First time in over 20 plus years!!

[dvolmer]

First time in over 20 years I decided to stay home and do chores instead of head to the Manastash or Dayton area to hunt elk on the opener.  I had friends hunt both areas for Muzzleloader and modern deer and elk hunts with nothing even being seen except for a scared cow and calf or two.  When you figure your odds of seeing a spike in your back yard here in West Richland while you are mowing the lawn is just as good as you do heading to the hills its a sad day!  Just my two cents.  I hope you guys are all having fun out there and somebody is getting a shot or two.  I do love to just be in the hills but after Wyoming deer, hitting it hard in Washington deer hunting, and less than a week before heading to Montana to hunt it just didn't seem to be worth it.  Hopefully the winter wont be as bad as they are predicting and the elk numbers increase.  Happy hunting!!!

[Naches Sportsman]

I'd be out there, but early spring had me thinking I wouldn't be here to hunt this fall so I didn't invest in an elk tag. It isn't worth it to me just to buy an otc spike tag. I rather would of bought it in the spring and put in for permits. Made the right move by not buying one. Saved a few bucks to put towards the Idaho hunts next year. Can't wait to be hunting as a resident in Idaho!

[Stein]

From what I saw, you were the only one that decided to stay home.  I talked with more than one group that haven't shot anything in many years but are having a blast up there camping and walking the woods. 

[X-Force]

Only one way to guarantee not finding a spike.

Seeing animal is always a plus but being in the woods is what it's all about. Plus it beautiful out right now.

[greenhead_killer]

I don’t know how you guys do the rifle season with elk. I went once about 8 years ago and swore unless I had a draw permit in hand I would never hunt modern elk again and have stuck to it.

[bassquatch]

Blew off deer and elk this year and feel like I finally broke free some dang curse!  LOL   

I may take the next two years off (unless I draw a permit) and then start all over from scratch the way I should have 17 years ago! 

Been fishing my hiney off and loving every second of it. 

[fishngamereaper]

I'm skipping elk this year trying to get my kid his first deer. Much more important to me than the rat race of modern elk.  Besides im off to Idaho next week.

[pd]

DVolmer, I think I know every square inch of W. Richland, and you are right, there isn't any chance you will ever find a spike there.

I know lots of guys who have given up on elk hunting.  It is depressing to hear this.  But I feel your pain.

But, chores?  Really?  Go shoot some birds!

[dvolmer]

DVolmer, I think I know every square inch of W. Richland, and you are right, there isn't any chance you will ever find a spike there.

I know lots of guys who have given up on elk hunting.  It is depressing to hear this.  But I feel your pain.

But, chores?  Really?  Go shoot some birds!

Loved this post!!!!  Cracked a smile!!!  I wonder if there are any Chucker's in my back yard too along with the 5 spike elk and the 4 trophy bucks that I am raising!!!!!