By Ben Romans

Well, if you’re keeping score, it’s Elk—1, Ben—0.

I returned late last night from a short, early season archery hunt for elk. Even though it’s still a little too early for any solid bugling action, I didn’t want the holiday weekend to go to waste. So I jammed my pack full (including some last minute items per your suggestions from The Things You Carry), and started climbing. The first day I moved a little over three miles as the crow flies, but because of the steep mountains it felt twice as far. I reached a basin, set up camp on a nearby ridge, and spent the better part of the mornings and evenings glassing the springs and meadows below. By the end of the third day, I had yet to see or hear an elk (though I ran into plenty of bears—more on that later).

Wouldn’t you know it, on my way back to the truck, I crossed some fresh elk sign and I decided to casually call as I walked along. I never heard him, and I certainly didn’t see him until it was too late, but apparently my seductive cow tones captured the attention of a nice bull, and he was coming to investigate. Barely 40 yards apart, he and I stared at each other for 10 minutes before he lost interest, and I finished my stumbling trek out of the mountains.

So what’s the bottom line? Basically, I’m down, but I’m not out. The peak of the rut is coming, and I plan to be there when it hits. Who else was out-and-about this past weekend? Any excitement on the last good holiday before school really gets rolling? —Ben

Comments (3)

from Thatkid wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

No hunting, although it was my cousins new setter pup's first time in the woods. I had my best day of fly fishing so far. I caught 4 fish in about an hour and a half(I would have stayed out longer, but we had to leave). And we scouted for deer.

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from Razz wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Dad got a new O/U then we shot skeet for a couple hours still a little rusty cant seem 2 hit anything out side 35 any pointers. Fly fished for one last time before my summer ended.

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from turkeyman wrote 2 years 36 weeks ago

Took the boat up to Minneapolis and did some fishin'. We caught two bass, a perch and four bluegill. Not great but not bad. It was hot and sunny, probably explaining our lack of luck on the pike. Tried another lake late in the day (could hardly find a parking spot anywhere) and it was a nice lake but we didn't have a lot of time. So now we know what we're doing for future trips, if nothing else.
1001352752,946,664,turkeyman"

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from Thatkid wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

No hunting, although it was my cousins new setter pup's first time in the woods. I had my best day of fly fishing so far. I caught 4 fish in about an hour and a half(I would have stayed out longer, but we had to leave). And we scouted for deer.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Razz wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Dad got a new O/U then we shot skeet for a couple hours still a little rusty cant seem 2 hit anything out side 35 any pointers. Fly fished for one last time before my summer ended.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from turkeyman wrote 2 years 36 weeks ago

Took the boat up to Minneapolis and did some fishin'. We caught two bass, a perch and four bluegill. Not great but not bad. It was hot and sunny, probably explaining our lack of luck on the pike. Tried another lake late in the day (could hardly find a parking spot anywhere) and it was a nice lake but we didn't have a lot of time. So now we know what we're doing for future trips, if nothing else.
1001352752,946,664,turkeyman"

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All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.