tick tock........

[boneaddict]

clocks a tickin'   
What are your guys emotions before the big hunt?

I'm a bit nervous about this one.  Pushin' the clock, finances, new area, old game, and an old friend.  Missing my favorite partner........feeling a little pressure. 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm beyond ready, for me next week cannot come quick enough.  then its another 3 week wait till the big one. 

[WDFW-SUX]

I've got a pit in my stomach and haven't been sleeping well so much stuff running through my head.....

Very excited tough keep changing plans, Ideas,

Ready for the long road.

Good luck all!

[Mike450r]

I get the same way.  I am a big opening day/weekend guy and I always start thinking ahead to how little time is left if we don't connect with something on opening day.  Me, the wife and both sons are hunting so the freezer always ends up full but I get all jazzed up thinking up scenarios for all of us not just myself.  

My youngest son has the youth tag for Skookumchuck which will get him out in Vail a week early.  You can say what you want about Vail but I have been hunting it for 30 years and an opportunity to get out there with only 50 other hunters is a nice one.  We are pretty excited about it but I am already thinking about the what if's and then that weekend will be gone and then he just has an any deer tag for the rest of the season.

[NRA4LIFE]

Nervous?  How about freakin' out!  Had the opener of deer planned for 3 days, 4 days of elk season, then a week in Montana for deer and antelope then a week in Missouri for deer.  Then an opportunity jumped at us and my wife and I are suddenly going to SE Asia for 2 weeks next month.  Crab and salmon have been put on hold for a year (bummer) and I am trying to figure out how to get a scouting trip in edgewise.  AHHHHHHH!

[bucklucky]

Im not doing well. Bad things keep happening! Hyperextemded my thumb fleshing a bear yesterday  , My tranny went out in my 4runner(hunting rig), Not gona be able to go scout this weekend like I had planned. My sight fell off my bow 2 nights ago while shooting my broadheads, the clamp came loose and the pin section fell out .  Plus I have a pit in my stumach that just wont go away! Im starting to loose it

[buckmaster_wa]

Always excited and nervous at the same time. It seems like I am always thinking of my plans when I should be falling asleep. The few weeks before season are always hard to sleep. I am always nervous as to where to sit come opening morning. There are always deer running everywhere and a ton of bucks get shot the first few hours. And regardless of where I sit I always wander over towards the shots to wait for the deer to come running by.

[boneaddict]

I'm hearing noises in my truck that I never hear.  Its always a worry this time of year because I don't have a back up and I have been doing these big trips.  Sounds like my worst fear has happened to you Bucklucky.  DANG!  At least it was now instead of the trip there.  I pray  nothing like that happens on this trip.  Idabooner might be getting another one of those calls at 2 in the morn. 

I don't feel mentally prepared or physically prepared for this hunt as I usually am.  Working too damn much.  My Spouse is playing her games as well.  Always fun to deal with.  It always works out. 

[bowsandhose]

minutes seem like hrs pacing around driving my family crazy   if it wasn't for archery deer, i think with this bull tag i would stroke out before Sept 8Th    just have to get through one more shift on Friday and I'm done with work until Sept 27Th Oh ya

[Idabooner]

clocks a tickin'   
What are your guys emotions before the big hunt?

I'm a bit nervous about this one.  Pushin' the clock, finances, new area, old game, and an old friend.  Missing my favorite partner........feeling a little pressure. 

Emotions!!  I have more staying behind than if I was going. I'm the missing partner, because I can't cut this hard a trip anymore.  I really feel helpless.  He didn't invite me this time because he knew I would go and how tough it would be for me, I'm glad he didn't because I would have to say no, I  would just hold him back and make it double hard for him. We've hunted together since he was a small boy, I would take his hand and lead him around the mountains, long before he had a gun, we became very close, and I was able to teach him all I knew about the woods, now I hope it was enough, he did became a much better hunter than me.
Emotions? Ya I got'em, I'm beginning to know what your old hunting dog feels like when he gets to old to go and he lays there broken hearted watching you load the gear.  I'll just try to keep my tail waging until my partner gets back and we can go to a drive to camp.

[Skinner]

I'm going insane!!!  I have been trying to get my new house at a place where I can leave for 2 weeks.  Just finished putting up blocks for my mounts at 9pm last night so they can insulate and sheet rock while I'm gone.  What a relief!  Now I just have to make sure I got all of my gear.  I got in bed with my camo bandana and face mask and my girlfriend said "whats that smell did you --- what the heck are you doing take that off!"  I didn't smell anything but hunt'n.  Oh ya I am still getting over an ear infection from a month ago!  All in all its been a great summer!!

[bowsandhose]

  sorry Idabooner sounds like you have some great memories

[EastWaViking]

Tick tock is right.  I have about two months worth of work to do, and 6 days to do it in.  Overtime every day, which is killing my target practice/preparation time....Sept 8th can't come soon enough, a week of Bull hunting.  Then I will cram about three weeks worth of work into one week Sept. 15. then it's off to Wyo for a week, and play catch up all of Oct.  Work gets in the way of real life some times.

[huntnphool]

Emotions!!  I have more staying behind than if I was going. I'm the missing partner, because I can't cut this hard a trip anymore.  I really feel helpless.  He didn't invite me this time because he knew I would go and how tough it would be for me, I'm glad he didn't because I would have to say no, I  would just hold him back and make it double hard for him. We've hunted together since he was a small boy, I would take his hand and lead him around the mountains, long before he had a gun, we became very close, and I was able to teach him all I knew about the woods, now I hope it was enough, he did became a much better hunter than me.
Emotions? Ya I got'em, I'm beginning to know what your old hunting dog feels like when he gets to old to go and he lays there broken hearted watching you load the gear.  I'll just try to keep my tail waging until my partner gets back and we can go to a drive to camp.

Why do I feel like the guy in the green suit at the door of the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz?

[JBR]

I'm on the other end of Idabooner's journey.  I have 3 young sons 11, 9 and 7 yrs old and we're just starting all those memories.  I soak 'em up like a sponge.  My 11 yr old and 7 yr old will be hunting with their own guns/licenses this year (2nd year for the oldest) and the 7 yr old can't make the days/years go by fast enough til he's carrying his own as well.   There's nothing quite like spending time together as parent and child (no matter how old you are) out in the woods hunting, fishing and camping. 

Reading Idabooner's comments makes me fast forward in my mind to the days when my sons are grown and I'm the 'ol man' tagging along with them.  Gets a guy all choked up thinking about it.  It's a LOT of extra work on this end of the journey, but as the years tick by, I can't image better hunting partners than my sons!   

It's not the destination, but the journey. 

By the way, as for upcoming thoughts and plans, I'm totally excited.  This will be my first year archery hunting and going for elk on the east side has me pumped!!  Going scouting this weekend and can't wait to get out there!!

[DeKuma]

I am dealing with both sides of the coin.  My dad and best friend is not the man he used to be.  It is hard knowing that it is tougher for him.  He just cannot take the hikes anymore and prefers the roads.  At least we still have time together.
My children are showing interest, which gives me hope for the future though.

[boneaddict]

I told you there were emotions involved.  We have lots of camps to come though and I build a pretty big fire to keep my "Ole huntin Partner warm".  I promise you will be honored, and very much missed on this trip, and YES there are alot of memories!

[jeff100]

I can appreciate every post written here so far.  Been there, had that happen at one time or another.

I've been at this stuff for close to 40 years now.  These days, yeah, I still get excited.  Absofreakinlutely.  But what I feel most, is gratitude. 

Having been thru so many of lifes difficulties, major injury/surgery, health problems, divorces (yeah...plural), kid problems, money problems, etc. etc. etc...I'm just grateful, that another hunting season is here again, and that I can still get out there and participate at some level.  That said, and as much as I love hunting and fishing, it's kind of bittersweet once the hunt gets here. 

While I'm preoccupied with the hunt at hand, there is also a lot of time to reflect on 'the sunny slopes of long ago', thinking of old friends/hunting partners that have come and gone.  Kids that have come and gone (grown up now).  Relatives that have come and gone (passed away).  The changing of the seasons and the cycles of life.  What a time of year....Jeff

[xxlx7]

This will be the first year for my family that it will be all of us boys and my dad on a big game hunt together. We have hunted together for the last 15 years, I started when I was ten, we didn't do big game when we were young, but waterfowl was every weekend, and usually a couple schooldays too. My oldest brother then went to college, then joined the boarder patrol, moved to Arizona, and my middle brother and I started hunting big game. I never got an oppertunity to hunt big game with Corey, until we tried for pigs this year, now he is stationed up here, and for the first time, we'll all be out there with our muzzle loaders, tryin to wack a big ol' elk. No mistakes this year, I'm not letting my bull get stolen from me, and if all else fails, the cow tag I drew will get filled. My father can't keep up with us, but whenever we get out there, I still look at him as the strongest fastest most amazing role model I will ever have. I just hope I lead by example as good as my father did with me to my kids. Good luck you all, and safe hunting..

Kyle

[buckhorn2]

I love to hunt with my boys but still remember the very last hunt with Dad. He was 84 and drew a cow elk tag and was able to shoot from a car with his disability card.We had in the back seat of the truck and were able to get close to a herd of elk. My oldest son got in the back and helped him load his gun and it seemed like someone was helping because the elk just stood still. He shot and filled his cow tag and the smile was worth more than a thousand words. We all like to hunt and help the kids and begginers but the old timers still have the hunters heart if not the legs.

[GoldTip]

I love the memories of hunting with my Father since I was at the earliest age.  Nowadays he can't quite keep up like he used to and he certainly can't drag or pack like he used to.  But you know damnit, I think my Brother and I have more fun helping them (Mom and Dad) getting their elk then we do when we get our own.  I love being able to turn it around and do for my Dad what he at one time did for myself and my brother and sister.  I wish we didn't have to and that I could go back and be 30 with my Dad when he was 30 as well, it would have been some hell on wheels huntin boy.

As far as going crazy, my archery elk season starts saturday morning in Idaho and I have rechecked my broadheads in my quiver three times now since putting the new blades in on Tuesday night.  Have packed and re-packed my hunting pack and trimmed out a few things I never use.  I have checked the weather website probably 5 times today alone.  Not sleeping well, waking up at 4am and working out cuz I can't sleep.  Wife starting to give me the stink eye every time I say I gotta check something in my pack.

[boneaddict]

Save one for me.  We'll be over there in a couple weeks.

[jackelope]

tick tock tick tock.....is right. we are gearing up for a first archery elk hunt. i just shot my broadheads and am happy with the results. i feel a lack of confidence because i don't know if i know enough, but i probably do, or do i?? i don't know.
i am looking forward to being in the mountains for a few days. my time in the woods has been limited the last 2 years with my daughter being born. she will be a year old in 2 weeks and we have been very busy with her. mother and father working to make ends meet and daughter being in day care makes it tough to get out in the woods as much as i'd like, but  i wouldn't trade this time with her for the world. hopefully some day i will be making hunting memories with her too, like you other guys are with your kids and have with your dads.

good luck to all this year....don't forget to POST STORIES AND PICS OF YOUR HUNTS.

[bankwalker]

im still not ready. its gonna be coming down to the wire this year. usually im ready by june and just counting the days. this year on the other hand im wishin the clock would stop for a few weeks...not really though 

[MuleySniper]

Good luck guys. I feel kinda lost this year for archery elk. This is the first time I haven't had a scheduled "game plan". I hope to be able to sneak away for a couple two or three days and try to stick one. I'm just so amped for Oregon this November, its all I keep thinking about. I can't wait to start seeing some picks of some antlered critters.
MS

[Crunchy]

This will be the first year that I will be able to do some serious hunting.  I have paid the dues with the wife, and kids are getting old enough 4 and 6 that I can go hunt.  I have the month of September off and head to camp on the 6th.  I will hunt till I drop something or the 17-18. Then I am off to Oregon for a week of hunting elk there as well.  I have one elk in the freezer already for a early permit hunt.  Now I hope to get a little picky, but you know how that goes.  I want to take my first bull, after having 3 cows under my belt.

[boneaddict]

Stepped out on the porch this morning and it was here.  You westside guys might not be able to relate as much but there is a time when the air changes and it is filled with that flavor that scent.  I wait for it everyfall.   There were hints of it with the rains this last week, but it was full force this morning.  The heavy dew on that dry sage.  Crisp star lit morning withthe sun starting to light the eastern sky.    GOOSEBUMPS I tell you.  I sat there and just inhaled it in.  I felt like rippin a bugle.  Hope the elk feel the same.

[Skyvalhunter]

Well with the weather man calling for snow in the mtns this weekend it may be here sooner than you think. I am thinking and early fall and good regular season like we had a few years back with the early snow.

[MuleySniper]

Stepped out on the porch this morning and it was here.  You westside guys might not be able to relate as much but there is a time when the air changes and it is filled with that flavor that scent.  I wait for it everyfall.   There were hints of it with the rains this last week, but it was full force this morning.  The heavy dew on that dry sage.  Crisp star lit morning withthe sun starting to light the eastern sky.    GOOSEBUMPS I tell you.  I sat there and just inhaled it in.  I felt like rippin a bugle.  Hope the elk feel the same.

Even being on the westside.... I know what ya mean about the weather.  Its changing. This is one of my favorite times of the year.
MS

[boneaddict]

What I liked about the westside was the smell of decaying leaves in November, and How I related it to salmon fishing.

[wastickslinger]

Sniper- I thought we had a plan. 

What is wrong with one day scouting and two days hunting in an area we have never been to.  Dude you probably smoke a bull and I will be skunked again. My elk hunting luck really blows. Maybe you should go alone. 

I really feel unprepared this year. I am usually in the field 3-4 hours a day this time of year and losing sleep over archery deer in a few days. I am doing something different this year. Packing in with my father in law for modern rifle for the whole season. I dont have to plan, scout or anything. Kida feel lazy. I havnt even shot my bow. Good year for this plan though; building a house, working 12-14 hours days, I would be struggling to find time to archery anyway.

I will start feeling the bugs in a few weeks I'm sure.

[huntnphool]

I havnt even shot my bow.

Me either, in fact I stripped off all the fletching on my arrows so Jon (288) could redo them with smaller veins, he will get them done when he returns from his hunt. That will give me a day or two to get it dialed in

[dreamingbig]

I know what you guys mean with the smell and the weather change.  I am right there with you.  I don't leave until the evening of the 7th, but it feels like I should already be gone.  With snow potentially at 5000 feet this weekend the elk should really start getting that rutting feeling.  Is is September yet?

[ShirtGuy77]

Idabooner and Boneaddict, you guys are the reason why I hunt.  Spending quality time with quality folks.  Idabooner, your analogy of the dog really brings it home and I thank you.  And I will keep it in mind while hunting this year, and going forward....

Wish you all the best this year.

[bucklucky]

Well guys I can tell its changing ...my neck is starting to swell

Looks like my luck keeps getting worse, looks like my buddy wont be hunting with me after all  This is shaping up to be one heck of a tuff hunt for me. Thats allright though, I will get it done! I was looking forward to having someonre with me to help pack especially a big guy that can pack alot  Oh well, I will really have to earn this one! I'm looking forward to the challenge.

[tlbradford]

I havnt even shot my bow.

Me either, in fact I stripped off all the fletching on my arrows so Jon (288) could redo them with smaller veins, he will get them done when he returns from his hunt. That will give me a day or two to get it dialed in

+1.  I am thinking of going with the compound instead of the longbow because of the lack of practice this year.

[MuleySniper]

Sniper- I thought we had a plan. 

What is wrong with one day scouting and two days hunting in an area we have never been to.  Dude you probably smoke a bull and I will be skunked again. My elk hunting luck really blows. Maybe you should go alone. 

I really feel unprepared this year. I am usually in the field 3-4 hours a day this time of year and losing sleep over archery deer in a few days. I am doing something different this year. Packing in with my father in law for modern rifle for the whole season. I dont have to plan, scout or anything. Kida feel lazy. I havnt even shot my bow. Good year for this plan though; building a house, working 12-14 hours days, I would be struggling to find time to archery anyway.

I will start feeling the bugs in a few weeks I'm sure.

I guess it will most likely be more of a scouting trip with the slight chance of killing an elk. Hopefully we like what we see and can plan a week long hunt next year. We always have a chance to sneak back this Nov. and stick one if we want.

[bowsandhose]

i will be there for you BL im always up for packing out a 400" bull 

[tlbradford]

Allright, a couple of hours of practice with the longbow this evening and I feel better.  The allowed range will be short, but that's ok.  I'll be sharpening broadheads and knives tonight, then I'll be ready.

[huntingnut]

My nerves are shot. Between scouting shooting my bow and learning to call I'm running out of time. This will be my first year archery hunting for elk. We have been finding lots of good sign, a few spots that have fresh sign, just haven't spotted any animals yet and that has me worried as well. I have never called in an animal either so that has my nerves tweeked. I conviced my dad and brother to go archery with me now there is three of us trying to learn all of this. With all of that I still can't wait to get up there and go after the animals. Good luck to everyone.