In lieu of an out of state big game hunt this year…

philos

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This might be a year where I don’t get to do anything out of my home state -as far as big game goes. If that’s the case, I’d like to look at some other ideas.

I was thinking of maybe an upland bird/waterfowl or cast and blast trip – like red fish and ducks in Louisiana or trout and Upland birds in the Midwest.

Or maybe a backcountry fishing trip or similar.

I’m not opposed to DIY or guided or a combination thereof. I’m like to try and do this in September or October.

What are some ideas or suggestions that you guys would like to experience in a case like this?
 
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So I don't know where you are... And it's not exactly not out of state...

But my hunting partner and I are in Oklahoma/Texas. We're not going west to hunt this year.

Archery black bear in Oklahoma, archery exotics in west Texas.

And a fly fishing trip with a music festival slipped in to Idaho.
 
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philos

philos

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So I don't know where you are... And it's not exactly not out of state...

But my hunting partner and I are in Oklahoma/Texas. We're not going west to hunt this year.

Archery black bear in Oklahoma, archery exotics in west Texas.

And a fly fishing trip with a music festival slipped in to Idaho.
I am leaning toward a fly fishing/fishing only trip. I have driven by some beautiful waters while hunting elk or muleys and I always wonder how the fishing would be in those places. I have been back to fish a couple of those spots but not nearly enough.
 

ez_willie

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I would find the best elk unit in Wyoming with the best high country lakes inside a wilderness area and maybe bring a bugle tube for a fishing pole like destination elk.
 
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I am leaning toward a fly fishing/fishing only trip. I have driven by some beautiful waters while hunting elk or muleys and I always wonder how the fishing would be in those places. I have been back to fish a couple of those spots but not nearly enough.
If those are near Challis in early August, let me know. First round on me.
 
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A blast and cast is the right move.

Choice #1: Road trip to hunt uplands in eastern Montana (mixed bag) and then hit the rivers of western Montana for trout.

Choice #2: October walleyes in the north country followed by the prairie potholes of western MN for waterfowl.
 
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I bet the Miracle Mile in Wyoming would be worth fishing that time of year, if you're into trout.

South Dakota for pheasants, sharptails, and walleye could be cool too.
 
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philos

philos

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A blast and cast is the right move.

Choice #1: Road trip to hunt uplands in eastern Montana (mixed bag) and then hit the rivers of western Montana for trout.

Choice #2: October walleyes in the north country followed by the prairie potholes of western MN for waterfowl.
Those both sound pretty good to me.
 

TaperPin

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Fly fishing and prairie dog shooting are awfully fun.

There are well documented trophy trout spots, but just looking for small lakes off the beaten path has resulted in a number of days catching more than 100 brookies/rainbows each day. That’s fun.

A dedicated prairie dog safari is every bit as fun as antelope hunting - lots of exploring jeep trails, a few coyotes, good company, too many snacks, and lots of trigger time. The little creeks, some not more than 2’ wide, can have some big browns in undercut banks and pools. Sneaking up to creeks out in the sage country to float a fly is really fun.

For anyone who hasn’t spent time in the NE corner of Yellowstone, getting up early to watch the grizzlies feeding on elk and buffalo carcasses every morning, then seeing them getting run off by the wolves, is a fun morning. An afternoon fly fishing makes for a nice full day.

The little creeks and beaver ponds down in the bottom of these drainages combine the best of beautiful mountains and fun to fish dry fly action.

IMG_0263.jpeg
 
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philos

philos

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I do love those out-of-the-way spots and have a special place in my heart for small streams with beautiful wild fish. Couple years back I caught a few in a stream you could step across without much effort. I’ve got a couple of super lightweight fly rods that I need to get stretched out this year. Nothing like a 12 inch trout on a zero weight fly rod.
 
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How about NRL Hunter skills division?

A shooting contest that helps build your confidence and ability.

Just an idea.
 
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philos

philos

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How about NRL Hunter skills division?

A shooting contest that helps build your confidence and ability.

Just an idea.

This reminds me of the time I won the last place trophy in a golf tournament. The trophy was the back end of a horse for last place. I’m assuming I could get a similar trophy shooting in the NRL.
 
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Ok. Pick a different class that is more to your liking.

Just something that you can look forward to, practice for and learn and experience.
 
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philos

philos

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Ok. Pick a different class that is more to your liking.

Just something that you can look forward to, practice for and learn and experience.
I'll be honest. I did not know how popular these events are. I may look at going to an event and combining it with a side fishing trip or a bird hunt.

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
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