Late October, if weather's cool I would give each spot more like 30 minutes. If I don't see anything, move on to the next spot, assuming it's just a few minutes away. I may glass 15-20 spots in a day. This is more of a road-based style, and I'm glassing stuff more like 1000 yards and in.
Early...
Last time Wyoming had a big price increase, it seemed like special priced odds stagnated or even improved temporarily, like 2-3 years. I could see the same thing happening this go-around. I'd guess it will still be more difficult to draw a tag in 5 years than it is currently.
I'm scared of heights and don't like hot weather. Do I qualify? Lol
On the rifle bit, how do you feel about a single shot? I'm thinking along the lines of a Henry single shot, Walnut stock, mid-range Leupold scope.
You're probably fine, because OTC elk and fall bear tags are difficult to fill.
If, however, you kill two 200-pound bears and a mature elk, you won't have enough space.
You'll probably need something in the vicinity of 150 quarts for an elk, and 100 quarts per bear with hide.
Elk quarters...
2-3 weeks until I try to get my fall plot in. I have some buckwheat that's growing marginally due to some drought in late June and most of July. Hopefully this current moisture continues for a while.
The Hisun/Massimo stuff looks nice, and is tempting how you can just order them from the box stores, Amazon, etc.
YouTube is full of guys that love them at first, then pretty quickly start having all sorts of little problems. Probably not worth the headache.
I haven't heard anything bad about...
No deer or elk tags for me, as expected. Might pick up a bear tag, possibly even add an OTC archery elk license, if I don't snag a good tag off the reissued list.