Elk 2012 Journals: Day 15

MORNING HUNT:
Wednesday, September 19

Today we woke up early with the plan of getting into the upper part of the lakes before any glimpses of daylight made an appearance.  We snaked our way down into the meadows under the cover of moonlight and were situated by first light.  I had the lower middle, Garnet the left side and Troy on the right. Todd was up on top calling.  Not even 15 minutes after we sat down, there were bulls coming in. Unfortunately a bull was not taken this morning.  But it was an action packed hunt that I can still close my eyes and remember the sound of the bull we named "growler" stomping around down below, just out of danger from my arrow. 

After a long hike out, we arrived back to camp late and ate a quick meal of eggs, elk chorizo and whatever else we could round up.  Then we all succumbed to our full bellies and quickly fell asleep which led to a long afternoon slumber.  Our bodies were tired, but even after waking up later than intended, no one wanted to waste the opportunity for an evening hunt.  So we rallied the troops and headed down to the lower beaver ponds. 
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EVENING HUNT:
We quickly worked our way down the upper trail to a location where we figured elk may be crossing.  Upon reaching the designated spot, Garnet, Allen and I sat along the upper drainage while Todd and Troy went down below.  When the signal was given that everyone was situated and ready for the action, Todd and Troy began to do their best elk impersonations.  Not long after, I heard a commotion of branches breaking and something trying to break free from the thick alders.  I asked Troy afterwards, "What was going on down there?"  He had a spike (young bull) just about run over the top of him, which in turn ended up scaring the snot out of both of them!  Oh how I wish I had that on film!

Nothing else came in, so we decided to mosey on back to camp.  We bugled back and forth with what we think is the big bull in the area... he was smart and simply wouldn't stick his nose out for us to get a view of him.  He was always just out of reach and during the last bugle exchange, we listened as he made reaching the top of the mountain appear to be child's play.  I'm simply amazed at these animal's strength and stamina.  They truly are magnificent animals and I treasure every close encounter I am able to experience with them on the mountain.