Monroe Muzzleloader Elk - Permit came in the mail

[dleonard3]

Well, It's official. I have my Monroe Muzzleloader Elk permit in my hot little hands. I made a color copy of it and put it into a frame to hang in my wall. These tags are scarcer than the bulls that live on the unit and I consider this a "once in a lifetime" tag. I think I had two points lower than max because I applied for Pronghorn a couple of times. Being two points down I assumed I would never draw, so I'm pretty excited to get the oppertunity. I intend to make the most of it. I hope my employer understands my extended camping trip when the end of september gets closer. I've been on this unit quite a few times looking for shed antlers (not much luck), and I went on a video safari during the rut a couple years ago where I got to see quite a few nice bulls doing what they do that time of year (right after the 1st rifle season). I know a few good areas to start looking, but I'm sure there are lots of other honey holes on that mountain that I don't know about yet. Although I want the biggest, baddest, highest scoring bull on that mountain, I am also realistic enough to know that going home empty is also a possibility. I've tossed around the idea of 400" bulls in my mind, but I know how few and far between they can be. I won't hesitate to dump a "MONSTER" any day during the short season, but I will thoughtfully consider any better than average six point on the last few days. I'm not going to use the services of a guide, but I welcome any tips or advice I can get from people that know the area and/or animals. I will have several friends and relatives on the mountain with me to help with the hunt. I know, most of you hate "ARMY" style hunting, and so do I. However, with this being my one chance, I'm going to leave all the options opened. If my helpers split up and scatter across the mountain to look for good bulls, then let me know what they find, it's still up to me to get into position and make it happen. I won't be using any "chute", or any other types of planes, but I'm not opposed to electronic communications with GPS radios, and occasional Cell phone calls (if there's service up there) to relay information. It isn't illegal, but B&C frowns on it so it must be a little bit un-ethical in their eyes. I know this site is famous for "ethics police", but please, keep any post to this thread civilized and don't hurl insults when you state your opinions.

If anyone is interested in helping me out, PM me and I'll give you my personal email and/or Cell phone number so we can talk.

 

[dillon]

I don't know the unit, but if I had the tag I would be like you are. I would have my army up there and communicating in any way possible. I am sure some of the guys on here will be able to help you out. I am thinking about going muzz from now on out, especially if the hunt gets put before/during the rifle next year.

Dillon

 

[longshooter338]

Congrats leonard have fun and try not to let the pressure get to you my hunt last year was stressfull as he77, good luck.

 

[2lumpy]

If you still need help after you've done your thing with your family and friends let me know. I won't begin to suggest I can find you a 400 inch bull but I might know where you might find a decent one.

Things get a little tricky on the Monroe after the rifle hunt starts. By the time the muzzleloader rolls around the big boys get a little harder to locate. Certainly don't want to discourage you, it's a fantastic opportunity and you will have a great hunt because the bulls are there and knowing that one might show any moment keeps your adrenaline up. The potential is there to take home a dandy, however I've watched a few right good elk hunters go home frustrated because they passed up good bulls early and couldn't find them later in the hunt.

Hope that 400 incher and you find each other, however, if it's not happening and you loose track of bulls, let me know and I'll see what I can do to lend a hand.

DC

 

[Gator]

Hope you find a Monster and hats off to 2Lumpy for his offer of help now you have a ace in the hole in this game of poker.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

 

[dleonard3]

2lumpy, thanks for the offer, I'm sure I'll take you up on it. I would love to get an email or call from you to talk, and You're always welcome to drop into camp once I get up there (if I'm around). I'm planning on being up there from Sept. 25th until I get one, or the hunt ends. That will give me 4 pre-season days to scout - the last weekend of the rifle season, and Monday & Tuesday. I'll try the "friendly neighbor" routine and attempt to talk to everybody up there, to see what they've seen or at least get an idea of where the bulls have been seen recently. I hope to see a bunch of the available bulls before the season starts so I will have a good idea of what is left.