Good question and one my bride asked as well.
It boils down to analysis of all the options. Understanding what has changed from last year, what the new requirements are (and there are always new requirements). Understanding the latest hunt codes and the new season dates (the real estate hasn't changed, but the names and access requirements have) and determining the availability of folks to actually go (winter hunting in the Rocky Mountains usually requires, at a minimum, 2 4x4 trucks to safely traverse most of the areas we now hunt). Moreover, some people are aging out, new hunters are joining the fray, and season dates always seem to overlap w/lots of critical dates for other family and personal needs. Colorado & many other states have clearly monetized the big game seasons out here. One doesn't just whistle up a tag and go hunting anymore (if you want to have any hope of success). A review of the 70 plus page regulations booklet will affirm that one very quickly. Also, an elk is a fairly big creature (small cows go 350lbs) and 60-plus year old hunters need to approach the process with some amount of caution. 3 miles back in rugged country with a downed 450 lb animal is a serious dose of reality for most of us.
Elk hunting isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle. You need the scoped magnum rifle (tuned to it's ammo), and the cloths, and the boots, and the binoculars, and the 4x4 truck, and the freezer. Then you will need lodging and a viable tag (many aren't) and often, the money to pay for trespass. If you aren't familiar with an area, you'll likely need a guide. Sounds like fun, eh?
Last edited by Lloyd3; 04/07/21 10:28 AM.
