Need help with a problem

ART338WM · Oct 24, 2010

I have started a new career in a new field recently. It is a good high paying job with excellent benafits, but has one serious draw back. I get VARY little vacation time. Only 1 week a year for the first three years, but what is worse, I have no way of ensuring what week I can have for vacation, and I doubt I will be able to take 2 or more weeks of vacation in a row even if I have it coming.

Now for my real problem.
I have 14 BPs for both UT and AZ, and I STRONGLY as can be stated feel one week or even ten days is absolutely not enough time for a elk hunt, especially when it is a 100% DIY solo hunt and buy time I get to the unit I will be lucky if I have seven full days to hunt. And given my age and draw odds and rules for AZ and UT, I will likely only get to hunt these two states once in my life time.

So I am left with one of two choices: Choice#1- wait untill I get enough time to be able to take 10 or more days of vacation which will take about 8 years of service to do this, but I will be 55 by then and 55 is kinda old to be doing a 100% DIY unguided solo elk hunt to 100% unfamilure country.
Choice #2-go on a fully guided elk hunt, which I am rather oposed to as I am in all modisty a better than average (although not great) elk hunter. I have been on four elk hunts and have killed three bulls, and the only reasion I did not kill a bull on one of my hunts was I simply chose not to kill a small bull. I had chances to kill over 1/2 dozen leagle bulls, but chose to go home with out a bull, and this includes having a beautifull 5x5 under 100yrds from me standing broad side on the morning of the last day of my hunt. And we all know how hard it can be to find a outfitter worth the money, I am reminded of far to many utter horror stories about outfitters that were no good.

So do I just accept my situation, find a top shelf outfitter pay the $4-5grand, and commit my heart and sole into the hunt, or take my chances that the stars will all align and I can get the time off durring my hunt of choice and go it alone. Keep in mind I will most likely never get to hunt these states again.

Thanks for all thoughtfull insite and input.

Artur.

piper · Oct 24, 2010

sad situation, I don't know why vacation time is so unimportant to many American companys, but it is. I would put in for good areas that are easier to hunt and hope you get some good supervisors down the road, then maybe you can take some time off without pay. AZ muzzleloader, and E. rifle as opposed to archery, and some Utah hunts are less time intensive than others. Your probably a few years down the road from most of the better known draws anyway.

dillon · Oct 24, 2010

It really depends on your expectations. 14 points is a lot. I personally would wait and acquire a few more points. Then you can get an awesome hunt on awesome unit where you could get a great bull in a few days. You have waited 14 years 3-4 more will not kill you. DIY can be hard, but is very satisfying. This is just my opinion, but ultimately you will get to hunt either way, the end result may just be different. I think it will all work out in the end for you.

rugarm77 · Oct 24, 2010

Stay put at your job but continually seek a company with better benefits.

Camper_A1 · Oct 24, 2010

Wait untill you draw the tag to decide. You could draw one next year or in 5 years, worry about it then lots of things can change in a hurry.

Elkhunter96 · Oct 24, 2010

14 points is a good amount for Utah, unless you are putting in early rifle Pahvant, San Juan, etc. If those are you target units/hunt, you will have a good more amount of time to decide or get a more flexible job.

As others have said, wait until you get the tag to decide....

carbonnation · Oct 24, 2010

Just because you use an outfitter, it doesn't mean that you are not a good hunter. I think it is a no brainer! If you are in a good high paying job and can afford an outfitter, then that is the way to go. People get way too caught up in the "I did it myself" thing. You need to think of the outfitter as a friend who is trying to make your hunt as successfull as possible. If you are as good a hunter as you think, then a guide/outfitter should just enhance your abilities and chances to harvest a trophy.

Besides DIY is a relative term: Did you make your own gun? Did your make those swaros? Did you design and make your rangefinder, scope, tent, backpack, shoes, the gps, the maps of the area, the truck that got your there? Ohhh, you found the animal by yourself and killed it. Not every outfitter is high priced and paying people to spot for them 24/7.

Just my 2 cents.

BrowningRage · Oct 27, 2010

Some great responses already... I'm with you on the time limitation... I don't think I would chance not spending enough time on a once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt...
If I was in your position, I would be thinking that for those 3 years I only have one week of leave, I won't be going on this hunt... You will build 3 more points and almost be guaranteed an exceptional hunt in both UT and AZ... then you will probably end up hunting back-to-back years for trophy elk.
Also, 55 is NOT TOO OLD. My father is 56 and he could do it, I'm sure you can too. Plus you have 3 years to get in better shape if you're not already...

Now, as far as an outfitter- If you don't have friends and family to hunt with, I wouldn't blame you for hiring a guide. Truth is, many of them watch the animals all year and get very excited when they know they are going to help a guy like yourself take a true monster. They will do the "hard hunting" that you fear you may be too old to do at 55. They will definitely share in your joy upon harvesting an animal. For me, I have family that would be there to do all of that with me, and bringing an entire family out to an outfitter's camp just might not work...
So that's a personal choice- I think your hunt will be better if there are others to share in your success. So who do you want there with you..??

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24

KNOPHISH · Oct 28, 2010

You didn't say if you had a cool boss, Maybe he hunts too. I drew a LE bull tag the same year I started my job & had zero vacation. My boss said go get a big one, without pay of course. I gave him some back straps.