The New Huntmastersbbs!: Rich Higgins, Author

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Posted by Bofire (Member # 221) on March 06, 2008, 06:13 PM:

Rich,

Your artical in the Predator Xtreme I got Saturday is excellent!
I sensed, reading it, that you had edited it extremely. Huge subjects shortened up severely.

I sense a Book, so when are you going to let us have it? You gave great input but too fast, too condensed, and not enough back ground. Some of those studies and people you mentioned need alot more exposure.

I repeat, Rich, a great read, I just need more!
Thanks
Carl

Posted by Clint (Member # 346) on March 06, 2008, 09:35 PM:

you are right when i read it, i felt it could have been at least 50 pages longer, i bet it was a bit longer, before the editor got a hold of it.
Great job Rich, i enjoyed it.
thanks,
Clint

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 06, 2008, 10:31 PM:

Well, you know. He could post the whole damned thing here, if he had a mind? I don't count words and pay for all the ink. And, I don't subscribe to that magazine.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 07, 2008, 06:25 AM:

Thank you Carl, I'm glad that you liked the article. You are correct, that is a lot of information for 2000 words and IF it were to become a book it would be the basis of 8 chapters.
A possible book is a long way away. My first attempt at writing was the chapter that Gerry asked me to write on coyote communication for his latest book. Gerry made it chapter 10 and stuck it smack in the middle of all of his wonderful prose. Tyler read it and informed me that my chapter was "dry as ghost poop" compared to Gerry's. I have a lot of learning and growing ahead before I attempt a book.
Lance Homman, however, has developed some serious writing skills. Ronnie Robison told me that Lance's article about Ronnie and Booger Red in the last T&PC perfectly captured the story. Ronnie said he could smell the woods and see the coyotes as he read Lance's story.
Clint, thank you very much too. I'll see you Thursday at the APC meeting, we've got a special guest speaker. Also the Save A FAWN hunt is the following weekend, you going to make it?
Leonard, I know and appreciate the fact that we can post all here. Ralph pays a lot better. [Smile]

Posted by Dan Carey (Member # 987) on March 07, 2008, 08:01 AM:

Way to go Rich, very nice!!

Posted by skoal (Member # 1492) on March 07, 2008, 08:10 AM:

Great article Rich
and I concur it was a bit short , damn Editors!

Posted by stevecriner (Member # 892) on March 07, 2008, 09:33 AM:

quote:
"dry as ghost poop"

Trust me on this...Some folks like it that way. But hey they pay for it.

edit: to say , Im not reffering to the book but the articles.

[ March 07, 2008, 09:33 AM: Message edited by: stevecriner ]

Posted by varmit hunter (Member # 37) on March 07, 2008, 02:52 PM:

"DRY AS GHOST POOP". How long before you have his new teeth made?.

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on March 07, 2008, 05:28 PM:

Leonard,

I just got my copy of the magazine in the mail, and I'll forward it to you tomorrow.

I'm sure you'll find it (the magazine) as "comical" as I do. [Roll Eyes]

Rich,

I liked the article, but if one was paying attention, they've heard most of that information in your video (I could hear your voice as I read the Mark Twain quote), or read it right here on HuntMasters. [Wink]

But that's probably a reflection of the amount of time I spend on the internet, more than it is of your writing. [Smile]

Without a doubt though, it's the best thing I've read in the time I've been getting the magazine.
So you definitely raised the bar for them to meet from here on out.

To the other dudes at said magazine... what is up with headnets and bare hands/arms... and 50 year old camo?!?

Krusty

Posted by Bofire (Member # 221) on March 08, 2008, 08:23 AM:

I rather enjoy the magazine in general. Have not seen Richs video or many others, 2 I think. The videos I have seen sucked. Nope make that 3, one with Doc Sceery, good but boring, one with Randy Anderson sucked, and one with two guys I cant remember, it sucked.
Guess I dont spend enough time on the net!!

Keep writing Rich, but I dont think Ghosts poop, or eat, drink, I gotta get G. Blairs book.
Carl

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on March 09, 2008, 02:44 PM:

Ditto on Rich's article. I almost got busted at work reading it while trying to sort my mail. [Smile]

And thanks to Rich for the kind words. An editor that takes the time to work with you and let you know what he wants and how to make it the most palatable to the reader is a big plus.

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 10, 2008, 05:46 PM:

I read that thingy today. Pretty good.
The synopsis at the end in yellow. That is of course a general guideline and for coyotes in very low pressure areas? I have found a few things 360 from that out dis a way... Generalities, I suppose. [Smile]

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on March 11, 2008, 12:17 AM:

360 or 180 - I'm confusified [Confused]

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on March 11, 2008, 04:39 AM:

[Confused]

Posted by SF67 (Member # 2479) on March 11, 2008, 12:15 PM:

Excellent article once again Rich. I too think a book is in order. Not sure when you'd have time to write it with as busy as you are. You're loaded with great facts but as Anthony said recently, "science and logic, screw that- I want facts!" FYI- the pictures taken for the article weren't half-bad either. Live in the field shots.

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 11, 2008, 12:39 PM:

Welcome to The New Huntmasters, SF67. Glad to have you on board. Seems like I just approved your application 10 minutes ago?

Also, you seem to imply that you know Mr Higgins? What's he like, anyway? I envision a younger Chuck Norris. He used to post here, once in a while. Before he got famous. <sigh>

Good hunting. LB

Posted by SF67 (Member # 2479) on March 11, 2008, 01:06 PM:

Leonard,
Yes sir, I know Rich Higgins having went with him and his son Tyler on a Phoenix Varmint Callers Inc hunt this past weekend into Southern Arizona. Rich spoke of this website and so I came to look around. I did get a chance to read his article and enjoyed it. A lot of good information for both novice and veteran hunters alike.

Highlight of the hunting trip was watching Rich catch a coyote out in an alf-alfa field 200 yards out. He had me slow the truck and he did a stealthy disembarking onto the dirt road. Looking in my rear view mirror I watched him roll into a ditch and get his gear ready. I pulled 400 yards down the road and pulled out my binoculars and watched as Rich used his AP6 and pulled the coyote within 75 yards and then dispatched it.

Our Hunt totals- We called in 12 coyotes I believe and 2 bobcats. 1 Stand produced 4 coyotes at once and a bobcat hanging out at 250 yards. Another interesting stand was in a river bottom where we set up and had a coyote emerge from under a tree not more than 30 yards in front of Tyler. Just goes to show that you've got to creep into a stand as them sneaky coyotes are everywhere.

[ March 11, 2008, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: SF67 ]

Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on March 11, 2008, 02:57 PM:

quote:
He had me slow the truck and he did a stealthy disembarking onto the dirt road.

Would this technique fall into the same category as road hunting. [Big Grin]

quote:
Our Hunt totals- We called in 12 coyotes I believe and 2 bobcats.

You must of been in Texas, everyone knows the coyotes in Az are pressured and it would be dam tuff to get that many. [Razz]

Posted by SF67 (Member # 2479) on March 11, 2008, 04:39 PM:

Drive to your stand in your truck, get out and call in your coyote, and shoot it. Sound pretty much like what everyone does.

I said we called in 12 coyotes and 2 bobcats. I didn't say thats how many were bagged.

TA17Rem- Maybe you should refine your calling techniques. Arizona has many areas that over the course of a few days you can call in a dozen coyotes. If you're in AZ, let me know and I'll take you out and help you.

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 11, 2008, 05:14 PM:

360! They have me running in circles.

There were subtle differences in time of year for a few things but enough that it caught my attention.

Loco and Cdog, Thanks for taking such glee in me being a dipshit... [Big Grin]

SF67, I think TA was being facetious. He knows all to well the ease with which those AZ coyotes are called. Or so legend has it. [Smile]

[ March 11, 2008, 05:20 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]

Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on March 11, 2008, 07:12 PM:

yep what smithers said... [Big Grin]

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 11, 2008, 08:00 PM:

quote:
I read that thingy today. Pretty good.
The synopsis at the end in yellow. That is of course a general guideline and for coyotes in very low pressure areas? I have found a few things 360 from that out dis a way... Generalities, I suppose.

That wasn't a synopsis. That was a sidebar which listed the dates and behaviors of the four social seasons. Biologists usually include a disclaimer that there is as much variation within seasons as between them. Just as they do with the 20 subspecies. Some people will ask why bother then? The answer is that categorizing and labeling, pigeon-holing everything coyote, provides a frame of reference that may help to understand coyote behavior in general terms.
I doubt that anyone who read the side bar actually thought that coyotes drop what they are doing on Dec. 15 and start humping each other. Or that all puppies pack up on Sept. 15 and leave home.
So Smithers, I'm glad things are 360 degrees in your part of the world, that puts them pretty much spot on. [Smile]

If things are 180 degrees then your coyotes are breeding in the fall and raising puppies in the middle of the winter. Since that ain't gonna happen what differences have you seen in your parts?

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on March 12, 2008, 02:01 AM:

"Drive to your stand in your truck, get out and call in your coyote, and shoot it. Sound pretty much like what everyone does."

Krusty

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 12, 2008, 04:31 PM:

To be down right meticulous and anal it was, in fact, a synopsis of the coyotes year, in and of itself. A synopsis of the article, nay.

The coyotes in my area are damn near completely nocturnal the entire year. Except during March and April they seem to put on their sunglasses and become brazen and bold. This does not hold true for the entire state. About 2 hours South of me in the agricultural areas they are out during mid-day all the time.
They howl in the spring and summer, contrary to #2 & #3, more often than at any other time of the year. Having said that, they stay pretty much lip locked throughout the year so when I say they howl more in the spring and summer it is still only occasionally. Jan 'til now they are being quite vocal which is an oddity but they are still only being vocal, when I am out in the middle of the night from 11 p.m. 'til 2 a.m. Could they be more vocal throughout the day when I am not around? Sure. But I don't know, I'm not there.

I agree with #1 partially. In a 20 mile radius around my house they only breed in Jan. There is a 69 minute window in which this occurs. There is a smaller window 28 days later which is half of the previous 69 minutes, so it is a 34.5 minute window. Within this time frame the female has to be sure and make an extra sexy chirp or a "do me real good lone ceremonial ritualistic invitation howl".
Transients... I have better responses with howling in the Augustember and into Decembuary the time in which they would be dispersing. I must sound pretty goddamned friendly when I howl.

Alluding to the article I completely agree on the Northern climate coyote and distress sounds during Feb., March and April when the white stuff has coated the Earth for an extended period.

I said they were subtle. I wasn't cracking wise. I understand that there are literalists out there and I am not one of them. I didn't say I totally disagreed with it I just... WHATEVER DUDE!
Mean Republican's!

[ March 12, 2008, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 12, 2008, 05:12 PM:

Dang! I like those little emoticons. Where can I get some?

HERE, ya big baby!

[ March 12, 2008, 06:00 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]

Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on March 12, 2008, 05:27 PM:

Smithers: I see you got the abreviation wrong for youre home state. It shouldbe MN. not Mi. [Razz]

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 12, 2008, 05:42 PM:

Ask Krusty.

I only know about coyotes from what I gather when out calling them. When I am not out there they could be playing cards and smoking in the middle of the swamps.
Everyone has there own version of what goes on in the woods or deserts. You see a urine spot with blood in it on a sapling in February and say that it's from a female coyote ready to breed. I see it and say it is from a male coyote with a bad kidney infection. Which of us is right and why?

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 12, 2008, 07:32 PM:

I had no idea that it was so easy.
Leonard, Dang, I really like your .223 Imp. Where can I get one.

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 12, 2008, 07:44 PM:

Yeah Leonard. Ya have any 5'11" blonde women with legs that go all the way up hidden in there? If so where can I get one, no, make that two.
I'm a glutton for punishment.

And send me and TA some of those easily called Rock Star coyotes for good measure.

[ March 12, 2008, 08:06 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 12, 2008, 09:36 PM:

quote:
Leonard, Dang, I really like your .223 Imp. Where can I get one.

member#3 PAKMAN CODE ENFORCEMENT AND METER MAID

Umm, what? Did I leave it in your truck? I didn't know it was missing?

smithers, you bear watching. Or, is it bare?

Good hunting. LB

[ March 12, 2008, 09:36 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 13, 2008, 05:52 AM:

Bear, bare watching? Please clarify... [Smile]

I ain't know what you even been talking about... [Eek!]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 13, 2008, 09:29 AM:

smithers

Posted by Kelly Jackson (Member # 977) on March 13, 2008, 09:32 AM:

I just finished it.......It was a good read Rich.

Regards
Kelly

Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on March 15, 2008, 07:39 PM:

Which issue is your article in Rich? I get the magazine for being a member of the state trappers association, but almost never even open them. Just scanned the table of contents of the Feb. and March issues but didn't see your name. April maybe? Which I don't think I have got yet.

- DAA

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 15, 2008, 08:13 PM:

Dave, it's in the April issue. There are a couple of interesting articles in there. One on Murray Burnham.

Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on March 16, 2008, 09:08 AM:

Thanks Rich, I'll be on the lookout for it then.

- DAA

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on March 16, 2008, 11:38 AM:

BTW, those beautiful photos on page 66 and 67 were taken by Scott Francom of PVCI and APC, aka hyperwrx, and he wasn't given credit for them. Great photos of Az. coyotes approaching the call in stealth mode. The female on 66 has her ears at half cock and her eyes half closed, typical reaction when they get into the mist. The male on 67 is a nicely furred "Arizona Chihauhauyotee" as per Bill Martz. [Smile]

Posted by Randy Roede (Member # 1273) on March 16, 2008, 03:24 PM:

Rich great article once again!!!

Full of great information in the article and also some that is not so obvious but still there if you read between the lines.

Great read again!!

Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on March 17, 2008, 09:48 AM:

Crepuscular? I had to go to the dictionary for that one. Good article, though. I hope they booked you for some more. [Smile]

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on March 17, 2008, 10:51 AM:

Crepuscular?

Wasn't it you, Rich, that gave me a bad time when I used that word once? [Roll Eyes]

Maybe it wasn't. [Cool]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 17, 2008, 10:55 AM:

If it's used again, I may ban it? I really don't have much choice.

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 17, 2008, 06:18 PM:

I'd like to see more use of the word cusp or cuspid in articles. Great words. [Big Grin]

If it's used again, I may ban it? I really don't have much choice.

I watched No Country For Old Men the other night. 'I really don't have much choice' reminded me of it for some reason. Amusingly barbaric...

[ March 17, 2008, 06:19 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 18, 2008, 08:49 AM:

I started reading the article in question. After a couple paragraphs, I began thinking; will there be a followup entitled: "WHY THEY DON'T COME" ? I'd find that most useful.

But, anyway, my next trip to the Library. LB

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 18, 2008, 12:42 PM:

Okay, I couldn't wait. I finished it just a bit ago.

Excellent article, Rich.

Good hunting. LB

PS, I am now going to read another item that caught my eye called "Light Logic".

I can't wait to learn all about it.

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 18, 2008, 12:57 PM:

Okay, straight face, be polite, etc.

I'm just distracted by a publication with the word "extreme" in it.

This guy is not qualified to write an article about red, white or purple spotlighting.

On the other hand, Higgins knows what he is talking about, so the editors must not be totally clueless?

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on March 18, 2008, 01:15 PM:

Leonard,

LOL, I couldn't wait to hear your take on the night hunting article. [Wink]

That's why I sent it. [Smile]

The article, much as the magazine generally does, leaned way too far to the east. [Roll Eyes]

Krusty

P.S. Honestly, Higgins article is the second one I have enjoyed, since I started getting the magazine last fall.
Most have a "transparency" that even I can recognize, like the night hunting article.

Ya know.... they have forums. [Wink]

[ March 18, 2008, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: Krustyklimber ]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 18, 2008, 02:10 PM:

One little teaser.

All four of his "categories" have a valid application. The trick is to know what to use and when to use it. He doesn't even seem to know that it is possible to employ all of them, at any time during a "set"....another word that annoys me greatly. The correct word is "stand".

But, some of those quoted opinions, such as the first guy that said he turns off the friggin' light when he sees a red fox. That's just plain wrong, wrong, WRONG!

Well, Higgins article shines, next to dodo like the one about lights.

Good hunting. LB

edit: forums? do they now?

[ March 18, 2008, 02:11 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]

Posted by skoal (Member # 1492) on March 18, 2008, 02:28 PM:

Yeah! its STAND gawddammit! That one seems to be getting more prevalant set set set what are we trappers or callers!

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 18, 2008, 05:00 PM:

After reading the article on lighting I went right out and bought a red lens. You mean I don't need it? [Mad]

Dave Kaprocki writes some good night hunting articles. I have never heard of the guy in EXTREME! Not that it matters if I personally have heard of the guy.
I like to use green, blue and extra bright white when out at night. Turn the light off when you see a fox? I don't remember reading that. I just kinda nodded in agreement like a bobblehead, drooled and wished for some red dykem right there... [Eek!]

[ March 18, 2008, 05:01 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]

Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on March 18, 2008, 05:32 PM:

"I'm just distracted by a publication with the word "extreme" in it."

Crap... I thought we were talking about T&PC. Not sure, but I may have already thrown away my April Extreme without even looking at it. The T&PC's usually sit around a month or two without getting looked at before getting thrown out, the other, usually gets tossed as I sort the mail.

What was on the cover?

- DAA

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 18, 2008, 05:35 PM:

a stuffed coyote

Posted by JoeF (Member # 228) on March 18, 2008, 08:46 PM:

I read the "light" article too and thought it was lacking quite a bit.

Not enough detail on the equipment used to draw his conclusions. I forget the details now - and probably wont read it again - but when I was reading it I had a suspicion or two about his test methods.

The graph or chart was labeled wrong, too.

I thought the light OFF deal stuck out like a sore thumb and was surprised when I saw the source of his info for that technique. I saw the author defending his article on another board and he pointed out that turning the light off was not a major point of the article. Maybe not, but it sure screamed "bad info" awfully loud to me.

I'm a bit like Dave - I have a real hard time reading stuff like this magazine. My copy usually sets (stands?) around the house for months on end until I get tired of stepping on it/them. Nothing against the mag or its' content - I have just never been a magazine reader.

And yes, I'm glad Playboy has pictures...

I usually at least skim the articles if I recognize names like Higgens, Lance, or Taylor; even if I have little interest in the topic.

LB, now that you're retired and have time you ought to try your hand at writing.

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 19, 2008, 05:12 AM:

I think the whole point of this thread has taken a turn and we should scrutinize the fact that Krusty sends 'Ol' Money Bags' his copies of EXTREME! [Razz]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 19, 2008, 09:01 AM:

He sent one to Jack? He sent me one too? What's up with that?

......I'm on social security, you idiot! Kids!

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on March 19, 2008, 11:18 AM:

Smithers,

A fact worth scrutiny is that the magazine shows up at my house, without my request, free of charge.

Sorta like canned spam?

Krusty

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on March 19, 2008, 04:50 PM:

You mean to tell me that I'm, in essence, paying YOU to run around the SW killing coyotes at the end of every month? Shiiiiiit.

Seriously though, if you are toolin' around on Social Security alone, OUCH! [Big Grin]

Ol Money Bags, was a refernce to the satchels under your eyes not your pockets.

Krusty, I get the mag free of charge as well. I guess I'd rather read predator drivel for free than Hot Rodder or Screwed Pooch Monthly.
I have a copy of Xtreme! with a short blurb in there by Kee Kee from June '04. That should tell you that I have no life!

Posted by robbzuluu (Member # 1629) on March 31, 2008, 11:38 PM:

I congratulate my friend, Rich on his article. He taught me a lot and I'm very grateful. LSW

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on April 01, 2008, 07:14 AM:

Welcome to The New Huntmasters, robbzuluu. Glad to have you on board.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Sheriff (Member # 2554) on April 01, 2008, 08:28 AM:

I found your article informative, Rich. Also enjoyed meeting you at the Barry Fiffer Mem Hunt last weekend. Looking forward to more meetings. [Smile]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on April 01, 2008, 08:46 AM:

Welcome to The New Huntmasters, sheriff. Glad to have you on board.

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on April 13, 2008, 08:30 PM:

I'm very sorry that it has taken me so long to answer you guys.

robbzulu, thank you for the kind post. Now if I knew who you were I would call and thank you personally and invite you to photgraph some coyotes with Tyler and me.
Russel (sheriff), I really enjoyed meeting you at the hunt. I'm looking forward to spending some time around the campfire with you in Oct.

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