I was in the same boat in 2016 coming from PA never been west of Ohio. We went back in forth between units for a year trying to figure out which would be better. Finally we put about 10 in a hat, drew a unit and drove there lol. Did see some elk but never got to go full draw. My advise as ur...
Monument Trail. We took it real easy though we passed some fresh truck parts and oil leaks on the way up not to mention entire holding tank to a camper cause some guy hauled a 5th wheel toyhauler up the road lol
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Yea u can drive to the trail head, but it’s a hell of a ride lol. I think it took us 2-3 hours from Vega State Park to there
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Yea it was first time ever out west and elk hunting. Saw a few elk and a lot of sign. Next I’ll be going back to the same area
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Also from PA, went out a few years ago running blind. Stumble across a few elk never got a shot though. When I go back I’m going to hunt the same we do for whitetail. Sit and wait mornings/evenings and scout mid day
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I hunted it last year for archery, tons of ppl around the trailhead and Road but we camped a couple miles back and only saw 1-2 ppl that week
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No lol, it was my first time ever. Saw some, bunch of sign and blew a stock. I thought it was a great first trip for a PA boy
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Hunted last year for the first. Pulled up to the trail head, trucks everywhere. Hiked 3 miles set up camp and only saw one person for a week
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Good luck I live in Southwestern Pa, Greene County. I've gone bear hunting 5 different years with no luck. Last year I got tracks but couldn't close the deal. From my research it seems like big drives are the way to go, but not my cup of tea.
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I'm thinking of going the compact route myself just haven't decided on a brand thinking something 8x32 range perfect for dark timber
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