Turning back a tag........

antlerrick · Oct 8, 2008

Wow, never thought this would ever be something that I would be involved in. My dad-in-law drew a late Monroe rifle permit, and now his health has dwindled and he will be unable to go on the hunt. This has been quite a roller coaster with the thoughts of possibly having a crack at the legendary "Spider Bull", and maybe a crack at Chubbs, and then seeing Spider get harvested, the ride continues. I have tried to be very patient and calm, but as the hunt has gotten closer, the excitement was beginning to build. Now the decision has pretty much become final to send the permit back. I told my DIL that I had faith in him getting better to the point that we could go out and get him a nice bull, but he has so many ups and downs that he finally gave me the word that he can't see how he would be able to make it. He is going thru chemo for a blood disease, and now has a bad case of pnuemonia. I was going to hang on until the last week or so, but things look to dismal to hang on, and we would like whomever receives the tag to have some time to prepare.
We are hoping and praying that he will recover to where he can draw a permit next year and have a chance to take a "big stinky" before he moves on. With his points, we can get him a decent tag.
It is amazing the emotions that this thing we love called hunting can bring into our lifes!
So to whomever gets his tag, good luck, and if you are a MM member, please let me know and maybe I can still get to come and "watch"!
Rick

hogg_65 · Oct 8, 2008

I wish the best for your family.

littlebighorn · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry to here about your father in law Rick. Hunting is great, but sometimes life kicks us in the face! Hopefully he will have a chance in the future.
Kudos to you guys for giving someone else a chance to prepare.
There are way too many others out there who take advantage of the turning in the tag law and I am glad to here you are not one of them! You can share my campfire anytime!

Mounts02 · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry, to here about your father in law hope everything works out for the best and next year will be even beter.

Silentstalker · Oct 8, 2008

Rick,

I hope you FIL gets better and recouperates quickly. There is no reason to feel bad about that. That is exactly what the tag return is for. He is doing the right thing from my perspective. Get him healthy and go truly enjoy the hunt of a lifetime next year. The lucky hunter who gets the phone call will surely thank you! Good luck. Health and family are the most important. Let us know how he does!

Chad

ktc · Oct 8, 2008

ar,

That sucks. Hopefully your dad in law gets better. I know you guys were really looking forward to this hunt.

I believe this is why the tag return program was created, for situations like this one, where a guy could turn his tag back and get his point during a difficult time. Use this rule to hopefully go another year.

IdahoBugler · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry to hear that AR. I hope your FIL has a speedy recovery.

IB

tsquared · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry to hear the bad news about your FIL. There are things that rise up and kick us in the butt. Hopefully he will have a full recovery and be able to chase the elk of his dreams next year. Him and all of your family will be in my prayers.

logslinger · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry to hear about your families misfortune. My family will be praying for a speedy recovery of your father in law. Hope it does some good.

rmanwill · Oct 8, 2008

Sorry to hear the bad news!!! Best of luck and hopefully this can play out next year and be that much sweater. Keep your chin up and stay positive.

PleaseDear · Oct 8, 2008

ar,

Way sad to read this about your FIL.

An elk tag means nothing when life and health are the priority.

The very best to him and to your family.

Robb

antlerrick · Oct 9, 2008

Hey guys, thanks for the kind words and prayers.
He is a very spiritual man and I know they will help.
Health is way more important than an elk permit, but have you ever had to return a Monroe Mtn permit...haha! (not easy)
After visiting with him again, he says that he wants to hunt when the bulls are screaming and the excitement is high. I agreed with him that early rifle was much more exciting.
He has trailed along with us if not in person, but in spirit, on all of our other elk hunts, and has waitied patiently for his turn. He has lived all the hunts on video and was so excited to be able to take his turn.
Another up on the roller coaster today as he has turned around and is feeling better again, and they decided not to transport him up north..
Thanks again!!

FishlakeElkHunter · Oct 9, 2008

Rick....So sorry to hear about your FIL! Dont worry. All there was, was lots of Big 5 points up on Monroe this year anyway! ha

I am still trying to get down and visit with you at the office. I will try and come down in the AM and shoot the sh**!

Hope everything is good with the FIL!!!!

Lambo · Oct 11, 2008

Ya it tears me up to hear about family misfortunes. Turn the permit back in and get him healthy, that is the most important thing. If it were my father, I would not care if Spidey was still alive and tied to a tree, my dad's health is much more important. So hope that recovery is swift. Who knows mabey he will draw it again next year.At least the tag and points will not be waisted.
This happened to me back in 2000, I finally drew my moose tag. I scouted the area a great deal but still did not know the lay of the land, So I hired a pilot to fly me over the area. Well to make a long story short. The plane crashed, killing the pilot, leaving me with multiple broken ribs, a tore up shoulder, and a puncchured and colapsed lung. I was lucky to have crashed by a road. Even after several hour of the most intense pain I could have ever imagined. I finnaly got help. I was able to turn my permit back, but I really did not care at the time. I was able to draw the permit again the very next year. Oh ya, I killed a great bull moose tyhat scores very well in Pope and Young, and I was able to share the hunt with family and friends. Thank goodness that The DWR has a permit realocation program for this becouse stuff does happen.
Just hope that recovery is quick, and that you can enjoy many hunts together in the future.
God bless
Lambo

hossblur · Oct 14, 2008

Dad lost after 3 years to lung cancer, enough said, but if I could what are the rules for turning in a tag? DO you keep your points? forfeit the money? ????

antlerrick · Oct 15, 2008

Hoss,
If you are turning the tag back due to a medical condition, you have to complete the paperwork and have a doctor sign as to what the medical condition is that would prevent you from hunting. In that case you will keep your points, plus receive a refund. If you just want to turn the tag back, you will still keep your points, but will forfeit the fees.
Sorry to hear about your dad... Puts your mind in other places other than enjoying a hunt.
Rick

nebo12000 · Oct 15, 2008

Rick, if it so happens that you FIL ends up hunting you are welcome to hole up in our cabin on Cove Mt. as the need may arise, even if it is just to warm up or take rest. I'll be glad to give you the directions even though I think you already have a good idea where its at. Good luck to you and I wish the best for him.