30 October 2009
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Published on October 30th, 2009 @ 05:24:08 pm, using 650 words, 627 views
I just love it when a plan comes together, I really love it when plans seem to come together everyday. It must mean we’re getting pretty good at this elk hunting thing. Opening week 2009 served as a prime example that elk hunting will drive a person crazy, but also proved that you might just be crazy if you don’t give it a try. For those of you who’ve been wondering how our first week of elk hunting went, just ask our clients. I don’t know how it seems to get better and better, it just does.
Some of my guides tell me that I think about elk hunting way too much, my wife will confirm that I could be on the edge of some sort of new chronic illness, but when I get to enjoy a week long adventure and watch others catch the same sickness, I know I am not alone. We laid back off the vehicle travel even more this week which brought nothing but positive results, and a few sore bodies.
We talked a lot about hunting elk like they “can shoot back". There’s no doubt elk habits have changed. It sure hasn’t gotten easier, but it’s gotten better, if that makes sense. Each day of the hunt brought us 100% opportunity. Everyone who hunted with us this week had at least one bull in the scope and were in elk every day. If you’ve ever really hunted elk, you’ll understand why it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Even though there’s 200 elk visible on the face of Dome, getting to them is a different story.
By nearly eliminating vehicle travel to the Alpine House this allowed more elk to move into our hunting area and in the end provide countless opportunities. The old outfitter stopped in and we talked about the days when one could hunt elk for weeks and not see a track, times sure have changed. While it might have seemed like the hard way, we thought it was the right way, and not many elk hunters would argue that. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
Time sure flies when your elk hunting. This first week will long be remembered by all. It was the perfect mix of quality elk hunters who maintained a positive attitude and hung in there through a variety of weather and conditions. Thanks for keeping the faith.
In the end, it’s not about the elk you took home, it’s about the memories you loaded up. I have no doubt that there’s quite a few folks who are heading back to the real world and left here with quite a load of smiles. Thanks for making plans for future hunts, we welcome you all in our camp anytime!
We endured the normal Montana weather, hot, sunny, windy, rainy, snowy, cold, and did I mention windy? Everyone was well prepared and made the most of each day. It was a perfect week of elk hunting. The secret was simple, just get out there, up there, just be there, be still, be ready.
Thanks again to Warren and Edna, Tom and Luanne, Wayne, and Lance. I know there’s more stories to tell, but most of them can only be appreciated if you’ve been here. Thanks also to Len, the food was awesome and you never stopped smiling no matter how early breakfast was! The gang, Rick, Mick, Matt, Darcy and Greg. There’s one thing that makes a place special, that’s the people. A special thanks for Lance for putting up with Rick and doing everything he asked you every day, next time wait until the last day to shoot a bull, not opening morning!
We will get a day of rest, then it’s back at it next week with no shortage of elk and hopefully willing bodies and big hearts. Until next time.
See You on the Mountain!
JB Klyap, Outfitter #7843
23 October 2009
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Published on October 23rd, 2009 @ 12:14:12 pm, using 439 words, 737 views
The Montana Elk Season is definitely here. It’s going to be a painful, yet exciting wait for opening day this weekend. Both hunters and guides are rolling into camp and the weather couldn’t be more ideal with cold nights (20’s) and mild days (40’s). We’ve had some good moisture with rain down low and snow in the high country. There’s good elk numbers, however they are currently in big herds as opposed to smaller bunches. Considering the countless opportunities we provided in archery season, Sunday should be lots of fun, I’m sharpening an extra knife.
When we aren’t hunting elk here at Dome Mountain, we are always thinking about how to hunt them, patterning them, and basically leaving the mountain and all of the property alone and free of unnatural interruption. Each season this program works better and better with more elk being hunted lower and lower, plus allowing more room in the high country for continued pursuit. We’ve learned that there is a limit to how far elk can be pushed. Last season, this technique afforded us over 500 elk every day, a prime example of modern day elk hunting success and wildlife management.
Over the years we’ve tried just about everything, from chained up ATV’s to spike camps, big suburbans and even snowmobiles. Fact is, none of them produce as well as a strong set of legs and a willing heart. Our plans are to completely eliminate vehicle traffic through the ranch during the entire hunting season. While this might mean a little longer horse ride and earlier breakfasts, it will definitely promote “fair chase” elk hunting. I’ve said this before, “elk hunting will NEVER be a gentleman’s sport", at least not if I can help it. In the long run, it might seem like we’re doing things the hard way, but I bet there will be more smiling faces in the end.
There’s really no substitute for realistic preparation. I talk a lot about “getting in shape", shooting a lot and having the right gear. Another factor to an elk hunter’s overall success and enjoyment will be your mindset and will to believe, day after day. Every day out there is a little different, yet much the same, you’ll either be hiking endless miles of rugged country, or sitting still and motionless on a cold, lonely stand for hours on end. Either way, that’s elk hunting. Be patient, be the best natural hunter you can be.
Thanks again for reading and stay tuned, I’ll do my best to update as often as I can. Looking forward to sharing the mountain with all of you.
JB Klyap, Outfitter #7843
20 October 2009
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Published on October 20th, 2009 @ 09:42:30 pm, using 312 words, 2468 views
I took a little ride this afternoon over on the Old Yellowstone Trail. I figured I’d do one last check on the River View House as our last fishing guests of the season headed off. I felt like I had the whole place to myself. The river was bare of boats or fishers, yet fish were rising right in front of me and it looked temptingly inviting. A drive down 89 revealed no campers in Yankee Jim and no trailers at Joe Brown. A low cloud hung at about 8,000 feet, lit up from the back bright white from the setting sun.
I’d thought about heading up to the Alpine House, but that plan was changed due to 2 shooter bulls lounging in the sun with a pack of cows. I tested my reverse skills and headed over towards Daily. I noticed there is still a good amount of water coming from the Sheep and Garden creek, so I opened the valve to Thelma’s and glassed a bit. I was looking for both elk and elk camps. I learned a valuable lesson early on in this business. If someone thinks there’s a good spot to hunt or fish and writes about it, people will come. I’ve sworn this mountain to secrecy.
As I turned off 89 towards Corwin, I noticed someone finally changed the signs from 45 MPH to 60MPH, no doubt a “weaning” of Montana drivers, never did know for sure why there even was a speed limit there. It was good to get past the church and glass the back side of Dome which reminded me just how big this country is.
All is well on the mountain, elk season is just a few days away. Some hunters and guides are already in camp. It’s a fun time, perhaps the best time to enjoy a little “Montana Time".
See You on the Mountain!
JB Klyap
17 October 2009
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Published on October 17th, 2009 @ 11:16:52 pm, using 93 words, 680 views
Well boys, next week at this time you will be hearing my jabber on about how many things can go wrong in an elk hunt. You will also hear me talk about keeping the faith, be patient. If there’s one thing I have never predicted, it’s that first day of the season, I’ve seen 100 percent success, and I’ve seen funny looks from guides.
Whatever the case, we are excited to get you all in camp and work on the hunt of a lifetime! Safe travels, we will see you when you get here!
12 October 2009
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Published on October 12th, 2009 @ 11:54:50 pm, using 377 words, 658 views
Never Before Seen Photo prove a sometimes controversial trait.
A story released today had elk hunters, wildlife biologists and local towns people in total disbelief, and others feeling elated, relieved. For years, mountain men and some hunters have sheepishly described bone chilling accounts of very strange elk behavior not condusive to this large unqulate’s normal routines. Many non-hunters would often comment; “hunters were just making excuses".
All of this disagreement now comes to an end, which will open up all avenues of study for both scientists and elk hunters, not to mention FWP personell who have to make accurate counts of animals now believed to hold “ghost-like” traits.
“Most of my guides and some close friends have heard my stories, and now they can see with their own eyes that I would never make things up, especially when it comes to elk hunting, see for yourself!” -JB Klyap
CAUTION****CAUTION****CAUTION****CAUTION****
THE IMAGE BELOW CONTAINS DISTURBING INFORMATION AND MAY CAUSE DILERIUM
As it turns out, mountain men and hunters were correct. Tall tales of elk using their great antlers to burrow caves, then pull rocks around with their tails to cover their tracks…or, the most common…"the elk just vanished"…"it was like they stepped into another world"…
Many of the local guides, hunters past clients, and wives will be planning a therapy-like meeting very soon on how to deal with these elk behaviors.
Thanks again to our first week’s archery hunters for a great week and we look forward to next year’d adventure once again. Who would have thought we’d have nearly 50% shot opportunity before lunch on day 1?
We are gearing up for rifle season. The weather has definitely turned winter-like, and as always we feel a tingle of excitement with hopes of a strong migration and good elk movement daily.
Bulls are still bugling and chasing cows. I was treated to a great show last night along the loop drive past the ranch, then around to R&
. I saw several large bulls, lots of younger bulls and plenty of cows. Most bulls were with the herd, while a few had branched off and we’re already seeming to begin their fall elusiveness and solidarity.
See you on the mountain!
JB Klyap, Outfitter #7843
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