Average Joe Hunting Adventures with Dan and CJ

[sn.outdoors]

We wouldn't be making it to Dan's camp for dinner. Cory and I had our work cut out for us.

I'm glad I had a mule along to help get the moose out of the water.

It was an amazing moment. I couldn't have been more happy to punch my once in a lifetime tag and put it on this bull, and not because he's a unique bull, but because of the entire experience. Having Cory there to share the moment was very special.

The last time I was this excited was probably after I killed my first deer. I couldn't stop smiling.... Still can't.

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[sn.outdoors]

We hardly noticed that our legs and feet were completely soaked and covered in a mixture of mud and blood, nor did we care that the temps were dropping and it was getting late. We took our time and did our best to enjoy every part of the experience. I told Cory, "I can't believe it happened," "I can't stop smiling," and "I just killed a bull moose!" about a million times.

We had the bull de-boned, caped, and our first load packed out and back to camp by midnight. We ate a double portion of Mountain House and slept like kings. We didn't set any alarms. It didn't matter when we woke up.

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My excitement had me awake at 630, but I forced myself to get a little more sleep. Cory didn't have the same problem. He was sawing logs like his life depended on it. When 830 rolled around I heard a truck coming up to the saddle, so I threw on my blood covered pants and my camp shoes.

The truck belonged to Dan and he stopped to say hey. I apologized for not making dinner last night and told him we got a little busy and had a bull down. He was genuinely excited for me and said, "well... Let's see some pictures!"

I shared the story with him and he congratulated me on killing a nice bull in a tough unit.

As luck would have it, his guides Jeff and Dave were packing some feed to an elk camp that day, and they'd be passing by where we had the moose down. Dan offered to pack out the meat for me, and Cory and I enthusiastically accepted. I may not be a smart man, but I do know a good deal when I see it. Cory and I could have packed the moose out ourselves without too much trouble, but since we both jump out of airplanes and have a history of back problems we were very happy to save our backs for another hunt.

Although, they were willing to pick the meat up down by the creek, Cory and I felt obligated to bring everything up to the trail so Jeff wouldn't be too inconvenienced by us.

The weather was beautiful and made for some awesome pictures.

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[sn.outdoors]

We brought one of my favorite snacks along for when we waited for the mules.

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[realunlucky]

Chips and salsa all the comforts of home on this trip. Congratulations on a great bull and really enjoyed this write up

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[Davebuech]

great story and write up. Thanks for taking us along and congrats on a fine bull!

 

[sn.outdoors]

Chips and salsa all the comforts of home on this trip. Congratulations on a great bull and really enjoyed this write up

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Thanks. I hope I was able to accurately express how I felt and the thoughts going through my head on the hunt. It was a terrific experience, and something I'll cherish forever.

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Dan even sweetened the deal when he offered up one of his cabins for the night. That way we could tear down camp while it was dry (it was supposed to rain hard the next day, and it did) We only had to worry about waking up and leaving in the morning. It was an extremely generous offer, and we were very grateful for it.

I can't thank Dan Everson and his guides Jeff and Dave enough for their help, hospitality, and the fun conversation. I don't really like to plug any companies or businesses, but I can tell you with confidence, Dan is a terrific guy, and runs a top notch outfit. If you're looking for an adventure in an extremely beautiful and rugged place, check out Cayuse Outfitting. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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[sn.outdoors]

There is no break for this guy after the moose hunt. I still have a few days of leave, so I'm going to take advantage of them.

I promised my daughter that I'd take her deer hunting, so this morning I got her up and out of the house way before her normal wake up time.

I got to one of the spots I'd find last winter and scouted a little this summer just as the sun was rising. We ended up seeing 11 deer total; 10 does/fawns and 1 legal spike/fork. I chose to pass on the little fella since he was smaller than most of the does.

I was going to hunt hard for deer over the next few days, but then a light switched in my head... I need to get my antelope and moose down to the taxidermist in NM this week, so I figured I'd tag on a Barbary Sheep hunt while I'm down there.

The wife's Subaru is packed, and I'm on my way shortly. (My pack is still drying from washing the smell of death off of it. I didn't notice with it in the bed of my truck. )

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[sn.outdoors]

Oh, and I also submitted an application for AZ javelina with my buddy Ryan. We're going to try to kill then with wood longbows his dad made. It's going to be a blast.

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[Russp17]

Man you guys are getting after it!!!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Man you guys are getting after it!!!

I'm getting excited because I am about to turn the whitetail switch on for the season and that's when things get real crazy!

 

[goldenarrow]

Thanks for taking the time to post this thread it is pretty epic.

 

[sn.outdoors]

Look what I found at the Taxidermist...

Now it's a few hours on the road and I'll be in Barbary Sheep country.

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[Lostinthewoods]

Look what I found at the Taxidermist...

Now it's a few hours on the road and I'll be in Barbary Sheep country.

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Sweet picture!!! We definitely shot some funky bucks!
The cool thing is he will probably finish both of ours around the same time....
Guess we will need to meet there in exactly 1 year to pick up our heads and Barbary sheep hunt!!!

 

[sn.outdoors]

Sweet picture!!! We definitely shot some funky bucks!
The cool thing is he will probably finish both of ours around the same time....
Guess we will need to meet there in exactly 1 year to pick up our heads and Barbary sheep hunt!!!

Deal. This time you'll need to be ready to shoot 600+ at a 30+ degree slope... Good luck practicing that in Florida

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[sn.outdoors]

Found a good... Now I just need to figure out how to get to him without killing myself.

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[sn.outdoors]

An easy target is awfully tempting, but I came for a big one.

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[realunlucky]

Awesome barberry is very high on my bucket list good luck guys

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[sn.outdoors]

Holy guacamole! I'm gonna have to stop hunting for a bit...

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[realunlucky]

Holy guacamole! I'm gonna have to stop hunting for a bit...

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Damn that's sweet. Can hardly wait for the details

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[kscreekguy]

This journal has been amazing to read. Really inspirational. Thank you!