No elk, but what a great hunt!

[ctwiggs1]

Guys (and gals),

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for such an awesome forum.  I learned and applied so much this year, and I felt I had the most successful hunt because of it.  I saw more big bulls and cows than ever before.  I heard bugling everywhere, and even had two bulls bugling within 200 yards of our camp at one point (found the tracks/poop the next morning).  Didn't see a single spike, but I came back totally pumped for the 2015 elk season. 

I personally did 4 scouting trips up into the area, which helped immensely in finally deciding on where we were going to camp.  We found an area that we could leave the trucks PARKED for 5 DAYS!  It was all walking from there!  That was the best part!

Most of my elk were in the deep/steep, thanks again folks for continuously talking about that!  Every time I'd look at one of those areas, my instincts would say "heck no I'm not going into that."  My logic would talk me into it!    There were several times where I was either sliding on my butt in a few areas that were very steep, or having to "cut" into the hillside with my boots to keep traction going down. 

What a great experience.  I learned so much, and so many fun things happen up there.  The only real casualty was my boots.  I had to say goodbye to those faithful friends after this trip as I finally had shredded them to the point of not knowing if they'd make it one more day. 

Thanks again,

Curtis

[coachcw]

sounds like a good season .... way to have perspective.

[ctwiggs1]

sounds like a good season .... way to have perspective.

Honestly it was hard to not feel successful.  I'm the first elk hunter in my family so it's been all DIY.  When guys in camp were complaining, I would just look at them and say "Guys, the elk are obviously here.  Look at everything we've seen and heard.  The problem isn't a lack of elk - we just haven't seen a spike yet!"  This is the first year where I've finally been able to say that.

[rtspring]

Pretty dang cool, there are Hunters and then there are "Hunters" welcome to the steep and deep buddy!!!

[ctwiggs1]

Pretty dang cool, there are Hunters and then there are "Hunters" welcome to the steep and deep buddy!!!

RTS I have to say that means a lot.  I really worked hard for it this year.  I am by no means saying this is all me because there are several on here with PMs from me asking for advice, and I again I say thank you for that.

I have to say though that I did keep remembering what you said last year after season "THE ELK ARE HERE, WHETHER YOU GET ONE OR NOT THEY ARE HERE".  It was SO true. 

The best part was getting back home and plugging my GPS in for fun, then finding out how far I had been walking every day   I didn't think I still had that in me, despite working out so much this year!  Just goes to show that our biggest enemy is always ourselves!

[SniperDanWA]

I'm in the same shoes as you, first one in family to elk hunt.  My son has joined me and together we work at it.  You seemed to cross that point where you will make it happen.  I wonder at times if I have.  I go deep and dark, but seem to get skunked each time.  This year, we switched to archery and that was a ton of fun.  Way less people, more sound and sight, and just a good time.  That said, troubles too.  Son lost his bow sight on the best day.  Oh well.

You sound very pleased.  Congratulations on your hunt this year.

[elkboy]

This is truly a great forum- a lot of experienced people on here.  And they are definitely right about the "steep and deep"!  The elk are not dumb- these tough animals love to hang out where no rational human being is liable to go.  And Curtis- it seems you have the attitude of the true hunter- no elk, but you are going to be ready as can be for the 2015 opener!  I also had no elk, but came as close as you can get and not "close the deal".   

[boneaddict]

ITs called hunting and not killing for a reason, and it seems like you have it figured out.  Generally a poor day hunting is better than a great day at work.  Its refreshing to see someone with such a great attitude.  I am glad you enjoyed your hunt and are figuring it out.   

[MAGhunter]

ITs called hunting and not killing for a reason, and it seems like you have it figured out.  Generally a poor day hunting is better than a great day at work.  Its refreshing to see someone with such a great attitude.  I am glad you enjoyed your hunt and are figuring it out.

[cooltimber]

good hunt,you learned.you will score and that one will be a event. now you know!next yr.

[ctwiggs1]

I'm in the same shoes as you, first one in family to elk hunt.  My son has joined me and together we work at it.  You seemed to cross that point where you will make it happen.  I wonder at times if I have.  I go deep and dark, but seem to get skunked each time.  This year, we switched to archery and that was a ton of fun.  Way less people, more sound and sight, and just a good time.  That said, troubles too.  Son lost his bow sight on the best day.  Oh well.

You sound very pleased.  Congratulations on your hunt this year.

SniperDan - I can tell you that scouting was a huge part of our "Success (if you will)" this year.  HUGE.  We just kept at it with small overnight truck camping trips until we finally found an area that we felt was worthy of "base camp".  From there we just kept working the area during season, hiking oftentimes 5-10 miles away/around camp each day.  This is eastern WA hunting so much different than Western WA.

[liljozie495]

  sounds like a trip to rei is in order for some new boots lol. Sounds like you had a awesome time curtis

[cryder]

that's it best forum ,a little rough of a crowd accasionally but still great place to go for information and just good hunters talk, I to my best hunt ever didn't include launching a arrow but I will never forget it,as for the steep and deep my five knee surgeries is the reason my son doesn't play highschool football and also the reason I elk hunt from the shoulders up now ,if you get my drift so to speak,well im hopeing we get some mellow winter weather im stuck with going to the lost calf call in the winter wonderland this year  ( AGAIN ! ),The way I see it, easy tracking !!!Good luck out there all you missle launchers .

[4fletch]

Back in the early 70's all we had were cassette tapes and a few seminars no videos to learn from. First and only elk hunt I went on with my father he let me on a stump told me not to go anywhere then he and his bud took off for the rest of the day hmmmm from then on it was DIY after 5 hrs of making mistakes finally figured them out then did the exact opposite of what I though they were going to do .  The newbees elk hunting are son fortunate to have this forum sure would have made my learning a lot easier. When you harvest your animal and every one after that one with a arrow is like the highest high ever known to man ( or woman ) hunt and fish as much as you can then when you get up in the years memories are worth more then almost anything else. Cherish your time in the outdoors your true friends congrats to a successful hunt