It's been a long time old friend. 12/3 pics and 12/6 a must read ending

[fireoff]

All I can say is, Thank you.

[Elkaholic daWg]

6x6, elegantly written.  Makes me grateful for the years I have left with my dad.  I agree, one of the best posts this site has seen.  I think you've got a lot of people rooting for you on this hunt.

-Vees

Great story 6x6!!

And all please be grateful for your wonderful times in the hills with your parents and all elders. You don't always know a season will be your last with them and their wisdom.  It has been over 20 years since my last hunting trip with Dad. and it's one I can remember more details of than any other.
 Mom got terminal cancer before the next  year so he stayed home, and we lost her the next, and that year I was so messed  (Inca marching powder) up that I didn't go with the family.  
 Dad went with my brothers family and was so  miserable (Since in his last 10 seasons mom was there for many of them) that they came home early.
  We never stopped going up there but I think of him everyday up there

  

[rosscrazyelk]

Update?

[whacker1]

Great write up - looking forward to the rest of the story.....

[6x6rack]

Dance 1 a fast dance.....score it to Teanaway

Oh she threw it all at me.  My partners truck piled up on the way over loosing a day. -8 degrees on the first night and -2 the next. Chilled to the bone until I couldn't feel them any more.

Thursday brought Thanksgiving and the drive back to spend time with the family...sweet times. We watched many bulls on Wednesday and Thursday AM, passing on a small 6pt at 38 yards. Friday AM brought the elk using a trail we hadn't seen them use before and Friday night brought the shot.

Mr. Big...#3 on my hit list stepped out at 60 yards broadside with his shoulder showing through a 20" window. Another small 6 pt right behind broadside and open. Thoughts of passing on a small 6 earlier running through my mind...would I regret this?

Then Mr. Big stepped forward a foot. Only lungs in the window. Draw, big breath, let half out, squeeze. The arrow passed the window perfectly and THWAK. As he bolted I saw a perfect hit and walked back to the truck. Heart pounding and adrenaline running to the point of giddy, I piled in the truck and told Ronnie I came back because the wind was wrong...and OH YEA, I JUST KILLED MR. BIG!!! High 5's, the wait, and we make a couple calls.

As we start the trail there is no blood and a bad feeling sinks in. Not possible...I saw the arrow in his side. Then blood. We follow it and look as he is laying in a field. The hours tick and he's not laying his head down. We deciede to leave around midnight and come back early thirty.

We wake at 4 am to snow falling. The worst possible news. Rushing to dress we know time is not on our side. If he's not still in his bed, dead, there will be no trail to follow. We arrive to find him gone and start picking the trail apart inch by inch, just like Dad taught me. Nothing.

Then a call from a neighbor, they think they have seen my elk. We race down and find him with 4 other bulls... Alive and well. As I glass him broadside I see my arrow in his side...There's no way that bull is still standing, no way. I am in disbelief as I see my arrow center punched on the lungs. Then he turns sideways and I see the arrow sticking out to far, way to far.

11 miles and 3 days later I realize 700 pound bulls have thick winter fur, thick winter fat and rib cages like beef. A 60 yard shot wont kill a huge bull if you hit all three like I did. He is alive and well, probably feeling a little like me right now. Bruised, battered but still standing. He took my best shot and is still on his feet, hat's off to him and I hope he lives to a ripe old age.

This morning was back to the hunt and so close yet so far away to a big 7x. This is a sacred hunt for me so I will leave this brief, but just need to say that hunters should respect their hunting brothers when in the woods. You dont intentionally mess up someones shot so you can possibly get one yourself. There is no such thing as combat hunting, not if your a true sportsman.

Tonight brought something special. #2 on my hit list made an appearance as I was daydreaming of the hunts with Dad and the new lesson I had learned, wishing he was there to share it with me. I drew back on the monster 7x8 only to realize I couldn't see my pins clearly enough in the fading light. I sat and watched him at 38 yards in the dark, siloueted against the snow and and thanked God for the first part of my hunt.

I learned lessons I will never forget, spent time with a part of my soul that has never been closer since it left, and am close daily to fulfilling a dream. Life is good, sweet, and a constant flow that keeps the cup far above half full. Hunts like this keep it overflowing.

We start dance 2 tomorrow. Bring it on.

[300wsm]

Good luck tomorrow!  You are doing it right and you will get your bull.  I hope tomorrow, so I can see it on Wednesday.

[SirSpencer]

Some of the most carefully written posts i've read, its heart warming; i also miss those who can no longer hunt with me. Good luck Wordsmith.

[gtrplr]

Best story I have read. EVER. Can't wait for the rest of it! I too hunt with my father who is no longer "with" us!

[runamuk]

You are an amazing storyteller thank you for sharing your gift and your journey.

[Fish4Fun]

Great story, makes us feel like we are with you. Just a matter of time before you seal the deal.   

[jstone]

That is an awesome write up...

[dewandgin]

Very well written and awesome story!

[Timber_Hunter]

Great story, I hope you get the bull of a lifetime!

[BoomWhop]

Update?

[Skyvalhunter]

sore feet?