Leave it to Elk to exploit my greatest weakness. I still have many but I already knew shoulder strength and holding draw was/is my biggest.
The bow learning curve has been fast, frenzied and steep. I had only been able to practice hold and reliably shoot for 1 minute.
Calling and learning up close Elk behavior has also been new. 30 yards and 200 yards are so very different.
Hunted 7 days and had one day of hot bugles.
Through the day I called in 6 bulls to under 40 yards! That was awesome! Down side, it took me 5 bulls to realize that if the bugle sounds far, it’s closer than you think. If it sounds close, it’s way closer than you think!
I blew it 5 times closing distance on close or rapidly advancing bulls.
I figured it out (barely) on number 6. Narrowly escaped detection by cow. Thick timber, but I had a window to thread the needle on the advancing bull.
I assumed 25 yards (no time to range)
Drew when he disappeared behind group of pine and then he stopped! So thick I couldn’t see any of him.
We were so close, he’d have heard me let down.
After 1 minute, I grew desperate… threw some calf calls and it worked!
His head and neck came out and he stopped again!!!!
In desperation and shaking, I threw more calf calls and he stepped out fully exposing boiler room!!!
The image haunts me! Finally, everything had come together but my strength was failing me. As I took the shot, as if in anticipation of the relief, my shoulder prematurely dropped and I saw my 20 pin fall low on his body. Turns out he was actually at 30 and it was a clean miss under and exploded my arrow on the boulders behind him.
I’m so bummed out ☹️ but so far have learned so much!
I’ve got a ways to go before I take down Brian at TAC 😂
Oh, did I mention that all took place in the afternoon after I took down a BEAR with my bow! Spot and Stalk! More like Jump scare. But it wasn’t over bait! That wasn’t on the bingo card! That was a bonus! Archery Antelope check, deer pending, elk pending and I think the bear should give me a mulligan if I fall short 😂
Pics incoming.
Brad and I sit down with Ryan Lampers and Mark Livesay and discuss food preparation, electrolytes and more about backcountry nutrition. Don't forget, you have until April 9, 11:59pm MST to head over to https://www.peaxequipment.com/pages/gritty-ultimate-equipment-giveaway to get entered into the big giveaway. Be sure to use the code "GRITTY" to save. Also, visit https://initialascent.com/ and shop. Every $25 spent while using the code "GRITTY' will get you entered into that prize package.
Ryan Lampers, Mark Livesay, myself and Brad Hunt sit down and discuss things we learned from bear season last year. We talk about what we might change and do differently if we are put into those situations this year. Don't forget, you have until April 9, 11:59pm MST to head over to https://www.peaxequipment.com/pages/gritty-ultimate-equipment-giveaway to get entered into the big giveaway. Be sure to use the code "GRITTY" to save. Also, visit https://initialascent.com/ and shop. Every $25 spent while using the code "GRITTY' will get you entered into that prize package.
On this episode Brad and I sit down with Justin Webb from Foundation for Wildlife Management. I believe every western hunter should be a member to the F4WM. We discuss what it is all about and how you can do your part to help control wolf populations and to help those who are putting in an effort to manage wolves. Visit https://f4wm.org/ and become a member today.
Also, don't forget about the two big giveaways we have going on now with Peax Equipment and Initial Ascent. Click the links below to shop and be entered. Giveaways end April 9, 2023 11:59pm MST. Get your limited Peax-Gritty "SOME MEN CAN AND SOME MEN CAN'T" T-Shirt with the link below.
https://www.peaxequipment.com/pages/gritty-ultimate-equipment-giveaway
Shop Initial Ascent https://initialascent.com/
What a hunt! 9 days of not seeing or hearing a single moose. Raining almost everyday. Then this guy right at dark came out to a bull call ready to fight shot him at 50 yards. A great adventure
Hey fellas, if you haven’t hunted Kodiak and want a heck of a challenge just go. Arianna shot a 12 point which fell off the mountain and broke an antler then the famous Russ Knight of Mounted in Alaska shown with Arianna promised he’d fix it. We will send a pic when we get it. Biggest I’ve ever seen! 7 hour pack off almost 60 degree in place slope through 3-8 ft of brush down 1500 feet to the boat. She also caught the largest halibut at 70 lbs. 200 lbs of fish and venison going home. Let me know if you want to visit and I’ll intro you to my friend and guide Jeff Peterson in Okd Harbor of kodiackcombos.com. World class guys
