I love to go to the mountains of CO and hunt mule deer. We don’t have them here and to get to hunt them where 4 generations of my family have is a treat. Plus we see a big buck or two on occasion.
The elk tag prices have about priced my gang out of the elk hunting business. Most of them are older now and don’t climb the mountains and run the ridges like they used to. They know that most bulls where we hunt are hard earned and come from burnt boot leather. Most years they aren’t able or interested in burning that boot leather.
One uncle and myself are in good enough shape and know the area and habits of the elk well enough to be successful on a regular basis. We both derive some satisfaction in staying in the %10 of hunters that kill %90 of the elk, more so considering it’s more like %3 of DIY nonresidents.
And last but certainly not least to me. It’s worth every penny spent on the tag when I get back home and see the way my Grandad’s eyes light up when he sees the horns and hears the tale of bagging one. Sappy as it sounds theres very little that’s more special to me than to have him call me an elk hunter.
Yes I think tags are overpriced but I’m going to keep paying as long as my gang is up for making the trip. It’s just the price of admission and a way better deal than spending it in the bar or casino
