We hunted that area for the first time last year and had the same concerns, but all of them were unfounded. There are endless places to camp, although we didn't see any places that looked like designated camping spots. Granted, we never set foot in the Custer, but there are plenty of good spots...
I hunt with a buddy who's dad enlisted USFWS and California Waterfowl Association to help improve and develop some pasture into marshland. They were owners, however, but I believe the agreement was a 25 year non-development clause? May be worth researching.....or talk your Aunt into it now?
Being from California inside the "Condor Range," I've been using non lead bullets for over 10 years. I've had nothing but good luck with them on deer, pigs, and antelope. This year was my first elk with non lead.
230 yard frontal (and slightly downhill) shot on a cow elk
180 Gr. TTSX out of a...
Worked:
1. Outdoorsmans Optics Pack. This was my first full season with it. I used it to haul out 4 different animals and on two backcountry trips. It's just the right size for up to 7 days or so.
2. Sea to Summit pillow. Love that thing.
3. Thermorest glassing pad. I'll never not have it...
I have a few mid range scopes (Leupold) and a few lower end like the entry level Vortex. I've had very few issues with any of these scopes. They are on everything from a 243 to a 375, and a handful in between.
I had a Bushnell that was 30+ years old that eventually lost part of the reticle...
I should add that this is my most recent evolution. I've used harnesses from Sitka and Kuiu previously. I like the Kuiu, but my wind checker was constantly falling out, plus I had to keep my range finder in a separate pouch. This one is well worth the money....
This was my first full year with this harness. I can't say enough good things about it. Love the rangefinder pouch. Both bino and rangefinder's have lanyards. I put my phone in the open topped back pouch. The side zippered pouches have diaphragm calls, a havalon, extra bullets and a wind...
We killed a mature Roosevelt this year in Northern CA. Our best guess for a rear quarter was about a hundred pounds. Looks like we were probably pretty close.
Well, I took all of these pieces of advice and we managed to put together a pretty darn good hunt. First off, the people we encountered were among the nicest people I've ever met. I can't say enough things about the folks at Powder River Taxidermy.
We had mild weather for our whole trip, saw...
I know we are early, but other commitments with family and work left only this window. Depending on how the weeks fall, we see a bit of the blacktail rut on certain years, and yes....a WHOLE different ball game. I'm hoping we will still be able to find some decent bucks. I'm usually a meat...