Opening Weekend for Elk

Well the first weekend has come and gone. We hiked, called to the elk, hiked, called some more and hiked some more. You get the picture. Legs are tired and lips are chapped. However, the elk are still not talking. We need some good weather to roll in to get those bulls fired up and thinking about the women. So far there is no action going on in the timber. All is quiet.

There were a few brave critters that were willing to show their faces.

For example...

I'm a bit sore, tired and sunburned tonight; but I'm not complaining. If anything I'm sad that I had to come down from the mountain. Work calls for a couple of days and then I'll be pack up for a weeklong adventure with the husband. I'm hopeful for some elk encounters!! I've got a tag burning a hole in my max1 camo pants pocket.

P.s. I'll post pics / video tomorrow of the mountains we are hunting.

Shh... We're Hunting Rabbits. In a Group.

Okay, so we aren't really hunting rabbits. But we do usually hunt in a group... for big game. The way I see it there are advantages to both hunting solo and hunting in group.

There are days I prefer to just hunt on my own and days I also enjoy hunting with my friends. And since one of those friends happens to be my husband, that just makes it a bonus. After all, what better way to pass the afternoon than chilling in an abandoned barn with your better half while waiting for antelope to visit a nearby watering hole?

As I'm sitting here thinking about it, I thought I would just add my reflections on the pros and cons of hunting single or hunting in a group. (I should really be packing right now for my elk hunt.)

Advantages of hunting solo:

• There is no one to blame but yourself when the hunt goes poorly. The bull/buck you've been stalking sniffs you out or sees a wrong move you've made. Yep, your fault and no one else.
• If you decide to take a nap in the field - no problem. There is no one to stop you.
• If you want to be quiet and simply wait, it is up to you.
• If you want to try and be super sneaky and try out your stalking skills, go for it.
• Communication with the group to make sure no one gets lost or misinterprets the plan of attack is not an issue

Advantages of hunting in a group:

• You can blame Big Al if the elk run in the opposite direction
• Elk calling is much easier - except deciding who gets to be up front and who is the designated caller can be a challenge.
• Snack time is more fun. Why is it that everyone else's snacks always seem better than yours? If MREs are the choice meal on the mountain, there is usually a little bartering going on for different items contained in the meal ready to eat.
• Packing out your animal is so much easier.
• "Forcing" the guys to watch one of my girlie movies when we get back to the camper at night (Yes, I'm spoiled and have a DVD player in the camper.) This year, we will be watching Pride & Prejudice. I think the guys will LOVE it. Boy, are they in for a treat!

I guess overall, I prefer to hunt in a group. The camaraderie shared during the hunt and after the hunt is a recipe for creating lifetime memories. Memories I wouldn't trade for anything. However, I will admit that there are probably some hunts where going solo can be just what the Dr. ordered. Those are the moments where it is just you alone with your thoughts, enjoying the beauty and wonder of creation. I think there is also the challenge of knowing you can bag the animal by yourself and the sense of accomplishment that goes with it. Good stuff.

I'm off to go pack my camouflage before I get in trouble with my hunting partner, aka.. husband.

Rocky Mountain Elk Scouting

In Colorado, you can purchase over the counter tags for areas that aren't limited license units. So, if you don't draw for a specific unit there are usually other available areas to hunt. Thank goodness! I would have serious hunting withdrawals if we couldn't hunt elk at all. It is interesting that none of the people I know drew their areas this fall. I guess it is just the way things go sometimes.

Since we were unsuccessful in our normal limited draw unit for elk this year, it was more important then ever to head to the mountains to do a little scouting, get our minds prepared for the upcoming hunt, and discover what the elk are up to, e.g., are they bugling yet? So last weekend, we hiked up to 12,000 vertical feet and found some good sign (elk tracks, freshly raked pines, and the evidence of velvet scraped off an itching bull's antler just days prior to us standing there). The hike was a bit tough, but oh so rewarding. Upon cresting the top of the "hill", the mountain scene before my eyes made me want to burst forth in song - and I don't sing. It was absolutely breathtaking. I had left my camera at camp this day, but we will be back soon. I'll be sure to not make that mistake again and take multiple pictures from the top.

We also discovered that the aspen are already beginning to turn just slightly, so it may be an indication of an early fall which may just cause the elk to bugle a little earlier than usual. We shall see. I'm ready to make some noise up in the mountains talking with the elk.

It was a great weekend of getting familiar with our "new" area. The camper is cleaned. Hunting clothes are being rewashed. Tomorrow night, the camper will be packed up. Come Saturday morning, we will be ready. I've got my mountain goat legs ready for the adventures awaiting us.

Al spotted this Horny Toad. Good job, Al. Now spot some elk!

You Know it is Hunting Season When...

• You pay more attention to when the sun rises and sets
• Scent Free laundry detergent has a prominent spot on the washing machine ledge
• Bugle practice at night is a common occurrence
• And finally, when your kitchen table looks like this:

Antelope Update

It is the third day into Antelope season, and we are off and running. So far so good.

Just before daybreak Saturday morning we were ready. It is always a good day when it is opening morning of a hunting season. After all the time and preparation leading up to these moments, the hunter emerges and it becomes time for the real chase, the stalk, the hunt. Game on! Bow strings are waxed. Coffee is brewed. Field tips replaced by broadheads on the ends of arrows. Normal apparel exchanged for those designed to blend into the fields around us.

I spent my Saturday morning becoming familiar with my home on the prairie: my new ground blind. After all the distances ranged from my chair (yes, I remembered it) within my hideaway, I sat back and watched dragon flies dance all around me. A good book was read. Pictures in the clouds rolled by in the wide open sky. No sign of antelope though. I was patient and remained in my blind, but the "ants in my pants" were hard to shake. At days end, no shot was presented.

My husband was fortunate to have a shot first thing Saturday morning, but the arrow piercing the air fell just short. Bowhunting on the prairie is not an easy task. There will be more opportunities for him this season, I'm sure of it. He spent the rest of the morning counting cows. Stupid cows.

A new day, brought new hopes. Sunday morning, we planned which corner of the prairie we would call our own for the day. I was unable to make it to my blind since it was surrounded by cows. So, it was plan B for me. Yes! Spot and Stalk. I made my way to another pond filled with geese playing in the water. From the ridge above the pond, Plan B was formulated. Upon surveying the tall grass dancing in rhythmic motion at the winds command, I was unable to see any sign of antelope. It was either wait or hunt. I wanted to hunt. With the knowledge of no other hunters in my area, I slowly began walking into the open. Stopping to peak through binoculars frequently. It was at one of these moments, I saw them and they saw me. One thing is certain - God designed these animals with amazing eye sight. So I slowly sat down and proceeded to have a staring contest with a dozen does and an amazing buck. They were wanting to bed down and eventually did. The stalk was on! Upon crawling on my belly with the most stealth like moves I could muster, I found myself within 100 yards. However, all it takes is for one out of the 13 to see you. Before I knew what happened, they were up and running for the next bluff. Stink! It was a sight to behold though. What a thrill. I'll be back - tomorrow night.

Oh, and I mentioned that we are off to a good start. Tomorrow's post: Pictures of Big Al's buck he shot tonight. Wait until you see this buck. What a beauty!! How is that for a teaser??

Blind Patience

I'm now a proud owner of a hunting ground blind. We picked up a new blind last weekend at Sportsman's Warehouse (Yes, we live in one of the lucky cities that still have a SW to shop at.) I'm planning on trying it out for antelope season, which is quickly approaching: Saturday!! There is a waterhole that I've been eyeing and am hopeful that a buck will stop by and say hello while I'm sitting in my blind. It is a wide and vast prairie, so we shall see what happens.

We just finished putting the blind up, along with some barbed wire fencing around the perimeter that my husband has promised will prevent the cows from shredding my new blind. Secretly, I'm very happy about this. Moo cows are scary. They are cute from a distance, but up close they kinda freak me out. Well, okay.. mainly just the bulls.

Since the majority of my time hunting in the past has been spot and stalk, I'm not sure how I'll do just sitting in a blind. Waiting is hard. I have ants in my pants. So, this is where I need some advice. Any ideas to pass the time while hanging out in a blind??

Here is my current list of necessities that will be packed in my back pack for the day:

• bow / arrows / release / broadheads (duh)
• rangefinder
• binos
• bug spray
• camera
• snacks
• coffee
• good book - haven't decided what the daily read will be
• chapstick
• toilet paper
• I know there is something else I'm forgetting....

Brigid from Home on the Range has once again so eloquently expressed her thoughts in a recent post that relates to evenings spent waiting for the perfect moment. I'm looking forward to these quiet moments out on the prairie this weekend, and will be hoping for my dwindling light opportunity. Wish me luck!

Cake Anyone?

I read the CakeWreck blog and a recent post caught my attention. If you've never visited this site, let me first give you a brief description. It is all about cakes gone wrong - usually horribly wrong. There are also the "what where you thinking when you ordered that" type of cakes. The commentary that goes along with the pictures is priceless and usually has me laughing out loud.

Here is the official definition of a Cake Wreck:

"A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places"

One of the cakes listed in the Buyer's Remorse post as a "when did you think this was a good idea" kind of cake, I have to disagree with though. Take the link. Scroll to the second cake. The first one - yes, bad idea. The second cake, is a hunting cake fully garnished with chocolate covered strawberries and shotgun shells. Now, granted, it wouldn't be my first choice for a grooms cake, but for the annual hunting kick-off party... perfect!

There is just one problem. It would be a discussion at our house as to who's picture gets to be featured. I'm thinking this one would be good:

However, compromise in a marriage is usually good.

So, this would be okay too:

Pretty in Pink

I'm not always a pink fan. Hey, just because I'm a girl doesn't mean that I automatically have to like the color pink. You know what I'm talking about.. Who honestly thinks pepto bismal pink bridesmaid dresses is a good idea? I've only seen a couple weddings where I thought pink worked. (Sis - yours was good.) And making bubble gum ice cream the color of pink doesn't make the treat any more appealing to my taste buds. (Actually bubble gum ice cream is usually blue, which I don't get. Or wait.. is it cotton candy ice cream that is blue?) And if I'm picking between sheer ballet pink toenail polish or fire engine red, engine red will always win. And lipstick choice? Just give me chapstick with sunscreen.

However, every once and a while pink accessories are right up my alley. For example, check out these pink arrows, nocks or broadheads from Victory Archery. I would also consider a hot pink bowstring. We will see what happens when my current bowstring becomes frayed enough to warrant replacing it with new strings. I'm thinking that orange may be the color that wins out in the end. However, we will see what happens when it comes time to dress up the bow.

P.s. I'm okay with pale pink lip gloss - must be scent free though.

And since I mentioned "Pretty in Pink", here is a movie clip just for fun...

(Remember to pause music at the bottom of the page)

Crooked Horn Count Down

Only nine more days until opening day for Speed Goats.

But who's counting?

Crooked Horn, I'm coming after you!

Mountain Top 3D Archery High

Wow! I'm still on a mountain high from the 3D archery shoot that we experienced this weekend. The guys from Bowcast out did themselves on this one. They set up a crazy challenging course on the slopes of the Snowbird ski resort. And let me tell you what - It wasn't on no bunny slope!! I love being pushed to the limit and doing things I never thought I could do. The elite course did just that for me. I'm getting ahead of myself though.

Let me start from the beginning...

On Friday morning, our hunting group loaded up bows, arrows, tennis shoes (we should have packed hiking boots - not sure what we were thinking here), movies, snacks, sunscreen, etc., etc., and aimed the vehicle towards the state just west of Colorado. The mountains of Utah was our destination, Snowbird Ski resort to be exact.

Upon arriving in Snowbird, we were welcomed by gorgeous views and moose in the parking lot. What could be better?

Momma moose looking for her baby not far behind.

However, it does get better. After unloading all our luggage from the vehicle into our cozy hotel room, and convincing Big Al that the luggage caddy was not a toy and to quit farting in the elevator, we were off to explore the place we would call home for the weekend.

A view of the room...

A view from the room...

A view of ???...

Upon arriving back in our room after exploring the grounds, sleep didn't come easy knowing that we would be exploring the mountains with bow in hand come morning. But sleep we did. It had been a long day and a long drive. This is where the guys would give me a hard time because I'm not ashamed to say that I slept most of the way there. Whatever.

Upon waking up and arriving at the registration tent, we waited our turn to ride the Mid Gad chair lift to base camp where the days activities would begin. It was an absolutely gorgeous ride up the mountain. I grew up skiing all over the U.S., but have never ridden a chair lift in the summer time and without skis on my feet. So, it was a strange feeling to exchange skis for a bow on the lift, but I'm not complaining. It was exhilarating! I think part of that initial feeling was due to the fact that my husband and I forgot to put the safety bar down. Whoops!

Upon reaching the top, there was a practice range set up to release a few arrows before aiming at all the great 3D targets set up on the 3 different courses. There were three options: a beginners, intermediate or elite course. It was all about fun and practicing your skills, so there was no pressure to compete or keep score. Your biggest competitor was yourself. Perfect! Just the way I like it. ;)

So, off we went and somehow ended up in the middle of the intermediate course from the get go. Obviously, we didn't pay attention to the directions and shot the last 3 targets in the intermediate course - a pig, a wolf over a ledge and 2 fighting deer at ~107 yards. I didn't launch an arrow that far, but ranged it for a couple of guys because I have a range finder that takes the angle into account when ranging your distance. Even though the actual distance was ~107 yards, after the angle you need to shoot it for about 90. One guy nailed the buck at that distance! It was truly amazing.

Here's some pics from the shoot:

Good shooting gals!

Garnie shooting at a deer across the stream

~80 yard uphill shot at a Big Horn Sheep. Look at the angle of this!!

(This is the hill I thought I was going to roll down accidentally. Yikes!)

Wait! That's not a 3D target!

Here is the Mule Deer shot across the canyon. This is one of the double black diamond slopes in the winter months. So, it was fitting that the best way down in the summer time is to "ski" down the loose gravel.

I wish I had pics of that!

Me saying, "Tell me how far that target is again!?"

What a great weekend of shooting! If you've never shot a 3D course, I would highly recommend looking into shooting at the next bowcast event. I know we will be at the 3D shoot next year... wherever it ends up being. Oh, and I almost forgot to mentioned the great party Saturday night where they raffled off all sorts of goodies... montana decoys, range finders, optics, etc. I turned in a winning ticket in exchange for a new Spot Hog release. Score! For more pics and stories of this 3D event, visit Bowcast.com.

I'll just end this post with one last shot....

(p.s. Pause the music at the bottom of the page first)

Worn Out from the 3D Shoot

We made it home safely, and am absolutely worn out after a fun weekend of shooting 3D targets in the mountains of Utah. I'm honestly too tired to blog about it, but here is a preview for now...

A view from the top of the Elite course - I thought I was going to fall down the side of this mountain a couple of times. It was crazy steep!

Shooting a 3D coyote at 60+ yards. I only have a 40 yard pin, so I put the bottom of my sights in the vitals... ended up hitting him in the leg.

Can you see the coyote below?