Why 90?

What's magical about the number 90? It was created by man and represents, although vaguely at times, how large a pronghorns horns are, but why not 85? Why not 95? Currently, we can say that 90 is significant because it represents roughly the top 33 of 1900 antelope entered into B&C's record book (12th edition). That's the top 1.7%.

Another way to figure it - if close to 3 million pronghorn have been taken by hunters since guns were invented then 90-inches means the top .001% for all-time!

For a method we can more easily grasp let's compare pronghorn with elk and mule deer.

The top 1.7% for antelope is 90-inches or more
The top 1.7% for typical elk is 419-inches or more
The top 1.7% for typical mule deer is 212 inches or more

The top 1.7% for non-typical elk is 450-inches or more
The top 1.7% for non-typical mule deer is 306-inches or more

Remember that these numbers are only relative given that the B&C Club has established their record book minimums on a relative basis across all species. Also note that these numbers are derived directly from B&C's record book, thus eliminating a lot of potentials trophies that were, for one reason or another, not entered.

I guess a more accurate measure would be to take the top 1 or 2 or even 5% of antelope, deer, and elk that have ever been taken.

One other thing to consider: I've mentioned this briefly before...an antelopes score is usually reflective of the horn's actual weight (which I believe should be used to determine absolute size), but sometimes there are bucks that score a lot more than others while the others weigh a lot more. This means that, though the inch measurements do give a good approximation of the bucks size, they are by no means the end all of measuring a bucks horns "true" size.

What does all this mean? It means that, in this world, the more rare something is the more valuable it is. In this case, the larger an animals horns are, the more rare it is and thus the more value it holds.

So...why 90? Because it's rare and rare things are beautiful to behold.

Arizona's 5 Worst Units That Have Giant Bucks

These are the units I hate to scout even though they've all produced giant bucks in the past and may produce giants in the future. I wouldn't apply for these units if I were you. Unless you like them for some reason - I can't see any reason why someone would like them. ;) In no particular order...

Unit 9: Too many trees. Too few antelope. Dylan Woods buck in 2000 was GIANT!

Unit 7: Too many trees. Way too few antelope. AZG&F seem to think there are a lot of antelope in this unit. I haven't seen them. I guess if you're an elk or deer hunter you might have better luck finding the antelope. The buck we called "Buddha" (2nd column over, 5th row down - hooks forward.) was GIANT!

Unit 8: Too many trees. Too few antelope. There are outfitters who like this unit. In 2004 I found a buck we named "Bigfoot" in this unit. TLH of AZOD fame scouted for this buck several different times and never once saw it. He took the buck on opening day. That just ain't right with antelope - to know a buck is there and never be able to find it. If you like that sort of thing then by all means, go right ahead. Robert Petersen's buck (pic below) in 2000 was GIANT!

Unit 17B: Too many private signs! But...John Gisi's buck in 2006 was GIANT!

Unit 19B: See 17B. But...David Meyer's buck in 2001 was GIANT!

As you can see, though these units may not be the most fun to scout they have all produced many giant bucks throughout the years and will most likely do so again.

Hakuba Tripod HG-503MX

It weighs only 4 lbs., can adjust from 11 inches high to 70 inches high, and can find antelope without even needing your assistance. What more could you want?! A few other reasons we prefer it over other tripods:

1. The twist lock knobs are quick and tight and if you're hiking with it by holding a leg and letting it hang down by your side the leg locks don't get caught on your pant pockets.

2. It comes with a tripod head. Not that it's a very good tripod head, but at least it's something if you can't afford to upgrade.

3. It has screws at the top of the legs that you can tighten just in case the leg pivot joint becomes loose - and it will. Some cheaper tripods don't have this feature.

4. You can get it at B&H for $289.95.

Is it the best tripod in the world. No. But it may very well be the best lightweight tripod in the world for your money. Hey, it's the one my Dad and I both use and we've used them all.

The Camera Lens I Want - Again

I believe this is going to be the production model of the Sigma 200-500mm (w/ built-in 2x converter for 400-1000mm!) I like it! I still haven't seen a price posted anywhere. I highly doubt it will be feasible. Around 35 lbs...yep, I think I'll take two!

Arizona's 5 Worst Units for 2008

If you're applying for any of the following units you might be in for a long hunt.

Unit 21
Unit 30A
Unit 31/32
Unit 34B
Unit 35A

These units, collectively, have a total of 56 available tags between archery, muzzle loader, and rifle. Four of the units are south of Phoenix and the other is the closest unit to Phoenix with antelope.

Why are these units bad? If you're a trophy hunter these are the units with the fewest recorded big bucks. In fact, we've scouted these units and found very little so we agree with the record books. A few years back we managed to find an 86+ south of Tucson, but that's more the exception then the rule.