Looking out my window at the snow and sleet still covering the grass, I've pondered the recent events and the changes on the horizon. It has been said that the only constant in life is change, and as I get older, I believe age may speed up the perception of those changes.
Back at the beginning of February, I again applied for the pot of leftover tags in Idaho to elk hunt. The group of 4 of us had not drawn tags and we agree to put in the same areas and order. We pulled the trigger and awaited our outcome again. Finally, the email arrived and we were greeted with the bitter taste of disappointment once again. It seems the changes nationally to the opportunities for elk now favor those that can afford, or are willing, to put in for and get points in multiple states over multiple years. The states see the opportunity and require non-refundable licenses just to enter the draws. I am old fashioned a bit, and it just rubs me the wrong way as hunting and fishing used to be things "everyday folks" could do without spending a small fortune. I've been hunting "my way" for elk and have yet to harvest an animal in over 16 trips with my low-tech sticks. I'm not complaining, but now it seems that if I need to spend that much money just to hunt, I am encouraged to use a weapon that will bring quicker success. Well, that is not for me, and I'll likely not be making those trips again. This year, we may try to get OTC deer tags and hunt in October since the 4 of us have licenses now, but I doubt I will be putting in for Idaho elk again. Times have changed.
Back in my home state of Maryland, the assembly is busy passing laws that prohibit lead ammo for hunting and imposing a HUGE tax on ammunition as they continue the war on guns...an in-adamant object, while simultaneously attacking law enforcement all in the name of safety? As it stands there is a recruitment problem with hunters. Less and less hunters forced on dwindling lands and they decide to make it more expensive?! This will only reduce future hunter recruitment and only serve to enrich the ammo and gear manufacturers while providing no real benefit to the environment. How many shots does one take while hunting? What does it mean for those like me who want to use the flintlock. I guess more inevitable and uncontrollable changes.
Recently, I decided to try to unplug and get away to a local trout stream to fish. The DNR posted that they had stocked this stream with 500 fish just 2 weeks ago. I set out with high hopes to try out some of my newly tied flies and practice my skills. I was joined by my friend Mike, and we enjoyed a nice few hours knee deep in some cold clear water. Well, it became obvious that there was no way DNR stocked that many fish. I talked to close to 10 other fishermen and only one claimed to have even seen a single trout. Lied to again.
All this makes one want to drink! Well, instead I decided to tie up a few Jack Daniels pattern flies. Dreaming of a time when I can get to a lonely piece of stream and try my luck on some fish. Not buy them, but coax them in, to a homemade treat. Not sure that is a lot to ask.
I can understand the frustration with Idaho’s elk draw system—it’s gotten tough. As a bowhunter who grew up chasing elk in Idaho, I’ve got a lot of respect for that country. That said, I’ve spent many years hunting in Oregon as well, and honestly the elk hunting can be just as good—and in some ways even better.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that surprises a lot of people is how close some excellent Oregon elk country is to Idaho. In many cases it’s only about a three-hour drive. If you’re open to trying something a little different, it might be worth giving Oregon a look. There’s plenty of great habitat and healthy elk numbers, and with the right areas you can have a good chance of encountering elk almost every day.
If you ever decide to head this direction, or just want to know more about the elk hunting here, I’d be happy to suggest a few areas that might be worth exploring.
I really enjoy reading your blog and Nate Steen’s blog as well. Simply trying to enjoy the outdoors is getting more challenging and expensive every year. But don’t let the current setbacks stop you from the exhilaration of hunting rutting bulls in the elk woods. A man only gets so many Septembers in a lifetime. One thing I forgot to mention is that I hunt some elk units very close to Idaho where your chances of drawing a nonresident tag are pretty good. These units I speak of are places where you can get daily elk encounters. I’d prefer you not publish them just because I don’t want these hidden gems overrun with crowds. I’m just an average Joe who only hunts 100% public land, no sideXsides, no trail cameras, no rangefinders, and no atv’s. I only use my truck and the two quads God gave me to get around. That’s really all you need. If an average trad hunter like me can get into elk daily, than anyone can too. And these elk can be found less than a 1/4 mile from the road if you want or a few miles deep too. The elk are there, it’s just most people go right past them without ever knowing. Let me know if you’d like some information on the elk units. Thanks and good work on the blog.
ReplyDeleteDanny, Thanks for the notes. send me an email at gregaragan@hotmail.com and we can chat. I am interested in some help as you can tell we are pretty frustrated. You sound like your our kind of guy and I appreciate you reaching out. Maybe next year I can have a better plan for elk. Until then, time to shift back to spring turkey and trout. Greg
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