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Fella's,

Got back yesterday from my trip to northern Colorado. As my luck would have it, Colorado had 5 days of record setting high temps. At 11,000 feet, the day temps got into the 70's and lows in the 40's. As with any game animal, the temp killed our hunting efforts. Saw tons of sign but the elk preferred to do their traveling and eating at night. One year of planning this trip and to have the hot weather sucked. But, it was one beatiful journey through the mountains on horse back. On our last day to hunt, we rode a 14 mile round trip on horses, my hind end still hurts.

I hope this isn't any indication to come weather wise for us this year. The serenity and peace of being alone on a mountain top late in the afternoon was unbelievable. You could see God's signature stamp on the wilderness. You could look at the aspen trees on the low side of the mountain and admire their fall colors. Anyway, we were blessed with good company and safe traveling, a person can't ask much more than that.

Delta Duck, we won't be having that throw down in Dundee unless we go kill a couple of hogs across the levee.

My adventures in God's country, as seen through the eyes of Deadeye. I'll post a couple of pics when I get them back.

Deadeye

Sounds like you had a great time even though the hunting was poor. That's the great thing about the Rockies--I've been out there hunting several times and even when I've tagged out--I still get up and go. I could sit there on a mountain top and be perfectly content--just in total awe of what our Good Lord has made!

Where were you hunting? We usually hunt muleys between Gunnison and Rangely. Sometimes near Meeker and Craig too. I put in for a draw this year and missed out--of course, I need (3) preference points to go where I'd like to hunt--just two more years!

I'd like to see about an Elk hunt to New Mexico next year. I'd like to shoot one with the ole smoke pole!

Goldberg,

We went to the Routt National Forest about 30 miles north of Steam Boat Springs in the Mt Zirkel wilderness area. My uncle has hunted that area in the past and we decided to give it a shot. We had horses which are a must in that area. Normally, that time of the year, they would have already gotten snowfall and the elk would have been at lower elevations 8500 - 10500ft, this was not the case this year. We finally found elk at altitudes higher than 11000ft and in some nasty cover.

I would love to do it again, but I may go with an outfitter next time.
Deadeye

I spoke with a guy Friday that just got back from New Mexico. They hunted public land in Unit 15. 3 out of the 4 guys took large bulls--one scored 342. He said that they would hear 6-7 bugleing bulls every day.----Makes me ready to go!