We tell ourselves that its called "hunting", and not "shooting". If it were shooting, we would always come home with meat for the freezer, and perhaps even an occasional trophy for the wall. We try to look for the positive....and we sincerely do enjoy the camaraderie, the incredible scenery that the mountains and clear blue skies provide, and the excitement of exploring new areas. And yet, we measure success on trips like these by the hunt, by the number of animals we bring home, or at least by the opportunities at animals while afield. By these metrics, our 2011 Colorado hunt was a disappointment.
The hunting was difficult. No access to private lands. Numerous hunters on the public lands. And a vast majority of the public lands in this area of the state are covered with laurel oak, which is one of the thickest, gnarliest, most frustrating types of vegetation I have ever hiked through. Our outfitter lacked good advice on how and where to find elk, and his constant negative attitude and lack of attentiveness only contributed to the disappointment.
BUT!...on a more positive note.....
Dad and I did see 16 elk during the last 90 minutes of our last evening. They were over a mile away, and likely 1000-1500 feet higher up the mountain, but wow!, was it good to see them!
We learned a lot about the area, and if we ever return, could easily do a relatively inexpensive public land hunt (and avoid the high cost of the outfitter).
We saw 100's of deer throughout the week. We saw two really good bucks, and several better than average bucks. Assuming one could get on private land in this valley, it would be a good spot to hunt deer.
We enjoyed one another's company, talking smart and spinning yarns of past hunts and outdoor experiences. The camaraderie is often the true highlight of these hunts.
Bottom line?....Tell me that the hunt would not be a success, and I would still go every time. I can't wait to go try again!
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