Wasting Time and Money

[Swede]

Why go elk hunting? It costs a lot of money that could be used to buy real tasty beef. It costs $600-$700 just to get an OTC tag which gives you a low percentage chance of getting an elk. The success average is about 10%. Say you are super rare and it only cost $1,000 to go on your elk hunt, and you are twice as good or lucky as the average person; that still amounts to $5,000 per elk. Why do all of the exercise and other preparation to get ready to hunt? Why buy all of that hunting gear? Buy a beef and go make a scrape in the deer woods near home.
I know I am sounding like your mate, but lets see some answers.

[Tigger]

Swede just made an attempt at a lifetime ban methinks! Sacrilege I say! Who are you and what did you do with the Swede we all know and lo....we all know?

[elkstalker]

Well I'm one of the lucky ones who live within an hour of some great elk hunting spots. When I was younger and much poorer, I used to actually calculate the amount I spent, and using beef prices for the elk meat, I actually came out ahead most years. Anymore, it has become more about the experience, spending time with my kids, and with good friends. Not to mention much the much needed therapy time. Besides, can you really put a price on that organic grass fed venison

[Swede]

What a bunch of trouble makers. Don't believe elkstalker. Grass fed rabbit is a delicacy that you cannot put a price on either.
Tigger, you need to make a scrape too.
Every person that was going to go hunt with me is bailing. They are dropping like flies. So, it is time to rethink things. If I can convince just two more elk hunters to stay home, I will have the whole elk woods to myself. That is not sacrilege. It is plotting.

Warning: It is going to be a bad snow month in September; so stay home. The snow will be awful, you will be stuck a lot and spend your time just shoveling. Stay home and find a nice fat rabbit.

[Indian Summer]

What if your elk license costs $700 and you’re 98% successful? I’m no gambler but I’ll take that. I have $1000 worth of fun. Now if I was sitting in a tree stand with the same view all day I might think twice about wasting my money!

Mich drop (boom)

[Tigger]

Indian Summer for the win!

[Elkhunttoo]

I see your point Swede.

I also heard on the weather report for September the days it's now snowing will be hail and 75 mph winds

[Swede]

As a "pioneer" it costs me $31 total for both my license and elk tag. I can live off the land and pitch my tent for nada. It is you youngsters, and out of state folks that I am concerned for. Maybe Elkhunttoo will join me for a low elevation hunt where the sun shines clearly and the wind always gently blows in in your face. The elk are butterball fat and lazy.
Boy, I need to get out and start my scouting. I will be leaving next Monday for a week long outing. I am sure it is exactly as I remember and describe it to you.

[Indian Summer]

Is this how you remember your hunting area looks Swede? I bet you know that entire area like the back of your hand!

[Swede]

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Actually, this is what I remember most. You might wonder about the Chuckler grunt tube since the bull was shot from a stand. Why an elk call?
Well: Before I got into the tree, I splashed the water hole several times with a large limb, raked a tree with that same limb, stomped around fairly loud, then bugled good and loud. Then I hurried up my tree and waited. My son and I both shot 5X5 bulls that evening within minutes of each other. Another good memory, but hard to prioritize since we have killed so many elk looking down past our feet.
Since I lived nearby, worked on the Forest, scouted the area intensely and hunted it, I don't think missing out on some scenery was a big issue. If there was some scenery I missed it was hidden under some rock.

[Trophyhill]

I can't put a price on bowhunting elk

[WapitiTalk1]

I can't put a price on bowhunting elk

Yep