Oh the personal battle

[rosscrazyelk]

So if you do or do not know I finally  since they have started the point system have gotten drawn for my big bull tag in the blues. Obviously like most of us know  the quality of animals that can be found there.  But lately I have been hearing that the elk have dissappeared 
Anyway I have been having some personal dilemas ever since I found out I was drawn. I mean seriously I have had many sleepless nights already thinking about this and it is only been a week since I found out.
This is the first time I have been allowed to hunt big bulls. I have hunted the area for over ten years and know it fairly well.  But now what do you do? Hunt the whole time for the big beast or hunt for the big one for half the time then lower my expectations? 
I know how ever it ends up it will be gratifying, I hunt with a bunch of great guys and we all excited. But do you try and use every resource you can to accomplish my goal or do I just try to  do it all myself and hope for the best? I have talked with the biologist and he recommended some areas, Funny thing is I have never hunted the areas he talked about. Guess I will have to break the bank on some trips for the gas I will be spending.
Another dilema is that I used up most of my vacation on some time spent away from work because of my surgery. I have two weeks of vacation time left til the end of the year and I for the past 20 years have volunteered at a kids camp. that starts soon, so do I say sorry kids I can't help this year and be shelfish and use it all for my hunting or hope things will work out and still do both? I am a pretty important piece to the camp. I am the chairman of the board and camp director. What to do what to do?

[gasman]

Wow, sounds like you have some conflicts to work out 

Here is my 
As for going for the trophy bull full season or setting for a lesser bull, the one you decide to kill will be the true trophy 

And the kids summer camp  i applode your time and efort you give for others, there is not manythat will do that, but if it was me, and i would do what would make me feel self satified. Is one week at each a possibility 

Good luck on you hunt and congrats on the draw....

[SkookumHntr]

-Congrats on your draw! Im sure one week will be plenty with that tag

[WDFW-SUX]

Help the kids for 4 days...Carma will reward you.

[brew]

"I have two weeks of vacation time left til the end of the year and I for the past 20 years have volunteered at a kids camp. that starts soon, so do I say sorry kids I can't help this year and be shelfish and use it all for my hunting or hope things will work out and still do both? I am a pretty important piece to the camp. I am the chairman of the board and camp director. What to do what to do? "
 
 if what you say is true (and I have no reason to doubt your commitment) and you've been volunteering at this camp for the last 20 years I think the Big Guy in the Sky has given you an opportunity you can't pass up.  Why waste the opportunity to teach these kids about what it means to strive for something then not try?  Sacrifce and goals are a message that needs instilled in the young.....you sacrifice for years to have an opportunity to do great things, be it only once in life.  These youngsters need to know that they may only get one chance in life to do something that they have always wanted to do and they need to take advantage of the opportunity presented them.  What message would you be sending to finally get drawn then not take the challenge?  Regardless of success or failure you took the chance!  In my humble opinion you would be doing them a disservice by not attempting the challenge put forth to you.  Remember what the song says " when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance"  Well my friend in this case I hope you dance.

[coachcw]

You gotta follow your heart . If you truly want a monster you can't shoot a lesser bull early. When I go on a trophy hunt I no that the chance of coming home empty handed is better than success. most hunters will never have the chance at a blues hunt so I'd try to keep to a hi standard . If you have never harvested a bull then your idea of a trophy may be different that's what you have to decide. My hats of to you for your vollenter work at the camp . Maybe your deserve your time this year, your probably the type of guy that's allways helped others more than your self. maybe you could take a day or two at the camp and let others step up. you sound like a good guy to me and I hope this year is one to remember kill or not. Coach

[SuperDave]

Sorry kids!!!!   

[hunterheinz]

It all is whats important to you. I have quit jobs to shoot trophies and have no regrets. Make the decision and don't look back. These Quality Hunts were made for people like me

[rasbo]

well,I would split the time..well maybe 3days at camp,or two,or show up and explain your dream hunt to them and put it to a vote by them

[Wanttohuntmore]

If you've been seeing good bulls there in the past, and feel confident in picking up a lesser bull there, I say definitely go for the big one and just give yourself a day or two for the lesser bull.  If you've killed bulls before, by all means go for the trophy and be happy, even if you come up empty.  At least you will know you gave it your all!  It's a big mental game!

[BoomWhop]

which tag did you pull?   I had a any Bull tag last year, and I would never consider just 1 week.  I wish I had more time on the ground the week before the season started.  Maybe unpaided leave,  get the time so you don't have to press.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Talk to you Superviser, I am sure that they would let you use some "unpaid leave for personal reasons", it might hurt the pocket, but its not like you are waiting to the last minute to arrange something.
I once payed a co-workers wages to cover for me, out of my own pocket, so the "boss" didn't have to pay overtime.
As far as what to shoot, you will know when the time is right....

[buckhorn2]

Lots of guys on here would give anything even body parts to have the tag you have. Get in the best shape you can and shoot alot;scout when it;s time; get some sleep you will do the right thing when the time comes just take lots of pictures for us to see.

[letmhunt]

In 2005 i drew Montana and Wyoming elk tags Left home August 27 and didnt get home until Oct 2. Left the wife and kids for whole month just about killed me but it was one of the best hunts of my life. The memories i shared with my brother (hunting partner) and encounters of hundreds of elk will never be forgotten. I did hold out for that monster until the very end, but came up short and i was ok with it, how many people get to hunt a whole month in two states. Go for it! how many more years to draw again.

[Tony 270]

Shouldn't have trouble finding them. Have fun