.  The best value I’ve found lately is Bushnell’s Prime Low Glow 24MP - I’m running three right now.  Decent sale at $86.37 on Amazon.  I also like Browning’s Strikeforce Pro XD, but those are more expensive.  Both will provide really nice pics during the day, but the Pro XD is superior at night.  Battery consumption depends on temp and number of pics taken, settings, etc.  I run cameras year-round and probably switch out batteries three times per year.

    Example pics spoilered:

    Spoiler

    Day & Night from the Bushnell:

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    Day & Night (twilight) from the Browning:

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    5D3D4155-9185-4AF3-A0CF-E20F51F5B90F.thumb.jpeg.5d6e8549fed293f6beb1275c2aeae73a.jpeg

     

     

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  7.  

    3 hours ago, Landomatic said:

    Can’t see shit

    hesrightyouknow.jpg

    On 1/31/2022 at 5:16 PM, Chewbacca said:

    Ate at Eddie V's in the Arboretum on Friday night and I can confidently say I've completely spoiled myself when it comes to making great steaks.  Got their 22 oz ribeye and I make a better steak than they do.  It was not even close, either.  My wife has told me the same thing.  I guess I'm out on steakhouses going forward.

    It’s been this way for us for years.  That said, even with a CM down the street, I’m often jealous of the quality of meat certain high-end steakhouses can source (may need to up my mail order game).  We also like the experience - getting away from kids, the service, apps, sides, not having to cook and clean... and sometimes a bartender who can make a transcendent martini.  Plus, since we prefer steak over tiny bites, steakhouses have their place in our date night rotation.

    On 1/31/2022 at 11:28 AM, dcbc said:

    It makes a difference if you bring it up to temp on a grill (offset from the coals/wood).  From there you can sear it on the grill or on cast iron (after resting).  But bringing it up to temp in that smokey grill environment is better than brew in the bag or the oven. 

    On 1/31/2022 at 5:48 PM, Anastasis said:

    Reverse sear is superior imo, and I an a fan of sous vide cooking. 

    The reverse sear dries out the exterior, promoting a better finishing sear than the wet cooking SV approach. 

    Also, while SV is very forgiving on time...I have started picking up some really off putting texture when steaks are cooked in there for much longer than necessary to get to core temp.  I don't know exactly where that time threshold is at, somewhere around 3-4 hours with steaks. 

    I experimented for a while with SV, following tips on shaggy/surly.  I just couldn’t get over the “odd” texture SV produced vs. traditional “grilling.”  I have no explanation, but my wife and I both noticed it.  It didn’t matter the cooking time, so I chalked it up to method.  Plus, no smoke flavor compared to cooking over coals.

    Cook however you like, just don’t overcook.  I like fire and smoke.  YMMV.

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  8. 2 hours ago, deadshank said:

    I miss them. 

    I’m right there with you.  Going back to my original post on my elk hunt mission, I’m doing this to follow in the footsteps of my dad and his best friends, who passed last year.  The photo below shows my dad (right) and Sonny (left) at their deer camp c.1979.  The guy taking the picture was the third.  Every step of this journey brings up a great memory.

     

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  9. On 1/11/2022 at 12:48 AM, 686 said:

    Nice man! glad you made it and glad you were able to find a good outfitter! Love it when a plan comes together. So your buddy is going on the elk hunt with you? Awesome if so; hunting with good friends is the best.

    Let’s talk logistics on your hunt:
    what elevation is the ranch at?
    What month is the hunt?
    Rain gear needed?
    Range of shots to be prepared for?
    You driving up and hauling the meat/trophy(s) back? If so, what’s your cooler setup look like?
    What bullet you shooting in your 300?

     

     

    Thanks!  I’m ridiculously excited.  My friend is going to hunt, too, and we are going to do 1 guide 2 hunters.  He’s adamant that I take the first shot / bull-of-choice.  Agree that hunting (and fishing) with good friends reigns supreme.  This is a hunt of a lifetime that needs to be shared.  

    It’s going to be a long journey to figure everything out, but this is what I’ve been able to put together in the last few days:

    • Elevation: entrance is ~6500 feet, ridges up to ~9000 feet
    • Month(s): last few days of August / first few days of September; chose this timeframe based on hunt availability and first choice on bulls; should be bugling
    • Rain Gear: I have basic (read: cheap) rain gear and a nice waterfowling jacket.  Not sure what might be needed for mountains.
    • Shot Range: 150-250 yards.  Wooded areas plus open valleys.  I plan to prepare for up to 300.
    • Transportation: as of now, we’re leaning towards driving.  The hunt dates are bookended by weekends, and the drive DFW-UT would be beautiful.  I have a super crew F-150 with a bed cover that can accept t-bars and cargo baskets, so plenty of room for gear and coolers.
    • Coolers: we have 370 quarts now.  I’ll ask the owner what we’ll need to bring meat back, or ship.
    • Trophy:  TBD.  Ranch can handle it, but I could bring mine back as I’m thinking euro mount.  My buddy is thinking shoulder mount, so we might be running out of room at that point.
    • Bullet:  TBD but looking at Barnes 180 TDX, Barnes 175 LRX, Nosler 200 AccuBond, Hornady 180 GMX, Hornady 200 ELD-X
    • My buddy doesn’t have a rifle for this hunt, so he’s been looking into it and is leaning towards 7mm and Leupold 14x glass, but he’s really only 4 days into making the decision to take an elk on this expedition, so lots of research ahead for him.

    Any and all advice/input from anyone greatly appreciated.  I’ll chronicle the journey in this thread; I’m sure to learn things that might help others.

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  10. On 1/1/2022 at 10:05 PM, CHIEF said:

     

    Tankblindtrailer.jpg

    Yes, please.

    32 minutes ago, CHIEF said:

    CHIEF Jr. and his buddy had a pretty productive morning:

    Ducksand-Ewe.jpg

    His buddy shot a Auodad ewe for a European mount. They said it took them 4 minutes to get to their duck limit.

    CHIEF

     

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  11. 37 minutes ago, crimsonlonghorn said:

    Mine is a Mule Pro FXT, so I've got the space up front for the vertical. I do like those grips, though. 

    Could you not mount on the inside of the rear grill (i.e. headache rack) and thus stay protected from the elements?

     

    Nice ride, and roomy. I actually regret not getting the Mule Pro FXT Ranch edition, if nothing more than for the winch.  But mine is bulletproof and gets the job done.  Plus I can put the savings into buying suppressors, but that’s for another thread.

    Yes, I could mount on the inside, But then my kids heads would be hitting them and rifle.  Need both front and rear seating room clear.

    Also, got pics?

  12. 4 hours ago, Ragde said:

    Deer population is lacking. Very few deer are being seen / harvested. We got this lease 3 years ago as some of us are new hunters and werent wanting to break the bank. In that 3 years between 6 hunters we've taken maybe 10 deer. The camera activity doesn't inspire much confidence either. 

    I feel you.  This might help narrow your search a bit:

    How many deer are in Texas? White-tailed deer populations listed by region

    My farm is in the Blackland Prairie region, which has the lowest deer population density in the state at 6% that of Edwards Plateau / Central Texas.  And people just shoot whatever they want when they want.

    I’m extremely fortunate to have as many deer as I’ve seen on camera, especially like those bellow.  I’ve decided not to take one this year, hoping against odds one will survive until next year.  Need to start killing some pigs, though.  Had a big sounder come through, tear up a field, and disappear (pic below is representative).

     

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

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  13. On 12/15/2021 at 8:21 AM, BabaYaga said:

    If budget is not an issue, then the easy choice is the OX ranch.  It's bananas.  Every game you can think of.  Tanks you can drive and fire.  Machine guns and cannons.  It's a big kids paradise.

    Ok, that place looks FUN.  Only 20 elk, though, and not quite the experience we are looking for (see below).  That said, talking with the guys, that would be a fun time for another species.  Gonna be a guys’ trip.

    On 12/15/2021 at 9:10 AM, 686 said:

    I’d strongly consider the UU Bar if you want mountains, low fence, top end elk, and price isn’t a factor. Their setup is top notch from what I’ve seen (200,000 acres, cabins at 10,000 feet with hot water, great elk herds). I talked with them at DSC a few years back. The DSC convention is Jan 6-9 if you want to go meet a lot of elk outfitters in person, it’s worth your time.

    On 12/15/2021 at 10:26 AM, 686 said:

    Here’s a floor plan of the DSC show, over 800 exhibitors.There will probably be well over 20 outfitters/ranches that offer elk hunting. Both the UU Bar and the Ox Ranch will be there, as well as many others. It’s a great way to see what the options are and figure out what you want. (Questions Like : Area, fence, class of animal (300” bull? 350” bull? 400” bull?), style of hunt (cabin, wall tent, horseback, backpack?), time of year/climate, etc.)

    Great idea, and thank you for reminding me about it.  I miss it every year because the craziness of the holidays plus starting up a new year keeps it off my radar much less top of mind.  UU Bar is an option and on the list.

    4 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

    Always wanted to go to that.  Talk about a kid in a candy store.  @686 is spot on, it's a great opportunity to scout out various levels of hunting styles and opportunities.

    • Do you want a giant animal and essentially guaranteed kill?
    • Do you want guide?  No guide?  
    • Processing help?
    • Do you want essentially an organic hunt akin to public land where you have to hike in and hike out?

    Tons of options

    I’m treating this as my one and only elk hunt.  High probability of success on at least a medium rack bull.  Definitely guided.  Mountains.  Outside of Texas.  Can allocate 7-10 days.  Prices I’m seeing are higher than I expected, but don’t care.  I’m open to everything cabin/lodge to tent.  Horses or ATV/SxS plus hiking.  Help dressing and processing.  Though I’m already training for this trip, no desire to hike in and out, backpacking the whole way.

    DSC is a great idea, and it’s on my calendar.  Will report back.

    Thanks for the help, y’all.

     

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  14. 1 hour ago, crimsonlonghorn said:

    There are some vertical rifle holders mounted to the floorboard that are available that will hold an AR. I'd be interested in one of those. 

    I looked at those and they were very promising.  Just for me, though, with my Mule 4010 Trans, it would just take up too much room up front, so I passed.

    1 hour ago, crimsonlonghorn said:

    I like that too. Are the clamps just mounted directly onto the rear grill? Looks like it. 

    Yes, direct mount.  Easy as could be, very sturdy.  Just distance the clamps for whatever rifle you’ll be carrying.

    1 hour ago, NotActuallyALonghorn said:

    Yeah, I definitely need something that can mount and AR. I pretty much have a 300 BLK, Winchester 73, or a muzzleloader with me when i am riding around.

    I originally set out to find a way to carry an AR 30 rd I could quickly access from the driver’s seat.  I looked at every possible arrangement: mounted across the A pillars in front, overhead, vertical front floorboard, front seat, driver side B-pillar or C-pillar (but that would be custom), and all the bed solutions out there.  For about a month, I’d mock up what solutions I could and went about normal work, envisioning usability and utility.  Because of small cab size, I eliminated every option up front.  Side mount exposed the weapon to brush, etc. and inhibited ingress/egress.  So, I had to go with bed mount, and those clamps were easy to use and didn’t take up much space when I needed it in the bed.

    One drawback is that the rifle is exposed to the elements.  I’m usually not out in the rain, but I do have to bring it in at night so it’s not impacted by unexpected rain or heavy morning dew (insert joke here).  A solution for that would be a hard gun case and maybe a 10 round magazine, but more of a PITA to access quickly.

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