Thread: The end of the hunt

Sunday went to the Agfc orientation and back off to scout before dark. I saw over 100 elk and the prospects look good for great hunt in the morning.

I met up with my friend the next morning at 545 and drove down to where I had found the elk. We sat in the truck and swapped hunting stories and listened to the elk bugling in the dark and the cows singing love songs back to em.

As daylight approached we snuck 1/4 mile down the old woods road and could barely make out the elk. We cautiously eased within range and were in awe of how many elk were in the good plot. We counted over 100 elk and the chore of singling out one elk was very difficult. They swarmed and fed like bees on honey. Finally one cow eased slight away from a bunch and I let the 7 mag bark. Elk went everywhere and stampeded the area. The ambush was a success! We let the field clear of elk an then went to look for signs of a hit. We found signs of a good shot but the elk crossed the river. Man oh man as it was deep and no shallow shoal near. Down to our undies we went and swam the cold water with my gun held over my head. We managed to get back dressed and off on the Crimson trail we followed. She went deep into the gorge and over a ridge where we found her. I had no idea how big of an animal these elk are truly. We could barely role her over. We took some great picture and then the work began. We had to quarter her up and haul her out to the river. Wow each ham was at least 150lbs. We both were exhausted by the end of the haul. I think every muscle in my body screamed for extra oxygen lol. It was a great experience but one that if I am ever to do again will recruit at least 3 people. The job of quartering and hauling her out was too much for 2 people but we did it.