hunterdoug
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good luck sammy,....sleep....well....
- Thread starter mtnsammy
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Aught-SixGuy
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Great thread mtsammy. Hope to see you there when I get there next fall. I miss the elk woods! Good luck, and good on you for going to church on Sunday. God rewards his faithful servants.
Sniper Chuck
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Like Jesse said about the red lens. I once used a red magic marker to color my mini mag light lens. Walked up on a couple feeding cows before first light. They heard us but went back to feeding after I gave a soft cow call. Use the soft cow call when you break a branch or kick a rock, seems to calm them. Good luck.
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yeah red marker works like Sniperchuck said. I've seen some guys use the red dye from metal working, that stuff they paint on metal and then scratch lines for cuts. I forget the correct name for it, we used blue dye in metal shop in high school.
Well a little setback happened Friday. While still trying to take pictures of elk I dislocated my left knee. I knew it was going out but with all the hiking I figured it was OK. I tried again to go out in the dark and I must have twisted it too many times in the dark. I am not worried yet. Like they say on Monty Python, “I’m not dead yet!” Still a lot of fight left in me. I dislocated it almost 30 times before the last surgery so I guess I have better than 25 dislocations to go.
While sitting on a rock in the middle of a field resting, I noticed my phone had great reception??? Well an internet junky like me cannot let that pass. I looked up what all good hunters would, “How to call Elk Cows.” Immediately I had 3 videos running and learned my “HoochieMama” caller may not be enough. I played for an hour or so and almost got 2 different elk out of the tree line. It was easy to sit still but they walked along the tree line almost 180 apart from each other. Hearing these massive beasts walk across the broken timber on the forest bed is intimidating. You can hear the crackling of the wood as it snaps under the weight of the elk. Not the gentle pop we make but like 6 inch logs breaking in two. After a while I was bored and decided it would be best to get to camp and rest the knee. It must be OK since I hiked a half mile up almost 300 feet in elevation. Normally I can maintain 2 MPH when hiking up or down the steep hills. This was a bit slower at 1MPH. Back at camp I opened the Grumpy Joe’s ER and found a good selection of knee braces. All is good. At least I did not have to open the suture kits or staplers.
Hunters are starting to arrive. I have seen 2 trucks of horses and supplies going in to set up elk camps, several dozen scouts on quads. I moved my camp to a more open location so I would have a good choice in camp spots. Still room for 5 or 6 trailers and several tents so others can still share if they so desire. I just wanted a good spot with lots of sun. The temps are now well below freezing at night. I run the heaters to keep it above 45-50 so the water pipes don’t freeze. I am not sure how it works with the trailers here yet. Last night it got to 18 degrees, still above Zero but when visiting nature it does make it difficult. All forecasts of rain are gone for several weeks now as the ocean storms have weakened and will not bring in the moisture. I am not sure how this will affect the Elk without rain or snow and still freezing temps. My thought is they will stay bedded down till later in the mornings??
The County and Wildlife Services gave a nice surprise this week. New thinning projects have just started 4 miles away. In the mornings at 6 am I can hear the tractors tearing up the tree line only miles away. Hopefully this will not move the Elk away from my little corridor. You would think that would be a good summer project not one to start a week before hunting season opens.
All next week hunters will fill the valley. Last year I counted over 35 camps with as many as a dozen hunters in each site. Everyone has their own ideas on how to hunt elk. I have not had much luck walking or stalking up on the elk but I did notice a fool proof method for finding game. Drive a rattling old truck down a rocky dirt road making as much mechanical noises as possible. Elk and Deer will run right in front of you and before the camera can turn on, they will disappear. If you want to take the game with the F350 method, drive at night fast with high beams on and several will run in front of you to see you hit the brakes. I still think they are teen Elk laughing at the panic each time someone goes by. Darn school elk pranks. I look forward to meeting up with those on their way for the hunt. My new camp site is great except there is no cell activity at all. I have to drive out about a mile to get any text or email messages.
Worst case scenario I might need to ask other hunters to help me pack out the meat?? God's Backyard is never a bad place to be. I did find an interesting site while riding my quad. I will be back to ride more when it is a bit warmer. Up at about 10000 feet, 13 miles into the woods off the beaten path a marker was found. I am not sure what someone else might call big. Maybe this hunt, or the harvesting of several tags, dedicating the hunt to a returning soldier, the returns of all our sons and daughters. Making it out of the woods with a dislocated knee?? The birth of a child or the wedding of a daughter. We all have our ideas of what big is. I find a person who has lived, served their country, been to war, returns home to an ungrateful nation, raises a family and developes friends whom mark his passing in the forest with a better marker than most graves have is BIG. I am very honored to have met Paul Maskalenko 12/31/2000 End of Duty. He must have been a very good man to have family and or friends to bring such honor to him. His marker is set amongst the trees overlooking a cliff of almost 300 feet atop the mountains. He is closer to God than many of us now. My prayers for his soul and for the comfort of his family. May the Forestry Department never find his marker as we all know they would never approve. I will hold his place of honor near my heart for a long long time. This is what makes a real hunt one to remember. Seeing the true heroes honored. Seeing the real beauty of the land. Hunting with the same respect and honor as those who remembered Paul Maskelenko in such a noble way.
Hopefully my next post will be a havesting post. I dedicated this hunt to the soldier who recently lost his leg and came back to Pendleton. I still do not know his name and promise to visit him as soon as I can. I now also dedicate this hunt to a soldier of past, Paul Maskelenko. I hunt in honor for both of you.
While sitting on a rock in the middle of a field resting, I noticed my phone had great reception??? Well an internet junky like me cannot let that pass. I looked up what all good hunters would, “How to call Elk Cows.” Immediately I had 3 videos running and learned my “HoochieMama” caller may not be enough. I played for an hour or so and almost got 2 different elk out of the tree line. It was easy to sit still but they walked along the tree line almost 180 apart from each other. Hearing these massive beasts walk across the broken timber on the forest bed is intimidating. You can hear the crackling of the wood as it snaps under the weight of the elk. Not the gentle pop we make but like 6 inch logs breaking in two. After a while I was bored and decided it would be best to get to camp and rest the knee. It must be OK since I hiked a half mile up almost 300 feet in elevation. Normally I can maintain 2 MPH when hiking up or down the steep hills. This was a bit slower at 1MPH. Back at camp I opened the Grumpy Joe’s ER and found a good selection of knee braces. All is good. At least I did not have to open the suture kits or staplers.
Hunters are starting to arrive. I have seen 2 trucks of horses and supplies going in to set up elk camps, several dozen scouts on quads. I moved my camp to a more open location so I would have a good choice in camp spots. Still room for 5 or 6 trailers and several tents so others can still share if they so desire. I just wanted a good spot with lots of sun. The temps are now well below freezing at night. I run the heaters to keep it above 45-50 so the water pipes don’t freeze. I am not sure how it works with the trailers here yet. Last night it got to 18 degrees, still above Zero but when visiting nature it does make it difficult. All forecasts of rain are gone for several weeks now as the ocean storms have weakened and will not bring in the moisture. I am not sure how this will affect the Elk without rain or snow and still freezing temps. My thought is they will stay bedded down till later in the mornings??
The County and Wildlife Services gave a nice surprise this week. New thinning projects have just started 4 miles away. In the mornings at 6 am I can hear the tractors tearing up the tree line only miles away. Hopefully this will not move the Elk away from my little corridor. You would think that would be a good summer project not one to start a week before hunting season opens.
All next week hunters will fill the valley. Last year I counted over 35 camps with as many as a dozen hunters in each site. Everyone has their own ideas on how to hunt elk. I have not had much luck walking or stalking up on the elk but I did notice a fool proof method for finding game. Drive a rattling old truck down a rocky dirt road making as much mechanical noises as possible. Elk and Deer will run right in front of you and before the camera can turn on, they will disappear. If you want to take the game with the F350 method, drive at night fast with high beams on and several will run in front of you to see you hit the brakes. I still think they are teen Elk laughing at the panic each time someone goes by. Darn school elk pranks. I look forward to meeting up with those on their way for the hunt. My new camp site is great except there is no cell activity at all. I have to drive out about a mile to get any text or email messages.
Worst case scenario I might need to ask other hunters to help me pack out the meat?? God's Backyard is never a bad place to be. I did find an interesting site while riding my quad. I will be back to ride more when it is a bit warmer. Up at about 10000 feet, 13 miles into the woods off the beaten path a marker was found. I am not sure what someone else might call big. Maybe this hunt, or the harvesting of several tags, dedicating the hunt to a returning soldier, the returns of all our sons and daughters. Making it out of the woods with a dislocated knee?? The birth of a child or the wedding of a daughter. We all have our ideas of what big is. I find a person who has lived, served their country, been to war, returns home to an ungrateful nation, raises a family and developes friends whom mark his passing in the forest with a better marker than most graves have is BIG. I am very honored to have met Paul Maskalenko 12/31/2000 End of Duty. He must have been a very good man to have family and or friends to bring such honor to him. His marker is set amongst the trees overlooking a cliff of almost 300 feet atop the mountains. He is closer to God than many of us now. My prayers for his soul and for the comfort of his family. May the Forestry Department never find his marker as we all know they would never approve. I will hold his place of honor near my heart for a long long time. This is what makes a real hunt one to remember. Seeing the true heroes honored. Seeing the real beauty of the land. Hunting with the same respect and honor as those who remembered Paul Maskelenko in such a noble way.
Hopefully my next post will be a havesting post. I dedicated this hunt to the soldier who recently lost his leg and came back to Pendleton. I still do not know his name and promise to visit him as soon as I can. I now also dedicate this hunt to a soldier of past, Paul Maskelenko. I hunt in honor for both of you.
Well I met up with Nathan from Ihio. It wasn't easy but we did meet. Tomorrow another crew from central California will be up and we should hook up. It is nice meeting other hunters from the forum.
Friday should rain and soften up the trail with all the brittle wood and aspen leaves. I have not gone out since Friday trying to save the knee. Wife wants me home but I have seen too much elk now to go back.
Met an accountant up on his 20th plus hunt here. He offered end of day packing if needed. Great guy and would give his trailer away if he could. I am glad I came out early. I have made friends in town, up here at 9000 feet, and from cities around the area. I am more confident with my hunt area and know I can make it even as a gimp.
I learned gps is not as good as I thought. Not sure why but signals bounce and it sent me everywhere. I now will use gps to start but rely on my trusted BSA compass and landmarks for travel. Next hunt I have so many ideas on how to lighten my pack and make my camp more efficient. I am already making plans.
Good luck with all of your hunts. I am still having the time of my life almost 2miles closer to God and playing in His backyard.
Friday should rain and soften up the trail with all the brittle wood and aspen leaves. I have not gone out since Friday trying to save the knee. Wife wants me home but I have seen too much elk now to go back.
Met an accountant up on his 20th plus hunt here. He offered end of day packing if needed. Great guy and would give his trailer away if he could. I am glad I came out early. I have made friends in town, up here at 9000 feet, and from cities around the area. I am more confident with my hunt area and know I can make it even as a gimp.
I learned gps is not as good as I thought. Not sure why but signals bounce and it sent me everywhere. I now will use gps to start but rely on my trusted BSA compass and landmarks for travel. Next hunt I have so many ideas on how to lighten my pack and make my camp more efficient. I am already making plans.
Good luck with all of your hunts. I am still having the time of my life almost 2miles closer to God and playing in His backyard.
Aught-SixGuy
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Awesome. Be safe and happy hunting!
Well the excitement grows. Every hour another dozen show up. Horses, quads, bikes, tents trailers and motorhomes.
Took a hike to try out the leg. All is good,weak but good. Saw great signs in my lil honey spot so I am real siked. This should be great. I will post as soon as I clear my tag.
Took a hike to try out the leg. All is good,weak but good. Saw great signs in my lil honey spot so I am real siked. This should be great. I will post as soon as I clear my tag.
X2. I'm hooked
hunterdoug
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x3 great reading
Bossbrott
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What an awesome treat you are giving us! Your respect for everything reminds me of my father, just a wholeheartedly good man who deserves everything that comes his/her way. Good luck Sammy, stay safe, your buds back home are listening (and I believe the big man upstairs has plans for your trigger finger).
starcraft69
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Ok I am hooked feels like I am there. Good luck and GOD BLESS
Well day 1 was cold wet snowing and raining. Within the first 30 min I heard 25 shots. Real bad shooters as later I heard of only 6 taken. Now the shots go off regularly. Every bird breaking a branch or squirrel running sends a chill.
I was soaked by 9 and took another twist to the knee. Funny it resets easier with each time. The brace is fulltime now but this hunt is too good. By 10 I had to get relief so back to camp I went. Besides, even elk bed down in snow. Took handful of happy pills and passed out. Woke up to a fellow hunter knocking at the door. Just what I needed. His words fired me up. Dry clothes. Raingear and out I go.
Still no signs hide nor hairs. God is funny. All those sightings and now none. Met some local hillbillies. They grazed a cow and could not find it. It was getting late and they were going out again with the sunlight. Markers everywhere showing shot. Good for them.
SUNDAY
Well the weather will be much nicer today. Up at 4 on the trail 630 just as light starts thru the clouds. At dawn rifle fire goes crazy again. I don't know what they are shooting at but they need more time on the range. I am still hiking the heavy timbers. Racked up 6 miles yesterday. Still no elk but I am sure they will show. For the timber I choose my Marlin lever 444. Shooting 305 grain way overkill but as thick as this is I want to be sure my shot goes down with 1 bullet.
Well my butt is cold on this rock and the elk won't come here so it is boots to the ground. Question to think about till Wednesday, "what makes a hunt so special we go out again and again tasking our mind body and sole to their limits?"
Answer on Thursday or right after the harvest before I drive home.
I was soaked by 9 and took another twist to the knee. Funny it resets easier with each time. The brace is fulltime now but this hunt is too good. By 10 I had to get relief so back to camp I went. Besides, even elk bed down in snow. Took handful of happy pills and passed out. Woke up to a fellow hunter knocking at the door. Just what I needed. His words fired me up. Dry clothes. Raingear and out I go.
Still no signs hide nor hairs. God is funny. All those sightings and now none. Met some local hillbillies. They grazed a cow and could not find it. It was getting late and they were going out again with the sunlight. Markers everywhere showing shot. Good for them.
SUNDAY
Well the weather will be much nicer today. Up at 4 on the trail 630 just as light starts thru the clouds. At dawn rifle fire goes crazy again. I don't know what they are shooting at but they need more time on the range. I am still hiking the heavy timbers. Racked up 6 miles yesterday. Still no elk but I am sure they will show. For the timber I choose my Marlin lever 444. Shooting 305 grain way overkill but as thick as this is I want to be sure my shot goes down with 1 bullet.
Well my butt is cold on this rock and the elk won't come here so it is boots to the ground. Question to think about till Wednesday, "what makes a hunt so special we go out again and again tasking our mind body and sole to their limits?"
Answer on Thursday or right after the harvest before I drive home.
Well a cow was taken 30 minutes after my post. Met the guy yestaerday and it was his 1st hunt. Stayed to dress and haul it out. Back to hunting.He was telling me how nice it must be to have a trailer. He was so cold last night with only the campfire. Now that I think about it, I too had little heatt living at 60 degrees max. It does get cold and there is little relief. Getting intoo the sleeping bag is nicer each night. Drying anything is impossible so pack plenty and stay warm. I thank all of those reading this as without family and friends what is a hunt?
Well here I am sitting on a rock. I am planning on field watchin near game trails and dark timber. So far only a few rifle fires. Of course the tracktors for wildlife management can be heard from 6am all day just a few miles down the hill. All summer and they choose first season to cut timber and plow fields.As I sit here I can here the movement in the treeline. Just moments ago I heard behind me a slight crack and the rub of the hide on brush. I turn and freeze. A bull 4x4 comes out 30 feet away. Not the cow I needed but what a thrill for 3 minutes. As I reach to turn on camera I brush the grasses near me. FREEZE. Again we stare at each other. Wind is blowing in circles and I know he can smell me and my jerky but without movement he waits. Then the worst happens, I fart. That was it he ran. If nothing else this 5 minutes with the bull made it all good. Yes I want to harvest my own cow but God shared something beautiful against all the rules. Three more days and I will start to thaw out again. Remember layers keep you most comfy and you can add and subtract all day. Once you sweat the cold is hard to beat. A dry chill is much better than wet and slightly warm.Best of wishes to all out there may we all eat well in 2 weeks when the meat is ready to cut.
