Hi, I'm a 40 year old father of 2 from TN. Always hunted whitetail locally, never traveled out of state to hunt. Always thought that elk hunting was out of reach financially till I found out about DIY with OTC tags on public land. Being from TN we have a very small amount of public hunting land so I've never really considered it. In decent shape, former military and combat infantry vet. Spend 10-16 nights a year outside backpacking and camping now.
I'm looking to hunt CO in the 2nd rifle season for at least the next 3-4 years for elk and mule deer. This year will be my first year out west, and if I have to go by myself I will. But I'd rather be with a buddy who shares similar interests and to help each other pack meat out.
Specifically looking at OTC hunts in CO. Considering applying for draw hunts in the future but I think it's best to just get out West first and see what it's all about.
I'm interested in getting back to where the animals are at, so I'm looking at backpacking into remote areas and setting up a small spike camp. Also willing to backpack hunt everyday if needed. Primarily a rifle hunter but I'm good with a compound bow, just too warm here in TN for me during our bow season.
Please let me know if you've got similar interests/hunting style. I've got equipment for hunting out of a drop camp, and I'm not opposed to that, just more interested in getting to where the elk are than being comfortable at night.
I'm looking to hunt CO in the 2nd rifle season for at least the next 3-4 years for elk and mule deer. This year will be my first year out west, and if I have to go by myself I will. But I'd rather be with a buddy who shares similar interests and to help each other pack meat out.
Specifically looking at OTC hunts in CO. Considering applying for draw hunts in the future but I think it's best to just get out West first and see what it's all about.
I'm interested in getting back to where the animals are at, so I'm looking at backpacking into remote areas and setting up a small spike camp. Also willing to backpack hunt everyday if needed. Primarily a rifle hunter but I'm good with a compound bow, just too warm here in TN for me during our bow season.
Please let me know if you've got similar interests/hunting style. I've got equipment for hunting out of a drop camp, and I'm not opposed to that, just more interested in getting to where the elk are than being comfortable at night.