Hey everyone, just got back and got the bull taken care of. I broke down and took a small 6x6 the last hour of the hunt. I had committed to not shooting anything unless it was a great bull, but things never come together. My boys were really upset that I hadn't killed and really wanted me to shoot something with them, and my wife informed me that I shouldn't just waste the tag, so I finally gave in the final hour. (seems that is how I do things, killed my archery Monroe bull the last 10 minutes of the hunt)
After I shot him and finally got up the hill to him, my two boys drug him off the mountain whole and I packed all the gear and the head. As most of you know, I caught the crud the week before the hunt and was still feeling the effects, and with my bum knee and no ankle, it was quite a chore to get up and back off the hill. I will be feeling the effects of this hunt for a while. My boys saved my butt getting that one off.
Every time we would split up during the week, someone would see a shooter, and I was always elsewhere. When I was able to get to where they were, the elk were either too far away or had gotten into cover. I spent 2 mornings and 3 evenings hunting a great bull my son and friend had found, only to go without seeing him again.
It was quite a week of frustration. I seen more elk in the last 7 days than I have seen in a long time. I found a herd this morning with over 600 animals in it. We rode over and jumped the herd and it was quite a sight to see them herd up and high tail it across the large flat they crossed. There were a lot of rag horn bulls, and a bunch of spikes.
I am ready for the razzing I'll be getting from my wife and daughter, but know that I have given it my all.
Barbie had a great week and I have a bunch of photos of her first elk hunting experience. I hope she enjoyed the new adventure.
I will post pictures when I get a chance.
Rick