Back from my elk hunt

[Deleted member 33033]

I had a decent idea what was in store for me but like all things, ya never FULLY appreciate it until you are entrenched. Interesting lessons for sure and yes, I will repeat it. Quitters never win and just getting within 56 yards was a victory for me. What a smell!!!

 

[nexus]

Bruce,
Glad you made it back and the rest of us do not have to ask Where's Bruce. Sounds like a hell of an adventure and a story that will last a lifetime. I guarantee the SUCK will grow as the story ages and I love the term, it is perfect description for what seems an obvious choice but is nothing more than an agonizing succession of events. Thanks for the story.

Chris

 

[Deleted member 33033]

Those Rosies are definitely a challenging hunt on the west coast. It is amazing how nimble they are and how quickly they can move through this thick stuff. The bug bites are half healed now and there's little residual zoa reaction going on anymore.

I talked to my buddy and the elk have been playing with him since my departure. He sent this email:

"The herd came back in the other field on Friday night, I went in the tree line and should have stayed there...after 30 mins I made a move to the road and a cow walked withing about 15 yards of the spot where I had been..."

 

[smithstation]

How long does the season last?

 

[Deleted member 33033]

How long does the season last?

Ends Sep 23rd.

 

[Sigma]

Looks like you tore up the Sitka stuff pretty good. Is it worth it?

 

[Deleted member 33033]

Looks like you tore up the Sitka stuff pretty good. Is it worth it?

Not here! Mountain pants are great in the open country or dry forest but not at all up to it in the rain forest. My Celsius bibs were tough enough but too hot. But then, If I had worn my Cartharts I'd have been even warmer. Glad I wasn't wearing 3D, that mesh woulda been a PITA in that salmonberry crap. I can't think of a single good alternative for this "unique" environment. I am gonna see if my tailor can sew the tough stuff on my gaitors to the seat of my mountain pants to reinforce the aft section and make it waterproof.

 

[jindydiver]

"The herd came back in the other field on Friday night, I went in the tree line and should have stayed there...after 30 mins I made a move to the road and a cow walked withing about 15 yards of the spot where I had been..."

Story of my life really

 

[Sigma]

Not here! Mountain pants are great in the open country or dry forest but not at all up to it in the rain forest. My Celsius bibs were tough enough but too hot. But then, If I had worn my Cartharts I'd have been even warmer. Glad I wasn't wearing 3D, that mesh woulda been a PITA in that salmonberry crap. I can't think of a single good alternative for this "unique" environment. I am gonna see if my tailor can sew the tough stuff on my gaitors to the seat of my mountain pants to reinforce the aft section and make it waterproof.

Hey, that'd work! Better yet, snake chaps. Sounds like my first Wyoming hunt on 60 deg. slopes. Can't count how many times I slipped.

 

[Deleted member 33033]

I neglected to mention an important fact of Oregon Rosie elk hunting. The coastal rain forest gets socked in alot too. Rain, fog, the weather can make all the landmarks go bye bye very quickly. When you can't see beyond 30-50 yards it can real exciting.

 

[Westcoastbowhntr]

Had a similar experience although I was further north. Definitely an experience of a lifetime. I grew up rifle hunting roosies and enjoyed the challenge of archery hunting them. Up where I was we had elk bugling almost everyday and had multiple close encounters to just end in those salmon berries or small hemlock trees provide the perfect shield to a clean shot. We finally ended up filling one tag 8 days in. Had 2 full draw experiences, but my Kuiu gear held up fantastically and other than some very minor snags. They will be used again. I can say one thing it seems that the quality of calling makes all the difference. Great story thanks for sharing!

 

[Marty]

Bump for Bruce's elk hunt and precursor back troubles.

 

[Bossbrott]

Good bump for Bruce! He knocked it out of the park with that hunt!