Post by: 6x6rack on November 21, 2010, 02:29:51 PM
My mind wanders to the hunt, knowing this will be unlike any other. My last time to the Teanaway was with my Dad and Brother, 13 long years ago. Wandering the woods throwing roundballs through smokepoles. Some of the best times, over many years, were spent on the hills and around the campfire there. Once a year, every year no matter how busy we were, Teanaway time was sacred time. Time to clear the soul and talk about things that aren't usually discussed. Man to Man time only those who have shared such a campfire understand.
I remember the lessons. Sitting in the woods after making a hasty, noisy tromp to the top of the hill. I remember waiting impatiently, and the hyper-alert feeling after finally seeing movement, only to feel my heart sink moments later when I realized it was only Dad. As I sat silently over the next hour and a half I suddenly felt silly for wanting to be the first to the top. I sat that day watching as dad slowly, methoticall picked the woods apart. One silent step at a time, stopping each time his foot touched the ground, he did not just see the woods...but saw THROUGH the woods. He missed nothing, not a movement, not a sound. Around the campfire that night I told him I had watched him. He smiled and said "I know". I remember my surprise as I suddenly realized that although I thought I had gone un-noticed, he knew I was there before I knew he was.
It was in those woods I learned he had Cancer. Walking up the hill on what would be our last hunt together, he told my brother and I his bones hurt. 2 months later we would learn what Lymphoma was, and 2 years later I would learn the pain of loosing a piece of my soul. Our dream of killing a huge bull in those woods never transpired, but it never fully evaporated either. The gifts he left are part of who I am, and he is remembered with each slow, methotical step through the trees.
I could not go back, not to those woods. They were sacred, but also painful. The smokepole sits on the wall gathering dust and I picked up a bow after running into a college friend I hadn't seen in years. We have shared dream hunts and sweet brotherhood together during our archery hunts with a group of friends I am blessed to have.
But for the past thirteen years it has been there, smoldering. The fire and love of Teanaway. The memories and sweet times that helped form my hunting life, the call of the outdoors that constantly burns, but much more so during September and Elk season. I have always told myself driving through Cle Elum and looking up into her hills...I will be back. I dont know when, but I will be back.
My old friend and I have a date on Wednesday, a date I have been preparing for like no other before it. I hope she's ready, Teanaway, because I am going to throw everything I have at her. All the years of waiting are down to 3 days. Nothing will be left on the table because I have a dream to fulfill, a nagging 13 year feeling there is unfinished business that needs to be taken care of. If I'm blessed with the Bull Dad and I always talked about, the one that always seemed to be one step ahead or behind us, I will take a knee and give thanks...and send it's spirit to Dad to chase around the hills and draws of Heaven. I will spread ashes. I will let out a war whoop, I will shed a tear.
Teanaway, I know your secrets, and you know mine. Let's dance.
Post by: turkey buster on November 21, 2010, 02:38:30 PM
chuck
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 21, 2010, 02:45:45 PM
Post by: agchawk on November 21, 2010, 02:46:34 PM
Post by: high country on November 21, 2010, 02:47:00 PM
Post by: scoyoc5 on November 21, 2010, 02:51:27 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 21, 2010, 02:54:44 PM
Post by: Coastal_native on November 21, 2010, 03:09:26 PM
Post by: Guy on November 21, 2010, 03:18:45 PM
Go for it. For you, and for your father.
Post by: elksnout on November 21, 2010, 06:55:50 PM
Elksnout
Post by: Jason on November 21, 2010, 07:03:26 PM
Post by: remington300mag on November 21, 2010, 07:08:27 PM
I will agree also that this post should be framed or at least put on a "BEST of Hunt-Washington page"!!!
Post by: runamuk on November 21, 2010, 07:10:39 PM
good luck out there....
Post by: Wea300mag on November 21, 2010, 07:18:09 PM
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 21, 2010, 07:20:38 PM
GREAT read! and have a great time reuniting with your father. he will be there too. Every silent & slow heart stopping step.
Post by: rasbo on November 21, 2010, 07:21:21 PM
Post by: blackhorn on November 21, 2010, 07:22:36 PM
Post by: vtec on November 21, 2010, 07:33:34 PM
God luck can't wait to here how it goes
Post by: Lowedog on November 21, 2010, 07:36:40 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 21, 2010, 07:39:46 PM
Post by: elkbuster on November 21, 2010, 09:16:17 PM
that's a good account of a father and sons trials..I feel your feelings also, as do others here.I do believe they still look in on us,I can feel it.hope you go back and get a bull,and sit beside it for a moment and cherish the time ya had with your dad..Life here can be great,but Ill just bet hes in place where the hunting is the best,sitting by the father of all...Hope to see a post soon,of your dance in the Teanaway
:yeah:
Post by: Fullabull on November 22, 2010, 06:44:04 AM
Fulla
Post by: jbeaumont21 on November 22, 2010, 09:33:06 AM
Post by: DeerThug on November 22, 2010, 12:12:59 PM
You have reminded us why we do it.
thanks
Post by: Glockster on November 22, 2010, 01:05:43 PM
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 22, 2010, 02:18:08 PM
Post by: Cougeyes on November 22, 2010, 05:14:13 PM
Post by: let.it.fly on November 22, 2010, 05:19:37 PM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on November 22, 2010, 06:35:41 PM
Post by: sdwwaverider on November 22, 2010, 06:39:37 PM
Post by: Fish4Fun on November 22, 2010, 06:45:50 PM
Good luck and enjoy the dance
Post by: ridge line on November 22, 2010, 07:50:06 PM
Post by: Glockster on November 23, 2010, 07:35:51 AM
6 X 6, I hope you have a hunt of a lifetime, and don't worry your Dad will be with you all the way. Even though we have never met, we have a common bond of our best hunting buddy passing away. After my Dad passed we stayed off the elk mountain for 15 seasons. But, knowing he would want us to hunt them again, we went back just as you are about to do. Trust me when I say, you will know he is there with you. There will be a new feeling in the air, that first morning as it breaks daylight. A feeling that only you will know, enjoy that feeling when it happens. When the music starts and the dance starts, this time it will be a once in a life time slow dance.
Good luck and enjoy the dance
Fish...how was Pumpkin Camp this year? This thread reminded me of your stories and mine on some of that common ground up there.
Post by: phishisgroovin on November 23, 2010, 07:41:41 AM
that guy is a beast for certain and since its so unlikely i will ever be able to chase him, 6x6 now knows where to go. and its a easy drag out too lol!
Post by: MtnMuley on November 23, 2010, 07:49:09 AM
Post by: scout88 on November 23, 2010, 08:14:18 AM
Post by: Fish4Fun on November 23, 2010, 09:01:13 AM
Glockster, I didn't go up this year, I have enough meat in the freezer with a beef and then the mule deer opening day. One of our newest Pumpkin Camp members went up and killed a spike opening morning off of my old stand. That makes 5 elk in 4 seasons now for the revamped Pumkin Clan, and a grand total of 37 bulls for our camp over the years. As I read the opening post from 6 X 6 here, it brought back all the memories from 4 years ago. My brother and I had an elk on the ground 30 minutes after daylight that year, guess the old man was smiling that day. I am hoping 6 X 6 is given the same chance my brother and I had that morning. When 6X6 scores his Old Man will sit back and smile, as all of the old elk hunters congradulate him and tell him that he taught the kid well.
6X6 you have no idea, how many of us have walked in your shoes and are your biggest fans right now. Your Old Man is sitting at the fire right now watching the show with the rest of the Old Timers.
Post by: Glockster on November 23, 2010, 09:51:53 AM
I was out blacktail hunting on Sunday, the snow was lightly falling. I thought about how cool it would be to sit around the elk camp fire, sipping some whiskey while listening to the old timers like your dad and mine and 6x6's. ~Man, what I wouldn't give for one more campfire!
Post by: HUNT on November 23, 2010, 10:02:52 AM
Post by: asl20bball on November 23, 2010, 01:53:39 PM
Post by: Vees on November 23, 2010, 04:44:39 PM
-Vees
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 23, 2010, 06:01:40 PM
Post by: Furee65 on November 23, 2010, 06:41:54 PM
Post by: brew on November 23, 2010, 06:53:29 PM
Post by: MLhunter1 on November 23, 2010, 07:43:08 PM
Post by: fireoff on November 26, 2010, 03:11:54 PM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on November 27, 2010, 07:28:52 AM
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
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 28, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
Post by: whacker1 on November 29, 2010, 01:32:31 PM
Post by: 6x6rack on November 29, 2010, 09:35:08 PM
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.
Post by: 300wsm on November 29, 2010, 09:43:50 PM
Post by: SirSpencer on November 29, 2010, 10:08:19 PM
Post by: gtrplr on November 30, 2010, 10:41:26 AM
Post by: runamuk on November 30, 2010, 10:55:20 AM
Post by: Fish4Fun on November 30, 2010, 11:03:42 AM
Post by: jstone on November 30, 2010, 11:16:44 AM
Post by: dewandgin on November 30, 2010, 07:37:01 PM
Post by: Timber_Hunter on December 01, 2010, 12:16:39 PM
Post by: BoomWhop on December 03, 2010, 01:08:40 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 03, 2010, 01:29:30 PM
Post by: HuntandFish on December 03, 2010, 02:42:15 PM
I do not find it ethically right for someone to take shots at animals especially bow hunters that see proof that there shot hit and wounded an animal, and continue hunting for different animals afterward. You have chosen the animal you wish to harvest, you then most likely mortally wound this animal.(with a 60yrd shot) Have confirmation of this later, apparently do nothing to try and finish this great animal off. But some how find it perfectly acceptable to start your hunt for another animal.
In fishing they have rules that apply to this same principal, such as if you hook and land a fish with bait and then release this fish it counts as part of your limit. The reason for this is the mortality rate is extremely high when this happens. Just like what has happend to the elk you wounded.
I realize there is no rule governing this with hunting, but there should be certainly.
Let me also address what others (that practice this hunting method) will surely counter with. Yes that animal has a very high likely hood of dying. It is now winter and there is not rich source of food, and winter is hard enough for these animals to get through, let alone with having to deal with infections, internal bleeding, weakend body and muscle response, etc.
60yrd shot on a fully winterized elk is irresponsible, I know allot of you bow guys will disagree but the penetration power alone not to mention decreased accuracy in the field at 60yrds is to far. If you are an ethical hunter you would not be taking a shot past 50yrds, I certainly do not.
Yes I know it happens with modern firearms also, and the same rule applies.
All I am trying to say is, if you are going to shoot an animal and are unable to recover it, have enough moral fortitude to consider your tag filled. It is incidents like this that will ban bow hunting for the rest of us, and certainly gives the bow hunting community a very bad name when the Snider family from bellevue comes over to see the elk at suncadia and see's your elk walking around (assuming it survives) with an arrow out of its side.
I am glad to hear you held yourself back on elk #2 you were trying to stick, and are going to wait for a better shot.
I am not mad you personally 6x6 I just do not agree with your actions. Go back and ask that land owner if you can set up on his property and try to recover the elk you origanally shot.
Regards,
H&F
Post by: Small_Savage on December 03, 2010, 03:18:19 PM
Post by: 300wsm on December 03, 2010, 03:59:24 PM
I'm sure he is going to give an update later today or tomorrow that will have everybody very happy!!!! :IBCOOL:
Post by: colockumelk on December 03, 2010, 05:03:54 PM
This state has decided that they will sit by and let the Natives shoot as many animals as they want. They hardly enforce poaching. THey also have decided that they don't care about proper game managment and only care about the money 6x6 spent on his tags. So why should we punch tag soup when we spend so much money on an opportunity once every 7-10 years. Oh and just because your effective range is 50yds doesnt mean that others can't shoot better than you can. The range you mentioned is your opinion and only your opinion.
A word of advice. Before you decide to start one of your first posts with something truly as negative as what you just posted maybe get to know some people first. Way to make an impression.
6x6 dont' listen to snobbish people. Youre a great sportsman. Keep on truckin and I can't wait to see some kill pics.
Post by: huntnnw on December 03, 2010, 05:27:26 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on December 03, 2010, 05:30:53 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on December 03, 2010, 05:31:48 PM
Hunt and Fish, It's very easy to sit behind a computer and judge. The elk he hit is alive and doing just fine, 6X6 has this confirmed by more than one source. 6X6 has worked his but off on this hunt and is a great guy, I wish him the best.
I'm sure he is going to give an update later today or tomorrow that will have everybody very happy!!!! :IBCOOL:
Do you know something :dunno:
Post by: whacker1 on December 03, 2010, 05:34:28 PM
I am new to archery, but I have seen this will all weapons. 15 years to wait for a permit in this state is a reason I would not be boiling tag soup just yet.
Post by: HuntandFish on December 03, 2010, 07:43:27 PM
colockumelk I do not understand why you would think I am high and mighty for stating a general truth about bow hunting and its normal standards. And yes from comments you have made today and on previous posts I believe you would shoot and wound many animals and continue hunting. That is your right under the current law, it does not however mean it is a good thing to do. How does having put in allot of work or time or money compremise a moral standard, this statement to me makes no logical sense. Yes indeed it would be foolish to tag an animal that you did not recover, from the monetary standpoint that is. I will not even spend time addressing the natives and how the state deals with them, for that does not apply to anything I have said. Although I do think that how this state deals with "natives" is absolutely absurd, and we all pay the price. I never said 50yrds was my effective range, and indeed it is an opinion. I do not believe I need advice before I post my opinion, and the comment I made has nothing to do with 6x6 or anybody else. It is merely making an opinion based on a true story. I have no problems with 6x6 at all, I relate with his story deeply.
Wacker1 I addressed in my original post that this type of action goes on with all disciplines of hunting. And what does length of wait have to do with anything I have posted. Is it a valid reason to kill two elk or more with one tag.
Post by: 6x6rack on December 03, 2010, 07:47:19 PM
I will address this now so I dont need to again. Hunt and Fish, with all due respect allow me to explain. I took three days to follow an elk with almost no blood trail over 11 miles. I only stopped when a private property owner would not allow me access to track it unless I was sure it was on his property. I was not.
I saw the elk alive and well with other bulls like nothing had happened, grazing, and two days ago saw him again with the arrow broken off. I have practiced all summer for this hunt and can hit a pie plate out to 70 yards with broadheads. I took a shot I felt was well within my, and the bows, abilities. No one is more dissapointed than me that I didn't recover this elk and this is the first animal in my life I have not recovered. As a result I passed on several shots at 370+ bulls this past week that were 55-65 yards, eventually shooting a bull I had passed on twice previously. I shot my bull today at 44 yards with a clean pass through hitting almost the exact same spot. He went 50 yards. A 44 yard pass through, and 60 yards with 4 inches of penetration...I wish I could answer that mystery because I would have had a 390 class bull down a week ago.
What I learned is this. A 700+ pound bull is built different than a 450 pound bull. In the future I will be inside 50 if I have a chance to pull back on such an animal again.
All I can say is I gave a 150% effort to recover the bull, and didn't start hunting again until I was 150% positive he was alive and well. I appreciate your sportsman's ethic to recover a wounded animal. Nuf said.
Post by: wayner on December 03, 2010, 08:37:01 PM
Post by: colockumelk on December 03, 2010, 08:38:38 PM
And yes from comments you have made today and on previous posts I believe you would shoot and wound many animals and continue hunting. That is your right under the current law,
Wow huntfish nice to know that you are so much better and more ethical than me. You have made quite a good impression of yourself so far. So please tell me aside from this "unethical" post on this thread that I made, what other posts did I make that would lead you to believe that I would have no problem going around the woods shooting and wounding animals and then continue to hunt.
Just so you know I have NEVER!!!! Lost an animal. Why. 1.) PURE LUCK!!! 2.) I only take a shot I know that without a doubt I can make. So before you get all high and mighty maybe do a little digging before you start throwing stones. Oh yeah welcome to the site.
Post by: colockumelk on December 03, 2010, 08:40:05 PM
Post by: krout81 on December 03, 2010, 08:44:37 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on December 03, 2010, 08:54:03 PM
Post by: rougheye on December 03, 2010, 09:07:08 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on December 03, 2010, 09:11:39 PM
Quote
[/qCourse its a little warmer here
uote]
Rub it in rougheye
Post by: HuntandFish on December 03, 2010, 10:47:38 PM
colockumelk I do not wish to start a personal battle with anyone. I did not mean to imply that you go around shooting animals and leaving them. I do however think that you have "shot of your hip" so to speak in a few of the posts I have read of yours, I know that this does not mean it is indicative of the type of person or hunter you are.
Losing animals is a part of hunting for sure, I certainly have, it is like motorcycle riding there are though's that have been down and those that will go down, this applies here as well. I hope everyone can appreciate my thoughts on this issue and look past them so we can all enjoy the story and pics that are yet to come from 6x6. I can't wait to see this big boy!!
Post by: agchawk on December 03, 2010, 11:21:08 PM
Also glad to read that huntandfish and 6X6 have said their peace and can live with eachother's opinions/insite. Quite frankly you two have shown how two MEN can discuss a topic without turning the entire thread into an online pissing match. Sure wish all disagreements on here could go, and end, in that manner.
Let's leave it at that and get on with the CONGRATULATION!! Again...bring on the pics!
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 12:58:02 AM
Secondly, I think huntandfish expressed himself very well, was making a general statement about ethics, and did so in a non-accusatory manner. I am sure all of us are happy to hear of the effort 6x6 put in trying to recover that animal, and based on the additional info he provided, I am sure it will heal and survive.
Clockum - I think you kind of jumped all over someone with both feet a little too quickly. To be perfectly honest, I was wondering the same thing.
Post by: mkcj on December 04, 2010, 01:29:01 AM
Post by: colockumelk on December 04, 2010, 08:43:54 AM
And yes from comments you have made today and on previous posts I believe you would shoot and wound many animals and continue hunting. That is your right under the current law,
So Tlbradford and Mkcj how was I supposed to take that personal attack? He still couldn't drum up any posts that would imply that I do this.
For my comments on the "Wolves in Manastash" I realized I was a complete A-hole and have made two appologies on that thread for my comments. I am 100% sorry and wish I could take them back. As for this forum I now see what Hunt-Fish was getting at. However with the same knowledge I had yesterday I still would have said what I said. I am getting sick of some people on this site. The people who instead of seeing a picture of a harvest or hearing a story instead of saying "good job" they nit pick it apart and talk about how much better they are or how much more ethical they are. So yeah negative people are a pet peave of mine. And since Hunt-Fish only had about 2 posts and is very new I was thinking who the F is this guy. If he'd been on here for a while and had shown himself to not be like that then I wouuld have gone about it a little bit different.
Hunt-Fish I think we agree on about 99% of stuff. As far as that 1% we are both entitled to our opinion. I have no ill-feelings its just that you came off as a very negative know it all and was pissing on 6x6's parade.
Post by: WenHunter on December 04, 2010, 10:45:35 AM
I have been following this post hoping you scored big, way to go!!!
Now hopefully 300WSM can seal the deal his hunt started today I believe!!
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 11:16:27 AM
So Tlbradford and Mkcj how was I supposed to take that personal attack? He still couldn't drum up any posts that would imply that I do this.
I think if your tone was better in your response to huntandfish, that comment would never have been made. Like I said, you jumped on him with both feet, when he had asked a question in a very respectable manner and without any personal attack. Sometimes overeacting to a post leads a thread down a bad path, rather than letting it get back to what it is about. How many posts are on here now in response to the comment, rather than the hunt? (12 or so) It could have been settled in 3. I certainly respect someone that is willing to jump to the defense of others, I am the same way most of the time. Anyway, it worked out in the end.
Post by: GoldTip on December 04, 2010, 11:30:15 AM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on December 04, 2010, 11:57:21 AM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 04, 2010, 01:14:12 PM
Even after the first week it was obvious, as much as I was patterning the elk, they were patterning me. The only chances were at long range or just minutes before or after dark. I again watched Mr. Big at 50 yards and could either see my pin or see him. It was too dark to see both and almost painful as I let down my draw knowing I had missed by only a minute or so of light. Exhale.
Now things would get interesting as I needed to go deeper into their domain to get earlier shots. This would not be easy. These bulls were huge for a reason and had chosen a spot that allowed them to see everything that could get close, with the exception of my hidey hole they were starting to avoid.
After really thinking it through I had one option. Get in there at 4AM and sit like a mouse on an open hillside for daylight. This would require sitting in 15 degree weather for 3 hours, plus taking an hour to sneak up to the hillside spot. Added to my equation was the commute. As most of us know we married women who may not understand the hunt, but have learned to accept it...to a point. I had reached my point. At the end of week one I was now on borrowed time and making the 4 hour round trip so I could be home at night. Needless to say 4 hours of sleep a night was getting hard. It was starting to feel like I had both my wife and Teanaway working to have more time with me. Such is the life of a man with a mistress, and I was willing to take some heat at home to spend more time with Teanaway.
The first morning of this proved cold and downright difficult. Belly crawling in an hour with snow piling into every nook and cranie possible, then sitting like a popsicle, motionless on a hillside while all that warming snow in your clothes starts to melt. Little Hotties fail when they get wet. I get even colder and can't move to warm up because I am 200 yards in clear view above the feeding bulls. This goes on until daylight and it looks like it is going to work until the elk deciede to go the other way and get to their bedding area through private property. This went on for the next two days and now only 2 of the 6 real big bulls were showing up. A huge 5 point and a really big 6. 1, 2 and 3 on my hit list had vanished.
That afternoon I went out with a fellow Hunt Washington member who had the muzzy bull tag and showed him some of what I had been seeing. We glassed a huge herd of cows in a honey hole and spent a while glassig the bulls I was working up in their beds. A great time and that night I got in early and set up at the edge of the private property. With my knees melted into the snow I notice a visitor of the deer variety. She decides I look interesting and comes in to take a peek. Then a closer peek. As I'm debating slapping her if she takes one more step I decide blowing her out would be a bad idea, so I softly say "get out of here" her ears perk up and she starts walking side to side just feet from me, craning her neck to see what the heck is behind the wierd looking stump. "get out of here" a little louder and off she slowly walks. 1/2 hour later Dusk is approaching and what appears coming right for me, but the doe with two yearlings in tow. I can practically hear her "come on, hurry kids, you just have to see this talking stump"
CHIT here we go again. I needed to move this time to get them to leave and figure out it was no stump. Off they went, quietly to my relief, looking over their shoulder as if to say "now that was odd".
As darkness approached, so did another surprise. This time a big 3 point buck was coming in, nose to the ground as he followed the does trail, obvlious to what was in front of him. This could be bad...and it was. What happens when a big mature buck walks straight in and finds himself face to face with a hunter. Well he does a momentary freeze as the lightbulb goes off, an olympic calibur half pike with full rotation and crashes through the woods. I think my swear word was a little louder than a whisper.
The elk crossed private again but cut across the corner I was on. The monster 5 who I had decieded was a shooter crossed at 49 yards. Draw and once again, light was just a minute gone. I could put my pin on a silouette, but could not put a front shoulder on the huge body to shoot behind. I let the draw down and smiled. I'll see you again tomorrow, Teanaway.
The next day brought more of the same and a home made snow Gilly suit to try to blend in. It also brought more curious deer and a group of elk that were proving more and more elusive. Teanaway was
pulling out all the tricks and frankly slapping me across the hillside like a scorned lover. Well, she had 6 more days to do it because I wasn't going to burn a tag...not this tag.
Friday morning brought another close call but the realization I needed to give this group of bulls a rest for a few days. I would leave them and make a play the last two days of the hunt if I needed to. I was leaving the land of the monsters and going to public property. With this came the realization I needed to lower my expectations, and now any 5 or 6 pt bull was on the radar.
I hit state land for both a scouting trip and to see if I could intercept a bull I had passed on twice already who I saw heading that direction in the morning. I knew the area from scouting and following the monster I had shot at a week before. I thought I would sit on the trail he and the other bulls had used to travel to a distant piece of private ground. Within 10 minutes of sitting quietly I see movement, horn tips! Drats, more deer. After an hour of peek-a-boo the three bucks finally moved off and I thought I would wander closer to the boundary to see if elk had been there crossing in the morning. They had.
Within 80 yards I heard movement and peeked over a hill to find head and horns staring right at me. It was the bull I had seen earlier, the bull I had already passed on twice, standing fourty yards away and he was suddenly more than worthy of a try. Game on.
For 20 minutes we did the motionless stare down. He flinched first and took a few steps which allowed me to belly crawl in a direction that would intercept him if I didn't blow him out. Peeking over the edge of the draw there he was at 55 yards and all I could see was his head and top of his back facing my direction. Another short staredown and he put his head down to feed. I stood up. Over the next what seemed like an eternity I inched closer each time he moved. I was on an open hillside and the gilly suit seemed to be working, creating more curiosity than fear. We closed the gap to 44 yards when he turned slightly into me, getting ready to get out of there...the curiosity had worn off. From my tiptoes I could see the upper 3/4 of his body now, quartering just slightly into me. I drew my bow, aimed just above the grass line, big breath, let half out and squeeze. I watched my arrow sail down the canyon...NO WAY...NO FREEKIN WAY.
I crested the trail to see him standing 50 yards away, with no second shot available. Then he did a funny thing, he bedded after standing there for 10 minutes with a slight front knee buckel. My heart flew...I saw my arrow fly down the canyon...I must have drilled him with a clean pass through!
I quietly left to come back an hour later and find him where he had bedded. Dead.
A hush filled the woods as a tear filled my eye. A prayer for this beautiful animals spirit and that of my Dad. Ashes. A war whoop that shook the canyon and the tear that had filled my eye rolling down my cheek as I stared down at my first mature bull. The fulfillment of a dream, the rekindling of memories no longer painful and lessons I will hold forever.
Teanaway my old friend, Thank You. I will be back. I don't know when, but I will be back.
Post by: LittleJohn on December 04, 2010, 01:33:12 PM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 04, 2010, 01:39:46 PM
Post by: rasbo on December 04, 2010, 01:40:27 PM
Post by: Coastal_native on December 04, 2010, 02:17:44 PM
I know we've had our disagreements in the past, but.................will you please follow me around all hunting season and write my hunting stories for me :chuckle:
This is such a heartwarming story and the way it is being told is on par with some of the best outdoor writers.
Post by: jackelope on December 04, 2010, 02:32:28 PM
Pictures are coming! kind of like waiting to fill the tag, It aint dead until you see it for yourself! I will have them up today I promise!
tick tick tick tick tick tick tick.....
Post by: colockumelk on December 04, 2010, 02:41:13 PM
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 03:13:53 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on December 04, 2010, 03:36:49 PM
Post by: Fullabull on December 04, 2010, 05:43:33 PM
Thanks for this thread, I am still lucky but I'm probably in my last few years of being able to hunt with my dad. I got him switched over to archery but now I need to get him an elk before he can't make it out any more. This last year was the first year we had three generations out hunting as my son was able to go also. Gotta tell ya...it was special!!!
Looking forward to next year!
Take your kids hunting so we can keep having stories like this one, it's what makes this country great!
Fulla
Post by: 6x6rack on December 04, 2010, 06:33:13 PM
Post by: runamuk on December 04, 2010, 06:38:16 PM
Post by: colockumelk on December 04, 2010, 06:44:17 PM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 04, 2010, 07:33:33 PM
Post by: colockumelk on December 04, 2010, 08:19:31 PM
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 08:30:57 PM
tlbradford14@gmail.com
Post by: C-Money on December 04, 2010, 08:59:10 PM
Post by: krout81 on December 04, 2010, 09:09:31 PM
Post by: 300wsm on December 04, 2010, 09:28:13 PM
Post by: chester on December 04, 2010, 09:35:40 PM
Email them to me and I'll get them up.
tlbradford14@gmail.com
Okay, need some help here. I got the pictures but am on my cell phone and can't resize them. They are big files, 4.3K. I can forward the email to someone??? Any volunteers to resize them and then post?
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 09:46:23 PM
Post by: rougheye on December 04, 2010, 09:51:39 PM
Post by: agchawk on December 04, 2010, 09:55:36 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on December 04, 2010, 09:58:00 PM
Post by: tlbradford on December 04, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
Post by: chester on December 04, 2010, 09:58:39 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 04, 2010, 10:00:19 PM
Post by: Coastal_native on December 04, 2010, 10:01:05 PM
Great bull, well deserved...the smile says it all.
Post by: colockumelk on December 04, 2010, 11:22:36 PM
Post by: GoldTip on December 05, 2010, 07:56:16 AM
Post by: runamuk on December 05, 2010, 08:13:40 AM
Post by: SuperDave on December 05, 2010, 08:54:52 AM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 05, 2010, 09:37:30 AM
Rougheye, you are just an awesome guy and someone I hope to know for a long time. All I can say is "over and above" helping me. Thanks. 300wsm...good luck brother...you're up next! I think It's time for you to start a thread ;). Tlbradford, thanks for getting the pictures up...I think Colockum was looking for a noose :chuckle:. I think I was looking for a noose! Coastal you and I have not had problems...healthy differences of opinion. Two sides of the same coin don't see eye to eye, but in the end it's the same coin. Theres a hunting bond stronger than an occasional difference in opinion. Fish and Hunt, I appreciated the concern for the lost animal, I hope everyone works as hard to revover anything they have hit.
Everyone else, thanks for the support, well wishes, prayers, crossed fingers and toes for this hunt to have a sucessful ending.You have helped make this a memory for a lifetime. It was special, and you all made it more so. Thanks.
Post by: colockumelk on December 05, 2010, 10:00:58 AM
Post by: asl20bball on December 05, 2010, 02:31:49 PM
Post by: SirSpencer on December 05, 2010, 05:41:20 PM
Post by: 300wsm on December 05, 2010, 07:56:13 PM
Post by: WenHunter on December 05, 2010, 08:52:41 PM
Post by: 300wsm on December 05, 2010, 09:22:37 PM
300WSM when does your hunt start thought it was this past weekend?
Dec. 9th - 17th, Area 335 muzzleloader. At least that's what I think. I hope I didn't miss my season :P
I'm headed over on Wednesday afternoon, staying until Sunday, home for a day or two then will finish out the season. I hope it doesn't take that much time but will put it in if I have to.
Post by: 400out on December 06, 2010, 08:02:45 AM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 06, 2010, 08:47:44 AM
I received a call this morning that brought chills to me, and as I sit here writing this a huge smile. I now realize this was about something much bigger, and someone else's journey.
We'll call Dance three the perfect ending.
The landowner who had given me permission to hunt called this morning. I was going to be the only one allowed to hunt the property until he got a call Saturday morning. A friends friends Dad had terminal cancer and had drawn the tag as well. It would be his last hunt. Since I had eventually filled my tag on State land, the land owner agreed to let him hunt a bull.
On Sunday morning the bulls remained uncharacteristically in their beds on a small knob they always vacated well before light. As the man and his son worked their way up the hill the bulls just watched. When they were 40 yards away the monster 6 stood up right in front of him, broadside, and he put a beautiful shot on it. He said he never imagined his lifetime dream would be fulfilled before cancer took him. His Bull will score in the 380's.
Post by: agchawk on December 06, 2010, 09:29:38 AM
I received a call this morning that brought chills to me, and as I sit here writing this a huge smile.
We'll call Dance three the perfect ending.
The landowner who had given me permission to hunt called this morning. I was going to be the only one allowed to hunt the property until he got a call Saturday morning. A friends friends Dad had terminal cancer and had drawn the tag. It would be his last hunt. Since I had filled my tag on State land, he agreed to let him hunt a bull.
On Sunday morning the bulls remained uncharacteristically in their beds on a small knob they always vacated well before light. As the Man worked his way up they just watched him until he was 40 yards away. The monster 6 stood up right in front of him broadside and he put a beautiful shot on it. He said he never imagined his lifetime dream would be fulfilled before cancer took him. His Bull will score in the 380's.
Now THAT is AWESOME!!!!!! Sounds like the landowner is one heck of a stand-up fella too. Kudos to him for allowing this to happen. This thread just keeps getting better.
Post by: HuntandFish on December 06, 2010, 01:10:57 PM
The land owner sounds like a great guy as well, and I am so glad to hear another man took a bull that will carry a lasting memory as well.
Regards,
H&F
Post by: MtnMuley on December 06, 2010, 03:30:59 PM
Post by: Fish4Fun on December 06, 2010, 04:13:15 PM
re-ignite a lot of the old memories.
Post by: carver52 on December 06, 2010, 04:53:19 PM
First let me say that you have a gift. you are a great writer. I hope you have kept a journal of some kind with things you have written. Not only did your story bring in many readers just for the hunt, but perhaps several of us learned some other things also, about ourselves and of others. Bet you didn't think of that when you started did you?
Perhaps that first bull will in fact make it through. We all hope so. And maybe you were never going to get a bull on that private property. Your hunt may have been written already. Sounds to me as if destiny had a big hand in this story. Seems it turned out to be a great hunt for more than just you.
Congratulations. Write more okay.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 06, 2010, 06:22:13 PM
Post by: elkslare on December 06, 2010, 06:46:25 PM
Post by: Lowedog on December 06, 2010, 07:53:36 PM
When I started this I thought it was about me, my journey, and my time with Dad. I was wrong. I was mearly a couple chapters in a story that has an ending we all could have never forseen.
I received a call this morning that brought chills to me, and as I sit here writing this a huge smile. I now realize this was about something much bigger, and someone else's journey.
We'll call Dance three the perfect ending.
The landowner who had given me permission to hunt called this morning. I was going to be the only one allowed to hunt the property until he got a call Saturday morning. A friends friends Dad had terminal cancer and had drawn the tag as well. It would be his last hunt. Since I had eventually filled my tag on State land, the land owner agreed to let him hunt a bull.
On Sunday morning the bulls remained uncharacteristically in their beds on a small knob they always vacated well before light. As the man and his son worked their way up the hill the bulls just watched. When they were 40 yards away the monster 6 stood up right in front of him, broadside, and he put a beautiful shot on it. He said he never imagined his lifetime dream would be fulfilled before cancer took him. His Bull will score in the 380's.
Incredible!
Post by: DeerThug on December 06, 2010, 09:28:18 PM
Reflect on the experience and enjoy the winter.
Thug
Post by: bucklucky on December 07, 2010, 08:13:38 AM
Post by: remington300mag on December 07, 2010, 08:22:29 AM
So, was the bull the other guy got the same one that you had hit earlier in the season?!?! Don't know if I missed it, but the way you said "The Monster 6"....leads me to believe it was the same bull...... Maybe i am way off.....
Post by: Stomper on December 07, 2010, 08:47:43 AM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 07, 2010, 08:59:16 PM
The bulls are gone from my spot now after having one waxed on Sunday...looks good for the Muzzy tagholders, especially with the big snow tonight/tomorrow! Good luck and keep us posted. There are some really sweet bulls that have been pushed off private over the past 2 weeks and the big groups are broken up a little. Should make for some good sightings and shooting! I cant wait for pics and stories.
I know of three for sure 6x taken by archers in the Teanaway special hunt, not bad with another day to go! Lets see if the Muzzies can pull through with a few more starting thursday.
Post by: d-rock on December 08, 2010, 03:19:17 PM
Post by: scout88 on December 08, 2010, 05:52:23 PM
Post by: bucklucky on December 08, 2010, 06:03:11 PM
Post by: sdwwaverider on December 08, 2010, 06:09:24 PM
Hey Mark, you wouldnt happen to know the Ol Timer that was Ill with cancer or have a way to contact him do you? Or if he already had it at a Taxidermists shop? Id like to make him an offer to mount that bull of his for just the price of the materials . I dont know if you could pass that along to him or his son??
Way to go Bucklucky!!!
Post by: 6x6rack on December 09, 2010, 04:38:24 PM
Brotha' you have my business for life right there. I passed on the info. The landowner thinks they took it to Yakima already, but I passed on the message and your contact info just in case. I'll tell you what, I hope we get to share a campfire sometime.
Post by: vtec on December 09, 2010, 07:55:44 PM
6x6 you are indeed a great writer but you also put in time and it paid off. Congrats to you on a successful hunt and a great story with a great ending!!! I have a friend that has a cow tag for Teanaway so I'm going with him next weekend to lend a hand, sounds like the snow is getting deep.
Post by: Wea300mag on December 09, 2010, 08:27:50 PM
Post by: bucklucky on December 10, 2010, 07:19:53 PM
Post by: gray brow on December 10, 2010, 10:19:30 PM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 23, 2010, 02:20:31 PM
Post by: 6x6rack on December 23, 2010, 02:25:44 PM
Post by: Watimberghost on December 25, 2010, 02:17:21 AM
Post by: Ironhead on December 25, 2010, 06:10:49 AM
Congratulations, you earned it !
Way to go Charlie, un selfish acts are the type of things that don't go un noticed. :brew:
Post by: 6x6rack on December 29, 2010, 11:01:51 PM
Thanks for the well wishes. I have to say it was the people I met, as much as the elk, that made this hunt the dream. Your mom is just awesome and I hope she uses the knife for many years to come. It just had her name on it!
I hope we have the chance to meet and hunt together in the future, I would love to come up and throw some arrows with you and your brother. It was cool to see the sheds he found from my bull last year, she had them out when I came over before Christmas and I was shocked to see them there, what a great find and obviously the same bull. Take care and have a great New Year!
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on January 01, 2011, 09:47:48 AM