What did you do today to prepare for the 2016 elk season?

[WapitiTalk1]

Our actual fall elk hunt is the culmination of a long planning, conditioning, practicing, gear acquisition/testing, and preparation period. Most successful elk hunters I've ever known have a skill set that they hone constantly throughout the year in anticipation of their brief time actually hunting. So, what did you/are you gonna do today to prepare for the 2016 elk season? This may be a very long thread by the time Elktember rolls around

[Indian Summer]

Today I woke up and ran to the computer to see if the Wyoming draw results are available yet.

I'm like Bart Simpson in the back seat...... are we there yet are we there yet??????

[Bow4me]

Started a strength training workout that is in this month's Elk Hunter magazine. With a trainer like Kristy Titus I might just stick to this one.

[Muleskinner2016]

Im right there with you indian summer! very impatiently waiting for Wyoming draw results to come out. Ive been waking up multiple times a night and checking. guess they are going to make us wait to the 25th

[bald9eagle]

I read the section on midday hunting in the Playbook while sitting on the throne. Need to start a workout routine other than the elliptical twice a week.

[2MANY]

I woke up, ate two doughnuts, laced up the same pair of Danners I wear everyday and will wear in September, drove 45 minutes to work listening to Paul, slipped my diaphragm in and noticed I had morning breath, checking the website, soon will hike from my office chair to the bathroom.
This weekend I will take the horses and mules for a trail ride and make sure my sleeping bag works.
I will most likely shoot a 3D target around the barn yard and cuss how hard the arrows pull out.
In a few more months when the light comes I will get serious about pouring out some sweat.
Until then I hope to be the rutting bull around my home stead at least a time or two.

[Tigger]

I went to the Y, but was really crunched for time so the workout was kind of pathetic....but it counts. I read this forum every day too. And with 2Many, I aim to put myself in the frame of mind of a rutting bull and herd the wife around. Just to understand what they are thinking mind you....

[CampCreek]

As I have almost every day since the beginning of the year I got up early and went to the gym to work on my cardio and legs. Really pumped because I stepped on the scales for the first time in 2 weeks and I have lost 7lb. since I started in Jan., 10 more to go. Will add a two and a half mile walk tonight I hope.
Also check this site pretty often, I think I'm addicted.

[Brendan]

Today I woke up and ran to the computer to see if the Wyoming draw results are available yet.

I'm like Bart Simpson in the back seat...... are we there yet are we there yet??????

This is up on the site:

Draw Results: Draw results for nonresident elk and resident/nonresident spring turkey will be posted tomorrow, February 25, at 10:00 am. mountain time.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting/draw-results

[Charina]

So far I've jogged up 42 stories of stairs in a commercial building (taller stories than house stairs). Still have 21 more to do later today. That's my typical MWF routine - 63 plus stories of stairs at a fast pace.

Once I get home, it'll be at least a dozen or so shots with the bow.

Oh, and I've checked the forum at least 4 times so far today.

[Lefty]

I plan on( now that goal is in writing) moving the tractor so I can shoot a few arrows tonight

[2MANY]

I plan on( now that goal is in writing) moving the tractor so I can shoot a few arrows tonight

I like this guys pace.

[welcher83]

Picked out my new bow today and they are holding it for me - I'll go seal the deal on Saturday! I'm very excited to shoot a lot more this year and also gain a lot more confidence - I feel like the archery/shooting part of elk hunting is currently the weakest part of my game.

As far as fitness, I have been doing pretty well recently - been lifting a couple times a week, swimming a couple times a week, and running 1-2 days per week. Plan is to keep on that program for the next couple months and then move to more hiking and running.

Getting a little closer to September every day!! Good luck everyone.

[slick trick]

looked at a article about packing with goats !!!!!!! might be getting some goats , did a mile with 37lb pack at 16% incline this morning sucks.....the reason Iam looking at goats.......might go do some bleachers tonight.... also put in for draw mule deer in Colorado archery..

[2MANY]

"I aim to put myself in the frame of mind of a rutting bull and herd the wife around. Just to understand what they are thinking mind you.... "

The lip bawl is your friend.

[CurlyTail]

Work Out - 45min spin class., followed by 500yards in the pool, and 15min. of stretching.

Listening to the Elknut Playbook Audio version on the way to work.

Practiced a few nervous grunts for fun. They sound OK

Went to the Doctor. Lingering hip soreness from too much sitting in the goose pit. Have a "Cam deformity" of the femoral head causing impingement on the labrum of the hip joint. Hopefully will settle down with time, probably had it last elk season and did fine. Probably going to be chronic. Not heading for surgery anytime soon. Fairly good news.

Might be time to ease off on the exercise, and lose a few pounds the hard way - eating less! Ouch

[Dr. Rx]

Made a commitment to a state!

Watched Elk Nut videos last night...motivated me to work out!

Kris

[dhoey]

I threw the pack on with 30#'s in it and took the dog and daughter for a stroll. Gotta try and keep the legs and lungs fresh and it gives the wife a break from one of the kids

[S&S Archery Rob]

Have been focused on my diet since Christmas. No sugar, no processed foods. Apples and oranges for sweets, and occasionally some sugar free candy. the bad part is that my elk stash is going fast! How on earth did my family go through a bull elk and a decent muley so fast? At the current rate, we'll be out in a couple months... sigh.. guess we'll have to get 2 elk this year..

I'm down around 8lbs so far, but not concerned about loosing too much, as i have been lifting as well. took a couple months but i am finally feeling REALLY strong, and enjoying my early morning lifting sessions. Fortunately for me, working at S&S Archery affords me the opportunity to do some heavy pack hikes with Steve while he tests new pack designs. once a week or so we do a few miles with 1000 ft. doesn't take very long, but i feel stronger and faster every time we go up.

Just have to keep at it!

rob

[Backyard]

I got in an hour of workout; 2 mile run on the treadmill, then weights, core, then stretch. Been at that since last fall, just turn it up gradually as it gets closer.
Loaded some maps onto my latest and last gear upgrade, GPS. Always listen to Sounds by the Elk for a while on the commute. And spend part of my lunch everyday lately scouting on Caltopo, in my "happy place" as my boss puts it.

[under H2O hunter]

Well I took a 40 pound pack and Aron Snyder along with a few of guys and we all went for a hike up in the foothills for a few miles. Nothing better then actually getting outside and hiking around with weight on your back.

[wawhitey]

Shed hunting. Hiking steep stuff in deep snow. Good workout

[six]

Totals for the past three weeks

12 miles running
11 miles walking
4 hours biking

I keep track on a calendar next to my sweatpants.

[MidwestHunter]

I got on the stair climber with the hill plus training mode. I spent 40 minutes on it and walked up 205 flights of stairs. Then I did some biceps conditioning.

I get online everyday to check and see if the gear I want is discounted yet. Trying to do this on a budget from scratch (this will be my first elk trip). Purchased wool outer garments, merino wool base layers, elk calls, rain gear, cooking gear for backpacking. I think I will start my own thread to show everything I have purchased, and compare discounted prices to retail prices to show how to elk hunt "on the cheap".

Frank

[CurlyTail]

Laid down the framework with the wife - why I need a new GPS when we drive by Cabelas this weekend. Now she won't be shocked when I attempt to purchase a Garmin Montana. Just doing the necessary prep work.

[WapitiTalk1]

Laid down the framework with the wife - why I need a new GPS when we drive by Cabelas this weekend. Now she won't be shocked when I attempt to purchase a Garmin Montana. Just doing the necessary prep work.

Sound wisdom!

[ishy]

Quite the development with my wife, she was working on a big 40th birthday present for me trying to get me and my dad to Alaska. This is huge on multiple levels for my wife. But also impossible dollar wise and with my dad's health it's just too much travel at this point. So I made a smooth transition into getting my LE Utah tag I've been ready to get for 15 years instead. Both are in that "bucket list" type trips for me. Utah is very doable for my dad to be in camp and help glass is a priceless commodity. I have a tendency to go too fast, too deep, and he usually finds all the elk sitting in camp chair close to camp. Utah's pricey, but also is only a drop in the bucket dollar wise compared to Alaska.

[Charina]

Woohoo! What weapon and unit ishy?

[Lefty]

The winds are really rippin today. I think Ill go shoot an arrow a couple times,..
Oh and I got back on Wapiti talk

[six]

Bathroom.jpg (90.2 KiB) Viewed 91226 times

Started a bathroom project for my wife this weekend.

[WapitiTalk1]

Had a WT member out to the house today to work on some calling, work over gear lists, and do some map work. Were gonna do some shooting but the dead stuff below my house was a cracking in the wind and didn't want to risk being clocked. Lamrith (Larry) will be joining my motley crew on an Idaho hunt this Elktember. Hope I didn't scare him off

[lamrith]

Had a WT member out to the house today to work on some calling, work over gear lists, and do some map work. Were gonna do some shooting but the dead stuff below my house was a cracking in the wind and didn't want to risk being clocked. Lamrith (Larry) will be joining my motley crew on an Idaho hunt this Elktember. Hope I didn't scare him off

Take quite a bit more than that to chase me off Phantom! I was ready to hit the woods!

Started the long journey to prep for September today. Moved my target/backstop back up closer to the house from the swamp that is the back 40... Pulled bow out and drew back for the 1st time since... November? Only took a few shots as it is surprising how out of shape the shoulders get after 3mos. Not a great group @ 30yrds, but dead elk group so a nice start.

Now to the intarwebz for gear research..

[Fishinsimpson]

Just finished Insanity workout while listening to the Gritty Bowman podcast! What a great way to stay motivated!

[Backwater]

Since this will be my first year elk hunting, I finished my Hunt List by purchasing a Nikon rangefinder and bipod. All that's left is ammo. Which I'm thinking of going with Nosler Partitions 180gr. for my 300 Win. mag. I figured going on a rifle hunt the first year to get a feel for the terrain and altitude, then switching to bow for the next season.

[ishy]

Woohoo! What weapon and unit ishy?

I did any weapon Beaver this year. I'm actually thinking next year will work better for several reasons so I put in for one that has pretty low odds (powerball might have better odds). I am doing my first Ironman August 21st which is during Utah's way too early archery season. Not sure my 40 year old bones will be able to go straight from that to a once in a lifetime hunt and give it my all. Next year I will aim for one I should draw, lots of options on the second tier units. I change my mind every other day what one I want.

[oldnovice]

Bought a new composite stock for my Mosin Nagant backup rifle. The wood was OK but I want to save that for historical value.

Bought a Boyds stock for my Savage Axis as the standard stock is a piece of junk and broke on me the second day of last elk season. Gotta wait for a nice day when I don't have any sign jobs to go sight both in and test new reloads for the Mosin.

Started a new gym subscription at Anytime Fitness. Got with the instructor there about cross-fit training for a 63 year-old! He wants a Dr permission slip! Been studying the CPW interactive atlas for the two GMUs I put in for elk and mulies.

Lots of prep work to do!

[husky390]

I changed the fluids in the front/rear diff, transmission and transfer case on my Jeep Cherokee.

[WapitiTalk1]

I changed the fluids in the front/rear diff, transmission and transfer case on my Jeep Cherokee.

Sound wisdom. Gotta keep the elk carriage rolling!

[lamrith]

Lots of progress on the hunt list over the weekend... Anyone not using CAMOFIRE you ARE MISSING OUT! Killer sales starting last week.

Added to the hunting kit:
Badlands Velocity Jacket, 4x Rocky Ultralite L1 long T's, Cabelas Microtex pants, 3x Primos EasyCam's, Summit Viper climbing tree stand...

[artyman1775]

Put in for my Colorado tags today. Unit 54 Cow tags. First time elk hunter.

[Charina]

I did any weapon Beaver this year. I'm actually thinking next year will work better for several reasons so I put in for one that has pretty low odds (powerball might have better odds).

Credit card charges for the UT draw started yesterday. If you did draw, a pending charge should show up today or tomorrow.

[T.B.]

Ate a pizza and had an ice cream cone....stepped on the scales this morning and it hit me
I GOTTA get my a** moving !!!!

[Backyard]

I talked to the USFS about outfitter camps in the areas that I plan on hunting this year. They were very helpful, and are sending me some maps with the registered locations marked. That is peace of mind for me.
On another note, I continued my training program by doing a three mile fast hike with the pack at 50 lbs, then 20x up and down the deck steps (15) with the pack, followed by a mile run w/o. Feeling good!

[saddlesore]

I ate more of last years elk so I will have more room my freezer for the 2016 elk.

[WapitiTalk1]

I ate more of last years elk so I will have more room my freezer for the 2016 elk.

Solid strategy!

[Tigger]

went for a walk with the new puppy and did my situps and pushups. nothing too major yet, I don't want to peak too early!

[Mike_Parson]

almost every day i scan the forums for useful tips and experiences. I also look at my online maps and paper maps every few days as well. I shoot my bow at least 3 times a week and i can always be found on you tube looking and learning all i can.

[rowdycwby1]

I'm walking a mile everyday with 20llbs of weight in my pack hoping to increase the miles and weight and start walking bleachers at the stadium since I don't live in the mountains

[ishy]

[/quote]Credit card charges for the UT draw started yesterday. If you did draw, a pending charge should show up today or tomorrow.[/quote]

No tag, probably for the best this year. Planning on a tag I should draw next year when I don't have as much on my plate.

[blackwolf]

Been walking every day with hills. Signed my llama rental papers and got them mailed.

[Charina]

Stepped up the routine of climbing stairs on breaks at work. Doing a little more than 1,000 ft verticle climb each weekday.

Oh, and spent the last hour packing the family's stuff to head out camping/scouting a new hunting area this weekend.

[powderhogg01]

I shoot my bow at 70 yards everyday. I may not shoot more then 20 arrows, but I make sure that I only count killshots on my glendell buck. figure if I can keep it up, maybe step back a bit further I will be ready for my next encounter. I also had the chance to get out and stalk some muledeer I spotted from my house, living and hiking in the mountains keep me feeling good to go, though trying to eat better has been the biggest thing.

[bald9eagle]

Today....

I rolled into Colorado just an hour ago. Pretty good haul from north Alabama but not the worst. Over the next few days I'll try to get a feel for the area. I plan on taking a few hikes, talking to some locals, and driving around a good bit.

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Shot my recurve and fixed some arrows. Walked to the grocery store and packed the groceries home in my badlands pack.

[Ryan Conkle]

Ran 4.5 miles and am reading my way through Elk Nut's playbook...yet again lol, thankfully I have a job that allows me to do both while working and am shooting every evening that I am home from work to maintain my form and accuracy, while counting down the days' that are now down to less than 100! I am also checking this forum as much as possible in order to soak up as much education as possible! lol

[swmoelk]

Walked 4 miles with a weighted pack today. Munching on mulberries and counting quail.

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Went to the doctor to see if my heart was healthy enough for sex...no way to tell if it will stand up to the pressure of a screaming snot slinging elk but if I do have to sleep on a steep hillside at least I will have the medication to keep me from rolling to the bottom.

Shot my recurve also, which I do almost dayly and walked a bit.

[MT Bound]

It's a shame to see that this hunting forum is now corrupted by the likes of "TurkeyBowMaster", shame indeed. I stopped visiting the bowsite because every thread he touched turned into a joke by his shenanigans, too bad.....

[wunder6]

Does roto tilling my 80' by 120' garden with my 4 year son on my shoulders count?

[elkaholic]

Went over some maps of a new area I'm hunting this year, and did a little more research on some spike camp gear I need( doing my first spike camp hunt in the mountains this year). Oh and trying to get over this blasted summer cold.

[Backyard]

Bumped up the weight in the pack 5lbs and added a mile to the workout. 55lbs, and 4.5mi.
Started drying some apples and blueberries. Meats are next.
Less than 100 days....


Aim small.
Dave

[TurkeyBowMaster]

I don't know how to respond to that comment MT Bound, or to comment about it at all. If I do it will be more about who I am as a bowhunter...someone who works almost daily on the craft. Today I shot my recurve and now, after a year am starting to find that groove that won me 3 state titles. Also worked on fletching another dozen axis for it and lining up Simmons tigersharks. Will buy some hog feed and start souring it tomorrow so I can have some live targets to confirm my progress.

[WapitiTalk1]

Ref's time out (or site owner's time out as it were). I read every post/thread on Wapiti Talk as my MODs do and to date, (since I assumed ownership of the site) all has been well on the Wapiti Talk Forum. I don't care what happens on other sites, only this one and as the rules state, any shenanigans that perhaps are tolerated on other sites will be sniffed out immediately here. Clear? Good......

OK, back on topic. I hiked a few miles today without a pack. Heading back in to the sawbones on the 15th to push for an MRI (yep and yikes). I've been experiencing some pretty acute upper/lower back pain, shoulder pain, etc. for the past two months and the DOC has told me it's multiple spots of arthritis... I've never had the "A" word before and this came on so sudden I'm wondering if it's a pinched nerve in my upper back or something. Very strange development indeed. If this persists, I'll have to have my hunting partners pack out my elk this year, LOL. RJ

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Started dreaming about hunting elk. Dream turned into a nitemare. Killedy second elk and instead of packing it out I helped a friend try and get his elk. Wasn't until the next day that I thought about getting my elk out and by then I knew he was probably ruined. I couldn't believe I had done surch a foolish thing and contemplated just leaving the meat. Woke up and was so glad it was a dream.

Back to reality... Started extending my distance with the recurve and 10 ringed my raccoon at 35 yards. Started shooting with feet on unlevel ground. My workouts are now including arms in a manner that prepares for the demands of trecking poles. The poles work muscles not normally used and if not prepared this can change your shooting accuracy.

Mentally my focus is on the process instead of the results.

[blackwolf]

Looked at new trucks today. Worried about my 2002 Ford even though I have kept it up well, seems something is constantly going out. Looking at a Ford Supercrew with the 6 1/2 ft (long ) box Some good prices out there and bank rates at 2.5%.

[jmez]

Rowed 8000m

[Coloclover]

Drove to my game unit to hike, camp, and scout for a week. We saw tons of elk on our way in last night. I'm so excited just to scout and play in the mountains! Phantom, I hope you get fixed up, but having someone else pack your elk doesn't sound like a bad deal!

[Brendan]

Ran a 3.5 mile race yesterday, and found out I'm a lot faster than last year at this time. Stadium workouts are paying off. Paper tuned and bare shaft tuned my bow at short range today in the basement. Waiting on new arrows now so I can finalize what I'll be using in the woods this year and get my sight tapes generated... And, I spent some time staring at topo maps of western Wyoming....

Other than that, I enjoyed wild pig backstraps on the grill that I brought home from a February trip to Florida, and a couple really nice IPAs

[Indian Summer]

Blackwolf I'm in the same boat. 2003 Ford with 350K on it. Actually it never ever has problems. The 7.3 diesel is incredible. But it's just so old with all those miles and when it's time to elk hunt I don't like to gamble. My step son work for a Ford dealer so I get great prices. Interest is low. I'm excited to look at a crew cab with the same bed. I was always a Chevy guy until this last truck.

Work has been tough and busy. And with the heat and humidity lately even tougher. But I think about elk hunting and push myself like a plow horse. Last week I said to my right hand man, they should charge me 30 bucks a month to work here because I use it like a gym membership. haha A real elknut is always thinking about elk hunting.

I've been feeling pretty good lately after dropping a few pounds. But the big thing is I started taking Aleve. My arthritis is terrible. I am not one to take pills of any kind so I don't even bother making doctor appointments. But I do have one coming up with a rheumatologist and if they prescribe something for me I am damn sure taking it this time. The Aleve takes the sharp edge off of the pain in my joints but even that is a huge relief. If they can minimize the problem and get rid of even more pain I'll be like a new man. I already am. I hope I don't end up like Prince all hooked on Aleve and strung out on the stuff! Pills... and un natural crap in my body, not my thing.

[bald9eagle]

Today....

Today I ate a chocolate cupcake to up my energy reserves. Too soon? lol

[blackwolf]

Indian Summer, I hear you! I have gotten quite used to living on Advil daily along with a small amount of Dr prescribed Vicodin, and cervical traction daily. Trying to prolong a C6-7 cervical fusion. C456 was fused 7 years ago putting stress on C6-7 that is now giving me grief. Hoping to make in thru fall, see Neurosurgeon Monday.

[dtrkyman]

Hit the gym and ran 5 miles on the trail, though I do that most days anyway! Studied google earth for a while scoping out some spots! Was looking for a new bino harness, check out Rick Young outdoors anyone who is looking for one!

[blackwolf]

Saw neurosurgeon and had to cancel trip. Having 2 neck fusions next month so I don't lose full use of arms and hands.Sucks to get old!

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Had to go back to blind bale shooting because bad habits coming back into my shooting form. Even on the good shots I could feel that something was not right. Started seeking help through the internet on ways to improve back tension and getting a clean release. It's a constant battle fighting bad habits and was about to just give up and go back to the compound but I feel I can beat it.

[Fridaythe13th]

Plan A: epic fail did not draw Colorado and should have

Plan B: Tags sold out

Plan C: Found a new spot in Idaho and have to start mapping looking for new camp sites.

[Elkhunttoo]

Where are you looking at in Idaho?

[Fridaythe13th]

Where are you looking at in Idaho?

Sent PM

[Tigger]

Went to Canada fishing and just got back. Let me tell ya, that trip did not help my preparation for elk hunting. I did pretty well on the eating, but other than arm workouts from hauling in walleye after walleye after walleye, I got little exercise.

35 situps and 25 pushups daily. Chainsawed a bunch last night which is great exercise actually.

[Mukbowhunt]

I found two areas on Google earth and planned access. Launches 2 dozen arrows down range. Put a new knife in the kill kit. Downloaded and printed the Idaho application for elk and filled it out. Probably a few more things but that is enough for today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tigger]

Ruh-roh! Pothole in the road! The family and I went to Pizza Ranch tonight and I punished that buffet. I guess you gotta do that once in awhile!

[RAMMONT]

Bought a SIG Sauer Oscar3 10-20x30mm monocular to replace my Leupold 10x40 binoculars. Old guys need to keep the load light so that we can travel like we did when we were young.

[njdoxie]

2 hour hike in hills with 45 lb pack, set new pr, was using 85 lbs until I had two disks in my neck replaced and a stabilizer plate screwed into c5c6c7 last year. I run steps for time with and without a backpack, do intervals on stair machine, lift weights 2-3 times a week

[JKaboom]

I stopped smoking cigarettes but did not stop smoking all together. A buddy of mine quit smoking full cigarettes by buying a dug-out but loading with cigarette tobacco in bulk. Instead of smoking full cigarettes when the urge strikes smoke a load or two. I know not smoking all together is the best option but I just have not been able to kick the habit.

[Lefty]

,.... I just have not been able to kick the habit.

My dads Dr and friend told him, If you want to see your grand kids you have to quit.
That afternoon he called my brother, they sat down at the dinning room table He told my brother that was his last,.. and it was.
Unfortunately months later he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Cancer took him years later.

My dad was able to get a lot of guys to quit smoking in those last couple years. He sort of followed his Dr buddies line of reasoning.If you love your family "quit". As he was going through treatment his comment to smokers is you "dont do this to people you love" ( everything that goes along with treatment) .

Sorry for the rant but I went through both of my parents cancer treatments.

Just a lot of physical and mental work. Then the finances. After my dads treatment my mom was $187,000 in debt, all their savings gone, gave up the place at the lake, mortgages out on their paid for home
As adult sons we got by cheap. The expense of gas to Mayo Clinic, days off from work and a hotel if our dad was too sick to travel
But what terrible tax to impose up on family

[JKaboom]

Lefty - thank you for your thoughts. No need to apologize about the 'rant'; I am sorry you and your family went through that.

[Deanmac]

Today I bought an Cabela's Alaskan Guide® Geodesic Tent with Fiberglass Poles – 8-Person.

I know there is better on the market, but this is way better than a Coleman that I had. LOL

Plus I got it for about 1/3 of retail with some accessories included.

[Old school]

Iced my knee tonight after walking yesterday evening with a weighted pack. Not a good sign - right knee bothering me again.

--Mitch

[Deanmac]

Just order some "No Excuses" bullets and ox yoke wads, thanks guys for the advice.

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Shooting every day and that part is proceeding really well as I am gaining consistency and even the bad shots are not missing enough to cause too much trouble. The main trouble is a little case of tp and I seem to be making progress by dry firing my bow trainer over and over. I think this has helped more than the blind bale practice.

The getting in shape part of getting ready is suffering...got a case of plantars heel. I think a bad pair of running shoes set it off. I might just have to live with it.

[TurkeyBowMaster]

I also ordered a dozen Simmons Tigersharks, some arrows for my recurve and some other bow related items. Ordered some of the super skinny arrows to try. Will work on settling on which arrow to shoot over the next month but I know I will be shooting the Simmons. I expect full penetration even with my 55 pound recurve.

[oldnovice]

Today? Bought a now pair of KEEN hikers at Cabelas! Then came on here to look for new posts.

[Tigger]

Last week I bought some new arrows. I have not had a chance to shoot them yet and that is killing me! I got the Easton Injexions. Small diameter elk killers they are! Today, I ran 2 miles and did some pushups and situps.

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

Shot a 4 inch group of three arrows at 80 yards 2 of 3 arrows in the bulls eye. Also ran 2 miles and ordered two igloo 150 quart coolers. Officially have purchased everything for my elk hunt! I know what I will be dreaming about tonight.

[Old school]

Shot my bow out to 60 yards also got with a personal trainer to push me harder in physical training. I should have done that 2 months ago. I am way sore today - 6 weeks left to finish getting into "elk shape"

--Mitch

[njdoxie]

Today? Bought a now pair of KEEN hikers at Cabelas! Then came on here to look for new posts.

. New post......never enough good ones, I'm always looking too.

[sojurner 65]

Pray...hit the rifle range....pray some more!

[lamrith]

3mi hike with 30# pack to start the morning. Shopping spree at local discount outdoor shop, MH Meals, sock liners, self inflating pad, jet boil fuel, etc etc, $155 later...

Then afternoon with the Phantom working on some scenarios and calling for his Quality elk hunt in a month.

[Rangerz]

Built 1/2 doz arrows and tested them. After testing, sharpened up the broadheads.

Getting anxious to go!

[Brendan]

Almost 100 degrees and humid here. Yuck. Yesterday was a 6-7 mile hike with a 75lb pack, then sighting in / breaking in a new Kimber. Today was spent in the man cave fletching arrows and tuning my bow after getting an older bow boxed up and ready to ship to a new owner....

[Dr. Rx]

Running with backpack 3 miles a day in the flat lander heat of 95 degree plus here in Cali..

[Backyard]

Started a batch of venison jerkey.
Started laying out and taking inventory of gear, at the same time making a "short list" of items to add or gather. And the usual, an every other day workout consisting of either a 3 mi. run or 3 mi. hill hike (not a run)with the pack always ending with an ab workout of some sort.
I leave in 3 weeks and 3 days...

Excitement level-6.5

[Charina]

I was packing this evening! I'll be in camp in just 48 hours!!!

[Dr. Rx]

washed all the clothes in Dead Down Wind laundry detergent.!

[RAMMONT]

Saw 24 elk by 8am today, only two were bulls and they were spikes -

At least I know where there's activity going on. I have several other areas to check out early in the morning so maybe I'll see a bigger guy in one of those places.

[Brendan]

Cut a hole in the side of my Kodiak Canvas this past weekend for a propane stove





No more crappy base camp tents...

[bowpackerrob]

Been running 3 to 5 miles per day and body weight exercises 3 days per week, still 3 weeks away from Colorado for me. Bow is in tune and ready to go

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

Ran 3.03 miles in 25 minutes and 50 seconds. 8 minutes 30 second miles. A personal best for me. It's getting easier to tell that little voice that says walk a little NO! Go into to need that in 3 weeks

[RAMMONT]

Bought a new hunting truck

[camo_deerslayer]

Ran 3 miles and shot 20 arrows through the recurve... 3 more days and it's GAME TIME!!


Sent from my iPhone using the "Hunt and Peck" method...

[larry83]

I dialed in my 50 yard pin, and shot a 3D course over all more than 100 arrows. Also looked at world record elk photos.

[Ben Nicholson]

Cut a hole in the side of my Kodiak Canvas this past weekend for a propane stove





No more crappy base camp tents...

I like it. I'm considering putting one in mine. Did you do it yourself? If so how hard was it? Which stove is that? Also, how do you like the vestibule?

-Ben

[JKaboom]

I picked up my boots at the Redwing dealer today. Went with the Irish Setter Elk Tracker 12" 600g thinsulate. When I tried them on they fit well and should have minimal break-in period which starts tomorrow for Oct 22nd.

I looked long and hard at all the options and tried like heck to find an all US made 14EE but the few that I found were not available. Redwings/Irish Setters have treated me well though since I was 17 and I'm 43 now.

[Brendan]

I like it. I'm considering putting one in mine. Did you do it yourself? If so how hard was it? Which stove is that? Also, how do you like the vestibule?

-Ben

Did it myself - used Bish's Tear Mender Glue, and then some silicone mixed with paint thinner "painted" along the seams on the outside. When I get a chance - I'm going to take it to someone who can sew it for reinforcement, but I wanted to do the placement myself. Set up the stove, found where it needed to go, glued it on, then cut out the tent from the inside with a razor, then after glue was dried - sealed with silicone.

Stove is a Nuway 4000.

Tent, vestibule and stove look like they'll work great, but will really be using it for the first time this season.

[Ben Nicholson]

Thanks for the info! I just ordered the vestibule. I think that will be a nice addition. I'll probably hold off on the stove this year, but it's tempting. Be sure to post how it worked for you after your hunt.

-Ben

[Brendan]

Different angle for you:

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Just got done ordering Montana elk licenses. Not going to get license ahead of time for Idaho...wait and see how Montana goes.

Getting camper in shape for trip is next priority. Odd as it sounds, I am looking more forward to camping and being in cooler temperatures than hunting. It has been a brutal hot and humid summer. Hopefully a hurricane want put a damper on trip.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

Clicked "refresh page" a million times on the main page here! I'm going nuts just waiting to hear that someone out there has drawn blood!

[WapitiTalk1]

Clicked "refresh page" a million times on the main page here! I'm going nuts just waiting to hear that someone out there has drawn blood!

It's coming brother, it's coming.

[WapitiTalk1]

Did a short hike after work with old Army ruck on. Just finished packing up the Chevy for scouting trip tomorrow evening. Mrs. Phantom and yellow dog will be accompanying me. Leave tomorrow after work and coming back Sunday. Haven't told yellow dog yet that he can't go with me down into the elk lairs (whizz, whizz, poop, poop) but I'm sure he'll be fine hanging with his mom up by the truck

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

Clicked "refresh page" a million times on the main page here! I'm going nuts just waiting to hear that someone out there has drawn blood!

It's coming brother, it's coming.

Actually, I did more than this, but I'm reluctant to crush the hopes of all ya'll photo contest hopefuls. Did some back stretches and crunches (desk jobs are awful), and did some research. I also called Montana FWP and inquired about the Native Non Resident Come Home to Hunt program. Still a LOT of loose ends to pull together. But I may just be in business come November... I can almost smell the gunpowder burning on an icy breeze, as a giant bull collapses to the ground, victim to 165 grains of unadulterated Barnes TTSX copper propelled at hyper-sonic speed.

But shhhhh. It's still just in the uncommitted, tentative early stages of becoming an evil master plan!

[Texasbdog]

I went today and purchased all my protein bars, picked up a new waterproof back for my hunting cloths, and walked 5.33 miles. Weights tomorrow. I'll build up to 20 miles per week of walking and 2 circuit weight training per week until we leave on 10-19. I'm 57 and feeling it most days but getting stronger each week.