The Craig Family Camp- Ladies Instructional Shoot
August 24, 2015NRA Freestyle- Noir Now Life Beyond The City
August 28, 2015
The sound of a bull elk bugle resonates through the heart and soul of the hunter that pursue him. It is a sound that once heard, can never be forgotten. A sound that compels the hunter to return to the woods in pursuit of the most majestic animal on the planet, year after year without abandon.
The elk speak to the hunter, telling a tale of what they are thinking, feeling and doing; the hunter but only has to listen and interpret the beautiful tale of the elk. The learning curve never ends, the elk are always teaching the hunter, sometimes the hunter gets the best of him and fills his or her tag, sometimes we walk away, lesson learned, memory made, cherishing the time pursuing him.
Lessons learned from elk are hard earned. The price is worn boot leather, sweat, blood and sometimes tears sacrificed from the efforts of the compelled in this blessed dance between man and beast. Sharing my experiences with the royal giants of the forest is an honor. Getting out into wild country in pursuit of elk is something that some folks have only dreamed about, sharing with them, lighting the fire within their heart, and blazing the torch of those who’s fire for elk already burn.
Cabela’s in Thornton and Lone Tree Colorado welcomed me, my stories and experiences on the mountain in pursuit of the bugling bulls into their stores for attendees to experience, listen and learn from my time spent afield. The language spoke, cow mews, chirps, estrous mews and cow bugles to the triumphant sound of the bull elk, location calls, display and challenge calls were all talked about and demonstrated with the use of my favorite Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls.
My hope was to help inform attendees with how those sounds made are all about the emotion of the elk and how to better interpret that emotion based on HOW those sounds are articulated.
The stalk and set up is what often brings a filled tag, so beyond the language of elk, I discussed common behaviors, traits and characteristics often experienced while afield from elk. The desire the elk have to lead with their nose, circling the hunter to the down-wind side and using that tendency to our advantage. The hang up or distance that they often feel safe in approaching, tactics on hunting elk solo and more.
Talking about elk hunting wouldn’t be complete without discussing the great gear that Cabela’s has to offer, so I did a little shopping, showcasing some of my new Kristy Titus Collection of solid sterling silver jewelry by Montana Silversmiths and some of my favorite gear from Swarovski Optik, Wilderness Athlete and Buck Knives along with handing out a complete gear list with item numbers for shopping Cabela’s online. My gear list may be found by clicking HERE.
Opening week of archery elk season is fast approaching and I wish all of the elk hunters out there the best of luck and memories made.