Back From CO. (pic heavy)

[Cyclic-Rivers]

On a Glorified Camping trip.

Tradganger Ron W. and I went to Colorado with the intent to kill an elk.  since we were both rookies we didn't expect anything other than a learning experience and a camping trip with bows in hand.

4 AM ready to Leave on a 30 hour trip to CO.

   

[Killdeer]

Wow, looks like the neighborhood put on a Festival of Lights to celebrate your departure!  

Killdeer  

[Cyclic-Rivers]

We met another hunter along our journey.

   

   

[JoeM]

I've done that drive!!  Can't wait to hear the stories.  Joe

[Cyclic-Rivers]

There were a bunch of these things out and about. unfortunately this is the best pic I managed.

saw some monster bucks!

   

Once we arrived to the Forest, a nice young forest ranger pulled up and offered her help with a map. wish I had the camera ready but I dont need to be taking pictures of pretty young girls anyhow.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

These things were in the road!  Depending on how tired you were, they could look more like a  black bear or Moose!

       

Ron and I set up camp. Not bad for a couple of schlups from NY!

   

[adkmountainken]

yeah bro!!!!!!!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

The next Morning we took it easy, trying to acquaint ourselves with  the altitude and come up with a game plan for scouting the area.

   

   

[Cyclic-Rivers]

With as Hot as it was, I thought it would be good to find a water source.  everyone I talked to said it was wet on the mountain. I beg to differ, I found no less than 30 dry wallow/watering holes.

   

On the first day we were visited by a young lady, Game Warden, she checked our licenses and  told us things were running about 3-4 weeks late.

Earlier that day Both Ron and I had an encounter with a Mule deer and her fawn, (still spotted). I had also spotted a grouse unfortunately season didn't open for 4 more days and I couldn't seem to get a picture since it blended in well and wouldn't sit still.

The Mule deer and fawn passed me at less than 15 yards. I couldn't get the camera out or I would have been made and left with out a shot anyhow.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

There was a lot of Old sign but nothing fresh. (about 3-4 weeks old)

   

[Shawn Leonard]

Very Nice Charlie!! I know this will not be a short story but can ya give a little hint as to wether you saw any Elk? Please???? Shawn

[Izzy]

I can't believe you wore your best unlucky hat Charlie! You fellas had me dreaming of being in the mountains. Anyplace was better than here with the mess we had. Hope your section of Scotia was ok. See you in rockwood in a bit.

[Hooper]

I've been watching for your return thread Charlie and Ron W. I am sure you guy's had a great time on your first Elk hunt. Looking forward to the rest of the story and pic's.

[ron w]

Charlie ,your doing a great job telling the tale. I might add, as Fred Asbell would say, A great guy to ride the river with any day....that's Charlie!!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Shawn    

[Coonbait]

It already looks like a awesome trip!
Glenn

[Bel007]

[longbowben]

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Since things were running late, the flowers were all in Bloom. In Fact, Ron found a patch of fresh strawberries.

   

We found a  lot of Mule deer beds in the tall grass around these flowers that stood 7 feet tall.
 
   

 On this morning we decided to pick a side of the creek drainage and hunt down to accommodate the uplifting thermals.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Great pix and story... can't wait to see/hear the rest