Well, the shotgun has been broken down and given a thorough cleaning and the vests have been defeathered and stowed in the closet. The Arizona quail hunting season has come to an end, and as usual, it is a little bitter sweet. It will be sad to not head out into the desert to chase Gambel’s quail on a Saturday morning, but I am hopeful that with steady rains through the summer, next season will have some better bird numbers.
I was able to get out before the close of the season and put a few more birds in the freezer and stock up on a whole mess of soft-hackles for fly tying. The thought of summer and big fish rising to foam hoppers is the keeping my head up. Until next season…
Repping the Fiberglass Manifesto on the Ausable River
I need your help. I am in the TFM Spotting Contest and have a 1 in 12 shot at winning a fly rod, but I need votes. It is very simple. Just email, “I vote for Ben Smith” to tfmcontests@gmail.com. I really appreciate the help and support. Thanks so much.
My cousin, Donald, rocking the Arizona Wanderings logo in Sri LankaArizona Wanderings meets Sri lanka
My cousin took a ridiculously cool trip to Southeast Asia and sent me these photos to drool over. Many thanks to Don for packing an AZW shirt along for the ride.
The first is me on top of Sigiriya aka, Lion’s rock. It was a king’s palace and fortress built in 495 AD. Following the king’s death it became a Buddhist monastery. The picture is me in front of what’s left of the king’s pool.
The second shot is me in front of it after we had climbed down. The climb up is not at all technical as stairs have been carved into the rock, but it’s a long hike.
All the best,
Don
Pick up your Arizona Wanderings Apparel in the AZW Shop. Thanks for your support.
Headed to the San Juan River with my friends Jason and Kristen for a 3 day fly fishing trip. After the recent cold snaps here in the Southwest, we were happy to see the temperatures climbing back up. The first day was a gorgeous blue bird day with plenty of sunshine. We worked our way through the Braids and up to the Upper Flats. Fish came on red annelids, KF Emergers, eggs, and other various midge patterns. There were many small fish due to the recent stocking overload, but I think by next season, there should be a plethora of really good fish.
Day 2 found us checking out a lower section of river, and while my friends were landing several good fish, I struggled to find my rhythm through the day. Although a few tugs on the line, I could not get anything going. Jason and Kristen both landed several beautiful rainbows and even a couple of browns. I finally got on the board later in the day, and towards dusk, found a couple rising fish to cast dries to.
We woke early on the final day and were on the water by eight. Although we still had a long drive back to AZ, we could not pull ourselves away from the water. I worked one deep run in the Braids for a good while and pulled many respectable fish to the net. I tangoed with two really big fish. One broke me off after a short run, and the other, in a heartbreaking series of events, slipped the hook on a shoddy net job by myself.
The whole weekend was a success and I had a great time with Jason and Kristen, who both are fantastic anglers. I ate my weight in beef jerky and had one of the best green chili burgers at Fisheads Cafe. If you get the chance, it is well worth the time to go over and fly fish the San Juan River.
San Juan RainbowSan Juan RainbowSan Juan FliesSan Juan River
San Juan Rainbow on a Zebra MidgeVintage OrvisJason with a beautiful San Juan RainbowSan Juan Fly TyingSan Juan RainbowReleaseAbe’s Motel and Fly ShopAbe’s Motel and Fly Shop
An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game by Randall Babb
I recently obtained a new book written by Randall Babb titled An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game. This book is a comprehensive look at the many small game species that we have in Arizona and includes detailed information about habitat, hunting opportunities, tactics, field care, and recipes. Mr. Babb has done a wonderful job putting together a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of small game in Arizona and increase their success in the field. This 198 page, color photo book is well worth the price and is an excellent addition to any Arizona outdoorsman’s library
Arizona truly is a wonderful state with some of the most sought after big game in the country. Often, our small game species are over looked and under utilized. Truth be told, hunting small game is a great way to get a young or new hunter into the field and an excellent excuse to get out in the desert and woods.
To get your copy, stop by a Game and Fish office or download the order form here
Detailed information on Arizona’s small game speciesArizona Bird HuntingField Care Instructions
I drew a javelina tag this year and was very excited about heading up north to try and seal the deal. In the two and a half days of hunting, the wind gusted through the whole thing. We were able to get on a small herd the last day I hunted, but we couldn’t beat the wind. Although I had grand intentions of getting back up to camp, my schedule just would not allow it. There is nothing like javelina camp. Cold nights, good food, and good company.
Javelina HuntingJavelina Hunting – photo courtesy of Steve HohenseeJavelina Camp and CompanyTire TroubleCamp Fire
Every archer needs an efficient and quiet way to carry their arrows into the field. Most compound archers carry their arrows in a side quiver, but traditional archery shooters are a quirky bunch who tinker with back quivers, belt quivers, and a variety of quivers that attach to their bows. In my opinion one of the premier options for carrying arrows is the Thunderhorn Boa Quiver.
Thunderhorn Foam Broadhead Insert
First impressions:
Made in the USA – All of the Thunderhorn products, including the Boa quiver, are made in the Montana.
Adaptable – The Thunderhorn Boa Quiver uses quick strap attachments and can attach to most any traditional bow wether recurve or long bow. The “quick mount” constrictor straps allow the quiver to be attached to the bow even while it is strung up. The straps are secure and the quiver does not move.
Customizable color – The folks at Thunderhorn can match the quiver colors to the wood colors that any particular bow is made of. The hood can be one solid color, or it can be ordered in contrasting colors, as is pictured.
Thunderhorn Boa Straps
Field Use:
The Thunderhorn Boa Quiver comes as a two pieces both equipped with “quick mounts.” The top hood portion holds the broadheads or field points, while the bottom piece has small grips that hold the shaft of the arrows. When my Boa quiver first showed up in the mail, I was warned by my hunting buddy to strategically fit my broadheads into the foam hood insert. With those points carefully placed into the hood of the quiver, six arrows easily fit into the grippers on the bottom section of the quiver and did not rattle on each other when the bow is shot.
Thunderhorn Boa Quiver and an Arizona javelina
The Thunderhorn Boa Quiver has been strapped to my Fox Breed Recurve on all my hunts for the past six years or so. It has seen many miles full of rain, snow, and sun. The leather stands up well to the elements and serves to protect the arrows. On spot and stalk hunts where I move from location to location, the quiver stays on my bow at all times. The bow shoots very quiet even with a full quiver. I actually believe that the bow shoots smoother with the quiver attached. The extra weight seems to balance out the bow, absorb more handshock, and ultimately makes the bow a bit quieter. I know many traditional archers disagree on bow quivers, but I prefer the extra weight on the bow.
Thunderhorn Boa Quiver dismounted
When in a treestand or blind, I do prefer taking the quiver off to cut down on movement in the tree. If the quiver has arrows in it, it will stay together as one unit (even though the quiver is two pieces), and it reattaches very easily.
Thunderhorn Manufacturing does sell replacement foam if needed. I also asked Duane about care of the leather on the hood of the quiver and he recommended that an occasional application of a silicone oil or “Nik wax” (used on shoes) can extend the life of the leather. He warned NOT to use heavy shoe grease though.
Pros:
Made in the USA
Beautiful leather workmanship
Customizable color
Quick mount attachments
Durable leather material
Cons:
Price (well worth it in my opinion)
Thunderhorn Boa Quiver
Prognosis: I highly recommend checking out the Thunderhorn Boa Quiver as a great option for carrying hunting arrows into the field.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.
