Empty Seats.

[Swede]

I have been noticing some empty seats around our campfire. The number of empty chairs and coolers seems to be increasing. Are folks all snowed in or froze up, now that winter has set in? Have some, who contributed so much to the conversation here, become lurkers? I need a little help aggravating Elknut and John Fitzgerald. Don't leave the job to WW, RJ, cnelk and just a few other deviants. You folks are missed.

[Bullnuts]

Still here Swede. Sometimes the smoke blows in my face and I have to leave the ring for a while, but as soon as it clears I'm back. Pass the chips.

[cnelk]

Swede
I think you should build a 'White Man Fire' and more will see the flames and eat more chips

[JGH]

Good Lord! We're not all old and retired!

Like a bull after the rut, this time of the year the focus is on getting through winter. And at work ... since I love summer and autumn so much, this is the time to "make hay", as they say. Catching up on all the things I postponed during warmer, happier, hunting times.

But I never leave "Lurk-mode" ... I can do that on the fly.

[bnsafe]

ive quit asking stupid questions, lol.
there arnt as many threads as normal, im thinking just post season blues, holidays, work, etc.
it will pick up again soon, I know cause im gonna start picking yalls brains about bear an mulies, the last two on my personal slam

[Lark Bunting]

I'm researching a new bow. I've about had it with Cabela's and their excuses from a "new store". Trying to get a bow in to shoot is proving harder than expected. I have located one from a pro shop but really feel badly going there to shoot only to turn around and be stuck with Cabela's gift cards for my purchase. At this point I am stuck ordering a bow I've never shot and hoping it's the right one for me. If it's not, then I have to go through the return process and start over.

I'm also researching arrows. Being away from archery for 15 years I'm re-learning all the stuff, Carbon arrows?! Range Finders?!?! Elk Nut Play book (i almost typed Playboy...) ?!?!? Backpack Hunting?!?!?!?!?!?! There is too much to learn in the short 9 months I have until the next season.

Basically, I don't have much to contribute since I am an absolute novice.

Rest assured, I am on every day, here, there, everywhere I can find information on elk hunting.

[Swede]

Basically, I don't have much to contribute since I am an absolute novice.

Don't worry about being a novice. You provide a valuable service by keeping RJ & JF from appearing to be green horns.

[JohnFitzgerald]

ive quit asking stupid questions, lol.
there arnt as many threads as normal, im thinking just post season blues, holidays, work, etc.
it will pick up again soon, I know cause im gonna start picking yalls brains about bear an mulies, the last two on my personal slam

The only stupid question is the question not asked!

[easeup]

thanks for keeping the flame going....
you know 'tis the season and lots of activities have been taking center stage before goofing off on the web.

Have you completed shopping for all of those grand kids?

[Swede]

Noooo, but I am staying out of grandma's way. Er, I think.

[ishy]

I have way too much time at work, but the internet police have been extra vigilant lately. The boss came in a few days ago and said someone had been flagged. I was thinking oh no I'm going to get elk nut black listed (elk101 has sadly been yanked), but thankfully I learned after a day of sweating bullets it was the new girl that got busted. So it's probably ebay or amazon, I'll sleep better know. Any who I gotta go.

[ChukarNUT]

I am still alive and well!! Between getting everything ready for an awesome Christmas for our kids, helping my wife with her retail store during our first Christmas season, my work, getting fat on deer and elk meat, and chasing the devil birds known as Chukar--i have been swamped! But i havent forgot about my fellow elknut's!! I did purchase a whole new rig for next season! I got a 2013 Elite Hunter, MBG custom ascent with a vengeance 3 pin head-dovetail mount, elite 7" stabilizer, whisker biscuit power shot, and tightspot quiver. still in the process of getting it set up and looking at new releases. very excited about the new bow. i went and shot all the new hoyts-bowtech-matthews-and elites and the hunter was just too sweet to pass up. Merry Christmas to all my fellow elknuts!

[dreamhunter]

Well I'm still here as well.I am on here all the time.I like to see what is being posted and then read it.I did a post yesterday about my new Vortex HDs.They are still in my truck.I didn't have a chance to get to look at or thru them today.Busy day at work and then back to the dentist. Amazin,g in a 24 hr period I was fitted with a temporary and by 6:30 today had 6 brand new crowns in the front of my mouth.It's been a long time coming and I love em. Now where are my calls so I can see if the dentist has to make any adjustments.Don't wanna mess up my second language.

[JJ Overkill]

swede you need to put those flames out, ive been here long enough to wear out my welcome . im additcted to working in bows, arrows, BHs, tuning, AND THIS SITE.

maybe you should start elknut anonymous.

hi my name is Jeremy and im an addic.

I really hope that didn't offend anyone

[Swede]

No concern here Jeremy. I am just thinking I may need to join your club. Do we have to go cold turkey right away? Are the withdrawal symptoms very severe? If they are, I suppose I may just continue with my problem.

I can visualize our first meeting. "My name is Swede, and I am an elknut. I ended up here because I could not resist hanging out with a bunch of other like minded people." "It seemed so innocent at first ....."

[Indian Summer]

I figured everyone was still reading my last long winded post so I was giving them time to catch up.

[Huntrgathr]

Indian Summer, check your PM's

[twinkieman]

Swede,
I will be away from the campfire for the next few days. My son is receiving his commission in the Navy, and no way will I miss that!
While I don't post daily, I try to read posts daily.

[ORelksniper]

twinkieman...Congratulations to your son. I'm sure you're a very proud Dad.

[Willie makit]

Note to all: Please don't stop asking the " stupid questions" I'm not an extrovert and sorely nervous about being the only one asking them

[Swede]

Congratulations twinkieman to your son and the whole family. You have your priorities in order. I remember when my daughter received her commission in the Air Force. You definitely should be there.

[Z Barebow]

I'll throw another log on the fire.

Still here just nothing of substance to contribute. Preparing my PP/application strategy and calendar for 2014. Trying to get new cables and strings for my bow. But since it was modified since original build (previous owner) it is taking some time and guru help to figure out replacement cable and string lengths.

Since I ended my WT season, I have been doing catch up with family stuff and will be busy with holidays. Might even try and drill a few holes for lake ice inspection. And I'll start picking up my running/training for a couple of target races in May and June.

[Washington Wapiti]

I'm back . . . thanks for not burning my log. Holidays, family, crazy days at work, and recuperating, I haven't had much time to jump on my favorite hunting forum!

[Elkduds]

If you think I'm not sitting here, pull my finger and find out. Always reading, sometimes posting.

[G Posik]

This thing called a job has gotten in the way. I finished my September elk hunt and hunted white tails for 3 days. Other than that work has been brutal. I have been traveling from Alaska to the east coast on a regular basis. I have plenty of airline miles this past year. The holidays were a little break and did not stop by any where on the internet much. Did some Lurking here and there. Things should be a little better for the next month or two before construction season fires up.

Glenn

[Trophyhill]

Been seeing some great threads and great info here lately!

[ORG]

yes good threads. wheres john f gone? his last thread was december 19

[cnelk]

Somebody made coffee.
Good coffee always attracts a good conversation.
Seats fill up

[JohnFitzgerald]

yes good threads. wheres john f gone? his last thread was december 19

I'm still around.

[Still Hunter]

I'm lost in the mountains. Could someone come get me?

[Indian Summer]

John has been working on a new website and banner for me: Please do not disturb!

[Lefty]

Work has been crazy, and Ive been putting in a lot of hours I dont get paid for,\
My computer has barely been functioning, Our internet provider has been off and on the past month
Christmas, break gave me time to goose hunt and spent time with family, a new job for my wife who had been part-time (17 hr a wk)part time
(26 weeks a year) to now a real full time job,.. her first ever.
Still trying to catch up on everything I got so far behind on after my shoulder and hip replacement

[mrganser]

I'm fairly new here and to posting. My oldest daughter got me hooked on archery a few years ago and I haven't looked back. I'm getting all kinds of new info on here. Great forum and I plan on ordering The Playbook and some new reeds soon. As Swede stated on here, you can never learn too much!
Thanks everyone!

[elk-n-walleye]

I'm fairly new here and to posting. My oldest daughter got me hooked on archery a few years ago and I haven't looked back. I'm getting all kinds of new info on here. Great forum and I plan on ordering The Playbook and some new reeds soon. As Swede stated on here, you can never learn too much!
Thanks everyone!

This story about your daughter getting you hooked reminds me of the "Katniss Everdeen" phenomenon that happened a couple years ago. It was reported in a news segment how people (mostly teen girls) were picking up bows for the first time after seeing Hunger Games.

Anyway, I never did contribute too much but I still hang around for the interesting threads. I've been spending the winter months trying to figure out a way(i.e. $$$) to get back to my home state twice this fall if I don't get my elk the first time around. I'll be in my last year of graduate school so getting away isn't easy. We don't really get vacation days. Last seasons missed opportunity has left my freezer a little elk bare for the upcoming summer months. So I definitely need to get an elk down this year.

[mrganser]

Elk-n-walleye
I remember the in flux of girls picking up the bow after that movie came out. I don't believe she ever saw it. She had brought wanting to try archery to my attention a few times and after a few months I took her to the local bow shop. She picked it up immediately and within a few weeks was in a 4H archery program. Fast forward several months and her first 3D shoot. I bought her a bow and myself one a couple weeks later. She accompanied me on an archery hunt early in Oregon's season. She didn't care to hunt and eventually chose ballet over archery. I constantly thank her for introducing me to the bow.

I hope that you're able to get back in the field after grad school.

Bill

[elk-n-walleye]

Elk-n-walleye
She didn't care to hunt and eventually chose ballet over archery. I constantly thank her for introducing me to the bow.

Keep your daughter filled in on your hunting adventures and encourage her to use her bow. Maybe she'll come back around and hunt with you again someday. I'm hoping I can educate and help my children, 6 and 7(daughter), to enjoy hunting. Hunting can contribute to a lot of life skills and experiences.

I hope that you're able to get back in the field after grad school.

Bill

Thanks Bill. I was only able to spend 8 days last season but it was time well spent with my dad and away from clinic.

[cnelk]

Both of my kids - son 17 and daughter 20 - shoot archery.
They absolutely love it.
In fact, the past 3 weeks my son and I been shooting 3D hunter league.
He has won $163 by taking two 2nd places and one 3rd place.

Its nice to see them do well

[elk-n-walleye]

Both of my kids - son 17 and daughter 20 - shoot archery.
They absolutely love it.
In fact, the past 3 weeks my son and I been shooting 3D hunter league.
He has won $163 by taking two 2nd places and one 3rd place.

Its nice to see them do well

I'll have to find a league like that for me and my kids when I move back to my home state. I fear it would be no closer than an hour and a half drive if one exists.

[N5J]

Swede...I'm still here just haven't posted I think I fell off my chair a couple of times but don't remember!

I've been in and out of a fog the last few months recovering from surgeries. Feeling better so started hitting the tread mill and shooting my bow, muscles are sore but things are going well.

N5J

James

[UtPreacher]

Good Lord! We're not all old and retired!

Like a bull after the rut, this time of the year the focus is on getting through winter. And at work ... since I love summer and autumn so much, this is the time to "make hay", as they say. Catching up on all the things I postponed during warmer, happier, hunting times.

But I never leave "Lurk-mode" ... I can do that on the fly.

+1

[Swede]

Welcome back N5J. It is good to read that you are recovering. You never said what was causing your neck and arm problems. Did the doctor(s) effectively treat the problem. Are you on the mend enough so you will be ready to hunt tis year?

[N5J]

Swede,

I was hurt while serving in the military as an aircraft maintenance technician. I did a lot of heavy lifting of aircraft components and countless miles pushing a tool box on concrete. As a maintenance technician where ever my plane went I went, so I served in several remote locations around the world with limited medical support. If you got hurt you kept going because the mission needed to get done. When I retired after 25 years, I found a doctor willing to fix my pain issues instead of pushing pain meds so in 2009 and 2010 I had both shoulders operated on for torn labrums and torn rotator cups. This past Oct I had neck surgery to have C-4-C-6 fused together because arthritis and bone spurs were putting pressure on nerves in my spine. 2 weeks after neck surgery they repaired damaged nerves in my elbows for numbness in my hands. Recovery is going well and I started shooting my bow. I'll have some limitations but it won't stop me from hunting. I look at this as a minor setback but I'll be in the mountains this fall.

N5J

James