I'm in a similar boat. I haven't hunted elk (bull) in over 10 years and it may be that before I do again. However I'm a RMEF member and donate what I can each year.
https://cowboystatedaily.com/2022/10/25/non-resident-wyoming-hunting-tags-could-get-huge-price-hike/
If this passes the special draw bull could cost as much as a guided cow hunt.
I've got a bunch of grinding to do next week. Maybe I'll see if I can get my hands on some beef fat to try. I've always used pork in the past with no issue. I've also gone completely lean and never had issues except when it came to making burgers. They tended to fall apart on me a little more...
I'm looking to find an Outfitter/Guide for a Cow Elk hunt in any of the western states (UT, OR, ID, WY, CO or AZ) next year, 2023. This is strictly a hunt to fill the freezer. I'm going this route because I've already got Wyoming Deer / Antelope, CO Antelope and CO Deer planned for next year and...
A few from this year... mine have been hunting with me since they were tykes. Now my oldest has 7 big game animals in his first 2 years being able to hunt big game... it flies by.
I've had it happen. As long as there's a blood trail leading onto my place it's no big deal to me. I could see that getting old as well but stuff happens. I'd rather it be recovered than left to rot on my land.
6.5 143 ELDX.. mule deer, quartering to at 200 yards. The bullet entered perfectly behind shoulder and ended up in the off side hind quarter. Pretty good penetration. I haven't weighed it yet to get weight retention.
I went the lazy route.. I'll not do that again in the future. I'm grateful for the experience because I now know what to look for and ask but I could have done better for my money.
I'm about 30K into mine and they may have another 10K left on them. Mine are on a RAM 2500 Cummins and while they've performed well (except in mud) they aren't lasting like I'd hoped.
My truck spends 50% of it's life off HWY so most of the miles on those tires are in terrain. My truck is not my...