moving to trinidad colorado

[screech]

Ok, I am moving to trinidad to go to gunsmithing next fall. I dont know what to expect though. I talked to an instructer and he said that they have gun lockers or something to store you're guns but dont want you to bring a bunch. I have a 223, 243, 6.5-284, 338-378imp, and a 300rum. I dont know which to bring though. I was thinking the 243 because It can kill almost everything around hear in Idaho. what would you guys bring if you could take two and why. Also, do they have pdogs there or close. thanks

[AJ Peacock]

I'd bring the .243 and the 300RUM. There is some pretty good Elk hunting in certain areas around there. I'd bring the .243 for coyotes. Not sure on the P'dogs, I've never seen them around Trinidad, maybe out east on the flats (certainly nothing like up in Montana etc.)

Don

[41mag]

Hey Screech, your going to be right down the street, so to speak from my sister, there in LaVata. That area is very nice and there is some great hunting around the parts.

The .243 and the RUM should work fine for you in that area. I think you will enjoy that scenery for sure just south of the Spanish Peaks. We hunted there around Cuchara in the San Isabel National Forest for Elk and Mule deer. Got the deer but never saw the elk. They were there just the weather warmed and they moved out of the area. The season opened a day or so late for the cold, and by then they were long gone.

[Coyboy]

screech, P-dogs can be found east of Trinidad about as far as you wish to drive. I found a ranch NE of town about 50 miles and the owner was very willing to let us shoot. For goodness sakes bring a 22 rimfire with a bdc dial it is almost more fun. I would sugest the .223 the .243 will get hot fast. Gun storage on campus is in the schools safe, with everybody elses stuff, accessed by the tool room people and instructors. They do not allow firearms or ammo in the dorms. If your going to hunt big game, I would think about having someone ship your rifle to you at the school a few weeks ahead of time then send it back when your done. No sence letting it get moved around for a year in someone elses safe. The Whitington center is about 30 miles south of the school and for $10 bucks and NRA membership you can shoot on any of the open ranges that day. Pistol ranges are alot of fun there. If you fish bring some gear the lake west of town has quite good fishing. I caght quite a few small mouth bass off shore. Make shure you have a licence they check! You also have to pay I think 5 bucks everytime you park at the lake(its a state park I belive). I think bikes are free but not certain.

I have attended the summer NRA classes. Forget what you think you know and listen and learn from all the instructors, each will teach you a different way to do the same things. Pick what you like and do it well. Every one there is very nice.

[Coyboy]

Almost forgot the most important thing, The colledge also has a nursing and massage therapy program. Which may interest a young single man. Older married fellas would rather jsut look at guns. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[ilscungilli]

And if you really want to take a walk on the wild side, Trinidad is the "sex change capital of the world!" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad,_Colorado).

A .243 and .300 RUM would be a nice set. Also, you have to live here for 6 months before you are considered a "resident". Find a hunter safety course in the area, and get that out of the way, and you should be good for next year. You may just want to get some over the counter/left over tags the first year, which are pretty cheap.

[longtooth]

I'd pick up some old actions or pawn shop cheapies so you have something to work on. Gives you a little incentive to build something new. If your going to be working on guns might as well work on yours.
good luck I know Dave Nolan and he is an excellent instructor.