Yet another FNG from Tx.

[gash05]

Been lurking for a while mainly because I really dont like posting and I feel I learn more from others than I can contribute to a crowd of this caliber. Anyway, here we go. Live in Texas, east of Houston, and hunt mainly hill country type deer and exotics around Bracketville. Lived in 6 other states and Colorado for 9 years but couldn't make a decent wage so took a job back in TX.

I attempted one elk trip with my Dad while living in Grand Junction but ended up bailing early due to 8" of snow (3rd day) so our trailer didn't stay on the mountain until spring. I rode the horses out while he and other hunters nearby spent the next 7 hours going 8 miles. It was a good idea, just not mine. Anyway hopefully doing my first DIY hunt in south central Colorado if I finally draw. Trying to follow in the old man's footsteps and hunt the same unit he did, and where we spread his ashes. Should know soon. I am planning a scouting trip in July and 3rd rifle in November. Happy to be here and really looking forward to getting back in the mountains.

 

[ahotrod2]

welcome! sounds like a super cool and meaningful trip in Colorado! looking forward to the stories

 

[eddielasvegas]

As the self-appointed chairman of the welcoming committee, it is my privilege to extend a laurel, and hearty handshake (virtual, of course) to our new TX member.


Eddie

 

[gash05]

Thanks! I am really looking forward to the trips. Just getting back in the high country has me excited. Harvesting an animal would be a cherry on top.

 

[scaast]

Welcome, and good luck on the draw. Sounds like a meaningful hunt.

 

[gash05]

Much appreciated. I think it will be good even if I don't draw this year, I can still get up for a scouting trip. In other words, I will have an excuse to get into the mountains and out of Houston. Hopefully the misses doesn't catch on to that one for a few years.

 

[gash05]

I'll post my basic plan for folks to poke holes in.

3rd rifle with a 21' trailer and multiple camp spots from 8000' to 10000' sppack out. Plan to arrive after 2nd rifle , pitch camp (choice will be based on forecast and current conditions), and get a few days of scouting in before opener. Plan a Grey water dump in town mid way through season and re-up on supplies etc one afternoon.

A buddy local to the unit will help during scouting, a few days during hunting season and horse packout if I am so lucky. Another buddy from Houston coming in for 5-7 days of the season.

Get boots on the ground next month and time hikes from access points to glassing spots. Also get basic areas from buddy and scout some others on horseback and on foot. Plan to get a general feel for some of the unit I have not seen. I have been through a bit of it, but it has been a few years.

Continue conditioning with loaded pack. I have been at it for a few months but I am still old and a little fat. No preconceptions about being able to out macho hike 30 somethings, just don't want to be gassed an hour in or in day 3 of 12.

Tons more planning I could go through, but dont want to make the read too long.