I can't remember an opener this warm... 67 deg, sunny, dry and void of snow. Fine if you're in Miami but not what's good for elk hunting. Supposed to be over 70 today with warm temps through the weekend.
Brad, I just got back from Colorado hunting elk at 8,000 feet. I am so friggen sunburn I can hardly stand it. 75-80 degree days and 50 degree nights. I have never hunted this late in such nice conditions. I wacked a big bull with the rifle I bought from you, but lost some of it due to spoilage from the heat before I could get it all out. It sure is weird weather this year. I guess it could be worse and be -20 with hard snow. I think I will take the warm weather personally <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Flinch
Hey, good for ya Flinch!!! Pic Please!
These conditions are nice for day hiking with a rifle but that's about it. Where I hunt getting on a big bull in these conditions, however, becomes more a matter of luck than anything. The bulls aren't in the meadows in light and are hiding in cool, dark beds God only knows where. Goes without saying real cold and snow keeps them out late and snow makes tracking a breeze... I'll take the cold and snow!
Sorry to hear that! I remember 4-5 years ago there was no snow until thanks giving and it was t-shirt weather up until then as well. That year SUCKED thats for sure. It seems like it goes in cycles about every 5-6 years when its just camping weather until the second or third weekend of the season.
Hope you get some weather soon.
Brad, lucky for me they were rutting hard in the secondary rut. If not, it would have been hell to find them. They were definitely in the thick nasties throughout the day, but came out just before dark to chase cows. The weather and the fall colors were fabulous though. I didn't want to come home. Flinch
Flinch,
Did you hunt first or second season? First season was pretty damn cold above 11,000 feet from Monday till Saturday where I was. Not to mention, it snowed like a SOB on tuesday in my local. Where in the state were you?
That is why I do not Bow Hunt anymore.It is bad enough during rifle season. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Jayco
The weather may have sucked but the planets or something must have been right. I saw 5 nice bulls killed yesterday. Three of them were BIG 6x6's over in Paradise Valley. I myself had to work. Guess it's time for another antelope burger! Pray for snow!
Whiner! Get your arse out there and hunt! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
MtnHtr
Warm weather is for kicking back on the boat with a cold beverage and some Jimmy Buffet. I hate hunting when it's warm. I don't know how guys in the south do it. I can always put on warmer clothes but I can only get so naked. Not to mention dealing with meat and bugs. Our weather has finally started turning. Highs in the 40's with the wind out of the north. Can't wait for this weekend.
Jeff
Flinch, I'd love to rifle hunt the rut in this sort of weather!
Hunts, no doubt elk are getting killed, but I'd be curious to know where the bulls you saw were flattened... lot of good hayfields in that country and enough wolves to keep them there for sure!
OK Mtn, no more whinig... still, I AM going to pack a little crazy creek chair and some Hawaiian Tropic lotion...
Wasting away in Montanaville, looking for my lost herd of elk...<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I like it in the 'teens with about 4-6" powder and slightly overcast; no wind. Just placed that order for central Mt. for next week <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. I like it so quiet that you have to be careful to not think too loud.
Just checked the extended outlook - 'til Thurs next week - for the White Sulphur Springs area and it shows highs in the 50s with little chance of moisture. Hopefully, a couple thousand feet or so more where we're going will help.
Goodnews, ya just described my ideal too... that's what it was like on the opener last year... perfect!
Sorry to say a few thousand feet of elevation isn't going to make much difference in this weather... still, a guy's gotta go hunt!
One things for sure, hunting in hot weather is a heck of a lot better than sitting at work in a snow storm.
a series of pacific stormes is coming in, starting tonight, so get your rain coat ready for a couple days from now.
Yeah, the forcast has changed... may just have snow above 6,500 feet!
Didn't I just say I'd put in my weather order <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />? We should be hunting at 6 to 8k. Might we have some of the white stuff?
Goodnews, far be it from me to question your pull with the Almighty! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I'll keep you posted on conditions... should be up hunting in the a.m. near the Crazies in the next day or two.
Yeah, it's pretty odd to get a sunburn elk hunting.
But, my kid dropped a bull (not a very big one) at about 9000' in the Madison Range Sunday.
The retreival was just truly ugly. My worst ever. Getting it down to a spot we could reach with horses is something I hope to block from my memory someday.
Got home late last night, & had to skin buffalo this morning.
It'll either keep me young or kill me, one of the two.
Bill, good to hear from you... congrat's to the boy!
PS, "if you're gonna be dumb ya better be tough..." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I'm sure my "pull" with the Almighty is no greater than yours; I am heartened though at the thought of or chance of snow. Keep us posted with what you find concerning conditions.
Edited to say safe hunting and may you put a big one on the ground.
Montrose Colorado 5200ft and we havent had a frost yet.
Its not uncommon for us to have had a serious snow by now.
When I checked at the FWP 'check-in stations', on Sunday they saw 3 Bulls 'checked' in the Gallatin, and 5 in the Madison.
Normal opener would see 30-50 each.
DW
So far I guess I shouldn't feel so bad about not being able to make it over there this year. My partners are down in the Ruby River Valley, haven't heard from them yet but I have been watching the weather and it looks way to warm for my liking. Looks like the weather may roll in about the time they are coming home. Man I miss hunting over there, hopefully we can draw again next year. Might still get to use my tags this year if issues here work out but not counting on it.
I put the hurt on a real good one on Sunday. Good thing since it was probably my only day to go out. I was thanking the crappy elk hunting weather when i was packing it out. Wet and slippery (or snow) would have made it a real muther. You guys are going to have a good time when the snow flies.. should be a real good year. I'll be enjoying the sunny weather in Arizona just north of the Grand Canyon hunting forked horn muleys. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Greenhorn-me hopes you have a wonderful time hunting down south for muy piquito burro venado.....when do you head south?
e-mail me when you get a minute
mdobrenski@msn.comMark D