Reluctant Utah Bonus Point

[lone_hunter]

I just wanted to bemoan my situation, many of you likely wish you had this problem.

I have applied for Utah limited entry elk tags since the beginning of time. I always applied with, jointly or separately, my brother, best friend and hunting partner. He has tragically killed in the fall of 1999. It was always our dream hunt. For the first several years after his death, I could not face a LE elk hunt without him. Then in the last couple of years, even though the desire is back, because I have a young family I haven't felt like I could commit the proper time to a hunt like this. I have purchased bonus points only. I just decided that again this year I could not commit now to a hunt this fall.

I just applied for a bonus point, my 13th.

 

[Lien2]

Yes and no. I wouldn't want the problem of not being able to face the hunt because of your loss, but having the points problem would be nice.
I don't know what to tell you, I'd imagine nobody else "close" to you has that many points that you would like to take with. But going alone might not be very ejoyable either. I guess I would be doing the same as you, getting points and buying time till you see a sign of what to do.
Something I often ask myself since my Dad died, when in certain situations, what would he want me to do? I know your brother would want you to go, have fun, and kill a monster! Much the same as my Dad would want me to do. I say draw a tag next year and go after it, your brother will be with you every step of the way.
Good luck.

Lien2

 

[Grasshopper]

I would agree with Lien2.

Hunting is, or should be, a spiritual event, and I would think your brother will be there in spirit when you go.

Best of luck!

 

[CATMAN]

I would add this: Put in for the hunt, if you draw.....find someone to watch your young children...load up your wife, and have a very memorable hunt.The best hunt I have ever been on in my life was when I took my wife and she killed her first bull. Your brother would want you to keep hunting. Good luck

 

[nvguy2]

I agree with Grasshopper.If you draw I bet your bro will see to it that you have a memorable hunt because he will be there with you.I also agree that he would want you to get that tag and kill a monster.It would be very tough as I have a brother that I also hunt with.I couldn't imagine.You need to go get that bull though.

 

[c3]

LAST EDITED ON Feb-16-06 AT 07:47AM (MST)[p]There's a time for everything under the sun. When you're ready, you'll know it.

There are lots of folks around who would be more than happy to help you out in your scouting/hunt if you draw.

In the next few years, if you do draw, just let us know and I'm sure you'll find more than enough support to make your hunt a very memorable one. It won't fill the place of your loss, but I'm sure your brother would be smiling on you no matter the outcome.

Cheers,
Pete

 

[Bullcan]

You made the right choice. Right now it may seem like you don't want the point, but you will. Going it alone is not a bad option either. I went on a hunt to Montana last sept by myself and it was an extremely relaxing time in which I was able to do a lot of soul searching. I got to hunt at my own pace also.

 

[Juniper]

Whenever you are ready then I would say draw the tag and go. Your brother would want you to. I also agree that he will be there with you to Enjoy that experience. Good Luck!