You can wear out a new camera up there. Every view demands attention. I may bring my wife's SLR, this year. With the extended stay, I may have time to take some pictures.

I haven't started getting my gear together yet due to feeling that once I do get it all in one place, it'll seem like a year until October rolls around.

Yelp, think I have packed and re-packed twice already.

Solid thinking. You're exactly right. I just couldn't help myself, though. I came home from 3 weeks of work. I just needed a taste.

You'll shimmy and shake, that's what. Then, if you can contain yourself, you'll shoot. I don't allow newbies to pass up shots.

Haha I'm sure if a 4x4 or any legal bull walks out I may change my statement about having to have a5x5 or bigger.

Do you have interchangeable lenses for your camera? If so what lens do you typically take? Not sure if I should bring the big one or little one, or even both?

I have scoured this year and last years post and transferred a list of all recomended gear to a spread sheet, gone through and highlighted what I already have and am accumulating what I don't. I am offshore right now so Amazon shopping is too easy. I barely touch my computer when I am home, but out here I am on it all day every day.

Oh and I don't plan on shooting anything with milk still on his lip (i know not legal anyway) but I will be taking the first legal bull I see.

I wouldnt get hung up on what someone else has taken, it is public land and you never know what will come through, but you can second guess yourself to death. The odds are stacked big time, iirc the success rate over all elk seasons in less than 20%. This is why outfitted hunts an private land access is so expensive ( better odds when on undisturbed and improved habitat).

I go for the whole experience, almost like a religious rite ( BOBO knows what I mean), I want a record bull, but I have gone for so long, I understand the reality of it. Seen to many pass a nice meat covered legal bull and then beat themselves up over it. IMO forget the photos on the magazines and go with the intent of creating great memories, hope for the 400"er, but take what makes you content. There is no shame in taking 2-400 pounds of meat home and a set of antler, that will still be beautiful on the mantel.

I have even seen a few throw a tantrum over passing/missing a bull, one of the reasons I now go by myself so much, don't care for that drama.

Yes. It's a Nikon, so whatever they take. We have a couple different sized lenses. Midrange stuff. Most pictures will be landscape type shots. A high zoom lense would be good for wildlife.

Then you will have a blast, you have already passed one of the big hurdles IMO.

This is an awesome thread/hunt. Wish I could join y'all. Job, kids and distance makes it hard. I was lucky enough to go on an OTC archery hunt in southern CO in 2008. Saw very few elk, but two of the four in our group had shots at 5x5's inside 30 yards. I still think about being in the high country for a week. It's awesome country and a tremendous experience. You guys stay focused, get in shape and kill some elk.

I'll be pulling for you guys when I'm up in the middle of the night with the new bundle of joy. Everybody get a big one, but leave a few for me next year!

Good reason to head to the mountains.

Thought it was 6x6 or bust...

yeah buddy

Maybe if you want to see a guy go from zero to divorced in 4.2 seconds.

next year would be open too

Sneaky, as one ages time flys by. I hope I can get ready in time! Also I think I have to wait til I get there for the OTC license. I still have a health issue that could interfere plus I don't want the license to be in the mail to Ohio when I am headed west..

Joe, I always wait and get my tag when I get there, never know what will pop up in the mean time.

You can even get a tag after opening day, you just have to get it at the DOW office, there is one in Durango.

Hope your health improves.

Walmart also... Hint though don't use your Cabelas card at 5am there.... Cell phone reception is terrible in Sporting goods.

I almost broke up with cabelas that morning. Thankfully Walmart Has a land line at the counter.

BOBO, you where able to get one there after the opener????

I know that Walmart, bought my licenses there a few times and have worked on that store in the past (4 years ago iirc). Easy purchases if you get there in the late night hrs, it is dead when the kids are all in school.

That's fine. Leaving when you are, you'll have plenty of time.

I planned on buying the Friday morning before... Any issue?

Be as early as possible to avoid a line and you will be GTG