A beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Keep up your writing. There was an intensity to the story that we all felt but it was developed, not telegraphed. Really fine writing.

Thanks for an excellent,be looking forward to next year.Good luck in your own quest for the monarch this fall.

My self and my best friend are going up to Elk camp today to get thing set up and this is the best way to start the day. Thanks for a great read!!!Now to find my own Monarch.    

Well done!!  I can't wait for the next installment, even if I have to wait a whole year.

Joshua, thank you for such a gift. I couldn't wait to get home to read and re-read your story.  You are blessed beyond measure. This was elk camp for me this year.  Thanks.

Absolutely incredible!  You can sure paint a picture with words my friend!  I am soooo glad I waited until you were finished to start reading--the anticipation would have been rough.

Goes to show how memorable hunts don't have to end with filled tags.  I have countless memories with my father.  Memories carrying recurves that don't revolve around antlers and longbeards.  I'm also starting to add some with my wife and our daughters, 5 and 3 y/o.  

Great story Josh.  Thanks for sharing.

Manolito

Josh I don't know what else to say except Wow! That was an amazing story. I look forward to the archers adventure's next year.

Thanks everyone for the nice words.

And don't forget, the archer arrowed a really big bull opening day...


Joshua

I hope to follow in his foot steps next Saturday. And it really does not have to be a Monarch.....

Thanks Joshua!!..... I didn't get to read the end before my hunt and really enjoyed knowing I would be able to have this finale waiting when I got home. With a hunting world full people pretending to be something they aren't it is refreshing when the real deal comes along. You my friend are "The Real Deal".Very few ever achieve what you do through your writing. Thanks again for sharing this with all of us..... Terry

Great story from A to Z.

TTT. In case you missed it.

Did miss it, thanks for bringing it up. Epic story thanks for writing it. Sitting here watching my 2 yr old put her fishing waders on to go fishing, too bad the water will be frozen till may and ther is 2 ft of snow on the ground. Maybe I should look into a bow for her now just so she has it. Either way great story, time to go blow a few bugles and make the neighbors even more suspicious.

Josh, I know I'm late but it was well worth the wait. Specialy since I just read right thruogh it no waiting. It was outstanding, I was so glad you left the bull, there should always be the majic and secrets of a mamoth bull and the mountain to draw us back. Can't wait fot thier next adventure.

To the top for anyone who missed this, and for all those people who cannot wait for elk season!

I enjoyed the story can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you for your time, efforts and talents. It was an enjoyable read.  I don't know how I missed this before, but I got the benefit of reading it straight through while recovering from the flu.  Just what the doctor ordered.      

I think I even shed a tear. Great !

SO EXCELLENT!!