Quick scouting trip this am- mostly to see where people are hunting.

Didn't see that big bull this am- but I also didn't go all the way to the top where he was. No sign of anyone hunting in there just yet. I'm guessing if anyone gets up there and bumps them- they will go over the divide and into a different GMU- one that requires like 14 points and is immensely inaccessible.

I did spot a pair of shooter bucks. They were a long ways away, so no pics. But I'm guessing maybe 170'ish.

Followed some turkey on a ranch early on. I have permission, so no trespassing. Pretty cool to see the toms strutting in the fall. I guess I'm going to have to get a stupid turkey tag now... ha ha!

It's starting to get cold now at night- definitly fall weather. Some aspens are starting to turn (6 weeks early). Gotta be a result of the drought.

Its a long stretch of highway at midnight
In New Mexico

I got back from hunting opening week yesterday. And have a story that I'm not terribly sure I even want to tell, but maybe it will help someone else on here. Although I'm guessing most are smarter than me. Bottom line, not only read the regulations, but actually UNDERSTAND them. If you hunt in a 4 point rule unit, spikes over 5" are NOT LEGAL.

Sunday morning, 2nd day of the season, I killed my first elk. A spike came up the draw, turned broadside, and I shot him at 42yds. Made a great shot, he went 75yds and I watched him kick over. Field dressed him, and packed him the almost 2 miles and 700ft climb back to camp. I was very excited for all of about 30hrs that I would an elk in the freezer for the first time in 3 years of bow hunting for them.

Went into town the next day to get cell service, sent a picture to my buddy who said congrats and then called me about 5mins later. He informed me of what I did not previously understand. The spike was longer than 5" and I hunt in a 4 point rule unit, which means he was not legal. We went thru the regs and he was indeed correct. I knew the 4 points requirement (even checked he wasn't forked before letting the arrow fly) but for whatever reason thought any spike was legal. I felt sick about what happened.

With that new information, I decided I would self report the violation and take my lumps. I made the drive back to camp, loaded up the cooler and head, and drove him the 1.5hrs to the CPW office. That was a long drive. The game warden was a great guy. I told him what happened (I'm an idiot and no excuse) and he was very understanding. Sadly, he had to take the elk, but he did reissue my license since I came and self reported. Now I've got the rest of the season to actually get one to my the freezer. Lesson learned and won't ever make that mistake again..

TLDR; read and understand all hunting regulations for the unit you hunt. CO game wardens are good people. Self reporting game violations, while painful, isn't the end of the world. I'm dumb, don't be like me.

Dumb has nothing to do with it. You made a mistake...it happens. Much respect for reporting yourself and making it right. That takes some serious guts. I dare say many people wouldn't have done that.

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching."
John Wooden

Respect. And good luck with the rest of the season.

Man- that sucks. Much respect and kudos to you for having high character in a crappy situation- and I'm glad your character paid off. My guess is the majority of people wouldn't have self-reported. This is a lesson for all of us. They didn't have to reissue your license, but it was the right thing for them to do in this case. Here's hoping you can arrow another elk and get some meet in your freezer!

For anyone else who may be confused- I believe the rule is a bull with 4 points on one side OR a bull with a 5" brow tine (a 3x2 w/ 5"+ brows)- not a spike. This can be confusing coming from a county in TX where you can shot an 8pt OR spike.