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in reply to: Hi Everyone #9951

Steve, welcome back! I hope you and yours are well.

Hey fellas! We are going into the second week of the elk season. Due to my Achilles complications, I won’t be able to hunt my high country for elk for the first time in almost 20 years. Pop is up there though and my oldest son Isaiah has been with him on the weekends. I have been out at least five times in a lower location and have seen three cows. I have yet to hear a bugle, except the offerings of some local hunter who thinks that bull elk bugle every 8 seconds! 😯

Still, despite my infection, once these bulls really get going, I know that an opportunity will present itself, which in many ways, is the essence of what we all do. Its currently raining outside, wiping away all human scent from the past week. Its raining so hard that the elk are definitely bedded down and I imagine that their hormones are building with every moment underneath that tree…For the first time in my life I haven’t been able to hunt physically the way I have always have. As a result, I have a profound appreciation of just being out there in it. Grateful for any opportunity just to experience elk country. Yet, my fangs are showing. You never know. I really believe that there will be a bull in front of me at some point, God willing, I will be ready.

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in reply to: Pushing the limits #53149

My amazing wife and boys have me for eleven months…The elk and deer get me for one. It is what it is. End of discussion.

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in reply to: Great new blog #29302

Thanks Dave. I enjoyed this blog immensely.

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in reply to: REAL primitive bowhunting! #51706

Yes Sir! I absolutely loved the video. I looked up several other videos of hers and she is quite the person. I really enjoyed when she finished off the Thompson Gazelle with the spear! Fierce but honest. I found myself admiring her for many reasons! Can you imagine being able to speak the San language and engage in such an intimate relationship with them? Fantastic…

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in reply to: New TBM issue stars: Downing and Doran #36245

A very personal story that was a struggle to share, it’s from my heart. A very humbling experience to be within the pages of this fine magazine.

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in reply to: A nice Father's Day present:) #36241

Wow,what a gift and blessing! Classic bow…

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in reply to: What ya got goin? #30179

Awesome pics…Tailfeather is right, great thread!

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in reply to: What's your first hunt? #25919

Depending on my recovery of a ruptured Achilles…Hopefully I will be chasing Pronghorn on August 15th. If not, then perhaps elk on Aug 31st. I am hoping and praying that I will get a chance to hunt this year. I probably won’t be able to hunt elk in my beloved high country area but should be able to pursue them in some lower altitude areas. I am also planning a late season Roosevelt elk hunt in Washington. I most definitely will be ready for that!

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in reply to: Grizzly hunt! #9097

Like so many others have already shared, I have no interest in bowhunting Grizzlies. In the past, I entertained the notion of Black Bear hunting, even purchased a tag, but never actually hunted them. That said, I am all about those bowhunters who choose to give it a run. While it is clearly not my thing, I have always enjoyed other traditional bowhunters who have hunted Grizzlies and other bears. I am not certain why. I loved when Fred Bear shot that mountain grizzly from 18 yards. I enjoyed immensely the old footage of Saxton Pope and Art Young hunting Grizzlies in Alaska. Furthermore, one of my all time favorite stories I have read about dangerous game was in Don Thomas’ Longbows in the Far North. When He shoots that Grizzly in Russia and ducked down because he was so close to the bear and thought any moment the Grizzly would be upon him. Riveting! Again, not my thing, but to each his own.

Two of the greats to have ever done it, Paul Schafer and Bart Schleyer on a Brown Bear hunt on Kodiak Island.

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in reply to: "The Good Hunt" film trailer #60259

That pic of you and C is one of my favorites!

India said, “look at his pecs!” I passed around the IPad so all the kids could see. Suddenly Wolf says, “look at mine.” We all had a good laugh…

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in reply to: Close encounters and backup #52225

I live in Black Bear and Cougar country and have never carried a firearm. Despite having a couple bears over the years mock charge me, growling, popping their jaws, etc. I usually carry two fixed blade knives on the outside of my pack on each side just in case. I figure if an animal charges I will attempt to put an arrow in it and when the animals gets on top of me, I will go to my knives. Part of the adventure for me.

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in reply to: Pack for elk #52224

I am a big fan of the Mystery Ranch pack 6500 & their Crew Cab. A very versatile combo… In addition, Kifaru makes an outstanding pack called the T2 which would more than fits your needs. Lastly, really enjoy my Bison Gear packs, have heard great things about their Elk Hunter.

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in reply to: My Elkheart has arrived!! #51184

Beautiful bow.

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in reply to: Getting in shape #50271

For what its worth. I used to get into hunting shape for the high country by playing basketball at least three days a week. But that ship has sailed with a recent rupture of my right Achilles tendon. I had a great run. Now its time to focus on the future and find the necessary hunting shape by mountain biking, lifting weights, and some rock climbing. I am a huge advocate of being in high country bowhunting shape. Many times it determines how hard you hunt and that can be a huge reason for taking animals….

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in reply to: My Elkheart has arrived!! #48931

Wow what a good looking camo bow! I look forward to the day when I get that call. “Hey T, can you come help us pack out Alex’s bull? He killed a huge herd bull with his Elkheart!”

That said, they would probably pack it out by themselves…Beasts!

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