notes from field

[billythekidrock]

So the early archery elk season has come and gone. I got about 3 full days in and never got closer than a few hundred yards from elk. My brother missed a 5 pt bull then later the same day he double lunged a cow just before dark. They got it prepped for the night and rode their bikes out. We went back in the next morning to get it out.



On our way out we saw a small bunch that had two bulls that were both "trying" to be 6 pts. We drove around to the other side so two of us could set up on these elk. As we were sidehilling the timber next to an overgrown cut we ran into a ton of fresh sign. We knew they were close. After *censored*footing around and getting into position I could hear a couple guys talking. Thinking they may push the elk to us we waited. And waited. The talking continued, but never moved. I backed out while my partner went on above and around. I walked up to the talking guys and saw that they had the bigger bull down. Apparently the guy was drawing on a cow and the bull started to rake a tree which drew the hunters attention. Needless to say we were too late.
Below is a pic of the smaller one.

[saylean]

grats on the elk billy...good eats.

[billythekidrock]

Yea, he did good and the other two of us got our share.

[billythekidrock]

Today we went out and made a predator stand at first light. Found a crow flyway and hope to bust some on the first. We called for an hour with only a deer to show for it. We did see a couple grouse and picked a ton of mushrooms. We both ended up with about a plastic grocery bag full.

[DeKuma]

How do you like the "Judge"?  Thought it would make a great hiking/grouse gun.

[billythekidrock]

It is actually Killbilly's, but I like it ok. I think we needed a better .410 load, but it worked on the grouse.

[billythekidrock]

I went out after work to do a little shooting. Shot a couple tight groups, spooked a couple deer and then went for a drive and this owl landed in front of the truck.



After a few pics a couple more owls flew in and this one took off like a scalded cat. Here is one of the two that flew in.



I set up the e-caller and they flew right over the top.
I took a ton of pics but due to lighting, lack of tripod, and a slight wind, I didn't get any that turned out worth a darn. But it was pretty cool to watch these two defend their territory.

[DeKuma]

They look like great pics to me.  What sound were you using to bring them in?

[billythekidrock]

They were already in sight, but I used a vole squeak and a squirrel sound to pull them in close.

[DeKuma]

Can't wait until I get my deer and bear and then focus on coyotes and hunting with the wife's camera.  I would love to get shots like that.

[billythekidrock]

It has been a long and busy week. With work and all the killing and butchering of my wifes deer and my bear I have not had much time to really chase the BT's. Maybe if it rains I will get a chance.

Killbilly and I went out for half a day today but only came home with some mushrooms. We found a few shaggy manes and some chanterelles. I brought them into the house and the shaggys started to go bad real fast, but I was able to use most of them in some hashbrowns that I made for dinner. The chanterelles will go good with fresh bear tenderloin later in the week.



Michelle and I spent most of last night canning bear meat. It is a long process, especially when you add the whole butchering and taking pictures. We did 32 pints and 18 half pints that I will share with her, Killbilly and my brother. Normally I am stingy with canned meat, but I still have a whole bear from September that I will thaw and can.

[billythekidrock]

Went out for a couple hours this morning and only saw 4 does. Did pick some better shaggymanes though. When will it rain? Hopefully soon.