A different sort of year

[Lefty]

We really only had a couple of cool days, and one day of snow.
1600 head of moo cows were moved from the pasture that we hunt.
We only get stories of what could have happened do all the cows. It was so nice not having moo cows
We had had enough rain throughout the summer there was still some green grass in places where the cow usually eat it down to the dirt.
And maybe the biggest biggie. Very few hunters have been up the Forest service road that we hunt and camp on
We only had one day of really bad forest fire smoke, the type of stuff that wants to make you leave. Most mornings were clear enough where we could glass twice as far as normal hazy smokey conditions.
We never once came across other hunters out in the woods.
Most years by the 15th of the month we have at least four situations where we had cow elk under 20 yd s which just wasn't happening this year.
And it seemed like the herds were always moving on us we would think we've worked our way in and next thing we know they're at 200 yards

And here we are the 29th of September 81° and 40 mile an hour winds.
And the constant warning of grizzly bears generally didn't catch me too far from camp in the dark

My daughter has a new job, working for an upland game outfitter who in the last 6 weeks has been to Canada Hawaii and Africa hunting. So she has been out with oddball timing.
I fell from a ladder cracked some ribs did a little damage to my knees, elbows and face, I couldn't draw a bow for 3 weeks. Reset my bow at 55 lb and shot four arrows all seem to be good.
But any days of any exertion and way too many nights how to roll on my left side and a shot of adrenaline and pain would short me on sleep that night.
And some is all my fault I didn't spend as much time
Hunting.

[saddlesore]

1 day of rain, the rest 80+ degrees. Very few elk, a few bulls bugling. Better than sitting at home

[RanchoSueno]

I had an awesome hunt this year! The trail heads were practically vacant, I rode into elk 3 of my 4 mornings. Found a drainage with 4 bulls sounding off and had a conversation with a lead cow. I didn't move quick enough and they worked their way up to bed but it was so cool having them eagerly mew to me and then hearing an annoyed buzz of emotion when I took too long. I still hunted that evening leaving the ponies at home and snuck up 10 yds on a huge cow. Got to full draw but couldn't get a good enough window to send an arrow at her. After my brother liver punched one, I just can't pull myself to take a chance. Trying to decide if I should pull a muzzy tag or an archery tag in a better draw area next season. Either way I won't hunt without horses again!

[Swede]

I hope you get healed up soon Lefty. On those 80+ degree days sitting in a tree stand near a good water hole is a good option.
Rancho, I am pleased you are not too discouraged. Now is a good time to start preparing for next season. For most of us it is better to get to know an area and particular hunt than to move onto new ground. Sometimes things change or we discover an area is just not working for us, so we move on. Anyway, best wishes.

[>>>---WW---->]

Rancho: Sounds like you had a good hunt and were into elk several times. The more you hunt an area, the better you will get to know it. If I were in your shoes, I think I'd stick with the same area and luck is sure to come your way.