Okay, I have pretty much given up on unit 61, so I plan to hunt unit 76. The question I must ask myself is, which unit would be best, and by best I mean the most enjoyable. I have enough points to draw the first regular rifle hunt, but I am still 2 - 3 years from drawing blackpowder, but if it would be worth it, I could wait. Anyway, I may already have my answer, but I was hoping for advice. From what I understand, the archery is a really enjoyable hunt, with lots of rut activity, and the weather is generally mild - compared to the rifle seasons. The drawback of archery is the lower success rate. The first rifle, has a very good success rate, BUT, I have been told that the weather is really finicky this time of year, and it may be beautiful weather one day, and six inches of snow the next. Obviously this is an unknown, but I want to keep it in consideration. As a matter of fact, I feel the first rifle is the best option, but again the huge variable weather factor is very intimidating. Then there is the blackpowder season. I really enjoy most any blackpowder hunt, but again I am still 2 - 3, maybe even more, years out for a lock in drawing. The timeframe is perfect, but something I have noticed in the harvest stats is that success rates for the blackpowder is about the same as the archery success rate. I really do not understand why, maybe someone has a clue as to the reason why.
So with all this said, like I said, I may already have my own answer, but ANY advice is appreciated.
Beyond the basic question of which season to choose, do you think I would have a higher quality hunt with a drop-camp. I cannot afford a guided hunt, but I could probably scrape up the money to hire an outfitter to take me in by horseback and provide my primary gear. But, again, there is a downside, which as we all know, is the fact that if I choose the dropcamp option, once there, I am there for the duration. But being unfamiliar with this unit, are there any areas where you can be really mobile by road, or atv? Meaning, are there areas that hold an abundance of elk close to road access, or for the best hunting do I have to be in the back country?
I realize these are an abundance of questions, however, I am sure everyone understands that after so many years of accumulating points, I hate to simply throw them to the wind.
Thanks for any advice or help.
So with all this said, like I said, I may already have my own answer, but ANY advice is appreciated.
Beyond the basic question of which season to choose, do you think I would have a higher quality hunt with a drop-camp. I cannot afford a guided hunt, but I could probably scrape up the money to hire an outfitter to take me in by horseback and provide my primary gear. But, again, there is a downside, which as we all know, is the fact that if I choose the dropcamp option, once there, I am there for the duration. But being unfamiliar with this unit, are there any areas where you can be really mobile by road, or atv? Meaning, are there areas that hold an abundance of elk close to road access, or for the best hunting do I have to be in the back country?
I realize these are an abundance of questions, however, I am sure everyone understands that after so many years of accumulating points, I hate to simply throw them to the wind.
Thanks for any advice or help.
