The Anticipation!!!

[LckyTylr]

Alright guys, tagging onto "The Fourth Quarter" thread . . . for those of us that haven't tagged out yet and have some season left . . . We all need to Dig Deep!

This is for me as well, if you haven't had much action yet this season and don't have the motivation that you should have for the last weekend of the season . . . take it from me, the ultimate naysayer, your luck can change at the drop of a hat just like mine did. I had only heard about a dozen bugles in the last two years and only seen a handful of elk. This last weekend, I had a MONSTER 6 point bugling his fool head off at me. He came in 3 times and I just couldn't get a shot.

Let this be your encouragement! I'm a virgin elk hunter, never taken an elk. For an average guy like me to have this kind of experience is proof that it can happen to anyone at any time. I was in an area that I didn't think was going to produce . . . I was Wrong!

Don't lose hope, dig deep and hunt hard. We all know how much we beat ourselves up for the other 11 months of the year if we didn't do everything in our power to get it done. Don't fall into that trap.

I can't WAIT for this next weekend . . . the anticipation is killing me!!!

[mtnmutt]

Thanks for the pep talk. Your threads have been inspiring. As have other people's detailed hunt experiences.

The first 3 weeks of rains was hard. For the the 3rd weekend, I got into the mountains before they closed the highway. I was out there during the 3 days of CO flooding. Saw virtually no hunters and no elk.

I learned to watch the logs you sit on. Unknowingly, I sat at the small opening of bee's nest. I quickly had multiple bees circling me. Lucky break, the cold damp morning must have helped me escape without getting stung.

I went home early by one day to make sure I could get home before they closed the highway again for the all day rain that was coming on Sunday. That 3rd long weekend was an unexpected big let down. I returned to a leaking roof, damaged ceiling and drywall.

Last Thursday, I saw the army helicopters returning from their rescue missions up north and I was grateful for getting home safe.

I took the 4th weekend off from elk hunting to do my first deer hunt. I went knowing I had a slightly elevated temperature. Fortunately, I never felt sick. I had a blast, but I wore out my left knee a bit. Swelling should be down by Thursday for my final 4 days of elk hunting. Again, I got home safe and was grateful.

My spot and stalks on deer were great practice. I did not get a deer, but that was because I passed on twin yearlings that kept coming within 10 yards of my tent. They gave me the spark to get my head back into elk hunting game for the final weekend.

No matter what happens the final weekend, I had more "success" than the sum of my previous 3 seasons. To top it off, I still have 4 more days to get it done.

Good luck to you all. I hope all of you are blessed with an elk.

[ElkNut1]

Tyler, way to go, keep the faith & encourage others to do the same! You have the right attitude & determination that it takes to be a successful elk hunter, I wish you the best dude & look forward to your next story! (grin)

ElkNut1

[LckyTylr]

ARRRGGGGHHHHHH <----<<< Battle Cry!!!

I leave tomorrow after work and I can hardly contain myself. Like a little kid on Christmas Eve . . . I'm chomping at the bit.

I'm going to expend every ounce of effort I have to bring that big 6 point home as my first elk . . . or whatever bull wanders within range first.