If you have been lurking around over the past few days, you may have noticed some additions to the side bar and footer. After having received quite a few emails and encouragements regarding selling some flies, I decided to take the plunge. So, to gauge a little interest, my brother made me up some pretty cool ads that sit on the side bar and at the foot of the page. Let me know what you think and if you are so inclined, click on the ad and take a look.
Click Me!
I am starting off simple with one of my favorite patterns, the mini-hopper. This is a great attractor pattern or indicator fly since it is bright and floats all day. It can pass as a hopper, caddis, stone, or any other number of terrestrials. A must have in your box for fishing small streams or the big waters. Click the ad above or one of the others on the side bar for more information on filling your box with the Arizona mini-hopper.
My normal routine is tying big bushy dry flies for the small streams here in Arizona, with the occasional pheasant tail or simi-seal bugger to drift when the fish are being lazy. Tying wicked small midges is something that is foreign to me and therefore a little daunting. With some plans this next year to get out and fish some of the bigger tail-waters in the Southwest, it was time to start facing my fears and tie something a little smaller than a #18 parachute. I put some feelers out and asked some questions and Mike over at Dry Flies and Fat Tires has really been helpful in pointing me to certain patterns and even sent me an assortment of midges he tied up to use as prototypes.
Mike is the Real Deal: San Juan Flies
I tied up a large assortment of #18s and #20s but apparently for the San Juan and Lees Ferry, I am going to need to go smaller. So, I have started the journey of tying smaller midge and beatis patterns. The midges on the left are #22s and #24s where the ones on the right are some of the first flies I tied and most are #18s or #20s. Please bear in mind that this small stuff is relatively new to me, but I welcome any thoughts on the flies pictured below.
With the end of quail season upon us, the Quail Hunting Forum has arrived to fill that void in your life. The world needs a dedicated forum for these often overlooked birds and with a little bit work and lots of love, the Quail Hunting Forum has been born. The site has a clean look and has the makings of a great blogroll dedicated to quail hunters. There is also an opportunity for outfitters and guides to advertise on the site.
Please stop on by and register a name. Let us know, who you are, where you are from, and how your season went. Looking forward to seeing you on the Quail Hunting Forum.
Growing up in Pennsylvania and New York and hunting the deer that populated those woods is much different than hunting the higher desert landscape of Arizona. I quickly learned that just finding a well worn Pennsylvania deer trail and plopping myself down beside it was not going to work in the big country of the Southwest. “Glassing” is a way of life here in Arizona, as it is across much of the West. There is a ton of land that must be closely scrutinized and a quality pair of binoculars are important. Now a truly high-end pair of European binoculars (no specific names) can run up into the thousands of dollars. For some hunters that is doable and someday I hope to buy myself a pair. But for a teacher in the poorest paying state in the Union, it is impossible to think about spending that much money on a pair of binoculars. After much research and shopping around, I decided on a pair of Nikon Monarchs because the price and quality of these binoculars were both appealing to me.
First impressions:
Lifetime warranty – Some would argue that a lifetime warranty does not mean a thing, but when I am looking at a pricey tool that is going to see some rugged country, a warranty makes me sleep better at night. It proves to me that Nikon believes in their product and is willing to back it up.
Price – To my untrained eye, the difference between a thousand dollar pair of binoculars and a couple hundred dollar pair is not enough to warrant the extra cost. Let’s be honest, I could buy a nice new fly fishing set up for the difference. When I think about it in those terms it is an easy choice.
Features –Nikon claims that these Monarch binoculars are shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof. The rugged rubber design gives a sense of durability and protection for the prisms inside. The Nikon Monarch Binoculars also come with flip down front covers, a non-attached eye piece cover, and a case for the binoculars.
Nikon Monarch Binoculars
Field Use:
If you have spent some time reading through my wanderings, you will see that these binoculars have been through several seasons of hunting. My untrained eyes have gained quite a bit experience over the past several years as I have learned the finer points of glassing in Arizona.
Image quality has been fantastic. I know some people can tell a huge difference between these and other pricier binoculars, but I think the difference is negligible. I have put in long hours staring through these lenses searching and finding animals and they are extremely comfortable. Whether a low evening light or a bright Arizona day, the Nikon Monarchs really do the trick.
I prefer to use these binoculars with a tripod for stability. Because they are 10 power, just holding them without any support or trying to use your knees to steady the image can become annoying. They are powerful binoculars and therefore really should be used with a tripod. I had to buy an adapter to mount the binoculars on the tripod. Originally I bought a standard Nikon tripod adapter but have switched to the Swarovski quick release adapter (another gear review in the works to explain how wonderful the Swarovski adapter is). Once a quarry is spotted I dismount the binoculars from the tripod and where a binocular harness that keep these binoculars close to my chest but still functional for the stalk.
In my experience, Nikon’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof claims are for real. These binoculars have been put through the paces and stood up to some serious abuse. I was caught in one rainy day and they performed well throughout the day. Hot breath on a cold morning had no affect on the Nikon Monarchs.
Nikon Monarch 10x42
Pros:
Shockproof, waterproof, fog- proof
Excellent image quality
Price
Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
Loose pupil eye cover
Tripod and adapter sold separately (which is not out of the ordinary)
PROGNOSIS: Great binoculars for an even better price. These should definitely be on your radar if you are looking to buy a new pair of optics.
* 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.
As me feet hit the pavement of the parking lot, my eyes picked up the silhouettes of running quail. A small covey must have been roosting close to the parking area that bordered this particular parcel of BLM land. Too close to really hunt, I shrugged into my upland vest and shouldered my shotgun in anticipation for my last hunt of this Gambel’s quail season.
Fat Male Gambel's
I spent the morning slowly walking through a fairly flat couple of miles in search of Gambel’s quail and was able to scare up a couple of coveys. The first group of birds took flight and I swung on a fat male that folded nicely to the desert floor amidst a cloud of smoke.
Arizona Mine Field
Since the terrain was flatter than the stuff I normally hunt, I found these birds were more apt to run instead of flush. Hunting Gambel’s quail that are going to run all day is difficult and frustrating. I was finally able to turn a covey towards a hillside and after several flushes brought one more male to the game bag.
Male Gambel's Quail
It was more than a little sad, making the trip back to the truck. Every season is full of memories and lessons from the field and it makes me thankful to have the opportunity to experience God’s creation in this way. The season closes tomorrow and ultimately my hunting is done until next fall. It must be time give the gun a thorough cleaning and turn my attention to filling the fly boxes while thinking about big brown trout to the north.
On a side note: Even though quail season is over, the Quail Hunting Forum will be launching on February 12th. Lend your voice to the discussion and fill everyone in on your season and thoughts. If you are interested in a sneak peak or a cool button to post on your blog, shoot me an email.
Rambling Review – Jetboil: Flash Java Kit Cooking System
Jetboil Java Kit
Why?
With all my outdoor wanderings, many nights can find me trying to stay warm in a tent or the bed of my truck. I can do without a lot of civilized amenities when fishing or hunting comes into the equation. Unfortunately, one necessity I take very seriously is my coffee. Most mornings I am sucking down French pressed coffee savoring each sip of smoky flavored goodness and to truly enjoy a morning in the big country of Arizona, I need to continue that addiction in the field. The Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System fit the bill in more ways than one and assures that I would never be without a quality cup of joe. Often times in the state of Arizona, certain national forests or counties will impose different fire restrictions. Having the Jetboil remedies the problem of heating water without a campfire.
Jetboil French Press
First impressions:
All inclusive – One aspect that drew me to this product was the fact that everything I needed for cooking and coffee could be stored right inside the Jetboil. NOTE: This product does not come with a fuel canister.
Simplicity – If I can figure out how to use the Jetboil at o’dark thirty in the morning than you can rest assured it is a simple system to use. The cozy that surrounds the boiling container has a heat activated window that turns orange when the water is boiling. It is a pretty nifty system that makes the morning brew that much easier.
Bulky – One thing I was a little worried about was the bulk of the Jetboil system. I myself had read many reviews and most of the comments from hardcore lightweight backpackers were extremely negative about the size and weight of this system. I weighed the pros and cons for the use it would see and I was comfortable with the extra bulk.
Morning Coffee
Field Use:
Hunting and Fishing –For every daytrip I take to the Rim or even to Oak Creek, my Jetboil is tucked into my truck. For a midday warm-up meal of Easy Mac or a cup of coffee to keep me awake on my drive home, the Jetboil is a life saver. On an overnight trip it is extremely nice to have for a morning cup of coffee or heating up dinner. I have probably heated water or made coffee over 40 or 50 times in my Jetboil and not had a single problem. If I am heading up with a buddy to hunt or fish, somewhere in the conversation the night before, they will make sure I am bringing the Jetboil…just in case.
Jetboil: Orange Means "Go"
Backpacking – To be honest, my backpacking trips have been kept to a minimum, but I have hopes of getting deeper into the woods in the coming months. I have taken the Jetboil on several overnighters and was satisfied with the performance and the “packability” of the unit. I did not notice that the Jetboil “weighed me down,” but I know others in the backpacking community would recommend something lighter.
Jet Flash Java Kit
Pros:
Simplicity
Easy to clean
It makes a great cup of coffee (need I say more)
Reliable
All inclusive
Cons:
Bulk
Heavier than other “lightweight” cooking systems
Prognosis:
I think the Jetboil Flash Java Kit is a fantastic product and should really be considered if you are looking for a complete and compact cooking system.
***On a side note: If coffee in the field interests you, check out Mike’s review of the Bialleti espresso maker over at Of Dry Flies and Fat Tires. Check it out
* 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.
It was one of those days. I am usually the guy up hours before the sun, driving with a cup of hot coffee and a purpose, trying to be the first one at whatever creek I am fishing. The long work week and an even longer Friday night, found the sun already peaking its head above the hilltops as I started up the truck and made my way to Oak Creek for my first day of fly fishing of 2011. Not a great start to the day.
Pine Cone
It was the busiest day I have ever seen on Oak Creek. I stay away from this creek during the summer because of the hordes of people who descend upon Sedona and this tiny bit of water. Normally in the winter, I will not see another person all day and it’s close proximity to the west valley is appealing. On this particular day I must have seen at least 10 other fishermen and several of them on the specific section of the creek that I was fishing. When fishing for these spooky browns, stealth is of the utmost importance and when there are people everywhere you turn, that can make the sneaking very difficult. My guess is that the first warm day of the year had brought fishermen out of the woodwork and straight to this small creek.
AZ Cricket
I fished all day and I fished hard. The canyon warmed nicely and must have been in the 50’s during the warmest part of the day. Bugs were plentiful, but the fish were not. Mayflies were in the air and under rocks. Sections of the creek were covered with caddis casings ready for spring time temperatures. Spiders and butterflies, were everywhere on the banks of the river, while the water was clear and not too high. I cycled through just about every fly in my box and then did it again. Nothing seemed to peak any interest.
Caddis Casings
At the end of the day, I sat on the tailgate of my truck eating a bowl of Easy Mac contemplating the happenings of the day. I have not been skunked in quite a while and the little action I had experienced throughout the day was disheartening. I had seen several fish, moved a couple of them and only had one solid hookup through the whole Saturday. To call the day “slow” is an understatement. But after everything, getting to the water late, forgetting my Gink and one of my key fly boxes, seeing tons of people on the water, and no fish to the net, it was a good day. Life is kind of like that. Everything may not go exactly the way you had planned it, but ultimately it is the journey along the way that makes it worthwhile.
I have been hunting quail in Arizona for quite a few years now and when I first started I would chase after these birds with a small backpack that contained some water and a GPS. This backpack served me well until I started being successful and actually bringing a few birds down. At first I would throw them in the backpack but without going into the details, it turned messy quick. I found myself looking at a couple different upland game vests and decided upon the basic vest that Cabela’s offers, the Cabela’s Upland II Vest. Here is why…
First Impressions –
Game Pouch – The Cabela’s Upland II Vest has a large game pouch that can be accessed from the front or the back. The top of the pouch can be opened by a zipper and its contents can be easily taken out. A limit of Gambel’s quail can easily fit in this large pocket and I imagine larger birds could easily be carried. The vest is lined with a durable shear material that sheds liquid and other organic matter easily.
Outside Pockets – Aside from the large game pouch, there are 4 large pockets on the front of this vest. Two of these pockets are especially deep with zipper pockets. I like to put my GPS, TP, knife, cell phone, and other odds and ends in this portion of my vest. The lower two pockets close with a snap and I may put extra shells on the right side for quick access and then put empties on the left.
Inside pockets – This Upland Vest has an inside pocket on either side. The right side pocket is a zipper pocket perfect for keys or a wallet. The left side pocket is a thinner Velcro pocket that I like to store small sandwich Ziploc bags in for after the hunt field dressing.
Shell loops – On the outside lower portion of the vest, six shell loops on each side are extremely handy for fast reloading. I alternate between 20 and 12 gauge shells and the loops hold both perfectly.
Shotgun Shell Loops
Field Use –
I have had this vest for 3 years and have been very happy with its performance. The rugged material stands up to the prickly, thorn filled desert of Arizona and looks non-the-worse for wear and tear. I have torn through more cat-claw and mesquite trees than I care to remember and as I look at this vest, it looks fairly new. It accommodates my field needs very easily and has seen over 50 days of heavy field use. I usually wash this vest after every season before I put it back in the closet and it handles the washing machine very well.
One thing I am looking at having my wife sew onto the back of this vest is two adjustable straps to loop my jacket into. On a chilly Arizona morning, I will leave the truck with a flannel or other heavy shirt to keep myself warm. After an hour or two, I have worked up quite a sweat and need to shed those extra layers. Normally, my shirt ends up in my game bag with my birds. This is fine, but I would rather attach my extra clothing to the outside of the vest instead of storing it with a bunch of dead birds.
The vest I have is in the traditional brown and really like this particular color choice. It gives me the option of using it for other hunts or activities. If I want to use blaze orange, I can throw on a hat to keep myself visible.
My biggest issue with this particular vest is the front zipper. It is not as high quality as I would like and often times will tear from the bottom as zippers do. It is an easy fix, simply unzipping and then re-zipping the zipper, but it can be annoying in the middle of a hunt. The manufacturer could easily remedy this problem by installing a heavy duty zipper. This is but a small bump in the road for an otherwise quality product.
Cabela’s Upland II Vest
Pros:
Price – Not uncommon to see this product on sale, far below its original price.
Durability – Rugged Material, Game pouch material
Utility- Pockets, Game pouch, Shell loops
Cabela’s name – Cabela’s stands behind products with their name on it.
Cons:
Occasional Zipper Malfunction
No outside straps for cold weather clothing
Not breathable during the hotter months
Prognosis – I recommend the Cabela’s Upland Vest to the beginner and advanced hunter because of its high performance, durability, and great price
* 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.
