Elk, making me crazy!

Guy Miner

Master Loader
Apr 6, 2006
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Opening of our local "any elk" season was this morning, yet here I am, slurping coffee, slumming on the internet with you guys :grin: , only miles from my elk area... I have to be at work for part of the day, stuff I'm deeply involved in and have to handle myself. Doggone it.

So I miss today, but tomorrow... Hope my son will have time to accompany me. He'll tote the .30-06, I'll have the .375 of course! Needed? No - but fun.

This is a low percentage hunt, opened largely so that the WDFW can tell local land owners they're trying to control the elk herd. There are a few small herds that have split off from the main herd, and every year we get a chance to chase 'em around the hills. This morning is The Time to be doing so, before the elk figure out that all those guys walking around the hills aren't casual hikers.

Our regular season, when we can hunt the main herd, is spike bull only. :( This one though is for any elk, but cuts out the area where the big herd resides. Kind of weird, but it works for our area. I think the real goal is to keep these smaller herds from becoming big herds and becoming a problem for local farmers.

Tomorrow I hunt! Only for a day, but an elk hunt!

Guy
 
Any elk hunt is a good hunt. I hope you get into some and at least have the opportunity to make a try for one.
Greg
 
Thanks guys. Off shortly into the hills west of town. Taking the ancient M1917 .30-06, with 165 gr Nosler Partition handloads. About 40 degrees out and looks like rain. I'd rather it was 25 and snowy, but I'll take what I get.
 
Looking forward to a report and wishing you the best. Since you are taking the 06 I assume your son was unable to accompany you.
 
My son didn't come along, but my wife made breakfast, then hopped in the truck bright and early this morning and headed out with me! She's not a hunter, but goes with me now and again, especially if the fall colors are nice. We had a great day together, up in the hills. It was also good to get out with the old .30-06 rifle that I've known all my life.

Closest I got to an elk was following some fresh tracks and hoping for a break - it didn't come - but the effort was worthwhile.

I didn't come home with an elk in the truck, but did give it a go for a bit. Need to work the next few days, then I hope to be back up there in a few days.

Guy
 
Sounds like a wonderful day. A great page to add to your book of outdoor memories. Happy for you.
Wish you luck on your return trip.
 
That sounds like a great day. Any time our wives go with us, even to simply observe, it is a good day.
 
guy

Your "day" sounds like my last five days, no elk in the truck. Heavy weather is on the way !!!
 
Yes it is. Snow and rain and colder temps are about to hit us. Might just improve the hunting opportunities...

Dr. Mike - you're right. There's no one I'd rather spend time with than my wife. She's not a hunter, and not an angler, and doesn't shoot much. We do find ways to spend quality time together. It's funny when people see us out on a small lake in our little 10' fiberglass fishing boat. I'll be alternately rowing and casting the fly rod. My wife is blissfully reading, soaking up the sun, and enjoying being in the outdoors, with me. I don't get real serious about my hunting or fishing when she's with me - those days are more about sharing the day than bringing home game or fish.

This sort of attitude has helped us get through 30 years of marriage so far. Real happy years.

Guy
 
Congratulations on a great marriage. A good wife is a gem and a blessing from God Himself.
 
Absolutely.

Am headed out for elk again in the morning. Not a lot of chance of bumping into one, but going to give it a try. Solo trip this time. I'll likely haul the .375 out, just because.

Guy
 
Good luck Guy! Hope your able to get on elk with your mighty 375. Scotty
 
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