When the draw for the limited entry elk tags came out, Dad and I were not lucky enough to draw. June 30th 2008 I received a call from the division of wildlife. Someone had turned in a Pausagunt Elk tag. I was next up on the alternate list and received the call. This area of Utah is near Bryce Canyon National Park. There are a lot of red rock cliffs and the area is known for world class Mule Deer. I am here to tell you that if you wanted a 30? or better mule deer, this is the place to go.
I went down to the Pauns 3 different times scouting. During those trips I saw zero elk. I saw sign but nothing on the hoof. I was worried. You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a monster mule deer, but elk were scarce. I called many locals asking a lot of questions. Everyone I talked to gave me tons of help and kept me from turning my tag back in.
3 weeks before the hunt my Dad received a call from the Utah Division of Wildlife, someone else had turned in a tag for the same unit and his name came up next. Dad was elated. Dad and I had a dream of hunting big elk together for many years. Dad is 67 years old and recently went through back surgery in May. His Doctor told him he needed a spine transplant because his is crumbling and completely worn out. A lifetime working a shovel will do that. Even though Dad is in pain and can't get around like he used to, he jumped at the chance to hunt a big elk.
Now the pressure was on. I have had the opportunity to plan some fun hunts. But the pressure really makes me freak out. I always worry that everyone has a good time. Some of my friends travel a long way to hunt together and I don't want it to be a waste of time and money. I made more calls. Studied maps. I was shooting 2 times a week and dragging Dad out. With gas prices at record levels, my VISA was smoking. I was determined to stack the deck in our favor as much as possible. How was I ever going to get Dad in a a bull. I hadn't seen a live elk down there yet. I had lots of nagging question about how this one was going to end......Pictues are Coming. I am one of those folks that has a hard time posting stuff like that. I will get Predator to give me a hand. She owes me since she slept in....
I went down to the Pauns 3 different times scouting. During those trips I saw zero elk. I saw sign but nothing on the hoof. I was worried. You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a monster mule deer, but elk were scarce. I called many locals asking a lot of questions. Everyone I talked to gave me tons of help and kept me from turning my tag back in.
3 weeks before the hunt my Dad received a call from the Utah Division of Wildlife, someone else had turned in a tag for the same unit and his name came up next. Dad was elated. Dad and I had a dream of hunting big elk together for many years. Dad is 67 years old and recently went through back surgery in May. His Doctor told him he needed a spine transplant because his is crumbling and completely worn out. A lifetime working a shovel will do that. Even though Dad is in pain and can't get around like he used to, he jumped at the chance to hunt a big elk.
Now the pressure was on. I have had the opportunity to plan some fun hunts. But the pressure really makes me freak out. I always worry that everyone has a good time. Some of my friends travel a long way to hunt together and I don't want it to be a waste of time and money. I made more calls. Studied maps. I was shooting 2 times a week and dragging Dad out. With gas prices at record levels, my VISA was smoking. I was determined to stack the deck in our favor as much as possible. How was I ever going to get Dad in a a bull. I hadn't seen a live elk down there yet. I had lots of nagging question about how this one was going to end......Pictues are Coming. I am one of those folks that has a hard time posting stuff like that. I will get Predator to give me a hand. She owes me since she slept in....
