There's a million elk hunting stories on the net....

[Mike Bolin]

Really enjoying this Brian. Keep it coming! Mike

[Strutter]

Great story so far and the food looks great as well.

Rob

[BrianfromTulsa]

Now I'm disgusted and make my way back to the truck.  Just before dark, Tim and Steve made their way out as well.  I'm the only one who saw elk but Steve told of seeing not one but eight moose including a 30 yard encounter with a big bull.  Not what we're after but exciting just the same.  We agree to hunt about a half mile down the road the next day and hit it bright and early.

This is the last day so we agree to be back around lunch time.  Steve and I go left and Tim goes right.  We don't see any elk but we do encounter some more moose which have obviously taken over this basin.



When we got back to the truck, Tim is already there and visibly shaken.  As he relays his story, we can't help but laugh as he explains that if you encounter a bull moose at 15 yards, don't take his picture.  I wish I had a copy of his photo because it is sure a good one!  After that, we break down our camp and began the 13 hour drive home.

This is the spot where I should be posting my hero picture........ but it was not to be.  I do consider this trip a success because we were able to see bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, elk and several moose.  Had we been moose hunting, I truly believe we would have all been successful.  

I did manage to get within 75 yards of at least 4 elk which is a mini victory for me and one that has me hooked.  We'll be back next year and I'll try and make the story a little shorter.

Thanks for reading and all the help.  Congrats to everyone who was successful this year, I have a new respect for just what that must take.  Deer season opens here on Thursday so I'm stoked about that.  

[fatman]

thanks for sharing, Brian....hope next year's story has a different ending.  But still sounds like a great trip!

 

[Shaun]

Great stuff! That picture of the cooked trout and grouse sent me to the kitchen for a sandwich after I realized I was salivating and had not had supper yet.

[BrianfromTulsa]

Some things I learned that will help newbies:

Get off your butt and go-  I spent $250 for a cow tag and my share of the gas was $140. $30 for my share of the motel room. You're gonna eat anyway so what you spend on food is a wash.  Start planning now and stocking up on supplies.  Use what you have, borrow the rest.  I really can't believe I waited this long.

Be prepaired for rain and snow

Bring Chapstick

Don't base your success on killing an elk... never mind, I'm on Tradgang.

Looking back, we had a solid plan but the snow put a damper on it.  There were elk in our first location, we were just a week late.  

I believe this about sums it up.  gotta go back to work tomorrow.  good night all.

Brian

[Day Dreamer]

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing. I wiil save this to my files.

[manny718]

Thanks for the story.

[Whip]

Originally posted by BrianfromTulsa:
Some things I learned that will help newbies:

Get off your butt and go-  

That is some very good advice right there.  It won't get easier when you get older.  It can still be done, but I've never met a dedicated elk hunter who doesn't wish they had started sooner.....

[Over&Under]

Elk hunting is an adventure and not always about taking meat home!  Thanks for sharing your hunt with us.

No meat for me this season either but learned alot as you did and will be ready for them come next season!

[bloodyarrow]

 Very good Brian enjoyed evey step you made

[jcar315]

Thanks for sharing your story and pics. Great advice too!!!

[KentuckyTJ]

Awesome stuff Brian. Two trad friends and I had a very similar Colorado Elk hunt experience last September. It's a magical place for us easterners no doubt.

Good luck next time.

[GANGGREEN]

I'm seriously considering doing my first western hunt next year on a DIY southcentral Wyoming foray.  I've really enjoyed your photo essay.  Bravo.

[wapiti792]

Brian thanks for taking us on your trip man. I did the same thing 10 years ago and have only missed 2 years since. It is addictive! You are now a new convert! Congrats on a great hunt. Whitetail hunting will seem like a breeze now. Don't be suprised though if you don't start stalking some of those whitetails... (:

[rice]

Thanks Brian.
As a wise man once told me, " its the journey, not the destination" .
Sounds like your "Journey" was joyful and memorable.
Thanks for taking us along!

Chris

[kadbow]

Sounds like you learned a lot, good luck next year!

[lt-m-grow]

Very cool.  Thanks for the story.

[Missouri CK]

Brian,

Wonderful story. I loved every minute of it.  Made me wish I was back in the mountains.  You did a great job and I would say that you learned a lot.  Get the elk nut cd's and go after some bulls.  Those cows are tough.

Until you go and experience a trip and come home empty handed you can't quite understand how someone can have so much fun without harvesting an animal.  Now you know.  Those "could have" moments will fill your day dreams for the next year and even though they always end the same it still takes you back.

Thanks for taking us along.  

Chris

[Talondale]

Thanks for sharing.  Good to hear a rookie's perspective.