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Author Topic: What to do about Elk hunt?  (Read 5977 times)

Offline passing-thru

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What to do about Elk hunt?
« on: August 19, 2016, 08:12:34 PM »
My wife and I just found out that the air surgery (Subglottic stenosis surgery and Laryngotracheal Reconstruction) we have be waiting on for our son Luke (14 months) has finally been approved. Although very excited about this, as we have been waiting since April, it is to be done on Sept 6th..The recovery and healing takes between 4 and 6 weeks. I have 4 other kids and will be home helping to care for them. I will only be able to get out once or twice during the archery season. My question is, Do I trade in archery tag for modern rifle? I have not hunted modern rifle in approximately 25 yrs. I hunt mostly in 560-572 areas, and was wondering if its worth doing? I am a meat hunter, and have never focused on bulls. If I decide to go ahead, which I'm not sold on, which area should I concentrate on...Any advise or suggestions appreciated

Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me
Genesis 27:3

I may not have alot but what I have I got honest.....

I'd rather be hated for what I am then be loved for what I'm not

Is it me, or are people getting dumber

Offline Wolfdog2314

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2016, 08:45:14 PM »
You'd still have late archery (in other units) if you wanted to stick with a bow. And maybe still get lucky on one of your couple days you do get out early.

I'd do whatever weapon you can maximize your time with. If you know 560/572 well, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to find the elk with a rifle. There will be a lot of people out there. At least in 560.

Or take the chance your son is recovered well enough and try muzzy?

Good luck! I Hope for a good surgery and speedy recovery for your son!

Offline pd

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2016, 09:04:34 PM »
Boy, that is a tough one.  There is no late bow season (or muzzy season) in either 560 or 572, right? 

This is a year to focus on the family.  I agree with the earlier comment, you already know these units well, take a risk and go with the rifle.   :twocents:
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline bobcat

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2016, 09:22:39 PM »
Did you not apply for any special permits? Because if you did, you won't be able to exchange tags. But if not, then yes I do think you should try modern firearm season.

Offline Waycott15

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2016, 09:38:02 PM »
That is a tough question. If it was me I would personally stick with archery as the modern crowds can pretty crowded in some areas, especially since it seems like it's been a while for you. there are some decent late season opportunities with a bow. While I haven't had any success in 520, I have had lots of encounters in late season there with a bow. Good luck with your son. Hope everything goes well.

Offline passing-thru

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2016, 09:45:18 PM »
Did you not apply for any special permits? Because if you did, you won't be able to exchange tags. But if not, then yes I do think you should try modern firearm season.

No, we knew of pending surgery, so didn't want to waste points
Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me
Genesis 27:3

I may not have alot but what I have I got honest.....

I'd rather be hated for what I am then be loved for what I'm not

Is it me, or are people getting dumber

Offline buglebrush

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2016, 09:58:55 PM »
Muzzy!

Offline csaaphill

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2016, 03:18:15 AM »
as one said might wait for the late archery, but if that too isn't an option then I'd go for the Modern. But yet again that's only an answer you can answer.
"When my bow falls, so shall the world. When me heart ceases to pump blood to my body, it will all come crashing down. As a hunter, we are bound by duty, nay, bound by our very soul to this world. When a hunter dies we feel it, we sense it, and the world trembles with sorrow. When I die, so shall the world, from the shock of loosing such a great part of ones soul." Ezekiel, Okeanos Hunter

Offline scoutdog346

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2016, 08:00:51 AM »
U can get a muzzy tag and hunt with your bow.

Offline MR5x5

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2016, 09:28:41 AM »
No brainer.  Family first.  Little guy and mom own you for a bit.  I'd stay archery and be all over the late hunt.

Offline cem3434

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2016, 09:38:33 AM »
No brainer.  Family first.  Little guy and mom own you for a bit.  I'd stay archery and be all over the late hunt.
:yeah: I would probably just scratch hunting season all together. Worry about chasing around the little ones this year and get back to chasing bulls next year.  :twocents:
The best friend a guy could have asked for. RIP chasing pheasants in heaven Denali girl.

Offline passing-thru

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2016, 10:15:55 PM »
U can get a muzzy tag and hunt with your bow.

So after much thought and prayer I've decided to trade for Muzzy tag and hunt with my bow..The area I hunt doesn't get a lot of pressure. Elk should still be fairly unmolested and since ive got several on cam I'm hoping they are still around. By that time Luke will be 3 weeks into recovery and wife will be able to handle on own for few days...Thanks for input, never considered season till now
Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me
Genesis 27:3

I may not have alot but what I have I got honest.....

I'd rather be hated for what I am then be loved for what I'm not

Is it me, or are people getting dumber

Offline Jpmiller

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #12 on: August 22, 2016, 08:50:22 AM »
Can you/ do you take any of the other kids out with you? Might help out the wife and get them out in the outdoors. Makes archery a little tougher but I really enjoyed all the archery "hunts" my dad took me on. I know I ruined most of the hunting for him but it certainly got me excited for deer elk and a bow.

Offline White Pass Outfitters

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2016, 09:22:10 AM »
Family First, If you cant go any where this year, I will put you in a camp next year for half price. You probably wouldnt be a very good hunter this year with thinking about your son the whole time anyhow. Hope all goes well for your son and family.
God Bless
White Pass Outfitters 
KD

Offline boneaddict

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2016, 09:27:39 AM »
Family first.  If all is well by the time late season rolls around, get your meat on the late hunt.   Way more likely to fill the freeezer than with a modern tag. IMO    Good luck for your son! 

Offline pianoman9701

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2016, 10:04:07 AM »
Whatever you decide, I wish the best possible recovery for your son.  :tup:
"Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of criminals and madmen will have no positive effect on the future acts of criminals and madmen. It will only serve to reduce individual rights and the very security of our republic." - Pianoman https://linktr.ee/johnlwallace https://valoaneducator.tv/johnwallace-2014743

Offline elkfins

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2016, 12:58:09 PM »
Personally, I would be spending very little time afield this fall if I were in that situation and would keep the archery tag then bank on the late hunt as long as my son's health progressed well. Having said that, each person's situation is different and I would never pass judgment on someone else's choice in this situation.
Best wishes on a successful operation and speedy recovery for your son. 

Online Rainier10

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2016, 01:14:56 PM »
Family first.  If you get in a bind and really need meat to fill the freezer let me know.  We normally do pretty well and I would be more than happy to help out knowing you focused on the family and maybe lost out on opportunity to fill the freezer because of it.

Best of luck with your son's surgery and recovery.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline buglebrush

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2016, 03:53:53 PM »
U can get a muzzy tag and hunt with your bow.

So after much thought and prayer I've decided to trade for Muzzy tag and hunt with my bow..The area I hunt doesn't get a lot of pressure. Elk should still be fairly unmolested and since ive got several on cam I'm hoping they are still around. By that time Luke will be 3 weeks into recovery and wife will be able to handle on own for few days...Thanks for input, never considered season till now

Good choice!  Muzzy is a great season, and I often hunt it with my bow.

Offline passing-thru

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Re: What to do about Elk hunt?
« Reply #19 on: August 26, 2016, 05:16:37 PM »
Can you/ do you take any of the other kids out with you? Might help out the wife and get them out in the outdoors. Makes archery a little tougher but I really enjoyed all the archery "hunts" my dad took me on. I know I ruined most of the hunting for him but it certainly got me excited for deer elk and a bow.

I take my older 2, (5 and 9) with me for deer, My 9 y/o has been out with me on all my bear hunts this year. For Elk I hike quite abit more, so, they have not joined me.
Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me
Genesis 27:3

I may not have alot but what I have I got honest.....

I'd rather be hated for what I am then be loved for what I'm not

Is it me, or are people getting dumber

 


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