Hatchie Dawg
Well-known member
I've been planning and training for my first elk hunt, backpack hunt to CO, since this past August. I planned a 1st rifle hunt and researched a spot where I could access 3 likely drainages from a high vantage. I set aside two weeks for the endeavor allowing time for scouting and acclimatization to altitude. I felt good about my plan for an alpine hunt. I really felt confident, which I need to be.
Now I've had an unavoidable conflict arise and the only option for me will be 3rd rifle. I've compiled the kill statistics for the OTC units going back 5 seasons and have the top five for hunter success. My original unit actually is one of the top five OTC units for 3rd rifle but I'm not sure I will be able to hunt my original plan as I was going to be over 3 miles from the nearest road, and quite high, starting around the tree line and working down.
At this point I am a bit discouraged and a bit intimidated by the later start. Facing the potential weather and having the feeling the place will already be shot up are two of the thoughts I'm dealing with. I will now only have two scouting days at the most and maybe one day to lay around for altitude. I guess I'm scrambling around a bit now as to forming a new plan. Any general third season advice and strategies would be appreciated.
Now I've had an unavoidable conflict arise and the only option for me will be 3rd rifle. I've compiled the kill statistics for the OTC units going back 5 seasons and have the top five for hunter success. My original unit actually is one of the top five OTC units for 3rd rifle but I'm not sure I will be able to hunt my original plan as I was going to be over 3 miles from the nearest road, and quite high, starting around the tree line and working down.
At this point I am a bit discouraged and a bit intimidated by the later start. Facing the potential weather and having the feeling the place will already be shot up are two of the thoughts I'm dealing with. I will now only have two scouting days at the most and maybe one day to lay around for altitude. I guess I'm scrambling around a bit now as to forming a new plan. Any general third season advice and strategies would be appreciated.