nmyotebuster
Active Member
- Messages
- 309
LAST EDITED ON Sep-05-13 AT 01:51PM (MST)[p]Needed to recharge my batteries both figuratively and mentally so sleeping in my own bed tonight, and hugging my kiddos but will be back at it Saturday morning through the 15th, So i thought I would share so far.
Been hunting first archery elk in unit 9 and needless to say it has been ROUGH. We chose to put in here because the lack of getting drawn down in the 16s the last 3 years, and the close proximity to home makes Momma a little happier too.
Putting in ~6 hrs each morning, and another 4 at sunset and have yet to see even a rump running away in the distance.
Though we have seen every other hunter on the mountain ( at least three times, as many drive right up to the tank you so carefully hiked in half a mile to, in an attempt to keep scent down and noise activity away ).
I think Mt Taylor is sponsored by Polaris as there are RZRs and Rangers EVERYWHERE! I too use an ATV, but as a way to get to a spot then hike in, not to check the middle of a meadow that has NO OBVIOUS ROAD DOWN THE CENTER, BUT LET'S DRIVE THERE ANYWAY!!!!
Now with that off my chest. I Have gotten close twice on turkeys, but need about 10 more yds to take what I feel is an ethical shot.
It has rained just about every day, with Monday's squall dropping what had to be around 2" in less than an hour near lunch time, destroying one of my tents, but so it goes.
About 1/2 of the tanks have water, and those that do are swarmed by guys hoping to catch a break, but all we are seeing are bovine prints and very little elk sign.
No bugling yet ( really at all ) and it is weird to not even hear hunters trying their best locator bugles all hours of the day as they drive around and around in their trucks.
Low flying airplanes and helicopters show up now and then, and you hear the grumbles from other folks that it is the LOs trying to herd the animals. I would hate to think that is happening, but I have yet to even see one elk.
Very disheartened at the moment, but sure beats the heck out of working!
Here's to those still out there trying to get it done. I will see ya in 36 hours! Right after I put the reminder on my calendar to apply for the 16s again next year.
NMYB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach your kids to hunt now, and you won't have to hunt for them later.
Been hunting first archery elk in unit 9 and needless to say it has been ROUGH. We chose to put in here because the lack of getting drawn down in the 16s the last 3 years, and the close proximity to home makes Momma a little happier too.
Putting in ~6 hrs each morning, and another 4 at sunset and have yet to see even a rump running away in the distance.
Though we have seen every other hunter on the mountain ( at least three times, as many drive right up to the tank you so carefully hiked in half a mile to, in an attempt to keep scent down and noise activity away ).
I think Mt Taylor is sponsored by Polaris as there are RZRs and Rangers EVERYWHERE! I too use an ATV, but as a way to get to a spot then hike in, not to check the middle of a meadow that has NO OBVIOUS ROAD DOWN THE CENTER, BUT LET'S DRIVE THERE ANYWAY!!!!
Now with that off my chest. I Have gotten close twice on turkeys, but need about 10 more yds to take what I feel is an ethical shot.
It has rained just about every day, with Monday's squall dropping what had to be around 2" in less than an hour near lunch time, destroying one of my tents, but so it goes.
About 1/2 of the tanks have water, and those that do are swarmed by guys hoping to catch a break, but all we are seeing are bovine prints and very little elk sign.
No bugling yet ( really at all ) and it is weird to not even hear hunters trying their best locator bugles all hours of the day as they drive around and around in their trucks.
Low flying airplanes and helicopters show up now and then, and you hear the grumbles from other folks that it is the LOs trying to herd the animals. I would hate to think that is happening, but I have yet to even see one elk.
Very disheartened at the moment, but sure beats the heck out of working!
Here's to those still out there trying to get it done. I will see ya in 36 hours! Right after I put the reminder on my calendar to apply for the 16s again next year.
NMYB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teach your kids to hunt now, and you won't have to hunt for them later.