Like many of you, I was unlucky in several of my license draws. It's a bummer, but I'm not on antidepressants yet because I'm not out of the game.

Leftovers and open units allow a second chance to hunt, even though I didn't draw tags for prime areas. These options still offer opportunities, and that's better than sitting on the sidelines.

One of my favorite pastimes is bowhunting elk and, although I didn't draw my number one choice, I still have options in several units that are open to general hunting. It's the incentive I needed to scout new country. That in itself is worth missing out on a prime draw, and my first scouting trip is this week.

Now that I have to scout a new area, it will allow me to always have a backup plan in place for future years when I don't draw. Plus, you never know. I may just stumble across a honey-hole that is overlooked. I'll let you know.

Sure, I'm a bit dejected over missing out on a few good tags, but it's not enough to make me skip a few weeks of hunting. If you're in the same boat, start researching. I'm sure you'll discover there are other options to keep you in the field ... and off the antidepressants.

Hey, Mark, I think I found some sign over here.