This years elk hunt was more a story of overwhelming teamwork and generosity of three friends, Erik, Aaron, and Jon. I am humbled and grateful to them because without them I wouldnt have had the opportunity. After being shot in the lower back with a 30/06 nearly 7 years ago I wasnt sure if I would get to actually hunt elk. However, here I was with the realization I would be actually hiking into the mountains to hunt. The 1.5 mile walk to camp was cloaked in fog and the rain joined us for the duration too. At every obstacle such as; steep terrain, stream crossing, every downed tree to climb over they were there to steady me when I needed it. Heres where I will say each and every step forward for me is thought out and methodical since one miss step means I could potentially crash to the ground due to the limitations of my right leg. Its just my reality and I deal with it the best way I know how, which is to keep going. The second day arrived minus the rain and fog. One glimpse out of the tent was like looking at a brilliant fall painting. It wasnt long and we spotted elk. We were all glued to the high powered optics as more elk came into view. Watching these huge animals move in their environment was an awesome sight, especially hearing the bulls bugle. Together we located a spike. I sent my first round high and right. The elk shifted on the mountain moving downhill which was actually a little closer to us. After confirming the range, I made the adjustment on the scope sent the second bullet along its path and hit its lethal mark. I had gotten my first elk on my first elk trip. We marked the elks position with GPS devices and had an early lunch. I knew it was going to be difficult to reach an elk laying some 650 yards away and some 300 yards up on a steep sidehill. Aaron and Jon helped me down the steep hill from camp, over two streams, and over countless downed trees. Finally we had made it to the base of the hill. As I gazed up the hill I thought WOW this is going to be tough. The hill was too steep to use my poles much. Jon assisted me the best he could, but progress was slow. Finally, I gave my hiking poles to Aaron. I mountain climbed and clawed using my arms and good leg until I could get to trees to pull myself up the hill as Aaron checked his GPS giving me the countdown on how much further we had to go. Aaron located the elk and so for a brief moment we took pictures to celebrate. Erik, Jon and Aaron were like wizards with knives and the four of us had the elk ready to go in a packs in a couple hours. I had a small portion of elk in my pack, but those guys had basically 1/3 of an elk on their back. The 300 yards down the hill was one slow grueling step at a time for me. With Erik in front of me and Jon following we literally took one step at a time. I wasnt about to tell them, but my one good leg burned with immense pain having to flex it all the time. The thought did cross my mind how much more quickly getting off the hill would have been with two good legs, thats how slow we had to move. Once down the hill it was through a maze of deadfall and downed trees. We were 3/4 a mile still from the trucks and it was getting dark. I will say I was about physically smoked then. At that point Erik not only carried his pack, but mine too the rest of the way. Arriving at the trucks we had made it and it was not only a relief for me, but bitter sweet. Hunting for me has taught me many things about life. This time it tested me physically, but most of all this trip reminded me the importance of teamwork and how grateful I am to hunt with such men. Im just happy I took the time to soak it all in. To check out the video made check it out on Facebook & feel free to share. Thanks again. CHEERS!
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 19:54:34 +0000
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