Basically no signal at camp. Text messages can usually get through back and forth, and occasionally phone will ring, but not worth trying to speak. ...just a short trip up the road to get some elevation and signal good enough for calls. I don't believe I ever saw my phone read 4G, but do believe 3G at times...Most north facing slopes have signal since facing Vail. Pretty much deadzones when on south facing slopes. That is just my phone (US Cellular) and buddy has AT&T.
Another tip - if using your phone for GPS or navigation, turn to airplane mode - battery will last 3-4 times as long, can always switch back on periodically to check for texts. and if using for aerial or topo, try to research how to save areas around camp to phone, as signal not strong enough to update maps on the go...
Matt in your (4) years of doing this and sharing camp with others, what do you think the odds are in getting a shot at any legal elk? Do you feel the success rate is really below 10%? In five full days of hunting how many days do you think you will see elk?
So probably stupid question. If I adjust my bow to compensate for my broadhead...how do I practice with my field tips?
If you broad head tune correctly, they will both be hitting in the same spot. as long as you arent using like a 75g field tip with a 125g broadhead.
Gotcha did not know. There is no free range, so I may either buy a target or go drive to an archery shop. My vanes are helical, is it simple as adjusting the sight or rest?
normally once you get your field points sighted in and you start bh tuning, you move your rest to adjust. theres a really good write up on the forum here about bh tuning. might want to give that a look over. and an archery pro should be able to help you as well.
OK...so many ways to answer this and SOOO many variables, but I'm answering this from my perspective - and noticing first hand that every hunter's odds are different based on their approach and ability. What did I think my odds of shot opportunity were the first time I drove out to hunt elk with zero experience...I thought they were 100% and I was right. I have hunted elk only 18 days (5 days each of first three seasons, and 3 days last year) Each of those 4 years I have had elk at 30 yards or less...and multiple others in that 40-70 yard window. 2010: Justin shot a bull I was 15 yards from - I was in total awe 2011: tough season but still had 2 under 30 yards, and 1 at 70yds. 2012: skipped an arrow off cows back at 27yds, I ranged a rock at 40 that was well past her (and I had cow fever) And I saw gobs of elk that year. 2013: day 2 had bull in range with no shot, day 3 shot my 6x6 at 37 yards. I feel my odds of getting a shot are 100%, has that been the same for others in my camp, No, but doubt they are expecting 100% odds either. Do I feel the archery success rate is really lower than 10%, Yes...Elk are damn hard to take with a bow, but I don't worry about those numbers, piles of guys travel out to hunt them each year and really don't put the effort into killing one, they are happy with camping in the mountains for a week - nothing wrong with that. Odds of seeing elk each day - again, all depends on the effort - I like to think 100%, but I've had my days of nothing. Too hard to quantify in my limited experience...once you start to understand elk and just how fast and far they range, you almost start to wonder how in the heck am I supposed to get close enough to arrow one But I know one thing, I can't get enough of it...wouldn't want it any other way. #1 tip - stay positive! If it's day 3 and you still haven't spotted an elk - you better be ready!
Thanks for posting this. It's very encouraging to a newb. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get in bow range of an elk. I am confident that I can make this happen!
Bz, do u come back ro camp everyday or do u stay out some nights? Also how far do u typically hike up the mountain? I know it's different for everyone but I am ready to put some miles on if I have to so I can get into some elk. I'm just trying to get some different opinions on how far in we need to go.
I have a couple more questions. Would it be wise to pack a tarp and a sleeping bag in just in case we have to stay out at night? And the other is for the people with mule deer tags, is it better to look for mule deer on the way to the elk or to take time and specifically hunt just them? I know guys have said they see them on the way up the mountain, I just want to utilize my time out there to the best of my ability. I'm sure I am over analyzing this but I like to be prepared.
Today has felt like a rainy November day! It's really getting me excited for cooler weather! Wasn't fun getting soaked at work though.
Service is spotty. I don't understand the whole 3G 4G thing. but doubtful its available. It is wise to pack a tarp for many reasons and they can be used for a quick shelter if needed. Mule deer are usually lower than elk we often saw them on our drive up the moutains but you never know lots of guys see them while elk hunting. Its hard to explain but after yo uare there a day or two you will get a better idea of what works for you.
If you have 3g you should have cell. Your g# shouldn't stop you if it's 3 or higher. It'll just take longer. If you can take get service though, then we'll you won't have any g. Don't know what you do Christine but 3g should be doable for uploading documents and browsing along with voice calling. It wasn't too long ago that we were on 3g. At least that's the way I understand it.
So 2 weeks out 99% certainty I can go as I got verbal confirmation just waiting on paperwork. If I somehow get an elk the first day, can I somehow get some other tag for something else to hunt for the next 7 days? Anything else that is otc?
I have always come back to camp each night, and really enjoy that time with others. But, this year I will have gear to stay out now if needed...but won't pack it around daily unless I feel the need to get deeper one day. Many mountains you can drive right to the top...so it's more of a question of how far/deep do you want to go each day. Remember, however far you go, you're only 1/2 way...still have to head back same mileage. I'd guess many days I'm 2.5-3 miles from the car, not as far as many would think...and little over 4 is probably farthest I've been. Once you pack an elk over 3 miles, you realize you need to be careful to not get into spots that others will not be able to assist you with - you will need help getting an elk out. And then last year I go out for an evening hunt and shoot one 0.5 miles from road Lightweight tarp good to have for security, but I wouldn't pack a sleeping bag unless there's good chance I'm using it. I've always just had a disposable poncho and emergency foil blanket (combined about size of wallet) in my pack for emergency cover if I'd get lost or wounded and unable to get back before dark...and means to start a fire. I've only had elk tag, and I've seemed to have decent number of opportunities on mule deer by just hunting elk. Personally, I'd go out with mindset of hunting/searching for one of them...and if other happens then great, but need to have some focus on what you are scanning for...for me, if I went out just looking for either, not sure I'd have much luck. I've also had enough mule deer along road that I'd be popping one of them and saving a pack job
A small game tag. You could shoot grouse and such. You will get a fishing tag also. But I doubt you tag out the first day
