Our elk camp. Tarps are to allow snow to slide off. We do not heat the sleeping tent so tarp the entire thing. Hope to become a Mooseoholic soon. If I do get draw for a tag, it will be a short lived addiction. Can only draw for one permit in a lifetime here in WA. Don't know that I will ever put out the $$ to hunt one out of state.
Andrew, at the moment its 50/50 whether I'm gonna be there this Fall. I've drawn my Mule Deer tag, but things aren't to good here, I'll explain more as time goes by, but for now its all up in the air. I'll keep ya'll posted. Nice camp JJD
Thanks Bails. I hope it all works out for you. Would love to meet you in person and stalk some big game with ya. I may have a couple of other hunter signing on. Talking about whether to drive or fly right now:-/
Unfortunately, while my body is ready for return trip (pretty much recovered and able to hunt after the broken neck, ruptured disc and surgical fusion) my personal life isn't in a good position where I can go this year. Issues with my job, changing jobs, new challenges in life put a damper on my opportunity to hunt elk this year, but I'm very anxious to roll into it next fall, as I'll have missed those mountain 3yrs. in a row now, I won't let next year be the 4th year in a row....
Bails, it will be touch and go for you. Your mum comes first matey! Neither the mountains, the deer/elk, nor I are going anywhere-God willing. Take care of your family and when it's right, then come. Doug, bummer! You call when you're ready also! Andrew, look forward to meeting you. This camp should be a hoot with and international flare. It's always fun to share adventures!
Alright... Andrews wife got to my wife and somehow now I'm going on this trip or my wife wont be happy with me. Damn hate when that happens. So I'm starting to look at gear and thoughts of what to buy for this trip. Can anyone give me an idea of what items are taken on a day hunt? I'm trying to figure out how much weight I will approximately be carrying and the size of pack I will need to do it comfortably.
Let's just hope that doesn't mean our wives will be getting together and going on a week long shopping spree while we're gone:-/ Great, good to hear your on board.
Gotta Say I was a little suprised to see this thread brought back to life...but it got me all fired up. Phoned Will to check in...and it sounds like he's on track for putting together one heck of an Elk camp again. Dave - hoping for the best for you and family...hang in there! Doug - you'll be back in the mountains before you know...keep pushin' Andrew - glad to here you have a group coming...looks good for me and a good friend (also Matt) who went last year with me to make back again this Sept. As I was checking this out - Waid text me and says him and the TX boys got their Mulie tags and will be in camp also...(stop in a say "hey" Waid) Now that it's officially summer - I have cool mountain air on the brain...stay in touch fellas. 3 1/2 Months to get in shape!
Thanks Matt, this thread really got me fired up and I made my decision to go this year because of it. I figured the thread would be a great of letting others know what is all about and see if anybody else is up to the challenge. Look forward to meeting you and thanks again for the story's and pics from 2010.
Andrew - I will share the same advice given to me by others on here when I committed to Elk Camp in 2010...BE WARNED - make sure you can get free every September as the Elk and Mountains have a VERY addicting quality... ...should be a great group - looking forward to meeting you!
As you may have guessed things aren't so great at home , My Mam was diagnosed with lung Cancer last Thursday, she's going for a MRI scan tomorrow and only when the results come back will we know the full extent of how things are and whether this trip is a go'er or a no'er. As Will said its touch and go, the Mountains, deer and the great folk I have the wonderful opportunity to meet and hunt with are "God Willing" gonna be there next time I get the chance. My Mam is a strong, selfless, caring and supportive person, who has always backed and supported me on my trips to Elk Camp, she also said I am not to cancel this trip and also give my Dad instructions to make sure I go. Unfortunately only the results of this Scan will decide on that, South Dakota is a definite no go no matter what the result, as I need to save the holidays for possible hospital trips. I will keep you all updated as and when I can, but for now I can only see what the future holds and only when My Mam is right, I'll see you all in the mountains. Stay safe and take care
Dave -- My thoughts and prayers go out to your mom, you, and your family. We'll share camp again one day even if it's not this year. This years trip is coming fast for me! I'm so far behind on everything I need to do to be prepared, it ain't funny. My mind is ready to leave in the morning but my body and my gear aren't even close, and my shooting ability is extremely under par.....I have no excuses. BUT, this week, that is going to change! I'm getting off my rump. I'm looking forward to this trip so bad I can already smell that clean mountain air and I'm starting to dream about the trip when I sleep. Already trying to plan out how and where I'm gonna get it done this year. I can't allow myself to make the same boneheaded mistakes as I did the last couple years. My advice for you first-timers is, be prepared to see an animal that you're willing to shoot the very moment you drop your guard. It will happen more times than you think. You already know to be in great physical shape and to have boots that are already broke-in. Be ready to have the time of your life even if you don't see and elk or deer. I look forward to seeing camp friends from before and making new friends. BTW, don't believe anything my TX buddies say about me, they're all liars! Oh and one more piece of advice. Watch out for those feathered heart attacks. They'll getcha every time! More to come... Waid TXMM
I hope you get some good news on your Mom Bails. Would love to break bread with you at put down some Elks but you've got your priority in order. If not this year then next. Prayers going out to your Mother and your family.
That's for all the advise and tips Waid, all appreciated and needed. I to am dreaming about this trip in my head but my body needs a lot more work. Look forward to meeting you in Sept.
Waid - I hear ya - I think about the Elk Mountains every day! You said it - best advice (and hardest thing to do that whole week) - is always be ready! I noticed if you pull up the camp on Google Earth the current imagery was taken the day we pulled out of camp last year...you can see Steve's (from Boulder) round tent and car...a day ealier and we would have both been in camp still. Get that bow zeroed in - and hiking legs in shape...Sept 15th...
It would certainly help! Although I generally wont shoot past 40 I routinely practice out too 70 yards. really helps on closer shots when you have a pissed off bull screaming in your face
