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Joined: Jan 2011
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Campfire Regular
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OP
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Well, I finally got my Wyoming elk tag so now it's time to plan my hunt. I want to go unguided, but I have much to learn about the area, as I know very little about it.
I'm 55 years old and in pretty good shape and I have plenty of gear, but I don't have a big tent.
If you have info to share on the unit I'm all ears and open to any and all suggestions. If you also have the tag and wish to team up I'll certainly consider that as well. I will likely have plenty of free time to devote to the hunt.
thanks! Jeff
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,047 Likes: 6
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,047 Likes: 6 |
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89 |
That is a tough tag to draw, so you have overcome some pretty rough odds!
Do you plan on making some scouting trips before the season?
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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Yes, even with my 10 max points my chances were only about 35%. I really didn't expect to hit it in the regular draw, but here I am with tag in hand.
Scouting trips would be great, but I'm not sure if that will happen considering the time and distance involved.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 10
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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You had better odds in the regular draw @ 54%
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 330
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 330 |
Do you have much for elk hunting experience anywhere?
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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Posts: 2,372 |
Yes Wyohunter1, sometimes the regular vs special draw has the reverse intended effect on odds. This time it definitely worked in my favor.
I do have a bit of elk hunting experience Jaguar, including about a half dozen or so hunts with both muzzleloader and rifle.
Whether I end up going outfitted or not, I intend to start hunting early during the archery season to enjoy the pre-rut and rut experience, as well as the great weather that you often have during September.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 89 |
Jeff,
Most hunters in that area hunt out of a hard sided RV or equivalent. Limited areas where you can camp, but you can probably find a place that will work for you. Horses would be a help.
Expect to take the standard precautions required when hunting in grizzly country, as that area has plenty of big bears (also black bears). Grizzlies are not blood-thirsty beasts lusting to kill you, but you need to be smart about what you do and where you do it.
Expect the early archery season to be hot and dry, but don't count on it.
Other standard advice applies. Get yourself in the best shape you can, and be sure you have well broken in boots. Expect to do a lot of walking if don't have horses.
You should have a great time!
WyoM70
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 330
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 330 |
For the nonresident tag do you get only 63 or is it 63/64?
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372 |
For the nonresident tag do you get only 63 or is it 63/64? I can hunt both 63 and 64 but so far I'm more focused on 63. It seems that 64 has a lot more private land, whereas 63 in mostly public.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
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Jeff,
Most hunters in that area hunt out of a hard sided RV or equivalent. Limited areas where you can camp, but you can probably find a place that will work for you. Horses would be a help.
Expect to take the standard precautions required when hunting in grizzly country, as that area has plenty of big bears (also black bears). Grizzlies are not blood-thirsty beasts lusting to kill you, but you need to be smart about what you do and where you do it.
Expect the early archery season to be hot and dry, but don't count on it.
Other standard advice applies. Get yourself in the best shape you can, and be sure you have well broken in boots. Expect to do a lot of walking if don't have horses.
You should have a great time!
WyoM70 WyoM70, This is great stuff and I appreciate it. I'm confidant on getting all that covered, except for the horses. I don't know of any options there but I'm hoping that I may be able to rent some horses or at least hire help to get a animal out, should I be successful. I am quite sure that I'll have the time of my life on this hunt! Jeff
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 10
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 10 |
Get your Hunter Management Permission slip for the Absaroka Front. There is good places to hunt in 64. There is some good access points for you through 64 to get to 63 too.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,372
Campfire Regular
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OP
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Thank you sir, I'll do that.
I have a lot to learn, but I'm tryin'.
I hope to get out there this summer if at all possible so I can get a good look at the country. That always helps me to put things into perspective.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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