Turning in an LE Elk Tag

Roy · Sep 5, 2008

Ok - a close friend of mine who will remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the situation has been waiting all his life to draw an LE Elk Tag (a coveted Utah area). Finally - this year - with MAX Points he does. Prior to that his wife had their first daughter in March. So, so far his year is turning out pretty good! However, they just found out his daughter has a nueroblastoma on her adrenal gland - a form of cancer that frequently strikes babies and young children. Looks like they are operating on her on the 17th of this month and she will be in the hospital for a week. The doctors feel that they caught it early enough and the prognosis is good overall for complete recovery. Needless to say, my friend is dedicated to his family and will be at the hospital with his wife and daughter the whole time and as such, is turning his tag back in to the state. He is bummed out about the whole thing but knows there are more important things in life than hunting. He is definitely doing the right thing and there is no questioning his decision.

The question is however - how long do you think it will take him to draw again - knowing it is one of the top 3 most desirable regions in the state for elk?

UTROY
Proverbs 21:19 (why I hunt!)

chet · Sep 5, 2008

If he truley has MAX points, then he should get the tag again next year.

thebuckstopshere · Sep 5, 2008

I mean no disrespect to the author, but given what you just said all throughout your post, does it really matter?

elkantlers · Sep 5, 2008

He is doing what is right and things like this usually have a way of working themselves out. Good luck to him and his daughter.

TripleK · Sep 5, 2008

LAST EDITED ON Sep-05-08 AT 10:24PM (MST)[p]

edgar6250 · Sep 5, 2008

I would say turn the tag back in, chances are he will get the tag again next year. I know of a guy about four years ago who went to hunt buffalo on the Henry's and when he got there and found cell phone service he noticed a lot of family had been trying to call him. Turns out his wife died the night he got to the mountain, and the opening day of the hunt. He came home. A few friends called the DWR and got him the same hunt the next year. Best wishes to him and his child.

REDDOG · Sep 5, 2008

This is the one good thing that comes from utah's turn in rule. i say it is totally up to him, but if his mind is on his family during his hunt, he wont enjoy it like he should, it may take 4-5 years to draw again, even with max points, but it sounds like the wait would be worth it.

Packout · Sep 6, 2008

Like was said before, does it really matter how long before the next tag? But to answer the question, he is probably 1-4 years out, depending on the unit. Best wishes to the family.

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www.sagebasin.com
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AWHOLELOTTABULL · Sep 6, 2008

I think some of you missed the question. He has already turned in the tag. Roy asked the question how long it will take him to draw it again.

Chet - even with max points on the Wasatch unit you are not "guaranteed" the tag. Max points doesn't mean squat anymore, especially on the more coveted units.

In answer to your question, I would bet within 3 years.

It's always an adventure!!!
www.awholelottabull.com

Gator · Sep 6, 2008

3-5 yrs, Hope it sooner If it on the dutton maybe never if spider lives on.

TripleK · Sep 6, 2008

>I mean no disrespect to the
>author, but given what you
>just said all throughout your
>post, does it really matter?
>
He hasn't turned the tag back in yet and I don't think he's going to now.

Like Roy said, life does not just stop. His life is not on hold. These cases of cancer in children under the age of 12 months are usually cured so her chances for full recovery are really good. Drawing out for this hunt was one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to this guy and for the last two weeks he hasn't cared one bit about it. He's just been focused on his wife and daughter but now that he knows the outlook is pretty good, he's looking ahead to the future with optimism. And...after further discussion with his wife this evening, he may not even turn his tag back in after all but hunt when he can before the surgery and possibly afterwards.

Bart..(proutdoors)...if you read this...this guy wants to tell you "Go get the big one, Man." He understands a bit about personal tragedy in a time like this and does not judge you harshly in any way, shape, or form for continuing with your hunt.

Of course we're looking to the future in this trial. This guy is facing it all head on, but he's looking forward to sharing all of his hunting experiences with his daughter because hunting is a big part of his life. Plus, you wait 25 years to draw out for an area that means as much as this area does to this hunter and is as much a part of your life, childhood and your whole history as this area is...of course you're looking to the future and wondering when you'll draw out again if something happens and you have to turn in your tag. The wife is ok with it...the inlaws are ok with it...the rest of the family supports this guy's decision and all is good.

Another consideration..this unit is rapidly changing and may be changing for the worse so he really wants to get the hunting experience he's always dreamed of out of it while he still can. In 1-4 years it may not be what it is now.