Around 50% less people than last year. Only ran in to 2 hunters in the woods in 14 days. Usually hiked 1-3 miles from roads. More empty campsites for sure.
I have 2 Davis tents, a 10x12 and a 14x16. Internal for both. It’s just so easy when you roll into camp at 2 am to use the internal. Sturdy in the wind as well.
I think I have found some old pathways like this. I've followed game trails that almost look like a Forest Service trail, only to be buried in a pile of beetle kill. Then the trail kinda splits up into a bunch of smaller trails going around the fallen timber.
A question for some of our seasoned elk hunters. What was it like before the beetle kill epidemic?
How much has the beetle kill changed the way you hunt, or has it?
I started elk hunting in the Rockies (archery and rifle) about 8 years ago, so all I've ever known is miles of dead and fallen...
No kidding....I have never seen it that crowded. The top of the pass was full parkings lots and cars on both sides of the roads for a solid 2 miles. Wasn't so bad further down the road but still busier than I have ever seen up there.
Thanks dude! It was a lot of research and a bit of luck. I've been very successful with elk in the area. Antelope are abundant and lots of public land. The mule deer ticket is a wild card because I have never hunted them before. I'm bringing a good camera and will do a trip report!
As long as no people or property are in danger, I have always felt forest fires are a good thing. The fact we keep putting the small fires out allows too much fuel to accumulate that they burn out of control.
I drew an elk, deer, and antelope tag in south east Wyoming. All 3 tags are in the same general area. My plan is hunt all 3 species out of the same camp, I've tactically chosen a campsite where this is possible. Will be hunting archery initially and switch over to rifle when legal, I've allotted...
I recently switched to the Coleman Dual Fuel stove. Runs on white gas or gasoline. For 6 bucks, you can buy an adapter that allows it to run on propane as well. Perfect emergency stove and versatile in the elk woods. I switched to white gas because when you are running a propane lantern and...
I always carry chains, a shovel, an air compressor (to deflate tires if necessary), 2 tow straps, and a come along. Can get you out of most spots. If the road looks questionable, walk it first. But to answer your question, some of the mud out there in the desert gets atrocious after rain or...
My biggest fear when hunting (I hunt a lot of deadfall areas) is falling and getting impaled by a stick. Sounds stupid but it gets sketchy in that beetle kill sometimes.