by Dave Hurteau

Being a full-time mountain man probably sucked as often as it was really cool. But when you only do it for a week, it’s only really cool. Then you go back home to your king bed. Late last month, I went on a backcountry elk hunt in Colorado. It’s what we here at Field & Stream call a business trip. 

But first, a couple of other things: Before leaving, I argued in a post that having a speedy bow lets you use a heavier arrow and broadhead without giving up too much in trajectory. It’s scant and anecdotal evidence, I know, but that formula worked out pretty well on this hunt. Also before I left, I asked if you would take a quartering-to shot with a bow at a deer.

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t answer my own question: So, no-- at least, I never have and don’t plan to. But there are hunters I respect and trust who insist it is absolutely deadly with today’s fast bows. If you watch outdoor TV, you have no doubt noticed that taking the shot is a growing trend. Still, I’m not ready to contradict every state’s hunter-ed manual.

Now, onto the elk hunt. Click here to see all the pictures from my trip.

Comments (1)

from chaslee wrote 31 weeks 1 day ago

I'll take a drop camp for elk any day. There is nothing like that first shower after spending 10 days in a tent in 30 degree weather sweating chasing elk. A wood burner that puts out more smoke than heat, buddys that can't control their body functions, a cot that is never level, eating with your fingers, propane lights that fizzle out when you're digging a splinter out of your hand, putting on your long john tops in the dark thinking they are your pants and cussing your wife out for stretching the waist and shrinking the legs, boots that weigh an extra 4 pounds for the mud and cloths that smell of elk from sitting in dark timber were every elk that past used the spot to pee. I love it.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

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

from chaslee wrote 31 weeks 1 day ago

I'll take a drop camp for elk any day. There is nothing like that first shower after spending 10 days in a tent in 30 degree weather sweating chasing elk. A wood burner that puts out more smoke than heat, buddys that can't control their body functions, a cot that is never level, eating with your fingers, propane lights that fizzle out when you're digging a splinter out of your hand, putting on your long john tops in the dark thinking they are your pants and cussing your wife out for stretching the waist and shrinking the legs, boots that weigh an extra 4 pounds for the mud and cloths that smell of elk from sitting in dark timber were every elk that past used the spot to pee. I love it.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

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