Operation Longbow Elk 2016

[Jarrod Reno]

How'd it go?

[PistolPete]

Just getting my feet back under me now. It was a very tough hunt. We always get on elk, and it's been a long time since we've gone a full day without seeing and/or hearing elk up close. But this hunt, that was the exception and not the rule. We didn't shoot an elk for the first time since I've been making the trip to Colorado; we didn't even have a shot opportunity. I saw one bull.

It leaves a bitter taste. Not the lack of a kill (though me and partners are 11/11 prior to this trip on shooting elk, and our family lives on game meat), but the lack of action. We climbed and fought to reach a number of previous hotspots, including a 40-mile circuit hike, without reward.

I'm very dejected, honestly. I suppose my hopes were too high, but all the preparation with no opportunities is hard.

[monterey]

My season went much the same.  

My son in law went to the area I hunted last year and swore I'd never go back too.  He was into elk every day but didn't get close enough.

It is what it is, there is always next year.

[Jarrod Reno]

Dang. Hoping you'd bring some good news. Same for me and my brother this year. Hunted harder, longer and farther than ever before and for the most part... No elk action save for almost being run over by a cow under moonlight while searching for active Bulls and having a raghorn sneak in quiet after a late breakfast... Called him back in 3 times but no shot oppurtunity. He was a confused mess    but yeah, rejecting year after my hopes were so high and so much hard work put in. But alas... Memories were made and beauty was experienced. Until next year, yah?  

[KSdan]

Many similar stories this year. ..  many die-hard CO resident elk hunters had a tough year.  Full moon, temps, etc.  made for tough hunting.

[Carcajou]

Similar experience also..Full Moon, zero bugling, warm days, many miles on the boots, and empty coolers, beetle killed areas were difficult to navigate..elk hunting at its finest

[RJonesRCRV]

I think I was in the shop when Tom was installing the hinge on that bow, I doubt he has cut more than one Border bow in half.

[Jeff D. Holchin]

This was a good thread with lots of useful info. Did you all go back in 2017, and if so, was that hunt more like the previous ones?  I am guessing not since no posts from last fall.  Returning this fall?  If so, what will you do differently?