2014 WY elk

[Scoot]

I got word today that we drew our WY elk tag. We had enough points so it should have been a slam dunk, and it was just that. Yeehaa! This will send us back to the same place we hunted in '07 and '08 where we had absolutely wonderful hunts. It sounds like things have changed a bit in terms of age structure of the bulls there (it's not nearly as good as it was when we hunted last time), pressure in the area we hunt (there's a lot more of it), and access to public land (there's less of it). However, we're very excited to go back and have high hopes! For those who remember anything about our past hunts, I'm pretty sure this coming Sep you can expect to see some pictures from the self-pity wallow, and likely the way down wallow too.

Woot woot!!! I'm very excited about this tag! This news will help me stay on top of my workouts and shoulder PT too. I've been having some knee problems and hopefully that won't come into play either- I'm trying to get scheduled to get that looked at so I can prevent any curveballs from my ever-aging body that might impact the hunt negatively.

[DonBo]

[fr0sty]

Cool, I put in for the first time this year. Are the results up yet or did you get something via mail/email?

[Scoot]

Fr0sty, if you go to the WY Game and Fish homepage there's a rolling newsletter there. One of the options on the newsletter is to check results. Click 2014 Results and put in your info. Good luck in the draw!

[fr0sty]

Thanks. That wasn't there last week when I checked. As expected, as a first timer, no joy for me

[NoWiser]

Sounds like you got the same news as I did, Frosty. But, the good news is there is a refund check in the mail for us and our chances are much better next year. Did you apply for a general tag or limited quota?

My backup plan now is to apply for New Mexico, but those odds are even worse than my Wyoming odds were this year! The next few days will be spent deciding exactly where I want to apply for down there.

[minky]

Good luck in your quest for an elk tag NoWiser.

[frogtosser]

I am just applying for a WY point this year in hopes of something for next year. Cant wait to see how your hunt turns out scoot.

[paceman]

Congrats Scoot!

[rkhinrichs]

big bulls!

[fr0sty]

I don't recall the details other than it was a cow tag. Oh well, maybe next year.

[sticknstring]

Congrats Scoot!

[Scoot]

Thanks fellas! I'm excited about this hunt!

NoWiser- you'll end up with a good place to hunt this Fall! If NM doesn't pan out all it will cost you is a beer or two and an hour conversation with google earth and some maps and you'll be fixed up! I'm totally confident we can get you in a good spot or two...

[HooknHorns]

Good luck scoot. I'll be getting another point in July. I started little better diet and already shed 13lbs in a month. Haven't been 180 in a long time. Goal is to keep close to 175 with a little muscle added to my scrawny legs. Hopefully the cardio will come around when it starts to get nice out. Seem like it's just around the corner.

[huntnfish]

Congrats, Scoot! That's good news. Can't wait to read about it.

[Scoot]

Hopefully the cardio will come around when it starts to get nice out.

HnH, by far the two most important things are the "2 L's": legs and lungs. Strong legs and cardio will get you a long ways in the mountains. I used to try to do what you're proposing- work the lungs when it got nice out. However, it made May and June so dang miserable for me that I decided to quit that. It was just too dang much work for me to bust my rump from May-Sep, then lose all I'd gained from Oct-April, only to start all over again. I work out hardest June, July, and Aug, but now I still make sure to do my best to get three cardio weekouts per week (minimum) for the rest of the year too.

Anyway... sorry if that comes across as "preachy", but that's what's worked for me. You don't need to be a marathon runner to elk hunt, but the better shape you're in, the more enjoyable it will be for you.

[Archerysniper]

The guy I work with drew a Wyoming tag also in one of the hardest areas to get a tag. Good luck Scoot and I can't wait for the write up come season.

[HooknHorns]

I hear ya Scoot, I'm doing PT on my hip for now. I need to get that figured out before I make it worse. Dr says tendinitis is affecting my strength and range. She said easy does it for now and it should get better. I hope she's right.

[Powerstroke]

Way to go Scoot!! I can't wait to read all of the build up and the recap. I really wanted this year to be the year I elk hunt, but with a new job I will have to plan for next year. I can't wait to follow along vicariously.

As far as maintaining strength and cardio, don't overlook stairclimbs. It is excellent exercise for mountain training, you can increase the intensity of the workouts with added weight wearing your backpack and you can do cardio work with no pack. Find a place that has 3-5 flights of stairs and build your stamina.

Also its a great way to test and break in boots.

[harvey lee]

Great new's Scoot.

[Scoot]

Thanks Tom! HnH- good luck with the PT! Dang failures of the body stink- I can attest to that for sure.

Good points Powerstroke! Steps and a weighted pack are a big part of my workouts.

[NoWiser]

NoWiser- you'll end up with a good place to hunt this Fall! If NM doesn't pan out all it will cost you is a beer or two and an hour conversation with google earth and some maps and you'll be fixed up! I'm totally confident we can get you in a good spot or two...

That sounds great, Scoot! There is a 76.2% chance we'll be talking

[frogtosser]

What kind of cardio are you talking about scoot? More running or other types of exercises.

[dukhnt]

Congrats Scoot. Unfortunately when I checked on the 24th I didn't get the good news. Thought with four points this year we would be in. Guess it will be OTC in Colorado again. Which is ok, we went 3 for 4 on bulls in that state last year.

[Scoot]

What kind of cardio are you talking about scoot? More running or other types of exercises.

For me, it's running, biking, and elliptical. I prefer running of the three, but try to mix it up the best I can to keep from getting bored. I also mix in some light weights in between cardio, but do it fast to keep my heart rate up. Works OK for me.