But, I did have a pretty nice hike under the auspices of turkey hunting this morning.  There is a canyon not far from the house where I have seen turkeys before, but had not been this spring. Some deer were there, a few antelope, and even a couple of elk on the high ridges, but not a turkey to be found. Spring is now official, however, because I saw the first 'shooting star' flowers of the year.


Clear Creek is up, but not at full runoff just yet; there is still a lot of snow in the mountains.

Some more spring flowers are poking their heads up; summer can't be too far off..

This old ponderosa has seen better days..


So, the morning wasn't a waste, even though no turkeys wanted to play. If we judge success only by the meat we bring home, we are missing a good part of what traditional bowhunting is all about.

Stunning pictures. I need to get out west soon...

Good luck on your future thunder chicken excursions...

Pat, those pictures are awesome!!  I cant wait to be out there in September and see that area first hand!!  

Great pics! Is that a mark baker Selfbow?

Yes, that's a Baker bow. I did the skins from a couple of unfortunate Arizona rattlers.

Wow, great pics of some beautiful country!

A bad day hunting is always better than a good day working!!  

In the same boat my friend; all around me but they just dont wanna cooperate. But Like Lowell said "A bad day hunting is always better than a good day working!"
Just lloking at your pics you can tell it was a good day.

Welcome to the club. My buddy and i were out all weekend and diddent hear a single thing. Just to many mushroom hunters to deal with on public land. I hope it gets better for both of us this weekend.

Great pics.. Thanks

Beautiful country...thanks for sharing the pix and hope the turkeys start cooperating.