Anyone elk hunting this year?
I'm planning another trip to Idaho around the 15th of September. I usually only go for a week, but this year I'm going for two. Unless you have been hunting an area for years, or you are just one of those guys who are lucky as hell, getting the job done in 5 to 7 days is tough. My experience is it usually takes that long to figure out where the elk are and what their habits are.
I'm on the fence between driving and flying out. Spencer ID is 32 hours from my place in PA. I'm not going to push it so I'm thinking it'll take me 2.5 days to get there and probably 3.5 to return. I'm guesstimating the return trip will be longer because of fatigue (elk hunting is pretty darn physical) and needing more breaks.
The pro's about driving are that I can take all my gear (and not skimp because of baggage restrictions), take off and do my own thing from camp, avoid expensive baggage fees if I get one, and leave for home early if I need to. The cons of driving are how long it takes to get there and fuel expenses (which are a little less than flying out and renting a truck). I think the only way I'll fly is if I can get a free flight using frequent flier miles. I'm about 5K short with United.
I'll also be getting a mule deer tag. Last year I just about closed the deal on an OK buck so you just never know. Another nice thing is that in ID I can use my deer tag to take a black bear if the opportunity arises.
Lastly if I get one early or need the change things up can also do some coyote hunting.
Yesterday I started my elk season training. Starting in November I slacked off on the weights due to a BAD case of tennis elbow (in both). December I slacked off on the cardio. I got a great deal on a tread climber and buddy,,,,, that sucker is a butt kicker of a work out.
I'm planning another trip to Idaho around the 15th of September. I usually only go for a week, but this year I'm going for two. Unless you have been hunting an area for years, or you are just one of those guys who are lucky as hell, getting the job done in 5 to 7 days is tough. My experience is it usually takes that long to figure out where the elk are and what their habits are.
I'm on the fence between driving and flying out. Spencer ID is 32 hours from my place in PA. I'm not going to push it so I'm thinking it'll take me 2.5 days to get there and probably 3.5 to return. I'm guesstimating the return trip will be longer because of fatigue (elk hunting is pretty darn physical) and needing more breaks.
The pro's about driving are that I can take all my gear (and not skimp because of baggage restrictions), take off and do my own thing from camp, avoid expensive baggage fees if I get one, and leave for home early if I need to. The cons of driving are how long it takes to get there and fuel expenses (which are a little less than flying out and renting a truck). I think the only way I'll fly is if I can get a free flight using frequent flier miles. I'm about 5K short with United.
I'll also be getting a mule deer tag. Last year I just about closed the deal on an OK buck so you just never know. Another nice thing is that in ID I can use my deer tag to take a black bear if the opportunity arises.
Lastly if I get one early or need the change things up can also do some coyote hunting.
Yesterday I started my elk season training. Starting in November I slacked off on the weights due to a BAD case of tennis elbow (in both). December I slacked off on the cardio. I got a great deal on a tread climber and buddy,,,,, that sucker is a butt kicker of a work out.