SLAYFEST 2014!!!!!! ( Updated 11/25 )

[Karl Blanchard]

Well I figured I better get this thing started since the animals and pics are already piling up and it hasn't even gotten busy yet.  Since most pics are on my phone I will keep the typing to a minimum and the pics on the heavy side.

September 1st finds me and another buddy in my usual deer haunts.  Pre season scouting has turned up some good deer, one in particular has my attention.  I had lots of close calls but as of archery and muzzy season, he is still very alive.  First live shot is him.  My buddy got an arrow in a good 3x4 right off the bat opening morning for his first archery kill and his first arrow ever released at an animal.  He was pumped!

[Karl Blanchard]

Next few weeks were spent hunting with Coach for his raffle bull but his standards were too high so I abandoned him for some muzzy deer hunting with guys who aren't so picky

Long story short, the group went 4 for 5 on bucks and with a little drive time to another area, 3 second doe tags were filled.  7 deer in a day and a half.  Don't really have details on all the guys and how their hunts played out so I apologize for lack of stories.  Don't have field photos from everyone either.

[Karl Blanchard]

Now for some elk action!  The rut was hot and heavy last week!  Took some time to hunt with some good friends on some good tags.  My good friend Phil drew a bull tag after many years of applying.  He had never killed a bull so his goal was a mature 6pt and a memorable hunt.  He got both in a basin full of screaming bulls, when after a steep climb, some broken branches, and some lost cow sounds from a very special call, a good 6pt came trotting into 35 yards and screamed in his face!  It was more than his old heart could take so he touched of the smoke pole and that was it!  It was all a rut hunt should be!  Kifaru is getting a workout this season so far.  It was hot so I decided to push and get it all out in two loads.  First pack was both hind quarters boned, back strap, tenderloin.  118lbs weighed.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Nice work! Keep it rolling!

[Karl Blanchard]

Saturday found me in the elk woods once again.  This time hunting with my dad, sister in law, Buckmasterwa (Dan) and his dad.  They all had cow tags.  Hunting was tough.  It was hot, and the elk were in the thick nasty.  Dan's dad is disabled and has a companion card so the plan was to try and do some stuff that he could participate in.  We found a steep, deep, narrow, canyon with some good trails side sloping along it.  The plan was to still hunt it with me towards the bottom and Dan's dad up top where the walking was easier.  I was throwing out lost cow sounds from time to time on my very special elk call,  and as I approached a small string of timber I received an answer!  I kept going forward to get the wind a bit better and called again.  He sounded of once again.  This time I moved once more, set up, called and then shut up.  He came on a string, bugling and then mewing as he came.  At 25yds he hung up behind some trees.  Finally instead of continuing on his path that would have led him to me and offered a broadside, he turns and comes straight through the trees, stopping underneath the branches.  No shot!!!  One little chirp and he sticks his head out from underneath the limbs.  I don't look a gift horse in the mouth but I will shoot an elk in the head!  One shot to the brain at 10yds and it was all over.

We were pretty bummed that Dan's dad couldn't get it done for himself but he could care less! He had a pile of elk meat and he didn't have to endure the back pain of bouncing up the mountain roads another day.

This was a hard evening for me.  See, this particular canyon was the last place Aaron and I ever hunted together.  It was déjà vu!  We lost cow called in a cow and Aaron had shot her at close range.  Cool breeze kissing the sweat on our necks, sun dissapearing behind a pink haze of mountain sky.  I remember as we crested the rim of the canyon we took a short break to admire the view.  We talked of the days hunt and of future plans.  It was one of the most perfect days I think I will ever experience chasing big game.

Now here I was staring at the same horizon, feeling the same winds, smelling the same sage and pine, feeling the same weight of elk meat on my back, but no Aaron.  It was more than I could handle.  I collapsed in a pile of camo and elk quarters and just sobbed.  Elk hunting for me will never be the same. 

After a few minutes, I dusted myself off, hoisted my ass out of the rocks, and finished my climb.  Dan met me towards the top to make sure I hadn't got lost or something and again had another moment with a man I consider as close to a brother as a friend can get.  I don't ever take his friendship for granted and feel very fortunate that I get to share so many great hunts with him. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Next up is rifle deer season.  Hoping to go 6 for 6.  Actually 7 for 6 since Dan's wife has a second doe tag.  Stay tuned........

[Blacklab]

Yes you did!    Awesome pics and animals 

[rtspring]

Karl,
Outstanding job! I told you time and time again, shoot them in the face they dont take another step!!

I to have been packing around a Special Call..  When Im in the woods it is always with me!!! Never Forget!!

Keep up the great work!  Its my time to squeeze the trigger!!!

Getsum..

[Karl Blanchard]

Karl,
Outstanding job! I told you time and time again, shoot them in the face they dont take another step!!

I to have been packing around a Special Call..  When Im in the woods it is always with me!!! Never Forget!!

Keep up the great work!  Its my time to squeeze the trigger!!!

Getsum..

. Only two in the world my friend!!!!  GETSUM!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Well played! 

[elkoholic1]

very nice 

[coachcw]

Congrats pal ... just keep your legs fresh you may get a call.

[deerhunter_98520]

Gotta love these posts 

[gotcha]

Great stuff boys. Great stuff.

[carpsniperg2]

Some great animals. Congrats