Well our trip started out as we planned our journey from PA to Montrose, Colorado as the term unsuccessful became a popular one from the other western states. See every year my good friend Richard "Coop" Cooper and I apply in mutiple states and the last two years in a row were fortunate to draw tags in the Gila. This year we were unsuccessful in our attempts to draw a premium elk tag in the Southwest. So we decided on our destination and it was 8 years since Coop had been on this portion of the mountain. However not I, and with our past success I felt confident that Coop may realize his chance of filling an archery bull tag. For him, this adventure started in 1995 on his first elk hunt. This would be his 10th trip and the 12th for me. Months turned into weeks, which turned into days and then hours. The months of practice, 3D shoot, food preperations and anticipation was upon us as we left my driveway at 6am on Sunday, September 11th. Mentality I questioned if we were prepared for our 28 hour non stop drive to Colorado. We arrived in town early Monday the 12th and within no time, made it to our home for the next week at around 10,000 feet. Our eyes were greated with some familiar views, but quickly noticed that some changes had taken place since our last visit three years ago. Mostly to the sleeping area and main cabin. As I walked around the front porch my eyes were drawn to the view over the valley with the San Juans in the backdrop. By the grace of God I had the privledge to this view not only for the moment, but for the week to come. This quickly reminded me of my dedication to hunting elk and this was the bonus of being in the high country.
We quickly unloaded our gear and made it out thru some of the most wonderful country. It was like returning home and for you, I have no words that can describe how that feels. Only word I can come up with is "rewarding". Needless to say our first evening was uneventful, but we settled in that evening early as the fatigue was setting in. The next morning were greated with the seasonably cold temps. Which was something I anticipated being that our ride up with warmer than I would like. As I stood outside I was halted in my tracks to the first bugle not far from camp. Nothing like getting the blood pumping, would this be a sign of good things to come ? Only time would tell. Our first morning we made it out prior to the sun peaking over the mountains. However when it did, again changes were evident, but this spot had many hunting memories from years past.
Not long after light, my eyes noticed something not identified from earlier view. It appeared somewhat lighter than the backdrop and with the assistance of my optics quickly noticed it moving slowly thru the dark timber. Our first sighting of an elk ! Nothing better. We always hunt in pairs, and with Coop being in his 10th season of chasing elk with a bow unsuccessful, the feeling of filling his tag quickly entered my mind. The wind was right, so I softly let our a series of cow/calf talk from my Primo's Cow Girl Call and Top Pin Mouth Call. Within moments the big Cow Elk appeared in the opening looking for the source of that call. In the background I noticed two more elk. Quickly Coop got into position and hopefully the bull would show himself before to many eyes were laid upon us and revealed our position. As it turned out, we had the one cow elk and two spike bulls that showed interest. They made it to within 30 yards of our calling position, provided us both a broadside shoot opportunity. Silently we each passed, hoping to fill our tags with a branch antlered bull Soon the weather started to turn and what we would soon realize, is this weather would stay upon us for a series of days.
We experienced rain for days, like I have never seen. Luckly we had our Kuiu to keep us dry. At this point in our hunt, we decided to leave our video camera and regular cameras at camp to avoid damage. Many times we awoke to make the walk prior to daylight in hopes that the weather would provide relief at first light or prior to dark. That wish never materialized, that is not until mid Saturday. With only one and half days until we left, the likely hood of filling a tag was in my eyes, was unrealistic. Keep in mind during this time the elk were quiet, we were drained and frustrated at the weather. Saturday evening was a blessing, our spirits were lifted immediately at our first bugle around 3:30 on the walk in. As we approached our area, I noticed an elk bedded on the side of a hill. We froze in our tracks to get a better look, which quickly revealed 3 other elk near this mature cow. Was there a bull close by ? I thought at this time of year, the answer had to be a yes. We quickly set up on the other side within 200 yards with the they would get up and feed prior to dark. Around 5pm, I heard what I thought were elk walking thru the timber on the other side, but going nowhere in a hurry. I let out a series of calls and within 30-40 minutes saw no signs of these elk. Worse yet, it appeared they had moved on. It was around 7pm and I decided to start my series of cow calls and bugles to see what, if any elk would respond. This series we refer to as "Firin' up the Band". Which we did for about 10 minutes, tossing rocks over other rocks, kicking on fallen logs to give the sounds of elk moving slowly thru our area. Not long after we stopped a cow came into view followed by a 5x5 bull. There were at a distance of 100 yards and feeding. Wind again in our favor. I gave a soft cow call and bull immediately looked up. It was a stare down and with nothing in sight, he went back to feeding. Plan B, I dropped back 70 yards and as I was moving gave a series of calls a bull couldn't resist. Or could he ? As I called I watched the body language of Coop, as he turned and watched, I knew the bull was coming. Only question, would he come into range or pass just outside. I moved to be sure to make it happen. Soon I saw the tip of horns and noticed he was close enough for a shot. As the bull passed behind some trees Coop drew his bow, gave a cow call and as the bull stopped at a mere 16 yards, the sound of the release was soon drowned out by the arrow passing thru the bull's vitals. As the bull turned and ran, I bugled and called which quickly stopped him in his tracks. The bull went about 150 yards to where his final stop would be. After 10 years, Rich had completed his quest to take a bull elk with his bow. We had to head to camp, get the camera and knives to work under the moon to get this bull ready for the pack out the following morning.
We arrived to camp shortly after midnight and had been awake so far the past 20 hours. The alarm was set for 4am as I wanted to make the morning hunt, the skies were clear and we still had one tag left. We awoke and made it down the trail at 5am and arrived shortly to our place on the mountain before daylight. The morning hunt was filled of what had taken place the previous night and we anticipated finishing what needed to be finished. We packed out the bull around 9am and as we arrived back at camp decided to start packing as our journey home was to be the following morning. My feeling was our goal was met, to take a bull given the weather, our hunt was a success. As the afternoon passed with no sleep, the idea of hunting that evening became a question to me. Finally I decided that staying at camp was not an option. This would be the last hunt of the trip as it would be another 12 months before my return. As we headed down the trail I can say our expectations were not that high. Heck, we spent a week in the high country chasing elk..and we had one down. Does it get any better than that ? As we arrived, we laughed, joked and talked about the previous weeks experience. With all what we were doing, no elk would come into view. As 7pm arrived, we decided to give the finale of "Firin up the band". I kid you not, within 3 minutes I noticed a bull cutting the distance and quickly. This time Coop dropped back with limited time and before I knew it, this bull was trying to circle me downwind. To the point I figured he would wind me, however the only mistake was he would pass within 15 yards prior to doing so. I drew, released and connected. The bull went 50 yards before expiring within sight. Was this for real ? Did we just do what I thought we did ? Last night of our hunt and we filled another tag within 24 hours of our first elk. What a way to finish a hunt....it was a blessing. Needless to say, we went right to work and had the bull completely bagged shortly after dark. The only difference was we packed it out that night to be able to drive off the mountain the next morning.
You guys do it in luxury... log cabins, horses to pack out with... Can I hunt with you next time? Congrats buddy... I'll be back to my usual stomping grounds in the Uncompaghre next year... maybe it'll finally be the year we hook up in Montrose?
I took this picture with my phone minutes before we started our series of calls. It was a night of celebration. How fortunate we were to not only spend time in God's country, but to have two elk in the truck is something that is hard to duplicate. I can honestly say the best thing that happened on that mountain was the memories that were made, the friendships that are brought tighter and the knowing that this experience was impossible without the support of our families. As we started our journey back to Pennsylvania, I had to take one final picture that etched an image into my sole. For the winter will soon be upon us, but as I type this I can assure one thing. The plans for 2012 will soon be underway, that somewhere in the west Coop and I will return to pursue our passion. The applications will be sent and I am sure the word unsuccessful will be a part of it, but one thing is for sure.....by no means has any of our hunts been unsuccessful. As we may have brought back the tags with no ink on them, the friendship and memories we have will never be replaced. I finish with saying that if you ever wanted to pursue elk in the west, make every effort to do so. However, once you do it, not going will be the withdraws only an elk addict can describe.
Nicely done guys! Congrats on your success. After our experience I wasn't sure I would ever want to go back, but after reading your post and seeing your photos I would head out right now if I could.
The pics are somewhat fuzzy do to being taken on our cells...and of course being in a hurry to get things done.... as a note, both bulls were 5x5's
When I saw the temp I thought oh boy you all are In for a treat but then you said rain, and lots of It. As for the cabin you stayed In, you guys rent this I take It? Outstanding hunt you guys! What an excellent read!! A big congratulation's to you all but most of all congratulation's to coop on his 1st!! I'm still looking for my 1st. Next year will be my 7th year I believe elk hunting. After reading this I can't wait for next year. To be honest, I'm not even sure where I'm going but I'm going elk hunting regardless. Congratulation's once again!!
Very nice - Congrats! Man - I thought I had my elk fix for awhile...now your story just makes me want more!
Congrats! Good to see that you both got it done. Temperatures finally dropping here in Montana. I would kill for some rain! On a side note, how are you liking the KUIU? better than Sitka?
