Hunters can get pretty philosophical when they don’t fill their elk tag. I think it’s a way to battle the disappointment. And without that introspection – and an attempt to derive some value from a long, tough hike in the mountains with a rifle – we hunters may not return the next year. After all, as Fish, Wildlife and Parks points out, only about 15 percent of all Montana elk hunters fill their tag. That means about 85 percent of us wapiti hunters have to be a bit philosophical, or at least endless optimists, to continue our annual quests. To read about my long-earned philosophy, check out my story in this week’s Billings Gazette at: http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/.

And don’t forget, this year we have an extended shoulder season to hunt elk in a few districts in western and central Montana. So there’s even more time to ponder why you venture out into the woods in the cold and snow in pursuit of a wily prey animal like elk. Happy Thanksgiving Day weekend, and go Griz.

(Written by Brett French – Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette)