First trad hunt for big game

[marshratTC]

I am interested in doing my first big game hunt with a trad. bow this coming fall. I have been training for an OTC elk hunt in CO, but I wanted to hear some other affordable options or other game that I could pursue. I am not interested in drawing or seeking bonus points or anything like that. I just want head out west somewhere and hunt in the mountains.

I have been preparing for the last two and a half months, losing weight, hiking, busting my butt. I had planned on taking the compound, but I changed my mind and I will be going with a trad bow. If you can offer some suggestions on what to do or what to expect, I would appreciate it.

This is a huge step for me, especially giving up the compound for a hunt. I have been looking for someone to go with me, but I think that may be impossible to find. Anyway, just rambling. Suggestions, thoughts, prayers, advice needed. Thanks.

[threeunder]

Several of the southeastern states have a huge amount of public land and offer very liberal limits on whitetails.  Licenses are also OTC for 99% of public land hunting (exceptions are a few state parks and WMA's).
Take a look at Virginia and Georgia.
If you're looking at Georgia, a plus for them is hogs are abundant and you are allowed to hunt on Sunday.  No Sunday hunting in Virginia.
Ken

[marshratTC]

Originally posted by ken613:
Several of the southeastern states have a huge amount of public land and offer very liberal limits on whitetails.  Licenses are also OTC for 99% of public land hunting (exceptions are a few state parks and WMA's).
Take a look at Virginia and Georgia.
If you're looking at Georgia, a plus for them is hogs are abundant and you are allowed to hunt on Sunday.  No Sunday hunting in Virginia.
Ken

I have enough whitetail to last a lifetime where I am. I am interested in heading west or north mainly. Thank you though.

[wooddamon1]

In Colorado there are a lot of OTC units during the late August/September Elk season. Also, turkey opens in a month (April 14th, OTC) if you're able to get here then you could learn an area to focus on this fall...

[marshratTC]

Originally posted by wooddamon1:
In Colorado there are a lot of OTC units during the late August/September Elk season. Also, turkey opens in a month (April 14th, OTC) if you're able to get here then you could learn an area to focus on this fall...

My original plan was to scout this summer, but there is just no way that I can scout and have enough money to go on the hunt. I'm going to have to scout and hunt all in one trip, which unfortunately will give me even less of a chance to harvest. On a teacher's salary, one trip a year is it.

[wooddamon1]

That sucks, but you could always get lucky on your first trip...Good luck!

[marshratTC]

Originally posted by wooddamon1:
That sucks, but you could always get lucky on your first trip...Good luck!

If luck favors the prepared, then I will have a steep learning curve, but I will do my very best to be the best prepared that I can. All I need is the opportunity, and even just getting out there will give me the wisdom and experience.

[wooddamon1]

Preparation never hurts. You'll be hooked for sure if you chase elk out here.