Went riding last night and the bull elk are in the rut. Had a couple going, until they heard my atv start. Wish I could have stayed there all night and played.

 

Hi Neighbor!

I was out hunting the first week of SE, they were sure quiet then, as well as yesterday. Been so bloody hot. Heard a couple of cows talking, but no bulls. I've got the last week of SE off as well, will hit it hard then. I've been seeing a lot of sign up the North fork, but the area I found the most is so stinking thick and steep I don't want to go back. Will probably give the Pinehurst area a shot next weekend.

Where did you get your Cat? The dealer here in CDA closed. I took a run to Pinehurst today to check out the dealer there, only to find out they are closed on Mondays. Can't win.

Bri

 

Man that is music to my ears, I am leaving Friday for an Elk hunt in Montana. Hope they are in the same mood there as in Idaho, if so the old Matthews may get to taste blood soon.

 

I dont have a cat yet. Just riding my polaris xplorer 300. Hoping to get a 500 auto next year, havent decided if I want the Arctic Cat or Polaris 500. Dont think I need all that H.O. power. Really like the dependability of the cat. I need to ride both again to help with the decision.

 

Hi Xplor, I went back to the dealer in Pinehurst today, they had a 2002 500 Auto that I took a look at. Looks like a nice machine, for what little I know. The guy I talked with said that they have never replaced a belt on a auto AC. Did 2 Yamahas, both due to owner problems, and about 30 Polaris ones so far this year. For a work machine he has me talked into the AC. His prices seem high, $6595 for the 500. A dealer in CDA has new Traxters for 6299, and about the same for the Polaris. I need to call around.

Bri

 

Check down in the Moscow and Pullman area. There prices seem to beat every brand in the CDA stores. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Xplor-
Hey, how are ya? There is no dealer in Pullman, he's out in Moscow on the main drag heading towards Lewiston, just across from the John Deere dealer. I believe it's Dales Marine or something like that? I can't remember exactly. Anyway, the guy that owns the shop is VERY helpful, and great to work with. I inquired as to what kind of a deal I could get on purchasing two machines, he quoted me the lowest price of anybody by several hundred dollars. The reason I didn't buy from him is because I'm back in the Tri-Cities now, so my dealer down in Hermison is only a 30 minute drive, as opposed to a 2.5 hour drive back to Moscow. Hermiston honored his price, to make the sale, and have been excellent in all other areas as well.

Even though I didn't buy from Dale, I did stop back in with both my 'Cats after installing the larger 27" 'Claws. I was in the process of installing my 1/2" spring spacers up front, replacing the 3/8" to the rear, and was in a hurry to ride, so I stopped to see if I could borrow/rent his spring compressor to make the job go a little smoother. He stopped everything he was doing, came out and actually helped me with the swap, as he was curious to see how and what exactly I was doing. We chatted for a while, then when I had to go, I asked what I owed him for his time and help. He said nothing, he loved what I'd done to my 'Cat, was impressed with it, and was just glad to help out. I tried giving him $20 just as a "thank you", but he wouldn't take it. Instead, I bought a shirt for $20, just to support his shop somehow.

I guess my point here is basically that good dealers are hard to find. If Moscow is alright for you to drive down to-what is it about 80 miles?, then I'd say go for it. He is a very nice guy, will negotiate with you (at least he did for me on two machines), and while I can't testify to his mechanic skills directly, he definately went above and beyond the call of duty to help me out with the spring swap. If I lived in that area, I'd definately do business with him myself. In fact, I stop in to say hi each time I'm back in that area-speaking of which, I'll be back up there this coming weekend-going up Thursday and coming back sunday afternoon. If you'll be in the area, let me know, we can hook up for lunch and talk quads, elk, or whatever else comes up-if you're interested. Brian-that offer goes to you as well.

Anyway, Best of Luck,

Mike

 

Cowboy, what happened to the big Idaho elk hunt everyone was planning earlier this year. Seems like at first everybody was really into it, but then they quit talking about it. I think they were going down by St.Maries somewhere.

 

Yeah, that was a real bummer. Several folks were into it, then had outside circumstances come up and weren't able to make it. IdahoCatman and I were still going to try, but then I ran out of money-not having a job yet, and I think he either moved, or is in the process of moving-haven't heard recently. I'd still love to head over that way, but need to find a job right now somewhere, doing something. I'm actually going to Pullman and Moscow this weekend (thur-sun) to look for work. Have also contacted the USDA Forest Service for possible jobs-I would like something I'm interested in, outside in the mountains maybe if possible, pertaining to wildlife or mountains somehow. If that doesn't pan out, then something that is mon-fri no later than 6 pm, and weekend off for sure. I build log furniture and would like to open a shop, running full time, but I can't get a loan from the banks without 6 months back pay stubs, so I have to get a job in the mean time to pay the bills. Having graduated back in december, then went to school one more semester, got out in May, I haven't had a job in over two years. Been building furniture out of my garage since May, but don't have the funds to run full time-need more room for logs and to work in, so I'm limited at the moment.

Anyway, going to see what may be over in that area, or in Northern Idaho at the moment that may be of interest. Are you hunting this year??? I assume so from your post here, I can't wait for season myself. Just wish I had the money to head over your way to hunt as well-we can't take big bulls here.

Best of Luck,

Mike

 

I have been excited about the elk hunt this year. We are going to hunt a area where we used to hunt for deer. I haven't been there is 12 years. That was until about a week and a half a ago. My dad was at work and hurt his hand when a hose come off a bead/sand blaster and it ended up blasting some of the skin right off his hand. They just did a skin graft Monday. the rest of my family that usually goes either can't or has decided to do other things. So it was going to be just my dad and I but now it looks like it will be just me!!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] It seems almost usless to go because if I get one down there is no way I am going to be able to move it unless I cut it all up. Anyway, hopefully my dad will be well enough we can go.