For archery elk, we typically hunt in pairs and take turns being caller or shooter on setups. We typically split up the rest of the time unless we are stalking a herd to fill some cow tags. The benefit of having those extra bodies in camp is after the shot.
Never had anyone back out after applying for tags thankfully. We have a group every year of 4-6 of us who go out to Wyoming. We add new people every once in a while. We have a "No DH" rule and it doesn't stand for designated hitter. So far we have been lucky.Lost one of my four sons to a car accident in 2000. One of the best partners I ever had. You may find a little peace in the fact that my son has been "with" me on every hunt since. Your partner will be too.
WOW- must be nice. Retired? Congrats on filling both tags and more importantly on having a great trip.
I'm only 47 y/o and not retired yet. What I do have is my own business and an incredibly understanding wife!! The main thing I did was line up childcare to help my wife by simply having them pick up our 3 and 6 y/o from school so my wife didn't have to rush home after work. That alone was a huge help and allowed me to be gone for so long. I was also fortunate enough to have cell/wireless service out there and was able to work quite a bit too on my hunt. Some would say I should disconnect and not work while on vacation, but when you take 4 weeks off for a hunt there's still work to be done!
