Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 02:25:00 PM
I have had a British Columbia moose hunt planned for this fall, and originally had figured that would be it for fall 2008 out of State. But as some of you know, I retired from my job effective August 1st, leaving me the luxury of time like I have never had before. The only problem was that I didn't think I could pull off being gone from home for an entire month and still hope to be welcome upon my return!
As the New Mexico elk application deadline approached last April, the wheels started turning in my head, and a plan was hatched. I convinced my bride of 32 years that a perfect getaway for the two of us would be two weeks of camping in the mountains of New Mexico. The fact that elk season would be open while we were there was purely coincidental. ;)
Actually, Irene is an veteran of a number of western camping trips with me. We both really enjoy rustic mountain campsites, and with my promise that I would only hunt for a few hours a day, it was easy to sell her on the idea of combining a great camping trip with an elk hunt. When the draw results came out, and my name was marked "Successful", the stage was set.
Post by: Peachey on September 17, 2008, 02:29:00 PM
Post by: Widowbender on September 17, 2008, 02:31:00 PM
David
Post by: Can Hahaka on September 17, 2008, 02:36:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 02:40:00 PM
I live in the Midwest, and do love the beauty we enjoy here, but there is something about the west that tugs at my inner soul. From the grasslands and sage covered prairies, to the aspen and conifer mountains, and the shear ruggedness of the rocky crags of the alpine, I find myself drawn west any chance I can get.
As we rolled through the open Colorado plains, the prairies were ablaze in glory.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010817.jpg)
After a good nights rest in a motel, we headed for the New Mexico mountains to choose our home for the next 18 days. Camp was set, and we spent the next few days just enjoying the area and getting acclimated to the higher elevation.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080004.jpg)
Fortunately for me, Irene is a voracious reader, and enjoys nothing better than a good book. My only concern was making sure she had plenty of material.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080002.jpg)
We enjoy campfire cuisine, and a fire at night.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080000.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080003.jpg)
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
I hadn't even gone a quarter mile when I looked ahead and saw a bull and his group of cows sky lighted ahead of me no more than eighty yards away.
They hadn't seen me, but after getting set up and in position, my plaintive calls brought no more than curious glances over their shoulders as they filtered through the timber and disappeared. But what a great way to start the hunt!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010849.jpg)
The truck is still full of gear from the trip (we just arrived back home late last night) Chores are calling, so I'll pick this up later.
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 17, 2008, 02:54:00 PM
Post by: bohuntr on September 17, 2008, 03:00:00 PM
Post by: Shell on September 17, 2008, 03:06:00 PM
Welcome back Joe & Irene :wavey:
Post by: elkbreath on September 17, 2008, 03:22:00 PM
Post by: lilbobby on September 17, 2008, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: Leland on September 17, 2008, 08:49:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 09:02:00 PM
As daylight broke I set up in a spot that gave me good visibility and put up a Montana decoy before making a few soft calls. It wasn't long before the sound of a heavy animal breaking branches drew my attention uphill and I spotted a cow and her calf working their way down toward me.
Easing to my knees, I prepared for the shot that seemed sure to come. But a glance back behind me confirmed that she was not alone. More elk were following, and from the course they were on seemed like they might offer an even better opportunity. Best of all, I caught a glimce of antlers above one of the animals.
It was early in the hunt. I decided to wait for what looked like a good chance at a bull and pass on the cow. I eased back down to a squat to wait. But that move cost me big time. The lead cow caught the movement and her barks and sharp calls directed the rest of the herd safely around the strange moving bush.
Each sunrise carried a fresh promise of what might come with the light.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010863.jpg)
Even though I should know it's there, the decoy occasionally can make my stomach flutter when I look behing me.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010897.jpg)
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 09:17:00 PM
I'm a big guy at 6'3", and this tree was rubbed higher than I could reach.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010827.jpg)
Did anyone notice anything extra in the last picture? Look close right past the silencer on my string.
I didn't see it either until after I took the picture and walked up to grab my bow, but I couldn't have set up the picture better if I tried.
This is what lay about 20 yards beyond the rub.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010828.jpg)
What a treasure! I love shed antlers of any kind, and consider them gifts from the forest. This is probably the best I have ever found anywhere.
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 09:30:00 PM
It seemed the elk had the same idea. I was seeing elk nearly every day, but most all were within the first two hours of daylight.
The rest of our days were spent playing cards, reading books, cooking, napping, and just enjoying life in the mountains. Time didn't matter - we had plenty, and lazed away the afternoons. The mountains have a lot more to offer than just elk hunting.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010843.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010853.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010845.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080009.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyNM20080010.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010893.jpg)
Post by: ksbowman on September 17, 2008, 09:34:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on September 17, 2008, 09:39:00 PM
You are a lucky dog to have such a sweet wife who would spend the time afield with you.
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 09:40:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on September 17, 2008, 09:45:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on September 17, 2008, 09:48:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 17, 2008, 10:07:00 PM
Post by: Steve O on September 17, 2008, 10:12:00 PM
:campfire: :coffee:
Post by: BlkDog on September 17, 2008, 10:25:00 PM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 17, 2008, 10:37:00 PM
Great picks!!
Tracy
Post by: upatree on September 17, 2008, 10:55:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 11:12:00 PM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 17, 2008, 11:29:00 PM
Post by: fatman on September 17, 2008, 11:32:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: IB on September 17, 2008, 11:50:00 PM
So didga EAT well :goldtooth:
Post by: BMG on September 18, 2008, 12:23:00 AM
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 18, 2008, 12:42:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on September 18, 2008, 04:15:00 AM
Post by: Kevin Bahr on September 18, 2008, 05:37:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on September 18, 2008, 07:55:00 AM
Just waiting for more. :D
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 10:13:00 AM
Walking along too fast and running right into elk feeding in front of me. Busted.
Set up 40 yards downhill from an unsuspecting 4x4 feeding bull with the decoy 30 yards behind me. Strong morning thermals in my face. Perfect! Sudden puff of breeze on the back of my neck as the rising sun warmed the hillside. Busted!
One day I followed a small group of elk, included a bugling bull, into a nice draw with the wind in my face, closing the distance to about 100 yards and nearly ready to set up to call. All of a sudden they came crashing down past me and up the opposite hillside sounding like a freight train.
As I sat there trying to figure out what had gone on all I could come up with was that another hunter must have been coming in from the top and they winded him.
I stood to gather my gear and leave, only to look up and here was the whole group walking up the trail silently 30 yards away from me. As the lead cow and I locked eyes I'm not sure who was more surprised. Even after she turned and ran off, the bull stayed behind for a few minutes trying to figure out what all the commotion was about. Perfectly broadside. But of course with brush obscuring any possible shot.
Another day I was in good position with two cows and their calves feeding up the trail right toward me, wind blowing strongly in my face. If I could only get behind that bush two yards to my left I can end up with a less than 10 yard shot! Even as I tried to move as slow as ice melting, one of the cows caught me. Busted again.
This guy seems to be saying "They went that way!"
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010927.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010837.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010904.jpg)
Post by: Over&Under on September 18, 2008, 10:23:00 AM
Looking forward to more!!
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 10:26:00 AM
The next day brought no elk sitings at all, the fresh droppings which had seemed to be everywhere last week were few and far between. Everything I found was days old. No bugling or cow talk could be heard.
As good as things had been in this spot close to camp, it was time to try something new tommorrow.
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2008, 10:38:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on September 18, 2008, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: BMN on September 18, 2008, 11:16:00 AM
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 18, 2008, 11:18:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 18, 2008, 11:54:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 11:59:00 AM
As I lay in bed waiting for the coffee to brew Irene played the temptress - "You could just stay in bed, it sounds nasty out there"
But the hunt was winding down, and time was no longer my ally. And sometimes rain and colder temperatures are exactly what it takes to get the elk in the mood. I needed to go.
The new area I wanted to try was a few miles up the road to a long ridge that would allow me to get back a good distance from the road. I hoped to get back in where I didn't think many hunters had been. At least I hadn't seen vehicles parked anywhere near this area for at least the past week.
At least the soft rain helped make walking in a fairly quiet process, even in the dark. The wind had let up. Daybreak came grudgingly, but by the time it lightened enough to see, the rain dissapated as well. This might be good after all!
"What are all those white rocks on that ridge below me?" Those aren't rocks! Elk! A herd of 12 was buzily feeding, including a very nice 6x6 and a smaller 5x5 bull.
As I watched, the bigger bull bugled, and was answered by at least two others down below. Other bugles drifted up and down the valley and from over the top of the ridge. This was what I had been dreaming of for the past 11 1/2 months!
Using the cover of the aspen grove between us I was able to work into a position about 200 yards ahead of the feeding herd. I let out a few cow calls just to let them know it was safe to head this way.
My calling got their attention all right. One of the cows stared my way, then turned and led the big boy in the opposite direction. Within a couple of minutes the rest of the herd turned and followed.
"What did I say?" I've called in elk before, I didn't think my calling was all that atrocious. Maybe she just didn't want any more girlfriends in her clique.
I didn't end up getting close that morning, but things had certainly changed. Elk were bugling everywhere. I was on a ridge that gave me long views and altogether must have seen at least 50 different elk.
This was going to get interesting during the last couple of days of my trip!
Post by: Apex Predator on September 18, 2008, 12:32:00 PM
Post by: TimZeigler on September 18, 2008, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: MI_Bowhunter on September 18, 2008, 12:51:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:I now have a new desktop background.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010927.jpg)
Great pics and story
Post by: Killdeer on September 18, 2008, 01:21:00 PM
Wow!
Killdeer :) :wavey:
Post by: bohuntr on September 18, 2008, 01:43:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on September 18, 2008, 02:34:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
A couple of cows fed 100 yards ahead of me, but with nothing but short grass between us I just let them fed out of sight.
It wasn't long before two bulls started arguing out at the end of the ridge, bugling back and forth to each other - each warning the other to keep his distance. I ignored the threats and headed that way.
I worked my way to a spot between the two very vocal bulls. Although the one on my right sounded a little more aggressive, the wind was more in my favor for one on the left.
I had yet to see either of them, but in my mind's eye they were both heavy horned masters guarding their harems. I worked my way carefully downhill to the left.
Between the edge of the aspens that hid my approach and a sharp drop off that the bugles seemed to be coming from lay a large open meadow with scattered brush. As long as he stayed put I should be able to easily make my way across the opening and end up right on top of him.
The sun had just broken over the mountain behind me as I started across. Eighty yards from the treeline I glanced up only to see a wide racked bull starring my way from the edge of the trees. No!
I was caught flat footed with nowhere to go. As I stood and watched he turned his head and looked to his right. Maybe he hadn't seen me after all!
When he raised his head and let loose with an long drawn out scream, I knew I was safe for now. I think he had come to the edge of the timber just to check and make sure the other bull wasn't coming his way. The sunlight must have been blinded him, and he never saw me.
I eased down behind a bush as the bull stepped into the open and started to feed. While he was occupied I took the time to clip my decoy to a bush and crawled forward 20 yards to another batch of cover. So far, so good!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010914.jpg)
The bull fed somewhat in my direction, and I decided to just do nothing and see what might happen. After yesterday's results with my calling efforts I wasn't all that confident of making a sound.
He got within probably fifty yards before turning and facing away from me as he continued to fed. Should I move forward to the next batch of cover?
No, let's see what he does. If he goes any further I'll try a soft call to get his attention and hope he sees the decoy. He cooperated and turned back towards me for awhile.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010920.jpg)
Once again, he decided he liked the taste of something behind him, and turned away. This time I will make the move forward to the next group of brush.
I was halfway there when I looked to my right to see a spike bull prancing away across the meadow. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just like that, the magic of the moment was over. The bull had melted back into the timber and I didn't see him again.
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 18, 2008, 03:09:00 PM
Post by: Longbow rookie on September 18, 2008, 03:53:00 PM
Post by: cvarcher on September 18, 2008, 04:13:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 04:28:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
)
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on September 18, 2008, 05:13:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 05:14:00 PM
Given that we were going to leave early, I decided to hunt Saturday evening as well. I hadn't been hunting much in the evenings other than a couple of walks behind camp just to listen.
I had been having good luck in the new location, so went back to see what might be moving before sundown. I was somewhat disappointed to see nothing at all. No animals. No bugling. Nothing. It was great to be there none the less, as I had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. The sunset was spectacular, and I was just enjoying my good fortune to even be in this wonderful place. I couldn't have been happier or felt more fulfilled.
Finally, 15 minutes before shooting light completely disappeared, I heard a bugle back on the point of the close encounter with the bull that morning. It would take a little time to get there, but I went as quickly as I could. I bumped into a spike and a cow as I got into position, but the bull continued talking.
Darkness had other plans that couldn't wait, and I snuck back out listening as the bull continued to insult me.
Tomorrow morning would be the end of a great trip. I always read stories about people who fill up at the last minute, but that has never seemed to be the case for me.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010931.jpg)
Post by: BMN on September 18, 2008, 05:27:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 18, 2008, 05:29:00 PM
It sure is great to share a hunt with a wife that enjoys being there , I too am blessed in that way.
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 05:55:00 PM
Eight elk promptly went trotting across the hillside below me, including one very nice looking bull. They hadn't made a sound to alert me to their presence, and I had probably just blown the best opportunity I would have that morning.
Easing further along the ridge I heard a bugle quite a distance to my right. But what the heck, it's the last day, and I had probably already ruined where I really had hoped to hunt. Off I went.
The brighter the day became, the more the bull seemed to bugle. The only problem was that each lusty screem seemed to be further and further away. I don't care how hard I try, I just can't keep up with an elk on the move, and it soon became apparent that I wasn't going to catch this guy.
A flicker of movement on the hillside above me caught my attention. Elk! A lone cow was feeding, and best of all was pointed in my direction.
The next move was hers, and she graciously fed behind a large pine. That gave me the opportunity to move to a better spot and hunker down behind a bush. I had good cover, yet could still see well to the front and both sides.
The cow continued feeding my way, and as she got nearer stopped feeding entirely and just walked down hill toward me. It was obviously time for her bed, and she moved quickly toward the cover of the timber. This could work!
She took the main trail from left to right in front of me and passed at 10 yards. I drew partially, but the shot wasn't right, and she was quickly through the opening.
On the other side of a tree she turned down hill again. As she entered another shooting lane at fifteen yards I quickly hit anchor and my arrow magically appeared on her side.
She crashed off below me, I gave a quick cow call and she stopped just behind another tree. After a short pause, she stumbled and fell, regained her feet, then stumbled again before going down for good.
I don't care how many times I see it, the power and effectiveness of a well placed broadhead never ceases to amaze me.
I said a prayer of thanks for the last minute success, and headed down the hill.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010948.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010955.jpg)
The Grizzly 190 had done one heck of a job. For whatever reason, it hadn't passed completely through, but instead lodged just under the skin on the far side. This is the shoulder opposite of the one I shot.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010956.jpg)
Post by: Over&Under on September 18, 2008, 06:23:00 PM
Great shooting, great patience, Hats off to you!!!
Congrats!!!!
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2008, 06:29:00 PM
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on September 18, 2008, 06:38:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on September 18, 2008, 06:44:00 PM
Post by: Irish on September 18, 2008, 06:48:00 PM
Post by: BlkDog on September 18, 2008, 06:55:00 PM
Post by: pine nut on September 18, 2008, 07:03:00 PM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 18, 2008, 08:22:00 PM
Great story :goldtooth:
Tracy
Post by: Shaun on September 18, 2008, 08:31:00 PM
Post by: marshall brown on September 18, 2008, 08:39:00 PM
Post by: lilbobby on September 18, 2008, 08:57:00 PM
Post by: meathead on September 18, 2008, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on September 18, 2008, 09:11:00 PM
Congratulations on a trip for the books.
Killdeer :wavey:
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 18, 2008, 09:27:00 PM
Great story and pics! Congrats on the fine elk :thumbsup: :clapper:
Post by: 4runr on September 18, 2008, 09:40:00 PM
Post by: Steve O on September 18, 2008, 09:55:00 PM
You did GOOD! Unless I draw a mega tag, I am going for cows...yummmmmmmmmmmmmy :goldtooth:
Good luck in BC; we'll catch up good in January.
Post by: fatman on September 18, 2008, 10:16:00 PM
Post by: knobby on September 18, 2008, 10:20:00 PM
Post by: ksbowman on September 18, 2008, 10:24:00 PM
Post by: steadman on September 18, 2008, 10:51:00 PM
Post by: Kevin Evans on September 18, 2008, 10:52:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 18, 2008, 11:24:00 PM
Julian and I had talked and emailed back and forth prior to the trip, but had never met. Julian recognized my truck and Wisconsin plates and flagged us down as we were driving past.
What a pleasure it was to meet Trad Gang brothers and share stories. I only wish we could have had more time.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/NM%20Elk%202008/CopyP1010960.jpg)
Thank you to everyone for all of the kind comments and support. Believe me, I do know and appreciate how fortunate I am to have taken a trip like this, and I really enjoy sharing it all with you.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 18, 2008, 11:27:00 PM
Post by: Bill Kissner on September 18, 2008, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on September 18, 2008, 11:36:00 PM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 18, 2008, 11:38:00 PM
You done good, real good!
Your recounting of the hunt is an instant classic. Thanks for taking the time to tell it and letting us relive it with you.
Post by: kojac on September 18, 2008, 11:59:00 PM
Good Job and I hope the rest of your season goes as well also!!
Post by: Alex.B on September 19, 2008, 12:33:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Walt Francis:Walt says it all right there. thanks Joe, congratulations on you success
Joe,
You done good, real good!
Your recounting of the hunt is an instant classic. Thanks for taking the time to tell it and letting us relive it with you.
Alex
Post by: Tique on September 19, 2008, 12:41:00 AM
Post by: j yenney on September 19, 2008, 02:02:00 AM
Post by: Hot Hap on September 19, 2008, 04:33:00 AM
Post by: Kevin Bahr on September 19, 2008, 04:37:00 AM
Hope to see you this fall somewhere but definitely at WTA.
Shhhh...I think I hear tenderloins sizzling...
Post by: Guru on September 19, 2008, 05:30:00 AM
Certainly an instant TG classic :thumbsup:
You're livin' the life brother!!
Can't wait to meet you in TX :campfire:
Post by: Firstarrow on September 19, 2008, 06:08:00 AM
I could smell the canvas, Imagine the fires, feel the thermals, I cringed at the barks, had to laugh with you at spike encounter (having been there), and rejoiced at the making of meat!!!
Thanks for taking us along!
Post by: Jim Jackson on September 19, 2008, 08:04:00 AM
Post by: Tom Phillips on September 19, 2008, 08:30:00 AM
Congrads again on the successful hunt.Having a wife to share it all makes it very special !! Say Hello to Irene for myself & Paula.
Post by: Jack Denbow on September 19, 2008, 08:39:00 AM
Post by: ChristopherO on September 19, 2008, 09:35:00 AM
Post by: T. Downing on September 19, 2008, 09:55:00 AM
Post by: Nakohe on September 19, 2008, 10:29:00 AM
Congrats on a great hunt and a wonderful story. I enjoyed every minuet. The Pics were outstanding also. Thank you so much for sharing. One of my dream hunts is Elk, but because of health reasons will never get to hunt the high country.
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on September 19, 2008, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: PICKNGRIN on September 19, 2008, 10:42:00 AM
Post by: Apex Predator on September 19, 2008, 10:49:00 AM
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 19, 2008, 11:29:00 AM
Post by: robtattoo on September 19, 2008, 12:52:00 PM
Post by: Bear on September 19, 2008, 01:02:00 PM
Post by: sabas silva on September 19, 2008, 01:58:00 PM
Post by: Bill Turner on September 19, 2008, 02:32:00 PM
Post by: rastaman on September 19, 2008, 03:23:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 19, 2008, 04:00:00 PM
If you haven't done an out of State adventure, but have always thought that someday you want to, DO IT!
DO IT NOW!
At 53, I know that I'm lucky to be able to be doing this kind of stuff. Sadly, I know many people my age or older that probably never will. It doesn't get any easier as we get older, so the sooner you can start, the better off you will be.
On the bright side, just down the road from us was a camp of older fellows, including one gentleman that was 70 years old. And he was hitting the hills and getting back in there. So it can be done.
Hunting trips like these don't have to be extremely expensive. For this trip I had two major expenses. The cost of the tag (About $550)
and the cost of fuel. (approx. $800) Sharing a trip with a partner or two would sure sut down the fuel bill. Other than a night in cheap motels on either end of the trip we didn't have any major expenses that we wouldn't have had if we stayed home.
A great trip can be had for $1,000 - 1,500 total cost. Elk, mule deer, whitetail, antelope, bear, hogs, javelina. Squirrel away what you can, and little by little the hunt fund will grow.
If you keep saying to yourself, "Someday...."
Someday might never come.
Set a realistic target. 2009. 2010. Start saving. Do the research. Send emails. Make phone calls.
Dream!!!!!!!
And then make it happen!!!!
Post by: Bill Kissner on September 19, 2008, 04:59:00 PM
Post by: Wednesday Caste on September 19, 2008, 05:28:00 PM
Post by: Ray Hammond on September 19, 2008, 05:29:00 PM
Great shooting, and congrats on all the fine eating...I'm jealous!!!
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on September 19, 2008, 05:35:00 PM
Post by: yellow bow on September 19, 2008, 06:55:00 PM
Post by: Alex.B on September 19, 2008, 07:46:00 PM
Alex
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 19, 2008, 09:22:00 PM
Congrats
Post by: Al Kidner on September 20, 2008, 08:19:00 AM
That looks like some fine country to walk in and I like you camp as well mate. Any animal with a bow is Trophy, bull or no bull. But I guess you already know that line.
I lost one of my closest friends at 53. He too said some things alond the same lines as you in regards "Just doing it".
See you when I see you getting off the plane with JC in toe.
Regards,
AK.
Post by: Firstarrow on September 20, 2008, 09:39:00 AM
I could smell the canvas, Imagine the fires, feel the thermals, I cringed at the barks, had to laugh with you at spike encounter (having been there), and rejoiced at the making of meat!!!
Thanks for taking us along!
Post by: Firstarrow on September 20, 2008, 09:47:00 AM
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on September 20, 2008, 10:02:00 AM
bhfp
Post by: Ringneck on September 20, 2008, 11:16:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 20, 2008, 07:43:00 PM
Looking forward to you writing up your moose hunt.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 20, 2008, 07:54:00 PM
:wavey:
Post by: VTer on September 21, 2008, 07:26:00 AM
Post by: mmgrode on September 21, 2008, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: doctari on September 21, 2008, 12:34:00 PM
Post by: RRock on September 21, 2008, 02:27:00 PM
Post by: PV on September 23, 2008, 04:34:00 PM
Got in from 2 weeks in the CO wilderness this morning.Thanks for taking us along! Fine story telling. Reading it all at once (priceless)
My best to you and Irene.
Post by: Oliverstacy on September 23, 2008, 05:55:00 PM
Thanks a bunch...read the whole thing, what a great read.
Josh
Post by: Bone lake on September 23, 2008, 06:19:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 24, 2008, 01:28:00 AM
Brent
Post by: PA Bones on September 24, 2008, 08:54:00 AM
Post by: Lawrenceu on September 24, 2008, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: bohuntr on September 24, 2008, 10:35:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 24, 2008, 05:31:00 PM
Post by: coffee on September 25, 2008, 07:48:00 AM
Post by: bentpole on September 25, 2008, 05:12:00 PM
Post by: SHOOTO8S on September 25, 2008, 10:19:00 PM
Post by: BobCo 1965 on October 06, 2008, 10:32:00 AM
SOunds like a great hunt.
Congrats Joe!
Post by: snag on October 06, 2008, 02:01:00 PM
Post by: Orion on October 06, 2008, 03:45:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 06, 2008, 06:26:00 PM
Thanks for taking the time to take us along. I'm tickled for ya!
Post by: Ragin Bull on October 06, 2008, 08:58:00 PM
Great story. Best of luck with the moose! :thumbsup:
Post by: Hoodoo Arrow on October 06, 2008, 08:59:00 PM
Post by: Roger Moerke on October 06, 2008, 09:21:00 PM
Post by: Psycho on October 18, 2008, 11:27:00 AM
Eliseo
Post by: Budog56 on October 18, 2008, 04:27:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on October 18, 2008, 07:39:00 PM
Post by: Whip on October 18, 2008, 08:00:00 PM
You did leave a day too soon, at least based on what I heard. Friday morning was the best bugling I heard the whole trip, and the next few days were pretty good as well.