"That is why they call it hunting" series S1 E1 2017 Wild West Elk Camp
hunting·@bobarker·
0.000 HBD"That is why they call it hunting" series S1 E1 2017 Wild West Elk Camp
<b>Hello fellow Steemians!</b> <h1>Welcome to Elk Hunting Camp 2017 </h1> Anyone who has ever hunted elk can tell you it is not easy. They have ears, noses and legs like super heroes. They can run faster than any human and have pretty good eyesight too. I have hunted elk for several years and I have still never had the opportunity to shoot a bull, nor was I that interested. I have always been one who hunts for meat, not antlers, though I certainly admired their intelligence and stamina. Twenty seventeen I lucked out, I drew a cow/bull tag but had decided not to be picky. After archery season was over I had missed two shoots on a cow and small bull. I was determined for rifle season. This was my first-year bow hunting, and both times I had misjudged the distance. At first, I patiently waited higher up the mountain, since I knew that there were elk in the area. After four or five days, I was getting desperate. I had been chasing other tracks, but had yet to see an elk. I decided to head further down the mountain since I knew about 100 elk had moved down to lower ground a few days prior. I tracked them down as far as I felt comfortable, since I knew it was about to get dark. I decided to turn around. I sat down and began to eat some almonds and granola when I heard a faint bugle in the distance. I was anxious and nervous, since any wrong move or smell could scare the herd. I slowly crept down the mountain closer to where I heard the bugles coming from. It was a strange season and for some reason the elk were not in their normal patterns. I knew that I was lucky to still hear the elk bugling in rifle season. I crept closer and closer to the sound. I realized I needed to get across a big ravine. It was my perfect opportunity to use it for cover and get closer to the bugle. I wanted to move fast but not too fast and make too much sound. I knew I would have to catch my breath when I got to the other side. It was a very steep section and there were cliffs surrounding most of the traverse. I wanted to remain hidden while the elk grazed on the other side, but I had no idea where they were, as they were mostly quiet. I still hadn't seen the elk but I knew that they were close... I could smell the strong musk of this tremendous beast. Once I got to the other side of the ravine I caught my breath and slowly began to peak above the other side waiting for any sign of movement. At this point I realize that I need to crawl a bit further before I am in view of this illusive creature. I took off my backpack and slowly begin to crawl forward, I waited every few feet to make sure I could still hear their hooves at ease rather than anxious. Finally, I see what I am looking for! An elk! I raise my rifle and notice it is a cow, I place my crosshairs on her front shoulders and just before I pulled the trigger I realized that I was in no rush. The elk were calm and within moments I realize I am looking at 30+ elk! There was several years prior that I had watched big bulls walk right through my crosshairs and I always had a cow tag… I had never had the fortune to pull the trigger on a bull, though my scope had seen many. One year I watched 12 big bulls walk right in front of me. 2016 I had watched 6 nice bulls walk 50 yards in front of me. Another hunter in our party had already been successful in getting a nice bull so I knew there were a few other big bulls, based on what he said. I knew if I was patient I could make it happen this year. I could get a bull. It was at this moment that I thought, "so you're sayin' there's a chance!" I watched for antlers through my scope, finally I find what I am looking for, a nice bull! He is on the move. I pull up the gun and put the crosshairs on his shoulders right as he turns and walks behind a tree. I pull back my head and looked up to see where he is going when I realize there is another bull closer. I lowered the gun and looking through the scope I see antlers! I thought he was a smaller rag horn with 3-4 points per side, I really hadn't looked at the horns for long. I wasn't picky. I put the scope on his shoulder and pulled the trigger. He walked about 30 feet and laid down in some brush that I couldn't see. I laid back and tried to hold back the excitement exploding from my veins. I was 99% sure I had hit him. I texted my hunting buddy to get reinforcements on the way, I knew he still had a tag. I knew that I would have a long night ahead of me. I laid back and watched the hill where I had last seen the elk. Right then I noticed that he was making an escape! I pulled up my gun and shot when I had a clean line of fire. He stumbled and fell. I thanked him, and the Gods as I laid my head down and began to contemplate the work ahead of me. I was at the end my hunting “vacation” and knew I had two days to get this massive elk out. I was fortunate enough to have a good set of friends who came in and helped me out that night, it made life way easier. I knew I had dug my grave and now I was ready to stay up all night to get him deboned and get a load out. My heavy load that night was my punishment for chasing them down there in the first place. His rack fit perfectly around my shoulders, and my pack was about 100 pounds. It was brutal! The hike out that night ended up taking longer and ended up being way steeper than the first route in. We made it out about 1:30 A.M. right when a cold front started moving in. I lucked out, it had been unseasonably warm and I needed to keep the meat cold. The cold front did just that. I felt very fortunate the good company of friends was testament to the strengths and bonds in hunting camp. Everyone’s good nature made great memories for next year in camp. We are in it for each other. We are there to help and make it happen. I am eternally thankful for this beautiful elk and his sacrifice. I am also so grateful to have the many friends whom I share this experience with. Nothing is guaranteed in hunting and it is not always easy. Like any challenge the reward just tastes that much greater! There have been many years that I have gone home empty handed, and just like my Dad always says, “That is why they call it hunting.”   Please resteem, upvote, and follow https://steemit.com/@bobarker. Please leave constructive criticism and comments below. Feel free to leave any editing comments and forgive typos. Feel free to leave suggestions for future stories. How was your 2017 hunting season? Was the season strange for you too?