Tuesday, November 6, 2012

My First Elk Hunt!


The 5:30AM wake up whisper, through the door, resounded through the room and finally penetrated the sleeping bag I was burrowed within.  I croaked, "I'm up."  I slid my feet into my hot pink boots. (They are water proof I might add!)  Two seasoned elk hunters equipped me with a camo fleece jacket that hit my knees and a camo baseball hat; since mine was home in NC.
After hearing "Uncle" Bobby use the Elk Cow call I could mimic the sound with the tool:  one long with 2 or 3 short bursts depending on hand gestures given in the woods.
As the menfolk gathered their bows, I am called upon every ounce of self control to contain my excitement and remain quiet as I met them  them outside the front door.  We were shrouded in fog, but the Montana moon was brighter than any North Carolina coastal lighthouse!
Uncle Sam and Uncle Bobby checked over everything a final time.  Bobby used the bull call.  Before the last breath left the end of the tube the hauntingly beautiful notes of a real bull elk answered.  I was mesmerized.  He was so close!
I was brought out of  paralyzed/awed state when I heard one of the men hiss, "find cover!"  The three of us moved into the tree line and stayed quiet.  We hear the elk's repeated call but from over the next ridge. Unfortunately, we must have been seen.  We set off quickly into the draw in the general direction of an entirely different singing elk.  I try to step in the footprints of Uncle Sam to help move as quietly and swiftly as possible.  The elk answer our call almost everytime .  They always seem just beyond the extent of our vision.  How can such a huge animal remain so elusive?
At the end of the day we came out of the woods "empty handed."  But you know I enjoyed hearing first hand accounts from those two brothers about other hunting expeditions with family members that are no longer with us, but have not been forgotten.  Hunting is taken very seriously in my own family.  I realize what a privilege it was to tag along.  It was only one day, but it was definitely one of the best days I have had in Montana.
This weekend is opening weekend and I am wedding free.  This time there will be more of this incredible family present.  I am sure there will be plenty more stories and laughter.  I will layer up in hope that "a big daddy elk" will come our way. However, because of Uncle Sam and Uncle Bobby taking me on my first elk hunt, I realize a trophy isn't the only thing you can bring out of the woods to enjoy the day.  A full heart was pretty great itself.