Trad Gang

Well, it's time to begin to spin the yarn of adventure and share the many wonders experienced during the week that Tippit and I spent at the West Boulder Ranch.  In a word, it was amazing, and over the next few days we'll try to take you along.  Enjoy....

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRElk.jpg)

I wheeled in to the Billings Airport much earlier than expected on the afternoon of Friday the 11th to pick up Jeff for the two hour drive to the ranch.  Although we had never actually met before I already felt a kinship with my east coast Veterinary friend. After all, how could I not like a guy who shoots longbows and loves whiskered weiner dogs?! That alone was ample assurance that we would get along wonderfully and when he emerged from the airport terminal (all 6' 4" of him)and gave me a big old long-armed hug, it was like we had been friends forever.  Another new Tradgang friendship was born!

:campfire:

Oh goody--two of my favorites!

Don't Lamb it up too much; I've got an early flight in the morning to a place where there are NO computers   :saywhat:

Very cool!! Will be watching.
 :thumbsup:

Let'er rip sister!    :campfire:

We loaded Jeff's duffel in the back of my Expedition and quickly set off for points west.  We had a couple of hours drive to Big Timber and we passed the time talking about our pets, our families, and the interesting and remarkable relationships we had forged around contacts originally made on Tradgang.  The time passed quickly as we chatted and talked about the individual journeys that lead us to traditional archery and that had eventaully brought us to Montana to hunt the West Boulder.  For Jeff, it was an opportunity to test his readiness for more strenuous trips to the mountains and to spend time with his good friends, Doug and Karen Campbell.  For me, it was a chance to experience Montana and meet some new friends.  And for both of us, the hunt was a great excuse to give to St. Jude's, an organization created to soothe the fears and frailties of one of societies most vulnerable populations...sick children.

This is good already  :thumbsup:    :campfire:

We met Doug and Karen in Big Timber and all I can say is that if you have never been quite sure whether or not you have in the presence of a real cowboy, you have never met anyone like Doug Campbell.  Everything about the man makes a statement about authenticity.  He is definately the real deal...no artifical coloring, presevatives, or flavoring...and that sure is refreshing.
Karen is the same way (sans the cowboy image!).  She is sincere, warm, and wonderfully accomodating.  And as I came to see during the week, both of them have a work ethic and level of integrity that is second to none.
When we drove to the ranch, Jeff and I were shown to our home away from home...a small, comfortable cabin nestled next to the winding West Boulder River.  It is an idyllic setting made even more complete with the tranquil sounds of the water rippling over the river's native stones.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRRiverCabin.jpg)

Wonderful! Can't wait to see this unfold.

I have done quite a bit of fishing and hunting around Big Timber and the Boulder River...we used to get our Antelope up on Airport Flats every year.  Keep the story goin...

You go girl!Can't wait to here this one!  Ben

Doug and Karen are mighty fine people. Will be waiting by the   :campfire:    :coffee:  for the rest of the story.

Oboy...I love reading your stories, Pinecone.
Killdeer   :campfire:    :coffee:

What a way to start my day! Thanks for sharing!

It looks very nice there, and I'm very-much looking forward to reading the rest as it unfolds. Cheers!

We are all ears!

Been looking forward to this one....

 :campfire:

Oh boy this is going to be a good read. I can't wait for more.
Jack

I've had the pleasure of hunting with Jeff and visiting Doug and Karen, but Pinecone you are on my short list of people I long to meet. This story will have to due till then. More please...

:campfire:     :coffee:

Im very familiar with that little cabin.Been there a million time in my deepest dreams.Cant wait for the story.

Looks like we crossed paths, Claudia.  We ate dinner with Doug and Karen at the Baker's house in Livingston the night before you arrived.  At least you got to hunt with my brother in WYO.  Good luck on your adventure at the West Boulder, and Jeff, too!  Hope to see you BOTH in Nashville at the PBS banquet.

originally posted.......                        
-------------------------------------------------
Oh goody--two of my favorites!

Don't Lamb it up too much; I've got an early flight in the morning to a place where there are NO computers

That right there is F-U-N-N-Y.....I don't care who ya are  :-)   :bigsmyl:    :goldtooth:    :biglaugh:

This trip has been on hold for two years for me as I did not draw an elk tag last year.  Plus for numerous reason, my most anticipated hunt ever!  

My connection with Doug goes back about five years when I purchased one of his caper knives.  I fell in love with that blade as it fit my hand perfectly and it just came to the end of my index finger.  I do a lot of surgery and my fingers are the guide for my scalpel or knife.

In conversing with Doug, I said I had some old forging equipment that one of our farriers had given me...but I had no idea of how to go about making my own knife.  Well that's how our friendship started...Doug taught me how to make a knife through Trad Gang on the computer   :thumbsup:  He was always kind enough to compliment/encourage my latest version with one subtle hint of how I might improve it.  To have him as a mentor has been a very special gift.

Later on our families have met out at the ranch and I even got Doug & Karen to come spend some time in Boston...not necessarily Doug's cup of tea but a good Lobster Dinner can be inviting  :)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Doug-Karen07082.jpg)

AWESOME STUFF RIGHT HERE. Lets hear MORE!<><

Speaking of Jeff's knife building prowess...Jeff had no sooner unpacked his gear before he unwrapped a couple of little surprises for his mentor and me.  My little gem is below.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRTippitKnife.jpg)

I had of course seen this nifty design on previous Tradgang posts, but having one in my own hand and being able to fully appreciate the feel and balance of the blade was a real treat.  Plus, ya gotta love the purple cord!  My compliments to the knife maker for his sense of fashion.

 :bigsmyl:

Our first morning hunting was quite an affair.  The plan was to go to Cow Camp later in the day, so we decided to prowl around the area of the lower ranch property in search of mule deer.  Jeff and I had decided to take turns on stalking opportunities, so we started glassing for bucks that we thought would provide us an opportunity.

We did have a couple of stalks on Day One, including a 3 1/2 hour affair that resulted in me peering at a bedded buck under a juniper at a distance of four yards for more than an hour. While I waited for him to stand up from his long comfortable nap, I marveled at being so close from and yet completely undetected by this mature mulie.  The wind was perfect, which gave me the opportunity to see him yawn, periodically stretch his legs, doze, and sleep in manner that few humans ever get to experience.  It was amazing...right up until the fickle September breeze touched the skin on the back of my neck and sent the buck into orbit!  LOL!  Ya gotta love bowhunting!  
It sure was fun while it lasted   :thumbsup: , but what I came to discover during the week, is that once detected, it definately doesn't last long!

Well as I said this was a special trip from Day One, St Judes has become my special charity, Doug my mentor, and Never having hunted the West was looming over my head.  

Three years earlier, I had torn some cartilage in my right knee on a West Texas Sweat hunt that had to be cleaned up.  I am now 63 years old and could this body really hunt the Western Mountains?  That was my Biggest concern.  In trying to build a practice and raise a family, my hunting before Trad Gang had been whitetails from tree stands and an occasional caribou hunt on the tundra of Quebec...hardly hills from someone living at sea level.  In anticipation I lost 35 pounds (below my college basketball playing weight...but not necessarily distributed in the same locations as younger years  :)   My knee seemed fine but I couldn't really run anymore.  Anyway I got in the best shape I could as I didn't want to be sucking for air as Doug was waiting on the top of the mountain!

Now I was packed and flew into Billings to meet up with my new friend Pinecone.  She was as nice if not nicer than all the articles I've read of hers through the years.  The ride to the West Boulder Ranch seem to solidify our new friendship.  Claudia grew up in Ohio not more than ten miles from where I grew up.  Our paths seem to criss cross...of course I was way ahead on the Time Chart...Doc

The afternoon saw us packing up our gear and making the trek up to Cow Camp.  Doug thought we might be able to get into some elk by moving to this area of higher elevation, so by nightfall Doug, Karen, Jeff, me and our two camp mascots, Lizzie and Buster were all moved in to comfortable, but primitive accomodations.

Now...a word about Ms. Lizzie and Mr. Buster.  These two characters are the beloved and rather mischevious Jack Russell Terriers that run Doug and Karen's house.  The are affectionate, entertaining, and adorable...and they LOVE to chase mice...all night long!

Now, this passion for rodents was not really an issue for Jeff and Doug.  They had set up bunking quarters in a wall tent outside of the cabin that Karen and I were sleeping in.  And according to Karen, no self respecting mouse would be caught dead trying to maintain residence in any location where Doug would be snoozing...or more accurately snoring  :D .  That only meant one thing:  the mice would be bunking in the cabin with us!

Lizzie pretty much ignored the reality of rodents, favoring instead the opportunity to curl up with Karen on her bunk and get some extra attention.  Buster, however, was another story.  He saw this as a chance to take charge and be the top dog.  Thus, he worked out a complex plan of patrols and skirmishes throughout the night to keep the perimiter safe from any would-be perpetrators.  Throughout the night you could hear his diligent tip tap across the wood floor as he made multiple rounds to ensure our safety.  Damn, we felt safe! LOL!

Nothin better than tag-team Ohioans tellin hunting tales.  :thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing your adventure....patiently waiting for more......

Evening All, sorry for the late arrival, been very busy...

As Jeff stated we've known each other for some time and I was really looking forward to spending time with him on the mountain. And it had been my goal to get to meet Claudia also, fortunately she was the high bidder on the last St Jude Elk Hunt. Hosting her and Jeff at the same time was just double the treat!

Mother Nature wasn't very nice to us in the weather department throwing some brutal hot temps at us. It sure didn't feel like mid Sept but we certainly made the best of it. As when Brian Halblieb was here I have to tell you it was a blast showing my country to new comers.

Well I better get around and get some supper, looking forward to reliving the adventure!

I think this is from the first morning on Baker Mtn
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Great picture bud.....

I've hunted with you, and hunted with Jeff.....I sure hope I get to meet and hunt with Claudia some day. She's quite a huntress!

Great stuff! keep it coming.

I have been waiting for this story to unfold.   :campfire:

Hey Doug! I think I recognize that spot... though it looks a little different.

Lovin this so far.  :wavey:    :thumbsup:

Morning all. I just seen that great pic of 3 people Shell and I think alot of. What a way to to start the day. Now one of you 3 start talking . Peoples are awaiting.LOL<><

I agree with Frank, start spilling the beans.
Jack

I'm retired and between early and late Elk Season.... Can never pass up a good hunting story....but life is short, so bring it on    :wavey:

Ok, some of us have weeks to go till we can hunt. Lets have the story,  :campfire:

WELL????????????????????????????? OK I am ready. I got a bag of PORKIES and pop let'R RIP<><

If Charlie starts getting antsy we'll know you're taking too long... tic toc   :saywhat:

come on , its raining outside and i sure will like a story

Doug's photo is taken on the mountain where a fire several years earlier ravaged the forest.  Still, native grasses and other forage have made a come-back, creating an abundance of feeding opportunities for domestic grazers and wildlife alike.

It was close to this very location that our little band of hunters was surprised by a herd of nearly 30 elk who began trotting toward us early one morning.  The lead cow came in suspicious and tense and when a light "mew" was offered from Doug in an effort to calm her fears and bring her closer for a shot, she panicked and bolted over the mountain, taking the whole herd in tow.

While it is true that all wildlife when viewed in their native habitat has a spleandor that is hard to describe, it is even more true of elk.  The impressive size, regal carriage, and striking beauty of these animals is truly awe inspiring.  And when a bull's bugle pierces the morning sky, the picture is complete...reminding we humans of how truly small we are.

The panicked behavior of the elk we witnessed on the mountain that morning was a continuing theme with every animal we saw throughout the day.  Even the cattle were acting oddly...watchful, frightened as if something unseen had become suddenly threatening.  It didn't make sense, at least not until the next morning.

Doug emerged from he and Jeff's tent at Cow Camp early the next day for coffee and to discuss the day's hunt plans.  The cattle were bunched together in the valley in a manner consistent with how bovine species react when threatened.  Immediately, Doug raised his binoculars to scan the area and what he saw answered all of our questions.  There, two black wolves, filled the frame of his Swarvovski's and the reason for the sheer terror we had witnessed from virtually every creature we saw the day before became clear.

It was clear that with the animals on high alert and the elk pushed off the mountain by the entrance of the pack of wolves, we needed to focus our hunting efforts elsewhere.  So, in the afternoon, we packed up our gear and returned to the ranch to spend some time stalking for mule deer.

Here is a pic of Jeff taken at Cow Camp before we headed back down the mountain.


(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRJeffinCowCamp.jpg)

Well the bag of porkies is all gone  :saywhat:  . And sister this is all you give us  :rolleyes: ? MORE PLEASE.   :banghead:   <><

Okay....let's get on with this, the natives are getting restless....got a fresh pot of coffee...take us with you.

You mean you didn't stay to bask in the glory of the "successful" re-introduction of wolves to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem!!? For shame.  

:campfire:

Cow Camp was a real treat for me.  Now I was beginning to get a taste of how Wranglers used to work & live.  A one room log cabin with stove, kitchen table, and two bunk beds would be our eating area plus Karen & Claudia's sleeping quarters.  Doug & I would sleep in the wall tent.  The first night was rather cold holding the promise of elk come down from the high country.  That promise was soon to be dashed with the mercury climbing into the mid 80's and the wolfs arriving  :(  

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09018.jpg)

The Cow camp Crew!

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09039.jpg)

My weapon of choice.  Shrew Classic Hunter 54" 52#@28 bow bolt.  I would soon discard the bow quiver for belly stalking Mules though...Doc

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09011-1.jpg)

That is one mighty pretty bow that Jeff brought along on this trip.  The veneers are simply gorgeous.  And in Jeff's hands, it is quite a shooter!

The other item that Jeff brought out to Montana was something that taught me a lot of lessons...his Ghillie Suit.  I have never before seen anything that would permit a person to literally crawl right up to deer until I saw the Ghillie in action.  In fact, I thought one stalk was impossible and Jeff proved me wrong by crawling through the wide open grass right under the nose of a couple of bedded bucks.  I'll let him tell the story, but it sure made a believer out of me!  Later, I sat on a bucket in the suit at the edge of an oat patch and had numerous whitetails walk right past me.  I couldn't believe it!

Stalking for deer was an absolute riot, but we still tried one last pre-dawn hike up another mountain in an effort to try and get into some elk.  As Jeff and Doug said earlier, the weather was incredibly hot, which dramatically reduced elk movement.  It didn't stop us from glassing, listening, and enjoying the view, however.  The scenery was breathtaking!
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRDougandJeffGlassing.jpg)
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRDawnontheMt.jpg)
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRUntarnishedVista.jpg)

Couple more views of life around Cow Camp  :)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09025.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09023-1.jpg)

You know what they say about all work & no play...well we didn't have to worry about that!

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09019-1.jpg)

The first night out of Cow Camp, Claudia & I sat tree stands over two different springs on Baker Mountain...hopefully to see some elk coming to water.  The land scape was a bit spooky with the charred black pines and all white dead aspens. That night I had two 4X4 whitetails come by about 60 yards out.  Dang, one was a real nice palmate buck too!


My view going into the stand.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09027.jpg)

View from the stand.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09014.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09012.jpg)

This story is beginning to pick up some momentum!

So far so good...but let's get to the GREAT part!!!

Shoot straight, Shinken

The surprise of the trip was definitely the Gillie Suit!  Here's my Gillie in the hard woods of New England turkey hunting...with my Martha Stewart Wreath  :)   It was apparent that it was too dark for the west...but I sat beside a disc hitch on an oat food plot for two nights.  Both nights I had 13 whitetails around me some as close as 5 yards.  Two does even circled me and still couldn't decide what I was...only to go back to feeding!  I hadn't come to the west to shoot at whitetails as I was having too much fun learning about Mule deer so I let Claudia use my Gillie as Doug & I decide to try some fly fishing one evening.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/VermontTurkeyHunt.jpg)

Doug had just ordered a Gillie top & bonnet that came mid week.  It was a straw grass color just perfect for the terrain around the ranch.  One afternoon, we glassed two nice mulies laying in the middle of a grass pasture.  It looked like an impossible stalk and it was Claudia's turn for the next stalk.  When she decided to try a different one, I bailed out of the truck. Not being too smart, I told them to just leave me as I'd give it a go.  I didn't think it would work but I didn't have anything to lose.  I belly crawled 200 yards across the field.  The one thing Doug had said was keep your Head Down & Don't Peek!!   As I was getting close I saw one buck get up and circle around me.  Had I spooked them?  No as it turned out that buck just gotten up to go to water.  I sat up thinking the stalk was over when I saw the other buck was still laying down about 60 yards ahead.  

By now my elbows were bleeding but I was still excited to see if the Gillie would work.  I mentally figured my direction and started crawling again.  By this time Doug had dropped Claudia off for a different stalk and was watching my progress.  

Did I mention I had calculated my direction?  Well it seems my right flipper is stronger than my left one.  With Doug watching from a 1/4 mile away, jumping up and down, and screaming...I missed my mark and proceeded to crawl past my buck!  I missed him by 6 yards and didn't even know it.  I was still crawling when Doug drove into the field to inform me that the buck stood up with me at 6 yard and watched me crawl by him...then walked off   :knothead:  

I did prove the Gillie to be effective.  I did pay complete attention to Doug's direction of not peeking.  I just needed a flipper correction and some navigational help  :eek:  

It proved to be a funny afternoon.  AND I Did Not post this until I already had a Western/Desert Gillie suit on order  :bigsmyl:  See I did learn something...Doc

It was great fun watching Jeff and Claudia doing all these stalks but frustrating at the same time  ;)  As Jeff crawled by this buck he literally stood, stretched and watched Jeff crawling by. Completely unalarmed, he ambled off up the hill to a quieter bedding spot   :banghead:  Not a great quality pic but you can see Jeff in the grass with the buck just beyond.
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010702.jpg)

Seeing the Shaggie suit in action was indeed an educational experience. Plus Claudia's patience during a stalk was something to see also. She got so close she'd have been better off with a spear a couple times  ;)

The burnt timber is slowly giving way to new growth. I imagine in a couple years it's going to be a real jungle up there and the critters will love it.

Here's resting during the middle of the day.
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010700.jpg)

And Jeff with a nice West Bolder Brown.
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010705.jpg)

While Jeff was playing with the deer in the Ghillie, I was attempting my own stalk on a bedded buck.  A mature mulie had bedded in the dense sage and I was slowly making my way toward his location.  Like Jeff, I lost track of the big buck for a time, but was able to get re-routed by my friends watching from the truck.

I crouched, crawled, and inched my way over the brittle, cracking grasses and foliage to a point where I was 20 yards from the buck.  Hours had gone by in the hot sun and the painstakingly slow crawl had just about zapped my energy level down to zero.  When the buck finally stood up and gave me a slightly quartering toward shot, I drew my bow, launched an arrow, and mmmmmmiiiiissed!!!!!!  ***##@@@@!!!!  The deer was a huge 3x3 and given how the rest of the week unfolded, all I can say is that it just wasn't his time to die.  As you will hear later, I think that this is the luckiest mule deer buck alive. LOL!   :biglaugh:

I brought two bows along on this trip...the St. Jude's Firefly longbow that I used to kill the pronghorn bucks in Wyoming and a Morrison Cheyenne that has been responsible for bagging multiple critters over the years.  Both of these bows shoot great and handle my heavy arrows well.  That's the good news.  The bad news is that when I miss, I sure can't blame it on the bows!  Oh well....that's huntin'  :)

Amazing pictures. Having hunted over a lot of that same landscape several years ago, I hardly recognize it now.

I guess there is a plan in the natural scheme of things.
Just wish the government would have considered that when they reintroduced the wolves.

Really nice photos! I'm jealous! CK

What a great story and pictures!  I'm loving this one!  :thumbsup:

Once I started crawl/sneaking, I discarded my bow quiver as it kept getting hung up in the grass and prickly scrub.  I switched to a side GN quiver and that set up worked great.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09049.jpg)

Doug's Green BBO bow and a belt quiver by Mark Baker.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09047-1.jpg)

I did get a couple easier stalks up draws.  Doug and Claudia warned me to be patient if the mulies busted out of their beds cause they usually stop and look back.  Well that's exactly what happened as I almost stepped on one...scared the heck out of me & the deer.

True to my partners experience a nice 4X4 stop at the top of the draw giving me wide open 20 yard broadside shot.  Now remember, I hunt the east coast and first time ever seeing mulies at bow range.  Eastern whitetails that are looking at you always drop if you can even get a shot off.  So I aimed a little low...at least I think I did  :)

The 4X4 just stands there until my arrow passes under his chest! This happened not once but twice to me  :banghead:  Another mental note...aim where you want to hit on a mule deer.  I certainly wanted to learn about hunting the west...but these lesson were getting hard to swallow.

Look where you want to hit, novel concept...  ;)   Eastern and southern whitetails you have to aim where you think they will be...

Thank you so much for "bringing us along" for this one!  Hopefully your hard hunting and hard knocks will be rewarded in the days to come... If not I'm sure it was a hunt to remember!

Looks like a great time so far.

Jeff, I certainly learned over the past few years hunting mule deer that they are a very different animal from whitetails.

Okay, so let's get up-to-date on the lessons of hunting the West that Jeff and I have offered up so far:

1)  If it's hot and dry, drink LOTS of water!  Stalking a deer is not the time to get shakey from dehydration.  Geeesh!!!   :knothead:  

2)  No stalk is impossible...especially when the mighty Ghillie is put into action.  Footnote:  Get a Ghillie!

3)  Aim where you want to hit.  I have my own little story about this all important lesson  :banghead:  .

4)  Keep a sense of humor.  It's a great defense against losing your mind (and your temper) when you wiff an easy shot.    :)  !

I'm going to have to spend the rest of the weekend doing some real work, so I better finish up my part of this story.

I managed to get a couple of additonal stalks in as our week was winding down.  Even that was an achievement given that it was quite a test of physical stamina to try and keep pace with Doug as he trekked through the hills.  In fact, I'm certain that he must be part Mountain Goat!

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRDougHiking.jpg)

To make a long story short, I got within spittin' distance of another nice buck on the last morning of the hunt and when he got up and began to walk right past me, I released my arrow and watched it sail high!  I had tried to adjust for my previous miss a few days earlier that resulted in an arrow that flew just under the deer and apparently over-corrected.  Now what was that that we were saying about aiming where you want to hit??!  :knothead: .

My hunt had ended with great opportunities, wonderful memories of new friends, and an unforgettable experience.   In fact, I'm not sure there is anything that could have made this trip any better...it was simply incredible in every sense of the word.

And so, to my hunting partners Jeff and Doug, thank you.  You are the best!

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRJeffandDoug.jpg)

To Karen, your wonderful cooking and western hospitality have set new standards in camp congeniality.  My hats off to you for doing all you do.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRKarenatCowCamp.jpg)

From one of the Three Amigos, I bid you Adios and Happy Trails until we meet again.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRThreeAmigos.jpg)

One final view of magnificent Montana...

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/crestedshaft/WBRUntarnishedVista2.jpg)

Incredible story telling as always Claudia  :thumbsup:    :clapper:  
Thanks for taking us all along with you!

Thanks for sharing, Claudia!

Great story telling Claudia and Jeff.

great story and pics,thanks.  :thumbsup:

I've been more that patient with you three, as I have followed this adventure.
HOWEVER with all that runnin around and stalkin ya had to eat somethin.....  

WHAT DID YA EAT!!!!  (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/strangle.gif)

Fine story telling, pictures and a wonderful example of how archery can bring people together. Thanks for sharingI really enjoyed it.

Awesome all around!

Thanks Claudia....would've loved to come up and meet you and Jeff while you were enjoying our part of "heaven" here, but I had a guest of my own.   You took some great pics, and related a fine tale.

Claudia, I'll say again, it was a real treat having you and Jeff in camp!! Thanks again  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  

Vance, you know how it is up here, ya gotta work pretty hard to find any grub...   :rolleyes:   I know Jeff was pretty proud of loosing several pounds before coming up but it looked to me like he was working on some winter layering of the internal kind....

Here's a pic of I think the last supper before he devoured it  ;)
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/R0010720.jpg)

Thanks for the great story tellin & photos.

Wish you coulda made it up Mark, it was a hetic week, we were going from early to late every day and you know how time flies when your having fun... it was over fore we knew it.

Great story and pictures.  Thanks.

Is that a rock on top of the big rock across the river from Tippet where he is checking out the fish.  It looks odd sitting there for some reason.  Kinda resembles a big owl or something.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your trip,

Rob

Good eye Rob, that is actually a Great Horned Owl, we have a pair that raises thier brood in a fir tree in the yard every year. The young are pretty much grown but still haven't accepted that mom and pop aren't meeting thier every need. They sit and screech at all hours... go thru the same thing every year...

Thanks, Everyone!

Vance,
You know Karen...the food was unbelievable!  Thank God I'm driving fence posts this weekend...perhaps my waistline will begin to recover!

Mark, wish you could have made it. Of course, I have a feeling that this won't be my last trip to Montana.  I just can't let the local critters have the last word...!

Now where the heck did Jeff go?  He's still got a few highlights he could share    :) .  Like me, he had a heck of a hunt   :thumbsup: .

Claudia

Claudia,

I'm back...had to go to Maine for a few days to bring float & boat in.  The state starts to drop the water level 3-4 feet on our lake for flood control with winter run off.

Vance,

As you can see from my plate...Karen's cookin' was out of this world.  Menu like elk, venison, buffalo, biscuits, sweets...aw you don't really want to know anymore do ya!  Thankfully Doug kept us moving up & down those mountain sides and I actually lost a couple of pounds.  

I had a goal to try and stay up with Doug.  By the end of the week I was right behind him...but I think he kinda let up to allow me that delusion of getting western legs as apposed to my sea level Boston legs  :)

The day we went scouting on horse back was a real treat.  The scenery was beautiful except for the Five Rattle Snakes the horses went by  :scared:  That kinda make crawl/stalking a little more lively!

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09063.jpg)

It's hard to make out...but this guy was all coiled under the sage  :eek:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09059.jpg)

As all good times must come to an end and even though I didn't put any viddles in the freezer, I sure learned a great deal about hunting the western mountains.  Happily my body seems to be at no worse for the wear and I'm confident I still have a few years hunting out west to stalk more muleys and maybe get to hear an elk bugle.  A big thanks to Doug & Karen for all your hospitality.  Thanks to my new found friend Claudia for a great time and showing off her incredible stalking style...Jeff

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09034-3.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint090202.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09048-1.jpg)

As a final note, I had made return airline reservations with plenty of time to spare pending what Claudia's plans were for leaving on Sunday.  We got to Billings around 9 am and my flight didn't leave til 1:30 pm.  

Time for an alternate plan...Cabela's!  Claudia dropped me at the store.  It would be a lot more fun to peruse the store rather than sit in an airport for 5 hours.  Besides I still had one more trick up my sleeve  :bigsmyl:  Doc

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09070-1.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/St%20Judes%20Elk%20Hunt%2009/StJudesDougCampbellElkHuint09071.jpg)

Thanks for sharing all ,great stories and pics.

Terry

Glad you and Claudia had a great time and trip Doc. Montana is described perfectly when they called it "Big Sky Country"! It is one beautiful state.

ah Awesome! thanks for taking the time to share, great pics looks like you had a great time.

dont know if id give that shifty looking fella standing outside of cabelas a lift though, would you?    :biglaugh:    ;)

This was just such a pleasure reading this story! I've had the pleasure of hunting with Jeff and Doug and I know I'd have an equally fun time hunting with you Claudia and Karen! Great job!

looks like it was a great hunt. It would be an honor to hunt with any of the three of you. I cant imagine what it would be to hunt with all three at once.

I have heard others talk about how the wolf are decimating the elk herds in Montana.  Don't know if the numbers I heard were true, but also heard that wolves were not even originally in the area they were introduced.  In other words, it was not a   RE-introduction.

Anyhow, sorry they had to show up and ruin your elk hunt!  Wish I had that excuse for not getting one in Colorado!  But the truth is this mountain greenhorn still has a lot to learn about elk hunting!

Nothing better than a fine group of Tradgangers enjoying each others company on another adventure. Great stories and pictures, thanks for taking us along.

Great job everyone!

Got home yesterday from listening and watching big bulls doing thier thing. This thread was at page three when I left.

I knew  this one would be good. Pretty cool when folks who have been so unselfish supporting sick kids get to come together enjoy the great outdoors together. What better place than the great sky country to do it in.

Thanks for taking us along, the story and pictures were great. It was even greater knowing this was a excuse to help the St. Jude kids.
RS

Thanks for sharing. Just bought my first Guille. Can't wait to try it out. Course I could have done without the picure of "Joe No-Shoulders". Definitely something to think about in Texas and Oklahoma.   :thumbsup:

Good stuff guys n gals.....I sure miss that place...and Doug and Karen....thanks for sharing...  :campfire:    :coffee:

This was a great read and sounds like all had a great time.

:campfire:    :coffee:  what a great hunt. I'm enjoying this. Some mighty fine country and you won't find any better folks than Karen and Doug.

Ahhhhh, it is so much easier on a guy to read these after not being around for a week...smooooth sailing   :thumbsup:  .