Headed west again !!

[Pappy]

Didn't think we would draw a tag this year because of the changes in CO. We knew if we didn't draw their was no over the counter tags so wasn't sure if we would go west our not. but as luck would have it and odds very much not in our favor Beau and I both drew elk tags in and area we haven't hunted but have a good friend that has hunted it the last 3 years and killed 2 Elk, he also got drawn so we plan on hunting together. It's been 3 years since we got to hunt with Griff and really looking forward to that. Now time to get in mountain shape and of course make a couple of bows for the trip. Probably be going the first 2 weeks of September maybe a week earlier depending on when the smoke pole season opens, don't want to be there for that.
 Pappy

[sleek]

Dang the stars really favored you didn't they! Take plenty of pics, cause we all wanna see em! Oh, and of the bows too

[WhistlingBadger]

Congratulations, Pappy!  I don't find out until June 2 whether I drew or not.  If not, I might take a year off from hunting elk.  The general area around here is really frustrating to hunt since they legalized crossbows.  I usually see about 10 hunters for every elk, and it just isn't that fun.  We'll see.

[Pat B]

Congratulations to you and Beau, Pappy. Maybe this will be your year. 

[Pappy]

Never know Pat it could be, need to have my year pretty quick, getting to old for this stuff. Won't be long I will be designated camp cook. 
 Pappy

[Pappy]

Been doing some hiking, up to 2 miles on the farm trails ,3/4 times a week, nothing like the mountains but still lots of hill to climb , packing 42 lb right now, gold is 4 1/2 to 5 miles with 50 to 60 lbs, might get there by September. 
 Pappy

[osage outlaw]

Good luck to you Pappy!

[Little John]

Congratulations on your successful draw Pappy, what area did you get? Are you training for a backpack hunt? Sounds like it. It gets harder for us old guys. How heavy of a bow are you planning to shoot, looks like about 50# might be all I can shoot well any more still hoping to get more accurate before hunting time. I have had shoulder problems and now tennis elbow. I am planning a wilderness hunt north of Durango, drew a cow tag and will also get the over the counter bear tag, I have had my camp raided twice, looks like I will be going solo. Will try to hunt the entire season or untill sucessful. Like you I am trying to get fit, it gets harder every year. Good luck to you Pappy hope you get the big one you deserve it for all you do for for our sport.

[Pappy]

 Thanks Little John, We drew area 25 around Yampa , I think some call it the Little flat tops, Yes plan on packing in about 3/4 miles, we usuall set up a nice base camp and then spike camp out of that but this year we plan on just spiking in, you are right it is getting harder every year to be ready, at 73 it takes me most of the spring and summer to be able to half way keep up with Beau, so far been able to manage but not sure how many more years i will be able to, so trying while I still can.We both have either sex tags so anything goes. Not sure if they have the add on Bear tag in that area but if they do we will get them also. Wished I could shoot heaver also but at this stage I just can't handle more than about 50 at my draw, I usually build a bow every years for the trip and this year the one in the works is 52@26, 550 grain arrow with 160 ace head, I think it will work if I do my part. It's almost finished. so now just need to shoot. Hope you have a good hunt also, check in now and then and let me know how it is going.
 Pappy

[Little John]

I am not familiar  with that area but do know it is good elk country. I don't  know why they limit the areas around me to either cow or bull, used to we could hunt pretty much the whole state foe either see and get an additional cow elk to boot, but our elk herds are nothing like they used to be. I am planning for a comfortable wall tent base camp with lightweight spike camp options.Am going to get up there this week to look around and do some trail work. Nice bow but you have always been a bow building machine so I would expect no less. With each passing year I feel blessed to be able to do it one more time.Good luck and enjoy.

[Little John]

And yes you can get the over the counter bear tags, I suppose either on line or at a license agent when you get here.

[Pappy]

That's good news, always buy one cause you never know but last year in Rawha wilderness they didn't offer an add on bear tag so was hoping they would in this area. 
 Pappy