In reality the chance of taking a p&y animal is more plentiful back east on whitetail. Out west we have to work our tails off just for the opportunity.

In the rockies where animals can be in one area that day and five miles away the next puts a real damper on habits of the animal. It usually means a 5 to 7 day cycle if the animals are pushed.

I have and can kill elk and mule deer everytime out with a rifle. I usually hunt where most people have not the ambition to go. But hunting with a muzzleloader and bow makes it more fun and more of a challenge.

Knowing that the monster bull is 70 yds away in somewhat open country and theres no getting closer makes for a beautiful time of watching the animal before he walks on over the hill. Luck is when skill meets opportunity. Stalking a trophy animal out west takes everybit of luck you can have on your side. And endurance. Endeavor to persevere.

Bowhunting is the toughest hunt out west. And if hunting mediocre bucks back east doesn't do it for you. See if just getting a shot opportunity on a nice animal out west is challenging enough.

Out here trophy's get classified on the circumstance not the rack for the most part. After about 20 stalks on bucks or bulls. A nice 20 inch plus buck or a 5x5 bull can look mighty tempting.

All this being public lands. Baiting in Colorado is illegal and I can say I'm glad it is. If you can take a P&y animal on public land you've either had lady luck or you are knowledgable in your craft.