A good dilemma

Hunting
1

I’m fortunate to have drawn my first choice Idaho general deer tag. I know the area and have my PTO scheduled during archery season. I have the option to take time off during rifle if I can’t connect in September.

Now this is where the dilemma steps in. I’ve yet to put an elk on the ground because I’ve only hunted with a traditional bow since 2018. I’ve hit burnout with the struggle stick which has lead me back to rifles and compounds. I live in Nebraska where what little public land we have is hunted heavily and the lower pressure WMAs are 2 plus hours away. There are better properties in Missouri that are closer to me. I’ve put together a loose list of options to grab a rifle and go hunt but can’t really decide which would be most enjoyable knowing I’m likely hunting and camping solo. I could do Colorado, Utah or maybe Wyoming (cow) rifle elk with the 7 PRC, or I could do Missouri or Arkansas deer with the 6mm Remington. Whitetail will probably provide greater opportunity for success, plus multiple tags, but 1 elk is 2-3 whitetail worth of meat. Not really looking for answers as much as getting my idea off my mind to start figuring out what I want to commit myself towards.

2

I would recommend doing what is most reasonable to come to fruition. Also, do which one that you are going to be the happiest with, regardless of harvest!

3

A good problem to have. As long as you have decent hunting area where the elk winter, a cow elk hunt in December or January is a pretty high success hunt. But also, cutting up an elk alone isn’t an easy job.

4

I found out on Friday that I got drawn for a first gun season Iowa buck tag….. it has been several years since that has happened. Already dreaming of the Iowa giants.

5

I almost applied for the 2 western most units in Iowa but read something in the regs that annoyed me and opted out. I probably need quit being so stubborn and picky while I can still get in the woods.

6

I hunt south central Iowa in zone 5, to the west of that to the river is good too. Hard to beat whitetail that has been grazing on corn, soy bean and alfalfa all year.