Elk Hunting???
 

Intro. I've alwaysweighed the idea of taking someone disabled hunting, but since elk hunting is my thing, I'm worried that it may be a bit too much of achallenge for a disabled hunter even though we would strive toarrange for it to be easier for the disabled hunter, it is still elk hunting.

Requirements.Our elk huntwould require the disabled hunter to have the ability to ride horseback (with help getting on and off being okay --- horsewould be led by someone else), the ability to navigate short distances on uneven ground (20 yards or so), the ability to get in and out of a sleeping bag and go to the loo on ones own.... Elevation 8,000 to 10,000 ASL --- Craig, Colorado area.

Main Camp. We use a main camp with a 16x58 wall tent with propane and wood heat, etc. just off graded road. Floors and surrounding grounds are uneven and loo tent is typically 30 yards away. Main camp has provisions for temporary privacy (in the shower area). Weuse cots and usually we sleep in our clothes in sleeping bags... this is a co-ed camp with 6 to 8 hunters, usually just my wife as chef, but sometimes another female present.

Spike Camp. Closer in to the hunting zone, we use a spike camp that is amore crudecamp 4-5 miles back in via horses/walking. It is a 16'x18' tentandand up to 8 of ussleep on the ground (it has a floor ofvisquene or tarp)with Thermarests, sleeping bagsand wood heat which means it can get cold at times, but is comfortable overallandthe cooking is basic--- but it is shelter and heat and food. The ground at this camp is is even more uneven than the main camp and onethere is a lot ofsmall fallen aspens. Normally we would walk from this camp to the ambush sites, but we could take along a horse and then hide the horse back in the trees somewhere. Typicallymost of usare only here a couple days & nights and by then we have harvested most our elk.

The Hunt. The hunting is mostly done by ambush from ground locations on ridges or saddles and we position ourselves to create a"picket line" that the elk pass through. Rifles 30-06 minimum --- no bow hunting --- season typically Oct 10 thru Oct 15 zone--- usually warm fall weather but have dealt with 12-14 inches of snow on rare ocassions. Though the season is 5 days long, usually we've maxed out in one or two days, of course we'd arrange it where the disabled hunter could hunt longer than 1-2 days.

After The Hunt. We do a communal butchering session and cut up and package and freeze all the elk meat (we take two freezers) and then we divided all the meat equally before we all go home so win lose or draw everyone gets an equal share.

My Question. Is this a reasonable scenario for some disabled hunters? I figure motorized wheel chairs are definitely out; however,someonethat can use crutches for short spurts (20 yards or so)I would think should bea candidate,but I don't really have an informedsense of where to draw the line. Based on what I've describedcompared toyour experiences and other disabled hunters you may know, what is the profile of a disabled hunter that would likely thrive in this scenario? How much supportis commonlyneeded? One dedicated helper per one disabled hunter? Two? Any cautions for someone like myself who is inexperienced atthis sort of thing?

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I think you would have a good thing for some disabled hunters.But the big thing would be the cost of the hunt.They do not give you much to live on and it is hard to make ends meet.I hope you do good with it and make some dreams come true for some of the disabled hunters.Good luck

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

It stands to reason that cost is an issue. Unfortunately on this type hunt costs run higher by mere definition; costs go up (compared to a local 1 day deer patch hunt where one sleeps inhis own bed, packs a sack lunch, burns $10.00 gas, and is back in time for supper or the game), in our case you hunt away from home, base camp away from town andin a remote location (but along the road) and thenhunt out of a horse/hike accessed spike camp --- about 5,000 pounds of gear and provisions.

Our shared camp expensesnormally runbetween$300 and 400 per head per year depending upon how many hunters participate in our group to split up the costsin a given year. I suppose the group might be persuaded to "underwrite" a disabled hunter to some degree; however, this would not be a "tv-show-won-the-free-hunt" scenario.In addition to the cost of "camp operations" each hunter has the expense of their elk licenses and their travel expense. Our group would be incurring the cost ofacquiring an extra rental horse to provide transport for someone to get "back in there" and these horses rent for$350 each for the season. The same horse could be used in the grand scheme of things to also pack out meat so may be absorbed by the group split. In any case, our "break-even-cost-elk-camp" is way, way, way below outfitter costs!

Money issues aside,themain focus of my thread is to elicit help from you all as to the profile of a good candidate. I'm thinkingthere would be physical limits in determiningwhat is smart and doable and what isn't such a good idea.

Can you folks provide any insight on this latter part?

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I have tried responding back toa PM I received and the PM mail box on the other end was full.

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I am thoroughly underwhelmed....

I guess “silence speaks volumes,"and I “hear you” loud and clear,
Apparently, the elk hunting thing is not agood idea.
Back to theold "standard plan" for Elk Camp 2006.

Good luck,
EKM

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

We have taken some disabled hunters elk hunting, in fact we had one guy who expected everything handed to him, he didn't contribute to camp chores, he wanted guys to make his bed,put food on his plate. He even wanted some one to empty his urine out of his bag. I was wanting to help him at first, but saw what he was doing. I know not all disabled hunters are that way, but it sure left a bad taste in my mouth.

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

Outdoor338, et al,

Thanks for the input. You know I have had people in camp that were NOT disabled that weren't much different than the one you describle. There is an amazing variation in folks as to how much and how well they are willing to contribute to overall camp operations. We areNOT outfitters, yet it is amazing how some guests assume everything will be done for them and can't see the work to be done that lays right before them.

Attitude is everything and constructive fellowship is more important thant the kill itself. Attitude and humorarelets one handle elk hunting challenges (as there is always that point in the hunt where it would just be better to be at home). When one knows he is going to be "in it" for 10 days, fun or no fun, the cohesiveness of the group is key. If someone is limited in what they can do but never miss a chance to contribute where they can without being prompted, then they get full credit for being a team player. This is our key "measuring stick" as to who gets invited back next year and who don't.

In general,
I do love elk hunting and camp life.... setting up the main camp, banquet night with our old time neighboring camps, scouting, packing in the spike camp into the "hot zone", leading in our little"army" to spike camp the day before the season opens, getting up in the middle of the night for breakfast at 3AM, heading out,the bugling &screaming &mewing of the elk (about 50% of the years there is still "left over rut" going on)in the pre-dawn hours the while waitingfor shooting light, the rumble of hooves, the crashing of timber, field dressing, hanging heavy quarters in the shade, loading up panniers with the meat and packing them out with horses, that last 100yards into the trail head, that first shower after days in the spike camp, butchering and packaging the meat.... oh, and the thrill of a heavy K-THUD knock down on a nice elk ain't bad either.

With the harvesting mission complete, then comes the task of packing it all up and going back home (4000 pounds or so on the return trip), dividing the meat on the last day and heading out in our convoy.... Wow, 55mph is really fast.... this highway is really smooth and clean....Chinese food in Steamboat Springs....these sidewalks are really flat and smooth.... must be backin civilization....

Then we start planning next year....
2006's planis set....
Met theApril 4th deadline for tags....
Showtime in 6 months, but it really starts at Christmas....
and so it goes.

EKM

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I think this whole thing was a nice idea (or potential idea).Seems like it had the chance to be the start of something. If money is a prohibitive issuefor some, they're may be "alternative financing:)" available thru hunter contributions of some sort. Who knows. Anyway, a worthwhile gesture or at least concept there EKM.

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

EKM. My Hats off to you sir for a fine offer. I invited a handicapped hunter from this site to my place in SD last fall to hunt Mule deer. It was my privilege to hunt with that fine gentleman. Never met a man with a more positve attitude or a harder worker. As you say, there are some less that ambitous hunters both thhe abled and disabled, but I am sure that most here would do there best to bring respect to our sport. Much as I am sure that you alwaysdo. Best of luck and I hope someone here will be able to take advantage of the oppertunity.

I still keep in touch with the fellow and my life is richer for having met him and hunted with him. Hope to see him again this fall.;)

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

Wonderful idea and very thoughtful of you. I would have them sign a At Your Own Risk Affidavit. If you are charging them a fee, you are liable.

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

I have talked to one fellow that sounds like a go-gitter and a gamer kinda guy.
We'll see how it pans out for 2007, too late for 2006.

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

I have always wanted to go elk hunting, howveer due to a prosthetic left leg I have never been. I have always heard that it is hard walking. and a lot of it. I am not lazy "much" :) its just that uneven ground and rocks are my worst enemy. Even during deer season i have to ride the four wheeler as close as i can without disturbing the deer at like 3am so i am there in enough time to hustle to the stand. It seems i spend more time on the ground getting up than I do actually hunting, it sounds funny, but its true.

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

One has to be careful about applying generalities to specifics; otherwise doors can be closed where possibilites may actually lay.

Yes, usually elk hunting involves lots of walking on generally uneven and often rocky terrain; however, not all elk hunts are done in this fashion. With the use of horses, large distances can be covered without a lot of walking; one does need to be able to ride however.

Elk hunting, about like anything else, can be done either by "going after them" (lots of shoe leather) or "hanging tight" in the right place (sniper nest style).

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

EKM,

Your question has a lot of answers...depending on the level of disability....and on how determined the hunter is. Both my wife and son are disabled and they work very hard during the hunt; neither of themhave a problem with working hard. Part of that is due to their personalities.....he was born three months early and coded out on the table two times. Doctors wanted to let him die after the second, said he would not be viable; my wife said NO. Husband at the time bugged out; did not want a less than perfect kid. 23 years and 13 major operations later he is doing ok. His biggest issues, wrt hunting, are his vision (he has limited field of view, but acuity is ok) and his ability to hold a rifle steady for other than brief periods is limited. He did manage to bag a 2X3 mulie last year; his first. My wife has a neurolgical condition which limits her strength and stamina and produces almost constant pain.

To answer your question(s), your scenario is reasonable, depending upon the level of disability. Kinda tough to judge that level of determination when you are trying to hook up with a stranger. My advice to you is to get to know the person before making an offer...better for you and better for them too if all know what is expected.

As far as who would survive in your camp....it depends largely on attitude. Support needed?...Given your hunt scenario, I would stick with someone who once in awhile needs dedicated support; certainly no more than one person.

Feel free to post again or PM me if you have specific questions about disabilities.

Good luck to you.

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

feddoc,

You are the only person who really answered my first post along the lines of how I asked it. Very observant. Thanks for the insights.

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I am interested in a hunt like that but don't know license requirements such as deadline for application and cost. I have a cardiac condition but am somewhat mobile as long as I don't overdo it. Have experience cutting deer and hunt with a .300 win mag.

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

I also am interested in this hunt. I hunt mostly deer and turkey in Kansas. I have cystic fibrosis and am currently in Dallas waiting for a double lung transplant. I've always wanted to go elk hunting, but could not handle it before. I would very much like to go after my transplant. Due to the higher costs of outfitters, I would never be able to afford them. But I could afford something like you are talking about. I would do what ever I could to help out around camp. If you would like to, email me at [email protected]. I'm defanitely interested.

Mark

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

I really did not answer your questions in my last post. Soooo here goes. I wouldn't take any more than 2 disabled hunters out with you. And that depends greatly on what their disablity is. Some might be able to do quite a bit around camp and do some walking. But some things they wouldn't be able to do, and they would have to be careful of notover doing it. Given that high of altutuide, I would try to get that person used to it before going to spike camp. That would just make thier hunt more enjoyable if they were used to the altuide.

The persons attuitude is going to make or break thier and possibly your hunt as far having fun goes. Some one else on here said to get to know the person first. I totally agree with that. You might want to just try getting to know some disabled hunters and see if you can learn what you can and can not handle. It might be something that you will learn with experience to. I wouldn't take some one that would not at least try to help out around camp. I don't care how disabled a person is, there ARE ways they he or she can help out around camp. They are not totally helpless and should not be treated as so.

I think its awsome that your thinking about taking a disabled person. :D

Mark:)

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

ELKampMaster.....I too am very interested in the possibility of participating in one of your "disabled" Elk hunts. I am a retired Deputy Sheriff who retired from numerous medical conditions the most dibilitatingof whichwas a massive heart attack. My cardiac condition has left me with some permanent damage to my heart which causes me to have a hard time walking too far. I also have had some ankle and shoulder injuries which cause numbness. Along with everyone else, cost has proven to be a major factor in participating in "guided" hunts. Horses have never been an issue, and I shoot a 340 Weatherby. I have hunted for years with friends here in California, but have yet to see a deer while hunting. Please keep me in mind if a hunt ever materializes. E-mail me if you have any questions.
Thanks
Dave
[email protected]

RE: What Kind Of Elk Hunting Works?
 

well I found out about 9 weeks ago I have bone cancer in my right leg. I am not sure how much I will beable to do after they cut ins of my bone out or worse.I do know I will still elk hunt off a horse even if I have to be floped overthe saddleand hog tied.

I will not be able to do all I did elk hunting befor.I have many many years of elk/deer hunting under my belt.Just not sure how mobaile I will be after.BUT I HOPE I FIND A GUY LIKE YOU ELK,and your camp. Right now I am the one that takes every one else in and some times dose to much and pays to much.
Next year I may have to look you up[ even if all is still well ] I would not mind at all helping you bucher a few nice elk.

Nice invite
Charles Bradford

RE: Elk Hunting???
 

Charles I heard about your situation,best of luck and prayers.

EKM,
You might wan't to have some one who is trained as a EMT in camp for health issues regarding the level of problems that could arise.You will probaly need a saftey saddle forclients or gueststo ride on.Also you might want to have a gaurdian,or partner with them that know them and any special circumstances that could arise.
I have taken kids with some levels of disabilitys hunting on more than one occastion,and the level of gusto that they have and enthusiasim is mind boggling so best of luck keeping up with them and I hope you make someones dream come true.
BBJ