NO ELK {crap-o-rama}

We were covered with snow from the beginning.  Our usual hunting camp at 9,700 feet elevation was under 2 feet of snow and access was super hard.  We didn't see any elk around our traditional areas.  Basically, there was no elk feed available, and the cold snow was even more incentive for the elk to migrate down the mountain on to Ute Tribal lands.  The only bull elk I saw, actually the only live elk I saw, was trotting along the road in tribal lands just behind the fence maybe 70 yards from our truck.  He knew he was safe I knew I couldn't shoot. Can elk sneer?  How does a 4X5 bull say or sign "neener, neerer, neerer" in elkanise. Maybe next year outside the fence I'll show him who is toughest?

I still had a great time seeing the beauties of nature and camping with my son.  I had a great time with his family at a low country alternate camp.  We had a fire and foil dinners one night.  Ending a fun family outing we made roasted marshmallows and the sugar high for the four kids was intense.

I am glad I went hunting.  I would like to have taken an elk, but still a bad cold day hunting is lots more fun than a day working.

Preparation for the Elk hunt 2011

I am getting really excited for the up coming elk hunt.  I have an 'any bull' tag for open bull areas in Utah.  My son also has the same type tag and my other son is going to come to the camp and help us.  I am truly blessed to have two great sons.  The adventure of elk hunting in the high mountains with my sons is what life is all about.  I am hoping my daughter-in-law and some of my grand-kids can come too.  Even if we don't get an elk it is a wonderful experience to all be there together in God's majesty and enjoy the crisp air and the smell of pines and quaking aspen trees.  The hunt opens Saturday October 8th!

I made an extra small blaze orange vest for my granddaughter who is just one 1/3 years old.  I hope she can come to elk camp again this year.  She came last year at age 1/3 and didn't complain.  This year she can walk so maybe we can scout out a 6X6 together?  {I wonder if she can clean an elk by herself or if she will have to get her dad to help her?}