We debated this for awhile, but decided that we wanted the satisfaction of doing it on our own and if we failed, then we knew we would learn alot. But the research paid off because we were defintely in their back yard. We ended up seeing 11 elk in 2.5 days and had 3 shot opportunities. I have no doubt that if we would have hunted the entire week we could have had another shot opportunity. Hell that bull hung around us bugling for hrs after FIL shot the cow.

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Posted by Broke

AKA Buttercup

Member since Sep 2006

65066 posts

Posted on 9/28/15 at 11:55 am to dnm3305

How heavy are they when

A. Killed?
B. Strapped to your back?

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Posted by bhtigerfan

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2008

29843 posts

Posted on 3/4/16 at 11:36 pm to dnm3305

quote:
the satisfaction of doing it on our own

Same here. I've hunted CO 4 times south of Pagosa Springs (San Juan National Forest), 3 times rifle and 1 muzzle loader. Self guided public land is a great challenge, but the satisfaction is worth it.

We brought mules with us from LA and they are a huge help both riding and hauling gear.

I missed a nice bull my first year. I stupidly didn't have a range finder and badly overestimated the distance between myself and the bull. Thought he was around 500 yards away and put my cross hairs about 6" above his shoulder. I was shaking so bad, it was like I had Parkinsons. Didn't consider the downward angle I was shooting at either. Shot right over his back. He took off running and I missed a couple more shots between bushes. Almost turned the gun on myself.

Never ever go elk hunting without a range finder. Distance turned out to be about 280 yards on first shot. Should have never put cross hairs out of fur.

Ended up killing a smaller bull in the exact same spot 2 years later at 390 yards. Had a rangefinder and knew my ballistics, dropped him in his tracks.

Can't wait go back. Haven't been since '08.