my 2015 idaho season....

\"Don K\" said:
Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the read.


I picked up a set of Wiggy\'s Waders about 10 years ago and they are great to use for stream crossings. They weigh around nine ounces and pack real small. When I get to the creek they slide right over my boots, I cross then take them off and back in the pack they go.
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The water was cold but when we came back to camp that evening. Wow! Our feet were sore. I couldn\'t believe how much better they felt after a cool walk across the stream. :D
 
Thanks for taking the time to share your hunt with everyone here.
It is a great read and the experiences were truly felt as it was being read.

For all to know:
It takes a tremendous amount of time and thought to \'re-manufacture\' a big hunt such as this and post it online.
Sometimes it it painful to re-live the events and retell everyone how it all went down.

Gary is correct is stating how hard an elk can be and no one should do it wearing \'rose colored glasses\'

I sure do appreciate your time and writing and posting this

Thank you!
 
thanks brad!
I would like to give a lot of credit to vanish! his writings on his journal section inspired me. I enjoyed reading about his hunts through his eyes....
that was my goal with my story. and based on all of your comments, it seems as though I accomplished just that!
I would also like to thank dan, he encouraged me to tell it. I wasn\'t ready to, but I am glad that I did when I did. as the days passed, it was already getting harder to remember the small thoughts and details.... which I feel that you all agree give the story its essence.
one last thought... others have said this, I am excited to read this again come next fall, I will be ready to laugh at myself all over again!
 
Gary, another thank you for sharing your story. It was a great read and I find it pretty cool that the three of you guys were able to meet up on BTO and go on a hunt together :upthumb:
 
thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
derek. that was one of the super cool things about the hunt. that 3 guys, who really don\'t know each other, can have a great time together!
I experienced the greatness of this site back in Kansas! thank you tim!!!!!
vanish, im glad you enjoyed it!
mitch, those 14 days went fast.....!
 
terry told me that he recently reread this.
I finally remembered to reread it myself. I am needing to find some focus and motivation....
and I cried a little again reading it. 6 months later and I am still emotional about it!
 
thanks dan..... buts its internal, like the desire to quit smoking. someone can tell you to do it, but you wont until you want to do it yourself.
to be honest, I am still bitter about my extra hard work no paying off. I haven\'t founds the guts to get back on that horse. I know that I need to... but haven\'t put my foot in the stirrup yet.
I really want to focus on having a blast this year, and I am a little afraid that if hit it hard again this year, my expectations will be skewed again. its hard to put my thoughts into sentences....
 
\"zpd307\" said:
thanks dan..... buts its internal, like the desire to quit smoking. someone can tell you to do it, but you wont until you want to do it yourself.
to be honest, I am still bitter about my extra hard work no paying off. I haven\'t founds the guts to get back on that horse. I know that I need to... but haven\'t put my foot in the stirrup yet.
I really want to focus on having a blast this year, and I am a little afraid that if hit it hard again this year, my expectations will be skewed again. its hard to put my thoughts into sentences....
Click to expand...


Being bitter about putting in the extra hard work and not paying off is not the way to go, at all.
I know this is something you need to figure out on your own, but look at the facts.

No matter what shape you\'re in, you\'re still hunting a pressured OTC unit.
You battled other hunters in your spots, wolves, and other elements. Being in shape doesn\'t give you an edge on any of those.....to a degree.
There is a reason OTC harvest numbers are so low and due to your location you are screwed from the get go.
You do not have the added benefit for extra scouting like Brad or Will does.

How about look at 2015 in a whole different light:
You were in your mid 30s and were in fantastic shape.
You went on a hunt and made new friends.
Even in an OTC unit, you STILL had elk sightings and created shot opportunities. Ask other people who have hunted OTC units, that right there is a win.

The simple fact is this......go into anything with a bad outlook and I bet you your outcome is bad.
Find the good, get on your dang motivation horse, and I guarantee that you have a great time. Elk or not.
 
Gary, I can relate to your season last year. Not saying this happened to you, but I have had years where I put in twice as much work as anyone in our camp. I\'ve spent a ton of time preparing for the hunt as well, only to come up empty handed. Just because you deserve it doesn\'t mean that it will necessarily happen. All I can tell you is to keep working hard because eventually that hard work pays off. But also remember that you have to enjoy yourself. Filling your tag is only a small piece of the enjoyment of the hunt. It took me years to figure out that I need to put in the hard work, but I also need to enjoy myself and realize that punching the tag isn\'t the only way to have a successful hunt. Find that balance and your hunts become a lot more fun, regardless of the outcome!
 
you are correct guys :upthumb: like I said, its hard to type your thoughts accurately...
rereading this was a blast! writing it definitely changed my outlook on the hunt afterwards! I was smiling a ton while reading it again :D
and dan, my mid 30s ends in a couple of weeks... say hello to 40 :lol:
 
I had a blast on that hunt. It was a great time. I expect to have even a better time this year. You will be in fine shape come September and with any luck have another stare down at 15 yards with a fat cow. I can\'t wait to see the mountains again.
 
Gary, I didn\'t get to duck hunt any this past season due to reasons beyond my control and without me the boys killed few ducks that we have in years... :mrgreen: :mrgreen: So you see if I\'d been there they wouldn\'t have any excuse...

I like to think we would have had a better season but the truth of the matter was way too much water and way above normal temperatures had what ducks that did get here spread all over the country....

I\'m already planning to redeem myself this up coming season... :upthumb: :upthumb: Good Lord willing...
 
guys, Im sorry that ive conveyed that im down in the dumps :wave:
im more excited to have my partners back in camp this year. I am just in need of some focus to get back into getting back into it. I cant let terry kick my butt this year :train:
 
I\'ll give you all the focus you need Gary.... :shock: :shock: Since I can\'t shoot a big ol\' good for me this fall... :upthumb: :upthumb:
 
Gary, I just had a chance to finish reading your entire account - along with Razorback and bowhunter\'s added extras. Great trip, I enjoyed the write up. OTC units are tough, but you guys had an awesome time - even when nothing hits the ground. You guys are right on the cusp and will start telling how you were glad you were in shape to pack out 3 elk!
 
I am making a sort of journal this year, so I can keep track of the small stuff better!!!!!!
 
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