We're Back... with Backstraps!

Troy's 5x5 DIY public land bull elk

​We are down from the mountain after a tough week long elk hunt... It was HOT, the harvest moon illuminated the night sky all week, and it was DRY. All these factors contributed to the elk not wanting to talk and only play at night. We had one evening with a few light sprinkles which caused the elk to loosen their vocal chords the next morning. So, we exchanged bugles back and forth and had them running into us from all directions. It was like a light bulb went off in their heads for one day and then it was switched off again. Crazy elk!

Troy was able to punch his tag even with these strikes against us and now our freezer is filled to the brim with elk steaks. Unfortunately, I didn't get to punch my tag since I only had spikes come in close enough for a shot. Those little boogers won't leave me alone! (A legal bull in CO is 4 pts or better.) Oh well - I don't think we would've had room in our freezer for 2 elk, so I'm not going to complain much. I'm thankful for the meat we've been blessed with. It should last us all winter long and I'm excited for the first BBQ with friends.

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The first thing on my agenda this week - cashing in a gift certificate to the spa. I need a back rub after packing out that elk. I made three trips off the mountain that day. Don't feel too bad for me though because I volunteered to be the mountain goat while the guys did the butchering. I thought it was an even trade. So, the first trip I took my pack AND Troy's up the mountain to dump off the extra weight and bring back rope and the pack frames. The second trip - a front quarter hauled to the truck. The third trip - a hind quarter carried out via headlamp. Luckily we were only a couple of miles in, but it was a steep "hill" to climb. Phew! I was a tired gal that night.

​And to top of the great day... a flat tire was waiting for us.

(I snapped the above picture during my first trip and waited to tell my husband about it until they were almost done with the butchering. I didn't want a repeat of the other year and have an accident due to added stress.)

​We had so much fun on this hunt and I'll promise to share some good stories and pictures in the next week or so. Congrats to my hubby on his bull. I'm so proud of him!