1st/2nd/3rd Rifle Elk- Anything good?

[Sawin]

I got back early from a successful hunting trip on Wednesday 11/3, shared second rifle season for deer/elk in GMU20. I had scouted a bunch of area the last few years and have had great success in both of my hunts in the spots I scouted the heaviest. Getting out there and knowing the terrain and where the sign leads you is the best way in my experience.

This year was a beefy bruiser of a muley buck taken at 387m from a shooting position downhill and east of the hillside he was on. Bright sun behind me lighting up the hill he was on made for some beautiful colors and great viewing without any rush to take the shot.

Had him on the ground at 8:10am, cleaned by 9:00, dragged downhill and hung by 11:00 and on the way out by noon, all by myself.

[Hummer]

I got back early from a successful hunting trip on Wednesday 11/3, shared second rifle season for deer/elk in GMU20. I had scouted a bunch of area the last few years and have had great success in both of my hunts in the spots I scouted the heaviest. Getting out there and knowing the terrain and where the sign leads you is the best way in my experience.

This year was a beefy bruiser of a muley buck taken at 387m from a shooting position downhill and east of the hillside he was on. Bright sun behind me lighting up the hill he was on made for some beautiful colors and great viewing without any rush to take the shot.

Had him on the ground at 8:10am, cleaned by 9:00, dragged downhill and hung by 11:00 and on the way out by noon, all by myself.

Wow, congratulations! Knowing an area well is so important. But I think area 20 is particularly difficult to hunt because of the checkerboard of public and private lands. Pics are always appreciated.

Unfortunately, I missed my 2nd season elk and bear hunt in the Flat Tops for the first time in 35 years because of a delay in a federal court trial where I had to be. Tag soup and very disappointing. But I'll hunt 3rd season buck deer in GMU 21 south of Rangely. Lots of unknowns there for me.