Arizona Jackrabbit

sixshot

Buckeye
Joined
Aug 20, 2006
Messages
1,835
City & State/Province
soda springs, idaho
Recently spent another winter in Arizona, 4 months of 70-80 degree fun in the sun. Lots of things to do in the high desert around Wickenburg.
I shoot 2 pistol matches a week, cast bullets, ride 4 wheelers in the desert & take lots of pictures. On one of the rides during the course of the day we spotted a coyote, several Jacks, lots of quail & a Road Runner...Beep, Beep! I popped one of the Jacks with my 8 shot 327 maggie but didn't want to walk up the hill through the cactus & rock to retreive it, mainly because of snakes. I can't hear them! I'm amazed how many coyotes there are here, they are small, nothing like our coyotes up home but there's lots of them.
On a later ride we again saw lots of game including 2 muleys, a few hawks, quail, another Road Runner....Beep, Beep! Also ran over a snake with the 4 wheeler but it got in a hole before we could check it out closer. Towards the end of the day I saw 3-4 big Jacks & finally one gave me a shot, shooting offhand at about 35 yds my Ruger Bisley 41 maggie & 18 grs of 2400 really punched his ticket, lots of damage from that 230 gr. Keith slug. Some dis -believers think that slug would just pencil through & the bunny would heal up in a few days, doesn't work that way. A Texas Jack might recover but not an Arizona or Idaho Jack!


Saguaro Cactus, there are many thousands of these in the desert, I've been told that it takes 30 years for them to develop the "arms", maybe thats why Fermin hasn't developed a neck yet....


These old cabins are a popular destination on 4 wheelers, the story goes that they were once in a western movie, nobody knew which movie, I thought maybe it was Mucho Garza Rides Again...


There are many deep, rugged canyons in the area, easy to get turned around if you're not familar with the roads & trails. Many of these dry stream beds were once stage coach routes. Very little water in this country but it was refreshing when we did to not see a Utah fisherman!


Dick
 
80 degree heat... Soon enough here. :)

I shot a rabbit with a handgun once. It was an ancient nine shot .22. The creature was in my garden munching on plants so I fired a shot to scare it off. Unfortunately I missed and shot it in the head. I dressed it, soaked it in brine then fried it for supper with mashed potatoes, milk gravy and baking powder biscuits.

After supper Dad gave me a stern lecture on shooting rabbits out of season and a box of .22 long rifle cartridges. The ultimate in parental mixed messages. :(
 
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I was wondering when you'd take the time to regale us with wonderful stories of your wanderings in Az. As always, they are very enjoyable to read. I bet even 'ol callshot wishes he'd be able to wander down there a bit just to show you how to shoot them jacks!
 
Actually Callshot was just a few feet behind me, I was going to let him shoot it but it was getting ready to run. He made the drive to Arizona after dropping off some family members in Las Vegas. We had a good but short visit, I think he really enjoyed himself. Steve's a little camera shy but I did get a photo of my good buddy Brent who spent a couple of days riding in the desert.

Actually I did get a photo of Callshot, we are at the old Monte Cristo mine on Constellation Road, lots of mining activity in this area.


Dick
 
I did make the trip down there to spend some time with them. It was short because of prior commitments here in Idaho. It was fun, but short. If there is another time, I'll be better equipped for the ride. I did not get a chance to adjust his sights. I don't think he uses them. He has shot soooo much that he just knows where his guns shoot so he just points them and jerks the trigger! He is expert at seeing things all along the trail and I was just enjoying the scenery. I did get a rock chuck up here last Monday with the 44 Special and callshot brass. I've got to get the yard work done and get out and shoot more soon. Steve
 
I know AZ is an open carry state, but can you shoot while out in the desert? Or were you shooting on private land?
 
Heck, some people shoot down town!! Just kidding, yes you can shoot just about anywhere in the desert, lots of wide open spaces & plenty of georgous country.

Dick
 
Joe S. said:
I know AZ is an open carry state, but can you shoot while out in the desert? Or were you shooting on private land?
About the only place it is illegal to shoot besides in city limits is on State Trust land.
It is legal to hunt on State Trust land but you can not do any recreational shooting.
As long as it is not posted " No Shooting " you are good to go.
They do have restrictions that go into effect during fire season.
There is one section of BLM that they closed to recreational shooting. That is the Ironwood Forest.
They closed it because the illegals trashed it and they blamed it on the shooters.
 
My wife is AZ this week. This thread makes me wish my six gun and me are there with her.
 
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