That's plenty. I wouldn't worry much about getting lost where we'll be. The main concern is staying off private property.

That is the main concern and its easier to do by being able to pinpoint your exact location. A guy hunting with a buddy shot a deer last year barely on private, it cost him $10k and a 3yr suspension of his hunting license and bc of the IWVC it's suspended in other states including his home state.

Yeah, that's my biggest fear. I just give myself plenty of room so there's no confusion.

They're so short handed for the amt of land they have to cover, so when someone actually gets caught they stick it to them.

9 times out of 10, the LO is out since they know it hunting/poaching season, or they are hunting also, so the number of "eyes" in the woods are greater.

Huntinggpsmaps.com

They are also 24k topo.


Trust me. Only way to go.

If I could get everyone that is still interested in going to respond, that would help give me an idea of the potential number of people attending. I don't need firm commitments yet, just a yes, no, or maybe. I've had a couple people back out, understandably, so I'd like to get an idea of where we're at right now.

I looked but didn't see. Which unit are yall hunting in?

Nvm. Found it.

Yes, still going.

Still going.

Who has two thumbs and is still planning on going?

--> this guy <--

Yes, still planning on going and towing the Polaris Ranger. Erath Kid will be coming as well to serve as Camp Cook.

Very interesting reading all the excitement and gear prep from guys that aren't used to this style of hunting. The best advice I can give you guys it get as far from the road as possible, and your success rate will be much better. Pass on the wall tents, spike camp in the backcountry near where you plan to hunt and be in the best shape you can be. DIY hunts in the mountains are not easy by any stretch of the imagination and your success will be reflected by your ability to get where you need to and back out with your elk. Internal packs have their place, but a frame pack will be much easier to pack quarters out with than most internals. Keep in mind that there will be plenty of residents hunting at the same time you will so it's not like you'll be alone, looking at how many names are on the list supposedly going , seriously consider success rates and that the majority of those names will not be bringing home an elk. Me personally I would rough it like a son bitch for the 5 days you have to kill an Elk, you can have comfort when you get home. Good luck!

Ok, ok, I'll leave the cappuccino machine at home.

Maybe... my wife, my stepdad and I are planning on being in Unit 74, however 71 doesn't look bad at all.

I likely may be going back to 74 this year. Just depends on how a few things pan out.

Is he not planning on hunting, too?

Make sure y'all are setting some money aside for this trip if you haven't already. I've seen a lot of guys plan a hunt like this, then try to scrape up the money last minute and end up not going because of it. It's not hard to afford if you budget it ahead of time.

I like to get the money for the tag set aside now, then buy it as soon as it's available. Then I set aside so much for traveling expenses and food, etc. Then I start buying any gear I want or need, a piece at a time, starting with the most important. I also budget it some extra money for the trip in case of unexpected expenses like vehicle break downs.

Wise advice Sneaky.



Other option is to get on Sneakies better side and ask for a loan He has $$ lay'n around.

Sneaky - Since ya got some extra cash: Toyota Truck. Yeah it's used, but we need it for the hunt.

Bet he'll bring a Cappuccino machine for ya too

I just bought two. It was a better deal that way.

That's pushing it.

He likes to stay up late telling stories around the camp fire and sleep in when its time to get up. That's why he ends up being the camp cook. He will sling lead at any elk that's dumb enough to walk thru camp.