David Willett

Elk Hunting Day 2

Up at 4:30 am for the drive to State Land near Glendevy by sunrise (35 minutes via 80C). 45 minutes after sunrise, Ben saw two cow elk (we both have bull tags) and I saw 3-4 elk (legs and bodies – probably cows) a bit later before they escaped on to private property. Disappointed there was no bull, but seeing elk gets our adrenaline going!

Back for lunch, Ben takes Sally on an elk (and possibly lost map) hunt near the cabin.

Sally and Ben Hunt for Elk and map

After Ben and Sally's hike, Ben and I went on a scouting mission to find elk. We checked a spot at Vern's cabin road (LOTS of elk and deer tracks), and ELK RIDGE (BIG ELK TRACKS). But the highlight was mama and calf moose tracks with the moose standing in them!

Meanwhile, Sally inserted 22 wooden painted stakes (pictures coming) to keep us from falling into the ditch. Super Sally also prepared Bison Stroganoff for dinner! Ben: “Elk camp would not be the same without Sally”. David agrees!

Mama Moose!!

To morrow we will find ELK,,,!!

 

Elk Hunting Day 1

The well outfitted Elk Hunter!

Saw no elk today, but did see deer tracks and beds in the morning on the school section #16, then back for lunch (Sally had it all laid out) and in the afternoon, we hunted the big meadow on Forest Way. There we saw elk tracks, beds, but unfortunately no elk in them. Weather was sunny and 32 in the a.m., getting to 50 by 2pm. Back at dark for pulled pork, a glass of wine and Sally's home baked brownies.

Sally acquaints Ben with the finer points of brownie baking

 

Elk Hunt 2013 at Sand Creek

Getting ready for the hunt. All the cooking is finally done (after a very late last night with Sally’s help). Rifles sighted, cartridges loaded, gear mostly packed!

The DOW game biologist, Mark Vierra says the weather is looking pretty good this year and elk have been sighted on the south end of North Middle Mountain. 1st season and the opening weekend of 2nd season produced a number of bulls (road over the pass is very difficult due to melting snow and mud, however). He also hears that they are migrating from the south across the Deadman switchbacks near FR 303. He had no info on Bull Mountain, but all-in-all, looks promising.

My friend Sam hunted 2nd season and has seen elk feeding in my old hunting meadow near Sand Creek Pass on Bull Mountain, they come down at night and leave in the early morning. Sam’s most productive spot was way up high in the deep timber of the School Section (south gate) – small herds of cows, some bull tracks but difficult to get a shot, let alone drag out, plus the roads were so muddy you can’t get your truck very close.  Sam’s party got 2 deer, one near his cabin and one in the school section.  They saw a few deer tracks on Boulder Ridge, but little elsewhere.    Bull Mountain – Woo Hoo!

Sally getting' the vittles ready...
Sally getting’ the vittles ready…

Here is Sally portioning out some Mole Chicken Chili and getting the rest of our yummy dishes (Bison Meatloaf, Pulled Pork and Bison Sloppy Joes) ready for the cabin.

Stuff Getting gathered up!
Stuff Getting gathered up!

Today, Sally heads up to the cabin with friend Lisa, and I follow tomorrow to do some work until Ben arrives on the 31st to do a final sight-in, some game scouting drives and final prep. There may possibly be some beer involved…….

Ready to hunt!
Young Fella is Ready to Hunt!