HuntingNet.com Forums - Buddy's 1st Bull....

EKM....Power camping is a good description! We look like the "Joads" going to the California promised land!!! But we aren't afraid of the work involved and we enjoy the setting. And it does seem like every year we learn more about the area and where to look. I have always been a ridge runner and looking to get away from the crowds and roads, but knowing what direction to look is part of the learning curve. Next year it will start all over as the Elk could be in a different area depending on the pressure they get. Plus, we may have to adjust even more than usual as we won't have any preference points next year and several within our camp (they are not regulars) didn't get drawn for either sex. Looks like we will put in for either sex only. If not drawn, then we are pointing toward slinging sticks at them next year. Now if you have read my posts previously, you know we (core group) mass purchased T/C Encore front stuffers last year with the intention of going muzzleloader hunting. Foresight not being our strong suit, we find out that the odds of getting drawn for that season is even lower without a preferrence point! So much for a rifle backup plan! So here we are...........plan C is archery for when/if we don't get drawn for 1st rifle. I am easy though........as noted before.......as long as I am in Colorado during the fall......it's all good! We'll go to the same area, but with different weapons/season come different tactics. I look forward to the challenge and the hope of some rutting bull activity. Just hearing them bugle is worth the cost!

Anyway, I ramble. This season was one of the best for the camp. Weather was sunny one minute, and sleeting so hard you couldn't see the next. One of the beauties of "power camping" is that unlike some, we never worry about getting out ahead of the weather. We can wait it out with coming home a few days late being the only penalty........and after all........some of us are looking for an excuse to stay a few extra days!!!!

Thanks for reading my random thoughts and I look forward to reading others!!!

PS.....Deer season here in Texas.......and as much as I enjoy it......I find myself sitting in my blind daydreaming of bugles and mountains......of campfires and friends.......of the smell of pine and alder.........and some dang sure rank camping companions after a week or so!!!!