Realtree Colo Elk Hunt 08


silvertip_co

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Here in our area, the Elk seem to be coming down to lower elevations early this year. We have had alot of cold nights, 0-10 degrees, and I believe that the food is running out up high because of the frost and plants going dormant. Alot of the peaks in Crested Butte are only 11,000-12,000 and that's the normal summer range here. Hunting pressure will be the key factor, as it always is, but all things being equal I'm going to look for food sources at about 9,000 to 10,000 and I think I'll find Elk.

Worst case scenerio..............I'll just hit one with the truck on the way home and call it done.

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We've got a week, so I'm sure we can find them. A bit of snow would make it nice, I'm with you on that. 12" inches sounds like alot, however it is that "Colorado Snow"..........alot more like feathers that snow. As long as we can still get out of the tent in the morning we'll do fine.

BTW.............. anyone bringing a chainsaw??? or should I throw one in.

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Somewhere in between........."Boy this is pretty"...and...." I wish I had brought my Snowshoes" ... would be just fine.

This weekend should be gorgeous. Then it gets a little damp, nothing to serious............... just a foot or three.:eek:

This past winter was my first in Colorado and it shattered records everywhere. The first time you hear the weatherman calling for 2-4 and you realize he's talking FEET.............Welcome to the Rockies. 2-4 inches is nothing more than a heavy frost.

I sure like how those Elk stand out against a fresh snow :):).

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I was there Oct 30 to Nov 5. No luck thru then. Lotsa snow. They seen bulls from one mtn to next b ut hadnt snucked up on them yet as of Wed morn when I left out to hunt in u38. I fell off the truck bed unloading Big Red on Oct 31 and used my Mod 70 for a crutch all week. Lots of 'spot and no stalk' for me. I think Steve, Jim, and Kathleen were hunting thru Friday then leaving out Saturday or something. We should hear soon.

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Life is all about perspective............................

If one's goal was to harvest an elk, this trip would have been lackluster. There were a few sightings.........a few stalks.........no dead elk.

My perspective....................

This hunt was about heart.................... ALL ABOUT HEART................. The spirit and drive to rise above the elements. Rise at 4:00 am knowing full well that a 3 mile long 25 degree grade was waiting for you in the darkness..............get out of bed anyways.

Boots are wet........feet are cold.........tent is cold............clothes are soaked............get dressed anyways.

Not seeing any elk..........it's snowing heavily......... temps are dropping below zero................go hunting anyways.

The laughs...........the vistas............the meals.........and the friends made it all worth while. Maybe I'm just an optimist.............maybe I'm just a realist.

If you're the type of hunter who get's their satisfaction from harvesting...............you probably wouldn't enjoy this hunt. 15% success in Colorado makes it difficult.

But.............If you're the type of hunter who enjoys a challenge............... blisters...........cold wet gear.............freezing in your sleep...............muscle cramps.................dry heaving........................altitude headaches..............fatigue................... and near death experiences....................This was the hunt.

I spent as much time talking with God on this hunt as I did hunting................... and you know what.................he talked back..............He told me he loved me...........and that he knew I loved him too............and that made my heart feel good.

Yep......................it was all about HEART.

I guess that maybe I'm not the greatest hunter...............I didn't get my elk.

But.................I do have heart. And that makes the Lord smile.............and that's my goal anyways.

God Bless You...................

JJL

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Way too go Jim!

Anti-hunters believe hunters are an egotistical lot seeking to prove our power over animals. Anyone who has hunted a lot gets shown often who is the most powerful and we know, it isn't us! You were shown that on this trip.

Sounds like a great time.

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AMEN Jim .. :)

I spent alot of time in Elk camp with SteveB. and the guys, even tho I opted NOT to hunt (even tho Steve offered to cover the expense ) I had the best hunting experience of my life ,, the food was awesome and the company was even better. :cool::cool::)

As you know Jim,, I'm not all about the harvest (tho it's nice at times .. :D ) I have more of an experience from the quality people I get to meet and befriend .. ;):)

Edited by VermontHunter
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we worked hard, for sure. jim & kathleen are true troopers. we made a last hour stalk, and were within 100 yards of a nice 5 x 5 elk. as i waited for kathleen out of sight of the elk, i felt the wind swirl just a bit. jim was a mile away and saw the elk startle, look around, get out of their beds and amble slowly away. when kathleen and i crested the hill for a shot, the beds were empty. so close, yet so far...

this is what hunting is all about. a warm tent, good food, great company, and good elk possibilities. we had fun

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