Hoyt Ag said:

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Have good hunting partners that are equally mentally tough.

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Amen to that! I guess that's why I like to be alone. My buddy doesn't ever have a hunt plan. Can't call elk. And doesn't like to get up in the morning. He will work his butt off on a pack out and likes to cook so that's a plus. I think he likes camping more than hunting. I'm just the opposite.

I'm ready.

lazuras_dc said:

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How do you like to increase mental fortitude? I feel like that is easily the first thing to give up for me.

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It's for sure the hardest thing to train. Some of it is natural- some people are driven and others are not. But I definitely think you can train it if it's in you.

I like to put myself in situations where I have to push myself. I sort of do it in 2 categories: voluntary and involuntary.

For involuntary stuff: I try to put myself in situations where I don't have any choice but to push through (keeping safe, mind you). Such as: sprinting a very steep hill with my rifle, and forcing myself to make a shot (200 yards in 4 seconds, 400 in 10, etc). Or, I have had my wife drop me off 10 miles from home (or whatever), and I've got to run back. I know I can always call her to come back and get me- but knowing I would have to own up to quitting and she would have to pack up the kids, always gives me an extra boost to make it.

For the voluntary stuff, I actually find this much more helpful. I try to put myself in situations where I have a choice to continue or quit. I used to live on a perfect 1 mile circle, so I passed my house every mile. I would set out and run 2 miles, let's say, and try to push myself to run an extra. Or hike a short circuit with your pack that passes by your truck. It gets harder to make that choice when your house or truck is right there, just waiting on you. But, as you round the corner with comfort behind you and nothing but suck in front of you, you truly learn something about yourself.

Eventually, you learn from adding that extra lap. And then one day, as sucky as the extra was, you decide you can do another. And you do it, and you don't die. Then, when it's time to hunt 5 miles further back than you expected, climb 3 more ridges than you had hoped for, or kill a bull where it's going to take you extra trips to get him out… you know you will figure out how to get it done.

But, I agree with above posters- hunting with driven people will make a world of difference. That's the biggest difference maker- the company you surround yourself with. Just make sure they don't drive you past your physical limitations (or you don't do that to someone else).

Awesome!

This is good advice!

Mental toughness is something that is very difficult to build, especially if you're training by yourself... it is very easy to settle and concede that "you're doing better than you were". The real question should be, when was the last time you surprised the hell out of yourself in a workout or something physically challenging?

Or when was the last time you set a goal and failed it? If it has been a long time, you're not challenging yourself enough.

I'm not advocating to train till failure and injure yourself - but it is incredibly easy to fall into a routine of complacency and never know the physical limitations of your body... the mind always gives up first but don't let it win.

The more frequent you put yourself in uncomfortable challenges, the more comfortable you'll be in the grind of a hunt.

cupofjoe04 said:

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But, I agree with above posters- hunting with driven people will make a world of difference. That's the biggest difference maker- the company you surround yourself with. Just make sure they don't drive you past your physical limitations (or you don't do that to someone else).

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Terrible advice. You always need someone else to be bear bait.

Hoyt Ag said:

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cupofjoe04 said:

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But, I agree with above posters- hunting with driven people will make a world of difference. That's the biggest difference maker- the company you surround yourself with. Just make sure they don't drive you past your physical limitations (or you don't do that to someone else).

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Terrible advice. You always need someone else to be bear bait.

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This is the way.
I retract my previous statement, and will see myself to the door.

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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Or when was the last time you set a goal and failed it? If it has been a long time, you're not challenging yourself enough.

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Amen. Truth bomb right here. And this applies to SO much more than just training for a hunt.

cupofjoe04 said:

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ttha_aggie_09 said:

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Or when was the last time you set a goal and failed it? If it has been a long time, you're not challenging yourself enough.

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Amen. Truth bomb right here. And this applies to SO much more than just training for a hunt.

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Good tips ! Yea I feel like the involuntary stuff is easier obviously -like the four miles back to your truck with all your gear in your bag to get the heck out bc what else are you gunna do. But the voluntary stuff is the toughest. Like getting over that next hill or spending one more night after not seeing a thing for three days.

Having someone else there for accountability helps but I'm lazy and short cutty by nature.

I read something today that I find probably true but very concerning for my upcoming trip regarding training for elevation over 11,000 if you live in less than 2,000:

""It's hard to believe, but you'll only be able to walk as far at high elevation as you can run at home"

Bring on the pain and suffering!

I'm about to go through and start replanning my day pack. Anything y'all can think to add?

Extra release
Allen wrenches for bow sights
Tylenol
DayQuil
Tums
Extra socks
Outer shell jacket (rain/wind)
Knife + blades
Face mask
Gloves
Liquid IV and/Pedialyte
3L of water in camelback
Wind checker
Chap stick
Descent wipes
Moleskin
Blister covers/bandages (the weird skin looking ones)
Call

I'm also planning to add a cow decoy…

Any glaring holes? I'm going to pull up my spreadsheet and check later just trying to get a head start by bouncing off you guys.

TIA!

rather be fishing said:

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Montana Resident applications:

Species 1st/2nd/3rd choice
Antelope 480/481
Deer B 121/104
Elk 417
Moose 334
Bighorn 123
Mountain Goat 100
Bison 395
Elk B 121/121 private/104
Welp... only hope I have left is for pronghorn. 3rd straight year as a resident not getting drawn for even a freaking cow tag.

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Struck out on everything once again.

Man, sorry to hear that…

rather be fishing said:

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rather be fishing said:

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Montana Resident applications:

Species 1st/2nd/3rd choice
Antelope 480/481
Deer B 121/104
Elk 417
Moose 334
Bighorn 123
Mountain Goat 100
Bison 395
Elk B 121/121 private/104
Welp... only hope I have left is for pronghorn. 3rd straight year as a resident not getting drawn for even a freaking cow tag.

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Struck out on everything once again.

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Dang that sucks.

At least your username fits!

I would add Midol (I can carry this instead of Tylenol), lens wipes(for gun or sunglasses/cheaters), tourniquet, surgical gloves (the black ones from Harbor Freight), and a pancho. The pancho can be for rain, but also double as part of your kill kit to lay meat on, versus hauling a giant tarp in your pack.

Midol work better or are you just giving me crap?
Good idea on the tarp and Pancho
I already carry lens cloth on my bino pack

One of my mentors told me to carry that and I have since. I learned a lot from him, so had no reason to question it. Im sure either is fine.

Strained my calf muscle yesterday on my afternoon run. I have been hitting it pretty hard with a heavy pack and runs in the heat, probably needed a rest day. I did some heavy squats yesterday and then ran and I thought I was just getting a calf cramp and pushed through it for a while. Now I am limping around the house.

Really a bummer as I am headed to Alaska in two days for a fishing trip. Hopefully I will be able to get around just fine fishing and get back into some exercise before I head out for archery elk on 9/10.

Just made it to the Colorado high country for some preseason deer scouting.
Weather sure is better than home. I'll probably scout high and camp low for a few days then try to find "the one" before season opens.
I picked up an elk tag too for later in the month in a unit next to my deer hunt.

Solo hunting so I'll have to be a little careful.

Is Co expecting a bunch of rain due to El Niño this next month ?

Finally drew CO deer in 77 so will focus here, 3rd rifle (believe includes 771/78). May pick up bear OTC shortly as have run across twice recently, likely not Elk this time.

- Thoughts on new area to consider in these units?
I may spend one night 1-2 times that week. We setup camp and usually day pack near Chimney Rock and Piedra, which is plentiful to cover but somewhat familiar too.

TMI - my 8th season over last 14 years and go with my two cousins, one who lives in Durango. They are my 'guides' as have been to to this area since they were born, except 1 year each. Am 53 and wished I wouldn't have said 'next year' so long before joining them. Personal motto - "this is the best time in the world until the next time!"

Next hunt I'm def doing Muley. I've seen some toads taken out of 77. I'm just wondering what season best and how many points needed to draw ?

DG96 said:

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Just made it to the Colorado high country for some preseason deer scouting.
Weather sure is better than home. I'll probably scout high and camp low for a few days then try to find "the one" before season opens.
I picked up an elk tag too for later in the month in a unit next to my deer hunt.

Solo hunting so I'll have to be a little careful.

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Good luck. I'm guessing you live near your hunt units or have you carved out a big chunk of hunt time?

Just curious.

Thought it was more, but had two points going into this year. Hoping to get one that licked my barrel (with a S eating grin) knowing I didn't have a tag in recent year's.

Speaking of which and with possible OOS changes coming, can I 'just' buy points to use strategically later? Is it you apply in a high point unit knowing likely won't get it for awhile, then use it on a lower point unit like mine sooner?

Have heard some say they go to 0point units, but seems that's in past when less crowding or just low access/opportunity.

I don't live close but Colorado feels close compared to where I have been the last several years. I take a lot of time off and use September as God intended, to hunt out west.

PuryearFratDaddy said:

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Thought it was more, but had two points going into this year. Hoping to get one that licked my barrel (with a S eating grin) knowing I didn't have a tag in recent year's.

Speaking of which and with possible OOS changes coming, can I 'just' buy points to use strategically later? Is it you apply in a high point unit knowing likely won't get it for awhile, then use it on a lower point unit like mine sooner?

Have heard some say they go to 0point units, but seems that's in past when less crowding or just low access/opportunity.

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I think I understand the question.....You have to either buy a point each year, or enter the draw and when not selected, you are awarded a point. There isn't a way, in CO at least, to buy more points. I hunt as a resident in 0-2 point units. Sometimes there are crowds, sometimes not. Last year my hunt was almost solo, minus some elk hunters a ways away. It was -5 and snowing, so most guys just slept in that day.

PuryearFratDaddy said:

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Thought it was more, but had two points going into this year. Hoping to get one that licked my barrel (with a S eating grin) knowing I didn't have a tag in recent year's.

Speaking of which and with possible OOS changes coming, can I 'just' buy points to use strategically later? Is it you apply in a high point unit knowing likely won't get it for awhile, then use it on a lower point unit like mine sooner?

Have heard some say they go to 0point units, but seems that's in past when less crowding or just low access/opportunity.

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When you apply, select the following as your first choice and you'll get a preference point.

Nice! I plan on being like you when I grow up. Although my wife would say I'm not hurting for time in the woods as it is now, lol.

Sweet views! You don't truly realize how big those moose are until you get one on the ground. They are huge animals!

Awesome pics.

Doh! Thank you Hoyt and WestTex for sharing, I only applied in years I was 100% sure I was going, so this will help me accumulate and plan better.

Looks awesome!

I'll be up in CO hunting in one week exactly… can't wait!!

Rang some steel today at 300 yards. Ran down to the target and back and shot again. Good to see how much the heart rate really makes those crosshairs bump. 400 next time.

Holy F its hot. Went fishing today and may have been the most miserable day of hiking and fishing ever, even though we caught a few. Hopefully this heat settles down for you guys coming out for the opener.