2014 Archery Elk - First time going, Unsuccessful but still addicted - I'm a lifer

[midwest_gearhead]

This was my first year elk hunting, took my bow for 10 days and tried the rut. I was unsuccessful and not disappointed, but I had low expectations and understood learning would be the most important thing about this hunt. I learned more than I can even say. I honestly feel like if I get drawn again next year I can confidently go and feel like my chance of harvesting a bull is much higher. I might be disappointed if I don't harvest an elk next year.

Hunting elk in the rut isn't like hunting muleys/whitetails .... rut or no rut, that's for sure!

Experience of a lifetime and I can honestly say I'm addicted. I've been back home for a week now and I just feel this internal craving to be back in elk country again. Waking up to Bugles at 4:30 am and being close enough to a bull to actually hear him breathe is just something that will never leave me. Seeing bulls fight from 120 yards away and knowing they are there at 50 yards but not being able to get a shot is every bit exhilarating and challenging. In ten days I went from not even knowing about the lead cow to absolutely hating her!

I'm a lifer.... Already thinking about my 2015 Archery elk hunt, fingers crossed I'll get drawn.

 

[5MilesBack]

If you're not careful, it becomes a lifetime obsession. And yes, there's plenty to learn every single year.....no matter how long you're been doing it. Welcome to the dark side.

 

[bigeasygator]

Welcome to the club. Ever since I was old enough to read Outdoor Life I dreamed about hunting elk. Went on my first elk hunt in 2008...been on seven of them since. I learn every trip...so far I'm 2 for 2 on rifle hunts but 0 for 5 on bowhunts. Been close a bunch, passed on a few, and even let an arrow fly but no elk on the ground yet with the bow. That being said, I've learned a ton and it's what I dream about for 11 months of the year. Can't imagine a September where I won't at least spend a week in the elk woods somewhere.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I'm with you. This was my first year and I've felt this longing for the high country ever since I got back and had a day or two to recover.

 

[Bar]

You're just starting your elk hunting career, and after 60 years of hunting elk with no missed hunts i'm coming to an end. Not yet, but close. Enjoy the ride.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

You're just starting your elk hunting career, and after 60 years of hunting elk with no missed hunts i'm coming to an end. Not yet, but close. Enjoy the ride.

How old are you?

 

[Bar]

I'm 72. I went on my first elk hunt with my dad when I was 12.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I'm 72. I went on my first elk hunt with my dad when I was 12.

Wow you're my new hero. Lol

 

[Bar]

No, just an old guy who loves to hunt for elk, but it's getting pretty hard now. I'm going to try bow hunting for the first time next year. I'm already excited about the idea.

 

[bz_711]

Isn't it great?

I think about archery elk hunting nearly every single day...

 

[Cowboy611]

My first season was last year. Didnt get anything yet but im addicted! Cant wait for muleys and antelope too

 

[airlocksniffer]

Sounds like I'm in good company. First year archery elk hunting and no luck so far. Still 2 weeks of season left and I'll keep trying until the bloody end. Definitely have been learning a ton. It's tough not to get discouraged but I keep reminding myself, more time=more experience=more success.

 

[ndbwhunter]

This is the experience that I'm hoping for next year! Its posts like this that keep me motivated as I prepare and plan for next years hunt. Did you go solo or with a partner? I'm hoping to find a partner but won't hesitate to venture out on my own. Congrats on the new addiction and learning experience!

 

[Bar]

This is the experience that I'm hoping for next year! Its posts like this that keep me motivated as I prepare and plan for next years hunt. Did you go solo or with a partner? I'm hoping to find a partner but won't hesitate to venture out on my own. Congrats on the new addiction and learning experience!

My dad taught me to hunt. That was in the 50's. We hunted together until the 80's when he passed away. I've hunted alone since then, and really enjoy the freedom to do everything on my schedule. So, don't hesitate to try solo hunting. You might really like it. You might not too, but you won't know if you don't try it. It's not for everybody, but for those of us that do it. We wouldn't have it any other way.