2023 Hunt Camp: Season’s end
Jessica getting it done in eastern oregon!!! Congrats!
WAS A FUN AND CHALLENGING SEASON, WHERE SOME TAGS WERE FILLED AND OTHERS nOT. tHE SEASON STARTED OFF WELL WITH EARLY SEASON SCOUTING AND EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH. we put a lot of time in learining the areas we where hunting . We used our sponsor (Stealth Cam) equipment and located 5 or 6 bulls prior to season. This year myself and a good guide buddy, decided to focus on not just hunting for ourselves, but take first time hunters into the woods. Something I have done every year for the last 5 seasons. This however was different. Bugling Bob, montana guide. Set up a bow hunter 3d course, as well as some calling classes, and Elk 101 courses onsite at the local archerY Store (Archers AField ). Several of those intial clients became good friends, and had never hunted before.
“iT’S NOT THE CATCH OR THE KILL, BUT THE CHANGE TO BE IN gOD’S GREAT OUTDOORS , WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”
A plan was hatched, and our new friends began their outdoor quest of Archery big game hunting. others friends found out that we were sharing knowledge, and helping out folks. So more questions and friendships where formed. We discussed everything from draw length and poundage to broad heads and tuning. We would meet up and shoot, talk story over what we saw in the woods, and the possibilities to come during season. shooting days were arranged, dates where set up and camp plans began to form. Practice sessions and questions abounded. Folks were staking out the areas they were going to hunt.
After hours of planning,, shooting and cood times, hunting season was upon us. Bugling Bob and i set up the command center, where the crew new and came to hang talk story, eat and commisserate on the day’s events.
Well…… As per usually the quary, flipped the script and the bulls we thought we had patterned, actually had us patterned…LOL.. Open day and narry a shot was fired by our band. reports were coming in from near and far, the text messages were flyin. Hopes were high, the campfires raged. I took to doing some cooking for those near. We always had an extra plate in our camp, and story to boot!
the talk ultimately turned to where to go tomorrow. one group went to x area. Another went to Y. and so on and so on… but every one in the area came to our camp in the evenings to talk story and break bread. some days were quieter others were boysterous. We all enjoyed the time in the woods.
Tim and his 1ST archery Bull pack out, closing day
Congrats!!
30 years in the making…. a hard earned bull.
Congrats Brother!
As the season progressed, news keep filtering in on activities. My good friends Jessica and Ran were out east. The text came in. “ The bull came in to my call!!!! I got a shot.” and then there was recieption issues!!! DOH the suspense!!!! what seemed like an eternity passed, and then the text came in… “bull down and recovered! “ WHOO HOOOO!!! the celebration was on!!!!.
Jessica and I meet 2 years ago, with her wanting to learn how to hunt. we spent hours shooting and talking scenarios, SHe put the work in and got her bull pictured above. SToked for her and honored to share in that journey.
I spent the next few weeks running up and down to camp, calling, glassing and hiking with the crew. Kenny, Nate, bob, Dave, Robert, and several others , celebrating and sharing the great outdoors. SOmedays it was exactly like John Candy in the movie “the great outdoors”, others were calm and quiet. We all had high hopes and shared story and laughter!
as the season progressed, and days grew numbered.. I still had my tag in my pocket and had not done much hunting solo as I had done in the past.
We ran the clock out, and had to shut the season down. as the rains started the fall/winter season was apon us - 6 tags unfilled…… but memories and stories multiplied.
I was driving home and got a call…. A fellow rugby player and hunter reached out.. “BULL DOWN!!! Can you help ? “ SWEETT!!!!! I wouldn’t miss it. Plans were set up for recovering and processing the bull.
Just send me the pin and I will bring my knifes and pack!
Dark got the better of the day, and the search and recover was on for the morning!! it was a sleepless nite for sure…. However, we recovered the bull in the morning. Tim closed the deal on the bull pictured above. The Crew packing out the trophy and meat secured for the season!! WELL DONE TIM!
finally, the last chance at an elk. late season tag for myself and long time ohana/friend of 20+ in Eastern oregon. The huntin was tough the elk were winning. we struggled to find them. However, on the 3 day of the hunt. This bull pictured to the left made a fatal error. And my ohana sealed the deal on his first bull elk, and a beauty it was.!
3 different hunting experiences with new and old hunters, Yet one common bond. The love of the outdoors, providing sustaible organ food, and enjoyment of each others company and story!!!!
Memories to last a lifetime!! and discussions /preparation for next YEar, already taking root. congrads to the crew that filled tags and the ones that didnT. you are always welcome in my camp, and thanks for allowing me to be part of your journeys!!!
these are the times and memories that I will cherish and pass on! Who knows what the future will hold, but I look forward to getting “the call “ or reliving the experiences.
