Searching for Elk Hunting partner

R

Roughwater

New Member
Jul 16, 2017
47
0
Oxford NC
Hi

I live in NC and am searching for a Elk Hunting partner for a 2017 DIY hunt. My wife worries about me doing this alone and I can see the logic, economy and extra safety in having a hunting partner. I don't personally know anyone local who Elk hunts so I'm reaching out. I am a lifetime Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Member and a Ex Marine.
I am not new to Elk Hunting as I have Elk hunted in Colorado 3 times. Twice in the 80's (Archery) and more recently 5 years ago with rifle all DIY. I am 67 years old but never smoked and have kept fairly fit but this upcoming hunt has encouraged me to seriously train (Which I am doing) as I know how really tough Elk country is on a body.

I don't have a tag yet but so far I am considering Idaho and Colorado as I can still get OTC tags in either. I somewhat know GMU 43 in Colorado as I hunted there in the past but open minded as to any Colorado GMU's. I see some non-resident tags still available for units in Idaho for several units including Selway and Lolo. But I need to soon make a decision as September is quickly approaching and some of my options may dry up. I am open to either a rifle or Archery and could even do a Muzzle hunt if need be.

My hunting partner needs to be at least fairly fit, very serious about hunting but maybe most of all a team player. There may come a time when one of us has to be the caller and the other the shooter but we absolutely need to work together. Also it would be good if my partner has the flexibility to hunt for 2 or more weeks if need be. I hope to arrive a few days early to whatever area to scout and acclimate to the altitude.

Terry

I swear I posted this already at this site but if I did I can't find it?
 
Bonecollector

Bonecollector

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Mar 9, 2014
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Finding someone to commit, especially for more than 7-10 days is tough. Making it even tougher is the fact guys must commit sometime 1 year in advance and pony up some cash for the draw along with the 2,500-4,000 mile round trip.
Good luck to you. I too am going solo, but for only 10 days (6 hunting) to a different area.
 
R

Roughwater

New Member
Jul 16, 2017
47
0
Oxford NC
Finding someone to commit, especially for more than 7-10 days is tough.

I agree, that's the ideal but I am very flexible though it may not seem so reading my post. I am originally from Oho, about 30 miles east of Columbus. Where are you from if I may ask?
 
Bonecollector

Bonecollector

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Mar 9, 2014
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Ironically east of Columbus. Google Cambridge, Ohio. It's the closest town big enough to find on the map to where I am located.
I used to work in the Zanesville area for 6-7 yrs.
 
R

Roughwater

New Member
Jul 16, 2017
47
0
Oxford NC
I know Zanesville pretty well. I've fished a lot at Dillon Dam and in the Licking river. I certainly know of Cambridge but seldom went through there. I expect it's decent hunting over there. We have some pretty good deer hunting this corner of the state here in NC. Deer in General not at big as Ohio deer but very plentiful and seasons are long here. For the most part September through December. This corner of the state has some of the bigger NC deer. I'm only about 13 miles from the Va border.
 
hoshour

hoshour

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May 31, 2012
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www.CornerstoneInvestment.com
Since I gave up on my former hunting grounds because it got overrun by hunters that spoiled it, I've talked to literally dozens of landowners and have been unable to find even one other place - a huge downside to hunting in NC. So, if you ever want some company to hunt with up your way, let me know. I live almost 4 hours away, so I can't do it that often, but a bowhunting weekend once in a while would be great.
 
R

Roughwater

New Member
Jul 16, 2017
47
0
Oxford NC
I'll see what I can do. I have some places up here where I have permission to hunt. mostly due to my father in law who knows a lot of people. Only problem, I might be out elk hunting during bow season if I do archery Elk but I'll let you know as soon as I know. I'm slightly leaning toward a Idaho Archery hut. I can get OTC tags in a area that had a 33% success rate in 2015. It's a large area and not that many hunters so other than the driving distance it has my attention.
 
hoshour

hoshour

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Driving to Idaho is no small thing, especially if you're driving alone. It takes me 26 hours to Denver plus stops for gas and meals. That's two very long days in each direction and Idaho is a good bit farther still. But, otherwise it costs an arm and a leg to get the elk meat home, not that driving is free.

Sure wish my truck got the gas mileage my wife's Prius does. I usually make my overnight stop in Springfield, MO where I have family I can stay with so that eliminates the hotel bill.

I also see investment management clients when I go, so that allows me to write off the transportation costs.
 
zpooch

zpooch

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Aug 11, 2016
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That team from the Carolinas isn't bad but I think that mediocre team from Pittsburgh beat them in November in the Carolinas
 
hoshour

hoshour

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I was talking about Clemson. I think you're talking about the Panthers who had four guys go down on the O-line last year. So many guys were hurt they had to play guys from the practice squad! Cam played with a torn rotator cuff the last 5 games and couldn't throw for beans, the best linebacker in the NFL missed 5 games, and the kicker probably cost the team four wins by playing injured, the difference between 6-10 and 10-6. What a disaster, right after a nearly perfect season.

But, the team had a fantastic draft, filled several holes with free agents and will be back in the playoffs. The only thing is I can't believe the owner just fired the GM that built this team, the worst owner decision in team history.

Can't wait for football. Wait, what was this thread about? On yeah, I'm pulling for Roughwater to find a great elk hunting buddy.
 
Colorado T

Colorado T

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Aug 28, 2011
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Littleton, CO
hoshour said:
I was talking about Clemson. I think you're talking about the Panthers who had four guys go down on the O-line last year. So many guys were hurt they had to play guys from the practice squad! Cam played with a torn rotator cuff the last 5 games and couldn't throw for beans, the best linebacker in the NFL missed 5 games.
Click to expand...
Hoshour, I usually like and respect what you have to say but I can't let this one go. I believe the best linebacker in the league resides here in Denver and I think Cam will agree after that beat down in the super bowl.:rolleyes:
 
R

Roughwater

New Member
Jul 16, 2017
47
0
Oxford NC
Hoshour,

You are correct and a team from the Carolina's beat the Buckeye's worse than I have seen done in many years. Clemson has the great coach and exploited every weakness the Buckeye's had. You are also correct about the long drive to Idaho. I drove out to Oregon a couple years ago metal detecting and collecting minerals/raw gemstones etc by myself. I have a daughter/granddaughter in Arkansas that can help break up my trip somewhat. I also have a 100 plus gallon cooler I plan to take. I think I can get a boned-out elk in it.
I drive a Subaru Forester and even though it is all wheel drive I still get over 30 MPG till I get to the mountains anyway. But trust me I don't look forward to the extra miles to Idaho. However, If someone put's me on to a Colorado GMU with a 33% Archery success rate that I can purchase I would quickly change my mind. Though truth be told I'm not set on Idaho but it's the best option I can come up with at this point in time.
 
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