Hey everyone thanks for all the comments. This was my 21st season Elk hunting public land most with just a general season tag in Montana and I will tell you I love it more today then when I first started Elk hunting in the 80s. There is just something about making it happen on public land that is hard to explain. Seeing and helping someone else that has never experienced this type of hunt get their first bull is even better. Even though it hurts and I feel that pain every night, that hurt and pain drives me even harder. If I ever loose that feeling of the chase in the mountains I will quit doing this.
I know that these DIY Public land hunts are not for everyone but everyone should try it at least once in their lifetime. And for all those younger guys that say I don't have the time, I dont have the money, I'm out of shape or I don't have the experience to do a trip. I only have a few things to say. Take the time to make a experience, Save the money to make the trip, Get in shape so you will enjoy the hunt and the only way to get the experience is to go and make it happen. Hunt on Mark!!
First and for most, great write up and congratulations on your hunt!
I could not agree with you more. I am 39 years old and have been dreaming of going Archery Elk hunting since i was 16, well this year i finally took the time, and went on a 10 day DIY hunt in Idaho with a friend of mine that lives up there. Got in shape, bought all the gear i needed, and thanks to a lot of tips from Ivorytip from here on this forum, we were in the Elk every day except for the last day. Although we did not kill and Elk, i had more fun on this hunt than any hunt i have been on, this will turn out to be a yearly thing for me for as long as i am able to do it.
Like 25C said, get out there and do it before its to late!
Sorry to hijack you post.
Donny
