2009 West Boulder Ranch Adventure

[tippit]

Claudia,

I'm back...had to go to Maine for a few days to bring float & boat in.  The state starts to drop the water level 3-4 feet on our lake for flood control with winter run off.

Vance,

As you can see from my plate...Karen's cookin' was out of this world.  Menu like elk, venison, buffalo, biscuits, sweets...aw you don't really want to know anymore do ya!  Thankfully Doug kept us moving up & down those mountain sides and I actually lost a couple of pounds.  

I had a goal to try and stay up with Doug.  By the end of the week I was right behind him...but I think he kinda let up to allow me that delusion of getting western legs as apposed to my sea level Boston legs  

The day we went scouting on horse back was a real treat.  The scenery was beautiful except for the Five Rattle Snakes the horses went by    That kinda make crawl/stalking a little more lively!

 

It's hard to make out...but this guy was all coiled under the sage  :eek:

 

[tippit]

As all good times must come to an end and even though I didn't put any viddles in the freezer, I sure learned a great deal about hunting the western mountains.  Happily my body seems to be at no worse for the wear and I'm confident I still have a few years hunting out west to stalk more muleys and maybe get to hear an elk bugle.  A big thanks to Doug & Karen for all your hospitality.  Thanks to my new found friend Claudia for a great time and showing off her incredible stalking style...Jeff

 

 

 

[tippit]

As a final note, I had made return airline reservations with plenty of time to spare pending what Claudia's plans were for leaving on Sunday.  We got to Billings around 9 am and my flight didn't leave til 1:30 pm.  

Time for an alternate plan...Cabela's!  Claudia dropped me at the store.  It would be a lot more fun to peruse the store rather than sit in an airport for 5 hours.  Besides I still had one more trick up my sleeve    Doc

 

 

[turkey522]

Thanks for sharing all ,great stories and pics.

 Terry

[Bill Kissner]

Glad you and Claudia had a great time and trip Doc. Montana is described perfectly when they called it "Big Sky Country"! It is one beautiful state.

[tradtusker]

ah Awesome! thanks for taking the time to share, great pics looks like you had a great time.

dont know if id give that shifty looking fella standing outside of cabelas a lift though, would you?        

[Curveman]

This was just such a pleasure reading this story! I've had the pleasure of hunting with Jeff and Doug and I know I'd have an equally fun time hunting with you Claudia and Karen! Great job!

[FerretWYO]

looks like it was a great hunt. It would be an honor to hunt with any of the three of you. I cant imagine what it would be to hunt with all three at once.

[Hooked]

I have heard others talk about how the wolf are decimating the elk herds in Montana.  Don't know if the numbers I heard were true, but also heard that wolves were not even originally in the area they were introduced.  In other words, it was not a   RE-introduction.

Anyhow, sorry they had to show up and ruin your elk hunt!  Wish I had that excuse for not getting one in Colorado!  But the truth is this mountain greenhorn still has a lot to learn about elk hunting!

[hunt it]

Nothing better than a fine group of Tradgangers enjoying each others company on another adventure. Great stories and pictures, thanks for taking us along.

[Missouri CK]

Great job everyone!

[Roughcountry]

Got home yesterday from listening and watching big bulls doing thier thing. This thread was at page three when I left.

I knew  this one would be good. Pretty cool when folks who have been so unselfish supporting sick kids get to come together enjoy the great outdoors together. What better place than the great sky country to do it in.

Thanks for taking us along, the story and pictures were great. It was even greater knowing this was a excuse to help the St. Jude kids.
RS

[Bill Turner]

Thanks for sharing. Just bought my first Guille. Can't wait to try it out. Course I could have done without the picure of "Joe No-Shoulders". Definitely something to think about in Texas and Oklahoma.  

[Terry Green]

Good stuff guys n gals.....I sure miss that place...and Doug and Karen....thanks for sharing...      

[Irish]

This was a great read and sounds like all had a great time.

[bowhunterfrompast]

     what a great hunt. I'm enjoying this. Some mighty fine country and you won't find any better folks than Karen and Doug.

[Steve O]

Ahhhhh, it is so much easier on a guy to read these after not being around for a week...smooooth sailing    .