What Is this Years Goal?

[ElkNut1]

Come on folks, what are you settling for this year? Some are happy as a tick on a dog with a cow or spike, others want branched bulls, others want 6 points or better, how about you? What is your goal for this year! I'd love to hear from everyone so don't be shy!

I'll start, I have two tags, one needs to be a six point & the other can be a raggy that eats good! (grin) No cows or spikes.

Remember one thing, any elk is a trophy!

ElkNut1

[powderhogg01]

as far as elk I am happy with the first one to pass by for my partner, I will be holding out for antlers. I have a particular mule deer I have patterned, was big last year, is giant this year.. but as the season grows to a close I will gladly take anything..

[Jjamesdean]

This is my first year ever elk hunting, going to try to hold out for a legal bull, but if a good opportunity presented itself good chance I couldn't resist a cow. Good luck in exceeding your goals everyone!

[wawhitey]

Since i cant go into my elk areas during archery season this year due to fires, i have to hunt yhem during modern, when i have a hard time finding them. That being said my previous goal of holding out for one of the big guys is changed to any bull if im lucky enough to find one. In the mean time ill try to kill the nice 10pt whitetail and/ or a bear with my bow right here on my own piece of dirt. And of course cougar is always on the menu.

[Navesgane]

My goals are to have a lot of fun and just unplug and disconnect from real life for a while and hopefully fill at least one of three tags!

[Bow4me]

My goal is to not come home empty handed. It's a long ride back to Arkansas with the shoulda coulda wouldas. So I'll shoot the first legal bull and if I have to a cow. But I'm eating elk this winter!

[redtop]

To have fun hunting. Have new experiences and get elk #41 in the freezer.

[EVD]

Looking to fill both my antlerless and either tags during archery season. Will probably take the first branch antlered bull I can, but for the first time this year I find myself thinking about holding out for a more mature bull, say 3.5 years or older. Not sure I'll be able to hold off if a 4 point presents an opportunity...

As far as goals - well then it's a mature 350+ class bull!

[Tigger]

As always, my primary goal is to have a great overall hunt regardless if I get one or not. But I would like a branch antlered bull on my first archery go-around. Might shoot a cow late in the hunt, but most likely, I will hold out for a bull. I am okay with going home without an elk; harvesting one is not necessary for me to have a great trip.

[erle1139]

Our group of 4 have either sex tags, so I'm hoping we get some meat on the ground. It would be a first elk for all of us. A good time and great memories are always a goal too!

[Fridaythe13th]

To be safe. Make it to the top of the mountain and over the other side. Have a good time with friends. Bla Bla Bla Shot the biggest, baddest bull in Idaho or just get my 1st one with archery.

[Mike_Parson]

well i have several goals for this my first elk hunt ever. I want to enjoy the time i get to spend hunting with my daughter. Moments like this dont come along to often. I got to experiance my first deer archery harvest with my oldest daughter and i woud love to repeat that joy of my first elk harvest with my middle daughter. That being said i hope for a chance at a branched bull, but later in the season ill take a caw should i get that chance. THe other goals i have are of a personal level and i hope that my time in the outdoors will help me clear my head and clear my focus and get me back on a happy path in life.

[WYO_ELK]

4 pt or bigger for archery, if I have o hunt rifle, a big cow or any 2pt or bigger.

[T.B.]

My goal is to enjoy the Rockies and hopefully bring home a rag horn or better....a "rag horn" is still a big en for me

[Ponyboy_jonas]

My goal is very different this year. I was lucky enough to draw a once in a lifetime tag in my home state of North Dakota. I have an either sex rifle tag and the season is from September 4th - December 31st. So I have a lot of time to pic out the right bull. The area that I will be hunting is known for having monster trophy bulls. So the goal is to kill one of em!

[Charina]

The wife and I were out last Friday for her tag (opened 2 and a half weeks ago here in UT, closes in a week and a couple days). We were within archery range of a few elk butts crashing away from us in the timber. Two times, I was whispering to her, lets find a few shooting lanes here, setup, and call, and a couple steps later . . . butts. But we saw elk on her first morning of her first archery hunt! The season's goal is achieved. Now, to see if we can step it up a bit and get a potential shooting situation this weekend.

My goal is to take two elk in October. I have a cow tag as well as my OTC tag. I'm not accomplished enough to be picky. If it's legal, it's down.

[WapitiTalk1]

Help get a couple of buddies their first elk, that's goal #1. For me, any legal bull in the early WA hunt and a 5 PT or better in ID later in SEPT. It's been a handfull of years since I freezered any elk and my wife said she's starting to doubt that I "really" go hunting at all so I may just have to shoot something

[Huntrgathr]

I've got two "any elk" tags so I'll kinda play it by ear. My goal is to find two big herd bulls fighting and shoot them both, having them die laying on top of eachother ! Really though, I'm a meat hunter first and foremost but we've found a really good area with lots of mature bulls so at least one of those tags is reserved for a 300" or better bull. SO close so many times last year but ended up tagging a 5pt. First priority though is to get my partner a bull since he didn't punch his tag last year. We always have a good time enjoying the rut so that is a given. Good luck to everyone on fulfilling your own personal goals. Like Paul said, any elk is a trophy !

[nrocchio]

For Elk, I will be happy to call a bull in this year. Even if I don't get a shot opportunity, that would make me pretty happy.
I drew a deer tag as well, and for deer I am looking for a big buck. I have shot a few deer, and will hold out the first few weeks for a bigger buck. I just got back from my last scouting trip, I am just excited to get back out there. It is going to be a blast either way.

[welcher83]

My goals (in order)

1) Gonna be a short trip (only 5 days) so stay focused and hunt hard and smart the entire trip.
2) Get as many close up elk encounters as possible.
3) If previous goals are met, hopefully that puts either me or my buddy in a position to kill an elk. It's been 5 years for me and I've only harvested with a rifle, so for first archery elk any elk will do. My buddy has killed quite a few deer with his bow but has never killed an elk (archery or rifle), so any elk for him is good too. Any horns will be a bonus for us, and if both of us get an elk it will be Awesome.

My dad is coming along as well. With our tag he can shoot cows with a rifle as long as it is within 1 mile of a private cultivated field. Hopefully he can knock one down in the first couple days and then scout/glass for us.

[Wyo67]

I've been shutout the last two years... I will be trying to get my son his first elk as well, so I'm taking the first bull that comes in!

Have a late season cow tag as well.

[Elkduds]

1st goal is always to come back in 1 piece without Search/Rescue assistance. Hunting solo, that is highest priority. Next goal has been to get familiar w a new area, have 12 days of scouting in so far. Finally, put a cow in the freezer come Nov.

[Lefty]

I have a full big game year set up Every Saturday until Thanks giving.I may slip in an opening day goose hunt
For elk being able to talk to some elk a few times is my biggest goal,
Getting one or two of my daughters a mulie buck,
My biggest goal is to kill my once in a lifetime bull moose with a bow,.. however my rifle will be in the truck and if its a big bull, late season I may kill it with a rifle.

[Ridge Ghost]

Any legal elk for me

[one_elk]

My goals are a safe and fun hunt getting to spend time with my wife and a couple of different groups of hunting friends. Any harvest will be a great bonus and I will certainly work hard to make that happen. Also on my mind a mentor and great friend of mine who recently passed away, at 91 so young he was one of kind who had great influence in making Archery hunting in CO what it is today. I can only hope he will be watching over me to see if I indeed have listened to what he was so generously willing to share. I will try to keep up my end..... Good luck to all

[2011bullyelk]

For me I have set a goal of at least a respectable 3 point for a mule deer, I can always pick up my rifle later. I will be focusing more on elk anyhow with a bow. For an elk, my buddy gets first shot so I am hoping he will get it done early and we can look for at least a 5 point for me. If it gets down to the end and I have a shot at a cow, I will shoot for sure. Neither one of us has put an elk on the ground with a bow yet, so more than likely anything legal will get shot at.

[elkaholic]

For me my goal this year is to have a good time, and hopefully take a branch antlered bull during archery season and then a buck later on in Nov. I also want to get my wife her first whitetail. All of this and take out as many coyotes and wolves that I can/allowed too.

[bowhunter04]

Since this is my first elk hunt and the areas we scouted are currently burning forcing us to plan B; I'll be happy shooting the first legal elk that presents the opportunity.

[Trophyhill]

My goal is to kill a true herd bull this year. I know that during my hunt they will be cowed up so I'm looking for the ultimate challenge.

[the weasel]

First is to enjoy as much time with "the ol' man" as he probably doesn't have a whole lotta years in the woods left...(which in turn is good for me, it helps me slow down)! Besides that, just fill some tags with whatever walks in front of us!

Good luck too all! Can't wait for the "meat pole" thread to start filling up!

[beard collector]

My goal this year is to enjoy the great outdoors again. I killed a 5 pt. bull last year at the age of 60. This was my first archery kill. Each and every day that we have is a blessing from the Lord. Looking forward to my archery elk hunt in New Mexico this year. Best of luck to all of you and I hope you achieve your goals this year.

[Deafirishman]

Since I got my first elk/bull via archery last season, I'm hoping my hunting partners get the first crack at any bull or cow. I am really hoping to see them succeed before me. That would make for a successful trip in my book. If given the opportunity, I will take the first one that comes by, either cow or bull. I am not driving 1200 for tag soup

[Buck]

First archery hunt this year. Will be happy to just hear some bulls bugle!

[Dr. Rx]

My First year.. I really don't know what to expect.. Working on being good at calling, Ok with a bow, but in great shape.. I hope I can take the time to enjoy the moment. I hope I can hear some elk.. Can't imagine what chill will go down my spine when I hear a bugle call for the first time in the wild. I hope I can have the strength to go over the next ridge. I hope I can find elk...I hope I can remember these thoughts when I can't seem to find the elk...One thing for sure, Its gonna be great no matter what. It's Hunting for Gods' sake!

Kris

[BaldBeaver]

If its Brown, its down!!!!

[Huntrgathr]

If its Brown, its down!!!!

Love it ! Seems like most days the " brown it's down" guys have the most fun ! Great philosophy, great username, and great profile pic !

[snake]

Just to get my first elk. I'm leaving in two weeks for Idaho and I'm pumped. Here at home I'm hunting a 5.5 year old buck named Mr. Clean.

[vertical limit]

I have 12 days to hunt out of the 14 days my season is open. I have spent 6 days scouting so far with 4 more planned before the opener on Sept 17. With that said, I will be holding out for a 360+ with my hopes set on one of the 380+ bulls I have seen (that's if they make it through the archery season). My dad and brothers will be with me so we will definitely have a good time with a lot of hard hunting and miles on the boots. Happy hunting and good luck to everyone!!

[dbenkley]

I have a cow and a bull/cow tag for my area. I would love for a cow to walk by first and make a a quick kill to fill the freezer and then go for a larger bull than last year ( a 4 year old). But love meat too much to pass on anything. That said, my hunting partner gets first crack and I have stepped up my calling game to the nth degree. Hope for many encounters as always with bows drawn back! Good luck out there!

[GobbleFarmer]

Deer season and bag limits are large here, but as said before if its brown its down-except for one of my places, the land owner restricts doe's until he gets 1 or 2. Gonna get a bear tag, and coyotes are fair game, squirrels with the bow if things are really slow!

[Patapsco Mike]

My goal for my first season rifle hint is to get my old man a shot at a legal bull. Second and last trip for him since he's pushing 70. We did buy a private land trespass fee so I will shoot the first thing movin so I can spend some time with him in the field. It's all about him this year

[CurlyTail]

My goal is to call in a bull for my brother and get him his first Archery Bull Elk. Then haul it off the mountain. "Call and Haul" for me this year. My cow muzzleloader tag is a distant second priority this year.

[8upbowhunter]

Last 2 years my goal was a legal bull but I recently started in traditional archery and will be hunting with my longbow this year so any legal elk is my new goal.

[Pop-r]

This year's goal is to just get mobile enough to be able to get to hunt some & actually feel like I may have a chance. I've got both WY & MT tags (& intended on hunting Idaho & possibly CO if things went well otherwise) BUT I broke my dang leg July 17 & now my knee is froze up! Started PT yesterday but he's not "sure" he can get it back going. That's real enthusing!! So, I just pray I can get to walking & actually get to hunt. I've accepted missing bow season altho it hurts bad! I haven't missed in a long time! It's been difficult swallowing that but God had a different plan apparently. Good luck to everybody out there this year! If you can hit the mountains like I've always been able to or if you can just get out there a little bit try to really remember how blessed you are! It can disappear in an instant.

[RichM]

First elk in the freezer for me, my family and friends.

More knowledge between my ears than I can contemplate right now, I've never killed or butchered an animal.
Learn to appreciate what's on my plate and how is got there.

Opportunity to relax and smell the "roses" or "elk' and "aspen" and "pine" and ...

oh, Antlerless tag. so no trophy aspirations, my personal trophy is a packed freezer.

[bownarrow]

300"+ 6x6 or 5X5 with great mass that is too big to pass up: ). Limited entry tag in a good unit, but with limited time to hunt. Going with my brother and dad, and looking forward to some great long walks and spending time with my brother (dad will hang out at camp-he is 76). BUT…it's not a vacation-I am there to kill an elk!!!

[mtelkkiller]

1. to not die of smoke inhalation

2. Fill the tag

[zpd307]

I am in it to finally fill an archery tag elk. but the area is loaded with some really nice bulls.....

[huntnut66]

This year's goal for me is to have a safe and healthy hunt with my friends. Harvesting an elk will be a bonus and a blessing.


Pete

[Indian Summer]

Not the answer you're looking for but... mine is to call in a monster bull moose up near the Yukon River and kill it with my bow. I have a few buck into the trip and not sure if or when I'll ever make it back up there so I'm taking an insurance policy in the form of a .300 Ultra mag.

[ak32]

2 goals for me

1. have fun spending time in some awesome places.
2. fill the freezer

[elkstalker]

Putting meat in the freezer, spending time with friends and family, and spending time in the elk woods.

[Toothy]

well.. I'm looking for elk #2, Cow or Bull makes no difference to me. I'm heading out with 3 others, 2 of which have never been out West.

It'd be nice if they enjoy the experience and get an opportunity at an animal. I'm sure we'll have a good time either way, we all eat good and drink well, I foresee a great trip ahead.

[Pmcgee]

My goal is to shoot the first legal elk I see and then try for a mule deer. Regardless of the outcome the 2 1/2 weeks out west are still better then 2 1/2 weeks here in Pennsylvania. We're leaving Tuesday morning hopefully we're hunting by Thursday afternoon.

[elkh00nter]

In all likelihood, the first legal bull. But, that could change based on activity I find. Hunting a draw unit (CO 5) that I rifle hunted in the past with good success. Hoping they're there during bow season. 5th archery hunt, but first time going solo. Happy to be going at all. Last year after I got back from my trip, my knees flared up and I spent three months on the couch. Never thought I'd be hiking the mountains again. I've got 2.5 weeks off, so if I can stand being away from the family (and other humans) that long, it'll be fun just camping out. Weather forecast looks too good to be true.

[Loweboy]

Down my first elk, drew cow this year. Hopefully find the GMU that I will focus on and learn for the next many years.

[DirtyErn]

Goals for wa. First legal elk. Idaho 3 point or better. Was out of work for a bit , so this is not going to be a trophy hunt by any means. Regardless I'm going to have a good time.

[chiledog]

Hunting NE Oregon.
Bull only
1 - Call in a spike or better for my son to shoot.
2 - Call in a 300+ bull (or spike and better) for myself to shoot. Will be elk #8.