I've been thinking about hunting elk country since my last adventure in 2018. It was nearly a last-minute decision this year and wanted to make the most of the time and had forgotten how much I missed the mountains.
For a little context, my very first elk hunt was a full-on backcountry backpack deal, and had no idea what I was doing. My buddy and I saw elk and bear. The next three hunts were guided. I learned a few more things and was able to call a really nice bull for another buddy after we left the outfitter to do our own thing.
September 23'
My goal was to look at this hunt through the eyes of a newbie. I didn't put anything on the ground, but I got out of my comfort zone on several occasions. Driving insanely rugged roads, lots of hiking with more pack weight than I'm used to, spike camping alone, and just flat-out being exposed to the wilderness were some of the best parts of the trip. With 5 elk hunts under my belt, I guess you could say that I am still a greenhorn. For obvious reasons, I won't disclose locations other than to say it was public and in two different units. There were a number of hunters (dozen or so) moving to or from areas on the roads I used. I didn't run into a single person until I was on my way out on my 5th day. I met some great folks and added some more knowledge to my library.
This was a week-long trip with 5 effective hunting days.
2 Cows (@30yards) had no shot when the wind switched
1 Bull 5x5 about 85 yards. (bedded below me all day and didn't know he was there until the thermals changed)
2 other bulls bugling I backed out to chase another day....and they disappeared. (Coulda, woulda, shoulda, stayed with them)
1 good sized bear at 35 yards (no tag, dag nabbit)
I could have worked a little harder a maybe been able to take home a trophy. However, I left the elk woods blessed for what I saw, pushing my limits and having excitement to do it again next year.
For a little context, my very first elk hunt was a full-on backcountry backpack deal, and had no idea what I was doing. My buddy and I saw elk and bear. The next three hunts were guided. I learned a few more things and was able to call a really nice bull for another buddy after we left the outfitter to do our own thing.
September 23'
My goal was to look at this hunt through the eyes of a newbie. I didn't put anything on the ground, but I got out of my comfort zone on several occasions. Driving insanely rugged roads, lots of hiking with more pack weight than I'm used to, spike camping alone, and just flat-out being exposed to the wilderness were some of the best parts of the trip. With 5 elk hunts under my belt, I guess you could say that I am still a greenhorn. For obvious reasons, I won't disclose locations other than to say it was public and in two different units. There were a number of hunters (dozen or so) moving to or from areas on the roads I used. I didn't run into a single person until I was on my way out on my 5th day. I met some great folks and added some more knowledge to my library.
This was a week-long trip with 5 effective hunting days.
2 Cows (@30yards) had no shot when the wind switched
1 Bull 5x5 about 85 yards. (bedded below me all day and didn't know he was there until the thermals changed)
2 other bulls bugling I backed out to chase another day....and they disappeared. (Coulda, woulda, shoulda, stayed with them)
1 good sized bear at 35 yards (no tag, dag nabbit)
I could have worked a little harder a maybe been able to take home a trophy. However, I left the elk woods blessed for what I saw, pushing my limits and having excitement to do it again next year.
