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Welding the washers is a great idea. Since I don’t weld, will have a welder at local garage do that for my lag bolts. Now I always use lag bolts on the tent corners. The bolts hold steadfast in windy conditions. EZ in/out using my 12v drill too.

since 1968 up through 2023, I have tagged 31 bulls and 4 cows. Back in the 1970's > 1980's, you could shoot any bull. We often passed on spikes & raghorns, hunting for a mature bull 5x5 or better. About 1991, regulated bull tags, ie draw permits, were put into effect in WA State and are still in effect today. Unless you drew an "Any Bull" tag, you were limited to spike bulls only. Of those 31 bulls tagged, 17 of those were spike bulls taken in years 2004>2021. Yes, I tagged out on spike bulls for 17 consecutive elk seasons. At my senior age, hunting elk is getting harder now. By that I mean the processing and packing elk meat out, especially solo as most of my elk hunt partners are gone to heaven or no longer hunt. Every elk season I miss my dad, the best elk hunting partner I ever had. It's been 15 years gone now, but I often sense his spirit with me when out in the elk woods. Regarding elk hunting...Do it while you are young.

Had used standard 3/8" grommet, suggested by Kodiak Tent Mfg. Applied/installed with professional grommet tool that I purchased on Amazon.com Later converted to a #0 spur grommet, recommended for 3-4 layers of reinforcing canvas material by a sail making/sewing shop.

I’ve used a few cots over the years. Had 2 Cabelas, worked great once put together, which was a pain in the rear. Past 2 elk seasons, used a cot sold by Teton. Goes together easy, very supportive. Also use an air mattress or 3” memory foam with quilted mattress cover for some cushiness and a great nights sleep.

thought about it but followed the manufacturer's directions for installing grommets to the letter. The instructions mentioned nothing about reinforcing the grommet install area.

Overall, the Kodiak 10x10 Canvas tent is great value, good quality. I've used it for 7 years now. But the manufacturer's instructions for grommet install required to use the optional Front Vestibule were lacking more information. I should have followed my gut experience and sew-in reinforcement canvas patches before using grommet tool. But I did not have the proper canvas sewing tools or extra material so just followed manufacturer's instructions.

thanks, several viewers had corrected me. Including a store clerk on my first visit to the Lake Panguitch General Store. Being from the Pacific Northwest, tribal names pronounce the "U" distinctively. The native dialect that I'm used to hearing, pronouncing.

there's something special about early morning fishing with the surf crashing in front of you. Especially if baitfish are breaking within casting distance!

Particularly where the zipper pull has to be pulled thru a bend, corner of the tent door. I find myself taking extra caution when moving or rather guiding the zipper tab through the zipper track as it bends around the door. So far so good after 7 years heavy use, now over 400 nights in the Kodiak tent. However, I keep the zipper clean & dry lubricated often.

Considered installing a stove jack in the Kodiak many times. My old 10x12 wall tent set up was used with large wood stove w/5" pipe. Great heat source, cooking and drying out wet clothes too. The urethane/vinyl floor of the Kodiak would have needed a large area for a spark resistance ground cloth if a wood stove used. Other brand tents with wood stove jack have a zip out area of the floor for wood stove use. Have a new diesel heater to try this fall/winter, with special vent that zips into one of the Kodiak tent doors.

I use several methods/techniques when archery hunting Coues deer bucks. Usually find a high spot, hilltop or mountain to glass with high grade optics to locate Coues deer. Then use the appropriate method; Spot-n-Stalk, Ambush w/natural ground blind, Tree-stand hunting, using Coues deer calls, rattling etc. On this day, I chose to still-hunt, take ground stands along deer trails, in a white oak drainage having a small creek gurgling along. Days before on high ground, glassed up several deer, 2 shooter 100" scoring Coues bucks, feeding & rutting in this low area. Days later on in this hunt, I was spot-n-stalking 3 different bucks high on the open ridgelines & basins in the area. Trying to get in close, archery/bow range is a true challenge with Coues deer. comment here below which are your favorite methods to hunt Coues deer bucks.

ground coffee is an individual preference, I like the Don Francisco coffee which comes in a 1-lb tin w/lid. But have even used Starbucks ground or Folgers in a pinch. My coffee mug, see this video link from my YT channel; th-cam.com/video/2e5fPcUZ96E/w-d-xo.html

Wishing you good luck. If flyfishing, have a few imitator chub streamer flies on hand. And some wooly buggers tied in balanced leech configuration. Olive & brown color, little flash-a-bou in a marabou tail and touch of orange throat is killer on big tiger & cutthroat trout in the fall season.

Dry side of WA State. Hunting the Yakima-Cascade Mountains elk herds.

Glad it was helpful!

Used a wood stove in my canvas wall tents, 10x12 & 12x14, for many elk seasons. Just can't beat that nice heat, easier to dry wet hunting clothes and listening to the fire burning inside of the stove. Also, a warming shelf, hot water tank and stove pipe oven were very nice to have too.

True, the yotes kill lots of fawns. Personally, I don't shoot or kill any animal that I will not eat. Shot a big male yote once, had huge cojones too. Skinned, processed for the pelt, but didn't eat the meat. I felt bad having taken it's life, but the meat didn't go to waste in the great outdoors. Ravens and other creatures picked the yote carcass clean in 3 days.

this unit closed down before Xmas 2023 for OTC archery mule deer. Stayed open for coues deer bucks. Yes, javes frequent this wash often. One day the stink pigs are there, the next day gone.

@@MavHntr well I'm sure it will close sooner this year with 5 less on the quota. Wouldn't be surprised if we see some monsters come out of the rifle hunts in the next couple years with a 10 deer OTC quota.

Agree on water proofness, in over 6 years of use at 50+ nights per year, I've never had my Kodiak Canvas tent leak in all kinds of rain, inclement weather. The Topper Cover provides additional protection from tree sap, pine needles etc staining your roof top canvas. Also, provides an extra layer, creating an air pocket above the rooftop which aids in reducing heat loss if tent is heated with propane or other type heater. Especially nice in cold, frigid or snowy conditions.

I will lay tent across 2 tables of 6' length. Sometimes styrene blocks inserted inside tent door openings to create better airflow. Tent material is above the garage floor, allowing air to circulate. Garage door open if I'm home but will work if garage door closed too, garages not being that airtight as the interior of the house. Now if I'm lucky with good sunny, warm weather, which is often in southern Cal, I will dry outside and using the 2 folding tables (6' Costco type). Or better, set the tent up outside, opening doors and windows when the weather and my time allows.

your storage unit is good. I did that in WA state, drying out my Kodiak tent before making the next trip. You just need some type of airflow. I generated air flow with electric fan on a timer.

privacy and protection from chilling breezes when showering are what I like the best.

Using 1/2" Lag Bolts. At least the 8" length. I have four 8" and four 10". 10" works better in softer dirt, better grab. Yes, use with large, wide fender washers.

especially on flat graveled campsites or hardpan surfaces.

I have had two truck campers, they are just as much work if not more. He is by himself also and older so it takes him more effort. I have had many many campers and many tents. I’m much prefer a tent.

Yes. 3x had the tent & roof cover-topper in heavy weather conditions. Winds of 25mph sustained, gusts over 40mph. Heavy rain, even snow conditions. The tight fit of the topper, along with tie downs on each side, are very secure with NO flopping, flapping or movement. Now for snow, I did have a heavy Poly tarp set over my entire tent-awning-topper set up. Easier to brush, sweep off snow on the poly tarp. Poly tarp also provides another air layer, adding to retention of heat inside the tent.

I have the smallest version, the two man tent, with the topper and it flapped like crazy with some good winds in the 20-30 sustained for about 8 hours. At one point I crawled out and tied all the grommets out but it didn't slow it down much. This wasn't a structural problem, it was just a keeping me awake with the noise problem. I had to remove it for the night. The topper really helps with condensation on wet/damp nights, with the roof of the tent dry it can still breathe, but in heavy winds that's usually not so much of an issue. My wife bought me the 10x14 and I'm here looking at that wing vestibule option but saw the comment and figured I'd reply. I'll be buying this topper for the 10x14 as well but I'll remove it when it's windy.

not my experience with using my 10x10 size. I've used it through now 4 windstorms and no problems. The last storm, I corded the top grommets to stakes in the ground, the wind was so bad. The Kodiak Cover Top for the 10x10 that I have fits very tightly at all 4 corners using the flex cross poles. So much that it's a bit difficult to install the Cover Top corners. Being that the Cover Top comes in 4 sizes, which of the 2 smaller sizes (8.5x6, 9x8) did you use?

@@MavHntr I've got the 8.5x6 and it's an awesome little guy for sure. The top fits tightly just like you said, it actually took me about an hour to get it over the spring poles because I just couldn't get that last half inch installed. Once it stretched it's a little easier now. But yes even with the grommets tied down it would flop randomly all night, wind had switched and was coming from the side scooping which didn't help. The windy side was fine, it was the downwind side that would flop even with all three grommets guy'd out, the in-between section would pop up and down. I'm about to buy this for the 10x14 because I love it for preventing condensation when the canvas wets out, but I have other specialty tents for windy conditions so don't plan to use the 10x14 in anything windy if I can help it.

good suggestion. Afterwards taking the tent-awning to a canvas (sail) repair shop, that is what they did to fix the problem.

good suggestion. Afterwards taking the tent-awning to a canvas (sail) repair shop, that is what they did to fix the problem.

I'd rather wear over my lower waders, as these are waterproof too. Extra protection for the lower leg of waders against abrasion, pokey stuff like barb wire fence.

Heard the south shore has been very good catching. Wishing you tight lines and jumping trout!

@seanmadden3918: how was your trip? Moss-grass starting near shore yet?

Depends on your cell carrier, service. My Xterra has a cell booster installed, WeBoost. With Verizon, the WeBoost will take a 10% signal and boost it to 90+%. Anywhere on hwy, you should get cell signals.

You're welcome!

At this time of day, even during the mule deer rut, most deer will seek an area out of the wind or with reduced winds and bed down. This is a situation when the big buck will bed with a group of does; more ears, eyes and senses for difficult environment conditions...in this case the strong, swirling winds. Luna & I were looking, seeking a reported wounded buck, which we didn't find. Later afternoon at camp, in that gusty wind, I set out an archery target at 60 yards. Shot 12 field tip arrows, cross wind of 25mph. Wow, did the wind move those arrows a lot! After several misses into the dirt, I had to aim over 2' on the windward side of target center, just to hit the target. Groups, forget about it. But did put 6 arrows into a 10" circle in that wind.

Mostly I am solo on my adventures in the Xterra. Often considered a roof top tent, as an option if a buddy comes along. But RTT are expensive-$$$$ & heavy. On the rare occasion when a buddy comes along on an overnight trip, I have a set up quick, 1-pole Kifaru 10'x10' floorless pyramid style tent. This floorless tent weighs under 3-lbs and is waterproof too.

I used a specific grommet tool. It worked great. However, after seeing the material tearing, I took the tent to a canvas repair shop. They redid my installed grommets, using extra canvas material, sewn in place, where the additional grommets would go. They applied the final touch, the grommet itself, using the same grommet tool that I used originally. Key is sewing extra material to reinforce the grommet installation. The original awning's 2 front corner grommets had this done from the factory as well.

Used to have, but truck-camper has its downsides too. Recently considered a Mercedes-Sprint 4x4 camper van & my utility trailer with ATV. But can’t park it at either home. For me, it's the limiting HOA restrictions in my SoCal and Gilbert-AZ homes. Don't want to have monthly storage fees. It's like throwing $200 per month to the wind. Just something about tent camping that I enjoy. Reminds me of special times as a kid, camping with dad. Surely not as fast as setting up camp with a truck-Lance camper or my old Kit Companion 15 trailer, this I miss.

Was flyfishing a SW Colorado stream, waded knee deep. Looked behind me, downstream, to see a big 4' rattler swimming along the river's edge inside of me, slinking its way around the rocks. Just about wet the inside of my waders!

@MavHntr 😂 definitely have to have respect for them and be aware of your surroundings the best you can. I wish there were sunglasses that would make them stand out. They're so dang camouflaged.

I had demo’ed the mid-weight, codura panel boots in the 1st TurtleSkin gaiter video. After I finished filming this follow-up vid, I started yard work in the brush. Within the natural area beyond the backyard fence, where I always wear the HD leather boots. I have some very lightweight hiking boots, more like a shoe than boot, but won’t wear these if snakes are a possibility, as material make-up is more mesh-codura with very little leather. I observe many hikers wearing this type for hiking on maintained trails. But I would never wear this lightweight style to venture in terrain off prepped hiking trails.

yes, doggie training too, especially for predatory nature dogs. I alternate living in AZ, CA, WA States, depending on time of year, family visits and mood...

No hay tarjeta en este viaje. pero a menudo usan tarjetas para pescar en mar abierto.

and sometimes the mosquitoes are fierce too! Considering a trip in Mid-Late June 2024, depending on the cracked dam scenario.

sharing your memory reminded me of a long time ago. I was 5yo, fishing upstate NY on a remote beaver pond, my dad & grandpa at my side. 3-4 colorful Brooktrout on the rope stringer and all I could focus on were the bottles of Coke, cooling down in the outlet creek of the pond.

yes, that is correct; "during an open season". But as description states, drone vid was filmed in March, after Jan-31st closure of the OTC archery deer season.

yes, thank you. being from the Pacific Northwest, lots strange plants in the desert

Yes, see my other responses about my mispronunciation. Being I'm from the Pacific Northwest, the native tribes there pronounce the U; "Tulalip, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Skookumchuck" etc. Not so I guess in Utah, so many different native tribe dialects throughout the country.

oh, that's bad 😮. Often if high winds are forecast, if my camp location offers no wind protection, I will lower the front awing, drape front vestibule over my kitchen set up and secure it from blowing around. I usually choose my camp site where there is some wind & weather protection. Trying to set the front awning/vestibule away & opposite from incoming wind direction. Contact: Canvas Services in San Diego, for repair of your awning grommets.

Thanks for watching! Very challenging to video and hunt solo at the same time. But enjoying, learning the camera work and videos of the deer, game that I pursue.

No, ground tarp not from Kodiak. It's just a 10x8' heavy-duty tarp. It is important to size or fold a tarp so that it is smaller than tent's floor/footprint. As your comment indicated, to prevent the pooling of water between tarp and tent floor. Not that tent floor would leak, it doesn't. But keeping tent floor dry is easier to pack away for the trip home. Even then once home, I unroll tent and dry in the sun and air out in the fresh breezes. I had a sewing/sail making shop fix the grommets. They reinforced the material, added more stitching around my grommet install. Now it's great. Highly recommend the Top Tent Roof cover. Especially for the weather, material stain protection from tree sap etc. Helps too with keeping tent warmer in winter and cooler in summer as well.