Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2005, 12:48:00 PM
I should have access to computers over the next couple of weeks at odd times... so I'll report in as the hunt developes.
Of course pictures will have to wait till I get back sometime in the middle of June.
My lists are prepared and all I have to do is assemble the gear in one spot for packing Thursday evening.
I've been riding my bike and trying to watch what I eat, but it's too little too late for this hunt.
It'll continue to do me good for September elk though.
The plan is to cover ground by truck, bicycle and foot. I'll do some fawn distress type calling set ups. Spotting them in high open meadows and avalanche chutes is the other plan.
Figure all I need is my calls, binocs, bow and arrow as well as the clothes to keep me from freezing my simple ass.
A light "bivvy" style camp will be in the truck for overnighters on the mountain.
I'll throw up a few pictures of gear if anyone wants to see them.
Post by: Dirteater on May 31, 2005, 12:50:00 PM
Chip
Post by: Aeronut on May 31, 2005, 12:55:00 PM
Post by: JC on May 31, 2005, 01:01:00 PM
I for one would like to see pics of yer gear...and of course the camp you hunt out of when you set it up. While yer at it, how bout some of them purdy landscape shots, and, and....aww heck, can I be yer caddy?
Post by: Tom Mussatto on May 31, 2005, 01:02:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2005, 01:09:00 PM
JC... any time bud!! I don't know about badgers anymore. I'll have to check out the regs. They used to be classed as vermin, but that could have changed. I've shot a bunch of them and they are a beautiful animal.
I'll put up some pics later this evening.
Post by: RayMO on May 31, 2005, 01:17:00 PM
Post by: Tom Mussatto on May 31, 2005, 01:35:00 PM
Kinda' what I was thinking Charlie but I wasn't gonna come right out and say it. The older I get the more time I have to climb and the less wind and legs I have to get me there. Mother Nature has a cruel sense of humor, yes? Good thing the older one gets the more they appreciate those flowers. :)
Post by: Chad Edgar on May 31, 2005, 01:38:00 PM
"Charlie....Charlie...Charlie"
Lookin forward to those pics!
Post by: Roughcountry on May 31, 2005, 02:12:00 PM
Wishing you luck on the hunt.
Post by: Ray Hammond on May 31, 2005, 02:38:00 PM
Counting on seeing those photos first hand at the Smith in September.
Already practicing out of my double bull to be ready - chompin' at the bit!
Post by: StanM on May 31, 2005, 03:06:00 PM
Stan
Post by: Tique on May 31, 2005, 03:15:00 PM
Post by: Mohillbilly on May 31, 2005, 03:59:00 PM
Bret
Post by: herb haines on May 31, 2005, 06:10:00 PM
Post by: SuperKodiak38 on May 31, 2005, 08:06:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2005, 10:03:00 PM
Couldn't get to gear pics today. I need to set up my camp just to inventory and make sure everything is still in it's place. Will get a couple pics tomorrow when I do.
Robin...it's just my Bison Gear pack, bivvy tent by Slumberjack....think I'm gonna add a sil-nylon tarp this trip. Kinda overkill but nice for lounging or if the weather gets nasty. Throw in my down bag and a pad and I'm good.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2005, 10:11:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/stingscarlettscar.jpg)
Got a dozen XX75, 2216's with Magnus I's up front. I like the smaller bleeder blade these days.
Post by: Tom D on May 31, 2005, 10:39:00 PM
Are you going to be back and make it to the UBM Rendezvous? If you do we'll make some time to visit!
TomD
Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2005, 10:52:00 PM
Post by: Timo on May 31, 2005, 10:55:00 PM
Post by: Jake on May 31, 2005, 11:26:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on June 01, 2005, 03:20:00 AM
Good luck and keep em sharp.
Danny
Post by: Yohon on June 01, 2005, 06:56:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 01, 2005, 07:26:00 AM
I've got a Selway bolt on bowquiver on the bow that I really like... looks good and is quiet. I'll put a couple of "piggybackers" on so I can carry 8 arrows (plus a couple of blunts in my pocket as well)
Post by: PBNJ on June 01, 2005, 07:40:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 01, 2005, 08:06:00 AM
(http://www.ozbow.net/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=1117&sid=338dfdeb4433f851240f1fae37f83fa8)
Post by: BillW on June 01, 2005, 09:53:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 01, 2005, 11:19:00 AM
You gonna pack a bowfish rig along for the trip home? I dont thing we secured a date. Call me. CK
Post by: PBNJ on June 01, 2005, 02:50:00 PM
Post by: Mark U on June 01, 2005, 09:49:00 PM
We went bear hunting a couple days ago, up around the SW corner of Yellerstone. Saw moose, elk (one swimming around in a pond), one wolf, lots of grouse and sandhill cranes and tracks of four bears, but no bear hair seen. Took the picture on the way back. It's the Idaho view of Wyoming. I suspect there is quite a bit more snow after today.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/aerohawk1/Tetons-May2.jpg)
Post by: Mudfeather on June 02, 2005, 12:04:00 AM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on June 02, 2005, 12:11:00 AM
I see you're taking one of your "babies" out for the hunt. Those sure are nice bows, very comfortable from what I remember at your place.
Post by: Warren H. Womack on June 02, 2005, 01:01:00 AM
I look forward to the pictures and stories. Be careful and have fun.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 02, 2005, 06:48:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 02, 2005, 01:01:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/BisonPackFirstwideshotR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 02, 2005, 01:07:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/BisonPackcloseupR.jpg)
Post by: JC on June 02, 2005, 02:51:00 PM
But I'll be danged if I could get all that into that Lost River!
Post by: swamprooter on June 02, 2005, 05:21:00 PM
Good luck on the bears and let us know the details!!!
Post by: Guru on June 02, 2005, 05:37:00 PM
Post by: Mark U on June 02, 2005, 05:41:00 PM
If you get into trouble, just send up a smoke signal for help. I'll keep an eye to the east for the next week or two, and be ready to help. Just use the standard smoke patterns.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 02, 2005, 05:44:00 PM
Post by: JC on June 03, 2005, 09:26:00 AM
Post by: Bear on June 03, 2005, 03:38:00 PM
I havent been able to see any of your new pics here or on "Duffers" for the last three days. Not even red x's, just a weird photobucket "bandwidth exceeded" icon. I'm still seeing everyone elses pics (old and new) just fine.
Was really looking forward to pics of your gear and more Duffer pics. Help!
Post by: Puma Tom on June 03, 2005, 09:25:00 PM
Hope ya got plenty of ammo - arrows.
Got any room for a stowaway with a longbow.
Guess I'll have to wait till Sept. to climb the hills for mulies.
Don't break all yer arrows in one rock.
Shoot straight... Tom
Post by: Randy Morin on June 04, 2005, 09:29:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 07, 2005, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: Guru on June 07, 2005, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on June 07, 2005, 11:10:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 11, 2005, 08:29:00 PM
Post by: Guru on June 11, 2005, 08:45:00 PM
Thanks Curtis
Post by: AZStickman on June 11, 2005, 08:52:00 PM
Post by: StanM on June 11, 2005, 09:14:00 PM
Stan
Post by: Randy Morin on June 12, 2005, 09:20:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 21, 2005, 09:55:00 PM
I'll just say that it was a great trip from start to finish.
It was a little rocky in the beginning because of storms that I ran into as I approached the mountains.
The passes over the top behind Denver required chains and not only did I not have any, I didn't want to go anywhere they were needed!
I swung north up I-25 too Cheyenne thinking I'd cut across I-80, but found the highway closed there due to blowing and drifting snow and icy roads.
I could sit there and wait it out or I could keep the truck rolling. With daylight to burn and time on my hands I headed further north.
I ended up coming down from the north to my destination in the western mountains of Wyoming.
I don't mean to be a tease, but it will take a couple of days to collect my thoughts, catch up on some sleep and put up pictures.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on June 21, 2005, 10:03:00 PM
Post by: cjones on June 22, 2005, 02:01:00 AM
Post by: Guru on June 22, 2005, 05:39:00 AM
REMEMBER....TAKE....YOUR.....TIME............ ;)
Post by: Chad Edgar on June 22, 2005, 07:26:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 22, 2005, 07:33:00 AM
Post by: herb haines on June 22, 2005, 07:36:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on June 22, 2005, 07:37:00 AM
Mo.
Post by: JC on June 22, 2005, 08:18:00 AM
Picture big ol Charlie saying "I don't mean to be a tease..." Anyone else find that as funny as I did?
!["[laffsmyl]"]("graemlins/laffsmyl.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:46:00 AM
The cool thing about Wyoming (and most of the western states)is the constantly changing scenes.
A long drive is never boring.
On the way north I passed Red Canyon... as strikingly beautiful as it gets.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/RedCanyonR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:50:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/TradGanginRearveiwR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 09:05:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/SmelltheflowersR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 10:27:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/DesertSceneR.jpg)
With each passing scene, I found myself drifting back to something that has been missing from my soul.
I'm starting to make the transformation from back yard target shooter to hunting archer.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 10:41:00 AM
When I asked him what that was about, he replied that it reminded him that some of a hunters greatest gifts are the little things and it made him slow down and observe... like these little blue gems I found.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/blueflowersr.jpg)
Post by: JC on June 22, 2005, 11:04:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on June 22, 2005, 12:36:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 22, 2005, 01:06:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 07:57:00 PM
One of the very unusual (to some) things about the area I hunt is how high in the mountains the antelope get. I've seen them up in the timber lots of times. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeonhill.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:00:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/grouse2.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:04:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/beartrack2r.jpg)
I found this track of a very nice bear along an old logging road. The mud in the track was dry, but appeared to have been made since the last rain which had been the day before.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:13:00 PM
I set my camp high up in the timber near a favorite spot. Since I got the camp set up late I just made an evening of it with plans to start the calling adventure the next day.
The storms I'd encountered on the trip out weren't done with me yet. As a matter of fact, the entire first week was one of sudden rain, often turning to snow. Temperatures were in the low thirties at night, warming to 45 degrees at mid day.
Groovy!!! (that means it sucked big time!)
The first morning in camp I awoke to 4 inches of the white stuff on everything and there was a lot more on the ground "up the mountain".
I decided that from that point on I would lean on alternative camping strategies.... motels.
The mountains were taking a toll on this old fat man and I didn't feel a need to fight the mountains at night when I should be resting.
Post by: Mudfeather on June 22, 2005, 08:14:00 PM
Glad you are home! I hope we can hunt together again sometime!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 22, 2005, 08:30:00 PM
Post by: herb haines on June 22, 2005, 08:53:00 PM
i know personally about fat boys and you aren't LOL . now this fat boy would be sucking for wind .sure makes me feel fine to see you having fun ------- herb
Post by: AZStickman on June 22, 2005, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Guru on June 22, 2005, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on June 22, 2005, 10:41:00 PM
This has the look of a great story.
I love the pictures. I can tell you enjoyed being back in familiar territory.
I think you were the one that told me about Fred Bears' hat always having a little bit of "curiosity" tuck into the band.
Taking the time to slow down and notice the small stuff can really make a trip special. While hunting may not always produce game it will always give us reminders of how unique wild places are if we take the time to notice.
Christopher
Post by: RayMO on June 23, 2005, 07:54:00 AM
I had to laugh when Charlie started talking about "fat boy". I can see us; you, me and Herb all in our farmer bibs. What a site :scared: .
Let me get this straight Charlie, you were by yourself and inviting them bears to come on in to your call. Hmmm...Boy that does sound exciting. Why didn't I think of that. :D
Mo.
Post by: Barney on June 23, 2005, 09:11:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 23, 2005, 09:19:00 AM
Ray... I never feel alone when I've got my bow in hand. ;)
Barney... I was all over the western part of the state. Based in Pinedale.
Post by: slow walker on June 23, 2005, 12:45:00 PM
I just now read your post....very nice. I used to live in Sheridan and hunted quite a bit in the Bighorns. Actually saw a pair of Wolverines when no one but a few game wardens thought there were any in the Bighorns. Also saw a Mt. Lion and the track of a VERY large grizzley in melting snow and believe it or not water was still trickling into the paw print. I'm not ashamed to say that I immediately went the other way very quietly and quickly. That happened in the Pilot Peak, Index Peak area just outside the the boundary of Yellowstone. They used to live trap troublesome grizzleys in the park and helicopter them outside the park boundary and let'm go. Don't mind tellin you when I saw that track the hair flat stood on end on my neck. Can't wait to hear more!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 23, 2005, 10:47:00 PM
I hit a lot of places that I knew of from long ago when I had lived and hunted in these same mountains.
Places that'd I'd had a bait at some time or another that I'd seen good bear sign in the distant past or sometimes places that just "looked" right.
I covered a lot of ground and hunted high and low... literally!
I finally decided that what I was seeing in the higher timbered areas was the product of a late spring.
Large patches of snow still lay wet and cold in the timbered areas and the shaded sides of open hillsides.
There was no green in the higher meadows and that would be a requisite to both bears and the local deer and elk herds.
Part of my plan was to haunt areas that are known calving areas for the elk. Those kinds of places always draw bears and the fawn distress call I had in my pack should work well there.
Try as I might those first days I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Yeah, there were gray jays and I had a deer come in and some ravens gave my stand a quick once over, but that was it.
It's always possible that I got responses and just didn't see the critter.
On the third day of my stay my old hunting partner Larry Hultquist showed up.
Larry and I go way back and 25 years ago we'd run rough shod over most of the country in that part of Wyoming.
Older, gray and paunchy we still had grand plans and a twinkle in our eyes. Nothin worse than old dudes with attitudes!
Due to some physical issue, Larry is unable to shoot a bow anymore. That's a shame cause he was always a great shot.
Not to be left out of the game, he carried a wicked looking spear.
It would work to help keep a nosey bruin off my six.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/larryandspear.jpg)
Post by: slow walker on June 23, 2005, 10:57:00 PM
Come back...wanna hear from ya. Slow!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 23, 2005, 11:28:00 PM
To the north side of the area I was hunting, stood a lone mountain. It was kind of an after thought as mountains go.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/halfmoondistant.jpg)
Fairly small as mountains go, it was oriented east/west and much longer in that direction than north/south, so it was kinda long and narrow. That meant that one face of it had a great northern exposure and was heavilly timbered, cold and dark.
The deer, elk and antelope hung out in the meadows on top of it and off the south face. It would be easy access to greenery and critters if they chose.
It was also lower elevation here, so most of the snow was long gone.
We parked Larry's jeep out of sight on the west end of the mountain and worked our way east along the crest.
Every quarter mile or so we'd find a decent looking spot and call for an hour. Nothing!
Larry was starting to have some pains in his back so he opted for returning to the Jeep and driving it around to the end of the mountain.
I'd hunt my way there and meet up with him when I'd finished.
When we split up I eased off through the timber. It was mostly Aspens right along the top with sage brush in the open areas.
The occasional lodgepole pine grew off in the clear away from the main body of the forest and all around, big boulders the size of Volkswagen bugs dotted the mountainside.
I puttered along quietly until I came to what looked like a nice place to call from.
It was just over the crest of the mountain, overlooking a natural bowl.
In wetter years I'd bet that bowl would have been boggy, but now it was dry.
At some time a heavy wind had scattered trees like bowling pins and they littered the forest floor or hung precariously from their neighbors as "widow makers".
I found a position five feet uphill from a desk size boulder. Three little pines formed a perfect background for my calling stand. I put up my Torges tree seat and settled in.
The ground broke away from me and spilled rapidly into the bowl. Off to my left front was a narrow thicket which stretched away from me to who knows where. I had a good veiw up the ridge and down the ridge and hoped that nothing would come from directly behind.
I had been cautious with the placement of all my calling stands. This was, after all, grizzly country and one needs to be on his toes when it comes to the big growlies.
The calling drug on for twenty minutes and to tell you the truth, I was getting tired of the noise.
If it weren't for the racket I was making with that call, there wouldn't have been any sound at all except the sound of the wind in the trees.
I was looking across the bowl trying to make a nice black bear materialize by will alone when a flash of movement caught my eye.
I'd just barely caught it out of the corner of my eye and couldn't identify what I thought I saw.
I had the impression that whatever I'd seen was a light brown color.
My full attention was now on the open space between the boulder in front of me and the end of the aspen thicket ten yards away.
I shifted my weight slightly as I raised my bow instinctively to a defensive position.
Without warning half of the head of a mountain lion appeared from behind the boulder in front of me.
WOW! I was mesmerised!! Maybe I should have felt a little doubt or fear at that moment, but I didn't. I do remember thinking, "wow Lamb! This is too cool!"
There was little doubt that the cat knew exactly where the call had come from. He had probably watched me for a while before making the dash across that short space of open.
He'd made it without being seen (so he thought) and was checking it out for his next move.
I can't tell you if there was any real danger to that situation or not. I can tell you that I decided to let him look right into my baby blues and a big dose of "I ain't gonna just sit here if you mess with me dude" eye contact.
The feel of my bow at the ready and the hard thin string taught on my fingertips added a measure of self assurance.
Seconds ticked away. They didn't seem like hours...no, they went by entirely to fast. I got a good look at his body as he lay there.
He was well muscled, blocky and big of head. His tail appeared to be as thick as my wrist and his eyes were calm and yellow. There was absolutely no clue to his intentions in them.
I guess he finally decided that the situation wasn't everything he'd thought it might be. Without hurry or any sense of anything except a dignified retreat, he turned fluidly and in two short bounds was out of sight.
I sat there for the longest time listening and watching and quiet frankly, grinning like an idiot.
This is the stuff that makes hunting what it is. I've been hooked on it for years.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 23, 2005, 11:34:00 PM
!["[moon]"]("graemlins/sleeping.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Roughcountry on June 23, 2005, 11:53:00 PM
More than worth the wait so far, and the pics are super.
Post by: Killdeer on June 24, 2005, 05:06:00 AM
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Post by: Guru on June 24, 2005, 05:33:00 AM
Post by: Huntrdfk on June 24, 2005, 06:35:00 AM
What an awesome hunt, thanks for sharing.
David
Post by: herb haines on June 24, 2005, 06:47:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on June 24, 2005, 07:21:00 AM
"Nothin worse than old dudes with attitudes!" LOL
I was thinking that your back side would be the thing to be concerned about.
Tell us more Charlie....
Mo.
Post by: Jeff Holchin on June 24, 2005, 07:53:00 AM
Post by: Warren H. Womack on June 24, 2005, 09:35:00 AM
Thank You.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 24, 2005, 10:19:00 AM
We hunted together for two more days. Larry had prior committments and had to leave and I could use a break.
I decided to hang out in lower country for a couple of days and take it easy. I hadn't harrassed the local ground squirrels yet and would get after them.
From my first hunting day, the weather had been gray and sullen. Beautiful no doubt, but spitting snow and half hearted rain which only needed a a few hundred more feet of elevation to be snow.
That's never a good combination for groundsquirrels. They like it sunny and calm.
The weather had started to turn for the better, so I figured the little squeekers would be out thick in some of my favorite old haunts.
Well, I never did find them "thick", but I did find some. Like the bears, the squirrels were impacted by the late spring.
Armed with a couple of XX75, 2216's sporting HTM rubber blunts I waded off into some short sage where I'd seen some sqirrels previously.
I found the little beggars to be pretty edgy...as they often are this time of year.
They were heading for their holes while I was still 30 to 40 yards away.
By playing the bright morning sun to my advantage, I was soon able to close the distance on a few.
Now if you've never hunted ground squirrels, I can tell you it's a hoot. They can be pretty sharp and at times dumb as a box of rocks.
I've always done better with the dumb ones!
They're hard to hit as you can imagine. A big one will be 6-7" long and they aren't very big around. Matter of fact, I've seen Bratwurst at BBQ's that were bigger.
They can be fidgety too! That means you often don't have a lot of time to make the shot, but if you move the bow too fast they can spook and be gone in a heartbeat.
The first one I shot at was near 20 yards and standing bolt upright at the mouth of his burrow.
I slowly raised the bow into position, drawing the arrow toward anchor as it came up.
As my middle finger buried into the corner of my mouth, the arrow came into alignment with the gopher. A slight stretch with my right elbow and the arrow was away.
Like a yellow lazer beam the arrow streaked toward the squirrel and passed just to his side.
A small puff of dust marked the passing of the arrow as it skittered off into the sagebrush.
I took a few quick steps forward to narrow the distance if the squirrel reappeared. He did!
Now at closer to 15 yards I was presented with a veiw of the gophers noggin and that's all.
Coming down on this shot I put a little extra into my concentration. (like I should have done the first time)
The release was smooth and positive. The huge rubber blunt lifted the squirrel out of the hole and deposited him beside it with the arrow in him.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/abraceofgroundsquirrels.jpg)
I made a few more good shots that day and a few more than that that weren't so good.
It was easy to see that a few days of ground squirrel shooting would hone my form to a more lethal edge.
Post by: trashwood on June 24, 2005, 10:32:00 AM
rusty
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 24, 2005, 10:33:00 AM
Let me clear that up with this picture...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/groundsquirrelcarnage.jpg)
Post by: Barney on June 24, 2005, 01:26:00 PM
Post by: Guru on June 24, 2005, 06:02:00 PM
Post by: herb haines on June 24, 2005, 07:23:00 PM
Post by: Longbowwally on June 24, 2005, 10:31:00 PM
Post by: Puma Tom on June 24, 2005, 10:45:00 PM
>>>>>> Puma Tom.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 24, 2005, 11:25:00 PM
I called high and low and far as well as wide. No bears.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/beaverpond.jpg)
As a matter of fact, at one point I was calling more deer than anything else. (I made a note of that to try and fill doe tags this fall)
I tried high in the dark pine forests and low in the light and airy Aspen groves.
I used my binoculars as well as calling to no avail.
There's always things to see and do out there. Among the list of critters I saw were bald and golden eagles, weasel, moose (lots), ravens and crows and magpies and gray jays. I even spotted a badger one day... I'd found out they can only be taken in season by the possessor of a Furbearer permit.
One of my trips in to call for bear involved an area I've hunted for years for rockchucks. I loaded my ruck with stuff to keep me happy all day and set off to see what I could get into.
The calling set up was a bust except for half a dozen mule deer does that were very curious and a little upset... I figured having them around making a racket was a good thing in this situation.
I covered most of the mountain that day, stopping in a secluded glade to lunch. Cold clear water sprung from the ground there and I filled my filter bottle from it.
I wasn't seeing a thing. Once again the weather pattern was throwing me a curve. The chucks weren't up stirring around yet... they sleep a long time out there.
At the end of a long day up on the rocky mountain side, I heard a shrill whistle. I was less than 200 yards from the truck and somewhere out in the boulder field around me was a chuck telling the world I was there.
I eased out my binoculars and in just a few I had him spotted.
The odds of any kind of stalking plan working were nil. The chuck sat facing me on a large boulder 45 yards away.
I had some very heavy ramin arrows with .308 cartridges mounted for blunts. (I cut them down to 130 grains)
I had a little trouble getting the arrow out of my pack, but the chuck sat there through everything. Every once in a while he'd let out a whistle.
I took my time with the shot. The bow came up and found it's own level. I just worried about alignment and a solid hold.
When it slipped away the heavy arrow flirted a little, but corrected quickly and hurtled toward the unsuspecting rock chuck. It would be hard to hit him bad...if I hit him at all.
My heart stopped beating for that instant as the arrow raced in on the chuck... and disintegrated in a hundred tiny pieces on the boulder under the chucks feet.
He immediately dropped from sight, but almost instantly appeared on top of a neighboring boulder.
I had a second arrow ready to go.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/halfmoonfulldrawfront.jpg)
Once again the arrow arched in on the chuck with immense promise only to dash itself to bits on the granite back stop.
This time he went down for good.
Post by: Mudfeather on June 25, 2005, 12:00:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:08:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:13:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/antelopegroup.jpg)
I've had a ton of fun with these incredibly sporty critters. Sometimes it amazes me that people will go sit in a hole in the ground or pop up blind for a week hunting them, when they could be out stirring around with the goats stalking them.
It's dang tough...sure!! Just fun as all get out. I've shot a bunch of antelope and never have taken one at a waterhole. (I'm gonna fix that this fall)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:15:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:18:00 AM
Sometimes when you are hunting hard you have to try unorthodox methods to improve things.
Since the altitude and rough country were taking a toll on this old body, I figured if I turned my hat around backwards it would make me look ten years younger...ergo, feel ten years younger.
It didn't work, but was worth a try! :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:35:00 AM
I had been pretty careful about background cover and staying "unseen". After the cat thing, I became even more conscious of it.
In most cases I moved far enough into heavy cover or dark timber so I wouldn't be silouetted against whatever opening I placed at my back.
Staying in the shadows is always a good idea and a trick I learned many years ago from the North Vietnamese army.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/onstand.jpg)
After this picture was taken I tried to find situations with multiple trees for background and protection of my back.
Anyone who would attempt this method of calling should take it seriously. There is a very real element of danger and you need to be on your toes at all times.
Black bears are known to approach calling agressively and are always unpredictable, who knows what a mountain lion will do and we all know the reputation of grizzlies.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 25, 2005, 09:52:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/ctl6804/redrocksfulldraw.jpg)
Post by: Randy Morin on June 25, 2005, 10:48:00 AM
Post by: Tree Killer on June 25, 2005, 10:58:00 AM
Ron
Post by: RayMO on June 25, 2005, 01:52:00 PM
Post by: Guru on June 25, 2005, 06:28:00 PM
Post by: cjones on June 26, 2005, 12:50:00 AM
Post by: RICHARD BURDYSHAW on June 26, 2005, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 26, 2005, 09:25:00 AM
I'd met Larry near his home in Kemmerer, Wyoming and we set off to call all the way back north at as many different locations as possible.
Around noon Larry had to turn around and head back south, so I continued on.
I'm comfortable hunting alone... even this kind of hunting. It's just what I do most and says a lot about who I am I guess.
I'd learned a lot this trip. A lot about bears and calling them, and a little bit about myself.
With each stand I made as the sun dropped toward the mountains a little bit of sadness seeped into my being.
It's always like that for me. At some point in the hunt I'll be tired and sore and thinking in the back of my head that I'll be ready for the end.
In the end when I finally have to face it, I'm never ready and find myself wishing for just one more day. Sigh! Yep, just one more.
On the up side and attempting to make lemonade from a bittersweet ending... my permit is good for the fall season too!
I already had plans to be out that way anyway so maybe the bears will cooperate better in fall.
It's stacking up to be one busy fall season this year... just the way I like it.
I finished my stay visiting with old friends and promised to return soon. I'd even been provided with a set of house keys to use whenever I wanted and offered a couple of jobs. (some of my friends wanted me to stay for good and that always makes me smile.)
I managed to get away for a few more sunsets and even a few romps with the local squirrels.
The Rockchucks never did come out during a time I could get after them... it's more a July type hunt anyway.
Though I cruised the sage brush near some hay meadows and a couple of "no fail" places I knew of down on the desert, I couldn't find a Jackrabbit to shoot at.
Somebody said they thought it was the low part of the Jack's cycle and I guess that could be so. I didn't see a one while hunting and very few while riding to and from various places.
They always seemed thickest where I couldn't go.
I finally said good bye to friends and the state I love and began the long drive home.
Even in that long drive I'd poke along and savor the sights, the cool air blowing in my window and the smell of sage brush.
It all calls to me and as long as I have strength to answer that call you'll find me out there from time to time just being part of it all.
I hope everyone enjoyed this little bit of rambling as much as I enjoy the telling.
For those who complain about how long it takes me to tell these stories, remember... this is the condensed version. :D
Post by: trashwood on June 26, 2005, 09:30:00 AM
Ole geezer get ta tell stories and that is just da way it is. So all dem young whipper snappers just gotta learn to relax :)
rusty
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 26, 2005, 09:31:00 AM
Post by: AZStickman on June 26, 2005, 09:37:00 AM
Quote
It's always like that for me. At some point in the hunt I'll be tired and sore and thinking in the back of my head that I'll be ready for the end. In the end when I finally have to face it, I'm never ready and find myself wishing for just one more day. Sigh! Yep, just one more.Amen Brother....That sums it up better than I've ever seen..... Thanks for taking us along Charlie... Terry
Post by: Roughcountry on June 26, 2005, 09:37:00 AM
I've been a suker for stories with pictures ever since I was a kid.
Can't wait for the rest of the story this fall :thumbsup:
Post by: RayMO on June 26, 2005, 02:07:00 PM
Post by: Olebow on June 26, 2005, 02:30:00 PM
It takes a lot of time and effort to do that much writing and pictures. Understand, and appreciate!
Glad that you enjoy it out this side of the big devide. For some it is too big and lonesome, but you seem to handle it well, notice the little things, and like the smell of sage-pine-and aspen.
You did good. Sincerely, Olebow
Post by: Tom on June 26, 2005, 06:52:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on June 26, 2005, 07:11:00 PM
I wish I'd gotten to read it in installments. Its more like hunting, with the ups and downs of adrenaline with each passing encounter. Thanks Bud! CK
Post by: John Nail on June 26, 2005, 08:19:00 PM
Post by: herb haines on June 26, 2005, 09:15:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 26, 2005, 10:45:00 PM
Herb... that's probably sagebrush. I think it smells great (specially after a rain), but it can be a pain in the patoot to try and stalk in.
It gets a purple flower when it is flowering, hence the Zane Grey book title "Riders of the Purple Sage".
Post by: herb haines on June 27, 2005, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: JC on June 27, 2005, 09:30:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 27, 2005, 09:36:00 AM
:D
Joe...just kinda dashed this one off. I'll rewrite it in time and add it to the articles and stories section... fully fleshed! Glad you enjoyed it.
If nobody was listening, it would take the fun out of the tellin.
Post by: cjones on June 28, 2005, 12:45:00 AM
Post by: Jock on June 28, 2005, 02:18:00 AM
You have no idea just how much I've enjoyed your thread.
PURE DEAD BRILLIANT!!
Many thanks.
Post by: Carcajou on June 28, 2005, 02:31:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on June 28, 2005, 05:25:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on June 28, 2005, 08:40:00 PM
Post by: stikbow on June 28, 2005, 10:45:00 PM