All,
Wanted to share the story of my first elk harvest. I was planning on taking leave during the second week in Sept, but due to work requirements I couldn't get out there. I was able to make it out in the third week, and the temps were still in the 7o's during the day. I ended up going on a solo DIY trip on public ground in WY. I didn't see a thing first afternoon out, but other hunters. I made my way several miles off the road on atv and hiked up to 9100 ft. A bull was fired up on the next ridge over most of the morning. At about 10 AM I seen my first elk while hunting. He passed by me and continued up the mountain. I started to walk down closer to where I heard the bugling. 30 minutes later an elk was walking down the mountain, it was the same spike I seen earlier. He walked straight at me at 30 yards and I drew back when he was behind a tree. He turned broadside and I hit him center in the lungs. He went about 80 yards and expired. I said a prayer of thanks and the work begun. It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget! He isn't a trophy to many, but definitely is for me. I am a deer hunter from the Midwest, so this was truly a reward. Thankful for the opportunities as I haven't hunted in almost five years due to being overseas. Great to be back in good ole USA.
Wanted to share the story of my first elk harvest. I was planning on taking leave during the second week in Sept, but due to work requirements I couldn't get out there. I was able to make it out in the third week, and the temps were still in the 7o's during the day. I ended up going on a solo DIY trip on public ground in WY. I didn't see a thing first afternoon out, but other hunters. I made my way several miles off the road on atv and hiked up to 9100 ft. A bull was fired up on the next ridge over most of the morning. At about 10 AM I seen my first elk while hunting. He passed by me and continued up the mountain. I started to walk down closer to where I heard the bugling. 30 minutes later an elk was walking down the mountain, it was the same spike I seen earlier. He walked straight at me at 30 yards and I drew back when he was behind a tree. He turned broadside and I hit him center in the lungs. He went about 80 yards and expired. I said a prayer of thanks and the work begun. It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget! He isn't a trophy to many, but definitely is for me. I am a deer hunter from the Midwest, so this was truly a reward. Thankful for the opportunities as I haven't hunted in almost five years due to being overseas. Great to be back in good ole USA.
