Shrek's Trek 2014

Shrek said:
I'm totally vegging this morning ! Lol ! Getting a big hot breakfast and a triple shot americano . Then out to check out the little spot I'm going to hunt in the morning and then maybe on to hunt the whitetail spot. Much better weather than I had anticipated this morning and kind of regret not getting going early but when I went to bed it was awful outside and nothing I wanted anything to do with.
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Since you're coming from Florida. You should hunt the early seasons. This weather is normal for us that live here, but must be a shock to you.
 
Bar said:
Since you're coming from Florida. You should hunt the early seasons. This weather is normal for us that live here, but must be a shock to you.
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I might put Idaho at the top of my list next year. I could start October 1st with a bear tag in pocket and get acclimated then deer and elk. If business is good I might be able to add Montana too. That's the plan bouncing in my head right now. I'm not liking the cold much and my truck will hardly run.
 
Run lighter weight oil in your vehicle, like 5W-30.

Hunting in the cold is as much a state of mind as anything. Sure, you need the right gear, which you should be making notes as to what works and what doesn't. Also, physical preparation is key, and having the skills to survive. Beyond that, it's the ability to mentally and physically function in it. At one point in my life I would have thougth someone was crazy to hunt in sub zero weather. Now, I don't think a lot of it.

If you just don't enjoy it, don't do it. Just understand that elk hunting in the northern Rockies carries with it the significant possibility/likelihood that the weather can be really cold and shitty, even in early season. Last year bowhunting I was building a fire every day to warm up and dry out.
 
That's true that you can get any weather in Sept at high altitudes, but the odds are in your favor that it won't be too bad. I usually complain it too hot in Sept.
 
Running 5w-30w now. The truck is having a cold idle problem but I'm not getting a check engine light that it has a code stored. Don't know what the problem is but it's a pia. Broke a brake pad and it's grinding up the rotor but it'll ride til I get home. It's all good as it will run down the road as long as the throttle is open a good bit. Let off the gas to coast and it might die or cough and sputter and not want to go when you get back into it. It'll catch and go after a few seconds.
 
Looking at your forecast, you won't find a better weather window of opportunity than Wednesday and Thursday. Those elk will be wanting to get out and feed and stretch after being holed up for several days. Glass for feeding craters as much as elk.
 
I think I may be done. Too cold for too long. I have a day hunt I might try on the way home but sitting on a hill in waiting for an elk to wonder on to right property while freezing isn't motivating me.
 
Sherk you need a partner. It helps both guys mentally when one gets down. I agree being cold sucks and takes the motivation quick. Good luck with your day hunt
 
I only have one regret this year and that's wrecking my feet and legs on opening day. It really set me back and killed a week almost. Left heel is still slowing me down. I had the hind quarter of a bull in the scope 3.5 miles by foot from the road so I was there. Only needed a second and the story is complete. Not completely done but in my mind I'm wrapping it up and planning next year.
 
Give it a day or so and acclimate to the cold. Even us that live here take a little bit to get used to it.
 
I just came from dinner and stepping out in the cold sealed it ! Blood is too thin for this. I haven't been fishing in years back home but I found myself thinking of going and slaying some reds and being a Floridian again.
 
Shrek said:
I just came from dinner and stepping out in the cold sealed it ! Blood is too thin for this. I haven't been fishing in years back home but I found myself thinking of going and slaying some reds and being a Floridian again.
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Try to stick it out through Thursday.
My $0.02.
 
Ok , ok ! I'm thinking of hanging out until Saturday and taking up an offer to drop me off at the top of a drainage and hunt down to the truck. Maybe if I keep moving I'd be ok. Try it Wednesday , Thursday and Friday maybe...maybe. Just hard to get enthusiastic about it.
 
Do it!!! Can't kill an elk in Florida and you got all winter to fish. Can't tell you how many times I have written off a hunt only to have luck change when I drop into a new spot or come around the corner. It only takes a min and it usually happens quick. Good luck!
 
Shrek said:
Ok , ok ! I'm thinking of hanging out until Saturday and taking up an offer to drop me off at the top of a drainage and hunt down to the truck. Maybe if I keep moving I'd be ok. Try it Wednesday , Thursday and Friday maybe...maybe. Just hard to get enthusiastic about it.
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Some days when it's really cold I don't sit much. If I need to, I build a small fire. If it's really damned cold I may build several throughout the day.

It's not a bad tactic to just kind of cruise, still hunting the edges of the timber and looking for a fresh track to trail. Use your binos and watch the wind. If you are on the go most of the day, make sure you're drinking a lot of water and eating as you go. Dehydration can really sneak up on you when it's in the single digits at higher altitudes.

At least give it an honest go before you head back to Florida. You're already there.
 
Yeah. The first cold snap is rough. And if your moving you should be fine. There's some block management around there you can hit for some short hunts. Most of Canyon ferry is BLM so you should be able to hunt all the draws around there from some of the campgrounds. Check with the FWP to make sure you can hunt it. I know there's mule deer to the south of Helgate. Just a short hour or two you could cover a little ground and get used to the cold. See how much or little clothing you would personally need for these temps while you're moving.
 
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