Ok guys where are they at. Somebody has to have one somewhere. Hows was the hunting going? Cmon, I need some info to calm me down. 8 days and counting till I'm there.
Mike
Here at 8000-9000' in the San Juan NF, opening day was close to 90 and most elk still up much higher where it's cooler. I hunted hard dark to dark, both sneak hunting through excellent thick cover, and the evening over a reliable waterhole hide, and saw zero elk plus very little fresh sign. Nor is this so unusual. It's usually mid-Sept. before it gets really good and the boys start whistling. Athough many hunters prefer the earlier part of the season, before black powder brings out the pop-guns and ATVs and really let's 'em know they're being hunted, I prefer the last two weeks. It should just be getting started when you arrive. Last night it rained all night and same today, so I slept in. If the elk were many and talking, I'd be out there, but it ain't happening yet. Friends camped higher probably got some snow last night and may again tonight. Not to worry -- they are out there, waiting ...
My brother is hunting Colorado this year and will be somewhere up in unit 55 but I don't expect to hear from him till he returns after the season. I'm hoping to join him next year, as this will be the first time we haven't hunted together in -/+ 20 years.
I only got out for an afternoon hunt. At my house at 8000' in the eastern San Juans it was not too hot for this time of year--high of about 70F yesterday. I hunted at about 11,000'. It was cool and rainy most of the afternoon. Where I found many bulls last year, I only found a little fresh sign and no fresh rubs. Today I had another afternoon hunt planned, but it has been raining solid all day. We've had almost 1.25 inches in 24 hours--high at 8000' was about 55F. I bagged it for today. Maybe next week will be better.
Mike
Saw 6 bulls 2 ok ones and 1 nice 6 good start for the up coming month!
Thanks for the update guys. Good luck.
7-days and counting
Played with a herd of about 40 with an average 5 point acting as the present herd bull.
Bulls seem to be currently bugling if they have cows and you are within their personal space of about 300yrds. or less...otherwise they seem to be sneaking in without bugling.
No kill yet...looking for bigger bulls.
Ray ;)
Thanks. Keep the updates coming fellows. Thais rookie needs all the help he can get. Can you say 6-days until my 1st elk hunt. :bigsmyl:
I missed a deer a doe near Deckers. College has kept me from practicing and I missed at 25 yards broadside. It was pretty pathetic but I guess that is what I get for partying instead of practicing.