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

[bow4elk]

Lots to consider for sure.  I'd recommend you first decide what success means to you and make all your decisions based on that, and what's realistic for you and your family.  Make a list of what you can do, what you have, what you need, and what you can't realistically accomplish.  Know where you stand and how that relates to your defined success criteria.

Next, I'd try to leverage some of the former tag holders on this site and design a strategy to trade favors, etc. in order to maximize your experience.  My hunch is that you'll get some practical help in some way, shape or form.  I think we all want to see those with premier tags to succeed in a BIG way because the tags are few and far between.  I can't make any scouting trips for you but I can certainly make calls to biologists, etc. on your behalf.

Oh, CONGRATS on drawing your tag!

[Deer slayer]

Where do you live and what tag did you draw?  I will be making some scouting trips to the wenaha east throughout the summer. We could possibly car pool. Congrats on the draw. Remember this could be a once in a life time hunt for you. You can make up time with the kids in future years. It would be a shame to see the tag not get the hunting it deserves.

[Elkpiss]

Sorry Kids! Once in a Life Time Hunt!!   
You can play with the kids next year!  ! 

[JackOfAllTrades]

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

Another way to look at it... Carma HAS rewarded.  If you've been working with the kids, then this is your reward for sacrificing for so many years. Yes, I said sacrificing. You may enjoy the work, but it is a personal and family sacrifice to volunteer.  You wouldn't be abandoning them. Just taking a vacation from the volunteer work. Do due dilligence though, and make sure all is prepped for those that would fill in for you well in advance of the kid camp so that the kids are served, the people volunteering are successful in their efforts because of the road you've paved for them.

Take the two weeks for what some would consider OIL hunt/tag. If you score early, make good effort to still go to the kids camp, but don't assume duties as if you were never gone. If you put someone else in charge, let them learn and succeed with your guidance. Someday, someone will have to take your place. That way, you'll know down the road that if you were stricken by illness or other life change that you will feel confident that the kids were in good hands.

Go get a good bull and share photos and the story with the rest of us.

-Steve

[Deer slayer]

Well said Steve. I agree. I was once told at work that we are all replaceable and once I thought about it for a while I realized how true it was.

[croix]

I could be wrong but I don't think the kid's camp is the same time as the hunt, just doesn't have enough vacation time to do both. 

I understand that situation myself (not enough vacation time) and am sacrificing hunting camp for a summer trip this year because I haven't been to South Dakota in 8 yrs to see family, but if I had that tag it would be 9 yrs. 

Kids are pretty cool about stuff like that and I bet they will be excited for you.

Have a great hunt.

[runamuk]

Well said Steve. I agree. I was once told at work that we are all replaceable and once I thought about it for a while I realized how true it was.

Well I tried to get them to take my badge last night and they wouldn't ....hurt so bad I wanted to be replaced ...

Go on the hunt you are being rewarded for the time spent with the kids PLUS a big bull will be an amazing story to tell them the next time you do camp

[JackOfAllTrades]

I could be wrong but I don't think the kid's camp is the same time as the hunt

And that's even better! You might be able to check in on the weekends? You'd be available by phone at least for advice for those that are filling in for you.

-Steve

[Pathfinder101]

Well, you have been hunting that area long enough to know what is in there, so here's how I would do it:

If you are going to hunt for the whole season, then set your sights on shooting something that would take you all season to find.
If you are only going to hunt part of the season (say 5 days), you should have a pretty good idea of what kind of bull you are likely to get on in that 5 days.
For instance; I hunt that unit every September, usually for about a week.  In that week, I know in a normal year, I will see a half dozen 300" bulls, a couple of 350" bulls, and maybe one 350+ bull.  So, if I had a full week to hunt, I could set my goal at 340" to 350", and expect to find a bull of that caliber.  If I only had 5 days to hunt, I would set it at 320".  If I had the whole season, I could set the bar at 350+...

I have never hunted the rifle season up there, so not sure what you are used to seeing in Nov.

[rosscrazyelk]

Thanks everyone for your input.  The kids camp starts  July 10, so they are nowhere near each other.  I have talked with my managers at work and they know how important both these things are to me.  I asked if I could have a week off unpaid come hunting season that way I can do both. Things seem like they might go my way. I should know before the camp starts. If it is questionable in anyway I just will have to break some kids heart. But I am not sure it is possible to say no to the kids. Like I said I am a pretty big cog in the wheel and there is not really alot of time to find someone to replace me. We are short this year as it is because people can't afford to take time off work.
I will let you know what I find out

[WaltHenry]

I say you find a good buddy. One who is already involved in the camp. One that you know already wants to do your job for this year. You talk this buddy of yours into running the show this year since it is what he wants anyway. This frees you up from camp for a year. The camp will survive a year without you. I know this from personal experience. If you don't find a way to hunt the whole season and scout as much as possible you will NEVER forgive yourself. My

[BLUEBULLS]

if you're wanting a super bull it can be tough. They get pretty hunkered down after rifle deer season. This hunt is definitely not a gaurantee at a monster. I get nervous thinkin about when I get drawn, whenever that will be. I know exactly what kind of bull I'd hunt for and I remember going long periods of time up there without seeing a great bull. Some days you'll find them and others you won't. Last year there were about 3 or 4 good ones that were targeted by a lot of people and none of them were killed. If I had the tag I'd make whatever sacrifices it took to find a couple good ones before hand. If you know the unit well enough you'll have no problem killing a good bull but without scouting you may never see the one that your dreams are made of.

go up there in deer season, kill that buck you found last year, and locate some bulls. Stop by our cabin and we'll talk bulls over a cold one. you're gonna have fun.

[Deer slayer]

Well said Bluebull. Your PM is full.

[WASHBCBOOK]

WHY WOULD YOU EVEN PUT IN FOR THIS TAG,I GUESS YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST WENT FOR POINTS
MAYBE THERE IS A GUY OR LADY WHOM DIDNT GET DRAWN AND YOU DID YOU JUST TOOK THAT HUNT FROM THEM
ALL IN ALL I GUESS IF YOU CANT SPEND A GOOD BIT OF TIME SCOUTING AND TIME OFF FROM WORK DONT APPLY
LET SOMEBODY ELSE HUNT WITH THIS TAG..

[PA BEN]

I hear your pain, When I drew my moose tag I would wake up at 3:00 am thinking about my hunt. Now I drew my best elk tag ever. I have never killed a branched antlered bull, ( spikes and cows only), I only have 5 days to hunt, Sept. 20th to the 24th w/a rifle. I have been hunting elk for 24 years. It will be hard to pass on a rag horn, but I won't kill a big bull if I don't. This is the second year of this tag and I drew it. I'm trying to be clam and play it as it comes. Do my scouting and do the best I can.    

[Deer slayer]

Where is your tag for?  That's cool hunting elk in the rut with a rifle. Good luck.

[rosscrazyelk]

WHY WOULD YOU EVEN PUT IN FOR THIS TAG,I GUESS YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST WENT FOR POINTS
MAYBE THERE IS A GUY OR LADY WHOM DIDNT GET DRAWN AND YOU DID YOU JUST TOOK THAT HUNT FROM THEM
ALL IN ALL I GUESS IF YOU CANT SPEND A GOOD BIT OF TIME SCOUTING AND TIME OFF FROM WORK DONT APPLY
LET SOMEBODY ELSE HUNT WITH THIS TAG..

I am not even going to respond to this..

GOOD NEWS..... Today is a great day. I recieved word and got it on paper that I have the o.k to take as much time I need to do this hunt. I guess my boss likes me more than I thought.  Oh what a happy day. I can do the kids camp and spend the whole season in the woods.. YIPEE..

[yelp]

That is great news Ross..ignore the *censored*s!     Now go kill a great bull!

[Wanttohuntmore]

Sweet!  Now make it count and have a great time.  Remember, pictures, lots of them, of things you don't think are that picture worthy as well, it just helps bring back memories later!

[Deer slayer]

Thats great Ross. You knew it would work out. It's not like you realized there was conflict when you put in for this tag. Again let me know if you want to carpool on some scouting trips.