missing opening weekend

[mtndew]

First time in over thirty years, I will be staying home for the opener. My work has me on mandatory 12 hour days, and vacation is VERY difficult to get approved. I do have a couple days off a week from Monday to go help a buddy (elkaholic123) with his any bull tag. I will get to do some deer hunting next weekend while we set up his camp. I am hoping to get out for a couple hours during the week in the mornings (I am working 4PM to 4:30 AM) Any one else in the same boat? PS Good luck to all you lucky SOB's that are heading out tomorrow!

[Thefisherman83]

I also work the dreaded night shift 12 hrs.  I usually get pretty lucky because we start slowing down right around hunting season .  I usually secure my vacation MONTHS in advance for the same reasons.  Look on the bright side, at least your working Im sure there is a few guys that would trade their hunting seasons for a full time job with O/T in a heartbeat. Good luck getting out and filling your tags with the little time you have to hunt.   

[gtrplr]

I'm going to miss the opener as well. Sucks!! Good luck to all that are lucky enough to get out opening day!

[billythekidrock]

Luckily I will be able to make it out on Saturday. This will be the 30th opener for me.

[markts]

I would certainly trade hunting for a job and ot, but I feel for ya. Good luck Mark

[runamuk]

I would certainly trade hunting for a job and ot, but I feel for ya. Good luck Mark

right now I agree with Mark....I am not going out for the opener my plans fell through so now I am not working or hunting Saturday 

[Skyvalhunter]

Luckily I will be able to make it out on Saturday. This will be the 30th opener for me.

Boy your old!!!

[runningboard]

one of the kids that work for me resigned to go back to school so until I fill the vacancy I get to cover her shift so will be working all weekend.                                          good luck to all who do go and be safe out there!

[Wyoming08]

I am missing this opener also for the first time in 15 years,  I do have a late buck tag so that is kind of the reason why I 'm not to worried about not hunting. Its just the thought of not going.   Both my daughters have soccer games this weekend up in Seattle, and my wife left for her girls weekend yesterday...I think she did it on purpose.    But she has already said she isn't going to say anything about Elk hunting, or my late Eastside Buck hunt!!! YA RIGHT. We'll see.  Good luck out there guys, this weather should have then moving all over...

[KNOXY]

Working alot at the fire house during the first season, covering for some people who have had some family emergencies. My deer season got messed up, the outfitter I payed overbooked so I got the shaft until next year, I have some time off to hunt in Novemeber and am looking to head to GMU 113 Selkirk, I live in Lacey, and looking to get a nice buck. First time hunting in WA, I know where I'm hunting elk, but I want to hunt on the East side for buck, If any body could give me some advice please shoot me an email, (I just got told 3 days ago by my outfitter that I was being rescheduled, it's my first time hunting in WA, "I'm not a lazy road hunter that doesn't scout" just got the shaft this year)  trying to put some meat in the freezer for my 3 boys. Thanks

[NWBREW]

Well mtndew, Consider yourself lucky. At least you are working. I have double trouble. After working at the same place for 23 years, the plant closed it's doors. If your from Arlington than you know the place. AND I am not going out for the opener. My little girl is in high school playing soccer and I don't plan on missing any games,  I'll have to wait till the late hunt. So it could be worse. Oh yea. if your work is hiring....let me know  . Otherwise just remember.....life is good and good luck when you do get out.    

[mtndew]

I should clarify, not looking for sympathy, just wondering who was in the same boat. I was not able to schedule vacation due to being low seniority in my shop. HOWEVER, I just got back from my (successful) guided elk hunt in British Columbia, and I am taking my oldest son to Montana for deer and elk in November. Life is good!

[mtndew]

Yea, I know where you used to work NWBREW. Sorry to hear about that. I know quite a few people that were affected by the closure. I am blessed to have a good job in these economic times, and I know it! Good luck to you when you are able to get out hunting.

[Crunchy]

Being realistic the late rifle season is so much better than the early season, so not hunting only bothers me because I want to be outdoors.   But rather take three late season days to deer hunt over a week in the early season.

[NWBREW]

Being realistic the late rifle season is so much better than the early season, so not hunting only bothers me because I want to be outdoors.   But rather take three late season days to deer hunt over a week in the early season.

This is true. To be honest I have only been out one opening weekend in the last 16 years. The late hunt for whitetails is what I really love. That's when Big bucks roam, and I got the racks on the wall to prove it.