Last minute tag with trashed ankles, but I'm going elk hunting in CO!

[jetjockey]

In CO non the less.  I didn't draw a tag for elk during the regular draw, but my Father in Law and I both got the two reissue either sex tags that became available this morning for 1st season unit 44 out of Aspen.  It's been almost 20 years since the last time I hunted elk, and I can't wait.  Only problem is my ankles are trashed with torn ligaments and a bunch of other crap, but I'm going hunting!  I'm not expecting much but it will be fun to hunt my new home state of CO for the first time.  I can finally quit living vicariously through you guys on these forums. 

[millerwheeler]

Get after it be patient hike as long as yall can and sit somewhere and let those other hunters make them come to you good luck very cool

[carpsniperg2]

Good luck to you. I don't know if you use them but get some good ankle braces.

[OutHouse]

You get after it, man. I just got it done on the 4th day of muzzy (deer) and had ankle surgery less than two months ago. It can be done. This was my set-up during archery on the MS tag.

[Taco280AI]

Worse than your ankle will probably be the altitude. It's no joke

[jetjockey]

Tell me about it.  Base camp is at 10k and we will be hunting up to 12k.  Even though I live at 6500ft, 10-12,000ft is still a LONG way up.

[Taco280AI]

I live at 6k and camping/hunting at the same altitudes.  Kicks my butt

[jetjockey]

No elk yet.  Didn't even see one yesterday, but a guy in our group missed a 300+" 6x6.   Ankle is holding out, with no problem with elevation.  That said, this high altitude hunting ain't easy.  Sitting at 11000 ft as I type this waiting for shooting light.

[Mark Brenckle]

Good luck, take lots of pics!

[Moose Master]

Slow and steady get's the worm(ELK).  Surprise to see all the great grass and openness at that altitude instead of a bunch of rocks.  Hang in there and enjoy CO

[cryder]

Your living my dream ! Good luck up there.  After 5 seasons of hockey and football I have no knees left . after tons of money and missed corrective surgeries I still hunt every year the best advice I can give is. PACE YOURSELF ! Until you get a shot off then you become heman of the forest then nothing hurts ...I promiss

[jetjockey]

Well the hunt was a bust.  Turns out the elk moved out of the high country and down into their wintering grounds about a week before the season started!  Nobody is sure why considering the weather has been so warm.  The two Bulls seen were the stragglers, and the only elk seen the entire time.  Oh well, that's hunting.  On another note I understand why guys start getting in shape a few months early when hunting CO.  We were hiking 10-15 miles a day and at times climbing straight up.  I'm in decent shape and it got to me.  It is a great weight loss program however as I lost 5lbs in 4 days while eating 4000 plus calories a day.  Elk hunting in CO is no joke!  Can't wait until next year.  Surprisingly, my ankles held up pretty well.  Gotta love Danner boots!!