I feel the same way. OnX is best for my phone (iPhone) and I find more user-friendly in the field, but there are features for research and eScouting that I wouldn't want to lose in GoHunt. As the consumers, it's frustrating that we don't have a clear 'best' single app.
Expensive at $2 per packet, but have really enjoyed APEX drink mixes. Specifically the Peak/Mango energy and Coconut Amino Acid mixes. Liquid IV and others are great as well. Anything to add some minerals and cover up the tablet/drop/filtered taste
Went out for an all day sit Tuesday. Far too early, little warmer than you'd like, etc. Just an excuse to get the gear dusted off and spend some time in the woods alone. Who knows, maybe something might wander by and get shot. (obviously it didn't)
Grew up in a family that very casually hunted or fished. No big game, just upland bird hunting. Definitely had firearms, shot some trap, went fishing occasionally etc.
Really got more into hunting as an adult. Enjoy the problem solving and sense of accomplishment when you do something...
I was pretty pleased with the odor performance of Native unscented deodorant and a merino base layer. That and some wipes kept me feeling pretty human all week.
Had good success with Dude Wipes and Combat Wipes. Prefer to use the biodegradable wipes, so you can bury them in a cat hole if they're used for #2 clean up.
I like that perspective on it. 'Any Elk' OTC tag is ~$800, not cheap. However, you'd happily pay double that, in the moment, if you had a bull in your sights and no tag in your pocket. (you wouldn't have your weapon present, but you get what I mean)
My quick read is that they set the plan in 5 year cycles. 2025-2029 will be a draw vs OTC for non-res
https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/colorado-eliminates-nonresident-otc-archery-elk-tags/
If you've got the time and money, do it. Depending on the season you're hunting, the timeline is getting tight for this season. (depending on your existing gear and prep levels)
Absolute unexperienced noob opinion: but calling (particularly bugles) seems to be a 50/50 proposition.
Need a willing participant, if he has cows it may drive him away as much as anything else
You've given up any element of surprise that may have existed
Cows already in the herd may not enjoy...
Second the endorsement of anything by V. Geist. Feels like there's 1000x more stuff available on video/audio in 2024 than anyone writing formal books or even digital written content. Lots of articles, but sounds like you want something a little more dense and lengthy.
Like everyone has said, there is success to be found with or without scouting in person. Have to accept that your success % will probably suffer, but isn't impossible. With each hunt you go on, you will gain universal knowledge that translates to all Elk (or other species) hunting. I think a lot...
I run both as MN resident that heads out west to hunt. GoHunt has research and a few features that I find helpful in escouting, but does not cover MN or other Midwest states.
Love the viewshed analysis in OnX, but they have it in their beta platform, outside the main application. Really...