Exactly. Won’t learn if I don’t go. I finally have the PTO flexibility to go on my own terms and spend as much time out there as season allows, so I would regret not going while I have the time and opportunity.
Oh, absolutely. Trust me when I say I am super realistic with my expectations of what this hunt will likely be.
I had low expectations the first time I went in 2020 and was still VERY humbled by the experience.
I almost think I will be able to enjoy it more knowing it will be way more about...
That is kind of what I figured. Especially when sifting through the data of hunter numbers, success rates, etc. I’m sure any of the easier to draw units will all have their trade offs and experience year to year is what would allow you to have a better feel of what your hunt may actually be like.
That is where I am at too. I would love to do muzzleloader for what the experience could be. However, from my lack of experience, I feel like having that extra 100-200 yards would pay me huge dividends if I were to actually locate any. Like I mentioned earlier, with iron sights, I wouldn’t feel...
Yeah that’s what I am seeing in most units I am looking at. Deciphering the draw odds has been an undertaking in itself.
At the end of the day, that’s all I want. Go out, have fun and at least start building up more experience elk hunting in general, and learning a unit better.
All great points. I did forget to point out that as of now, I will likely be going by myself which is a factor as well. Part of me is hoping for the cooler weather that would allow me to get an animal out in a reasonable amount of time without spoiling.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to give a sincere thank you to all of the advice and input I received on this thread. It was nice to get honest opinions and feedback without people piling on just to focus on my inexperience or lack of knowledge.
I will be circling back to this thread to let...
I really think that’s the route I am going to take. I’ve received so much helpful advice and input in this thread, but the odds of me getting within 200-300 yards (although slim) of a bull are significantly higher than my confidence in getting around 100ish with a ML.
Great to know. When I went in ‘20, there was the big snow in mid September and I felt like it had them dispersed already. That’s what I told myself to feel better anyways. Haha
I wasn’t even considering bear and moose to be honest. I’m glad you brought that up.
From my pros and cons, I’m starting to really lean toward first rifle for elk. Worst case scenario I get to go, learn an area better, and see some great country.
Yeah, that’s a great point too. We were fortunate that when we went it was about the best weather we could ask for. However, when we went in 2020, that was when there was the massive snow storm in early September.
I know this may be a weak comparison, but I have killed more turkeys in my life being patient and quiet than I have chasing them all over the place; especially in areas with more difficult terrain. It definitely is not how I would prefer to hunt them, but you can’t argue with results.
That’s what I’m gathering. I may be leaning toward first rifle. If I am lucky enough to locate elk, with my limited experience, I’m not sure how confident I would be getting one within a range I am comfortable shooting a muzzleloader at.
Do you feel first rifle is even more crowded than muzzleloader even though muzzleloader has the overlap with bow season, or do you feel it is unit dependent and pressure is pressure no matter when you go?