i didn't see or hear any birds for three days. I covered miles of mountain and not a peep from a bird. I glassed mountains and valleys and not a sighting one. The I got a shock gobble Sunday night when I set my car alarm after packing to go home. Oh well, Murphy's Law.
I did enjoy myself despite the birds not cooperating. I saw elk, mulies, and a black bear. My wife won $$ in the nearby casino. Almost enough to cover the whole trip. So all in all it was a good time.

What national forest were you hunting again? Was it the weather?

Lincoln National Forest. It is huge! The weather was fabulous! Mid 70s and sunny! ( Did I just use the word fabulous?)

You got lucky to even finish your hunt. They closed down the Lincoln on May 1st due to risk of fire. I do a lot of hunting in the Lincoln for deer, bear, and turkey. I know some great elk grounds, but I can never draw a tag. What town were you close to?