Hopefully, here...
I'll be
hunting backpacking/hiking with a rifle in my hands. I pay F&G for the 'privilege' of hiking all day up mountains with a rifle NOT getting an elk...
Mojo,
Go easier on yourself next year. Like I do.
A 1.5 lb longbow with a quiver full of arrows is way easier to hike with than a rifle, as long as your NOT getting an elk. I know whereof I speak.
People ask if I'm going hunting, I usually tell them no, just taking the _______ (fill in blank weapon) for walk today, it hasn't been out of the house for a bit.
Good luck, looks like nice country all the same.
Geno