muley69

I was finally able to return to the mountains and resume my quest for the elusive Wapiti this evening. I hiked up high since I havn't been in the field for a while. By glassing high I can usaully locate a herd or animal to focus on the next day. I bumped what I assume was a bull since the tracks were solo and big. It seems I am seeing alot of white rumps tearing off in front of me this year. I was much discouraged at my impatience but trecked on to a small clear spot that I could glass my bowl from. I have 16x50 binos and they are great for this type of work. Within 30 seconds I spotted a nice 6x6 with two cows feeding liesurely on the opposite ridge at about 1500 yards. It was 4:30pm and I concluded if I hustled I could get within range. I ripped out of the clearing down to a logging road and ran for about 100 yards, dropping again into the nastiest crap imaginable. I was losing precious daylight but on I forged. I glass again at about 600 yards and saw the bull go over the ridge onto the side away from me. Damn! I decided that now I would have to drop all the way down and hustle up the next mountain and peek over the ridge. I did and he was gone, melted into the thick stuff. AHHHHH! Light was gone and I had no flashlight. I know the area and was able to work my way out after 2 long hours in the dark. Every muscle in my body is aching right now. I pushed too hard and too far and I am lucky I knew the area as well as I did. No light, no matches, pair of blue jeans and a flannel lined shirt. I was a long way from my rig and soaking wet from snow and sweat. I dressed light and not in my hunting gear because I was really just scouting a herd to hunt this weekend. Next time I go prepared, never know where the mountains will take you. Tomarrow is the day, I'm gonna get my bull.

hillbillyhunter1

go get him muley, glad you made it back to the truck alright.