Just returned from the McKay Ck. Youth elk hunt with my 13 yr old daughter and her first ever elk.
Had an old gentleman (I think we can call 88 old) give permission for my daughter to hunt a cow elk on his property. Something he has not allowed in about 10 yrs. I must say that kind gesture is greatly appreciated by an excited 13 yr old girl and her father. God bless you Randal. They don't make old cowboys like him anymore, wish they did! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
People think cow hunts, especially on private land are easy. Let me tell you, elk are still elk, and they don't like being shot at! After the archery, first and second rifle hunts, late cow hunts, etc. etc. since August, they know exactly what a diesel pick up means.
Saw lots of game (deer, turkeys, coyotes, elk...) hunted in snow. Covered a lot of country, made quite a few trks in the snow, glassed for hours, had a ball. Made a 45 minute very difficult ascent up a mountain "steeper than a cow's face" to a herd we spotted on day two. My daughter is not in great physical shape (Or am I for that matter) and she is afraid of heights.
Through steamed up glasses with a quivering lip she reminded me that this really wasn't her idea of a good time. I appreciate how difficult this was for her. She is learning that these experiences make you realize that you can do things that you never thought you could. I am so very proud of her. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]
After the climb and stalk, she got settled in on my coat over a rock and made a perfect shot at 350 yds cross canyon. When the other elk ran off, she thought she'd missed untill I pointed to her elk laying in the snow within 30 yds of where she shot it! She was so proud and happy.
My good friend Steve worked very hard to make this hunt a success for my daughter. He lined up permission, hunted with us two days, and of course helped get the elk out of the woods. We have hunted together for 30 yrs (wow 30 yrs
), and put a lot of meat on the ground. I couldn't have a better friend.
This is the first time that I have ever got a whole elk in the back of my truck in one piece. Usually it is bone-out and pack frame or at least go get the mule. This was about 500 yds of the two of us dragging, down hill, on snow, actually pretty easy. Then the steep part where gravity did all the work to within 100 yds of the truck. A little more pulling to get her free of the willows and we drug her right in the tailgate. :grin:
I'm not sure if my daughter see's elk hunting in her future or not. But, I know she'll never forget the fear and pain in her legs climbing that mountain, setting up for the right shot, making a perfect shot, and filling the freezer with the best chow anyone can feed their family. God is surely good.
Looks like on Christmas day, after presents, my wife and kids will be participating in another family tradition, cutting and wrapping elk meat.
Just wanted to share. Thank you Lord for this and all your gifts. Take your kids hunting! It's good for them!
Merry Christmas.
GRB
[ 12-27-2002, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: Gun Rod Bow ]
Youth Elk Hunt Success (photo added)
skein
Linear Mode
