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NitroX,

I have driven from Pennsylvania to Colorado several times to hunt elk. It is easier to take gear this way, but the travel time there and back is about 4 days. I now go by plane. I leave in the morning and can be on the trail by dinnertime. Last year for Archery elk in September my buddy and I traveled with our bows, hunting gear, camp, packs and clothes! This was all packed into (1) small carry on and (2) checked bags.(each) One of my checked bags was a bow case with some optics and other gear stuffed inside, the other was literally our entire camp! It can be done, you just have to decide what you can or cannot live without for a week to 10 days. I usually like to plan my hunts around 10 days.

I always hunt public land because......it's free! Many of the outfitters use the exact same land to take paying customers. Not that using a guide is a bad thing, but it will cost $1200 more minimum and for me I just get satisfaction out of the entire process of planning and executing a hunt on my own. The rewards are that much more special to me. Colorado has a very limited number of tags that they give out for sheep. Some areas (game units) do not allow any non-resident hunters. Others allow several. It is purely luck of the draw. The unit I want to hunt allows (1) non-resident tag and (4) resident tags for rams. They get 40+ applications for that single non-resident spot every year. I may be waiting for a while!

The reason I am applying to Colorado is because I have a friend who lives in the area who will scout for me. He will also be my "sherpa" packing in and staying with me. This will give me a better chance at success. I will be hunting with a rifle for sheep. I want to be able to take advantage of any chance that comes my way. While nothing is guaranteed in hunting my odds of tagging a ram should be 80%+. I hunt hard when I am out there. Especially when it is a once in a lifetime hunt such as this. After drawing a tag I can not get another one for at least 5 years........but I would have to draw again. By the time I drew a second tag I may be to old to hunt the high country!

If you ever get a chance to spend some time in the high Rockies hunting Elk, sheep or mulies you will be hooked. The elevation alone keeps MOST hunters away so it is not that crowded. Because of this there are some nice trophies on public land that entice "do-it-yourselfers" such as me. All it takes is planning up front on logistics, find out about the areas through topo maps and talking with locals (even online) and number one........GET IN SHAPE! There is NO WAY to do hunts like this without being able to get around quickly. I am working out now for my elk hunt next September. I'm addicted!