Back again from the mountain. I'm having some really nice hikes, but the elk hunting has sucked. First, it was hot, but I was seeing some elk and even got a couple of 'just one more step' opportunities where they didn't take that last step. Then, the moo cows took over the country and no elk or fresh elk sign was seen.
This should be the big rut, but I haven't heard a bugle since the first week of September, and I am watching several wallows that have not been touched as yet.  Then, the cowboys moved in a couple of days ago and got rid of the cows, but had a great time being cowboys and running their horses around the woods to the point that if elk had been there, they would have left. So, I will head back in a couple of days and there should be; No moo cows; no cowboys; the weather is supposed to get cool and wet; and I have yet to see another hunter. So, hope still springs eternal for this elk hunter.
Maybe the definition of insanity being continuing to do the same thing and expecting a different result may apply to me at this point, but you can't catch a fish if your line ain't in the water, so, as in the Mark Baker song goes, "I'll keep on trying" til the end of the season; then the whitetails and turkeys had better look out.

Good luck-Hap

Pat, I was wondering why you didn't move. Go to the animals, find them...

But you already know all that ..

Good luck with the rest of the season. And you're winning no matter the outcome..

Keep after them Pat ...  wish I was out chasing them there with you.......

The important part is in your title "so far". That means that there is another chance in the future. It also means that in the trips that have happened " so far" you had fun, learned more than you knew before and became a beerer hunter.
So its win-win. ... your having fun, learning more, and get to do it again tomorrow.
Good luck next time out and have fun.  I'll be waiting to hear the story.

Kip, you are right. Lots of folks would (and do) pay a lot of money for what I get to do a half hour from my house. I am fortunate to live where I do, and I don't ever forget that.

Pat B, yes I could move, but the area I hunt has limited public land, and I would rather be alone than having to compete with other hunters, even if that means that the elk may be spotty. I'm one of those guys who won't fish a stream if I see another fisherman, and my elk hunting is similar. They'll be back, I just hope they make it before Oct 1st.

Happy hunting!

Besides, who wouldn't want to hunt in country like this....

I wouldn't leave that beautiful country either !

Every place a fella chooses to live has some redeeming features..  But you sure don't have to look very hard to find them in your area !!

Elk are winning here too!
Good luck all!

Same here. Too hot. Did cut some sign yesterday though.....

Sounds like things are moving in your favor Centaur!

Keep after 'em!

Shoot straight, Shinken

 

Wishing you some elk luck. Ill be hunting "MY" mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks for some elk training. Its been a loooooong off season.

Stay at it Pat, I'll check back.

Great attitude!!

Enjoy your time and scenery while getting after them.

Hunt hard, hunt smart...sic'em!!!

God bless,Mudd

The best part about Elk hunting is your in Elk country...!  Stay after them and enjoy...

You are out there chasing elk in a place like that. .  You already won.  The rest is gravy.

ChuckC

Good Luck.  That happened to us awhile back with Sheep.  Ruined the hunt.

For me, the Elk won this season.
Joe
PS  I did loose 9lbs trying though

Moo Cow meat tastes good too  :rolleyes:  LOL.

Elk can show up over night. Looking forward to more of your adventures. Good Luck!