Colorado Elk, 2022

[Magicman]

OK, it's 5 months away but Marty has drawn a Bull Elk tag for a 9 day hunt beginning Oct. 29th.   This will be our first trip since 2018.


 
The plan is for Marty's two Sons to make the trip with us this year.  Ben and Luke will alternate days with one accompanying Marty and the other staying at camp with me.  We will walk about a half mile to an overlook and spend the day glassing.

I will have to dust my bicycle off and start strengthening my legs.  I do not anticipate having any trouble with the total knee replacement that I had done November, 2020.  I am excited. 

[B.C.C. Lapp]

Good luck Magicman. Good hunting.

[WV Sawmiller]

   Sounds great. Since I can't get Luke to come off-bear for me you guys might as well enjoy some quality family time together. Good luck but mostly have a great time.

[beenthere]

That's great news. Looking forward to your trip.

[barbender]

It sounds like a great time!

[petefrom bearswamp]

Im envious Lynn
Some of the best quality time spent with my son is the Elk/Mule Deer trips we took together to both Colorado and Wyoming.
To spend it with 3 generations is priceless.
I could probably still do a half mile walk, but probably wont go again.
Last trip was when I was a young pup of 75.

[snobdds]

Where are you hunting at?

I see October 29, and by then...Wyoming has too much snow for good elk hunting.  Some years it's ok, but more often than not it's hard to hunt in the forests.  So it must be middle to southern Colorado. 

Good luck.  I have my tags in for the area around my cabin.  It's not a very good elk area and more of a moose and deer area.  But I pay for the privlege just to go walk around the forest for a few days.  I never get one but it's worth it. 

[Magicman]

Almost dead center of Colorado and East of the Divide.  Yes, the 29th is late because they added a week between the 1st and 2nd seasons.  It will absolutely be different.  :

[snobdds]

The weather should be more favorable that time of year for that part of the state.  Just watch the forecasts...

I have been in a few major snowstorms while elk hunting.  The first was in the early 90's when a storm came in that dropped 25 inches.   The storm kind of snuck up on people and left a lot of people in a bind.  There were guys with big campers that could not get them out.  The Forrest Service brought in a dozer later to try and get some out, but many had to leave their camper up there over the winter which destroyed them. Luckily we use Canvas wall tents and were able to get out a few days later. 

The last time was just a few years ago.  It was a little better forecasted and this time we had sheriffs and Forest ranges come by our camp and basically said get out as were not coming in to rescue you.  I spent two days setting up and breaking camp, which was more time than I was able to hunt that year. 

[Magicman]

In 1993 Marty and I tent camped on Grand Mesa, CO, and made the 2 mile trek before daylight.  We very quickly got on some Elk but it started to snow.  It got worse and we decided to head back to camp.  We quickly found out that you can not walk (very far) in knee deep powder snow.  Long story short, that morning was the extent of our hunting.

[barbender]

The area I hunt in the Bighorns gets better for cow elk hunting later in the season, because most hunting pressure is off. I'd be all for going early November, except for those pesky mountain blizzards😬

[Nebraska]

Congratulations, I got my "you failed notice from Colorado a couple  days ago. I think I have 24 points now... Turns out I need to be in NYC during the season I was trying to draw.... Somebody was looking out for me. 

[snobdds]

The area I hunt in the Bighorns gets better for cow elk hunting later in the season, because most hunting pressure is off. I'd be all for going early November, except for those pesky mountain blizzards😬

They start to herd up and slow down to preserve fat reserves for the winter around then. 
The area I hunt starts October 1st and that time in the forest is wild.  Bulls bugling and cruising the forest looking for a mate.  Things are just more active and harder to hunt, but it's my favorite time of year in the mountains. Cool mornings and warm afternoons...perfect. 

[SawyerTed]

Looking forward to seeing your photos of the trip.  Good luck on the elk!

[Magicman]

I hate to admit it but sometimes I need a motive to stay motivated.


 
So today I got the Schwinn out that has not been ridden since 2018, and gave it a well needed washing and aired the tires.  It's not some kind of trail or racing bike but just an ordinary 7 speed.  After it cools off a bit this evening, I'll take it for a half mile ride and gradually build up from there.

I now have a motive.   ;D 

[WV Sawmiller]

Lynn,

   While you are at it you could hook a trailer and deliver firewood or go ahead and get a paper route and moonlight some to off-set your trip expenses while you get in shape for it. ;)

[Magicman]

Not a chance on either. 

I made a half mile this evening, could have gone further but I said gradually and gradually is how it will be.  I'll add a few hundred yards each day and keep it fun.  

[Magicman]

I added another hill today and plan to increase my distance to a mile tomorrow and from there I will add more distance each day. I'll be regularly hitting 8-10 miles by the end of October, but not so much during the end of July & August because it will be HOT!! I am enjoying the thought of getting these 78 year old bones back into shape.

That plus I need to dull a few sawblades.  :

[WV Sawmiller]

   I'm sorry I am not closer. If I were I could offer to trade your fancy ride along seat mill for my walk beside model for a few months. Maybe there are other members closer you can help in this fashion. :D Anything for a buddy - right? ;)

[barbender]

 Howard, you're just always looking out for the other guy!😁

 Snobdds, I prefer October too. The last time we went hunting, my daughter drew a cow elk tag and we were confident of success in the early cow season. Our confidence was very unfounded- we found that the early season has so many hunters on the mountain (more than there were for the bull season we hunted the prior fall) driving everywhere on ATV's and side by sides that the elk were back way off of the roads. That's not a problem and I'm not afraid to work for them, but when the temp is hitting 60°-70° I can't see how you are getting an elk out and cooled down from 3 miles in- especially on foot like we were. So the reason the locals say to come in the late season, is that the bulk of the hunting groups have left, the elk are unmolested and you can find them where you don't need horses to get them out. The locals will all tell you- ATV's have ruined the hunting in that area. 
 

[SwampDonkey]

Great! Have to take every opportunity for a good time outdoors with the family. Always looked forward to hunting grouse and trout/salmon fishing with grandpa. You must have lots of tales and wisdom saved up. ;)

[Jeff]

If there is no room in the trunk, I'd be fine strapped to the roof or sitting in a big cooler.

[Magicman]

How 'bout in a rocking chair with Granny Clampett?? 

I can tell you now that if you rock across Texas, that's a lotta Rockin'.  I have watched the sun rise and set on me in Texas many times.  :

[Jeff]

I'll even let ya call me Jethro, or Bodeen. That was actually one of my nicknames in another life.

[Texas Ranger]

Kinda gives "don't let the sun set on ya" a new meeting, doesn't it?

[Magicman]

We are still two months away but time has a way of slipping away.  The deer food plots have to be sprayed and then bushhogged/subsoiled/disc/planted before mid-October.

It has been too unbearably hot to even think about much exercise.  I thought that I was having some hip problems but I found out Tuesday that it's a pinched nerve in my back. No cartilage between L3 & L4. I am taking an anti-inflammatory pill and will begin physical therapy 2-3 times per week beginning next week. He did not say so, but I'm also adding some heating pad time.

[Jeff]

Backaches suck.

[SwampDonkey]

Go easy, maybe stick to short walks for exercise. When elk season starts all pain goes away don't it? ;D

[terry f]

 

 

 Magician, since you've probably been spike hunting, I thought you might appreciate this spike that was just sent to my phone 😊 I can't believe he has any cows with him though 

[Magicman]

That's an odd character with probably a genetic defect.  He could still be the most mature bull in the area.  He still has plenty to show off.

We are only a bit over 6 weeks before liftoff.  

[terry f]

 

 

 Magician, I'm not big on spike hunting (I'd rather they did no spikes, and more branch tags) but that guy should be removed. He came through last week and has already gathered up 5 or 6 cows, but this is the first I've ever seen of him. These are my normal spikes. Looks like I posted one pic twice

Admin note:  Double pic removed.

[Walnut Beast]

Awesome! 

[Magicman]

You can click on "modify" in the top right of the reply and remove/delete the duplicate picture.

I have never had an opportunity to eat elk cow, but a spike was absolutely the best meat that I have ever eaten.

[barbender]

A spike that isn't in the rut should be mighty tasty. I passed a spike on my elk hunt (as well as numerous cows) as I was in a hard to draw area and was holding out for the big guy. I never got the big guy🤷‍♂️😂

[terry f]

Without a doubt, spike is the best eating, just less of it😊. Barbender, no shame in holding out, especially in a hard to draw area, a big bull is special 

[petefrom bearswamp]

Only have killed 4 elk in 8 trips all but one unguided.
2 Bulls and 2 cows.
One was an older cow and you could hardly chew the gravy.
Rest were ok, but my preference is still our Whitetail.
As I have said before, I envy you and Marty your Elk trips together and now 2 grandsons couldnt be any better.
Success in hunting is of course a plus, but I still cherish the trips Mark and I took together success or no.

[Magicman]

As I have said before, I envy you and Marty your Elk trips together and now 2 grandsons couldnt be any better.

Thank You my Friend.  Yes, this should be the most envious trip that we have ever taken.

[Ron Scott]

Great pictures!

[Magicman]

The clock is ticking and we are only one week away from leaving.  We haven't been since 2018, so lots of stuff to sort through and pack up.  Just trying to remember what not to forget.  ;D

Ben and Luke have never been so it's amusing to see the excitement and anticipation. 

[Old Greenhorn]

Lynn, I envy you for this. To be able to share the experience with your son is one thing, but to do it again with Grandson's is something few get to do. Savor every second. That 'anticipation thing' can be some of the best stuff.
 My Pop and I never hunted together in my youth. I was in my 20's by the time we ventured out. We hunted private land and fixed up an old shack for the landowner and he let us hunt there whenever we wanted because of that and we stayed in that shack. It had a woodstove and we added a 3 burner cook stove, table, and chairs. It was all we needed. It was long before 'internet' was even a word. I always brought a little transistor weather radio which also got AM and FM. So after dinner, we would listen to the weather and make the next days hunt plan. Then I would tool around a bit looking for something else to listen to besides music my Pop didn't like. I found a little local radio station that was replaying the old radio shows like the Green Hornet and Dick Tracey and others at 7:30 every night. We had so much fun listening to those shows that we planned our hunt days to make sure we could catch that nights show. A silly thing that turned out to be a lot of fun for us in the pitch dark in the middle of the woods with nothing better to do than go to bed at 8:30.
 I never imagined, during those days that I would move here and that would become one of my local stations and today I know some folks that work there. They don't play those shows anymore, but it was fun while it lasted.
 Leave the WIFI crap at home, find a local radio station for background if you need to, and enjoy your family. These are the good old days. Not many can claim that, you should and I am sure you will. This is a special trip, savor every moment.

[Magicman]

My Dad had a full measure just trying to scratch out a living so I never went hunting, fishing, or anywhere with him.  

I can absolutely assure you that I am looking forward to and already enjoying this trip.  

"South Park" where we will camp is 9,953'.  The forecast for our first morning is 17°. 

[Magicman]

We are in the packing/getting ready mode and last evening/night was grocery buying time.  It's amusing watching Ben & Luke, they are pumped.    Marty is trying to squeeze in every work day that he can before we leave because when you are self employed there is no paid vacation time.  Our "leave" day got pushed from Wednesday to Thursday which will put us there Friday afternoon.  Marty is the only person with a license and the season opens Saturday.

This trip is about much more than the hunt.  Actually the hunt is secondary to the trip.  I am looking forward to enjoying something that few Grandads get to do.  

[barbender]

I'm excited for you guys! The bonus for Marty and the boys is, not only is Grandad making the trip, but he is an experienced elk hunter that knows his stuff👍 

[GAB]

Lynn:
I wish you the trip of a lifetime, with no incidences, other than a successful hunt to report.
Be careful and take it easy.
To quote someone else: Don't let your eyes write a check your body can't cash.
Take your time and have a great time.
GAB

[barbender]

Ah shoots, even if you have any incidents may they be the kind that you come out of fine and add to the memories of the hunt! 

[snobdds]

Good luck.  The weather has changed,  it will be chilly.  I closed up my cabin while it snowed this weekend.   

I could have got one opening morning in a deep canyon.  But, I didn't feel like killing my 71 year old dad.  

I also go just to spend time with my dad.  That's the best part. 

[Magicman]

Yup, I fully understand the "best part".  Marty and have been hunting together since he was ~5-6 years old.  We first hunted Wyoming when he was 17.  That year we hunted antelope in Bill and deer in Slater.

Looks like toward the end of next week we will be taking a "chill pill".  Yikes !!!

[Magicman]

It's time to roll and there is a lotta Texas between here and where we are going. 

[Texas Ranger]

Get some of those Texas grits on the way through.  8) 

[JD Guy]

Grits and Beef Brisket  8). I've never had brisket that wasn't great in Texas or smoked by someone from Texas!

I'm making myself hungry :D

Have a great hunt!!!

[btulloh]

No offense to the great state of Texas and the brisket down there BUT Risin' Smoke in South Hill, VA (a little hole in the wall place in a small town close the NC line) has the best brisket I've ever eaten - and by a long shot.  Dry rubbed and smoked to perfection, falls apart by itself. Not swimming in sauce, unless you add some. (why do that?).  

Of course they do excellent job on the pork butts too.  And well known for the pies they make.  Take one of those home with you too!

[Texas Ranger]

Salt Lick BBQ - We ship our Texas Barbecue from our Pit to Your Door!

[JD Guy]

Salt Lick BBQ - We ship our Texas Barbecue from our Pit to Your Door!

If I'm not mistaken, I have eaten at one of their locations years ago. Lipsmaken good 😁

[JD Guy]

No offense to the great state of Texas and the brisket down there BUT Risin' Smoke in South Hill, VA (a little hole in the wall place in a small town close the NC line) has the best brisket I've ever eaten - and by a long shot.  Dry rubbed and smoked to perfection, falls apart by itself. Not swimming in sauce, unless you add some. (why do that?).  

Of course they do excellent job on the pork butts too.  And well known for the pies they make.  Take one of those home with you too!

Would love to visit them! I must admit that one of my sons and I can smoke Boston Butts pretty *DanG good 😊 (at least those that eat it seem to like it).
Son can do a pretty fair brisket too, I don't seem to be able to stay with a brisket as long as it takes though...not quite patient enough 🤠

[Magicman]

Marty's work was calling him (self employed construction company) so we had to cut the trip short with still 4 days of season left.  There was snow coming and we missed that too. 

Both Ben & Luke hunted with Marty each day and they saw over 100 Elk, 50 the first morning.  They saw probably 20 legal bulls and a some less than 100 yards.  One "300" class bull completely circled with cows but nothing ever worked out for a shot.  Uncertainty is always a certainty regarding the kill but that did not kill the hunt.   ;D

The trip was a success watching and experiencing Ben & Luke's excitement each day as they described that day's activities.  

Our meals included spaghetti & meat sauce, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, roast beef/gravy, Alfredo shrimp, prime rib, various cooked veggies, and peaches/pears so we did OK with food.  

We are already planning next years hunt.   

[AlpineCutter]

Hey Magic Man, it was great seeing you and Marty out here and meeting Ben and Luke. Hope you guys enjoyed the trip and the hunt. Sorry you had to head back early.

[SwampDonkey]

  Glad you had a great time with the family and were successful on your hunt.

[Southside]

Saw a few racks in the back of pickups today on 70 and they all had snow remains still on them heading east in Kansas. 

[WV Sawmiller]

Lynn,

   Glad you guys had a successful hunt. Sorry you did not get an elk. Maybe next year.

[Magicman]

Yes, it was nice meeting up with AlpineCutter and sharing some time together. 

I don't know how the snowstorm affected the area where we were, but I am sure it got dumped on. 


 This was our first good view of the Rockies as we headed West.


 We are setting our camp up.


 
Marty sent me this On-X screenshot when they were on the tip top of an 11,000' mountain.

Packing and then unpacking is always a chore.  We unloaded and sorted out most of the clothes, gear, etc. today.  Gotta remember to take the batteries out and then pack everything in mouse proof containers.  Yup, been there with both of the above items. 

[SwampDonkey]

A lot like the scenery around Calgary. That flat land prairie, then rolling foot hills with the beginnings of a forest, and boom, big tall mountains behind.  Look at the snow up there.

Been unusually mild for November up here. Usually the woods roads turn to slime by now with freeze and thaw cycles every day. :D Still dry and hard as cement here on the dirt roads.

[petefrom bearswamp]

Glad a good time was had by all of you.
Quality time with son and grandsons is priceless.
I never saw those numbers of elk on any of my hunts except on the National Elk Refuge outside Jackson WY in 2010 when I saw literally thousands but most the size of ants in the far distance
Was lucky enough to shoot a cow on the last day of that hunt.
Makes me want to go again if Im not chair bound by the time I draw.
How difficult is the draw these days?

[Magicman]

It had taken Marty 9 years to draw his license.  Now he starts back over again....again.  I have 5 years toward another first choice license.

We will be looking toward other options next year.  Second season OTC license in other hunt units are always available.

[SwampDonkey]

When I went through Jasper, Alberta in 1997 there were big horn and elk all over the mowed lawn in the village. Like a heard of cattle. It was April and no snow at all.

[firefighter ontheside]

Looked like a great trip Lynn.  I'm not a hunter, but I would love to go on an elk hunt just to get to spend some time in the mountains like that.

[snobdds]

Colorado has the weirdest system for drawing tags.  I never understood how you had to wait years before enough "points" were built up to get lucky. 

The area where my cabin is a draw only option.  I have probably drew it 9 of the last 10 years.  I basically expect to draw each year.  

Glad you had a good hunt.  

I remember the pack and unpack parts well.  Sometimes it seems there is more prep and clean than actual hunting time. But that too is sometimes fun. 

[barbender]

As I wrote before, the area I hunt in Wyoming, as a non-resident, took 9 points to draw last year. I think 8 points may have given you a 30% chance, and 7 points gave you zero chance of drawing, on the preference side. Wyoming allots 75% of the non-resident tags to the preference point drawing, and 25% to a random drawing. So you do always have a chance to draw, even without any points. But it is very low.

 I will probably be 50 years old the next time I draw a bull tag for that area. I hope I still have what it takes to get a bull out there. It is either wide open with people everywhere, or horse country. And I don't have horses😊 

[Magicman]

I remember the pack and unpack parts well. Sometimes it seems there is more prep and clean than actual hunting time. But that too is sometimes fun.

That is the full speed mode that I have been in this morning.  All camping/hunting gear has been removed from the truck and 5th wheel and is in the cargo trailer and will be hauled back to the Cabin and properly stored later.

The sawmilling tools, etc. are now loaded onto the truck and it is ready to go.  I piggybacked the sawmill battery in the 5th wheel so I will move it back to the sawmill this afternoon.

I have 14 customers patiently waiting for me to get my sawing act back together.  I almost hate to make that first call. 

[petefrom bearswamp]

Now its back to treating your sawdust sickness.

[Magicman]

Yup, she fired up like she wants to make some sawdust.  I have not sawed since September 30th at the sand box.  Actually I am trying to follow through with my "slowing down" plans.  ;D

I'll make a few calls tonight and see who has an itch that needs scratching.  :

[doc henderson]

   WATCH OUT Ms. PAT!!!!   8) 8) 8)     

[Magicman]

I'm gonna try to get rid of some small stuff before I get hung up on a biggun.

One customer has a broken tractor in the shop so I moved on to the next two.  Looks like it will be ERC lumber Friday and then ERC "half log" steps on Saturday.