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I've been there Chris. I enjoy being in the outdoors, and it is relaxing. However, I can hike in the woods a lot cheaper than I can hunt. Not having a chance (or many chances) at game sucks plain and simple and gaining access is worse every year. Purchasing your own land is a great idea, but expensive and figuring out where it sits on the priority table is tough. Leasing is ok, but i'd want to have multiple years in the contract and really don't like the idea of managing an area that can be taken away. I feel your frustration - Good luck Chris, I hope something works out for ya.

Yea I never really let the water boil, boiling was just the term I used as it's the one I usually hear in contrast to beetles. The antler repair kit cost me 25 dollars, and another 10 for the bleaching supplies - originally I think I did add the basic white but didn't know about using heat. There's a guy down the street that charges 75.00 to use the beetles and bleach the skull. Another 20 for antler repair. For as much work and time it took to do the boil/simmer method I'll be taking my future mounts to him. However, it was a fun project to try out. When doing antler repair I learned that it is very important to look at the rack from many different angles. I concentrated on just a couple and now when viewing from certain angles I would have sculpted a little differently.

local beauty salon is where i got my bottle as well

Thanks be to God!

I finally got around to finishing this Texas mount from several years ago. The right G-3 was broke as was the tip of the left main beam. It was a learning process and I can see that the more you do the better one will get. I boiled this one (twice) and coated it with 40 volume peroxide and let it sit out in the sun a couple days. What do you all think?

i was going to guess 140, but since you say everyone is low I'll go with 146.

I'd do it - but it would have to be 2 equal parcels. Both can sell, but has to offer it to the other for a set price first. If something happens to either of you name the other as beneficiary (this can be done legally - a will). Funny thing... how a woman you intend to spend your life with will often try to take as much from you as possible once two letters get placed before the title.

2013 - Awesome! I teach and can get up to half a summer off (5 weeks in mid-May through mid-August) if I know far enough ahead. What time of year and for how long do you think this trip would be Steve? I checked and airfare is about $850 RT from St. Louis to Anchorage so the price is doable. Would another flight from Anchorage be necessary?

Nice guess rhine16, 122 5/8 was what I taped him at - only had a 2 inch deduction for a net just over 120.

Steve, if I hadn't already set this Idaho trip up with 2 buddies I'd be IN! Seeing a bear is a major rush! Mine was only 200lbs - not quite 6 feet, but still produced the same feeling as seeing a 160 inch whitetail. Boys, this is a great offer to take Mr. Steve up on.

Not sure where we'll be camping yet. Usually a mile or two behind the lolo visitor center or at the white sands camp ground near powell. If ya see this rig stop in and have some coffee

Hey, I'm finishing up my first Texas as well. Pictures soon. I'm repairing a couple antlers so it's taking me longer. I'd brush some 40 volume peroxide on the skull and let it sit out in the sun a couple days to whiten it up. Arrow plaque is a great idea and looks good but my preference would be to make it a couple inches longer next time. Nice work!

Yes, looks like another 2.5 year old and about 120 inches.

Looks like 2.5 years and gross the same as my 10 point I have pictured in the Deer hunting room under guess the score. You may recall, from my stand I thought he was mature, but once I walked up to him I knew he was young and wish I had let him walk another year or two.

Sounds like a logical approach Ross. I haven't seen it (that I know of).

Here's one of my 2010 Idaho bears. Got the full mount back this past summer and he is now in my living room. The taxi work was from Steve Brett in Florence (maybe 15 minutes north of Hamilton). I hunt along the Lochsa river. Went in 08 and again in 2010 (DIY). Going this year as well - mid-June. May run into you! LOL Last years trip got snowed out. Roads didn't open till June 24th and the season ends the last day of June. It can snow any day of the year around the Lolo area.

About a year ago I got pretty active on FB and that took up a lot of my social media time. Still active on FB but find the time to come here (mostly during deer season). I like it here. Never get tired of Chris and Ohiobucks telling us all that the true Monsterbucks are all in Ohio.

We'll give it another day or so - no one has guessed it perfect but someone is only an inch off.

The taxidermist used beetles on this mount - charged 75.00 plus 25.00 for the plaque and had it done in about 6 weeks. Got the lower jaw bone back as well - I aged this buck at 2.5 year old. If you want take a guess and we'll see who can get closest to the gross score I taped him at.

fly adult eastern

Had another great IL season. Had to move around to make it happen though. One area I usually hunt and see good size bucks came up empty after 4 late October early November hunts. Didn't even see a doe! That was odd. The other places made up for it though. Two bucks in the 120's and two mature does. One of the bucks fooled me. Should have let him go, but what's done is done. I get the Texas mount back tomorrow. I'll post pictures.

I'm late to play but that first one would have fooled me as well. The spread is impressive, but as stated only counts as high as the shortest beam. I was going to put it just under 120 gross.

Congratulations on that fine deer! You need not worry about filling any shoes. Just keep hunting and fill that tag with meat! Great seeing young ladies out hunting and having a good time. If that guy in the pic got you into hunting then kudos to him as well.

I have a Remington Gensis and Traditions Tracker in 50 cal. I put a good scope on them and I can hit a quarter at 100 yards with both. I spent 99.00 for the Tracker and 150.00 (if I remember right) for the Genesis. I prefer the Genesis because it is stainless (including the bolt). This is nice when cleaning because you know when it's clean. I've never heard anyone complain that their 50 cal (regardless of brand) shot poorly. I'd suggest stainless and go for the look you like. They will all probably be tack drivers.

We all have a limited time here on this ball of mud and water. Glad to see your faith in God has you at peace with this uncertainty. I for one enjoy having ya around here so hopefully things will go well and the good Lord will bless us by allowing you to stick around a while in health and happiness.