I don't personally have any problems with trafficing and explore the desert on a regular basis and have for 20 years now. It might have something to do with the fact that I'm always armed and let it be known to everyone I come across. But yes, unfortunately there are drug problems in the area.

As far as quail is concerned, hunt the mountains (high desert ~3000ft). It's the best kept secret in AZ. As long as you've got a dog with a nose, you'll find more birds than you can shake a stick at. Many coveys have well over a hundred birds and you'll find 5-6 of these withing a couple square miles. SHHHHH! It's a secret. The joy is that most hunters are too lazy to chase them. Good news for those of us who aren't.

Used to hunt those big high grasslands around and on Fort Huachuca. While burning JP-4, I could get low and look for good spots and come back on the weekends. Great place and great hunting. Course I like to walk and have good bird dogs.

Oh, you were a jet jockey. I am a former Marine and still work with THE Marine adversary program (for the past 20+ years). We work on Air Force F-5s. What did you fly?

UPT at Williams by Chandler, then B-52's and eventually 130's worldwide. 1969-1994. Landed at MCAS Yuma several times in 37's and 38's. Some time in F-4's, cousin flew huns then 16's out of Luke. Initial flight tng at Picacho, ran low level for intercepts out of D-M.

Well, thank you for your service, sir. I almost guessed F-4s. F-4 guys are different, not a bad thing and I can't put my finger on it, but I seem to always know. 30+ years around you guys rubs off after a while, I guess. Nice to meet you Bruce. If you're ever in the area let me know and we'll hunt something. Beers always cold in my fridge.

Rick Hornbeck
 

Bruce; Did you know Rick Hornbeck? B 52 pilot with several tours at Plattsburg. Regular shooter at Pine Tree then and after his retirement to the Hudson Valley.

Best, Austin

DezrtRat, I don't think you'll find anyone who will do a quality restock for much under $1K

USMC- huum? Semper Fi Desert Rat-
 

Not a jet jockey like Col. Day- wanted to be one- still would like to meet Gen. yeager, wanted to meet Chuck heston too- but that's no longer an option. Don't give up- you care to send me a private message through this forum with a PO Box or mailable address and I'll shoot you a copy of last Falls (2008) issue of Parker Pages-I think we have the best magazine of any gun group going- and not just because our Editor was kind enough to run a article I wrote- I'm no writer- but if you want a 1903 accurized or a Timney trigger put into your M40, I'm your guy-

I bought a Porject Parker in pieces about a year ago- just for fun- I bought a GHE 12 gauge receiver (No. 2 frame) and matching ejector forearm- had friend and Master Gunsmith Brad Bachelder fit a set of VH 28" barrels, make ejectors and he found a used GH pistol grip stock that had a crack at the wrist- which he repaired and fitted to the gun- the article has fotos and more details-

Long story short- try him- I've seen some distressed rifle and shotgun stocks he has repaired, he may also have a buttstock that can be fitted to your Parker and make it shootable again- I can't tell you the cost, but it might be worth checking into- Brad Bacheler e-mail bachelderfirearm@aol.com phone 1-616-459-3636. Brad is a member of the PGCA, has been a gunsmith for 30 years in Kent Co. Michigan and is one of many qualified gunsmiths known to us "Parkerites" as a master craftsman- his work is top shelf-- Semper Fi Gyrene- and lock and Load a cold Coors for me too!!:duck:

The name is familiar Austin. Plattsburg was known more as an FB-111 base, although it was Buffs earlier.

AZ has great quail hunting but as DRat says, a person has to want to walk, the terrain isn't easy and most people can't do it. I'll be at White Sands NM for the Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon 3/21 if anyone else wants to have a little stroll for 26 miles, then perhaps head west to check out quail ground. Steve Bodio lives over at Magdalena, not that far.

Steve Bodio- still in Magdallena??
 

I've lost track of Steve Bodio- also my USMC buddy John Hewitt- from the "Old GSJ" days--if you see Steve, say "Hi" for me. Not surprised you participate in the Battan DM memorial--one way to always remember the atrocities of the Pacific Theatre WW11--and honor those who feel prey to Japan's move for Imperialism and control of the Pacific-:bigbye: