Nothing but cows so far

[salmonchaser]

Cold and windy this morning. She watched a bunch of cows for an hour. We did see a six point bull as well. But no spikes.


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[DrMike]

Give her time; it'll come together.

 

[SJB358]

Those Oregon spikes are harder for me to find some years than big bulls.

 

[salmonchaser]

Well we finally saw a real nice spike this afternoon. But he was outside her comfort zone and quartering away.
We had set up above a bedding area, hoping it contained elk. If it did they had two draws to choose from coming out to feed.
An hour or so sitting in the wind and rain generated the question " are we having fun?" I assured her we were. Moments later we saw some cows moving up the far draw. Among the 20 or so cows were a spike and a good 6x6. He stopped for a brief moment and I heard I can't get steady.
I had a pretty good idea where they were headed. We took off circled a big nob and were closing in when the fog rolled in. We picked our way to a little point hoping the fog would lift. Maybe 50 yards visibility. The wind was good so we started creeping ahead. All of a sudden we were nose to nose with first one, then several more cows. Somewhere behind, lost in the fog a bull bugles. All we could see were shadows in the fog.
I cow called hoping the spike might come to see the new girl. No luck. The elk eventually disappear into the fog.
We backed out, hoping the elk will be there in the morning.
We will try again tomorrow.


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[JD338]

Fingers crossed and wishing that a big spike stops for her to get a shot.

JD338

 

[Blkram]

It may not have been successful harvest-wise, but sounds like you still had a great experience

 

[sask boy]

Man that has to be exciting :wink: good luck in the morning .
I hope it all comes together for you!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Elkman]

We have had heavy rains and lots of fog, it makes glossing for elk in the canyons impossible. Next week it's my turn. My feeling is that Don will find a couple more before the end of the season.

 

[salmonchaser]

Chilly and windy yesterday but no rain. Daylight found us on the rock nob where we found the fog herd. Of course they had moved! As it got brighter we counted 35 elk feeding on a bench. Maybe a thousand yards and Two draws separated us. Through the first draw the elk were still there, moving toward us. Scattered trees and tall grass provided good cover as we moved across the flat between the draws.
We ran out of cover, on hands and knees we covered another 50 yards. Busted. At 400 yards a couple of cows were staring at us. As soon as they started feeding again Yvette swung into sitting behind the sticks. The spike was still well out from the draw, 527. The elk were milling around. A big six point chased the spike off, shortly he circled back, stopping on the rim. 387 yards. I can't get steady she said. Too far. Relax I said. I cow called to no avail. Then the herd drifted off.


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[DrMike]

And that is why we call it "hunting" and not "shopping." The frustration is an essential part of the hunt. Your lady will connect in due time, without a doubt.

 

[Guy Miner]

I'll be looking for a cow elk, not far from my home, in a couple of weeks... When I was scouting a couple of days ago I found cows, spikes and several "branch antler" bulls.

Good luck!

 

[salmonchaser]

We're having fun, big learning curve. We've seen good numbers of elk, a ton of deer a bear and a cougar . She got a little pissed yesterday when I wouldn't let her shoot the bear, she didn't have a tag. You have a tag she said. I explained the law, apparently I'll be buying her a pocket full of tags next year.
Today was her last day to hunt. I decided to push the envelope. Put her on a ridge bailed off to push the canyon. Not long after we split up several cows pushed up the hill. Then the fog set in. Couldn't see 25 yards. I realized if the fog didn't lift I was going to play hell finding her. I pushed up the hill for a half mile to find the drift fence. Somewhere between where I found the fence and my truck a mile away I had left her a little below the fence.
Somehow managed to find her. She was done. At noon we reached the truck.
The hour home was spent planning for next year.
I think she gets it.

Guy, good luck on your hunt.
Bill, I'm heading up Wednesday let me know when you're coming up


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[DrMike]

Sounds as if you assisted in creating a hunter. That ain't bad!

 

[SJB358]

Sounds like a good hunt Don. She can get some more time with that big 300 and next year anything under 400 will be a chip shot for her.

Great write up. Can't get enough of the elk hunting stories.

 

[salmonchaser]

We learned a bunch, she will be in better shape next year. I need to invest in some good clothing and boots for her.
She's been around guns all her life, never had any training. We started dating in March, I was in Alaska all summer, guiding when I got home. We need to spend more time on the range so she is comfortable out to 300 at least. I'll pick up the creedmore when I get back from elk hunting.
With a little luck I'll be able to get her on a late depredation cow hunt.


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[SJB358]

That sounds like an excellent plan to me. With a 6.5 CM and 300 Wby she should have all she needs to get the kills at distance down pat. Very cool stuff.

Hopefully we can link up here shortly Don. Should be in the area in about a week.

 

[salmonchaser]

Looking forward to it.


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