Would I be in over my head? - Colorado Elk

[hereinaz]

Looks like you got your answer! Only seems fair to present a counter argument though.

What if the cabin is totally lame or it has ghosts? There might not be any Wi-Fi. Is an elk worth all that?

Solved those myself, he can go if he puts his mind to it.

I got Starlink to stay connected to the internet at the lame, haunted CO cabin we hunt out of. Still better than a tent, lol. I even did a podcast with EXO about my archery elk hunt while rifle elk hunting.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Looks like you got your answer! Only seems fair to present a counter argument though.

What if the cabin is totally lame or it has ghosts? There might not be any Wi-Fi. Is an elk worth all that?

Wait… cabins don’t have wifi?!

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Some people have trouble disconnecting.

 

[tracker12]

Hate to be the Debbie downer but if at 25 you need help deciding whether to go on an elk hunt maybe you should consider passing.

 

[fmyth]

Do it.

The only thing a 25 yo often doesn’t have is the mental fortitude of a fat out of shape man who knows his limits but would rather die in the mountains than cutting out In n Out shakes.

Edited to add that I did a Philmont trek at 21 with my 65 year old dad, who continued to go in his 70s. You can do it.

I'd bet you'd be willing to pay a million dollars to be able to do that trek again with your dad. To the OP go for it. The experience and memories will be priceless. Getting an elk would be the icing on the cake.

 

[OKHunter84]

You definitely shouldn't go. Your bother should take me instead

Just kidding. You'll regret it when you're older if you don't go. Do it.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Some people have trouble disconnecting.

For sure. My wife had to get starlink at our cabin to take emergency calls up there… it was nice when we didn’t have anything though…

 

[199p]

My brother called yesterday to say he had a lead on a Colorado Elk hunt. Local with a cabin that backed up to public land and he wants to know if I'm in.

I am still a learning hunter, got my first deer last year in WI after four years of trying. My brother was on staff at Philmont scout ranch (Sangre De Cristo mountains) for years, and has helped some buddies in TX on elk and auodad hunts. He is comfortable and skilled in the mountains. I did a 10 day trek at Philmont myself 7 years ago, our route was 120 miles, starting from the south end of the property, and ending at the north on the chase ranch. I was the oldest boy on my crew and my pack averaged 60-65lbs.

I've not kept up with strength and endurance training well the last five or so years. I'm 25, weigh approximately 165lbs I believe. But obviously could work towards building strength back up.

Give me your gut take, should I commit? For those who know Philmont, how much harder is getting after elk going to be?

do it bro, bro. The best way to gain experience is to spend time in the hills counts for so much more then all the youtube videos on the net

 

[hereinaz]

do it bro, bro. The best way to gain experience is to spend time in the hills counts for so much more then all the youtube videos on the net

Well, I can stay fat and enjoy you tube at home. It’s almost as good, hahaha.

Ding dongs 100% taste better in elk camp though. On the mountain, they are like manna from heaven. Forget gummi bears.

Watching elk hunting videos in elk camp (which is a cabin) while eating ding dings, now that is nirvana.

 

[Kleiss1]

Only way to learn is to jump into the deep end. Beautiful state. Lived there back in the 80’s and early 90’s before it got invaded.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Well, I can stay fat and enjoy you tube at home. It’s almost as good, hahaha.

Ding dongs 100% taste better in elk camp though. On the mountain, they are like manna from heaven. Forget gummi bears.

Watching elk hunting videos in elk camp (which is a cabin) while eating ding dings, now that is nirvana.

Substitute YouTube dingus’es for Jeremiah Johnson, and now we are talking!

 

[Nine Banger]

Philmont is hunting without a rifle.

 

[hereinaz]

Substitute YouTube dingus’es for Jeremiah Johnson, and now we are talking!

Favorite line, “twenrt the Mormons” cracks me up every time.

 

[180ls1]

I never really found it that hard. It's so motivating and enjoyable that it makes the difficult parts very bearable.

 

[Quandary]

Solved those myself, he can go if he puts his mind to it.

I got Starlink to stay connected to the internet at the lame, haunted CO cabin we hunt out of. Still better than a tent, lol. I even did a podcast with EXO about my archery elk hunt while rifle elk hunting.

That's cool. What episode #?

 

[MountainMan83]

I knew absolutely nothing about hunting before my first elk hunt and had some but limited backpacking experience. Just get out there with the goal of adventure and having fun. Stay within your limits for navigating and physical ability when deciding how comfortable you should hunt from camp. While many emphasize going deep, there are plenty of elk that like to hang out 1-2 miles from roads if you find the right spot. While I got lucky with my first two elk in years 2 and 5, I have since tagged out on 5 elk in the last 5 years - all credit from simply getting out there willing to explore and learn from my mistakes. Get out there and do it!!!!

 

[RuggedYogi]

Dude, you’re 25! At 25 you can have six pack on accident. Get after it.

 

[Haro450]

Your not hiking MT. Everest!! Go hunting and don't over think it.

 

[Jethroat]

I apologize for ghosting the thread for so long!

Reason is because I've been spending my free time researching and preparing! I appreciate everyone giving me the push over the mental edge I needed. It will be a great 8 days in the mountains, and while I've never caught myself having a six pack on accident, I've plenty of time to condition and prepare in the strength/endurance department.

Thank you!

 

[MerlinAH64]

Go. You cant get time back. My dad and I always found a reason not to go, and now that he is gone i would give anything to be able to go with him.