We're back from the hunt! It was a very enjoyable, but mentally and physically tough experience. We were averaging about 10 miles a day, over 80 miles for the week. Hunting conditions were tough because the weather was warm and dry. The elk weren't too talkative and were hard to call in. Despite that we still have several opportunities, non of which lead to success. I held off on taking a shot at first light one morning because I wasn't completely comfortable with it and didn't want to injure and lose an animal. The next morning I misjudged my range and sent an arrow over the back of a young bull elk. We called the trip a day early because we were worn out!
At base came we had a bunch of awesome meals, though almost none of them required the use of my Ladyfinger. The grouse were also tough to find so I didn't get to put her to use on any game! Luckily I have 2 mule deer hunts I'm helping with, and a mule deer tag of my own to put some knives to use on! Here are a few pictures from the week. I learned a ton, and even though we didn't have the success we hoped for, it was an amazing trip and time spent with friends. The 11 month countdown begins until next archery season!
4:30am starts made for some stunning views after a 2-3 mile hike!
The views didn't get any worse once the sun was up either, the aspens were really getting their fall colors by the end of the week. Notice where the Ladyfinger got to ride.
My Bowtech Realm X and Os Lady posing.
My favorite base camp meal was a killer brunch that we made after we called it early on a morning hunt and hiked out.
Spike camp among the dead fall. This was our last night, we decided to spike out to get a little extra sleep, save our legs a bit a walking, and be able to get into the prime spots before sunrise.
We started applying the 'good luck face paint' for the second half of the trip. I'm not sure if this was a look of desperation, exhaustion, or joy... probably a bit of all of them. Until next year elk!