The Dog That Caught the Car - AKA Lazy Arizona Elk Hunt

[sethkuhl]

I recognize that bridge well.

Best of luck on your solidly mediocre, yet liberating, hunt.

And PS… try some gold bond medicated powder -NOT the spray. You are welcome

Has been known to be a million massaging fairies when used correctly but overuse leads to a million burning devils!
I also am in the blue camp.

 

[Bullshot]

46-47 hours from my door to AZ. 5-6 hrs of accumulated sleep, 4 brisket sandwhiches, lots of coffee, one exploded mountain dew in my lap.


59 F @ 7 am. Gorgeous day.

 

[noharleyyet]

 

[TOGIE]

Just a slightly out of shape east-coaster with a somewhat coveted tag who has temporarily lost the pep in his step for solo DIY western elk hunting

if you're missing that pep in your step and need a little more zip in your skip, all you need is a dip in your lip!!

 

[Exhausted]

46-47 hours from my door to AZ. 5-6 hrs of accumulated sleep, 4 brisket sandwhiches, lots of coffee, one exploded mountain dew in my lap.
View attachment 416781

59 F @ 7 am. Gorgeous day.

Best of luck and be careful. Driving while tired can be super dangerous. An extra day of travel is better than a tragedy.

 

[rmyoung1]

Best of luck and be careful. Driving while tired can super dangerous. An extra day of travel is better than a tragedy.

Appropriate handle for the advice offered.

 

[Bullshot]

I found a marginal truck camp spot for the evening, too rocky so no tent, just laying in back.

Practiced the bow, still OK.

Scouting now, 5pm, hot. It is pin drop quiet everywhere, all I hear are my ears ringing. I have found some elk sign on FR roads already. Saw one muley doe. Tanks I've seen so far are mostly dry.

As I post pictures, I'll do my best, and a lot of units have similar habitats, but I'm sure some locals will recognize something, if so please keep it under your hat!

 

[Bullshot]

So it begins. Sort of.

Lest I be called a fraud having invented this tale of indifference, I have the bona fides and the proof. How many of you would sleep in on opening morning of AZ elk? You have to have real commitment to the cause of not caring to pull that off. I own this!

A little back-fill... Following my evening post, I did hear a couple of bugles down in a canyon, and then again a single bugle back at camp. The bugle at camp was answered by a supremely pissed off moo cow or bull that then brayed in return before circling my camp in the dark, breaking every branch and limb it could, and all the while making all of the most ominous huffing and snorting a 3/4 ton lb bovine could muster. If I didn't KNOW what it was, it could have been unsettling. Even knowing, it was a question mark about what this thing's intentions were. Finally it left me alone.

My dinner was appropriatly half assed. Cold Manhattan clam chowder from the can, a tin of kippers, and some cheese crackers. Then into bed. I woke to bright daylight. It was perfect since I was stressed out about the idea I might have to kill and pack an elk straight off. Well I fixed that problem.

Currently on a shake-out hike just to try to find my lost predatory instincts, strengthen the ankles and get used to the pack. One rabbit seen. One little fence lizard (or similar species) caught to look at for fun. One native flint knapping spot found. It is gorgeous here. Every square foot. As an occassional professional botanist, it is heavenly. Wildflowers everywhere. Interesting shrubs I don't know. It is reason alone to make this trip and a hell of lot easier than elk hunting!

 

[Bluffgruff]

Most of my successful hunts start out with, "I woke up late," so you better watch out.