Lost in the Woods - Mental recharge season

[Lostinthewoods]

Let’s see let’s see!

It’s been very busy at work and outside of work chores, but things are still moving forward towards success.


My daughter and I spent all of yesterday fourwheeling on the farm, fishing (with success), and checking cameras.

So far we are off to a fun start.
I’ve seen plenty of fawns, no shortage of does, and no shortage of bucks. They really haven’t started packing on the horn yet, but my guess is in the next few weeks I’ll start seeing the bucks that have the most potential.

As far as elk prep goes - I’ve been shooting my bow about daily, hiking or running daily, and slowly increasing my gym workouts. I wish I had more time to focus on the gym, but unfortunately in the hierarchy of life, it usually takes the back seat to 1947372 things. However it helps that I stay so active already.

Anyone else excited for this year?

84 days until New Mexico
97 days until Montana
98 days until Missouri opener

 

[kansasdad]

@Lostinthewoods
Nice springtime activities.

Congratulations on the staff member/admin status.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Let’s start off with the countdown and some bucks that are growing. I’ve been not checking cameras much, but now is the time I’m staring to get excited.

Also if you can’t tell….. those elk hunts are coming quick!!!!!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I’ve also been doing anything I can to get this little one outside. Whether it’s fishing, prepping mineral sites, or just riding around on the four wheeler…. she is absolutely loving it!!!!

We are going to get my tents out soon and set them up for some dry runs. I need to make sure I’m all set for my hunts.

It’s going to be a great season!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

A few contenders are really starting to show themselves as bucks to chase.


Buck 1 - I like his frame. Seems like the overall most solid deer I have so far.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Buck #2
I love his junk on the G2. I hope he adds a few more inches to finish out, but who am I kidding… I’d shoot him.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Buck #3 I have other pictures of him. Hard to see in these, but he carries better mass than some of my others and one side is really strong. He might finish out as just a really good 8 and I am hard pressed to pass a good 8.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

This last guy I will probably need to see on foot. Again I can’t pretend like I’m some all star trophy hunter, but I am trying to mature as far as going towards a buck that’s more mature, great character, or who hits the giant radar. That being said this buck would be good, but I also imagine what he’d look like next year. He just seems thin in the horns. Again let’s see after velvet comes off and I see him on foot.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I owe a little update before the season kicks off and I start posting a bunch.

I’ve been working my tail off and getting all kinds of chores done too. I’ve also been spending a ton of time with my daughter before I get on the road for a long September adventure.

Each night is usually 20-30 arrows, sprints, a 2-3 mile jog, or a 3 mile weighted hike. I’ve also been doing a bunch of calisthenics and I feel pretty decent. Definitely not the best shape I’ve ever been in my life, but not the worse. I am 100% going to be ready and capable for this hunt.


I’ve spent a little time fishing and it’s been fun. I’m horrible at it, but I love catching fish.


My friend and his wife opened an online candy shop and I may or not be a gummy and sour candy fiend. So I put in a large order for my elk hunt.


Shooting at night really offers some beautiful skies to watch. EVERYONE NEEDS SOME TIME OUTSIDE EVERY DAY!


The little one has been spending a bunch of time outdoors too. Fishing and exploring are always on the agenda. A few days ago while sitting near the creek she goes “let’s just walk up and down it. She was full of confidence and a heart to explore - there was no way I was saying no. So we got wet and had fun!




The countdown is looking really good

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I guess you can say things are getting pretty serious.



I’ve packed 90% of my stuff and will do my final food shop tomorrow.

After soccer practice on Thursday I am hitting the road. I’ll push as far as I can, grab a hotel for a few hours, then wake up early and finish out to New Mexico. I plan to get a small camp set up Friday evening and will do my full set up on Saturday when I can take my time.
Saturday will also be some glassing and exploring. Hopefully get some acclimation done quick too because I’ll be ready to go Sunday morning!!!

I am so excited for this season that I can’t even begin to explain.

What makes it better is after my tags, the deer season in Missouri will be picking up.

I also drew a special quota hunt in Missouri (not sure if I mentioned it yet or not). So that means I’ll have three bucks to kill this year in state!

The next post you see from me - I’ll be on the road!

Random update pics below

 

[Wyhunter]

That retirement is the most exciting one! Coming up fast. Enjoy the hunts, ill be following along.

 

[WildWill]

Have fun in NM man should be a great hunt.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

That retirement is the most exciting one! Coming up fast. Enjoy the hunts, ill be following along.

I’m so excited! I’m looking forward to starting chapter two in life! Thank you!

Have fun in NM man should be a great hunt.

Thank you!!!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I’m at the base of the mountain and I’m heading up. Let the games begin, I’m so happy!

 

[Valley1320]

I’m at the base of the mountain and I’m heading up. Let the games begin, I’m so happy!

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Greetings from the mountains of New Mexico. I got in here last night and set up a quick camp. I don’t think I hardly slept a wink because I was so happy to be here.

This morning we cooked ourselves a nice little breakfast, I unpacked and organized everything and then we went exploring.
During the end day exploration we found about 8 cows.

After that we went back for a quick lunch and I shot my bow to verify pins.

Dinner was steak, venison tenderloins, and ramen.

Now we are up listening to bugles and watching elk.

I’m watching three decent bulls and about five cows.
My buddy is looking at two rag horns.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day!

 

[Valley1320]

Don't ruin all the fun by shooting a bull opening day!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Don't ruin all the fun by shooting a bull opening day!

Nothing ruins an elk hunt quicker than tagging out!

I’ve only ever had one opening day bull. Usually I try to hold out

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Today was everything you’d wish from an opening day.

All things counted I saw approx 18 bulls, 80 cows, and more hummingbirds than you can imagine.

This morning the bull and cow group that I was seated on was bugling until 10:45! It was absolutely wild.

Lots of smaller bulls in the cows right now.

This evening I set an ambush on a spot we’ve been seeing elk at every evening and I think the wind boogered me a little. All and all it was a fantastic day.
Now that opener is over I can kill tomorrow

 

[Valley1320]

Definitely jealous!