(I shall open this up by saying I’m not asking for - or at least I don’t think I am - any super specific info…I know better)
So here’s the deal. Lifelong bow hunter and I’ve chased elk twice (2021 and 2023). Both times I was in 521 with a friend who lives in Denver. This year I again can hunt but my buddy can’t. I have no points so I’m limited to a 0 pt draw which plenty of units likely offer according to draw odds. So…I have three options I’d love thoughts on. 1). Go to 521 solo but it’s a dangerous place when solo that far back. We’ve been 7-8 miles in, with zero human way possible to haul out an elk by yourself without calling in a horse. 2). I solo a different unit where I can truck hunt and cast in a few miles here and there and maybe spend the night off the beaten path where at least I could haul something out should I connect. I’m in super good shape for a 51 yr old flat lander and have had zero issues in the past hauling my pack lots of miles back at 8500-9000 ft for a weeks stay at the Rocky Mountain Hilton. 3). Cancel the whole thing, sell my bow…no…give it away…and take up knitting. So. I don’t want super specific info….but I’m curious if anyone has opinions if any of the 0 pt draw units are a bit safer than others for a solo hunt and therefore how to make option 2 above the best choice. Or..maybe there’s another human out there on my shoes and we could join forces. I know it’s a zoo and I’ll see other people. Part of life. Or…maybe any drop camp outfitters someone would recommend. I don’t mind paying a lil extra to be safe. I just need to be outside and out of my classroom for a spell and going through hell chasing creatures on foot seems like a fine way to spend my time.
Thanks for any ideas or thoughts someone can give me…I plan to head out at least a week or two early to do some wandering if I head someplace new. Summers off does have it’s perks.
So here’s the deal. Lifelong bow hunter and I’ve chased elk twice (2021 and 2023). Both times I was in 521 with a friend who lives in Denver. This year I again can hunt but my buddy can’t. I have no points so I’m limited to a 0 pt draw which plenty of units likely offer according to draw odds. So…I have three options I’d love thoughts on. 1). Go to 521 solo but it’s a dangerous place when solo that far back. We’ve been 7-8 miles in, with zero human way possible to haul out an elk by yourself without calling in a horse. 2). I solo a different unit where I can truck hunt and cast in a few miles here and there and maybe spend the night off the beaten path where at least I could haul something out should I connect. I’m in super good shape for a 51 yr old flat lander and have had zero issues in the past hauling my pack lots of miles back at 8500-9000 ft for a weeks stay at the Rocky Mountain Hilton. 3). Cancel the whole thing, sell my bow…no…give it away…and take up knitting. So. I don’t want super specific info….but I’m curious if anyone has opinions if any of the 0 pt draw units are a bit safer than others for a solo hunt and therefore how to make option 2 above the best choice. Or..maybe there’s another human out there on my shoes and we could join forces. I know it’s a zoo and I’ll see other people. Part of life. Or…maybe any drop camp outfitters someone would recommend. I don’t mind paying a lil extra to be safe. I just need to be outside and out of my classroom for a spell and going through hell chasing creatures on foot seems like a fine way to spend my time.
Thanks for any ideas or thoughts someone can give me…I plan to head out at least a week or two early to do some wandering if I head someplace new. Summers off does have it’s perks.
