LAST EDITED ON Oct-06-03 AT 12:24PM (MST)[p]I'm afraid you won't get many replies to such a post. Posting right before the hunt with what seems to be no knowledge of the area at all will not attract anyone to help. I don't have any personal knowledge of area 54, so couldn't help you if I wanted to. If you really want some replies, log on and go to the elk section. Do some research about where you will be hunting and get some names of places you may be hunting. In other words: "I will hunting XYZ mountain area in area 54 and have heard the Bear creek and Dry gulch are good areas for elk." will get you a better chance of a response. Also, if you register and give your email address, you are more likely to get info. People are more likely to send private messages than post on an open forum. Would you post a favorite hunting area on a public forum?
In general, I hope you have been in training, because to elk hunt you generally have to cover some country and the land definately ain't flat. Have you ever been to high altitudes? Some people like me have a problem with altitude. I have to take meds to keep the symptoms, but most people can get by without them. You do need something like advil for muscle soreness and possible headaches from the altitude. Also, I take 3 grams of vitamin C 2-3 times a day and it virtually eliminates sore muscles. Tired yes , but much less sore. Also, it does take several days to get adjusted to the altitude even if you don't have altitude sickness, so getting there several days early is preferable. Also, drink water, drink water, drink water. Even if you don't feel thirsty. It helps you get adjusted. Avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least the first 3-4 days.
Be sure you have a quality pair of longjohns. By that I don't mean thick, they can be thin, but they need to be a good wicker of water. I don't care how cold it is, when you walk in the mountains you sweat, and with good longjohns, the water is wicked to your outer layers to evaporate. With poor long johns, such as cotton, it will hold moisture against your skin and make you cold when you stop. I also use a very thin polypro liner sock under a thick wool sock. This liner reduces the rubs that cause blisters and also wicks the moisture into the outer sock.
General hunting info. Study maps of the area you will be hunting. Find places away from roads that offer water, meadows and cover. If it is warm, the elk will usually be in timber on the north and east side of ridges. All I got time for now. Good luck
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
