Firehole Hunter
Lil-Rokslider
I just got back from my first ever DIY elk hunt in Colorado 1st Rifle. Me and a buddy went elk hunting for the first time last year with four others on a "guided hunt" into the Flat Tops and were severely disappointed. I reasoned that I could do just as good in that I have been outfitting a deer camp in WV for numerous years. I went and bought 2 wall tents and all of the other gear necessary to be successful. Needless to say I found out after a total of 12-16 inches of snow over a week I need a few more things. Could not believe the amount of snow that I experienced during the 1st rifle season. On one morning it snowed almost 6-8 inches. Well opening day arrived and we took our positions and had a 5x4 and a cow down by 9:00 a.m. I had seen over 20 elk that morning all on public land. It was awesome day to say the least. Tried to arrange for an outfitter to haul out the meat and after promising he would and giving me a quote, he backed out 24 hours later. I am 56 years old and my partner was 61. We huffed and puffed two elk out back to camp and swore that I will never hunt again without a horse, mule, goats, lamas, etc. in camp. I have taken a break from butchering to write this and realizing that I cannot wait until next year with all of the improvements to my camp.