Struck out on Elk... so far. Question.

[bnred9]

Looks like you did at least have some sunshine. First Rifle in the White River Drainage was just gloom and lots of snow on the ground and stayed on the trees.
A person was wet all the time you were out.

[Zombie Steve]

That does look miserable. Makes me think of one time where those clumps of snow in the trees all conspired to all fall down the back of my neck as I walked underneath. Ugh.

[CO Hugh]

I got a cow, first season. Worst weather in years, guys that have hunted since mid 80s said they have never seen weather like this, especially during first season. We had some snow, but the 2 days of rain was tough. However, it kept the elk bedded and so Saturday they were moving.

Full moon: there are various theories, gravitational pulls, to light, but the bottom line is it affects hunting and fishing. I go by the almanac, if possible. I once went fishing for tuna, the day before the boat averaged 2-3 fish a person. We went night of full moon, boated 20 fish for the whole boat, like 0.5 per person. Then in years following always tried to schedule for new moon. Opposite result, fishing slow before, started being good the day we went.

Fill those freezers!!!

[bnred9]

That does look miserable. Makes me think of one time where those clumps of snow in the trees all conspired to all fall down the back of my neck as I walked underneath. Ugh.

Then some DS locked the keys in the truck when we started packing up.

[vossman]

Ouch, that sucks. Hope nothing had to be broken to get in to it.

[Rucker61]

I got a cow, first season. Worst weather in years, buys that have hunted since mid 80s said they have never seen weather like this, especially during first season. We had some snow, but the 2 days of rain was tough. However, it kept the elk bedded and so Saturday they were moving.

A buddy hunted near Craig with similar weather. His "boys" have hunted the same area for fifty years, and they'd never seen anything like it in 1st rifle season.

[sniper7]

Then some DS locked the keys in the truck when we started packing up.

Typical ford owners!

[buckshotbarlow]

During the full moon season, I take the .444 or the .450 and still hunt the deepest darkest stuff I can find. If day temps are in the 30s or lower, southern exposures, if above the 30s, nothern exposures. I find bulls don't start to be seen until you are at least 1/2 mile from roads and out of state hunters.

ding ding ding...this is right on...walk the dark timber with open sites. Kinda like pheasant hunting, same thing only different. I have had mixed results with full moons for archery. If they hear you moving early, they'll come a running when your out of position and bust you. Legal garbage about not shooting before hours...blah blah blah. Walk the dark stuff, south side. Look for some good ridge valleys that you can get into quietly and take your time walking them. Don't do what I did the first time and leave your safety on, scope caps on, and have your head up your ass.