09/25/2025
The last 2 weekends were amazing. My son Bridger who is now 12, drew a youth open bull tag. That lets him shoot a cow or bull on any open bull unit. It also lets him hunt early before other rifle hunters. Being a open bull unit, odds are very very low. Luckily I've got some good friends. Jordan Davies, Kyle, Mike.. thanks for the help. And thanks for inviting us to your campfire. First weekend we were able to locate a number of bulls, but it was way to thick. We weren't able to get a glimpse of them even though they were within 75- 200 yds. Bridger was able to feel the lows of a hunt, and highs. Second weekend Kyle, B and I found a cow right before sunset. The next morning we took the side by side to the same area. As we pulled off the Pavement and went down this dirt road. The first hillside, we decided to wait there until it was light. We cow called, I heard a response. We hiked up the hill. Waited for more light and cow called again. Immediately heard more than one response. Including a terrible bugle back. we walked a little further. We now can see a cow elk at 600 yards feeding. Barely light enough to see it. We snuck in another 100 yards and I set up B on the tripod. I watched his breating. He seemed calm. Not sure how? Lol. I then see a bull. I tell B to find the lone quakie on the ridge and look at the base. He immediately finds the bull and said it's a bull dad. I range the bull at 498 yds. And rotate the turrets. I back up a few feet and say when you are calm and ready to shoot, slowly pull the trigger. As I put my binos up to my face, Boom! I watch the elk drop.. I can't believe it. Kyle yells you dropped him.. I quickly have B put another in the chamber and have him keep a eye on it.. the bull trys to get up.. I tell him to hit it again. Boom. Another great shot and th bull is down for good.. the amount of hugs and cheers was amazing..The smile on Bridgers face was priceless. Kyle and I both were so thankful and also in disbelief that it all happened so quick, And exactly how you dream it happening.. pack out was a short 700 yards. dreams come true.
