And So It Begins...

[truck driver]

Hmmmm difficulty talking and driving at the same time, might need some lessons from a female driver they seem to do it quite well. :roll: :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen:
Great pics and story DrMike keep it coming.

 

[SJB358]

It is hard to capture the country sometimes but if you've ever stepped foot into that sorta country I can imagine my legs aching climbing around it!

 

[Vince]

Dan,

A shot of adenosine should get the good doctor's heart to beating faster and preventing sleep ..............Oh wait. Is that the one that stops the heart?

Maybe we'll not use that one eh? I recommend my Granny's coffee.

10 scoops coffee
I cup water
2 tablespoons honey
Water boiled and coffee the consistency of melted tar.

She used to give me a cup as a wee lad before giving me back to my parents.

Just trying to help.

Vince

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[nvbroncrider]

Dan,

A shot of adenosine should get the good doctor's heart to beating faster and preventing sleep ..............Oh wait. Is that the one that stops the heart?

Maybe we'll not use that one eh? I recommend my Granny's coffee.

10 scoops coffee
I cup water
2 tablespoons honey
Water boiled and coffee the consistency of melted tar.

She used to give me a cup as a wee lad before giving me back to my parents.

Just trying to help.

Vince

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Sounds about right good coffee is part of the breakfast food group thick enough to chew on!!

 

[Vince]

Dan,

A shot of adenosine should get the good doctor's heart to beating faster and preventing sleep ..............Oh wait. Is that the one that stops the heart?

Maybe we'll not use that one eh? I recommend my Granny's coffee.

10 scoops coffee
I cup water
2 tablespoons honey
Water boiled and coffee the consistency of melted tar.

She used to give me a cup as a wee lad before giving me back to my parents.

Just trying to help.

Vince

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Sounds about right good coffee is part of the breakfast food group thick enough to chew on!!

Yeah, a guy has to have something to chew on in the morning. [emoji1]

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[super-7]

[/quote]
Yeah, a guy has to have something to chew on in the morning. [emoji1]


You mean other then the straps on the straight jacket? Lol
Hoping you guys connect on a moose soon we need some more pics.

 

[Vince]

Straight jacket straps aren't too bad if you add soy sauce.

Don't ask me how I know that.

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[Vince]

No word from our adventurous Dr Mike.
I wonder if a moose has befallen them?

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[JD338]

This has been quite the adventure. Beautiful country for sure.
I just know there is a moose hiding behind a tree some where on that hill side.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Quick update and more to follow. Gerry and Dan (aka "Goat Man" and "The Saskatchewan Flash") just left for their respective journeys. Gerry will be driving twelve hours west and Dan will be driving fourteen hours east. It has been quite an adventure. We've been living off four hours sleep each night and putting an unbelievable effort into poking into every hill and dale, mountain top and valley. Except for Saturday and Sunday, it was up at 0300 and bed by 1000 hours. We would grab a sandwich or a snack whenever possible. Blkram (aka as "Gil") got involved for a couple of days, showing the fellows some incredible country. I'll try to give a full and honest report before Dan and Gerry get home and have opportunity to distort the reality by way of their emendations.

 

[pre6422hornet]

Keep at it Dr. Mike!

Good luck to you in the quest.

 

[SJB358]

Can't wait to hear about the hunt.

 

[Vince]

I'm turning blue awaiting with bated breath.

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[Blkram]

Since the good Dr is enjoying his recuperation from his misadventures of the past week and a half with Dan, Gerry and Noah, I will give a quick update before he can stretch the truth beyond all limits of poetic license...

I had a great time taking Dan and Gerry out for a day hunting in the mountains, and a day hunting in the better areas for moose and elk that Mike has apparently saved for himself after the travelling hunters had left for home. He maybe a pastor, but I've always warned him that St. Peter is going to slam those Pearly Gates shut when he sees Mike coming, throw away the keys and state "we need to have a chat before you can even think about seeing these gates open!" All of those outrageous exaggerations that he is prone to purvey as the gospel truth is going to catch up to him one day!

Gerry felt at home in the mountains, and seeing the goats made him wishing that he had a tag in his pocket and more time to pursue them, while Dan was just trying not to explode those white knuckles of his on the "holy crap" bars in my truck as we traversed the logging and oil and gas roads into the alpine areas around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. He was a brave soul, and managed to keep his eyes glued to the uphill banks of the narrow mountain roads, refusing to take in the grandeur of creation presented to his immediate right or left, depending on the direction of travel at any given moment. And we didn't have to stop to air out the truck or for make a change of any soiled undergarments!

Gerry and I managed to see several more moose, deer, a bear and a coyote, rabbits, grouse (of which a few made it into the bag with the assistance of a fun little 28 gauge), and even managed to get a few bugles going late in the afternoon on Tuesday, one of which seemed to be another hunter whose bugling skills leave as much to be desired as my unpracticed calls are! We did find some fresh sign in a couple of new areas, along with bear and wolf sign. There were lots of hunters out trying their luck on the opening day of elk season too. We even found a fresh kill site; so we know at least one lucky individual was prosperous that day.

Long days in the field - 16 hours a day plus travel to/from. Goes by quick with good company, lots of laughter and good natured ribbing, and plenty of game and country to see. While it would have been a fine bonus to see both guys take home fresh meat, I think it was a successful couple of days! Looking forward to more adventures with these fine gentlemen. Deer and antelope in Saskatchewan, bear and goat hunting and fishing on the west coast.

Dan and Gerry were good about sharing their adventures with Mike and Noah, and have the pictorial proof that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as the grandson generally displays genetic tendencies of navel investigation while supposedly hunting! A true Stark trait! LOL He just isn't as polished in his self-defence yet - denial vs alternative explanations. But he is a mini Mike in training, so there is hope for the boy yet!

I know that Dan and Gerry have lots of photos to share upon return to their homes, and Mike will be sharing more of his escapades with Flash and the Goat Man shortly. As always, I look forward to his next installment.

Thanks Guys, it was fun!

 

[Vince]

Outstanding update.
Is always nice to get another version of the story.

Vince


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[SJB358]

Great update. This is a finely woven tale here starting to unfold!

 

[sask boy]

Well guys I am going to try and get the photographs I took to gerry so that he can post them.
Ladies & Gentlemen, just so you know the truth about both Mike and Gil, they truly are Mountain/out-doors men they spin their web of stretched truths and we would try to decipher what really happened. Gil is 20 years younger than his partner so he is not quite as polished at this spinning of stretched truths :shock: but from my perspective he has been taught by one of the very best :lol:.
Seriously though I can not remember when I have had more fun on a hunt there was not a comment made where there was not some kind of rebuttal, however there was never any doubt that we all truly love the land and to hunt. There was not a shot fired but the hunt was a complete success.
I learned so many things from both Mike,Gil and Gerry about the mountains and the animals that inhabit them.
Gerry is a strong quiet man that is in phenomenal shape and has a heart as big as the mountains themselves and on a number of occasions would throw in his zingers 8).
Mike is gracious host and his knowledge on the outdoors is next none and his love for people is so evident as you can see how he has mentored Gil and now is mentoring Noah, they could not be taught by anyone better.
Gil is just a great guy that loves this land dearly. He also loves and respects his hunting/mentor very much!!
Noah is a great Lad and you can see him growing in knowledge and respect for all life again by the mentoring of his Pa.
I can tell you that God truly blessed me by allowing me to hunting and fellowship with each one of these characters and the memories that each of them gave me has enriched my life !

PS. I believe that DrMike is looking to sell off his great right handed rifle collection after seeing how much more he would gain by being left handed :mrgreen:!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

Compelled to respond due to exaggerations and distortions (I'm naming no names, but the initials spell Gil), I reluctantly include this brief summation of a great time with a couple of great men and an unsuccessful hunt. I do not assign blame for the events, but at least one of my erstwhile hunting partners was unfamiliar with the rules of hunting in our great province. Additionally, I note that Blkram is attempting to cover himself with stolen valor by inserting himself as a hero into the account. To be certain, Blkram (aka Cloud Buster (yeah, you can ask about that)) did escort the Saskatchewan Flash and the Goat Man through the mountains on one solitary day. Also, I concede that he did take the Goat Man into areas I had chosen to avoid out of courtesy (don't ask me to explain that--it is still rather early). However, he hogged the grouse they encountered rather than permitting Gerry to take a crack at them. (One must wonder, of course, what a 35 Whelen would have done to the breasts on said ruffies.)

In the interim, the Saskatchewan Flash (aka Dan, for the uninitiated) and I traversed rugged and heavily forested territory in an entirely different zone. It is a serious distortion of truth to say that I purposely chose an area devoid of game while Wounded Bunny (aka Gil, Cloud Buster, Blkram, etc.) was prepared to demonstrate a more generous spirit. Saskboy and I made several disturbing discoveries. One, we durst not travel the same path twice. Dan was leaving strange deposits designed to drive game away. He claimed to be marking territory, but... Two, the moose and elk were about in relative abundance. Three, they forest fauna were entirely nocturnal. We repeatedly encountered fresh tracks indicating rather sizable herds of elk and multiple bachelor fraternities of moose (there were numerous sororities I believe, as well).

Since we were in the field by 0430 at the latest, this would indicate that we needed to be hunting in the dark. (No comments on the fact that the lads may have been in the dark due to their choice of guide.) Hunting times in British Columbia are extremely generous; we are allowed to hunt one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. Thus, we found evidence of the presence of numerous animals--all traipsing about an hour before we were on site. This information is strongly suggestive of the fact that game animals can read. Obviously, they had read the regulations and knew when we would be present. The mythical moose of British Columbia is a devious critter.

During the days of the hunt, I did see the tail end of game on several occasions, but we were presented few opportunities to tag legal game. On Tuesday, Dan and I did encounter a very nice black bear. As we pulled out of one of the numerous well sites that dot the area, a nice bruin came ambling down the road. I spotted him and immediately stopped the truck in the middle of the road. At that point I ranged him at 283 yards. He continued strolling down the road toward us as though he was somehow secreted in the densest bush imaginable. I briefly considered tagging him, even going so far as to put a couple of cartridges in my rifle. However, loathe to embarrass the Saskatchewan Flash by demonstrating my riflery skills (or to embarrass Blkram by taking game when he was unable to guide Gerry to anything), I opted to demonstrate my exceptional skills as a host, restraining myself from even aiming at the fine bear strolling toward us.

Dan showed his lack by social skills when he asked about my trembling and excessive salivating. I graciously explained that I was merely thinking about breakfast. He wondered about the tears forming in my eyes when I failed to lift my rifle. Again, I had to explain that it was obvious this was an orphaned bear who had led a very hard life. I was merely expressing my compassion. The large blackie continued his stroll toward us, pausing occasionally to nibble at succulent forbs and grasses at the edge of the road before finally tiring of exposing himself to us. With a shrug, he calmly walked into the bush.

I didn't want to waste the moment, so I phoned Noah who had opted to sleep in rather than join us in our time afield. I explained that his 260 would drop a bear. It was impossible to determine whether his cry was from joy or out of anguish as he continually yelled, "You didn't shoot a bear with MY rifle, did you?" After playing on Noah's guilt at failing to join us, I informed him that if he was very, very good, he could join us in the afternoon.

I did allow Dan to explore some valley floors by standing on promontories whilst I meditated. Again, I had to explain to Dan that some people say "Om," when meditating, but that I prefer to say, "Gawk! Snort! Snark!" It is a special technique I have developed over the years. I was also compelled to point out that it is best not to disturb me when I am meditating. He mumbled something about letting sleeping louts lie, which I found rather disturbing.

Eventually, we found our way back to civilization (primarily due to my excellent sense of direction, and the need to find sustenance). We met Blkram and Gerry at the Ptomaine Palace for a hurried lunch, after which those two fled again into the vast unexplored regions of eastern BC and I went for an appointment for the church. Dan said he would rest up. He must have rested as he was ensconced in a recliner dressed in shorts and a tee-shirt when I came home. Urging him to prepare for immediate departure, I was finally able to get him in the truck. Then it was off to pick up the Boy Wonder (aka Noah) and head out for another area.

We arrived at the destination I had selected, drove deep into the forested region, set Noah watching and I again began to meditate. Noah still has to work on his manners. He actually suggested that I was snoring. I patiently explained that I was presenting a very special call designed to draw in moose, whitetail and elk. He said it sounded quite like the roar of a red stag. I laughingly pointed out his callow understanding of woodcraft, explaining again that he had much to learn. The Saskatchewan Flash demonstrated his lack of knowledge of BC woodcraft by siding with the Boy Wonder. In part, this lack of experience on their part explains our failure to connect on game.

The remainder of our final day was uneventful, except for the snow mixed with rain and the need to flee the valley before we were stuck by the formation of black slime on all the roadways and paths. Fortunately, we were able to beat the few other hunters that were attempting to flee, thanks in no small measure to my expertise in driving and a bigger engine.

Okay, I've had fun. It was a great hunt with two exceptional men. There is no doubt they are capable. The animals didn't co-operate. I can make lots of excuses, but it is difficult to shoot what you don't see, and we didn't see the numbers I've seen in years past. Gerry and Dan are always welcome around my campfire. Noah is my grandson, so I don't have much choice. Gil is like a son, and I love him dearly. These were precious days spent afield with some great people; I treasure the memories and friendships. I feel like a fan of the New York Mets--"Next year!"

 

[DrMike]

Well guys I am going to try and get the photographs I took to gerry so that he can post them.

Ha! Afraid I know how to Photoshop, eh?

 

[gerry]

Thought I had better check in now that I'm back, yesterday was a complete blowout so I did a few things around the house and also rested.

It was great to hunt with all the guys, DrMike was extremely kind and gracious to host Dan and myself and we are thankful to have spent time with him. I do hope he catches up on sleep and can get out there again with Noah and John. It is neat to see how Noah is coming along as a hunter, he has a great attitude and know he will bag his first animal very soon

Dan was great to be around as well and to visit with, very encouraging man who has a great outlook on life I was thankful to have met him in person and also hope that he and his wife make the trip next year to do some fishing in my neck of the woods.

It was nice to spend some time with Gil, we had quite a few things in common and both love the land we live in. Gil has a photographic memory of where he has been and what animals he has seen or taken. I was thankful to have seen the country he loves and hear of his experiences in it. I do believe Gil and his wife are going to be coming over here next spring for some spring bear hunting and steelhead fishing, looking forward to showing him around here as well.

I'm going to head out fishing with my wife today and will read the thread hopefully soon to see what Mike has been saying about us, some of it might even be true............. :lol: