Nate, It sure was a great month.  But if I'm being totally honest a month might be a little too much of a good thing, even for someone as crazy about hunting in the west as I am.  I had never been gone for that long before, and I think in the future would plan separate trips rather than having them run together like I did this year.  I still is nice to be home once in awhile!

Here are a few more images from my trip.

Dick sure found a great final resting spot.

 

When my time comes, this is the spot that I have left GPS coordinates for in my final wishes.  My hope is that someday my ashes will become part of the soil and nourish a bush that an elk might nibble on....

 

 

 

 

Thanks again for sharin' your hunt with us!

It was a *good* one!

Shoot straight, Shinken

Joe,

What an awesome story you tell. Great buck and cow. Congrats. I hope to buy a tent off ya this year.

Why to go Joe you kick some butt.bd

A modern day gold rush....









And the sun sets on another September in the Rockies....


Thanks for coming along.....

That last picture is just wonderful!

Wallcrawler, Not sure if I would be a help or a hinderance - she might not like to hear from anyone who would leave home for a month!!

For me personally though, I know for a fact that my passion for hunting has made me a better person.  In my younger days I spent time in bars, and hunting made me give that up.  I quit smoking cigarettes to save money for hunting and to be able to breathe in the mountains.  Although I could certainly do more, I work fairly hard at getting in shape by riding bicycle and hiking in preparation for my annual trips.  I still carry more weight than my body needs, but it is certainly less than it would be without hunting.  

Treat her well, and devote extra time to her needs the rest of the year.  I don't get away with hunting as much as I do by arguing with my wife, but by her understanding of how much it means to me and how deeply it stirs my soul.

Outstanding stories and pics Joe!

Congrats for all your success.

Very well said in your last post. If they don't understand what it means to us, and we don't take extra time for them during the off- season, all the arguing in the world won't do a bit of good.

Joe,  What a great month!  Two super shots & pictures made me feel like I was right by your side.  Congrats...Jeff

Joe....excellent story and excellent pics....thanks for sharing and congratulations on two fine animals.  

Congrats Joe! Fine deer and elk to boot. Nothing like a month of hunting to soothe one's soul. Great story and pics. Sure does feel good to get home after long strtch in the bush.

looks like your having too much fun there Joe
congrats buddy

Congrats!  Sounds like a great and rewarding month.

Great story and pictures Joe! I might just save  a little more money for hunts by canceling TBM and just read about your adventures!  

Joe, again I must say great story telling and the pics are breath taking. Now I can have a picture for my minds eye when I dream of Elk hunting out west!! Thanks for sharing.

Joe CONGRATS, this was an excellent thread to read. It sounds like you had a great time with some beautiful animals and pics to prove it! Well done my friend, well done!

... on a side note, its almost rabbit season!!!!!!!!    

Wonderful job Joe!

Great shooting with the bow and the camera as usual.

Chris

Well done Joe... but I've some questions mate.

1) That knife looks blunt that you tried to cut the back straps with... better send it down under for sharpening!

2) Where are all the mountains mate! Someone has gone and rolled 'em all flat! Wish I had hills like that in northern CO!

Other then those two points mate, well done on a fine adventure and thanks for taking the time in posting the pics. I'm just am in love with the American west.

As I said to the MO Sherpa, a man is allowed 3 good dogs, 2 good knives and one fine woman in his life.


ak.

Thanks Al.  It was great to read about your adventure as well.  Wish we could have gotten together while you were here but our timing was just a little off.

That's a Tippit blade on my plate and it cuts just fine, thank you      :D  

The mountains of New Mexico are certainly a little easier on the bones than what you tackled on your trip.  I absolutely love the picture of you on top of the 12,000 foot peak. Beautiful!

Take care mate, and come back soon!

Congratulations Joe! What a fantastic trip, two trophies in one big adventure!