New to Wapiti Talk Forum.....Howdy!

[WapitiTalk1]

Just thought I'd put up a spot where new members of the Wapiti Talk Campfire can say, well, howdy! Tell us a bit about yourselves, where you're from, your dog's name, type of hunting you like to do, etc. All new members who chime in here will get one of the coveted Wapiti Talk decals to proudly display on their truck, tractor, road bike, airplane, riding mower, quad, etc. (well, at least till I run out of them). .

[Boatdoc39]

Hello, all.
My name is Aaron. I'm an outboard motor mechanic from central Louisiana. Have caught and killed everything that crawls, swims or flies in my home state since I was old enough to shoot or hold a rod. (I'm 45 now). But I guess my favorites are bowhunting whitetails and hunting turkeys. I've been interested in elk hunting for years, but never thought it possible. Until last year, I finally decided I'm just gonna head up there and give it a shot. So now plans are made, partner on board, liscenses bought and gear is coming together. Just been 'lurking' around on here for months trying to pick up a whole lot of tips and 'what not to do's'. Thank You to all who take time to post answers to questions. I know there's a lot of guys like me who have hundreds of questions and can learn tons just by reading back over previous topics. I'll be reading along every chance I get. And now I've got till September to find out: Does a bull elk buggling in a thicket feel anything like a good turkey gobbling in your face?? I can't wait to find out!

Aaron

[N&N Waterfowl]

Been on for a few weeks, but never introduced myself. My name is Charlie, and I am a civil engineer in MO. I've hunted whitetail and waterfowl in MO for the last 25 years. Have two labs that are of course the best duck dogs ever!!! That is my opinion anyway Did my first OTC Diy elk hunt last year in Colorado, and am hooked!!! Can't imagine why I waited so long, and now that is pretty much all that I think about besides duck hunting when I'm not at work. Ok, let's be real...I think about elk hunting at work too Have already gotten some great information from the forum and look forward to learning as much as possible!!

[WapitiTalk1]

Charlie, Aaron, welcome to the campfire guys and thanks for the great intros! Charlie, send me a PM with your mailing info and I'll shoot a decal your way. Aaron, you can't quite send or receive PM's yet (need 3 posts) but send an email to rory@wapititalk.com and I'll get a decal on the way to you also sir. RJ

[Swede]

Aaron, Charlie and all, welcome to the W.T. Forums. There is some great information here and we all learn from each other. No one tries to embarrass anyone, as we recognize many new elk hunters have a steep learning curve. Those of us fortunate to have lived, worked and/or hunted elk for decades are more than glad to share what we have discovered or think we have. Here, we will savor your successes with you, and hike along with you through the rough areas too.
We are all ignorant on some things. i.e. You could easily embarrass me when it comes to turkey or Whitetail hunting, but we are all hunters here and share a common bond. We have nothing but respect for anyone that will take up the challenge to try and go out a kill a free ranging elk. Most likely, it won't be easy, but that is part of the fun, and it is all the sweeter when everything finally comes together.
Never give up. If shooting an elk was easy, there would be none left by now.
Best Wishes.

[CurlyTail]

N&N - you sound a lot like me. Welcome to the forum. I also have an amazing lab, a Springer Spaniel that rules the roost, and did not discover Elk Hunting until later in life. Now I seem to be trying to make up for lost time! This Elk hunting stuff is the most exciting hunting I have ever experienced, and the Elk themselves are the most amazing trophy. I can't believe how much I like Elk meat.

I still spend a ridiculous amount of time chasing ducks and geese in season, and am having a blast calling in Turkeys now.

Welcome

[beard collector]

Hello to all

My name is Greg and I live in North Central Arkansas. I am a person that loves to bow hunt white tails and loves to turkey hunt. Just took 3 of my grandkids turkey hunting during the youth season in Missouri. Both my grandsons killed birds and my granddaughter shot one and the bird got away. I am 62 years young and am planning on retiring in July of this year. I really appreciate all the information I have learned from this forum over the past couple of years. I have killed one 5x5 bull elk using my bow in unit 20 in northern Colorado year before last. I drew this unit with 2 preference points. I am looking forward to spending more time in the elk woods in the near future. Maybe someday in the future to hook up with someone that would like a hunting partner. I have hunted elk in Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico over the past few years. I put in for the draw in Montana and New Mexico this year. I am in pretty good shape for a person that is 62, but never seem to be in good enough shape for a trip to the mountains lol. Again, I would like to say a big thanks to all of you for all the good advice that I have learned from this forum. I was thinking of ordering Elknuts playbook in the near future. Please keep the information coming.

Thanks,

Greg.

[WapitiTalk1]

Welcome to the campfire Greg; glad to have you on board. Yes sir, Elknut's playbook is a must own for many reasons. Send me a PM with your mailing info and I'll get one of the coveted WT decals on the way. RJ

[Deanmac]

Well I hesitated in replying as a new member, because I have posted some since joining toward the end of 2015 after my first OTC hunt in Colorado.
My name is Dean and I have lived in Georgia all of my 61 years except a couple in El Paso Texas when I was a LT in Army. I manage a hunting and fishing club in GA, but last year was my first trip to chase the Elk and as I have read from many on the forum, I guess I am hooked. LOL The only bad thing I can say about Hunting Colorado is the 26 hour drive out and the worst 26 hour drive to get back home.
I have been retired from public school teaching/coaching for two years and now coach my 11 year old son's sports team. We are in the middle of baseball now and I love every minute of it.

Last year I hunted the 2nd season OTC in unit 711 with a guy that had been to the same unit on 5 other trips. We stayed in Dove Creek drove in to the hunting area each day. Did I say rain!!!! Major thunderstorms and sleet for a solid week.
So hunting the water holes that had worked in years past was not too productive last year. A young friend and I have applied for a ML Cow tags and will probably hunt the archery season if we don't get drawn. Our second option will be to go back with a OTC gun tag. Regardless we plan on making the trip if nothing happens. This year we plan to camp near the hunting area and have several back up plans if the primary options are not working out.

I am pretty experienced hunting in the east, but have tons to learn on the Elk. I would be happy with any Elk at this point and will work up from there. Thanks already to the folks that have given me some advice and answered some simple questions. I am sure I will have lots more over the next 6 months.

[Elkduds]

Welcome newbs, thanks for the intros. Display those stickers with pride!

[WapitiTalk1]

Great intro Dean. An official "welcome to the WT campfire" to you mister. PM me your mailing address and I'll send a WT decal flying your way. RJ

[Coloclover]

Hello fellow elk enthusiasts!

My name is Sierra and I'm from Colorado. From the western slope but my husband recently took a job way out on the eastern plains, so I've unwillingly become a flat lander. I have a heeler/Aussie mix named George and an almost 1 year old boy. I became a stay at home mom when the boy was born, which has been a big adjustment. I have a really terrible case of elk fever. I usually hunt with my dad near my home town. I'm finally letting my husband tag along this year. (Maybe just to watch the baby? Just kidding ) I've been reading everything I can get my hands on and working my butt off at the gym because I'm so excited for hunting season this year!

[WapitiTalk1]

Welcome Sierra, glad to have at our campfire. Oh, and congrats on the new addition to the family. RJ

[Swede]

Welcome to our elk camp Sierra. It sounds like you have your priorities straight. Join in the conversations and enjoy.

[tikka]

Hi, I introduced myself prior but will do it more indepth. My name is Dale and I live in the Western UP of Michigan. I fish Lake Superior for Trout and Salmon and am getting back into walleye fishing this year. I have two GWPs that I hunt grouse and pheasants with and travel out of state to hunt Elk(and other game) when pocketbook and work allow. I want to complete my ever changing bucket list before I retire and do everything that I like again when I do. This site is Awesome, lots of information and NO bad talk. Keep up the good work!!

[WapitiTalk1]

A formal "welcome" to you Tikka. Thanks for the intro. I'm guessing you may be a fan of Tikka firearms? Send me a PM with your mailing info and I'll shoot a super cool Wapiti Talk decal your way.

[tikka]

I like Tikka weapons but don't own one, my animals have had gun company names and I liked that.