That NM elk hunt was the poster child for Murphy's law, if it could go wrong it did. I almost got lucky on the bull of a lifetime for me but it would have been blind luck. Elk hunting was completely foreign to me and I had no clue what I was doing at that time. This hunt was completely different, it seemed everything fell into place and I was prepared. We saw a decent amount of deer just not the one I wanted. My best friend came along and it was his first hunt out west, he didn't have a tag but he had a blast. He is a die hard turkey hunter but his interest in deer hunting has waned over the years. He's already asking about applying next year. Odds just went down guys!Dang brother I been gone a while. I had no idea till tonight that u drew az Sorry to hear u ate the tag. Sounds like a heck uv an adventure tho. Kinda like the gila rifle elk hunt a few years ago. I hope to draw an archery tag out there in the next couple years and maybe u can give me some pointers. Good story and adventure and good luck in the draws this new year!
Unit 70 in Colorado is a tough hunt in 3rd season unless you get lots of snow. I hunt it regularly as I live about 100 miles to the south. I have seen and shot some nice bucks from it, but I always hunt 4th season.Alabama, You did what You could , its a tough hunt. A few guys get lucky on big ones but not many. The only ones that do good on the early hunts is with guides or guys that had Cameras and spent a ton of time scouting. That can't happen if You live out of State. The late hunt is Completely different. Big Bucks all over , Thats why it takes years to draw. One of the best Muley hunts in the country. I ran into the same as You category in Colorado this Year. Had unit 70 , 3rd season. Big Bucks were not seen on public, only Private, very frustrating and to cold this desert boy . I was not feeling good either. 8 day hunt and I went home after 3 days. Glssed my but off. Could shot spikes or fork horn ,but I don't. A lot of Toads came off the late Hunt in the Kaibab this year. It was banner. You just had the wrong tag. ...Good luck next time ........BOB!