More Colorado Elk hunting....

[jhg]

I walked my butt kicked self up the long slope out to camp, getting in at about 8:30.

As it turned out though, this would not be the end of my chess match with the old gladiator. I would meet Traveler again, and then again. But never was my chance as good as it was that first day in the big meadow. When the temps went down over the next couple days and the snow started falling, a lot had changed in elk behavior and where they were hiding thenselves.
You can walk all you want and cover many miles- sometimes the elk just are not there. Until you find them again, if you can, the hunt is really a game of attrition. How much can you give out physically to find them in country that is so often "up" and the timber such downfall snarls that you begin to wonder if you could even get an animal out of there anyway.

[jhg]

I had at least six chances at herd bulls this year, and three of them once in a lifetime animals. Red Antler, the massive Ghost Bull and Traveler were all animals that got your heart into redline.
I saw some amazing things, and even had to fend off a bull moose that stalked me into some black timber. At 10 yrds he still wouldn't take no for an answer, until I chucked a forearm sized stick of wood into his snoot.
I saw bear tracks, two pine martins, a fox family, bunches of mule deer and heard a lot of bugles. I am thankful to be able to walk this earth and climb the high peaks of the back country. I am fortunate to have something to love that is so vast it always seems to be able to absorb whatever cares I have, dust them clean and fill ny batteries again for what ever may come.
I urge you to protect our wild places by being a steward of the lands you hunt. Pass on to the next hunter a clean, untouched hallowed ground.

[Tater]

Joshua,
  Great story, thanks for sharing your adventures. Next time I will for sure knock on your door.

   Pat

[wooddamon1]

Great writing!

[glass76]

Thanks for the excellent story!

[Whip]

Excellent!  I was really pulling for you to get the bull, but it is plain to see that you got what you really went after, and that was an experience that you will never forget.  Great job on helping everyone here feel what you felt and experience life as an elkhunter.

[jhg]

I plan on hunting second rifle with my bow, so its not over yet!

[Ragin Bull]

Great story and good luck bow hunting during the rifle season

[Duckbutt]

What a great read.  Thanks for taking the time to REALLy take us elk hunting.

[chinook907]

Great writing.  It's clear that you really enjoy what you're doing.  Thanks for taking us along.

And yes I know I don't have to tell you this but stay with it !