30 October 2009

Successful Elk Hunting-Efficient Techniques

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Published on October 30th, 2009 @ 05:24:08 pm, using 650 words, 562 views

Categories: Dome Mountain Ranch 2008

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!