Ever since I read my first elk hunting story I have wanted to hunt them. I'm talking obsessed with the idea. I haven't been able to make it happen and unless I get lucky enough to get selected one year for Kentucky's elk draw it never will.

Saturday while hunting the season opener I was thinking about how I needed to focus on things differently. I have groundhogs, coyotes, whitetails, bowfishing and a short drive away the Big South Fork where I could hunt hogs. My passion for a chance to hunt elk had me forgetting to enjoy all that I do have available.

I don't think I will ever get over wanting to hunt elk but I can at least enjoy what I do have access to that's for sure.

We all get that "grass is greener" mindset from time to time, and it's too easy to overlook the things we have close home.

Don't give up on your elk hunt, but don't fret in the mean time.  I like your attitude.

Thanks Mr Stout. I just want to go elk hunting so badly that it honestly soured my attitude for awhile.

 great philosophy!

Benha, Enjoy what you have but don't give up on that dream! I saved pocket change for several years and did every odd job I could find on the side to make my first elk hunt. A do it your self hunt in Colorado can be done for a decent price! Find a buddy to share the traveling expenses, save those nickels and dimes, skip your morning coffees or sodas at work and kick it into the jar and you can get there even if it takes a couple years!

You could check out the "trade a hunt" section on here.  

Benha, I know how you feel. I mowed lawns in 1956 and got a subscription to Outdoor Life. There was an artical in one of the issues about elk hunting. I think it was by H. G. Tapply, and I've wanted to go ever since. Something always came up. I'll be retiring in the next year or so. Hopefully I'll go then. Good luck Hap

Hope I can get it done someday that's for sure.

Public land hunt in Colorado...not super expensive, lots of elk, and over-the-counter archery tags...don't give up the dream!  But that's great advice to not forget about what's right in front of you!  Hope you have an awesome season!!!!

Yeah if I get to Co that is how I'll do it. Thanks.

I'm there with ya' Benha. I want to go on an elk trip really bad. I think about it often, but I'm happy with the deer too. That's the way to look at it!  

I can't wait though, for the day I get to hear an elk bugle first thing in the morning while breathing in the cold mountain air.

-Charlie

I think we all have our "dream hunt" but in truth we should all be thankful on what we do get to hunt; in Arkansas, we have alot of hunting season {5 months with no breaks} and we have alot of deer and turkeys for sure; never loose the dream, it's what good campfires are made for good luck this season to all....