Sunday, October 14, 2007

Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in the Rockies is an experience that can only be experienced first hand. It only comes around once a year but when it does everyone knows it. All year long hunters around the country look forward to their chance to load up their pickups and head up the hill for another trip of a lifetime. This is no different for my dad I dad as we anxiously wait all year long fantasizing about that chance at a big bull and reminiscing about the previous years hunts. Preparation for the hunt starts about a month in advance as we make our lists and start to pick up all the basic necessities at our local sporting goods store. Then when the time finally comes to head up, we load up all the gear and gather up our buddies for a week of fun and relaxing that can’t be found anywhere else.
When we arrive at camp we unload and set up camp that we call home for one week out of the year. It might not have all the amenities of home but that’s what makes it fun and we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Time spent at elk camp is a time to relax and let go of the stresses and worries of everyday life and just enjoy life with the people closest to you. The hunt itself is an irreplaceable experience but just being out in the great outdoors is all we really need. When opening morning finally comes and the crisp air blows into the tent you can hear the silence of the mountains and feel the excitement from everyone at camp. So we zip up our coats, lace up our boots, and shoulder our rifles, finally heading out for the chase at the big one.