Try to enjoy the process of figuring it out yourself. Tag soup is part of it and you need to use it as motivation. Eventually you will feel like you can kill an animal in any unit/any state without ever being there.
red or blue pill?
it really comes down to your ability to adapt to what weather you get.
Look at the forecast in days leading up to the hunt and adjust if you can. Flexing a day or two can make or break your hunt. Examples: rain can make getting to your A-C spot impossible to get to or...
Sad. they should purchase one regardless of fault and send immediately. That's poor business. Wonder if the trucks or other prizes never "make it" to the final guy.
We got one a few years back. Smittybilt xl. great for two people. Save room in the truck as bedding is stored in the tent. Agree with comments on setup. very fast. took ours down in under 1min due to lightning storm in Laramie on the way home. Saves $ on hotels. drive, pull over and...
17 days is a long time for a first time solo elk hunt. I would refine your truck camping setup to be comfortable/dry and mobile. You will burn out after the first week if you are not comfortable.
Inventory vehicles at trailheads on the weekend and weekdays. Some are get only weekend...
Another mistake you are making is underestimating mid day. Follow their bugle until they go quiet in a bedding area. Wait for thermals to switch consistent and go in there with light cow calling. The bonus is that you have most of the daylight left to cut up meat and pack.
Ok follow up on these arrows . Was able to harvest a raghorn bull with them. Shot was quartering towards me. Got one lung and ended up the broadhead was poking out the hide on the back quarter. Kudu contour plus 100gr. Stock inserts, 28inch length. V3 27 @ 70lbs
Penetration was very good...