As an alternative to long range hunting. Consider still hunting. It's all i've done my whole hunting career, except to try other methods including long range hunting. I finally decided that still hunting is what I love to do most. I've worked hard at perfecting it over the years. Once you get past the basics of it. There's so much to learn.

For those who might be considering it, and aren't sure what it is. Here's an article on the basics. Even though this concentrates on deer. It's also very effective for elk. Elk love to bed down in timber. The thicker the better.

I've gotten away from worrying about crunchy snow and leaves by hunting the muzzleloader season at very high altitudes. The ground in the timber areas are always wet all day, and it's too early to snow, and the leaves are still on the trees. Of course I can still make noise if i'm not stealthy.

Anyway, if you have interest. Read this.

http://www.biggamehunt.net/articles/...oodsmans-dance