Ahhh, it doesn't get any better than this. While some might say that's exactly a week too long to be away from a Pizza Hut, TV or a warm shower, for others, it's paradise and an adventure that can't be passed up. Just getting ready for the trip is a story in itself. Shiflett estimated he spent 100 hours in preparation. The odds of getting picked for it are better than for non-preferred licenses, which aren't as expensive.
Most western states hold lotteries for elk drawings, with Colorado the exception.
We did as much night driving as possible to ease the strain on the horses, however, the downside of that is missing out on the scenery as we traveled. Twice we stopped and unloaded the horses so they could stretch their legs. Ironically, we got very few stares as we pranced horses around the Truckomat and pitched horse dung from the trailer. Western states frown against hay transported across state lines for fear of contamination. And for anyone who knows how I can eat, I can honestly tell you I couldn't put away all of the breakfast our waitress put in front of me.