5th lesson - go deep, but not so deep you can't get elk out. This year riding mountain bike on motorcycle trail to get deeper
6th lesson - Don't be picky in your first years. Shoot an elk and get experience with making the shot, quartering, and hauling it out.
7th lesson: Gaitors are worth it. Got a pair for Christmas.
Best Lesson: Go and be sure to Enjoy the entire experience.
Would love to hear more suggestions. Bowsiters are a wealth of knowledge.
Wap
My first 5 days, thru this morning were fun. Saturday was good for letting go of stress. Sunday I chased elk above treeline. Monday I moved to new location, rode bike in 2 miles, then hiked in another and set up camp. Heard first bugles Monday/Tuesday. Headed back on Friday.
Mike
Mike
-Started first day at high altitude where I could glass above treeline. Saw elk, but so did other hunters. Too crowded.
-3rd day - road bike to new spot. Finally heard first bugles. Hunted this spot 7 nights. (took a 2 night break to work) Saw elk, but branches in the way or easy shot at spike (not legal). Bugling at night.
-Sept. 12. Moved to spot of my 2014 kill. called in bull to 20ish yards, but he smelled me -too many branches. -Sept 13 morning. Walked into herd in deep forest. Was sure I would fill my cow tag until wind swirled. -Sept 13 - Woke up from my nap by bugling. Followed herd for 5 hours. Jumped 4 pt from it's bed. Later had 5x5 at 12 steps - again too many branches. aarrgh, so frustrating. -Sept 14. Birthday. Shot a grouse at 20 yards. went home heavy?? -going back on Thursday. Bugling picking up, hear bugles nightly. Camped 2 miles in.
I have been in the backcountry a total of 12 nights, taking off midweek for work. I would have thought I'd have one by now, but it just hasn't come together yet.
I'm obviously not nearly as good a hunter as most others, but sooner or later luck has to come into play.
