Just got back from a two week stint in NW Colorado for elk (Season Oct 11-15). Overall it was a very successful and rewarding trip, though it had some low moments to go right along with the high ones (I guess that is part of hunting....). Perseverence and mental toughness, as usual, proved to be worthy assets before it was all over.

The elk were in full rut during this early season high power rifle hunt -- bulls bugling everywhere (just like in the videos!) It was quite the " musical" treat waiting for the sun to come up the opening day. Used a spike camp about 4 miles " back in" in addition to the " along side the road" base camp this year to reduce the amount of time and energy spent hiking in the dark and this set up put us right in the thick of the action.

Six of us took four elk. My oldest son got his first bull, a 6x6, and now he' s feeling pretty frisky after a long drought. Younger boy got a small bull. I took a large, stocky, thick bodied dry cow (my favorite). One fellow who had hunted elk many times without scoring (he figured at 58 years, this might be his last chance) got a nice cow. One gentleman who remains loyal to his single shot Sharps 45-70 found the action was consistently a little too far out OR he was always quartering someone else' s elk with the rifle " just out of reach" when the opportunity presented itself (twice) OR some of us fired at other game right when he had a string of elk with a nice 5x5 at the back working to within 75 yards of his position (once). The other gentleman was stove up a bit from a little " horse action" just before the opening day; however, he rallied, walked into spike camp on Day 2, and hunted the second and third days --- saw about 30 elk and had three opportunities but no luck --- he was stoked at the opportunities, acknowledged that " he" was the factor and had no complaints. We quit hunting by the end of Day 3 as everyone had had about all the fun they could stand plus we had 4 head to pack out, butcher, freeze, and distribute in addition to two camps to " knock down." We packed out the remaining elk and the spike camp on two horses with panniers and returned to " base camp" and hit the hot shower --- ah, heaven!

Overall, this was one of the best groups I' ve ever had. There was no complaining and everyone made the best of the situations --- easy or tough --- by applying good humor and " cowboying up" . Everyone was really hard working and mentally tough. They stayed the agreed upon time, helped pack the game out, helped butcher the meat right in camp and then helped pack everything up.

Wow, re-entry to civilization! The air is warm. There is ice in my glass. These roads are really smooth and 55mph feels really fast. Hot water on tap. The places I walk are smooth and level. No wonder so many never leave town!

Several related stories to follow. Some being moments of glory and others moments of humble pie and " I learned about hunting from that...."

Never Go Undergunned, Always Check The Sight In, Perform At Show Time!
EKM