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The debacle. Elk opener 2022

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The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 1]

I am back to re-group and then back out. I was hosting nephew this trip. The plan was ten days total out of my humble 5th wheel camper. Anyway, after the first day nephew informs me he isn't really into hunting. Tomorrow he is going hiking instead. That went over with me as you imagine it might, but all I said was: okay.
Anyway, long story short I returned after 13hrs in the woods next day to find him totally packed. "I think I will car camp a little. But I will stick around for dinner before I leave." My response? Let me move my truck and you can leave right now.

I do not have a problem with someone realizing they are not a hunter. But after taking hunter safety, spending prob $1500+ on buying a rifle, gear, a trad bow and all the junk that goes with, tags, saying he wants to hunt with me, (then showing up to camp a day late) is kind of slow to the realization.
I have some images though and was into elk although it was a single or double kind of thing. A LOT of hunters had moved in and the trailhead was busy with vehicles coming going, dogs barking and campers with super bright motion detection lights lighting up the place every 5 minutes.

First light opening morning on the hike in. Its not far before we peeled off the trail and hunted into some decent feeding benches below a Northish slope.
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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 2]

Sunrise was gorgeous on the spires from a 8 year burn scar. We used this finger ridge to access the pocket I wanted to hunt.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 3]

What is in my hunt pack (or on its belt in the case of the .45) more or less in case anyone wanted to know.

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There is in view a basic kill kit, 1st aid kit, wipe the butt kit, water straw (or filter & bladder in areas with less water), big heavy trash bag for laying quarters, game bags, my knives, calls, head lamp, diamond stone, fire starter, wimp gloves, knee brace and etc.
Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 4]

I sat this wallow 11-3:30 one day. I like to sit back above wallows then move in on the bull as he is pre-occupied messing around in the goo. Many wallows do not offer much in the way of favorable wind, cover and other features that make sitting a ground blind reasonable. The thermals started to waffle at around 3:30 as the sun fell lower in the sky and some cloud moved in so it was time to bail out.
My shot would have been about 25 yds from the edge of cover.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 5]

You can tell a ranger district that has had fires because the budget for things like signage is small to nothing.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 6]

Elkmaster likes a good view too. A vista on a high point above a meadow. I actually bumped a bull right after this photo. He was watching me from 40 yards away and as I turned to walk away from the precipice he bolted. My bad.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 7]

Your basic feeding pocket. Below this was about 1/4 mile of decent feeding cover- wet, succulent, good cover and wind for the elk.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 8]

Some giants who had lived out their lifespans. This is typical where I hunt. Over-mature timber susceptible to insect mortality due to age, heat stress and shorter winters( less snow). Notice how the younger trees forming the understory are unaffected. Youth prevails.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby saddlesore » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 9]

I have had the similar thing happen when younger guys wanted to hunt with me.The only got one chance. Re: the big plastic garbage bag to lay quarters on. Walmart carries a 10' x 10' , 2-3 mil painters drop cloth for less than $2, it weighs about the same as that garbage bag and does not have that smell that some of them do.
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saddlesore
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Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 10]

I will check out the walmart drop cloths. Thanks for the tip Vince. I need to decide when to go back. Sooner or later. Thoughts?
Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby saddlesore » 09 04, 2022 •  [Post 11]

Hot and dry as it is, I'd wait for a bit. Some guys are saying bulls are talking a little bit right before first light,but it is pretty dead all day. It suppose to be a cold snap this coming weekend,but no moisture in sight. Mid 70's day, low 50's at night in Colorado Springs 10,000 feet might get to the 40's
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saddlesore
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Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 05, 2022 •  [Post 12]

I have pretty much decided to bring my jeep and use its mobility to hunt different spots. My truck is a 12 valve diesel and is not exactly going to quietly arrive anywhere. You know its coming. The jeep is as good as any ATV, if bumpier. The thing will go anywhere. I will be using my truck camper this time instead of the 5th wheel for home base so can pull my trailer.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: The debacle. Elk opener 2022

Postby Jhg » 09 06, 2022 •  [Post 13]

Going back Thursday, alone. My general plan is to hit the pockets that probably have been walked over a few times already but it only takes one that everyone skipped or has not seen boots for a few days. Elk will find and use these little places.
I am in full on predator mode. I can feel it oozing out of every pore. I am razor sharp.

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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado