On Monday we called in a really nice bull. He took his time coming up the ridge but we watched him the whole time. He finally made it to me and stopped in the wide open. Broadside he stood there looking at me. I thought the game was over so I decided to take a shot. My arrow looked really good spinning toward the bull only to fall short right before it got to him. I didn't realize how far he was he had looked much closer.  Steve told me later that he thought the bull would have probably made pope and young. That made the miss hurt just a little bit more but at least it was a clean one.

Now I just had a couple days left before it was time to go. So the next morning we hunted a ridge we had been hearing a bull on. It wasn't long before we had him coming. At thirty yards I watched him completely tear apart a tree that was an 1 1/2 thick. He screamed several times and pawed the ground. He put on a real show and had me shaking harder than I have in a long time. Next thing I new he turned and headed to me. The bull was behind some small bushes but broadside at less that 20 yards when I thought he clear I came to anchor.

Now this is where I am supposed to show you all a big bull on the ground and I would love to. But a branch that I never seen will keep me from doing that. I was heartbroken as I watched the arrow sail down under the Bulls feet. I have to admit I had a place all ready picked out for him on the wall. That was one of my mistakes something I shouldn't have done. With the week all most over I end up seeing 12 bulls and 4 cows. I didn't get an elk but it was a success in my book anyhow. I survived the high altitude and the bear.  He came in to camp one night and  tried to run off with a cooler. I seen some big beautiful country and had a great time. Thanks for letting me tell my tale for it was an adventure for this eastern boy.

Thanks for sharing your trip!

Beautiful pictures of your wonderful time.  Good for you!
By the way, Ohio is not east, we are Midwesterners.  That means west of those who really are easterners except we don't have mountains.    

Just being up in the mountains is worth it....

,,Sam,,

Yes Sam, but after four trips, it would a nice ending to come home with some backstraps; rack or no rack.

QuoteOriginally posted by SAM E. STEPHENS:
Just being up in the mountains is worth it....

,,Sam,, [/QUOTE


It is I agree 100%. It was a trip I will remember for a very long time. Hopefully I will get to redeem myself some day.