14 November 2008
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Published on November 14th, 2008 @ 12:10:30 pm, using 317 words, 9707 views
Word is public land hunting in this neck of the woods continues to get tougher and tougher. Elk habits have changed dramatically over the last few years, which have required hunting habits to change as well. The backcountry elk have become void of normal habits and rarely frequent the same areas twice. Nearly 300 head of elk recently moved into areas on and around the ranch which compliments our hunting style. The second week of the season was one of the best we’ve had so far. We had a mixture of return clients and first time ever elk hunters. All of which had legal elk in their crosshairs at least once if not nearly each and every day.

The first day began with several herds of elk which we were able to get on top of. One hunter even bagged a nice muley shortly after harvesting his bull on the south end of the ranch. Our ponies took some other hunters up into the high country to see just how important wide open spaces can be. The rest of the week continued to bring good numbers of elk and countless opportunities.
Weather continues to be mild with some good fresh snow up high and harsher weather to the south in the Park which has helped to begin pushing some elk our way. We could also start selling tickets just off the highway where a group of cows and spikes continue to taunt hunters in a state area. Our area does not allow the harvest of cows, however since few elk are available on public lands, especially visible from vehicles, the crew has been kept fairly busy keeping pressure down.
The remaining weeks should be equally exciting and provide hunters with countless opportunities. If you are planning to join us for next season, please be aware that we have only a few openings left.
Good Hunting!
Outfitter JB Klyap
04 November 2008
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Published on November 4th, 2008 @ 01:40:08 pm, using 409 words, 2634 views
Opening week of rifle continues to be an exciting week here at Dome Mountain. Mild weather didn’t deter all 13 of our hard hunting clients from having a great time. Several nice elk and Mule deer will go on walls and fill freezers from coast to coast. Success came in many forms, be it personal gratification or an understanding for new adventures, and of course, elk hunting.
The crowds of summer and Yellowstone have left gods country open to those of us who choose to get our meat from somewhere other than the local market. The week seemed to go by fast, as most things do when the fun meter is pushed to overdrive. I want to personally thank all the hunters for your continued belief in fair chase ethics.
While we all like to see elk on the ground, those who share this special time with us each season will testify that there is more to the story. After the innitial anticipation of opening day had passed we truly enjoyed some great country and company. The true excitement came later on in the week when a furry robber decided to visit us at the lodge.
Shortly after harvesting a nice mule deer and loading it into the bed of a pickup we stopped by the lodge to wash up and prepare for the meat care process. I had been about 20 minutes behind the guides and hunters. As I pulled into the main lodge drive I noticed a 300-400 pound grizzly bear standing on the back bumper doing his best to run off with a nice meal. Fortunately, no one got hurt and I was able to run the bear off. Of course, walking from the lodge to the cabins at that point became quite an adventure.
In general, it was a good week. Every hunter saw elk, some passed on bulls that were not of their liking and some even learned new ways to ride ponies. There were a lot of smiles throughout the week with great food, great guides and good all around Montana hospitality.
We are looking forward to the coming weeks. Some weather is predicted to hit us today as we speak. We still have a few openings available for both archery and rifle in 09 and 10, so please drop me a line if you are considering a hunt with us for the coming season. One final note, don’t forget to vote.
See you all soon!
JB