Starting All Over

chevy_dog · Oct 11, 2017

Well, Im pretty sure most of you are aware of the fires raging in Napa Valley. My father just lost everything he had due to the Atlas fire yesterday. It's going to be pretty rough for him going forward.

He had drawn an awesome elk tag in Nevada this year - Jarbidge Late bull. Just me and him public land was the plan, but understandably he wont make it, and he just turned his tag in.

I had planned on taking time off work to help him get a good bull. Now, I still have the 10 days off, but our plans are now in the toilet and I am looking for recommendations to salvage any sort of hunt that I can this year. The days I have off are November 4 - 14. If anyone has any recommendations on over the counter deer/elk/antelope in ANY state for those dates, please let me know. I have never hunted this late for any animal, and I am just looking for meat in the freezer.

Thanks.

-Ryan Farrell

Robiland · Oct 11, 2017

Ryan,

Sorry to hear of the loss. That has got to be tough. I dont even have words to say besides I am sorry.

With all that was lost, and time off, there wont be things he will be able to do sitting at a hotel room or what ever they do for the victims. Why not try and salvage a good hunt? Honestly, I dont know what the next step or steps are for this situational.

In Utah, There is not really any OTC hunts that can be done. Sorry.

COSA · Oct 11, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Oct-11-17 AT 02:26PM (MST)[p]CO 3rd Season Elk is OTC for most units, right in your date window. Also Whitetail in Northern Idaho.

dack77 · Oct 11, 2017

For future reference, the State of Utah has a convenient tag search feature. I know it's been there for a while now but it is seriously easy to overlook because of where it is located on the page. It does allow for a search of all available tags without having to go through your account. If you go through your account, it won't show you anything like you found if you already have a tag bought.

Wakin · Oct 11, 2017

One of my biggest fears is losing it all in a fire. I'm originally from Sonoma County & heart broken for the affected residents.

Anyway, I know you said big game but what about a cast & blast road trip? Shoot some upland/waterfowl & catch some fish?

chevy_dog · Oct 11, 2017

Thanks guys. I'm mostly a big game hunter, and will be doing this trip solo. Colorado has been a State I have never hunted, but seems like my best choice given how late to the game I am. If anyone has some suggestions on where to start there, I am all ears. Thanks.

goinhuntn · Oct 11, 2017

Check out Idaho they have several otc hunts for those dates.
Sorry to hear about your fathers loss, and for what its worth at least he is ok.

jgriffin82 · Oct 12, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Oct-12-17 AT 10:59AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Oct-12-17 AT 10:55?AM (MST)

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's place. I can't even begin to imagine how he feels. If he needs help with anything, let me know. I have every kind of trailer imaginable to move things and places to store whatever he may have left. We also have a travel trailer if he needs a place to stay for a bit. I live on 20 acres adjacent to Skyline park and we've been nervous since Sunday. We watched the fire get close Tuesday night and then lay down. Fortunately, we have two ponds and a few pumps to wet things down and most of our land is pasture.

As for hunting options go, as mentioned before, CO OTC elk is a great way to go. I've hunted GMU 65 OTC and have had great opportunities at a lot of animals. If you decide to go that way, I can give you a few pointers.

Jim

EDIT: There are 34 leftover cow tags for 3rd season (11/4-11/12) GMU 64/65.

chevy_dog · Oct 12, 2017

Thank you so much Jim. I'm headed to his area with a 5th wheel and cargo trailer tomorrow. I'll look into the suggestion for Colorado.

-Ryan.

Joe2Kool · Oct 14, 2017

Prayers for your dad.

chevy_dog · Oct 14, 2017

Thanks for all of your warm thoughts and suggestions. I was able to help my dad sift through the rubble today. The support of the local community was overwhelming.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2017/892692531396fdabb4fc0b9173e96bd5643dd.jpeg

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2017/55432187e14a449e44056af6a1b2450de0b31.jpeg

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2017/71779278baef5ea944986a741c3ea4b0c9d93.jpeg

http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2017/2598600cdf011bec14932ab26d4dbe0913c92.jpeg

eelgrass · Oct 16, 2017

Those photos really show the personal devastation. So sorry for his loss but happy everyone is safe.

BIGJOHNT · Oct 16, 2017

I can't even comprehend whats going on with that fire. Sorry to see what happen to your dad. Is that a picture of his gun safe? We all hope our gun safes will protect our guns from fire . Like most of us. Thats what I am going for first to safe from a fire. Forget that painting hanging on the wall. Sorry to hear about your dads place.

chevy_dog · Oct 16, 2017

Actually, that's his freezer. The meat is well done.

trophyhunter · Oct 16, 2017

Sorry for your Dads loss. I get his pain but sitting here uneffected personally by the fires I smell the smoke and have several people close to us that have suffered the same fate. Wish life was not so harsh, had sister_in law in Houston, son in Florida hurrican so where does it stop. Well it does not stop. Wish your Dad prayers but turning the tag back in was not a good choice IMO. Yeh your Dad is hurting but he could have still made the hunt and spent quality time with you. That is priceless....I get why your Dad turned the tag in but in time after the hurt has will die down he will wish he kept the tag and spent the time with you.....its not about getting the elk hunt its about life and spending time with you and that is priceless....

))))????>

Gator · Oct 16, 2017

I know you said Big game, But I can make room for ya on a SD ditch parrot hunt got a bunch of private land to hunt on. I'm headed back on the 4th of Nov.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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BIGJOHNT · Oct 16, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Oct-16-17 AT 04:53PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Oct-16-17 AT 04:49?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Oct-16-17 AT 04:48?PM (MST)

Here's a cow elk hunt in Utah. I popped up on my email. You may be able to call on it www.huntfinder.com It was only 500.00 for a cow hunt. It was threw Huntin Fool. You maybe able to check some of those services.