Take a quick looks at each bird and try to determine if the guts are shot up or if it was all head and neck hits. I gut the birds that are breast shot because I've seen spoilage when fluid leaks out of the body cavity and onto the meat while it's hanging. If they're head and neck shots then...
One thing not mentioned that might be worth considering: terrain. Depending on your physical condition and what type of hunt you want, the terrain may play a big factor in how much you enjoy the hunt and how successful you are.
Nice write up. You did really well to put yourself in the position for a shot opportunity, and really well to learn some things.
Off-season practice with a .22 will be a fun way to prepare for next fall, along with the usual scouting trips and work outs.
Regarding neck shots: I've never taken...
I don't know Colorado, so I can't speak for the elk behavioral changes between first and second season. It's a fascinating question, though, and I'd love to hear some responses. I hunt Oregon and our season structure is quite different, so it's another ballgame from what you're dealing with...
After a fair bit of use the last two days I'll share my compliments, and also echo some of the concerns I see here.
-The UI is fantastic. Much more intuitive and functional.
-The Hybrid map is one of the best I've seen.
-The process to save Offline maps is a great improvement.
-The PC online...
Follow up question for those of you who've flown to hunt:
Have you had any optics damaged or misaligned while in checked baggage? I have plenty of room in the gun case for my spotting scope, binos and rangefinder. I'm trying to determine whether I should stow them in the carry-on transport them...
Have you been charged an oversize baggage fee when flying with a gun case?
I can't find a case that fits my rifle and stays under the size limits that incur oversize baggage fees(62" linear inches, length+width+height). I've never flown with a rifle before, so I don't know if the airlines treat...
I needed a marsh seat for the coming duck season. There were some old crutches in the garage that I thought I could repurpose. I'm sure some of you are in the same situation, so I thought I'd share.
It still needs testing in the marsh, but I suspect it will work well.
Guys, I just want to follow up and thank you for your input. I ended up purchasing a tripod with adjustable leg angles, the Slik Pro 330DX. The tripod is not the lightest on the market, but it's stable and well built, and the leg adjustments allow for much more comfort when I glass sitting down...
That's so far over my personal "shooter?" threshhold that I assumed the OP was asking the question tongue-in-cheek. I'm either a terrible elk hunter or I live in the wrong state. Or both. :)
Get out a topo map and look for drainage draws. Those draws are often(usually?) formed by water, and there may be a seep or spring in the draw. If you find a dry creek bed or seep walk up the draw looking for a spring.