Hunting

I went hunting for the first time yesterday and I loved it! I can't actually say it is the hunting that I love because I actually do not have my hunter's safety certification or my hunting license, plus, we didn't actually kill anything. But as for everything else, I had a fabulous time. Russell and I went to his family's land in Scofield where we were trying to get an elk. We arrived early enough to first hear an elk bugle and then I spotted a few elk with the binoculars. Unfortunately, they were super far away. So we moved farther down the trail, saw two more elk--again, way too far away. And then finally, I spotted a whole herd. I counted at least 13 elk--a huge bull and his harem of females. It was incredible to watch the group as they headed further up the mountain side and into the trees. We heard the bull bugle and watched as he gracefully followed them into the trees. We waited for quite awhile, hoping they would return, but they never did. I don't know about killing elk, but it was really exciting to see so many, especially such a large impressive male.

We were really lucky because the weather was perfect! I imagine most hunting trips are a little more uncomfortable--cold, rainy, or snowy. The leaves were in various stages of color and were gorgeous. I can't imagine a much better way to spend a warm fall morning, out in the quiet, beautiful wilderness with my husband and admiring such amazing animals.

I do think it is a little ironic, 20 elk and 15 deer later, we came home empty handed. I guess next time we'll have an idea where to find them and be able to catch up to them--that is, if elk follow behavioral patterns.