How is everyone's preparations going?

[Russ McDonald]

Hope everyone is getting ready for elk season.  This year I am super excited I got a multi season elk tag.  I figure this could be the year to get my first ever elk. Well hit the brakes there vern.  Looks like I may have tore my meniscus in my left knee.  Almost 4 years from doing the same thing to my right knee.  I can tell you I didn't do it doing something crazy or working out or running.  I was lifting a case of water from a cart at Costco into the back of my car.  Hyper extended my knee pop and straight pain like a knife through my knee.  Still going to try and get out there.  Muzzy on my buddies property in October.  See what the docs have to say in midst of hunting.  Ice and Aleve for now.  Hope everyone has an successful year.

[Elkcollector82]

Hope everyone is getting ready for elk season.  This year I am super excited I got a multi season elk tag.  I figure this could be the year to get my first ever elk. Well hit the brakes there vern.  Looks like I may have tore my meniscus in my left knee.  Almost 4 years from doing the same thing to my right knee.  I can tell you I didn't do it doing something crazy or working out or running.  I was lifting a case of water from a cart at Costco into the back of my car.  Hyper extended my knee pop and straight pain like a knife through my knee.  Still going to try and get out there.  Muzzy on my buddies property in October.  See what the docs have to say in midst of hunting.  Ice and Aleve for now.  Hope everyone has an successful year.

Sorry to hear that. Hope for a speedy recovery.

[Russ McDonald]

Hope everyone is getting ready for elk season.  This year I am super excited I got a multi season elk tag.  I figure this could be the year to get my first ever elk. Well hit the brakes there vern.  Looks like I may have tore my meniscus in my left knee.  Almost 4 years from doing the same thing to my right knee.  I can tell you I didn't do it doing something crazy or working out or running.  I was lifting a case of water from a cart at Costco into the back of my car.  Hyper extended my knee pop and straight pain like a knife through my knee.  Still going to try and get out there.  Muzzy on my buddies property in October.  See what the docs have to say in midst of hunting.  Ice and Aleve for now.  Hope everyone has an successful year.

Sorry to hear that. Hope for a speedy recovery.

When I tore it in my right knee it was right before archery season.  Had surgery done the end of September and was lucky enough to get out late season deer and get my first ever black tail. Crossing my fingers this one doesn't feel as bad but it hurts like the heck.

[Seahawk12]

Dang you Murphys law!!!
Dang you straight to heck!!!!

Sorry about your knee.
Don't forget that acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can be taken simultaneously.
Best of luck.

[Russ McDonald]

Dang you Murphys law!!!
Dang you straight to heck!!!!

Sorry about your knee.
Don't forget that acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can be taken simultaneously.
Best of luck.

Found that out when I injured my right knee 

[jennabug]

Oh no, Russ! Hopefully they can stitch you up quickly.

[bearpaw]

I've been busy prepping things for the fall hunts, we'll be ready for it all to start Sept 1 for us, can't wait!

[Magnum_Willys]

Lean Mean Hunting Machine !

[Elkcollector82]

Me and this guy have a date come September. Nothing better then a old Roosevelt

[ballstothewaal]

Are they planning on doing surgery? if the tear is minor and just needs a little clean up, You might be able to walk immediately.

[High Climber]

Kinda fat and out of shape this year... but I'm shooting better than ever and I'm still stubborn so I'll still go where I want it's just gonna suck a little more than usual   

[Russ McDonald]

Are they planning on doing surgery? if the tear is minor and just needs a little clean up, You might be able to walk immediately.

Waiting on the va for an appt. 

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[Russ McDonald]

I got some good news on Friday.  Back last year I was the acting supervisor while my supervisor was recovering from and stroke.  This year he retired and I applied for the job.  I officially got offered the job and accepted.     I get to supervise myself here at my shop and 2 radio techs down in Vancouver.  We will be hiring techs for my area which is the Olympic NF and Mt Baker/Snoqualmie NF.  Keep an eye open because I will post the job opening when it is released.  Hopefully this will lead to good luck in my hunting season.

[pianoman9701]

Sorry to hear about the knee, Russ. I hope you're able to repair and hunt. Don't screw it up worse though.

The 1st anniversary of my hip replacement was yesterday. I didn't hunt big game last year for the first time in almost 50 years. Over the last year, I gained 25 lbs by eating everything. The last two months, I've lost that 25 back and hopefully a few more by next week. I know during the season, I'll lose at least another 10, so that's good. My shooting is good. My legs are strong, although the hip aches if i don't stretch all the time. I bought a pop-up from a nice member this year for $1K and spent another $1K getting it serviced and repaired. Ouch! But, I didn't need any gear. I'll be packing everything this weekend ready for my first-ever 2 week elk and deer trip with my new friend Cab. I'm psyched. We're hunting a new area.

[Russ McDonald]

Sorry to hear about the knee, Russ. I hope you're able to repair and hunt. Don't screw it up worse though.

The 1st anniversary of my hip replacement was yesterday. I didn't hunt big game last year for the first time in almost 50 years. Over the last year, I gained 25 lbs by eating everything. The last two months, I've lost that 25 back and hopefully a few more by next week. I know during the season, I'll lose at least another 10, so that's good. My shooting is good. My legs are strong, although the hip aches if i don't stretch all the time. I bought a pop-up from a nice member this year for $1K and spent another $1K getting it serviced and repaired. Ouch! But, I didn't need any gear. I'll be packing everything this weekend ready for my first-ever 2 week elk and deer trip with my new friend Cab. I'm psyched. We're hunting a new area.

Good luck     Hope things are successful for you this year.

[yakimanoob]

Kinda fat and out of shape this year... but I'm shooting better than ever and I'm still stubborn so I'll still go where I want it's just gonna suck a little more than usual   

Pretty much where I'm at, minus the improved shooting 

[cbond3318]

Kinda fat and out of shape this year... but I'm shooting better than ever and I'm still stubborn so I'll still go where I want it's just gonna suck a little more than usual   

We're in the same boat bud! Usually am in better shape by this time every year, this year not so much. like you, I go where I want mainly, it just sucks real bad. 


Sorry hear about your knee Russ, I usually throw my back once  a year tying my boots. Around hunting season, I sit down to tie them and stand up ever so gently. 
hope you can still get out there!

[TheHunt]

Pretty much have everything in the pack, bow shooting well, just need time to get out and scout the backup hunting areas.

[Stein]

I'm ready to roll with whatever part of 346 is left after the burn - assuming it isn't still burning in October.  I have two very solid spots that haven't burned yet, but even if they burn the elk have to be somewhere.

I ended up with a new Exo 2000 pack and am loving it so far, I'll end up training with sandbags as opposed to scouting for at least the next week.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I'm in the planning stages of my hunts. I have A tags for deer and elk in MT as well as will play in Wa for two days during archery, it's the only two days of wa archery elk I'll be able to hunt.

My plans as of now are sept 20-30 solo in mt chasing elk with a bow. If I find a particular whitetail I found last year I'll switch tactics and try to get him. Otherwise I'm going back to MT in November for rifle deer.

As far as training I am heavier than last year but have been doing way more hiking so it probably evens out. Also for the last few months have been shooting out my back door at a block for at least 15 good shots daily from kneeling or standing.

[snarkybull]

I have done the bare minimum, and am impressed with myself that I have been able to accomplish that much this year.  Out of shape but not heavy.  Barely practiced at shooting but hitting the target mostly where I want.  Barely scouted but hunting extremely familiar grounds.

Elk season can't get here fast enough

[Bookworm007]

Good luck on your recovery!!!   

I was supposed to go hunt in Colorado this year with my brother..... Then my brother got diagnosed with cancer so maybe Colorado next year.......

[G-S]

Good luck on recovery and I feel your pain I've been chasing a big bull for 2 years archery hunting but I tore my peck muscle off my arm and had surgery. So no bowhunting for me this year

[thom9719]

Watching my preparation and my back-up plan burn up! I guess that's a lesson for the future, always have a 2nd back up plan!

[cbond3318]

Well,  was taking a few final Practice shots today and pulled the bow back for the last shot and thought I felt limbs cracking. Let off and look down to see about half of the windings on my cable we're broken and frayed out. Done-zo, checked all locals spots up north with no luck and headed for home.

Big shout out to Mike at Grizzly Archery in Yakima, had what I needed and went out of his way to get me operational. Sight in tommorrow and should be back on track, only down 1 opening morning.  Plan B will work I guess.

[Russ McDonald]

So just got back from the doc.  He ordered up xrays which I got those done today to.  He is pretty confident that I tore my meniscus.  Just not sure how bad.  Still going out this weekend.

[Naches Sportsman]

That sucks Russ.


Haven't even started this years preparations. Been averaging 75 hours a week since I got back from AZ in July and don't know when I will get laid off .

[Crunchy]

So just got back from the doc.  He ordered up xrays which I got those done today to.  He is pretty confident that I tore my meniscus.  Just not sure how bad.  Still going out this weekend.

Ive had that fixed.  I could still hunt but was just slower getting up and down the mountain.  Flat land didn't give me too many problems.  Takes about a month to get full strength back in the knee after surgery.

[ghosthunter]

Got one the most important things finished for muzzy camp.

[Russ McDonald]

So just got back from the doc.  He ordered up xrays which I got those done today to.  He is pretty confident that I tore my meniscus.  Just not sure how bad.  Still going out this weekend.

Ive had that fixed.  I could still hunt but was just slower getting up and down the mountain.  Flat land didn't give me too many problems.  Takes about a month to get full strength back in the knee after surgery.

Had my right knee done 3 years ago during this time.  Was out late season.

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[ctwiggs1]

Got one the most important things finished for muzzy camp.

Thank God they are camo, hate for a deer to bust because they smelled saw those!    

All in good fun man! 

[ctwiggs1]

So just got back from the doc.  He ordered up xrays which I got those done today to.  He is pretty confident that I tore my meniscus.  Just not sure how bad.  Still going out this weekend.

Ive had that fixed.  I could still hunt but was just slower getting up and down the mountain.  Flat land didn't give me too many problems.  Takes about a month to get full strength back in the knee after surgery.

Had my right knee done 3 years ago during this time.  Was out late season.

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Russ - if you're hunting locally just reach out if you need help with a packout.  I'll be home this weekend.  Don't bust up a bad knee any worse than it is man!

[Russ McDonald]

So just got back from the doc.  He ordered up xrays which I got those done today to.  He is pretty confident that I tore my meniscus.  Just not sure how bad.  Still going out this weekend.

Ive had that fixed.  I could still hunt but was just slower getting up and down the mountain.  Flat land didn't give me too many problems.  Takes about a month to get full strength back in the knee after surgery.

Had my right knee done 3 years ago during this time.  Was out late season.

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Russ - if you're hunting locally just reach out if you need help with a packout.  I'll be home this weekend.  Don't bust up a bad knee any worse than it is man!

Thanks. I changed directions.  I am not going out this weekend.  Helping out with comms on the Norse Peak, American and Sawmill fires.

[Russ McDonald]

Due to my knee issues I didn't get out for early archery.  Got all the MRI's done and saw the doc yesterday.  Doc pretty much said I got some unusually stuff going on.  No tears or ligaments or cartilage.    The bad stuff build up on my femur at the knee joint, bone or calicium unknown, swollen bersa sack, knee cap is chewed up, arthritis and fluid on the knee.  Have to see ortho next.  Doc explained tht it the same type injury to football and basketball players when the take a big blow to the knee.  Also said old injury.     Don't know when it happened.  Got me me on some drugs that takes care of the swelling and pain.  So anyway back to elk hunting went out this morning for opening ML season.  Well yup I know I have a screwed up knee.  Wow in some pain right now but I am not going to let this multi season elk tag go to waste.  Going to soldier on.

[Russ McDonald]

So updates for this season.  Saw an ortho specialist at the VA he pretty much said the same thing as my primary doc.  Arthritis in both.  Nothing surgical they can do yet.   Drugs and going to try some prescription cream.  Getting a custom knee brace made from the VA.  He is sure knee replacement will be in the future but not at this time.  It is pretty painful to walk but I did get this on the ground but I felt it when I got home and today. Think my hunting season is done.

[jennabug]

Glad you got a nice bird Russ. Hopefully your docs can find a solution for you soon.

[Seahawk12]

That's a nice bird.

Please be careful with the pain killers. They can cause a misery all their own.
Best of luck.

[Russ McDonald]

That's a nice bird.

Please be careful with the pain killers. They can cause a misery all their own.
Best of luck.

They have me on anti inflammatory stuff.   I won't take that other crap.  I have to be able to function

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[Alchase]

Knee issues suck!
I had my MCL surgery in late July, it took until September to feel comfortable with any kind of exercise. I was hunting Saturday and put in about 8 miles hiking. knee got pretty tired, today I am paying for it, LOL

Russ, have they shot up your knee with cortisone yet?
Works wonders for most people.

[Russ McDonald]

Knee issues suck!
I had my MCL surgery in late July, it took until September to feel comfortable with any kind of exercise. I was hunting Saturday and put in about 8 miles hiking. knee got pretty tired, today I am paying for it, LOL

Russ, have they shot up your knee with cortisone yet?
Works wonders for most people.

Not yet.  That will be last resort.  There are reports and study's out there that cortisone is a short term fix.  What it does over a longer period is makes you ligaments brittle so the snap more easily.

[Sandberm]

My bro in law is having his knee replaced tomorrow. Old injury from way back, I think late teen early 20's, cant remember what he did to it but its been getting more and more painful the past ten years as his job requires him to be on his feet all day.

He had a custom brace built for his knee this spring as his knee was starting to bow out. The brace helped a lot. I warned him about taking and getting addicted to the pain meds after surgery. He told me he has been taking them the past few months anyway just to be able to bare the pain and that was the last straw in deciding to go ahead and get this done now.

Money will be tight for him as he wont have a paycheck coming in which is another reason he put it off for so long. Hes hoping to be off the job for 3 months. Any longer then that and I think hes worried about being replaced. We laughed as he said "little Hitler" {his wife} will be on his case to do rehab religiously.

[Russ McDonald]

My bro in law is having his knee replaced tomorrow. Old injury from way back, I think late teen early 20's, cant remember what he did to it but its been getting more and more painful the past ten years as his job requires him to be on his feet all day.

He had a custom brace built for his knee this spring as his knee was starting to bow out. The brace helped a lot. I warned him about taking and getting addicted to the pain meds after surgery. He told me he has been taking them the past few months anyway just to be able to bare the pain and that was the last straw in deciding to go ahead and get this done now.

Money will be tight for him as he wont have a paycheck coming in which is another reason he put it off for so long. Hes hoping to be off the job for 3 months. Any longer then that and I think hes worried about being replaced. We laughed as he said "little Hitler" {his wife} will be on his case to do rehab religiously.

I am still young, I think  , so I am hoping that is a little ways off.

[Timberstalker]

Russ, you may look at a Rooster Comb injection.  I've known a few people who had good luck with this.
Hope you get it figured out.

[Sandberm]

My bro in law is having his knee replaced tomorrow. Old injury from way back, I think late teen early 20's, cant remember what he did to it but its been getting more and more painful the past ten years as his job requires him to be on his feet all day.

He had a custom brace built for his knee this spring as his knee was starting to bow out. The brace helped a lot. I warned him about taking and getting addicted to the pain meds after surgery. He told me he has been taking them the past few months anyway just to be able to bare the pain and that was the last straw in deciding to go ahead and get this done now.

Money will be tight for him as he wont have a paycheck coming in which is another reason he put it off for so long. Hes hoping to be off the job for 3 months. Any longer then that and I think hes worried about being replaced. We laughed as he said "little Hitler" {his wife} will be on his case to do rehab religiously.

I am still young, I think  , so I am hoping that is a little ways off.

My bro in law is 52 I think. For selfish reasons I'm really happy for him as hes my main outdoors partner. Hes great in the woods and I rule the desert so we make a nice team. Ive felt for him the past 5 years as he struggles with pain as he wants to be active.

My wifes cousin was around 55 when he had his knee replaced. His knee was badly bowed. His surgery went GREAT! He was so happy to have gotten it done. Hes a rifle Elk guy and he was getting tired of just basically being limited to road hunting. Now hes back to hiking a bit....though hes still a crappy hunter 

[Russ McDonald]

My bro in law is having his knee replaced tomorrow. Old injury from way back, I think late teen early 20's, cant remember what he did to it but its been getting more and more painful the past ten years as his job requires him to be on his feet all day.

He had a custom brace built for his knee this spring as his knee was starting to bow out. The brace helped a lot. I warned him about taking and getting addicted to the pain meds after surgery. He told me he has been taking them the past few months anyway just to be able to bare the pain and that was the last straw in deciding to go ahead and get this done now.

Money will be tight for him as he wont have a paycheck coming in which is another reason he put it off for so long. Hes hoping to be off the job for 3 months. Any longer then that and I think hes worried about being replaced. We laughed as he said "little Hitler" {his wife} will be on his case to do rehab religiously.

I am still young, I think  , so I am hoping that is a little ways off.

My bro in law is 52 I think. For selfish reasons I'm really happy for him as hes my main outdoors partner. Hes great in the woods and I rule the desert so we make a nice team. Ive felt for him the past 5 years as he struggles with pain as he wants to be active.

My wifes cousin was around 55 when he had his knee replaced. His knee was badly bowed. His surgery went GREAT! He was so happy to have gotten it done. Hes a rifle Elk guy and he was getting tired of just basically being limited to road hunting. Now hes back to hiking a bit....though hes still a crappy hunter 

You said everything I didn't want to hear turn 49 this year.   I guess we just year our selves up to have fun.  From playing football from 3rd grade till I graduated.  Riding dirt bikes.  Knee knockers on my ship in the Navy, or doing radio installs in all types of vehicles.  Maybe it is passed down from my dad.  2 bad knees and was about to get both knees replaced.  But he passed 14 years ago this month.

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[Skyvalhunter]

Got one the most important things finished for muzzy camp.

Now all you need to do is amount a toilet seat on the top and you will be sitting pretty!