What to do about Elk hunt?

[passing-thru]

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

[Wolfdog2314]

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!

[pd]

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.   

[bobcat]

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.

[Waycott15]

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.

[passing-thru]

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

[buglebrush]

Muzzy!

[csaaphill]

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.

[scoutdog346]

U can get a muzzy tag and hunt with your bow.

[MR5x5]

No brainer.  Family first.  Little guy and mom own you for a bit.  I'd stay archery and be all over the late hunt.

[cem3434]

No brainer.  Family first.  Little guy and mom own you for a bit.  I'd stay archery and be all over the late hunt.

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. 

[passing-thru]

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

[Jpmiller]

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.

[White Pass Outfitters]

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 

[boneaddict]

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! 

[pianoman9701]

Whatever you decide, I wish the best possible recovery for your son. 

[elkfins]

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. 

[Rainier10]

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.

[buglebrush]

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.

[passing-thru]

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.