I just pulled up stakes on archery elk camp after hunting three windows throughout September. I lost. The elk won. I finally said “uncle” midday yesterday as temperatures soared and the tired bulls disappeared into dark timber.
It was a great hunt. I explored tons of new country. My son and I were able to spend several quality days chasing elk and I also tried my hardest to get a kill for TV. In fact, I logged enough foot miles to walk from my house nearly to the Idaho border.
Even so it wasn’t enough. I came close a couple times and probably shouldn’t have walked away from some of the younger bulls I encountered early in the hunt, but that’s hunting. My best opportunity came last Thursday evening as I was sneaking along a meadow and peered through a small neck of timber into the next small meadow. A big 6x6 was feeding in the next meadow along with several bedded cows. The wind was right. It had just rained so the stalking conditions were perfect and I had plenty of cover to get in close for an archery shot. I was off.
When I reached the likely spot to sneak out for a shot, I got down on my hands and knees to crawl out of the cover. When I peeked out I was astounded. The elk were nowhere to be found. I looked and looked, but couldn’t understand why they would have left. Suddenly I saw the reason. Another hunter was strolling up the small meadow from the other direction oblivious to the fact there were elk in the vicinity.
I was bummed, but knew all too well that I shared the public land with other hunters. In fact, I shared the same area with several friends and have to congratulate my good friend Gale Smith on his bowkill. Smith and I scouted all summer together and a week ago he tagged a great 6x6 that grosses 340 points.
I’m off for deer, but have one more opportunity for elk in Colorado in mid-October. I’ll keep you posted and good hunting!
Quit whining Kayser. This is so easy.