A few pics from my elk/sheep/goat hunt

[Fisher-Dude]

Just got back yesterday from 2 weeks in the E Kootenays. We didn't cut any tags but had a great time. The first week was way too hot and the elk were up with the goats...I watched a large 6x6 and his cows rolling rocks down a cliff as they walked across the hills. The bugling didn't really get into gear where we were until the last few days. I called out a few 5x5's (one was huge - close to a 290" I would bet), and had some fun when I drew the big 5er away from his cows and a spike moved into the herd and chased them about. That big 5er went nuts chasing off that spike and rounding up his ladies again. The last morning I was set up on a nice 5x6 but some other guys calling down below pressured him until he blew over the opposite hill.

I located at least 2 legal rams, and some others that looked very close. One I saw the day before the season but he disappeared on opening day. The other I watched for about 4 days, but my partner and I had agreed that elk were the primary target, and that we would only go for rams if an elk were on the ground. I couldn't talk him into changing the rules, so that ram will have to wait until next year.

The goats were plentiful, but most of the billies were out of our LEH zone, except for 2 that showed only for a few minutes one day and then vanished. There were lots of nanny/kid groups. The only grizzly encounter we had was when one came around our camp a couple of nights, but didn't come in and cause any trouble, fortunately.

It was a great trip despite not pulling the trigger.


Some of the rams I was watching:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0235Trim.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0237Trim.jpg


A couple of frequent visitors to my ground blind:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0255.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0259.jpg

[Fisher-Dude]

Contd...

And, a look down into one of the valleys I was watching as the fog lifted:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0267.jpg

A nice 5x5 rounding up his cows:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0268Trim.jpg

A couple of billies cool their hooves on a small glacier:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/Fisher-Dude/Hpim0232Trim.jpg

[Alpine85]

Good to hear you had a great time. Thanks for sharing some pictures, how far away were the to sheep pictures taken from?

[Fisher-Dude]

how far away were the to sheep pictures taken from?

That was on about 50 power with the Swaro. As the crow flies, probably 3 or 4 miles I think. As the Danners stumble, much farther! :biggrin:

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Great pics F/D!!
Sounds like you need to find another hunting partner....one that has knees that are willing to keep up with yours!:biggrin:

You should have called me when your partner refused to go after that ram. I've got some sick days left:roll:. Could have been there in just a few hours.

I could tell your spotter was on 50 power. I was watching you from my house. I only need to zoom into 59 power:grin:!
SSS

[mark]

Nice pics FD, just like my hunt this year, lots to see but nothing to shoot!

[fuzzwilkens]

Thanks for sharing the pics FD and sounds like a good trip even if you didn't bring anything back.

[Brambles]

Oh FD, to see a legal Bighorn ram and not be able to go after it because your partner didn't want to would be sooo painful, those things are rare enough you shouldn't have to look the other way when you see one

great photo's and glad you had a good time

Brambles

[Fisher-Dude]

Actually, my partner hunts hard and is a great guy to have in camp. The decision to concentrate on elk was one we both made. I don't doubt that if I had gone so far as to put my pack on and start towards the rams, that he would have been right with me.

Damned work gets in the way of spending ENOUGH time to get the animals we all want! :wink: