Opening morning of elk season; I'm skulking through some black timber, taking a few steps and glassing. The morning is dead quiet except for the occasional chattering of a pine squirrel. I stop every few paces, glass for a minute or two, and then cautiously move a few more paces. My confidence is high that I will score on a cow this year; it has been a long time since I arrowed an elk, and it would sure be nice to have some elk meat in the freezer. I have not seen a bull elk in a couple of years while hunting, but this year I have a cow tag, so that should make my chances a little better. There are always more cows around than bulls.
I have glassed this one patch of woods for about two minutes, and as I take a couple of steps forward, I see a patch of brown about 25 yards ahead. I immediately freeze, and as I do, a big 6 point bull stands, looks towards me for a second or two, and casually walks away. For that short time, he offers a nice broadside shot.
Maybe the next outing will produce a girl elk, but why do I feel like all I will see this year are bulls?