I Suck!

[LckyTylr]

Kicking myself right now.

I took Thursday and Friday off from work so that i could spend 4 days in the mountains. I'm home already and I'm not bloody!

Between the bugs, the heat, getting soaked, drying off and then getting soaked again . . . I lost my mind. Those hours between 9:00 and 5:30 when nothing is moving and it's too hot to scout around the steep mountains . . . I went nearly mad. I'm not sure that I'm cut out for this Solo stuff. Last year and the year before I didn't have an issue, but I never got to hunt more than two days at a time. I don't know what to think. I couldn't find the elk that I have been watching all summer, NEVER saw one of them and from my usual glassing ridge, I always see at least a handful that I can go play with.

VERY frustrated with myself. I don't know what happened, I just snapped up there that second time that I got soaked by a freak thunderstorm. I think if I'd seen even just one elk, I would have been able to keep it together.

Feeling pretty sh!tty right now.

[Vanish]

Get it together man!

Think of us hunting the dog hair timber! Most of the time we don't even see elk until its happening.

[POk3s]

I always write reminders to myself. Whether it be on my bow or whatever.

This summer my sister gave me a wristband and said it was for hunting season. It said "Never Give Up" on it. I actually ended up breaking it so I grabbed a normal rubber band and wrote "Never Give Up" on there with a sharpie. It's all I really need to keep going. Sometimes it's just things like that and that's all you need.

I hunted all of last week in the driving rain. 3 1/2 days with with a buddy. One day with my dad and 2 1/2 days by myself. Heading out for the weekend right now.

As bad as it "seems" to have gotten up there a lot of times it's just in your head. All you wanna do when you get back down the the lowlands is get back up high. Gotta keep that in your mind. A man only gets so many Septembers. Gotta take advantage of it and not freak yourself out.

[mtnmutt]

I can relate. Last year was like that for me. I tried harder by doing backcountry hunting and did worse than the year before. I was depressed about the lack of results last season. It wasn't until I started reading this forum in January that I psyched myself up for another season.

After getting drenched opening week (last week) and a critter damaging my tent, I wasn't sure I wanted to hunt this weekend. I did have 2 elk within bow range that week. One was not legal (spike) and busted by the cow on the one opportunity I had. After opening week, I wasn't sure I wanted to solo hunt anymore.

Wednesday, I dragged myself up into the mountains only to find the thermals all a mess in the co mtns with this rain. There are virtually no hunters out hunting and getting home will be interesting since the roads keep closing.

The heck with the rain. I am still going out tomorrow. I only have tomorrow until the last week of the season.

I know when you are soaking wet in the mountains it is hard. Its not fun. Takes hours to dry and warm your feet up. I cheated this time and treated myself to a hotel. There is no way I would come up otherwise. I was tired of camping in the rain.

You will get the elk bug again. We all do eventually.

[bnsafe]

tyler I don't like being out 4 days either. im gonna try going in light an staying 2 days, coming out and getting a hotel and warm food shower etc, then going back for 2 until the last few days of season then im goin to stay. heres my rule for hunting though (granted im 42 not 22) if your not having fun don't be there.

[Trophyhill]

Well now that you recognize that you suck......what are you going to do about it? Guys overlook and downplay the importance of attitude and mindset when heading into the elkwoods. And it can be tough but you as an Elkhunter have to be tougher than the hand your dealt in the elkwoods! Mentally tough. Did you have plan b, c, d etc? In a lot of cases the elk won't be in early September where you saw them in July and August.

[ctdad]

I've found myself in your shoes before. I always remind myself that I'll spend a full year wishing I was elk hunting once it is over. Get some rest and go back. Thirty seconds of elk in bow range Will erase all else

[easeup]

all my friends have already provided you good support.
here is some more to chew on.......................

disappointment and frustration are common when we don't get our way. We usually trump up some plan and with it we expect a certain outcome.
It is all just what we thought was smart or what we deserved in some cases. When things don't happen that way, it is not unusual to lose focus and feel sorry for ourselves.

Now, if our expectations were a little more realistic when we planned something, it is most likely we would not be so disappointed or thoroughly frustrated when things go south. right? you already know what you went through just normally goes with elk hunting territory. right? so did you expect things to be different for you?
Lets go now, you have to know that next time you go out, what happens will be different than the last.

you just got a good dose of hunting in the high country when the skies are not always blue.
you don't suck; you are just pouting.

hey, just trying to help

[cliffyj50]

I gotta go with bnsafe on this one. Relax and don't worry about it. You'll be back out there.

[JGH]

Last weekend, I was in the same spot.

Raining ... no elk ... in an area I didn't have confidence in.

I was in the woods basically because "It's September" ... and I didn't want to waste it.

But ... I wasn't enjoying myself, for whatever reason, and I went home.

No guilt. It just wasn't right that day.

Sometimes you see great quarterbacks go 3-and-out. They trot off the field like nothing happened ... not throwing their helmets.

Do that.

Go back, look over your "plays" ... study the defense ... learn.

And realize ... the sun don't rise and set on one set of "downs" in a football game.

This game has four quarters and it's ok, if things aren't looking good, to run out the clock and go into halftime with a tie.

Hell, it's ok to go into halftime without getting any more points scored on your defense.

God made halftimes for a reason ... time to regroup, and plan an offense.

Great quarterbacks are made at halftime.

Defenses come alive at halftime.

It's now the third quarter.

The first two weeks are not the time you have waited for.

When you finally come off the field, you'll know it's all about the game.

[Castnblast]

JHG. Well said. It hunting. Not killing.

[eriks.]

I had a similar experience opening week.

It was my first time out-ever. I had to go solo since my partner received a very nasty surprise on tax day and got knocked out of coming. Got on the mountain 2 days before season to set up a camp and start scouting. I'm from whitetail country where there is a deer behind every other bush. My expectations were that I would hunt hard and do my best but wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't kill anything. I expected to be able to find elk-to at least see one even if it were 2 miles away.

Reality was, I didn't see any elk. Didn't hear any elk. After 5 days of putting in a lot of time and boot leather, I was physically and mentally wrung out. I got down on myself and not having the ability to talk to my wife and kids wore on me just about as bad if not worse than not being "successful" in finding elk! I thought I was tough but I guess I wasn't quite as tough as I thought.

I too think I snapped because I came down off the mountain and drove 850 miles back home and have been kicking myself every day since then. I might be able to drive back out before the season is over and give it a go once again. I have left my tag in my wallet and every time I get it out, it reminds me where I should have stayed and that I should have been tougher.

I did learn some really good lessons and met some really great people while I was out. Witnessed some awesome sunrises and sunsets and soaked in God's beautiful creation. It all would have meant more though if I would have had someone to share it with.

If you have the chance to go back- do it!

[bnsafe]

erik Im guessin that's pretty common. I did pretty much the same thing last year. I don't think the guys that grew up out here can understand it, nor can flatlanders until you experience it. almost everybody is a internet hero and comes out full of bravado, only to go back with their tail between their legs. I did. the second year was much better an easier as I knew what to expect.
hang in their guys, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

[LckyTylr]

You are all right, I'm feeling down because it didn't go my way. To be brutally honest with myself though . . . I can take things not going my way as long as I have someone to talk to. I do NOT do well when I can't talk over the happenings of the day and the plan for tomorrow. Since I haven't killed an elk yet, I come up with a "plan" of what to do, then if it doesn't work and I don't find elk, I think to myself "what the hell am I doing out here, I don't know what's going on with elk and what they are thinking". If I had someone, even someone with as little experience as I have, to talk to about what's a good idea and what's logical, I think it would help immensely. It's just mentally draining when the elements are adding to the frustration of not being able to locate the bulls that I have been keeping tabs on all summer that have suddenly vanished and aren't talking.

Next weekend I'm REALLY hoping that I can drag my father in law along with me. He's not much of an elk hunter but it will be nice to have some company. The final weekend I'm taking a few days off from work and I'll have to get my attitude sorted out by then.

As many of you have pointed out, every day that isn't elk season . . . I'm wishing that I was in the mountains hunting. I need to keep that in mind when I'm up there and things aren't going as planned.

Thanks guys, I'll kick my butt into gear in the days ahead.

[bnsafe]

my cousin is the only guy I know that hasn't hit a quitting point, with that said hes a green beret so its really not fair. whenever I get tired, sore, blisters, homesick, etc I think of him an what he goes thru then I quit whining because I get to hunt. works for me.

[Herb]

Fellas, it's not easy!!

I'm still home packing, still not easy.

The bad weather has to be frustrating, but no reflection on you!! Chin up, control what you can, the rest is just a elk hunt.

[eltaco]

I think you need to occupy more of your time one the mountain actually hunting the elk! Don't stop at 9am... you can find bulls up until 11-12 for sure! On top of that, if you have a good vantage point, you can set up with glass for the early afternoon... we spotted the bull we took opening day at 3pm. By filling more of your time on the mountain with active hunting and spotting... you'll have less time to sit there and think about your bum luck.

I'm not great at being solo, either.... but the more I sit and give myself time to think about it, the easier it is to talk myself into leaving or not hunting as hard. I just have to get after it, and I suspect it'll help you as well!

[LckyTylr]

eltaco, where did you find a bull at 3:00? Was he getting water . . . bedded . . . wandering around? I don't doubt it, but this early in the season I have never seen an elk on its feet then.

You are right though, I realized it the day after I came out. Theres a LOT of country up there. I should have dried off, refilled my water supply and started hoofing it to find new bedding areas.

Lots and lots of things that I should and could have done. I guess in the end, I just wasn't mentally prepared to do what I KNOW needed to be done.

This next weekend I'll be fortunate that my Father in Law is going to accompany me.

[eltaco]

He and all of his cows were up feeding... I glasses them up from over a mile away and we were able to put a stalk on him.

A buddy of mine has me convinced to keep an eye on my active hours on my hunt calendar on my GPS. He's been watching it and using them successfully for years and I've frankly dismissed that information. Already this year, I've seen a number of animals up during the mid-day active hours and the bull we put down that day was one of them. I saw the same thing while deer hunting open country this year.

I was the same as you going into this season... I didn't want to push timber during mid-day. Now that I have some open country available to me this season, I'm learning a bit about mid-day activity that I previously believed was nonexistent!

[BRazz]

Solo hunting can be very trying on me too. I love hunting alone, but camping alone (especially backpack/bivy style) is tough. I remember one morning of excellent elk hunting, and instead of staying to hunt that evening or the next morning, I left that afternoon because I was just lonesome. It's easy to beat yourself up about it, but hunting should be enjoyable - if you aren't having fun, then go regroup and try again...

I am mentally/emotionally/psychologically preparing myself to be out 3.5 days at the end of this week. I plan to bring my Kindle and my outdoor/hunting journal.

[mjblowers]

Ever since my encounter with numerous packs of wolves, my drive to hunt solo has diminished greatly. I almost feel like I need to have a few drinks before leaving the truck at 4 in the morning for a pitch black hike. Other than that "fear", hunting solo for elk is about the best thing a person can experience in this life.

[BRazz]

Other than that "fear", hunting solo for elk is about the best thing a person can experience in this life.

I completely agree. I sometimes wonder if that "fear" is part of what makes it such an experience.

[MT_Nate]

Everyone's said all that should be said:

- The hardest part of solo hunting is keeping your mind in the game;
- If you aren't having fun hunting, then find something else to do or change your plan.

I had the exact same experience, and wanted to throw in the towel - but I recognized that I chose to hunt solo because I became tired of arranging hunts for others. No solo hunting = no hunting (which isn't an option). Every time I get bummed out and think I need to leave, I hunt/scout a new area and it can turn your attitude up again pretty quickly when you get that great feeling of discovery when you find some bugling bulls or some new magic elk spots.

Don't throw in the towel!

[LckyTylr]

Thanks Everyone, this has turned into a really good thread.

I'm excited for this next weekend. I hope that we can all get more photos on the "success thread". Good luck out there . . . may the work week come to an end in a flash.

[mjblowers]

Tyler what unit are you hunting? Or is it a secret :p

[LckyTylr]

McCall zone 23.

How about you?

I haven't heard a bugle yet this year. Last year I only had one day where the bulls were fired up before a fire kicked me out of my area.

[easeup]

I got lots of other ideas on this one for you also. But, I leave for the rockies today, so this thread will travel on without me.

solo.......you will learn so much from this experience that will make you a better hunter and person. Like walking in confidence and perseverance without fear and doubt. quieting your mind without the distraction of others or gadgets; getting a grasp on how big a task really is and that being good at something usually doesn't happen quickly or without lots of sacrifice.

good luck out there!

[mjblowers]

McCall zone 23.

How about you?

I haven't heard a bugle yet this year. Last year I only had one day where the bulls were fired up before a fire kicked me out of my area.

I switched from 23 to Sawtooth Zone this year. The spots I got used to hunting up there I couldn't get away from the wolves in so I decided to go a different route.

Last year I don't think I heard a single bugle and only had one big bull come in completely silent on me in the thickest of stuff.... was a frustrating time.

[FemoralArchery]

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right." Henry Ford

[one_elk]

Hey Tyler:
Lot of great info above but what you describe is pretty much elk hunting, I know no big news there guess I just had to say it. One suggestion would be to take a book, like elk nuts small sized book, with you when things get warm/hot find and area around some water and spend few hours there read the book, take a nap and just observe….. I think you will be impressed with what you see. Best of luck to you…

[Z Barebow]

I like hunting solo, but if it were easy everyone would be doing it.

One of the things which I have noted and been guilty of myself is talk is cheap. Everything is easier and simpler when typing on the computer. There are elk in every drainage you have cyber scouted. There is feed, water, cover, no other hunters and the weather is great! You can write out checks you body doesn't have to cash.

Reality, mainly of them elky looking spots aren't holding elk the day/hour you are hunting them. It is physically demanding to drop/climb out of them places. And you might be hot/cold/wet while searching for elk (And not finding them). And the next day might be more of the same. After a few days of this, all futilty will set in and you start rationalizing why pulling up camp is a good idea.

One of the things which I do is after several days of hunting dark to dark, give yourself and easy day. Don't bust your hump in the heat of the day of nothing is moving. I pull out Elknut's Playbook and re-read some for the umteenth time, have some lunch and take a nap! Nap near a water hole and keep your bow nearby. (I met a guy who shot a bull while sitting as he was stirred from a lunch time nap. He shot the bull in bare feet as he had his socks off drying)

Change your socks midday. Lifes simple pleasures make a difference.

By day 5-6, you will be in a rhythm and life will be simple. You won't be as sore. Eat and drink water, survival, sleep and hunt. That is about it. It don't get any more primal than that.

I get to elk hunt at best every other year. So when I do hunt, I want to make the most of every day. Remember how crappy you feel that you bailed before you planned and do things/adjust your mindset, and vow to not allow that feeling to ever repeat itself.

[Sucobowhunter]

Solo hunting is hard, and solo bivy is harder.. I live were elk are in my back yard I just have to hike a 1000 ft up. I find it hard to stay mentally focused when I am out Bivy hunting. I find myself thinking of my dog, girl, whatever and I think its mostly from being lonesome. I just think about how I am gonna miss elk hunting the rest of the 335 days of the year. I try to take as much time in the woods as I can. So far I have hiked over 30 miles at over 9000 ft, came to full draw 3 times and still have no meat in the freezer. Its hard but perseverance and a positive attitude will help. I just know in 2 weeks my hunting season is over... That alone motivates me

[minzwa]

You know, they say a fire makes a good companion. When I'm loosing focus while hunting solo, and feeling lonesome, I sometimes stop and build a little fire, take a break and think about how lucky I am to be there. How some of our veterans who have lost limbs would give anything to be bow hunting elk in the mountains tired and sweaty from hiking. I kind of dedicate the rest of that hunt to them mentally & let the little fire cheer me ( i don't believe in any scent control beyond wind awareness, so smoke is no big concern.)
This usually gets me feeling perky again, and back out busting the brush with a grin. We're all truly blessed to be the lords of such an amazing playground.

[hornart]

You should be Thankful that you are in good enough shape to even be out in the mountains hunting elk, I`m mobility impared now and used to chase elk every year. I have taken my share of elk, Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt, I still live for the hunt every year. I have hunted elk on crutches twice but refused to give in to tag soup. Of course I didnt harvest an animal either of those times but I still felt blessed to even be out there and I never complained about being at a disadvantage. I saw more elk than all of the others in my group and I did manage to get off a shot at a nice bull, I mis judged the distance and he got lucky. I grew up hunting solo, because no one in my family hunted, until I was older and met others who enjoyed my passion for hunting. Be Thankful that you are still out there.

[MTLongdraw]

Tyler, We are a lot alike. Due to my job and days off, accompanied with the fact I don't work with or know anybody who is as passionate about bow hunting or even hunting in general as much as I am, I usually hunt solo too. Its extremely daunting. In order to get to my spot I wake up at 3:30 get ready, drive for over two hours and then start hunting. I have heard one bugle this year and that's the bull Backcountry killed. By the time 3 o'clock rolls around I'm ready to go home. I can't do that anymore. I think what we go through is normal and human. I'm really gonna take Pok3s philosophy of never give up. It could pay off. I've given up before on elk hunting and I regretted it all year. 11 months is a long time to think about that. Lets make a plan for ourselves to not give up until the last light of the last day we can hunt. That way we knew we gave it all...You never know what will happen tomorrow. What if you can't hunt next year, or ever for that matter! You wouldn't want to know you quit a few hours earlier. That's what I'm gonna do to get from 3 to 7. I have walked over 35 miles in 5 days and many of which were not on roads or trails. I've seen two other bulls but no shot....All I know is when its good its good but when its bad it can be down right terrible. It's good to know I'm not the only one that feels this way.

Good luck man...this is a great thread I think we can all relate to and learn from.

[BRazz]

All I know is when its good its good but when its bad it can be down right terrible.

Couldn't agree more. For me this year, it's not been good (yet)...

[ABQ_Chica]

Solo hunting is the toughest thing many of us will ever do, so don't be too hard on yourself.
A lot of us can relate...the long hours of solitude, the uncooperative elements, the grueling and suddenly elk-free terrain...it all adds up to a whole lot of self doubt and "what ifs" that weigh us down far more than our packs ever will.
But don't give up. There's a lot of good advice in this thread. Although I'm in the "skunked" category this year, I'll throw in my 2 cents: when you hit bottom on a solo hunt, take a deep breath and try to enjoy the wilderness. Pouncing coyote, pine-scented breeze, ripples on the water, moon and stars, even the sound of rain... It won't fill your freezer, but it's good for the soul...

[Mojostylee24]

Amen.
I had my first solo experience this year too. It is grueling! I think it would have been more enjoyable if I had seen elk or even elk sign. Learned a ton about myself, learned a ton about where elk do not go and most importantly I learned that I really love archery hunting for elk in the Rocky Mountains! This is my second season so I still have a lot to learn. The regret I lived with for the last year after half-@$$ing it last season was a very potent motivator and in my opinion one of the best lessons I think I may learn in my life.